STYLE Magazine, Village Edition, February 2019

Life can feel like a holein-one when your heart’s in the right place

V I S I T U S O N L I N E TO L E A R N M O R E A B O U T O U R P H YS I C I A N S A N D M E D I C A L P RO F E S S I O N A L S

The Right Place is Village Heart & Vein Center Our physicians and medical professionals have been treating Central Floridians for years with a level of exemplary cardiac and vascular care that comes straight from the heart.

The Oaks Professional Center, 8575 NE 138th Lane | 352.674.2080 | villageheartandvein.com

FENCES

WOOD • VINYL ALUMINUM • RANCH RAIL CHAIN LINK • PERGOLA'S ESTATE GATES

MOSSYOAKFENCE.COM 407.900.2940

Health starts with people.

AFTER 20 YEARS OF CARE, our expert approach has grown to consider far more than just your medical needs. We’ve developed a seamless healthcare network of technicians, specialists, physicians and nurses, each dedicated to wellness, convenience and peace-of-mind.

Primary Care Cardiology Vascular Surgery Nephrology Lab Services Urgent Care The Villages 1560 Santa Barbara Blvd 1950 Laurel Manor Dr, Suite 142 8485 SE 165th Mulberry Ln Dr. Glick 1501 N US Hwy 441, Suite 1102 201 La Grande Blvd, Lady Lake 4669 East SR 44, Suite 103, Wildwood Leesburg 511 Medical Plaza Drive, Suite 101 Dr. Bello 25010 US Hwy 27, Units G & H 601 E Dixie Avenue, Suite 805 802 E. Dixie Ave 27637 US Hwy 27

352.702.0534 / fhvhealth.com CHAIRMAN, DAVID C. LEW, MD, FACC, FSCAI VICE CHAIRMAN, JOSÉ R. ROSADO, MD, FACC PREVIOUSLY KNOWN AS FLORIDA HEART & VASCULAR MULTI-SPECIALTY GROUP

Eye Doctors You’ll

Love To See Lindsey Walsh, OD (left) and Adria Anguita, OD (right) are gifted and caring members of the Lake Eye vision team. As Doctors of Optometry, Drs. Walsh and Anguita are qualified to perform a wide range of services, including fundamentals like testing vision and prescribing lenses for glasses and contacts, as well as comprehensive diagnostic examinations for problems like dry eye, infection, cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration and many others.

They also perform nonsurgical treatments to restore vision and eye health, so getting an appointment is faster and easier than ever before.

Optometrists: Lindsey Walsh, OD (left)

Adria Anguita, OD (right)

Get a Package With the Best Gift of All

CLEAR VISION

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Custom Optical Packages from Precision Optics feature an amazing array of fashion-forward designer frames and your choice of single and multifocal specialty lenses, plus options like polarized, antiglare and Transitions®, packaged at prices that are always below retail. And, unlike chain stores, we have knowledgeable opticians ready to provide friendly, no-pressure assistance, so you know you’ll end up looking and feeling fabulous.

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TAVARES • LEESBURG • THE VILLAGES • LADY LAKE

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DO YOU KNOW YOUR BEST

OPTIONS? FACELIFT, TEMPORARY FILLERS, OR PERMANENT FACIAL FILLERS

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

Kathy had a Laser ImageLift. Results are typical and do vary.

YOU’RE INVITED TO FIND OUT! Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon

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

Raffle drawings for free filler, a $995-$1200 value

UPCOMING FACIAL BEAUTY SOCIAL MIXER FEB 12 WATERFRONT INN, THE VILLAGES FEB 19 HILTON HOTEL, OCALA MAR 7

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MAR 12 IMAGE LIFT OFFICE LUNCHEON, THE VILLAGES

MAR 26 WATERFRONT INN, THE VILLAGES CALL NOW TO RSVP - LIMITED SEATING

MEET THE TEAM!

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is a Double Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon as seen on:

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

8630 East CR 466, The Villages 877.346.2435 // www.IMAGELIFT.com

Happy Valentines Day from the staff at TB Financial!

We Listen.

We Care.

We Educate.

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TB Financial Group Inc. is a licensed insurance agency for life, health, and annuities. We are not securities licensed. We are not tax advisors. Our seminars are very general in nature and not meant to replace the advice of your CPA, Tax Preparer, Investment Advisor or Attorney. We will not provide tax or legal advice. Please consult your tax or legal professional for these matters.

Liz Cornell, CAS®

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

FEBRUARY 2019 // VOL.15 NO. 4 // F e a t u r e s

36 Giving clients closure

STORY: JAMES COMBS

40 They’re the tops!

A comprehensive list of Lake and Sumter County Realtors who are outstanding in their field of expertise.

The cities and towns in Lake and Sumter counties are growing and prospering, according to local and county government officials. The projected growth, incoming jobs, and increasing lifestyle choices mean “the living is easy.”

STATE OF THE ECONOMY

A look at what’s completed, what’s happening, and what’s coming for Lake and Sumter counties.

THEY’RE THE TOPS

The Top Producers among Realtors in the area February 2019

68 Bright futures for Lake and Sumter counties

LAKE & SUMTER

Kim Ducharme-Levensohn is Realtor of the Year for 2018, an award given to the Realtor who contributes to her profession, helps and works closely with fellow Realtors, and takes an active part in her community.

KIM DUCHARME-LEVENSOHN:

REALTOR OF

YEAR

THE

FOR REALTORS ASSOCIATION OF LAKE & SUMTER COUNTIES

STORIES: JAMES COMBS, CHRIS GERBASI, AND THERESA CAMPBELL On the covers

Special Adve rtising Section

43

You’ll recognize them, may have bought a house from one of them, or worked side by side on a community project. Here’s your chance to get to know the 2019 Top Realtors in this special section of Style.

LAKE & SUMTER STYLE REALTOR® OF THE YEAR, KIM DUCHARME-LEVENSOHN PHOTOGRAPHY: NICOLE HAMEL VILLAGES EDITION PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: JASON FUGATE

February 2019

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d e pa r t m e n t s

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21 Up Front

22 24 26 28 30

Hit List Person of Interest Outstanding Student This ‘N That My First Time

77 ON THE SCENE

78 82 84 86 90 94

The To-Do List In Concert Local Talent Social Spotlight Near & Far Hi, Society!

105 food & drink

106 108 110 112

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In the Kitchen Fork on the Road Salutè Dining Guide

COLUM NS

16 From the Publisher 116 Final Thought

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26 108

Beautiful Hand-Woven Rugs for Today’s Decor

Cyrus Rug Gallery brings you a selection of old-world artistry with fashion forward patterns, fresh color palettes, and elegant designs to create stunning works of art. These stunning, exceptionally unique pieces of art are ideal for the contemporary or traditional home. Whether you are looking to add subtle texture to your rooms or want to make a deďŹ ned statement, our gallery of hand-knotted rugs is sure to provide you with the perfect artistic edge for your space.

352.629.3200 | 20 SE Broadway St., Ocala, FL | Cyrus-Rug.com

Cyrus Rug Gallery Downtown Ocala on the Square

*

From The Publisher

ost people focus on the love and flowers associated with Valentine’s Day in February, but we’d like to introduce you to the people who can help you make a house your home: the Top Realtors in Lake and Sumter counties.

These are the hard-working people who make sure buyers and sellers are happy. They are constantly working to meet the growth needs in the area and assure families and businesses that this cozy part of Central Florida is the place where they want to be.

Check out the Top Realtors on page 43.

You may find the perfect match for your needs, whether it’s a bigger house, a smaller retirement home, or the home of your dreams. We’ve also included the list of top

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producers from both counties, which makes for interesting reading as you realize these numbers represent houses, businesses, and families.

In addition, the Style staff has taken a good look at the state of the economy in Lake and Sumter counties. Talking with city managers, mayors, and commissioners, we’ve got the updates you need to know about growth in the area. You’ll find where the next big changes are coming and how the cities and towns are financing what they need to meet the demands of growth. Lake and Sumter counties are flourishing, and new businesses are opening every day.

I’ve lived here most of my life, and it’s amazing to see the difference in the look of the land, the lives of the people, and the change in topography. I love it, however, because I know where I live is vital, productive, and essential to the growth of Florida.

Until next month,

Kendra

At You r S e rv i c e

Hot Off The Press!

Sneak Peek

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

LEMON-AID

Lemons provide sweet health benefits

HEALTHY INSPIRATION Tackling a brain injury head-on

LIFE AND BREATH

Controlled breathing alleviates anxiety

STATE OF THE ECONOMY

A look at what’s completed, what’s happening, and what’s coming for Lake and Sumter counties.

SPONSORED BY

FEB '19

THEY’RE THE TOPS

LAKE & SUMTER

February 2019

The Top Producers among Realtors in the area

TO L A K E CO U N T Y

Kendra Akers OWNER/PUBLISHER kendra@akersmediagroup.com Doug Akers PRESIDENT doug@akersmediagroup.com

SURVIVING DIVORCE

KIM DUCHARME-LEVENSOHN:

REALTOR OF

YEAR

Forget the missing wedding ring, Your life can continue shining after divorce.

FOR REALTORS ASSOCIATION OF LAKE & SUMTER COUNTIES

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

contributors

Joe Angione Paula F Howard Mary Ann DeSantis Parker Martin sales // marketing

Great places to fish, paddle, do a boat tour, or just have fun on the water!

+

ENDLESS OUTDOOR OPTIONS Ride your bike, take a hike, grab a horse FLYING HIGH Enjoy wildlife, lots of different birds, or fly above it all

THE

Editorial // Design // Photography

Leigh Neely MANAGING EDITOR leigh@akersmediagroup.com James Combs STAFF WRITER james@akersmediagroup.com Theresa Campbell STAFF WRITER theresa@akersmediagroup.com Chris Gerbasi STAFF WRITER chris@akersmediagroup.com Anthony Rao STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER anthony@akersmediagroup.com

THE SHAPE OF WATER

Coming in March:

Home Issue

AGRITOURISM Enjoy fruit and vegetables fresh from the field or get a taste of farm life.

Get yours

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Order a subscription of your favorite magazine to be delivered directly to your home for just $84. Each subscription includes 12 consecutive issues of Lake & Sumter Style, Village Style or Healthy Living. Choose 2 or more magazines for $108 per year. To order, call 352.787.4112 or mail us at: Subscriptions at Akers Media, P.O. Box 490088, Leesburg, FL 34749.

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

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

Digitize your life.

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

Tim McRae VICE PRESIDENT, SALES tim@akersmediagroup.com Melanie Melvin Brianna Lemerise DIRECTOR OF MARKETING ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Melanie@akersmediagroup.com brianna@akersmediagroup.com Shaena Chastain Dillon True SALES ASSISTANT ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE shaena@akersmediagroup.com dillon@akersmediagroup.com

FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Administration

Deb Matlock Aubrey Akers Simmons DIRECTOR OF CLIENT SERVICES OFFICE MANAGER deb@akersmediagroup.com aubrey@akersmediagroup.com distribution

Scott Hegg DISTRIBUTION MANAGER scott.hegg@akersmediagroup.com

Akers Media

Facebook Stay connected to everything going on

FULL-SERVICE ADVERTISING AGENCY INCLUDING: Lake & Sumter Style is a proud member of

ADVERTISING // BRANDING // DESIGN // MEDIA PLANNING // INTERACTIVE SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGEMENT // PROMOTIONS // AUDIO/VIDEO PRODUCTION FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 352.787.4112

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WINNER OF

Lake Eustis Area Chamber of Commerce

Sumter County Chamber of Commerce

Pinterest Follow us for creative inspiration.

American Advertising Association

150+ AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE

Lake & Sumter Style. Published monthly by Akers Media, 108 South Fifth Street, Leesburg, FL 34748. All editorial contents copyright 2019 by Akers Media. All rights reserved.

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

Twitter Follow @GetStyleMag and @GetHLMag

YouTube Visit our channel to see exclusive videos

February 2019

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*

The Science of Prostate Care

Four decades ago, treating an enlarged prostate was a risky, invasive surgery.

Today, it can be done painlessly in just half an hour. Dr. Young has been part of this evolution, and is at the forefront of prostate treatment in the United States.

PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

As a man matures, his prostate can grow, sometimes doubling in size. An enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can lead to inconvenient and often embarrasing symptoms. Proper treatment of BPH has always been the focus of urologist James Young, MD. “It’s the primary reason I moved to Florida when I finished my medical training,” he says. “I saw Florida as the largest ‘prostate ranch’ in the United States, so I began my practice in Eustis in 1982.”

At that time, the only treatment for BPH was the TURP, colloquially known as a “roto-rooter.” Dr. Young performed more than 3,000 TURPs, but disliked their invasiveness; they required hospitalization, and could have life-threatening complications.

There had to be a better way.

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Then in the late 90s, a new procedure, transurethral needle ablation—later known as Prostiva RF Therapy—was approved by the FDA. In this procedure, low-frequency radio waves heat prostate tissue to 239˚F (115˚C).

The use of conductive heat led to surrounding tissue being destroyed.

“I was never a fan of jumping on new technology because not everything delivers on its promises,” says Dr. Young.

But after seeing its success for five years, Dr. Young found Prostiva to be safer and less invasive, and performed nearly 3,000 procedures. His success earned him a place on Castle Connelly’s Top Docs list for five consecutive years.

But then a new technology, Rezum, changed the game again in 2015. “Despite my suspicion of new technology,

the science behind Rezum was so sound that I switched as soon as it became available to me,” says Dr. Young.

Much like Prostiva, Rezum uses low-frequency radio waves. The major difference is that the heat transferred is convective rather than conductive. The radio waves heat water into steam, which is infiltrated into the prostate tissue for nine seconds. As the steam returns to liquid, it releases a tremendous amount of energy, destroying more prostate tissue than Prostiva.

There is minimal discomfort and no pain once Rezum patients leave the office— usually in under 30 minutes.

The Prostate Evaluation Center was the first practice in Central Florida to be designated as a Rezum Center of Excellence by Boston Scientifit.

Since 2016, Dr. Young has

performed hundreds of Rezum procedures, more than any other urologist in the country.

“The results have been amazing and patients have been so happy,” he says. “I think this is the biggest leap forward in the treatment of BPH that I will see in my lifetime.”

“I think this is the biggest leap forward in the treatment of BPH that I will see in my lifetime.”

JAMES W. YOUNG III, M.D.

Nationally recognized board-certified Urologist

COMPREHENSIVE CARE First-time patients of Dr. Young receive a detailed examination.

“When I see a new patient I perform physical examinations and evaluate the patient’s symptoms for any underlying problems,” he says. “I describe what’s normal or abnormal with his health and teach him his treatment options. If I’ve done a good job, he will select the correct option for himself.”

While medications for enlarged prostate can be prescribed by primary care physicians, only urologists are trained to thoroughly evaluate the bladder and prostate to rule out prostate cancer, and can provide minimally invasive, office-based therapies as alternatives to a lifetime of medicine.

Thanks to an office staff nearly as experienced as Dr. Young himself, many of

whom have worked with him for 25 years, patients don’t spend a great deal of time waiting.

“We respect their time as much as we do our own, and they appreciate it. Many patients tell me I have the best office staff on the planet. I consider that a huge compliment.”

If you are currently suffering from symptoms such as a slow urine stream or a constant urge to urinate, especially in the night, it’s time to schedule an appointment with Dr. Young.

“Many men accept this as part of aging. While it is part of the aging process, it’s not like death and taxes. There is something you can do.” ________________________________

PROSTATE CANCER SCREENING Annually over 50 years of age (or 40 if family history or African American)

healthg

Prostate Evaluation Center

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Available for second opinions for BPH and Prostate Cancer

For more informaiton and real patient testimonials:

ProstateEvaluation.com 808 Highway 466, Lady Lake, FL 32159 352.751.0040 | 352.751.2825 fax Medicare, TRICARE, and most medical insurances accepted.

February 2019

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WOULDN’T YOU LOVE TO START HEARING BETTER TODAY? Trust your hearing to our staff of Medical Doctors, Doctors of Audiology and Board Certified Hearing Aid Specialists.

Call Today for Your FREE Hearing Screening & Consultation.* * Excludes diagnostic hearing test.

THE VILLAGES | 352.753.8448 LEESBURG | 352.728.2404 TAVARES | 352.343.7279

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T H E H I T L I ST //

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

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OU T STA N D I NG ST U D E N T //

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M Y F I R ST TI M E

Up Front This Buffalo stampedes his competition.

Photo: Nicole Hamel

SEE STORY on PG 26

* TUHpE FH IrT oL InS Tt

TEEN DATING VIOLENCE: Most people

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NOW THAT’S FREEZING COLD! The coldest temperature ever recorded in Florida was 2 degrees below zero on Feb. 13, 1899, in Tallahassee, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

In Lake County, it’s considered a rarity for temperatures to dip below 35 degrees.

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HAVE A HEART: The Villages Regional Hospital Auxiliary Foundation will host its annual Hearts for Our Hospital Gala on Feb. 9 inside Savannah Center, 1545 Buena Vista Blvd., in The Villages. This year’s theme is “Serengeti Sunset.” Guests will enjoy cocktails, a three-course dinner, and silent and live auctions featuring luxury trips, jewelry, and more.

Call 352.751.8871.

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think of love and Valentine’s Day in February, but it’s also a good time to remember many teenagers are caught in relationships with violent partners. February is Teen Dating Violence Month, which was created to raise awareness of this problem. Warning signs of violent teens include: isolation/preventing partner from spending time with others; mood swings/ irritability; threats of violence/abuse; yelling; forced sexual activity; pressure to do something against principles; refusal to accept responsibility; name calling/degrading; and bouts of frightening, violent behavior.

Parents, stay aware and keep your teen safe.

4

GET YOUR GAME ON: The TNT (Teens and Tweens) Video Gaming League features Wii U and PlayStation 4 systems at Leesburg Public Library, 100 E. Main St. Participants ages 10-18 challenge each other in Super Smash Bros. and other games at 4pm Thursdays each month in Meeting Room A. For information, call Tim Hocker at 352.728.9790.

WORK IT OUT: If you’re on that new-year

kick to get fit, question yourself before you jump into a gym membership. The state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services recommends checking the gym’s registration, complaint history, and upfront and cancellation fees; and also avoiding long contracts and autopay in case a dispute arises. To address concerns, visit floridaconsumerhelp.com or call 800.HELP.FLA (435.7352).

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FOOD ON THE FARM! At long last, the owners of Bountiful Farms, Jessica and Gareth Gentry, have opened their restaurant on the grounds of the farm, 27314 County Road 48 in Okahumpka. They’ve planned this big event for years and are thrilled. All the food is fresh. Located under a centuriesold oak tree, the seating is in a wide circle of shade, and the roots of the tree have been exposed to allow diners to see how much it takes to grow a tree of this magnitude.

Hours are 11am-3pm Wednesday-Saturday.

Reservations are recommended for better seating opportunities. Call 352.409.3204.

JESSICA GENTRY

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IT’S PARTY TIME: A trip to New Orleans may be out of the question, but that doesn’t mean you can’t experience Mardi Gras magic. Revelers donning masks, beads, and colorful costumes will flock to the Leesburg Mardi Gras on Feb. 16. In addition to street performers, stilt walkers, jugglers, and fire eaters, the event also features a kid’s parade, a pet parade, and live concerts. Call 352.365.0053.

HAIL TO THE CHIEFS: President’s Day is Feb. 18.

If your patriotic juices are flowing, then consider making a short drive to the Presidents Hall of Fame in Clermont. You’ll be treated to a scale replica of the White House that has been displayed in all 50 states, life-size wax figures of every president, and interesting videos where you can watch America’s history unfold. To learn more about this roadside attraction, visit presidentshalloffame.com.

IT’S STILL 1921: Celebrity chef Norman Van Aken, a James Beard award-winner and author of several cookbooks, has cut ties with the Mount Dora eatery bearing his name. The restaurant at 142 E. 4th St., in a renovated historic home built in 1921, is now called 1921 Mount Dora, according to its website.

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1921

THE PERFECT ESCAPE: Who needs reality? Mind Immersions promotes itself as the first virtual reality entertainment center of its kind. The center, at 2410 E. Highway 50 in Clermont, recently had its ribbon-cutting ceremony, according to the South Lake Chamber of Commerce. Call 407.559.1090 or visit mindimmersions.com.

February 2019

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nt * PUEpR S FO Nr o OF INTEREST

Delrita Meisner Executive director, Be Free Lake

S TAT

What I want people to know about Be Free Lake: The

S

agency provides free programs and services to increase awareness of mental health and educate youth and families about living drug free. It is funded by federal and state grants to offer resources to Lake County residents.

Resides in Mascotte; born and raised in Guam.

Husband, Kurt; daughter, Keira.

On job two years with Be Free Lake, the county’s substance misuse prevention coalition.

What I enjoy most about my job: I enjoy collaborating with government agencies, businesses, and nonprofit organizations to maximize resources for families in Lake County. It is also my passion to work closely with youth and families so they make healthy choices and live productive lives.

Most significant project: Applying for and securing more than $467,000 in federal and state grants in less than six months to provide drug-free prevention programs and mental health awareness training in Lake and Sumter counties.

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My hero: My father, Edward Guzman, who is such an honorable man both personally and professionally.

He is a generous individual who willingly gives his time and resources to help people.

My motto: Collaboration with others is the most powerful way to get things done.

One word that describes me: Responsible.

Best advice received: Be considerate and respectful at all times, and never let the things you can’t do stop you from doing what you can.

On my bucket list: Attend and witness competitive sports at the traditional Highland Games in Scotland.

Favorite quote: “It is the province of knowledge to speak, and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.” – Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.

Photo: Anthony Rao

V I TA L

Valentine’s Day Just Got Easier.

352.751.6613 | 1060 Canal St., The Villages (Lake Sumter Landing) | www.ardensjewelers.com

* OUUpT SFTrA NoDnI NtG S T U D E N T

MacArthur Harris III Junior at The Villages Charter High School

6-feet-2-inches, 200-pound quarterback.

First QB to lead school to 10-0 regular season; team finished 11-1.

Being scouted by Duke and Harvard universities, among others.

What were your thoughts when the football season ended in the state playoffs?

The hard work (for next year) starts now.

How do you handle the pressure? Pressure

What’s important to you? God is first, then family, and having a good support system.

How would you describe yourself? Happy. I like to

(National Football League), if not, then to become an orthopedic physician so I can still be in sports.

I was young, (my sport) was soccer until my dad showed me flag football. I immediately loved the game. My mom impressed me by hitting the books for her RN. Coach (Richard) Pettus and the others have taught the team how to respect ourselves and work together to achieve our goals.

Best advice? Listen, learn to be coachable, follow directions; it will take you a long way in life. Don’t judge a book by its cover.

.com

Respect yourself and everyone around you.

Goals? Making it to the NFL

Influences in your life? When

lakeandsumter

Father MacArthur II works in construction; mother Felicia is an RN.

makes diamonds.

make others feel better; it boosts their self-confidence.

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Has GPA of 3.147.

Favorite relaxation? I engineer and play music with friends. My granddad taught me to play guitar.

Favorite food? Chicken bacon croissants for breakfast; fruit for snacks.

Favorite color? I won’t lie—it’s pink; such a vibrant, happy color!

You have six older sisters.

What about brothers? The entire football team are my brothers; the linemen are my BIG brothers!

Photo: Nicole Hamel

Born in Eustis, lives in Wildwood.

Why Correction of Orthodontic Problems in Adults is Important: • Can help prevent or improve periodontal problems • Can help prevent or reduce further bone loss around teeth • Improves ability of the dentist to restore missing teeth • Improves aesthetics for a better smile and facial appearance • Improves function of teeth • Improves self-confidence and self-esteem • Improves oral health By working together, the dental team can achieve results for patients that cannot be produced alone.

Final treatment decisions should be made in consultation with the family dentist, the orthodontist and other specialists, if necessary.

Dr. David Wollenschlaeger

Dr. Chris Wollenschlaeger

352.787.6800 drdaveortho.com 33050 Professional Drive, Leesburg

* TUHpI S F‘ Nr’ oT HnAtT

You can’t believe everything you read, but you can believe this. Honest.

A

s I’m writing this, I’m watching the film “Conspiracy Theory,” which has that great opening with Mel Gibson’s paranoid cabdriver character driving around and ranting about politics and government to a captive audience, his passengers. Wait a minute.

That’s not Mel Gibson.

And this isn’t “Conspiracy Theory.” It’s the news!

A lot of crazy ideas are floating through the airwaves these days, and some of them seem to be coming from members of a formerly respected profession. You’ve probably heard them, spewing stuff about secret leaders and fake deaths and plots to kill Big Bird or some such nonsense.

What kind of journalist would perpetuate ridiculous, far-fetched scenarios and present them as news?

Everybody knows the real truth about the world. This country actually is run by the performers who have portrayed Col. Sanders in the KFC commercials. The Cabinet includes Darrell Hammond, Norm Macdonald, Jim Gaffigan, George Hamilton, Rob Riggle, Billy Zane, and Jason Alexander, and it’s led by Reba McEntire.

There’s no plausible explanation for her to dress up as Col. Sanders otherwise, so that’s as good a theory as any.

The real Col. Sanders, of course, is still alive and running the Pentagon. Elvis is the secret head of the Food

and Drug Administration.

JFK and Marilyn Monroe are keeping tabs on things from a private island, which makes perfect sense since the president of our country is their love child. They all share a resort hotel, probably a Marriott or a Red Roof Inn, with Jim Morrison, Tupac, Amelia Earhart, Andy Griffith, and Stalin’s body.

It’s not just the humans running the show, though.

Everyone cites George Orwell’s “1984” and makes ominous references to “Big Brother is watching.” But have you ever thought about Orwell’s “Animal Farm,” where the animals revolt against their “oppressors”? It’s not a satire, it’s a true story. Barnyard animals are coming after us.

And who do you think backs up the KFC Cabinet? Those “Eat Mor Chikin” cows from the ads—they have the ability to make signs and who knows what else (though I can’t understand why such talented cows aren’t better spellers).

Look out close to home, too. You’ve always privately wondered whether the neighborhood dogs are controlling your mind—and your TV remote. They are.

“Dog spelled backward is god.” You’ve heard that meaningless observation all your life and never gave it any thought, but now you better. Oh. My. Dog! The dogs are in cahoots with the Russians, who transmit secret spy messages between the lines of

resolution in old non-HD TV shows—only dogs can perceive them. Why do you think your dog loves watching MeTV? The Russians prefer to transmit via “Charlie’s Angels.” The dogs, naturally, prefer “Lassie.” Man’s best friend, my buttocks.

But this is scarier than anything else that’s going on in the world: the real leader of the free world…operating from a heavily guarded bunker in western Australia…brace yourself…it’s Paul Hogan! The actor has been biding his time since “Crocodile Dundee.” It’s no coincidence that he’s holed up in a place called Gibson Desert (as in Mel Gibson), which is located between Lake Disappointment (also like Mel) and Lake Macdonald (like Norm). It all ties together like every logical conspiracy theory should. Hah! Fortunately, an underground network of moles is working on an anti-Dundee campaign.

Not moles as in spies; actual moles. Underground. We should be fine.

Still, I feel like I’ve said too much. It may not even be safe to print this article—or read it.

I urge you, without hesitation, to rip out these pages, crumple them up, put them in your mouth, and eat them. (Online readers, eat your laptops.) A nation depends on it! Later, as nature takes its course and the pages go through your digestive system, the end result will amount to what passes for news today in our society. And that’s the truth.

*

A lot of crazy ideas are floating through the airwaves these days, and some of them seem to be coming from members of a formerly respected profession.

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* MUYpFFI RrS ToTnI Mt E

A miracle encounter Sometimes help arrives mysteriously.

INTERVIEWER: LEIGH NEELY // PHOTO: NICOLE HAMEL

n 1999, Linda Fensler, of Tavares, was a certified employee assistance professional for a large hospital system in Chicago.

Her story begins with the tale of Resurrection Mary, who died in 1934 but reportedly has been spotted by various people along the roadside near Resurrection Cemetery ever since.

As a counselor for employee conflicts, Linda kept herself in good shape mentally and physically with exercise, prayer, and meditation.

After a particularly stressful session, she went to lunch and decided to

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walk in a wooded area near Resurrection Cemetery. Soon she knew she was lost. A white car drove up and a lovely blonde woman in a white suit stopped beside Linda and said, “I’m looking for a little bar to meet my friends for a bridal shower.”

Though she’d never gotten into a car with a stranger before, Linda got in and found she had been walking in the wrong direction.

When they arrived at Linda’s car, she turned to thank the woman, but there was no car, no lady in white, no other cars around, and no group in the bar.

“I made it back in time for my appointment, but later

in the day I remembered the woman said to look up her sister, who was in oncology,” Linda says. “I called all four oncology areas. No one recognized her sister’s name until the last nurse said, ‘We did have a patient by that name several years ago.’”

Since that day, Linda has been more attuned to events around her.

“Until this living proof of guidance from another dimension, I had noticed the strange timing of seemingly orchestrated events but made excuses for them. No more.

For the first time, I had proof they occur for a reason.”

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REALTORS

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Buying or selling a home can be stressful, but Kim Ducharme-Levensohn gives her clients closure.

STORY: JAMES COMBS // PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL

O

n the surface, working as a Realtor sounds like the perfect job. Just show a few houses, make a few phone calls, and pad your bank account in one afternoon by selling a million-dollar home.

Unfortunately, things rarely are that easy in the real estate industry.

Just ask Kim DucharmeLevensohn, who specializes in residential real estate for Leesburgbased Morris Realty and Investments. Achieving the

February 2019

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REALTORS coveted title of multimilliondollar producer every year since 2012 did not come without a never-ending schedule.

She has spent Thanksgiving and Mother’s Day showing clients prospective homes, wrote a contract while riding to a Florida Gators football game, and negotiated a contract in the middle of a weeklong cruise.

Client phone calls come as early as 6am and as late as midnight.

“My computer always comes with me whenever I go out of town because, as a Realtor, I have to stay on top of my clients’ needs,” she says. “The only time of the week I always leave open is Sunday mornings for church.”

For Kim, hard work and around-the-clock communication have paid big dividends. On Dec. 6, the Realtors Association of Lake and Sumter Counties presented Kim with its Realtor of the Year award during a banquet at Lake Receptions in Mount Dora. The award honors a Realtor “who has contributed the most to the profession, to fellow Realtors, and to the community,” according to a press release.

“I felt very honored and humbled to receive the award,” says Kim, a 1999 Leesburg High School graduate who resides in

Winter Garden. “We have around 2,200 agents in the association, and some of the past winners of this award have been mentors to me. To be mentioned in the same breath as they are is certainly a privilege.”

Kim’s award hardly came as a surprise to clients such as Denise Distel.

“Kim has helped me purchase three homes over the years, and I never hesitate to use her services because she’s intelligent, trustworthy, and very knowledgeable when it comes to the real estate market,” says Denise, a resident of Lady Lake. “She never promises the moon, but she certainly delivers the moon.”

Fruitland Park resident Amy Fulmer echoed those sentiments.

“Kim has bought and sold homes for me and some of my family members,” Amy says.

“She never leads you in the wrong direction, and if she shows you a home you don’t feel is right, she is never pushy.

She is passionate about helping clients find their forever home.”

For Kim, the formula for success meant putting in a lot of hours at the bottom before starting to climb to the top of her profession. She was introduced

“Staying in the career was a matter of determination to make it, because many agents were getting out.”

—KIM DUCHARME-LEVENSOHN

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to real estate in 2006 after being hired to perform marketing and advertising duties at the nowclosed Neil Fischer Realty in Leesburg. That was during the middle of the country’s housing boom, and seeing agents achieve financial success gave her the itch to sell homes herself. Kim earned her real estate license that same year.

Not long after that, the worst housing market downturn since the Great Depression reared its ugly head. That—combined with the fact that new agents are hit hard by the financial realities of the real estate profession in their first year—left many firsttime Realtors exploring other career options.

Kim decided to persevere.

“At the time, I was living with my parents and had a part-time job,” she says. “I was new to real estate and didn’t know what a bad market was. I sold homes but selling was slow. I was just trying to build business and get things going for myself.

Staying in the career was a matter of determination to make it, because many agents were getting out.”

Kim knew she would not go from rookie to rising real estate star overnight. Researching the real estate industry, enrolling in continuing education classes, and learning the ropes under mentors all proved invaluable.

“The most important advice I could give to new agents is to have a mentor,” she says. “What you learn in real estate school has nothing to do with the day-to-day business. When you receive your license, you’ll still have tons of questions. How do I find buyers and sellers? How do I formulate a listing plan? It’s good to have a mentor who can answer your questions.”

She also realizes that the little things can make a big difference when it comes to success or failure. At Christmas, Kim sends each client a personalized ornament, and after each purchase, she puts a sign in the yard welcoming families to their new homes. Clients repay her in kind by inviting her to attend birthday parties, housewarming parties, and outdoor barbecues.

“With Kim, it’s not about the transaction; it’s about building relationships with people,” says Lady Lake resident Joy Girard, who utilized Kim’s services for several home-buying and home-selling transactions.

“She gets the job done from start to finish, and because of her professionalism, you never have to worry about anything throughout the entire process.”

In addition to her success at Morris Realty and Investments, Kim has been active in her profession. She served as president of the Realtors Association of Lake and Sumter Counties in 2016, graduated from the Florida Realtor Leadership Academy in 2012, and served as chairwoman of the Realtors Political Action Committee in 2013.

She also is an advisory board member of LifeStream Behavioral Center’s Open Door, a shelter in Eustis where

homeless people can take showers, do laundry, receive a haircut, or grab a bite to eat.

The outpouring of love there is heartwarming for Kim. “It helps them get their dignity back,” she says. “I really love this program. My job is to sell homes, and I see that joy when families move into a home they really like. I cannot imagine what it would be like not to have a home. Even if a homeless person is having a bad day, Open Door provides them a safe spot.”

TOP

REALTORS

TOP PRODUCERS

Congratulations to the Top Producers of the Realtors Association of Lake & Sumter Counties.

MULTIMILLION-DOLLAR CLUB Allen Realty & Investments, Inc

Burton Realty Group LLC

Coldwell Banker® Camelot Realty

JoAnn Pendley

Marsha BurtonGordon

Judy Blundell Lynn Bucklew Alyse Carter Bill Casey Daemon Fields Denise Hedrick Linda Kellerman Mollie Podell Betty Salas

Arellano Realty & Investments

Karin Arellano Theresa Kay Sarah Ness Ashley Pun Susie Westbrook

C21 Blue Sky Realty Group

Jurgita Ribokaite CAN Realty, LLC

Nicole May

Asano Real Estate LLC

Carlino Commercial Group, Inc

Leslie Anne Campasano

Jeff Carlino

Assist2Sell® Buyers & Sellers

Karen Tefft Beacon Real Estate & Associates

Geraldine “Gerri” Rosenthal Al Spry Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Realty

Billie Dahl Bob David Collie Hendrickson Jim McCallum Lynn Risch Mike Rivera Candace Van Waes Mary Jo Williams Kara Wisely Black Tie Real Estate & Investments

Mark Dyer Alex Scopino BNB Realty, Inc

Carlino Real Estate Group Inc

Marty Bouhall Jorge L. Gonzalez Karen D. LaMantia Alex Vonhartman Catherine Hanson Real Estate, Inc

George Kittleson Leslie Hanson Rotarius Misti Winters Century 21® Professional Group, Inc

Lori Walker Century 21® Alton Clark

Joe Hamblin Kathi Hill Regina Rodriguez Ted Trawick Century 21® Prime Property Resources, Inc

Summer Alvis Robert Southern

Paula Purvis

Charles Rutenberg Realty Orlando

BonJorn Real Estate

Denise Guthrie

Pamela Bonjorn Genger Narehood

Clermont Lakes Realty, Inc

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Kimberly Bergin

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Coldwell Banker® Stevens Real Estate

Crista Moffett Coldwell Banker® Tony Hubbard Realty

Richard Bisaillon Jearri Bush Pamela Eddy Kaley Hansen Lisa Haynes Christine Newsome Jean Nunn Maria Rodriguez Andrea Summers Lydia M. Todd Linda B. Weber Connie Mahan Real Estate Group

Jessica Duteau Connie Mahan Samantha Merritt Crosby & Associates, Inc

Richard Xavier Gonzalez Dana Realty Group, LLC

Dana Fassett Dave Lowe Realty, Inc

Nova Fuller Kathy Ghearing Michele Lowe Pamela Myers Anamaria Nolan Janet Shatzer

Andrew A. Stasky

Bonnie Graham Jessica Graham Discover Florida Christina Grant Realty Lauri Grizzard Simon Ambrose Ricky Harper Regina DiLiberto Ryan Heitman Michael Herman Dreamcatcher Scott Hubbard Realty Services Felecia Humphrey Alison Wheatley Olga Jakubowski Carol Julianelli E-Direct Judy Kelley Realty, LLC Shannon King Debbie Miller Tammy King Dalemarie LambEmpire Network Witter Realty Lauralyn Lane Diana Barber, PA Roxanne Logan Diana Mahadeo Jennifer Luginbuhl Sara Sutherland Carolyn Maimone Loretta Maimone Encore Premier Debra L. Martin Realty, Inc Jayne Marvin Ken Roberts, Jr. Lia May Karol McDermott Engel & Völkers Hope Medina Moises Alvelo Dustin Robert Meyers Victor Berriel Diana Miguel Patrick Bianchi Ira Miller Colleen DonlevyLori Morgan Burns Marilyn Morris Janella Martina Genie Muldoon Sherri O’Neal Kristen Myer Tracie Ruffolo Misty Noland Stacy Potter ERA Grizzard Kara Puryear Real Estate Becky Race Jeanne Abernathy Clarissa Rainey Melissa Barnes Jim Richardson Dick Batts Lindsay Sellars Terri Beard Brian Smith Stacy Bracewell Margaret Ann Smith Paul Carraway Sharon Smith Gamble Lisa Carter Mary Lou Stancil Toni Chapman Jeanne Sutton Christi Charpia Gloria Tabor Donna Cline-Hansard Julie Townsend Walter Coe Ann Van De Veer Kaylyn Connett Kenneth W. Weber Marlene Cook Cindy Wheeler Sherri Crider Page R. Whittle Kris DiLeva Sharon Wooten Bonnie Drawdy Craig Yox Linda Engelbrecht Dan Foster

EXIT® Realty Tri-County

Shirley Peacock Carolyn Tassada Jack Voller EXP Realty, LLC

Debbie Gentry FIRST

Matthew Wheatley Flamingo Real Estate & Management LLC

Robert A. Shoemaker, III Florida Fine Homes Realty, LLC

Jill Buckley Catherine Tarquini Florida Lifestyle Realty Group

Pam Hollingsworth Colleen Kramer Foxfire Realty

Mike Aretakis Fran Dann-Akin George Davis Joyce Ann Ellis Randy Erb Carol Lench Rhonda Mitchell Robert Niedzwiecki Cheryl Parisi-Ciolfi Cheryl A. Pecoraro Jill Ruell Debbie Schoonover John Tanzi Dottie Wise Greg Wood Bob Woodsford Front Porch Realties, Inc

Abigail Carr Joy Zahn

Karen M. Riscinto

Future Home Realty Inc

Florida Plus Realty, LLC

Susan Moeller

Betty J. Fitch Lesley Greenslade Robert Mager Nicola J. Martz Diana L. Stone Tonya Tibbetts Sandy Twito

Garden Gate Real Estate, Inc

Florida Real Estate Center LLC

Don Wilson Florida Realty Investments

Gail Barnard Alice McKillips Florida Realty Marketplace

Jeri Anarumo Four Star Home Brokers, Inc

Linda Biggs Garnet Eversole

Barry A. Blake Global Properties Sales and Management LLC

Bill Marsh Grizzard Commercial Real Estate Group

Thomas Grizzard Michael Pederson Daniel Tatro Hickory Hill Realty & Management Inc

Lois Benaglio Joyce (Dolly) Plant High Cotton Realty, LLC

Ginger Mansour

JMR Realty, Inc

James Romeyn John Roberts Realty and Appraisals Service Inc

Michael Alberson Fred Slotnick

Micki Blackburn Realty

Patricia Daries Kerri Leininger Dale Odom Eileen Patterson Mission Inn Real Estate, Inc

Tony Stanley Dan Thompson PAL Realty

Cary Fier Mary Jane Grimes Kirk Morel Parrish Realty Group Inc

Keller Williams® Classic VI Real Estate

Mary Jane Easley Janet Pratt

James Armstrong Barbara Cifelli Bryan Nelson Chris Sanford Rodney H. Torrance, II Jon Wanberg Chad Williams Eddy Workinger, Jr.

Morris Realty and Investments

Preferred Real Estate Brokers

Lauren Fickett Lynn Haynes Jo Leen Howe Camie Kennedy Kim DucharmeLevensohn Theresa Ann Morris Amber Pratt Scott Strem Lena Williams

Gloria WashingtonShaw

Mount Dora Realty Group Inc

April Couturier

Nancy Simpson Eccles Dawn Williams

RE/MAX® Neighborhood Professionals

Keller Williams® Cornerstone Real Estate

Carlos A. Fuentes Crystal McCall Keller Williams® Classic III Realty

Regina Cruz, PA Cheryl S. Glover Beth Gravilla Susan Halverson, PA Debbie Hauert Tiki Jackson Anamaria Marquez Brandie MathisonKlein Tom McKnight April Rager Juan F. Rodriguez Gale L. Springer Brandi Stewart Debra Vallier Melinda F. Weprin Nicholas Whitehouse

Narrow Road Realty

Bradley Verkaik Leslie Verkaik Olympus Executive Realty, Inc

Sabine Bayona Terri Kuebbeler Susanne Lawson Shelly Linder Bobby Orr Teresa Pileggi, PA Monica Velez LLC Leonardo F. Vidal, PA

Reto Badraun, PA Sharon Black Maria Castro Aversano Marcus Correa, PA Amanda Gerow, PA Krichely Gonzalez Rodriguez Karina Labarca, PA Dana Lincoln. PA Wanda Mulet Jorge Mulet, Sr. PA Kirstie O’Banner Mary Poillion, PA Nancy Pruitt, PA Sandra Rush Wilfred Sierra Sosa, PA Mary Stallone Sandra Wyhnanskyj, PA

List Now Realty, LLC

Optima One Realty, Inc

Matt Buttner

Caleb Cox Drew Evans Jon Powell

Kelty Realty LLC

John Kelty La Rosa Realty, LLC

Michelle Parrish

Preferred Real Estate Brokers III

Joe Cooper Vivienne Cunningham RE/MAX® Freedom

Dawn Brooks Adriana Skoloda RE/MAX® Results

Elaine Giddens Ron Phillips RE/MAX® Titanium Group

Melissa Becorest Brandon Misciagno Darlene Misciagno Stephen Misciagno Maria Molina Keith Packey Corrine Ritzel Michele Rueff Ed Sloniker Ashley Taylor RE/MAX® Touchstone

Bobbi Bain Cindy Coldren Edward Fox Bob Hoffman Kimberly Jones-Wilde Bradley Moore Tera Morgan Addie Owens Kirsty Pitts Ashley Selph Guy Shipley Kevin Shipley Kellie Wheeler

RE/MAX® Premier Realty

Kimberly Aschman Lynn Bartlett Brenda Bell Carla Boyd Jack Boyd Terri Bramlett Barbara Breuer Barbara Bucalo Laura Carver Keith Allen Caulk Buddy Clark Mary Colbert Terry Company Melissa “Missy” Conway Holly Denton Elizabeth W. Dietrich Tammy Dunseath Holly Farley Valerie Foerst Tammy Freilich Marty Goff David Gonzalez Heather Hamilton Leslie Harker Thomas Heller John Hoad Lisa Hoad Erica Jacobs Andy Key Sharon King Jarene Mathias Faith Mileo Nate Natale Robert Payne Marie Rich Debbie Roberts Rose Rupe Bradley W. Salmons Patti Shappy Jaylene Sheldon Diane Siefkas Robert A. Slutsky Cynthia Steinemann Roland Stults Kendall Vansant Jennifer Warren Jimmy Wendrickx Joy Wilson Deborah Woods Realteam Realty Inc

Trish Leisner Realty Executives® in the Villages

Kathy Abruzzo Robert A. Berube Kandis Buse Sheila Davis Sean Donnelly

Lisa Esposito Mary Grant Melissa Huennekens Vickie K. Iverson Laura Jensen Matt Jensen Ashton Kreidel Douglas Lange Sally Love Karla Michele Mason Annette McCullough Sunny Parsons Frances Pierce, PA Nathan Piotrowski Steve Savage, PA Peggy Schaefer Amanda M. Schmitzer Linda J. Sears Pasquale Serafino Beverly Shive Cissie Smith Jeannie Ulmer Tanya F. Vieira, PA Cindy Wise Realty Executives® Lifestyle Group

Donna Dyson Realty Professionals of Florida, LLC

Julie Clay Frank Ranfone Harvey Rosenberg Tess Uddenback Slack Regal Real Estate Professionals LLC

Dawn Giachetti Right Realty Connection, Inc

Geoffrey S. Chernault Robert Slack Fine Homes LLC

Tonya Lathrop Nicky Lerch Roberts Real Estate Inc

William Blankenship James Gallaway Robb Harrison Carolyn Roberts John Roberts Diane Trexler Angela Umpleby Rochette Realty LLC

Edward Rochette

Rock Springs Realty, LLC

Vantage Point Realty Co

Joel A. Bornstein

Lisa Jones Jennie Luft, PA

Sellstate Next Generation Realty

Judy L. Trout Susan M. Wellington Jack Wilson Maureen E. Wilson Signature International Real Estate, LLC

Colleen Taylor Mike “Turk” Taylor Smith & Smith Realty, Inc.

Danny Smith Spruce Creek Real Estate, LLC

Katy Crouse St. Clair Realty Group, LLC

Tina St. Clair Stake Your Land Realty, Inc

Katina Hargrove Strata Realty Group, LLC

Rob Crawford Chris Feamster Matthew Fenlon Monica McDonald James Reynolds Kenny Riehm

Visionary Properties Inc

Mary Baker Watson Realty Corp.

REALTORS®

Kristie Baumgartner Gigi Capria Tim Dardis Susan Davis Cheryl Hilty-Huth Dennis Hjorten Melissa Horbal Linda Lake Noel Lawrence Henry “Hank” Lemons Allen Mates, PA Nancy McCloskey Monique McGuire, PA Elliott Owens Jody Parks Kris Persaud Denise Pierce Larry Pierce Carliena Rivera Camille Ruiz Robin Skaggs Christine Tangusso Terry Ward Lisa West Ana Zitnick Weichert Realtors® Hallmark Properties

Sarah Gholami Elizabeth Turner

Marianne Buchanan Anje Connor Lynne Cox Joey Feeser Joanne Galyean Julie Hall Betty Hensinger Kay Hill Ramona Montgomery

The K Company Realty, LLC

White Pelican Realty, Inc

Steven Simpkins

Willy Sybert

Travis Realty Group

Xcellence Realty

TerZa Real Estate

Jay McGriff, Jr. The Florida Property Shop Sales & Rentals, Inc

Phyllis Petrochko Diane Travis

Eugene Cusie

Tyre & Taylor Commercial Realty, Inc

Don Oliver

February 2019

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MILLION-DOLLAR CLUB

REALTORS Amerivest Realty

Perrine PhippsDowling Arellano Realty & Investments

Catherine Hanson Real Estate, Inc

April Kessler Brian G. (Paddy) Patterson

Diana Suarez

Century 21® Alton Clark

Arrow Realty & Investments Inc

Kwynn Nicholas

Randy Heimos Rena MacPhee

Century 21® Prime Property Resources, Inc

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Realty

Cortney Smith Nicole Sanders Tucci

Jinx Bright Dawn Bush Darlene Clark Jennifer Conner Charlene Connolly Debra DeGelormo Brittany Knight Shella J. O’Brien Lynn O’Connor Doug Piazza Michele Pietrowski Debra Stewart Bill Webb Real Estate & Investments Inc

William Webb

Coldwell Banker® Camelot Realty

Lisa Atkinson Patsy Casey Pat Champion Benjamin Dale Phyllis Dallinga Bonnie Kosson Karen Levy Bob Podell Coldwell Banker® Tony Hubbard Realty

David R. Cook

Lauren Lester Karen Scarbrough BNB Realty, Inc

ERA Grizzard Real Estate

Dana Realty Group, LLC

Linda Killoran

Four Star Home Brokers, Inc

Teresa Geisterfer Carole Keane Foxfire Realty

Tim Burke Timothy Condron Pam Hall Bob Loiselle Don McGinnis Donna Moody Michael Palmer

Susan Aicher Richard L. Beliveau Anna Brady Jill Doss Ian Drummond Garden Gate Doug DuVarney Real Estate, Inc Bill Gander Lisa Jones Keith Beury Brandy Kelly Gina Buck Kathryn Miller Global Properties Kathleen O’Brien Sales and Sharon Rankin Management LLC Katherine Reeg-Polfer Ashley Robey Linda Marsh Barbara Thompson Hancock Real Carlin C. Washo Estate Sidney Wright Judd Bristo Executive Real Estate Professionals Inc

Sally Busby Michael Harris Dana M. Vander Meer EXIT® Realty Vici Winn Tri-County Cook & Company Realty, Inc

Black Tie Real Estate & Investments

Nayara Martins Goncalves Cathleen McGrath Lynn Riffle Carol Schmid Donald Toldson

Steven Boone John Buxman Lynn Gagnon Pam Gunn Jessie Kulpan William Peacock Jaret Whitney

Nolan McAnally

Dave Lowe Realty, Inc

Flamingo Real Estate & Management LLC

CAN Realty, LLC

Theresa Acevedo

Susan A. Brooks Stephenie Winheim

Carlino Real Estate Group Inc

E-Direct Realty, LLC

Florida Fine Homes Realty

Steven Andelman Al Bruns Judith E. Kilgus Richard D. Sczykutowicz

Mandy Fisher Jann Knight

Lana S. Goldston

Winston Hubbard

Engel & Völkers

Florida Plus Realty, LLC

Marie Cameron Celia Davis

Margie Smith Celie White

Hill Realty, LLC

Preferred Real Estate Brokers III

Sandy Kelly Realty PLLC

Samuel Cruz PA Angli B. Nunez Yanett D. Saborido

Nikki Rittenberry Anyssia Singh Christopher Walker, Sr. PA

Sandy Kelly Holewinski

Lake County Realty Group, LLC

RE/MAX® Touchstone

Melody M. Ostrom

Lori Baker Doug Hampton

Angi Workinger La Rosa Realty, LLC

Micki Blackburn Realty

Kathy Griner Robert L. Lyles, Jr. Cindy Newman Joe Patterson Myra Paxton Number One Choice Realty

Daulis Webb Ocala Realty World LLC

Clarence Lee Jones Olympus Executive Realty, Inc

Christine Bowling Annie Ducharme Josh Duclos Ralph Federico Constance Gibson John Napier

Melanie Romeyn

Optima One Realty, Inc

John Edwards Realty & Investment Properties, LLC

Vrex Isaac Aimee Stanley

Realty Professionals of Florida, LLC

Douglas A. Hill Holly Curley Choice Realty, Inc

Holly Jane Curley JMR Realty, Inc

April Allain John Roberts Realty and Appraisals Service Inc

Oxford Land Company

Jim Mariucci PAL Realty

Susan Ellis Samantha Sprague

Debra Askew June Robbins Lisa Wolfinger

Keller Williams® Classic III Realty

Picket Fence Realty LLC

Greg Ackert Krish D’errico Maria Martinez Brad Rosel

Melissa Samar

ERA Grizzard Real Estate

Shelley Anderson Ronald S. Ricketts

Diane Schlosser Haley Gerig

.com

Barbara C. Bellante Tim Davis Donna Pattemore Jana Raber

Adriana Christensen Robert Hughes Right Realty Connection, Inc.

Bethany Burge Bosbous Robert Slack Fine Homes LLC

Dennis Knauss Jr. Rock Springs Realty, LLC

Dawna Hosier

Adriana Escoto Eileen Scates Sellstate Next Generation Realty

Marsella Fabre Laura Shea Smith & Smith Realty, Inc

Billie Faye Smith Strata Realty Group, LLC

Michelle Bevill Jamie Blunt TerZa Real Estate

Cindy Sapp Travis Realty Group

Frances Post Joy Ray Visionary Properties Inc

Tammie L. Vinson Watson Realty Corp, REALTORS®

Michael G. Hammert Robert Kilgore Kimberly Koch Jo Ann Larsen Mark Montrose Breezy Owens Lisa Rewis Michael Harry Stich Ellen Tidwell Weichert Realtors® Hallmark Properties

Debby Barrett Ric Smelser

GOLD LEASE CLUB

ERA Grizzard Real Estate

lakeandsumter

Lauren Arch Pam Davis David Head Peter Hettmann Meghan Horner Sheri Hutchinson Gina Johnson Buddy Lewis Genevieve Matos Monica Moffitt Thomas J. Oldenborg Marilyn Ptalis Lynn Shepherd Hope Wilson Realty Executives® in the Villages

PLATINUM LEASE CLUB

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RE/MAX® Premier Realty

Scates Realty & Investment Properties, Inc

I N T R O D U C I N G

TOPREALTORS

2019 The Top Realtors 2019 features a stellar group of salespeople whose goal is not only selling, but making sure their clients are 100 percent satisfied. In fact, many of them get to know each person they deal with personally to ensure buying a home, property, or commercial space is something remembered with pride. You’ll recognize many of their faces because they’re not only Top Realtors, they’re a part of every community in Lake and Sumter counties. They share their skills and their time with a number of charities and foundations. Enjoy getting to know the Top Realtors 2019 just a little better.

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REALTORS

MORRIS Realty & Investments BROKER, THERESA MORRIS Meet the “Top Agents” of Morris Realty and Investments.

The Agency is built on a strong foundation of honesty, integrity, knowledge and community pride.

In 2018, Morris Realty was among the top 10 real estate producers of Lake and Sumter County. “It’s amazing to me with only 12 agents to be in the Top 10” says, broker, Theresa Morris. She believes staying local is one of the keys to the company’s success. Theresa also encourages the agents to have a good balance of work and family life.

All the Top Agents at Morris Realty take pride in giving back to the community. Theresa points out that the agency makes a concentrated effort to support local businesses and vendors. The Community has helped make Morris Realty a Top agency by placing trust in the Agents for their Real Estate needs. Morris Realty continues to support the community through charitable efforts as well. Among the many charities supported by

JOLEEN COOPER HOWE

SCOTT STREM

352 .978. 3 4 28

THERESA MORRIS

35 2 . 360. 37 36

35 2 .267.0 7 7 0

LAUREN FICKETT

35 2 .636.2 167

JOAN DEFOE

35 2 .516.68 4 3 CAMIE KENNEDY

35 2 .4 0 8.4 6 68

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TREY HALIDAY

MICHAEL BARRETT

35 2 . 365 .69 0 0

352 .2 55. 5 7 1 0 KIM DUCHARMELEVENSOHN

3 52 . 8 74. 5 90 6

LYNN HAYNES

35 2 .516.0 9 0 3

LENA WILLIAMS

3 5 2 .6 3 6. 4 4 8 8

the agents of Morris Realty are AMVETS, the State Guardianship Association, Boys and Girls Clubs, Coalition for the Homeless, and Leesburg Partnership.

“It’s about caring for each other and taking to heart the Golden Rule.

The majority of our leads are from referrals,” Theresa says. “We’re like a family… sincere and loyal to each other and clients.”

Morris Realty & Investments serves Lake, Sumter, Marion, and Orange counties. The company has retirement and lakefront property specialists on staff, along with a fullservice property management team and highly qualified commercial specialists to meet whatever needs their clients have. When looking for a Top Agent that has your best interest in mind, you can’t go wrong with any member of the Morris Realty Team!

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Danny & Billie Faye

SMITH S M I T H & S M I T H R E A LT Y

past three years. Danny Danny and Billie Faye previously earned Realtor Smith haven’t let the of the Year awards from success of multimillionthe Realtors Association dollar land sales and a of Lake & Sumter Counties slew of awards go to their and the National Realtors heads. Smith & Smith Land Institute.

Realty isn’t too “big” They also understand the to work with owners of land business from estates smaller properties. to ranches to large farms.

“There’s no tract too Danny’s background is in small,” Danny says. “We farming, while Billie Faye remember where we’ve is in the equine arena; she come from when we recently finished second weren’t selling the big in the nation for 2018 development tracts. We’re still here for the little guy.” in her division in the American Ranch Horse Smith & Smith RealAssociation competitions. ty specializes in land, commercial, and residential “We remember where we’ve come properties primarily in from when we weren’t selling the Sumter County, big development tracts. We’re as well as Lake still here for the little guy.” and Marion counties. Billie —DANNY SMITH Faye handles residential and The teamwork they’ve horse farm sales, while developed during more Danny focuses on land and than a decade in business commercial sales. obviously has paid off.

They closed more than “We like to work together. $30 million in land sales in Not everybody can say 2018, and more than $100 that,” Billie Faye says. million combined for the

DANNY SMITH, B R O K E R A S S O C I AT E / VICE PRESIDENT

B I L L I E F AY E S M I T H , BROKER/PRESIDENT

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Daniel

THOMPSON R E A LT O R , O P T I M A O N E R E A LT Y

“We have one of the strongest Specializing in land markets in the country,” Dan development, Dan enjoys having says. “We have large job growth a role in the economic growth happening every year and it’s of the area, including new definitely a pleasure bringing townhouses being built less people in from other states so they than one mile from Leesburg can see the benefits of coming to Regional Hospital, designed to Florida to build.” meet medical employees’ housing Dan is personally involved needs, and he’s pleased a muchin each project from needed shopping area is in the beginning to closing. works to be built for residents “I handle all aspects of the due in Groveland. diligence for clients, sit in all the Ranked No. 1 in total volume meetings with the engineers,” land sales in Lake County, Dan says of going the extra mile. according to Mid Florida Regional “I’ll take the reins to get the MLS, and in the top 1% for total job done and that has made a land sales in Central Florida, big difference.”

Dan reaches out to investors and developers worldwide to “It’s definitely a pleasure bringing people tell them of in from other states so they can see the local properties benefits of coming to Florida to build” available for purchase.

—DANIEL THOMPSON

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Patti

DARIES A G E N T, M I C K I B L A C K B U R N R E A LT Y

lots of referrals, and For Patti Daries, the customers absolutely big appeal to a career love her. She knows the in real estate is the rules of real estate inside personal satisfaction out and is extremely she experiences from professional and ethical.” helping others obtain their Micki was a teacher at goals and dreams.

Clermont High School She has done that countwhen she first met Patti, less times since joining who at the time was a Micki Blackburn Realty 21 senior. They forged a strong years ago. Each year, she friendship many years ago has achieved the coveted and in 2005 vacationed title of multi-million dollar together in Italy. producer, a feat few Realtors can claim.

The secret “I cannot say enough good things behind her about her. She receives lots of referrals, success is and customers absolutely love her.” simple. Patti is self—MICKI BLACKBURN motivated, goal-oriented, Micki has seen Patti ambitious, and peoplemaximize her potential oriented. She’s also the both professionally ultimate team player. and personally.

“She helps train our “When someone in new agents on how to our office copes with the stage, and she does it death or illness of a loved for free,” says Micki one, Patti is always there Blackburn, her boss and to comfort them,” Micki longtime friend. “I cannot says. “I’m proud to call say enough good things her my friend.” about her. She receives

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John

KELTY B R O K E R / R E A LT O R ® , K E LT Y R E A LT Y L L C

I am a native Floridian and have company motto is “For All Your been selling real estate since 2005. Real Estate Needs” and our team delivers that, with the highest I have been able to effectively use level of professionalism and my marketing and negotiating customer service that you deserve skills to help both my seller and as a valued client. Once you work buyer clients accomplish their with us, you’ll be a lifelong friend goals. I love what I do and am and adopted family member into having fun working with all types the Kelty Realty community. With of clients every day! proven results and my success I have extensive knowledge of repeat and referral business and background of every aspect you’ll find to trust my 14+ years of the real estate industry. I of experience and knowledge provide enhanced expertise that I provide to my customers from my experience in not only residential, new construction “I love what I do and am having fun & building, working with all types of clients every day!” but also fine homes, estates —JOHN KELTY & recreational and clients. KELTY REALTY is properties. Whether you’re centrally located in Eustis at 712 looking for a lake view, lake front N. Grove Street. John Kelty & his home, golf community, retirement team look forward to being your home, or vacant land, I will help partner in real estate for life. guide you to find the property of your dreams. Kelty Realty’s

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Tim

BURKE R E A LT O R ® , F O X F I R E R E A LT Y

his job. If you’re looking to sell your home, you need every tool available to do it successfully in the shortest amount of time. He not only provides a comparable market analysis, he offers additional strategy’s to market and advertise your property along with a written value proposal outlining specific “When you’re ready to services you’ll receive. move, I’m ready to move.”

Specializing —TIM BURKE in residential investments, resales, new homes, servicing clients in a way first-time ownership, and that succeeds in attaining property management, their dream home. “I am Tim is ready to help you available every day to today. “I look forward to work with you on meeting our meeting and achieving your goals for buying your goals,” Tim says. or selling your home,” “Remember, when you’re Tim says. “When you’re ready to move, I’m ready.” ready to move, I’m ready to move.” Marketing for the seller is one of the most important aspects of Tim Burke worked in publishing for 18 years before moving to Florida and receiving his real estate license in 2003. During the past 15 years, he has been a member of the local, state, and national associations for Realtors, and his passion remains

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Anthony

PICCIONE BROKER , E XECUTIVE RE AL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS, INC.

life,” Tony says. “These Actively involved in folks have worked all Florida real estate since their lives and finally 1981, Anthony Piccione can enjoy the benefits of has closed thousands of that hard work.” Tony’s properties. He’s a secondspecialties includes generation Realtor, and being a buyer’s agent, his father founded a real a listing agent, and estate school. Not only is consulting. Much of this astute businessman his current business working every day on real comes from customer estate and helping people referrals. Executive Real find that perfect house, Estate Professionals Inc. he is an accomplished musician who plays guitar, is “Home of the 90-day piano, and drums.

He even played in “Helping seniors in The a soft rock band Villages is one of the most in the 70’s. In rewarding jobs of my life.” addition, he is a multi-engine-rated —ANTHONY PICCIONE pilot and has been flying since he was listing.” If you’re looking 18 years old. However, his for your ideal home, focus today is as a trusted call Tony Piccione now, advisor to those seeking and find your place in their unique retirement The Villages. home. “Helping seniors in The Villages is one of the most rewarding jobs of my

ANTHONY WITH HIS SON, GROVE

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Jessica Huey

GRAHAM R E A LTO R ® , ERA GRIZZARD RE AL ESTATE

Jessica Huey Graham is a third-generation Realtor, getting her broker’s license at age 19, and in the business 20 years. A native Floridian, she knows the markets in Lake, Sumter, and Marion counties. A busy mother of four, she understands the value of making priorities and efficient time management. Your goals for a home are her goals. As a result, Jessica sold more than 1,500 homes, making her one of the Wall Street Journal’s top agents for five consecutive years.

Clarissa

RAINEY R E A LTO R ® , ERA GRIZZARD RE AL ESTATE

Clarissa Rainey, the youngest of eight children, was born in Gainesville. Her values are her guides: be honest, be real; if you don’t know the answer, find someone who does. Since no two transactions are alike, she works to maintain a positive attitude in every situation. You will never hear her say, “That’s not part of my job.” She has been in real estate for two short years but is a top seller at $5.9 million.

Her proudest moment came when she and her daughter, Ashton Ann, won a Team Penning World Title in 2005. “I love to meet people and never meet a stranger,” she says.

JESSICA HUEY GRAHAM: 352.504.7772 CLARISSA RAINEY: 352.226.0982 1 3 0 0 C I T I Z E N S B LV D, L E E S B U R G / / E R A G R I Z Z A R D.C O M PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

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REALTY BROKER, MERY FERNANDEZ Since opening Empire Network Realty in June 2014, Managing Broker Mery Fernandez has been thankful.

She has amassed 300 agents, and her company has achieved over $600 million in sales and successfully completed 3,200 transactions.

Additionally, Empire Network Realty was ranked No. 19 out of 2,194 Central Florida brokerages for generating $195 million in sales in 2018.

She’s thankful that success has provided her an opportunity to help those less fortunate.

She and her husband, Juan, are co-founders of Real Angels Foundation, a nonprofit organization

that provides assistance to children around the globe. Many agents donate a portion of their commission to the organization. Therefore, using an agent at Empire Network Realty means

more than getting the home of your dreams. It can also provide needy boys and girls around the world with much-needed medical care, dental work, warm meals, and school supplies. ENR also

“She is an angel, and we feel like one big family here.”

—SARA SUTHERLAND

donates to Toys for Tots and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Shivan Baboolal and his wife, Diana, are multimillion dollar producers who sacrificed some commissions to help clients pay closing costs.

“My wife always tells me that success isn’t defined by how much money you make, but rather by how many people are better off because you lived,” Shivan says.

Sara Sutherland, another multimillion dollar producer, calls Mery a “wonderful role model.”

“She is an angel, and we feel like one big family here.”

L- R : S AR A SU T H ER L AN D, MERY FERNANDEZ, D I A N A B A R B E R , PA , S H I VA N B A BO O L A L , DIANA MAHADEO

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Mark

DYER

OWNER/BROKER , BL ACK TIE RE AL ESTATE AND INVESTMENTS INC. freely and clients don’t get lost in the shuffle of bigbroker bureaucracy.

“What separates us is that we can give specialized attention to tell what our customer needs without having the constraints of a larger brokerage,” Alex says.

“Mark doesn’t pressure us,” Karen adds. “That translates to our customers where I can be very laid-back with them, I can really listen to what they need, and take my time with them.”

“You’ve got to have fun doing what you’re doing,” Mark says. “People who feel good about themselves produce good results.”

Mark’s formula has produced good results from a team that collectively has sold more than $500 million in real estate during their careers, and “You’ve got to have fun doing expansion into what you’re doing. People who feel good the Tampa/ St. Pete area about themselves produce good results.” is planned EAL ESTATE for laterR2019.

—MARK DYER Professionalism, experience, and fun are necessities if you work with Mark Dyer, owner of Black Tie Real Estate and Investments. Mark and his team bring those qualities to relationships with clients as well as with each other on the job.

Celebrating nine years in business, Black Tie deals in residential, land, and commercial sales as well as seasonal property management. Mark’s team of 14 includes milliondollar and multimilliondollar producers such as Realtors Karen Scarbrough, Alex Scopino, and Mike Ritzenthaler, and broker associate Lauren Lester.

Mark has created a close-knit team environment where colleagues collaborate

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BLACK TIE

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Connie

MAHAN BROKER/OWN ER , CONNIE MAHAN RE AL E STATE GR OUP Connie is the only South Doing it right and consistently Sumter Broker who has earned raising the bar is how Connie the Certified Residential Mahan started and continues Specialist designation, to dominate the South Sumter the highest credential County Real Estate Market. From awarded in residential winning Lake and Sumter County Rookie of the Year to being “My passion is my company named 2 time Sumter County and my community.”

Business —CONNIE MAHAN Woman of the Year there’s no question sales. “I’m Connie Mahan has been obsessed committed to her craft from the with real very beginning. estate,” says “My passion is my company Connie. “From and my community,” says Connie first time who has made South Sumter’s homebuyers, real estate needs her priority for to seasoned almost 20 years. Leading both investors or her company and community working with by example Connie is deeply my agents, I invested in the betterment of live for helping South Sumter which is evident people navigate by her volunteer work and the ever changing philanthropy. Her company, landscape of the Connie Mahan Real Estate Group, real estate industry has also been named Sumter to better achieve their County Small Business of the year desired goals.” and Sumter County Innovator in R E Estate.

AL ESTATE GROUP Real

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connie mahan REAL ESTATE

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Judy L.

TROUT B R O K E R A S SO CI AT E . R E A LTO R ® , S E L L S TAT E N E X T G E N E R AT I O N R E A LT Y

in their shoes and make With 38 years of sales sure everything in the experience, including 18 process runs as smoothly as years of real estate sales in possible. We are with them the tri-county area, Judy every step of the way.” takes pride that her team She notes the best thing of eight Realtors® plus about her team is “we administrative staff are are always available 24/7 devoted to serving buyers because of the number and sellers. Real estate of agents on our team. is a family affair as The We don’t want to miss a Trout Team includes Judy’s buyer or seller.” daughter, Jennifer Trail, also a Broker Associate, “We put ourselves in their and her son, shoes and make sure Jamison Foster, everything in the process runs a Realtor®.

“Our team as smoothly as possible.” achieved —JUDY TROUT combined sales of over Sellstate Next Generation $32 million in 2018 and Realty is consistently in are consistently high the top five brokerages in volume producers. We get Marion, Lake, and Sumter the job done!” says Judy. counties. In addition to “We strive to make the the Summerfield offices, transactions as painless Sellstate Next Generation as possible and we treat Realty also has offices in our buyers and sellers like The Villages and Ocala. ‘family.’ We put ourselves

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Christy

RODGERS R E A LT O R ® , R E A LT Y E X E C U T I V E S I N THE VILLAGES

says. “I exceeded my own personal goals with $12 million in sales last year.

It’s so rewarding to work with customers who are making life-changing decisions. My customers expect—and get—honesty, dedication, loyalty, and hard work.” She enjoys the challenges associated with every new adventure with a client. Working with everyone from builders “My customers expect—and get—honesty, to buyers and sellers, she dedication, loyalty, and hard work.” appreciates the business of —CHRISTY RODGERS real estate. The proud mother of two daughters with life, and cleanliness of successful careers, Christy neighborhoods, and made says, “Family, friends, and the move to Florida.

God are my lifelines.”

She now lives in the Village of DeSoto.

Christy believes her greatest asset is being a “customer advocate. “I love what I do and work very hard to improve my skills every day,” she A 20-year member of the United States Army, Christy Rodgers spent most of her life in Nashville, Tennessee, and that’s where she began her real estate career. However, after visiting her parents in The Villages, she realized how impressed she was with the community friendliness, quality of

LIBERTY PLAZA // 11714 NE 62 TERR., THE VILLAGES 6 1 5 . 6 0 4 . 3 6 7 2 / / R E A LT Y E X E C U T I V E S . C O M

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Eugene

CUSIE R E A LT O R ® , X C E L L E N C E R E A LT Y

be so simple and that it Eugene Cusie made doesn’t have to be time a career change from consuming,” says Eugene. law enforcement into Serving first-time real estate three years homebuyers has become ago so he could savor his specialty, and there more family time with are programs, including his young sons.

Florida Bond, designed to “I love it; I enjoy every help buyers. “I’ve assisted step of it,” he says of 15 families so far with at being a Realtor. “One of the things I want to “You don’t have to save up for do is show people how 15 to 20 years to buy a house, easy it is to and it’s possible to do it with be homevery little money out of pocket.” owners. You don’t have —EUGENE CUSIE to save up for 15 to 20 years to buy least $500 out of pocket to a house, and it’s possible homeownership.” to do it with very little Eugene says some money out of pocket.” buyers are elated to He adds that one doesn’t discover a mortgage have to have a perfect credit score to buy a home. payment can be less than what they were paying in Lenders have approved rent. “And the best thing buyers with a 620 about real estate is seeing credit score. someone walk into their “People are amazed perfect home.” that the process could

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Frances

PIERCE R E A LT O R ® , R E A LT Y E X E C U T I V E S I N THE VILLAGES Frances Pierce likes that her name rhymes with fierce because that’s how she is for her clients.

She has been with Realty Executives in The Villages for five years utilizing her extensive training of the homes and lifestyle of the community. Her work as a Realtor has it’s foundation in three words: Integrity. Dedication.

Communication. Her strong work ethic drives her to be a multi-milliondollar producer. However, she also says, “I’d rather talk you out of the wrong house than push you into the wrong one.”

The mother of twins girls, Lana and Jordyn, Frances has the same spirit with her family, including their pet mini pig, Ava. As part of their charitable efforts, she and the girls donate their hair

every few years to Wigs for Kids. “Children are a responsibility I don’t take lightly. You only get one shot at molding an outstanding person.”

“I’d rather talk you out of the wrong house than push you into the wrong one.”

—FRANCES PIERCE

Though she specializes in The Villages, she does work outside the area as well. “I’ll do whatever it takes to put the customer first,” she says. “Relationships are what’s important. I’d say 95 percent of my business comes from referrals or past customers.” For those of you that do know her be sure to do a double take... she has a new look!

FRANCES WITH HER TWIN GIRLS, LANA AND JORDYN

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Mary

GRANT R E A LT O R ® , C H M L S (C E R T I F I E D LU X U R Y HOME MARKETING SPECIALIST), R E A LT Y E X E C U T I V E S I N T H E V I L L A G E S

producers in the area, Realtor Mary Grant Mary enjoys her dream strives for excellence in job in The Villages everything she does. “My where she is a Certified approach in selling homes Luxury Home Marketing is to treat my clients the Specialist (CLHMS). Mary way I’d like to be treated, specializes in selling like I’m buying or selling premier homes because my own home.” Clients her clients choose her benefit from Mary’s for her experience in professionalism, attention that market, but buyers to detail, and marketing and sellers should be and management skills.

On top of that they love “My approach in selling homes is to treat her winning my clients the way I’d like to be treated, smile. like I’m buying or selling my own home.”

Colleagues agree she sets —MARY GRANT the bar for excellence. aware that Mary provides Mary has been in real boutique service to estate 18 years, first in San everyone. Her customers Diego, California. She has love this. When you’re been listing and selling looking for a Realtor homes the past six years choose Mary. She will in The Villages, where help you buy or sell your she resides. home for the best price Achieving $10 million in the quickest amount of in sales volume for 2018 time and you will enjoy and as one of the top the experience. multi-million-dollar

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Karen

RISCINTO B R O K E R , F L O R I D A L I F E S T Y L E R E A LT Y G R O U P

licensed since 1988. A full-service Relocating a company real estate firm, her company goes has its advantages. A fresh beyond helping homeowners find start, new workspaces, and a their dream home. If you’re buying change of scenery can bring or selling a home, Karen and her added excitement to Broker & team can help you redefine it by Agents alike. offering both interior decorating That’s what Karen M. Riscinto and remodeling services. That has discovered since moving ranges from picking out the her companies, Florida Lifestyle perfect furniture to suggesting Realty Group, Inc., and Florida interior changes for appeal and Lifestyle Property Management, functionality.

LLC, from Mount Dora to 303 E. Main St. in downtown Tavares, “I really like Tavares because it’s a businessacross from friendly and business-oriented town.” the Tavares Chamber —KAREN RISCINTO & Train Station. “I “It’s all about finding the really like Tavares because it’s a perfect home to suit a client’s business-friendly and businesspersonality.” oriented town.”

The company also offers Despite moving, Karen will property management under continue offering the same level of Florida Lifestyle Property professionalism and quality service Management, llc making it a onecustomers have come to expect stop shop for prospective clients/ since she opened her business 1.5 customers desiring a stress-free years ago. She started working in real estate transaction.

Mt. Dora in 2007 and has been

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Mary Jo

WILLIAMS R E A LTO R ® , BE R K S H I R E H AT H AWAY H O M E S E R V I CE S F L O R I D A R E A LT Y My reach has been extended With many years in the worldwide with BHHS Florida corporate world and the last 15 Realty and the international years as a Multi-Million Dollar technology that they have Producing Realtor based in Mount provided is incredible. Not Dora, Mary Jo Williams never only can you visit my website, tires showing, selling, and listing www.MJWilliamsRealtor.com, many kinds of properties; homes, and view the information in farms and land, including some multiple languages, I can list and truly special countryside homes promote a house located in, for with acreage. example, Umatilla—in Chinese, “Central Florida counties have on their Juwai.com platform!” some gorgeous hidden treasures” she says, adding it’s a thrill to says Mary Jo, with values ranging be able to reach potential buyers into the millions. around the globe.

She believes the personal “Central Florida is a premiere interaction she shares with her market for so many people in and customers as their Realtor is even more critical than the technological “A home is one of the most important assets advances offered with that most people will ever buy. Homes are Berkshire Hathaway also where memories are made and you HomeServices Florida Realty. “I want to work with someone you can trust.” want the process to be a mutually —WARREN BUFFETT, CHAIRMAN AND CEO, BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY, INC. enjoyable experience out of our country,” says Mary Jo. for everyone.”

To see some of these hidden Mary Jo has been in the same gems, call her directly for an location in downtown Mount appointment, and to view photos Dora throughout her real estate of her countryside listings, visit career. “I am really excited about MJWilliamsRealtor.com. the tools I now have available.

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Jennie

LUFT

A B R ® , S R S ® , R E A LT O R ® , VA N TA G E P O I N T R E A LT Y C O .

“I genuinely want to get to know my clients and meet their needs. I’ve made great friends along the way.”

Jennie Luft gets joy from the journey of helping her clients buy and sell homes.

“I genuinely want to get to know my clients and meet their needs.

I’ve made great friends along the way,” she says. “Most of my business is referrals from past clients that I’ve built solid relationships with.”

With more than 25 years of multifaceted experience in real estate and earning two nationally recognized designations, she adds, “Continually learning strengthens my ability to best serve my clients.”

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Home of Top Producers Olympus Executive Realty (OER) recently completed its initial year in the Real Estate market with a successful report of organic growth and productivity. For 2018 they ranked No. 62 out of 2,192 offices in Total Volume in

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F e at u r i n g

6 Quite the characters

The Villages Musical Theater gears up for ‘South Pacific.’

Plus

2 Fred Briggs

Former Navy man Fred Briggs, in photo, now guides the VHA.

4 Making its own mark

The Hallmarck channel provides a refreshing break from depressing news stories.

* MVESEtT yAlVeI L L A G E R

A happy voyage home Former Navy man Fred Briggs now pulling duty in The Villages.

STORY: PAULA F. HOWARD // PHOTO: NICOLE HAMEL

F *

“Eventually, I joined the Navy and loved everything, even boot camp, and stayed for a 20-plus-year career.”

— FRED BRIGGS

2

red and Peggy Briggs are residents of Haciendas of Mission Hills. This is his fifth year as president of The Villages Homeowners Association.

He helped create the Enrichment Academy and the third annual Country Western Hoedown that’s at the Polo Club this month.

Peggy enjoys genealogy and the Boston Red Sox. “I was born in Iowa in 1941,” Fred says. “I didn’t see my dad until 1945 after the war. My parents lost a business and tried farming. We moved to Roulette, Pennsylvania, population 400.”

Fred says his father had wanderlust and wanted to move again, but his mother thought the family should settle in Pennsylvania.

“So, my brother and sister and I grew up without him,” Fred says.

“Eventually, I joined the Navy and loved everything, even boot camp, and stayed for a 20-plus-year career.”

The Navy helped him mature, get an education, and learn about leadership and problem-solving.

When the Navy wanted to send him out to sea for six-month tours, his then-wife Nancy objected, so he retired.

“I started out at machinist mate school, went to submarine school…until I made it to nuclear-powered submarine school.

Eventually, I became a force commander for the Trident submarine, and retired as a lieutenant

commander,” Fred says.

“I received a call and was hired as a logistics support analysis consultant for the Trident. They also hired my closest friend, (Ken).”

Ken was married to Peggy, and they were the Briggses’ closest Navy friends for years. They all moved together.

In 1986, when Ken and Nancy died within a month of each other after long-term illnesses, Peggy and Fred supported each other. Several years later, they married and blended their five children, who were already friends.

They will celebrate their 26th wedding anniversary this year.

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* IVNSTtHyE lV eI L L A G E S

The ‘Hallmark’ of serenity This channel is an oasis of goodness in a world of bad news.

STORY: JOE ANGIONE

*

In addition to its signature Christmas holiday fare, Hallmark features a light-hearted lineup of family programming year-round.

4

I

t’s obvious the world remains in a sorry mess, and the United States seems at the center of turmoil.

Although you can’t shut out the world’s woes completely, take some time to tune to a TV channel that has storybook beauty and serenity, where good things happen, and folks interact with charm, and believe in traditional values. And when young people meet and are attracted to each other, it’s love, not lust, that guides their relationships. It’s the Hallmark Channel.

I became a fan after last year’s midterm elections. One night, I landed on the channel and decided to stay. I’d briefly seen it before but came away thinking it was “sappy,” a place where unrealistic good things always happened and no one ever got hurt.

But that night I watched, hoping to get into the spirit of the Thanksgiving/ Christmas holidays. And it worked, thanks to Hallmark’s 24/7 holiday programming. My frame of mind focused on a softer, gentler side of life

seen through the prism of Christmas celebrated by good people with simple family traditions in small towns.

Hometowns named “Christmas Creek” and “Evergreen,” were the best places for Christmas. I vowed to pass up the mad world of the cable news and remain immersed in holiday spirit.

That was then. What about now when you need to close the door on worry and stress? You have the same opportunity I did. In addition to its signature Christmas holiday fare, Hallmark features a light-hearted lineup of family programming year-round, emphasizing good people making good choices that reflect values we cherish.

The uplifting Hallmark lifestyle seems in danger of disappearing today, when good often appears silly and unsophisticated. But an hour or two spent watching Hallmark anytime is a delightful reminder that good is always the right choice for the tranquility we need.

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An enchanted evening A cast of characters brings ‘South Pacific’ to The Villages.

STORY: CHRIS GERBASI // PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL

A

nyone calling the Barth residence in The Villages over the next couple of months may want to be very specific about who they’re trying to reach. They could wind up talking to Emile de Becque.

Broadway fans will recognize Emile’s name from “South Pacific.”

The character also is the new alter ego of Richard Barth, who’s playing Emile in The Villages Musical Theater’s production of the play from March 22-24 at Savannah Center.

Since landing the part of the Frenchman last year, Richard often can be heard speaking with a French accent when leaving phone messages, ordering at restaurants, or explaining the plot of the classic, time-tested musical.

This year marks the 70th anniversary

6

of the first Broadway performance of “South Pacific,” with music and lyrics by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. The Villages Musical Theater also is marking a milestone, coming full circle since staging “South Pacific” as its first show in 2002. About 160 Villagers volunteer both on and off stage with the VMT, and all productions are performed with a live orchestra of 20-plus members.

Longtime member Sandie Hawthorne is directing the play, and Dellie Saxe plays the female lead, Nellie Forbush, to Richard’s leading man, Emile.

Sandie initially told the whole cast that Richard was from France—he’s from Cleveland—before clarifying that while he’s not from France, he would be speaking in a French accent at all times.

“He is completely into this part,” Sandie says. “He’s quite a character and he’s working so hard.”

While Richard likes to stay in character, he’s actually stepping out of his own character to take on the role. He comes from a classical music background, without any acting experience, and is better known in The Villages for his rock band, Bill Board and the Headliners.

Richard majored in composition and tuba in school. He performed professionally with Cleveland orchestras and other performers, such as Henry Mancini and the bands of Stan Kenton and Meredith Willson, who wrote “The Music Man.” When he moved five years ago to The Villages, Richard wanted to stay involved in music.

“In all frankness, more people want to hear rock ’n’ roll than they do classical music,” says Richard, who lives in the Village of Collier. “I reinvented myself as a keyboard player, and out of necessity, I started singing.”

Bill Board and the Headliners—the name literally was inspired by Richard seeing a billboard with a sign underneath that read, “headliners”—play classic rock at private parties and neighborhood gatherings. Leo Brown is the guitarist and lead singer, Jim Berg plays bass, and drummer Paul Berns was a percussionist for 40-plus years with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, as well as Richard’s best man at his wedding 50 years ago.

A former member of the band was involved in theater and mentioned “South Pacific” to Richard, who auditioned as a “fluke” because Emile’s part suits his voice.

“That’s probably the one musical I could sing because the lead is a bass,” he says. “It was a part I knew I could sing.”

Sandie has no reservations about Richard’s lack of acting experience.

“He has an innate ability to do this part and his voice is beautiful,” she says.

In his French accent, Emile, uh, Richard, tells the story of Emile, a “very upright, old-fashioned, stoic man” who stands up to a town bully in France but accidentally kills him, escapes on a cargo ship, and winds up on an island in the South Pacific. He marries and has children with a Polynesian islander, who later dies.

Alone for some time, Emile’s passion is reignited when he meets Nellie, an American naval nurse who arrives on the island during World War II. Emile expresses his feelings in the song “Some Enchanted Evening.”

“It’s like instant love,” Richard says.

“So that whole love story is setting up where the rest of the play goes.”

Emile and Nellie fall in love, but she’s a country girl from Little Rock, Arkansas, and is shocked to find out Emile has children from a marriage to a Polynesian woman. The play’s themes are as timely today as they were when “South Pacific” opened in 1949.

“It is a relevant story today because it is still about this racial prejudice, how do we deal with this, and it’s also this story about this bully who takes over the town and how do we react to this,” Richard says.

Nellie learns a life lesson by working through her feelings about Emile and his children, Dellie says.

“It’s such a relatable story because it’s about relationships and about life and things you think you can handle, and then you come to a point where [you say], ‘I can’t do it,’ and you adjust and through those struggles you realize what’s really important in life, and it’s relationships,” she says.

“South Pacific” holds a warm spot in Dellie’s heart. She played Nellie as a teenager and during a student showcase in Chicago, she was thrilled to meet actress Mary Martin, who originated the

* About 160 Villagers volunteer both on and off stage with the VMT, and all productions are performed with a live orchestra of 20-plus members.

7

“I have always loved ‘South Pacific’ because of the music, and, of course, it’s hard to beat and everybody knows it.”

— SANDIE HAWTHORNE

8

role on Broadway. She’s bubbly in describing the character.

“She is so down to earth. She has no airs,” Dellie says of Nellie.

“She’s OK with saying things that may sound corny. She’s just a genuine person. She calls herself a cockeyed optimist and she is and that’s what you love about her.”

Dellie and her husband, Dave Saxe, who plays Luther Billis, live in the Village of Osceola Hills and are participating in their first production with the VMT. Like many members of the troupe, however, they have professional experience. They operate a summer stock theater

in Pennsylvania and performed for several years in Chicago as members of the Actors’ Equity union.

“It was a great time while we did it, a lot of fun, but you know, theater’s hard work,” Dellie says. “You’re always looking for the next job.”

Despite the heavy themes of “South Pacific,” it is a musical comedy, and that’s where Dave comes in. As Billis, a Navy Seabee and “entrepreneur” on the island, he provides comic relief. Billis will resonate with any military veterans who didn’t like their officers, Dave says.

“It’s just a lot of fun, this character,” he says.

“He’s the kind of guy maybe you didn’t want to be but you sure had his thoughts, because you wanted to tell [off] the officers.”

Sandie says Dellie and Dave are “perfect” for their roles and part of a “fantastic” cast. Sandie, of the Village of Mira Mesa, has been with the VMT for more than 15 years, and last year was honored as Member of the Year for her work as a director and former board member.

Sandie’s an admitted “theater person.” She studied theater at Illinois Wesleyan University and planned to attend a New York arts academy

If you go The Villages Musical Theater performs “South Pacific” March 22-24 at Savannah Center, 1545 N. Buena Vista Blvd. Showtimes: 6:30pm each night; 2pm Sunday. Tickets: $30, Villages residents; $35, non-residents; available at Villages box offices, at the door, and at thevillagesentertainment.com.

before she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis during her senior year. That ended her academy plans and curtailed her dreams of performing, though she became an Equity actress and appeared in several professional shows.

“I couldn’t really get rid of the passion that I had for theater, so I stuck with it for a long time,” she says.

After marrying Jon, her husband of 54 years now, Sandie remained involved in local theater in Illinois and had the lead in “Whose Life Is It Anyway?”

She uses a wheelchair most of the time but is comfortable performing on stage in it. Since moving to The Villages, she has acted in plays and won a Sarah Award for “Over the River and Through the Woods” at Melon Patch Theatre in Leesburg.

Sandie now focuses on directing and her credits include “Annie Get Your Gun,” “The Music Man,” “Carousel,” “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” “Oklahoma,” and “Always Patsy Cline.” She expects to add “South Pacific” to her list of favorite productions with the VMT. “I have always loved ‘South Pacific’ because of the music, and, of course, it’s hard to beat and everybody knows it,” Sandie says. “It was credible in the ’40s and it’s credible today because of racism and because of people’s feelings of ‘you’ve got to stay within your own class,’ ‘you don’t marry someone of another color.’ It really talks about that and it talks about morals.”

Sandie says she gets a boost from working with theater people— talkative, animated, fun people who like to laugh and have a good time.

“I’m disabled, but it makes me feel much better when I’m around really active people, because that’s the way I wish I were and I hope that they still think I am,” she says.

Positive feelings seem to be mutual among the VMT troupe. Dellie and Dave say they’re “having a ball.”

“Everybody’s been so warm and welcoming, and it’s just great,” Dellie says.

“It’s like family. It’s wonderful.”

“I think the people doing this

thoroughly enjoy it,” Dave adds.

“Nobody’s getting paid, and we do it because we love it.”

Sandie encourages anyone who loves the theater to participate in the VMT, which stages two shows each year.

The fall show will be a musical revue, and “The Producers” is planned for March 2020.

“People really enjoy taking on roles other than their own personalities,” Sandie says.

Just ask “Emile.”

9

* LVI VSItNyG lHeE A L T H Y

AI for hearing aids sounds good Technology will transform how you interact with your hearing healthcare professional.

STORY: DR. AARON JONES SR.

A

rtificial intelligence once may have been the purview of only high-tech companies and science-fiction writers, but not anymore. Within just the past few years, AI has become more widely available. You likely have AI-powered technologies scattered throughout your home, in your car, and at work. Just think of how many times a day you say, “Hey Siri,” “OK Google,” or “Alexa” before asking your various smart devices to play music, get driving directions, provide a weather report, and so on. The health-care sector is embracing this Internet of Things trend, including hearing-aid manufacturers who are developing ways to use AI to improve the wearer’s experience and transform how they interact with their hearing healthcare professionals.

Hearing-aid technology advancements have enabled designers and manufacturers to create hearing aids that are smaller than ever, last an entire day on a single battery charge, and help the wearer carry on conversations in the loudest restaurant or quietest theater.

Renowned computer scientist Andrew Ng once said that tasks a typical person can do with no more than one second of thought can be automated with AI, and we’re already seeing that in the hearing health-care field with efforts to automate routine audiometry.

The next steps in the evolution of hearing aids include enabling them to communicate with other smart devices, and in the not-toodistant future, gather a wearer’s biometric data to assist health-care professionals with the diagnostic process.

10

Believe it or not, those with hearing loss often struggle just to hear the television while sitting in the quiet of their living rooms. Today, the technology exists to wirelessly connect hearing aids to TVs so wearers can enjoy their favorite programs and still carry on a conversation with others in the room.

That’s just the tip of the proverbial iceberg when you consider other smarthome scenarios. A smart doorbell might send a signal to hearing aids to alert the wearer when someone’s at the door.

Connecting hearing aids to intelligent AI assistants like Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant will enable wearers to enjoy the same user experience that connected speakers like the Amazon Echo and Google Home do. Imagine being able to instruct your hearing aids to set an alarm to wake you up in the morning, and use If This Then That (IFTT) to initiate a series of automated actions to drive your wake-up routine, like turning on lights, playing music, and getting last night’s sports scores, today’s weather report, and an update on traffic conditions for your commute.

Those scenarios sound fun and useful, but it’s AI’s ability to learn and continuously improve that I think makes the future so exciting.

Beyond introducing new conveniences to your everyday life, AI can make your interactions with your hearing health-care professional both less timeconsuming and more effective.

Today, you can use AI-powered chatbots accessible via websites

and mobile messenger apps like Facebook Messenger to carry on virtual conversations with your doctor’s office and get answers to basic questions. For instance, you can type questions such as “When is my next appointment?,” “How can I tell if I suffer from hearing loss?,” or “What is the best hearing aid for me?”

The AI-powered chatbot either provides answers or hands you off to a human.

Soon, AI embedded in hearing aids might enable health-care pros to automate assessment and diagnostic processes. We already are seeing attempts to automate hearing tests, and I expect to see AI used to facilitate remote hearing aid adjustments. If a patient does not like how his hearing aids sound, the hearing aids themselves may analyze multiple factors and perform an automated adjustment in real time. Advancements in machine learning, language models, acoustic models, voice recognition, emotion detection, confusion detection, and more will inevitably expand the reach of AI in hearing health care.

I’m not suggesting that AI will obviate the need for you to visit your hearing health-care professional. AI will enable you to handle some of the more routine tasks, but it cannot replace the counseling your doctor provides. That is an absolutely crucial aspect of hearing health care that is beyond the reach of automation. Complex decision-making based on subtle cues among a highly variable spectrum of patients will keep hearing health-care professionals in business for years to come.

Today, the technology exists to wirelessly connect hearing aids to TVs so wearers can enjoy their favorite programs and still carry on a conversation with others in the room.

11

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* BVOSOtK yR lE VeI E W

'Oh, Florida'

By Craig Pittman AND

'Best State Ever'

By Dave Barry. Great comic relief about the state of Florida.

STORY: DIANE DEAN

*

Filled with facts, figures, and fun, these books show the wild and weird of Florida.

“O

h, Florida—How America’s Weirdest State Influences the Rest of the Country,” by Craig Pittman, and “Best State Ever,” by Dave Barry, were read by the Bookworm Book Club.

Filled with facts, figures, and fun, these books show the wild and weird of Florida.

Craig and Dave, both journalists, drew on their years of research and residency with humor front and center.

Craig covers Florida history from the 1800s to present, humorously expounding on famous writers, celebrities, criminals, and politicians (sometimes the latter two being the same).

Dave’s book has a chapter on The Villages; not surprising

as Florida has the second-fewest native residents of any state.

On a business perspective, Dave writes, “The number one industry is attorneys on billboards asking if you have been in an accident, followed by tourism, reptile sales, and buttocks enhancement.”

Facilitators Kathy Porter and I devised a twist for the book discussion. We developed a game with a “Jeopardy” format. After selecting a category and answer, teams discussed and offered questions. Florida parks, geography, weather, and critters were some of the categories.

A sample of answers provided:

•

This paper founded by Al Neuharth changed the look and content of newspapers around the country. Question: What is USA Today?

•

Donn Pearce wrote this book about his time at the Tavares Road Prison and it was made into a movie. Question: What is “Cool Hand Luke”?

•

Florida ranks 49th in funding this medical condition. Question: What is mental health?

The winning teams of the game received Florida souvenir store gifts such as flip-flop notepads and chocolate alligators. The books provided education about our state and entertainment for readers.

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Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial 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.

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Commercial

Healthcare

Education

Government

Hospitality

The state of the

ECONOMY From large-scale developments to neighborhood stores, business is booming across Lake and Sumter counties. Formerly quiet “small town” communities are now budding commercial centers. Here is what’s coming for six communities using bold, creative strategies to attract new development.

68

lakeandsumter

.com

LEESBURG LEADERS SEE A BRIGHT FUTURE AHEAD. STORY: JAMES COMBS

V

ibrant and robust.

Those are words used by city leaders who uniformly agree that Leesburg will enjoy economic success in the coming years.

“Leesburg is probably one of the few Florida cities that did not experience great growth during the boom of the early 2000s,” City Manager Al Minner says. “What is exciting about Leesburg’s economy today is that our local leaders were determined not to miss the next wave of growth. Since December 2013, Leesburg has taken advantage of good economic conditions, and the accomplishments we achieved will propel the community for years to come.“ The Villages’ expansion plan certainly will boost Leesburg’s economy. In May 2017, the city sold land on

County Road 470 to developers of the country’s largest retirement community to build an estimated 3,000 homes on the land.

The influx of new homes and retirees means more jobs in industries such as health care, real estate, and construction. Beyond jobs and economic growth, the retirement community will generate $4.6 million in new taxes for Lake County and $3 million for the city.

“This expansion demonstrates the point that Florida’s economic growth is rooted in our service economy,” Al says. “In that way, smart growth is really the best philosophy local government can adopt.

And really, who develops more attractively than The Villages?”

Leesburg officials also have invested millions in restoring charm to Venetian Gardens, once a hub of activity because of its lush landscape, picturesque bridges, and stunning views of Lake Harris. Recently,

projects such as the Resource Center in Carver Heights.

WATERFRONT DINING AND PEACEFUL SUNSETS AWAIT DINERS AT THE NEW RESTAURANT OPENING IN VENETIAN GARDENS. “Communities that are successful move forward by investsix wooden bridges were ing in themselves,” Al says. rebuilt and a splash pad “That is the premise of the was added along with investments that the city has improvements to Ski Beach, including a two-lane made in Venetian Gardens, downtown, and throughout boat ramp, a floating dock system, and a kayak launch. our right-of-ways.”

“This project is emblematic of Leesburg turning the corner,” City Commissioner Dan Robuck said at a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony at Venetian Gardens.

“In Leesburg, we have a forward-looking community EUSTIS’ that embraces recreation.

INFRASTRUCTURE This is a jewel not only INVESTMENT SHOULD for Leesburg but all of KEEP ECONOMY STRONG. Lake County.”

STORY: JAMES COMBS Al says several other projects should help fuel ocation. Locathe city’s growth: investing tion. Location. in gateways such as the For business owners, Main Street project, the U.S. that’s an important decision Highway 441 landscape and can be the difference project, the corridor between success and failure. improvements on Dixie In recent years, Eustis Avenue; and redevelopment has attracted and retained

L

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a healthy mix of start-up businesses, family-owned businesses, and corporate companies such as Tijuana Flats and Panera Bread.

That’s great news to Economic Development Director Tom Carrino, who knows the business of attracting new business can be difficult.

“Things are going well throughout the city,” he says. “In downtown

Eustis, there are a lot of occupancies and very few vacancies.

In fact, people call me all the time to inquire about opening a boutique store or restaurant downtown. Outside of downtown, there are few properties available.”

In addition to bringing in new businesses, city leaders also are boosting the economy through infrastructure investments. Ferran Park, nestled on Lake Eustis, is an example. Through the years, a splash pad and new playground equipment were added, and the park’s historic Alice McClelland Bandshell underwent a façade upgrade.

Other public parks also were enhanced.

Additional benches, tables, and restrooms were added to Palmetto Plaza, and visitors to Carver Park enjoy remodeled outdoor basketball courts and additional grilling areas.

A real treasure awaits skateboarding enthusiasts at Sunset Island Park, the site of the new, one-of-a-kind Eustis Skate Park. It features a pool-like bowl and a street-style course complete with ramps and rails.

“We’ve done our part in investing in infrastructure to make Eustis a place where people want to live, work, and play,” City Manager Ron Niebert says.

“All these upgrades will bring people to our town and also improve quality of life for people who already live here.”

Festivals also provide a boon to the economy. Longstanding events such as Eustis Georgefest and newer ones like the Busker Festival allow first-time visitors to get to know the city’s local retailers, restaurants, and attractions, meaning many make a return visit.

“Not only are we coming up with new events, we’re making our existing ones bigger and better each year,” says Kristina Rosenburg, the city’s public relations coordinator.

SKATEBOARDING ENTHUSIASTS CAN CATCH SOME AIR AT THE CITY’S NEW SKATE PARK.

CLERMONT IS ON THE RISE WITH MAJOR PROJECTS. STORY: CHRIS GERBASI

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ith nearly 140 new businesses arriving in 2018 in Clermont, the city’s commercial development is thriving. And the pace will accelerate in 2019.

Victory Pointe, the stormwater system and passive park at Waterfront Park, kick-started the city’s $30 million master plan when it opened in 2018. Victory Pointe Condos, under construction next door, mean more residents downtown.

Next up, city administrators will focus on the Downtown Waterfront District during 2019-2021, with proposed improvements including streetscapes, landscaping, and the Legacy Loop Trail. The city plans a park at the 8th Street Pier named Meet Us in the Middle Park, marking the center of the state’s new Coast-to-Coast Trail.

Long term, Olympus Sports & Entertainment Group unveiled a 250-acre THE OLYMPUS PROJECT’S INTERNATIONAL TENNIS CENTER.

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VICTORY POINTE PARK, ABOVE, IS PART OF DOWNTOWN WATERFRONT IMPROVEMENTS.

plan in August for South Lake County’s Wellness Way area. The multi-use development will create an estimated 6,000 jobs and generate $1.4 billion in economic impact across 10 years, city administrators say. Look for multi-sport training and competition venues, health and fitness facilities, and a village featuring sports-themed hotels, restaurants, shops, and entertainment.

The Olympus team anticipates breaking ground this year, starting a series of five development phases through 2025.

Clermont’s rebranding as the “Choice of Champions” in 2013 helped spur this growth, City Manager Darren Gray says.

“The private sector is investing in our downtown and in our entire community more than ever,” he says. “The decision for Olympus to pursue its plan with the city of Clermont is a resounding show of

confidence in our brand, our leadership, and our community. It shows what is possible when private and public enterprises share common goals and principles.”

Downtown additions coming this year include Montrose Street Market, a food hall concept with multiple establishments, and Clermont Brewing Company, offering a fullservice bar and restaurant with a brewery.

Elsewhere, Shoppes at Anderson Hill is expected to open in the spring at 12629 U.S. Highway 27, offering a lifestyle village with retail shops, healthy restaurants, and a Planet Fitness gym. Other projects include: Lakes of Clermont,

a skilled nursing facility on Hooks Street; Citrus Tower Park, home to new physicians’ offices; Mind Immersions, a first-of-itskind virtual reality gaming space, and Mind Masters, an escape room, both on Highway 50.

Public investments, quality of life, and new brands in the market are reasons why Clermont is attracting new enterprises, says Economic Development Director Shannon Schmidt.

“It’s a recipe, not just one thing,” she says. “We are a business-friendly city that truly engages the business community and is aware of the environment and the changing forces to better support them.”

SHOPPES AT ANDERSON HILL IS EXPECTED TO OPEN THIS SPRING.

WILDWOOD IS CREATING ITS OWN ECONOMIC IDENTITY. STORY: CHRIS GERBASI

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nyone who wonders whether Wildwood is growing just needs to look at the 500page agenda packets of the City Commission.

It is one of the fastestgrowing cities in Central Florida. As thousands of Villages homes are being built along County Road 468, commercial development goes along with residential. In addition to The Villages growth, the

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city also is carving its own economic territory.

“We definitely intend to have an identity for Wildwood that is separate from The Villages,” Development Services Director Melanie Peavy says. “But The Villages definitely supplements anything we do in the city limits. Support from their residential allows commercial developments to prosper, and it also draws working-class folks to the area.”

Wildwood’s most distinctive project is Trailwinds Village, a mixed-use development covering 165 acres along County Road 466A. When construction began in 2017, Lowe’s Home Improvement, Aldi supermarket, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits, Circle K convenience store and gas station, and Legacy

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LOWE’S ANCHORS TRAILWINDS VILLAGE ON COUNTY ROAD 466A.

Lifestyles Senior Housing signed on at the site.

More recently, plans are in various stages of review for a Publix and Burger King, Taco Bell, and Wendy’s restaurants, Melanie says. Jersey Mike’s Subs planned a late fall/ early winter opening for a shop at the Trailwinds’ 11,760-square-foot retail building.

Melanie added these commercial projects also are in the works: Primus Pipe & Tube is adding

148,600 square feet to its building on U.S. Highway 301; O’Reilly Auto Parts on Main Street; Lake Eye Associates on State Road 44; Your Life Senior Living (independent living with support services, assisted living, memory care) at Powell Road and Broken Oak Drive; and Pepper Tree North, a retail complex north of Pepper Tree Plaza on U.S. Highway 301.

The city is negotiating two planned developments, Oxford Crossings, a

residential/commercial project spanning sites on U.S. Highway 301, County Road 472, and County Road 114, and Triumph South, an affordable housing project on County Road 462. The city also has plans for a residential/commercial project on the Beaumont property west of Trailwinds Village, Melanie says.

Most of this activity is orchestrated by the Sumter County Economic Development Department, working closely with Wildwood and other communities via a joint planning agreement.

“We are working on a commercial plan we have for the city,” Melanie says.

“I think all the cities are working with the county government offices to come up with individual economic development plans for non-residential.”

TAVARES’ PROJECTS ARE SOARING AHEAD. STORY: THERESA CAMPBELL

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ver since Tavares branded itself as “America’s Seaplane City,” the city continues to ascend to new heights with projects geared toward providing an economist boost.

City Administrator John Drury is pleased the city’s tax roll—taxable value—has already grown 11.4 percent.

“Investment in Tavares is strong as evidenced by the medical park growing across the street from the hospital (AdventHealth Waterman) with several

new medical buildings, and the hospital is growing its ER room significantly,” says John, city administrator since November 2006.

Also, Atwater Apartment complex—within walking distance of the hospital— has sold out Phase 1 and is beginning 240 additional units for Phase 2. Avalon Park Village, a new live, learn, work, and play development with a K-8 charter school approved by Lake County School Board, also is moving forward.

“Additional business establishments, including Deli Lama, are opening up in the downtown entertainment district,” John says, along with plans for more housing projects throughout the city.

Tavares’ budget for 2019 is $47.5 million.

Some of the top capital improvement projects for the year include the Public Safety Complex for police and fire projected to be completed

by April, and the rebuilding of the seaplane base on Lake Dora to make it bigger and better.

“Planning out the trail from Tavares to Mount Dora and the Golden Triangle YMCA will be completed in 2019,” John says, explaining that the project will be a complete make-over of the Old 441 corridor. A study for the trail project is under way.

“Now that’s a challenge, but I’m looking forward to it,” he adds.

He’s also eager to plan a sustainable new performing arts center with a black-box theater in the downtown entertainment district, seeing that it is financially viable to build and operate.

The city expects to complete the new downtown Ecological Park and Ruby Street makeover project, expand the library, and relocate the historical society.

AERIAL VIEW OF THE NEW TAVARES POLICE AND FIRE COMPLEX THAT IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION.

Roadwork remains one of the biggest budget hurdles for the city.

“Keeping up with our road repaving program has been challenging,” John says. “We repave roads every year but need to do more.”

John says that when he completes the city’s comprehensive plan, he intends to seek “as much public input possible to grow the city correctly.”

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MOUNT DORA IS PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE. STORY: THERESA CAMPBELL

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ount Dora’s quaint downtown draws visitors near and far to the city’s restaurants, shops, and special events, which draw massive crowds.

The influx of people is good for business yet Mount Dora City Manager Robin Hayes says the city has been plagued with public parking woes for a long time, and it aims to address the problem.

“The city has purchased land that will be turned into more parking spaces for our visitors and residents,” she says.

RENDERING OF WOLF BRANCH INNOVATION DISTRICT.

Robin, city manager since September 2016, is pleased an economic plan was developed for Mount Dora’s future.

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The city recently went before a rating agency to implement long-term growth.

“This includes bonds and ratings agencies Fitch and Standard & Poor’s, who gave Mount Dora a Capital AA- (double A-minus), and the city recently had all of the fund balance and policies reviewed as part of that rating,” Robin says.

“Our recent rating agency report is something to be proud of.”

She says Mount Dora enjoys growth with the expansion of Waterman Village, an assisted-living facility, and from a growing tech company, Steamroller Studios, in town.

The development of the Wolf Branch Innovation District remains one of the city’s biggest projects.

Mount Dora and Lake County leaders are jointly developing the employment-based economic development district.

They aim to benefit from construction of the Wekiva Parkway and the proposed improvements of State Road 46.

To date, the leaders have adopted consistent land use designations to allow for higher-intensity office, light industrial, and retail uses.

“We are continuously working to strive for the proper development of Wolf Branch Innovation District to include commercial and residential areas,” Robin says, adding that the infrastructure will include fiber optics in the area. She says the city also wants to implement Wi-Fi downtown.

Mount Dora’s overall budget for 2019 is $109.2 million, and Robin says the city has several projects in the works.

“Our capital improvement projects include the building of

three new fire stations, the construction of a new public works facility, the expansion of parking, our trails system, and our parks and recreation master plan,” she says.

“We are proud that our fire department is working on accreditation, and with the building of the new fire stations, this will cut our response times to suit the needs of our residents and businesses.”

MOUNT DORA INTENDS TO IMPLEMENT WI-FI TO THE DOWNTOWN AREA.

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February 2019 75

Live entertainment!

SATURDAY Feb 9th • 5:00pm

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THE TO-DO LIST //

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LOCAL TALENT //

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SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT //

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HI , SOCIETY

On the Scene Anglers like Jeff Chastain hope to reelin big bucks during the Big Bass Tour.

SEE STORY on PG 88

* TOHnE TTOh- DeO SL cI S eT n e

February FEB. 5

Olé!

As part of the Destination Evenings series at The Sharon, 1051 Main St., The Villages, you can see Farriquito (Spain) and enjoy a cocktail (or nonalcoholic drink) from the region.

Choose up to five destinations and get a 20 percent discount on the subscription price. See thesharon.com for details.

FEB. 1

Electrifying music and dance Technology and entertainers combine for an evening of unique performances by iLuminate. The show is at 7pm at the Clermont Performing Arts Center, 3700 S. U.S. Highway 27, Clermont. See clermontperformingarts.com for information.

FEB. 1-3

Agatha mystery “And Then There Were None,” one of Agatha Christie’s most famous plays, is at the Moonlight Players Theatre, 735 W. Minneola Ave., Clermont. Shows at 8pm Friday and Saturday; 2:30pm Sunday. See moonlightplayers.com for info.

FEB. 1-3

FEB. 1

‘Starry, Starry Night’ A favorite of light rock fans, Don McLean comes to The Sharon, 1051 Main St., The Villages, for a night of classic music. “Vincent,” “Castles in the Air,” and “And I Love You So” are three reasons the popular star was inducted into the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame. For information, see thesharon.com. Showtime: 7pm.

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Can you stand the truth?

The Melon Patch Theatre presents the dramatic play, “A Few Good Men,” about the court martial of two Marines. Showtimes: 8pm Friday and Saturday, and 2pm Sunday. See melonpatchplayers.org for ticket info. 311 N. 13th St., Leesburg.

breaks loose because young Rudy wants a religion more fun than the Roman Catholic Church. See icehousetheatre.com for showtimes and tickets. Sonnentag Theatre at the IceHouse, 1100 N. Unser St., Mount Dora.

FEB. 1-24

A singer of note Florence Foster Jenkins was wealthy and decided to become an opera star; however, she was tone deaf.

“Souvenir” shows are at 8pm Thursday through Saturday, and 2pm Sunday. Bay Street Players, 109 N. Bay St. Eustis. See baystreetplayers.org for info.

FEB. 2

FEB. 1-10

You want what?

“Over the Tavern” presents a comedic look at the 1950s when all hell

A night of opera “Three Tenors Plus One: A Tribute to Andrea Bocelli” is presented by The Villages Opera Club to benefit

FEB. 8-10

Winefest Lakeridge Winery & Vineyard is celebrating its 29th annual Winefest, where visitors enjoy all the fruits of the previous year’s harvest. 10am-5pm both days at 19239 U.S. Highway 27 N., Clermont.

the Harold S. Schwartz Music Scholarship. Showtimes: 3 and 7pm.

Thesharon.com has show and ticket information.

FEB. 2-3

Fine art The 44th annual Mount Dora Arts Festival is 9am-5pm in the downtown district. For information and parking details, see mountdoraartsfestival.org.

FEB. 7

From college to The Villages REO Speedwagon began as a group of friends on a college campus in the late 1960s. Spend an evening enjoying their music live at The Sharon, 1051 Main St., The Villages.

See thesharon.com for details and ticket information.

FEB. 8

From the Grand Ole Opry Travis Tritt brings his special brand of country music for a night at The Sharon, 1051 Main St., The Villages.

See thesharon.com for details and ticket information. Showtime is 7pm.

FEB. 9

Country countdown Popular country singer Phil Vassar is at the Clermont Performing Arts Center at 8pm. His 2019 tour is titled “Hitseria.” 3700 S. U.S. Highway 27.

FEB. 9-12

Beautiful music Forte comes back to perform with an orchestra led by maestro Pasquale Valerio. Their unique sound took them to the finals of “America’s Got Talent.” Showtimes: 7pm at The Sharon, 1051 Main St., The Villages.

FEB. 14

Visit the ’50s “You Are There,” hosted by Charlie Grinker, presents “The Fun and Feel of the ’50s” at 2pm in the Black Box at Clermont Performing Arts Center, 3700 S. U.S. Highway 27 in Clermont.

* TOHnE TTOh- DeO SL cI S eT n e

FEB. 20

Havana night!

Enjoy the music and dance of the Havana Cuba All-Stars as they share the rich culture and music from the cha cha to the rumba. The Sharon, 1051 Main St., The Villages. See thesharon.com for show and ticket information.

See thesharon.com for details and ticket information.

FEB. 13

Orchestrate a wonderful evening The Villages Philharmonic Orchestra is a professional orchestra with members from all around Florida.

You’ll enjoy an evening of great music under the direction of maestro Pasquale Valerio. Showtime: 7pm at The Sharon, 1051 Main St., The Villages. See thesharon.com for details and ticket information.

music. Order tickets online at floridalakessymphony orchestra.com. Feb. 14: Epiphany Celebration Anglican Church, 1724 S. Bay St., Eustis, at 7:30pm. Feb. 15: Family Christian Center, 2500 S. U.S. Highway 27, Clermont, at 7:30pm.

that everyone looks forward to.

Beginning at 11am, there are concerts all day, three parades, street performers, beads, and all kinds of fun. Leesburg’s Towne Square.

See leesburgpartnership.com/ mardigras for details.

FEB. 15

FEB. 18

Local jokes Comedian Dak Rakow, a Clermont resident, has performed in some of the best comedy clubs and now appears at 8pm in the Black Box at the Clermont Performing Arts Center, 3700 S. U.S. Highway 27.

FEB. 14-15

Treat your valentine Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra takes you and your love to Paris for an evening of romantic

FEB. 16

Party on, dudes!

Leesburg’s Mardi Gras Party in the Street is a daylong event

FEB. 16

Get dirty!

Crawl over obstacles and through mud pits at Spyder Mx Action Sports Complex, 4222 N. U.S. Highway 301 in Wildwood. See terrainrace.com for details.

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Once in a lifetime The unparalleled Vienna Boys Choir is coming to The Sharon, 1051 Main St., The Villages, at 7pm. Boys began singing in the Viennese court in the 14th century and it continues today. Thesharon.com has show and ticket information.

FEB. 21-22

An intimate evening David Foster and his four-piece band with guest singers Fernando Varela, Pia Toscano, and Sheléa. 7pm at The Sharon, 1051 Main St., The Villages.

See thesharon.com for ticket information.

FEB. 22

The Georges are coming!

Since 1902, Eustis has been celebrating GeorgeFest to honor the first president, George Washington.

The downtown event features a carnival, live music, food, vendors, and more. Parade at 10am. See eventcrazy.com/eustis-fl for details.

FEB. 15-16

Play me a song

The Mount Dora Music Festival features world-class artists in various venues all over town. For tickets and information, see mountdoramusicfest.com.

FEB. 23-24

Artisans on the square The 18th annual Spanish Springs Craft Festival in The Villages is Saturday and Sunday, 10am-5pm. Free admission. 1181 Main St. FEB. 24

Antiques, shabby chic, and more The Clermont Vintage Market and Home Show on West Montrose Street in Clermont has more than 70 vendors. Free admission and free parking. 10am-5pm.

FEB. 24-25

Tony sans Dawn Tony Orlando comes to the stage at The Sharon, 1051 Main St. in The Villages. “Knock Three Times” and you can go! Shows are 4pm and 7pm both dates. See thesharon.com for ticket info.

FEB. 26

‘Danke Schoen’ Wayne Newton has left Las Vegas and will be at The Sharon, 1051 Main

St., The Villages. “Mr. Las Vegas” will appear at 7pm. See thesharon.com for ticket info.

FEB. 27

Honoring Benny Goodman The Julian Bliss Septet performs “A Tribute to Benny Goodman,” one of Julian’s passions since he was 7 years old. Showtime is 7pm. See thesharon.com for ticket info.

Ongoing Events Farmer’s Markets: The Saturday Morning Market Saturday, 8am-1pm Leesburg Towne Square Brownwood Farmer’s Market Saturday, 9am-1pm 2726 Brownwood Blvd., Wildwood Lady Lake Farmer’s Market Tuesday, 9am-1pm Lady Lake Log Cabin

106 S. U.S. Highway 27/441 2nd Friday: Wine Tasting Stroll Starts at Maggie’s Attic at Alexander Street and 4th Avenue. 6-8pm 2nd Friday: Art in the Alley Features artists and performers on the sidewalks of downtown Mount Dora, 6-8pm

Th e re ’ s more !

Acoustic music Hear local musicians free from 7-9pm at Leesburg Center for the Arts, 429 W. Magnolia St. Movie in the Park Free family movie starts at dusk in Donnelly Park, downtown Mount Dora.

2nd Saturday: Food Truck N Flick Night Leesburg Towne Square.

3rd Wednesday: PAWS Reading Dogs W.T. Bland Library, Mount Dora.

3rd Thursday: Mount Dora Food Trucks Downtown Mount Dora.

4th Saturday: Classic Car Cruise-In Downtown Eustis.

All seasonal events and celebrations are listed on lakeandsumterstyle.com.

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

* IONnC OTNhC EeR TS c e n e

DATE

TIME

ARTIST

VENUE

2/5

8pm

The Accuzed

Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

2/7

7pm

Greg Pando

The Mojo Grill and Catering, Belleview

2/8

5pm

Jeff Stice

Leesburg Church of the Nazarene, Leesburg

2/8

7:30pm

The Isaacs

Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale

2/8

8pm

Kings County

Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

2/8

9pm

Gypsy Elsie and the Royal Blues

Shamrock Lounge, Leesburg

2/9

7pm

Ruth and Max Bloomquist

Leesburg Center for the Arts, Leesburg

2/9

7pm

Melissa Lee

The Mojo Grill and Catering, Belleview

2/9

8pm

Da Boys

Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

2/9

9pm

Gypsy Elsie and the Royal Blues

Shamrock Lounge, Leesburg

Ricky Skaggs

Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale

2/10 2:30pm/7:30pm 2/10

7:30pm

Defenders of Daisies

Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

2/13

7pm

The Villages Philharmonic Orchestra

The Sharon, The Villages

2/13

7pm

Southern Fried Chicks

Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale

2/13

7:30pm

Jeff Whitfield

Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

2/14

7pm

Greg Pando

The Mojo Grill and Catering, Belleview

2/15

7pm

Laura Story

New Covenant United Methodist Church, The Villages

2/15

8pm

Blue Stone Circle

Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

2/16

11am

The Simple Caveman

Yalaha Bakery, Yalaha

Neal McCoy

Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale

2/16 2:30pm/7:30pm 2/16

8pm

BB Kings Blues Band featuring Tito Jackson

Savannah Center, The Villages

2/18

7pm

Vienna Boys Choir

The Sharon, The Villages

2/20

7pm

Havana Cuba All-Stars

The Sharon, The Villages

2/20

7pm

The Moron Brothers

Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale

2/21

7pm

Greg Pando

The Mojo Grill and Catering, Belleview

Aaron Tippin

Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale

2/23 2:30pm/7:30pm 2/23

4pm

Maggie Melville

Central Florida Motorsports Park, Astatula

2/24

4pm/7pm

Tony Orlando

The Sharon, The Villages

2/24

7:30pm

Defenders of Daisies

Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

2/25

4pm/7pm

Tony Orlando

The Sharon, The Villages

2/26

7pm

Wayne Newton

The Sharon, The Villages

2/27

7:30pm

Jeff Whitfield

Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

2/28

7pm

Greg Pando

The Mojo Grill and Catering, Belleview

2/28

9pm

Dan Rodz

Oasis Saloon, Sorrento

3/2

7:30pm

Gene Watson

Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale

3/3

4pm/7pm

The Beach Boys

The Sharon, The Villages

3/4

4pm/7pm

The Beach Boys

The Sharon, The Villages

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

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February 2019

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* LOOnC ATL hT AeL ESNcTe n e

A shared vision The Leggett brothers’ focus has always been on Leesburg.

STORY: CHRIS GERBASI // PHOTO: ANTHONY RAO

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* City events have made Leesburg bigger and better for business, they say, but “downtown is still downtown” because many landmark buildings remain.

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hen Marty and Myron Leggett reminisce about growing up in Leesburg, the conversation bounces from their Cherry Street home (now a retention pond) to the best tackler in a game of Capture the Flag (their dog) to jokes about who’s older (it’s Marty).

The brothers, who were born in Main Street hospitals and now work next door to each other on Main Street, have a lot of history to share. At least six generations of Leggetts have lived in Central Florida, and relatives on their grandmother’s side bought land in North Florida in 1826.

Their parents, Gene and Ginger, own the 138-year-old building where Marty operates an optometry office and Myron runs a photography studio—similar to childhood, when the brothers worked side by side at Dairy Ranch and mowing lawns.

Happenstance led them to visual professions.

Marty got glasses at age 11 and saw the future.

His mother asked him what he wanted to do with his life. Doctor? “I really didn’t like the blood and guts.” Attorney? “Nobody likes attorneys.” Veterinarian? “A dog might bite me.” Dentist? “Somebody might bite me.”

“So I said, ‘How about I do optometry?’”

Marty says. “I thought it looked like a reasonable thing to do, you didn’t have to be out in the weather, so I stuck with it.”

Myron and his wife, Sandy, had a sign and screen-printing business, but in their 20s, they started photographing weddings for his parents’ business. He eventually transitioned to photography full time and developed his passion for painting portraits from photos.

Myron and Marty Leggett

“The emotional aspects of what I do, I enjoy a lot, as far as making people happy,” Myron says. “People never cried when they got a sign from me, but they cry when they get a photograph or a painting from me.”

Leesburg’s history is important to the brothers. In his office, Marty displays photos of the city’s early days. They remember going downtown to Sears, JCPenney, and Vincent’s dime store. City events have made Leesburg bigger and better for business, they say, but “downtown is still downtown” because many landmark buildings remain.

Some things never change—like the Leggetts’ connection to Leesburg.

“I never left because of family being here,” Myron says. “It was nice having family around and nice seeing friends that you grew up with, and I still see that. There’s still a lot of Leesburg graduates here.”

“It’s where we all grew up and what we all know,” Marty adds. “I wouldn’t go anywhere else.”

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‘More Than You’ll Ever Know’ Travis Tritt keeps his country music rocking!

STORY: LEIGH NEELY

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t has been 30 years since Travis Tritt first brought his unique voice to country music fans. Influenced by Southern rock, his songs reached the hearts of fans and brought them out in droves for his concerts. He signed with Warner Brothers in 1989 and still hasn’t stopped, and neither have his fans.

The Marietta, Georgia, native certainly has stayed true to his roots. He’s a big University of Georgia Bulldogs fan and has a home in the countryside not far from Atlanta. Along with Southern rock, Travis’ music was strongly influenced by blues and gospel music.

Travis will bring his act to The Villages at 7pm Feb. 8 at the Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center in Spanish Springs Town Square. The audience may want to sing to Travis because his 55th birthday will be Feb. 9, the day after the show.

Travis also has a Lake County connection: his wife, the former Theresa Nelson, was only the second Miss Leesburg in the scholarship pageant. The couple have three children.

Tyler, their daughter, recorded the duet “Sometimes Love Just Ain’t Enough” with her dad and has toured with him. At 20, she’s touring and establishing her own career. Sons Tristan,

He also did an interview for “The Big Interview with Dan Rather,” which will air on AXS TV in 2019. Tyler posted on Twitter that it was one of the most in-depth interviews the country singer has ever done.

“He’s a true family man that The awardloves his family, and that’s what winning singer has seven albums I think when I hear his name.” certified platinum —ELAINE WELCH WILSON or higher, two Grammys and three Country Music Elaine Welch Wilson, who Association awards, and $30 grew up in Leesburg and million in career album sales. graduated from Leesburg Travis was a hit and High School in 1984, says she thoroughly enjoyed being a enjoys knowing Theresa is a judge on “Real Country,” a hometown girl.

“I think it’s great to never see them in tabloids or read hints of infidelity,” Elaine says. “He’s a true family man that loves his family, and that’s what I think when I hear his name.”

Some of Travis’ more notable appearances include performing at the 1996 Summer Olympics, two Super Bowl halftime shows, a World Series game, the opening of the Georgia Dome, and the final Braves baseball game at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium.

It turns out, however, the country superstar can still be wowed. He recently met Randy Travis and posted on Facebook that, “This was such a great and humbling moment for me…Y’all just don’t know how much I love this guy and all he has done for my beloved country music.”

19, and Tarian, 15 (the only University of Florida Gators fan in the family), are working on school and other interests.

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talent-search show on USA Network. He worked with country award-winners and judges Shania Twain and Jake Owen. Like “American Idol,” the show picks emerging solo artists, duos, and groups for performances in showcases that shine the spotlight on the valued traditions in country music. The sevenweek show ended with Jaida Dreyer as the winner in its inaugural season.

His music keeps popping up in movie soundtracks, too. His song “Country Club” is in the Clint Eastwood movie “The Mule,” and “Slowing Down” is in “Forever My Girl.”

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Reel time Anglers in the Big Bass Tour are on a mission to go fishing.

STORY: JAMES COMBS // PHOTOS: ANTHONY RAO

F “We host several fishing tournaments every year, and the Big Bass Tour certainly is one of the larger ones in terms of visitation and economic impact.”

— STEVEN CLENNEY

BIG BASS TOUR FISHERMAN, JEFF CHASTAIN.

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ish tales are intriguing and typically go like this: A fisherman spreads his arms as wide as possible, boasting about the size of the big bass he caught in a far-off place with no witnesses or photographs. Listeners shrug their shoulders, wondering whether he really caught a whopper or is telling a whopper.

However, you can rest assured there’s nothing fishy when Jeff Chastain enthusiastically shares a pleasant memory from last year’s Big Bass Tour in Lake County. He emerged victorious in two of the tournament’s hourly weigh-ins that award $1,000 to the fisherman who catches the biggest bass in a given hour.

One of his bass tipped the scales at 8 pounds, 9 ounces, while the other weighed 8 pounds, 4 ounces.

For winning, he reeled in $2,000. A lie-detector test administered by an FBI agent—a standard practice at high-stakes bass tournaments—was proof that he didn’t embellish or cheat.

“It was a great feeling,” says Jeff, a Tavares resident who typically competes in 20 fishing tournaments each year. “I have a competitive edge, and I love to win.”

Jeff hopes for a repeat performance as he tests his fishing skills against other top amateur anglers in the Big Bass Tour, which is making its first stop of 2019 on the Harris Chain of Lakes. During the event, scheduled for Feb. 15-17, hundreds of amateur fishermen will vie for $133,525 in prize money, as well as an opportunity to win a brand-new bass boat.

“This is a great tournament that attracts anglers from all over the country,” Jeff says. “You can be a weekend fisherman or a tournament fisherman like myself and still compete in this event. And you don’t have to use a bass boat. You can use a pontoon boat as long as you have an aeriated live well to keep fish alive.”

During the tournament, competitors can fish on the Harris Chain of Lakes, as well as all rivers, creeks, and canals connected to it. That includes lesser-known bodies of water such as Trout Lake, Horseshoe Lake, and Moss Bluff Lock and Dam on the Oklawaha River. The hourly weigh-ins run from 9am-3pm at Hickory Point Recreation Park in Tavares.

In addition to winning prize money, the angler who catches the biggest bass of the tournament will win a 2019 Nitro Z19 bass boat powered by a 200-horsepower Mercury engine. The boat is valued at $41,945, according to Nitro’s website.

Lake County has hosted the Big Bass Tour every year since 2014, and last year’s tournament drew 750 anglers representing 21 states.

The event receives lots of publicity. Reports from Big Bass Tour officials indicate their Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube pages generated 644,000 social media impressions during the 2018 event.

“We host several fishing tournaments every year, and the Big Bass Tour certainly is one of the larger ones in terms of visitation and economic impact,” says Steven Clenney, sports development director for Visit Lake County. “It’s an excellent opportunity to showcase not only our lakes but also our attractions, parks, and quaint downtown

areas. Without question, our hotels, RV parks, restaurants, and gas stations stay busy when we host tournaments like this one.”

Tim Frederick, a professional angler, helped recruit the Big Bass Tour to Lake County. He says the Harris Chain of Lakes is an ideal spot to host tournaments and ranks it as one of Florida’s top three bass-fishing destinations, alongside South Florida’s Lake Okeechobee and the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes.

To back up that claim, he cited the two-day haul of Kentuckian Matthew Robertson, who in December won the Bassmaster Team Championship on the Harris Chain of Lakes with an impressive total of 57 pounds, 9 ounces.

“I grew up here, and I think it’s great to let everyone see what I’ve known for years—that our bass fishing here is about as good as it gets,” says Tim, a Leesburg

resident who is in his fourth year as a professional angler.

“I’ve caught plenty of bass over the years that weighed over 10 pounds.”

Since the Big Bass Tour is for amateurs only, Tim cannot compete. However, this will mark the fourth consecutive year that his brother, Tommy Frederick, is fishing in the event. Like Jeff, Tommy has finished in first place in the hourly weigh-ins.

“I live in Inverness, and even though we have a chain of lakes here, there’s nothing better than fishing the Harris Chain during wintertime,” Tommy says. “Fishing is in my family’s blood, and I even take my son and daughter fishing with me during the tournament. It’s a very fun time.”

For more information, visit bigbasstour.com/ tournaments/2019/harrischain-of-lakes-florida.

February 2019

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Presidential journeys As Presidents Day approaches, it’s a good time to explore the homes, museums, and libraries that honor our nation’s leaders.

STORY: MARY ANN DESANTIS

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ocated on quiet corners of small towns, stretching for blocks in large cities, or simply tucked into corners of university campuses are sites honoring U.S. presidents.

Most presidential museums and libraries have stepped into the 21st century with familyfriendly, interactive exhibits that help visitors understand that U.S. presidents had lives apart from being commanders in chief.

The Office of Presidential Libraries, which is part of the National Archives and Records Administration, administers 13 presidential libraries. The presidential library system

GEORGE H.W. BUSH PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY CENTER College Station, Texas bush41.org

This center was in the news more than usual last year as both the 41st president and former first lady Barbara Bush were laid to rest on the center’s grounds on the Texas A&M University campus.

Once asked why the university was selected as the site for his presidential library, President Bush responded, “Because of the spirit of the place…the Aggie spirit.”

Indeed, the presidential center is an uplifting venue filled with the can-do spirit the Bushes exemplified from the moment they decided to make the Lone Star State their

formally began in 1939, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt donated his papers to the federal government. However, private foundations, historical societies, and some states operate libraries for earlier presidents, including Abraham Lincoln’s Presidential Library and Museum, which is run by the state of Illinois.

The South has plenty of presidential sites open to the public, but here are three favorites that not only honor the men who made history but also are reflections of their remarkable characters:

home. The 1948 red Studebaker that Bush drove to Texas is on display with photos illustrating the family’s enthusiasm for their new adventure—a long way from their New England roots.

Filled with more than 40 million papers, the library is more than just a repository for documents. The interactive displays, many designed for youngsters, make it one of the most state-of-the art presidential museums. After my hand was scanned and an “access granted” appeared, my movements could be tracked throughout the museum (playfully, of course). The biggest thrill, however, was sitting in a replica of the Oval Office in the seat of power. When I opened the lower right desk drawer,

College Station, TX

February 2019

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I found the baseball mitt that the young Mr. Bush used in 1948 when he was the Yale University baseball team captain.

A large portion of the library is dedicated to Mrs. Bush and her work to promote literacy.

Many of the children’s displays, including a doghouse for Millie, contain games

and questionnaires to keep the little ones entertained while grown-ups can follow the interactive displays about policy decisions or experience the “situation room,” another replica of the real thing.

One of the most poignant artifacts is a 7-ton sculpture titled “The Day the Wall Came Down” and featuring a piece of the Berlin Wall that was dismantled during Bush’s tenure as president. At Bush’s request, the names of the 15 people killed at the Berlin Wall were written on the Dove of Peace to represent more than 900 people killed trying to escape to the West during the Communist regime.

The horses on the monument represent the freedom of the human spirit.

“The untiring hope of the human spirit” is evident throughout the museum, just as the Bushes would have wanted.

HARRY S. TRUMAN LITTLE WHITE HOUSE Key West, Florida trumanlittlewhitehouse.com

The Truman Complex meanders through downtown Key West, not far from the Southernmost Point. Tucked in the corner of the bougainvillea-lined neighborhood is the clapboard home where President Harry S. Truman spent 175 days of his presidency from 1946 to 1952.

Originally constructed in 1890 as naval officers housing, the Little White House is Florida’s only presidential home. Altogether,

Key West, FL

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six presidents used the home: William Howard Taft, Dwight Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, and Truman. But it was the nation’s 33rd president who found the home most restful and who spent the most time there.

Tours are available every 20 minutes throughout the day from 9am-4:30pm. The home usually is open 365 days a year but is still used for official business and events.

Visitors should check the website to make sure

the tours are available on the days they want to visit. No photography is allowed inside the home, which contains 90 to 95 percent of the furnishings originally purchased for Truman.

ANDREW JACKSON’S HERMITAGE

Visitors should make time for the “Born for a Storm” exhibit at the visitors’ center to learn about the contentiousness of politics in Jackson’s day. Arguments often were settled with a duel, as Jackson had to do with attorney Charles Dickinson. A new visitor experience includes a dueling demonstration that occasionally allows visitors to participate.

“We need to engage with history in open and honest ways,” says Mike Zimmerman, an interpretative manager at the Hermitage.

Just as dueling is honestly discussed, so is the issue of slavery. “We talk about slavery up front and refer to Jackson’s slaves by name,” Mike explains.

More than 200,000 visitors a year tour the Hermitage, which is considered one of the best preserved of early U.S. presidential homes.

Home of the People’s President, Nashville, Tennessee thehermitage.com Even before he became the seventh U.S. president, Andrew Jackson was a legendary figure. He enlisted in the Revolutionary Army at age 13; he asked for 3,000 volunteers from Tennessee in the War of 1812, but 5,000 showed up, thus giving the Volunteer State its nickname; and his victory in the Battle of New Orleans launched him into the national spotlight in 1815. He had a notorious temper, but his heart was big—he fostered 20 children over his lifetime and never stopped loving his wife, Rachel, who died before he went to Washington.

“I was born for a storm, and calm does not suit me,” Jackson wrote to President James Madison, the fourth president and a Founding Father. However, the Hermitage and its parklike setting belie his words, because the home and its more than 1,100 acres are an oasis near Nashville’s urban development.

Jackson’s classical-style mansion is definitely the centerpiece of the property, literally and figuratively. Built in 1821, the home contains 90 percent original artifacts, including wallpaper in the foyer that is 182 years old.

Nashville, TN

February 2019

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Dan Robuck III, Wendall Husebo, and Anthony Sabatini

Joanie, Kelley, Jayme, Julie, and Nicki

Tricia Guido, Lori Davis, Melody Hayes, and Jennifer Mendez Dan Miller, Jim Williams, and Paul Austin

Kevin & Jessy Flinn, Evan Brantley and Abby Mathewson

Aim for the water The annual Leesburg Area Chamber of Commerce Golf Splash was all wet! With a chance to not worry about balls going into the water, golfers enjoyed a day out of the office for a good cause. Held in the beautiful Venetian Gardens, the event included an awards reception, with accolades for the best and worst golfers of the day.

PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL

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Wendall Husebo Joyce Huey, Steve Wresch, Jean Hogan, and Jeanne Thorpe

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Celebrating 25 years!

It has been 25 great years for the Florida Hospital Waterman Foundatios (AdventHealth Waterman) annual Partners in Health Care Golf Classic. Players enjoyed 18 holes of golf, giveaways, and the awards luncheon included drawings for prizes. The tournament co-chairpersons were Robert “Rob� P. Adrid from United Southern Bank and Dean Simmons, of Ford Press.

PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL

Tom, Andrew, Rodger and Rick

Sheriff Peyton C. Grinnell and Joel Tart

Rob, Vinnie, Jordan and Frank

Tammy Rogers, Vicky Kyle, and Jenna Krager Marion Loghrin-Bolton

Fernando Ramirez Steffanie Huffines and Karen Ivison David Booth and Dean Simmons

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Yee-Haw! The inaugural Lake County Boots Buckles and Badges Gala was a glittering affair at Lake Reception. Along with a silent auction and a live auction to end the evening, guests enjoyed hearing a live band. The event raised $118,173.55, which amazed and pleased Sheriff Peyton Grinnell and his staff, who were the sponsors. Main Street Leesburg and more than 50 other monetary sponsors, in-kind donors, and individuals helped the department reach its goal.

PHOTOS: PARKER MARTIN

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Pat and Elizabeth Casalaspro

Sophia O’Keefe with Janice & John Viera

Jackie and Richie Faunda

2020

2020 Lake County Teachers of the Year finalists

DANIEL DILOCKER East Ridge Middle

LAUREN PHIPPS JEANNE HACKLER STUART MILCHMAN Astatula Elementary Beverly Shores Elementary Carver Middle

MARGARET HOLLAND Eustis High

RANDALL MOORE Eustis Middle

BRYON KELSO Lake Minneola High

ARTHUR SEIDNER Lake Technical College

KAREN LEE Leesburg Elementary

DINA LALLY Pine Ridge Elementary

MARY DICKINSON Rimes ELLC

ASHLEY MILLER Round Lake Elementary

NIKKI SAUERBREY Tavares High

TRACY MEYER Tavares Middle

KAYLI TASKER Treadway Elementary

KAMILLE CHAPMAN Mount Dora Middle

KARRIE ANDERSON Clermont Elementary

KRISTEN TYQUIENGCO MELODY CONNELLY Fruitland Park Elementary Grassy Lake Elementary

BEVERLY GIBSON Leesburg High

JOSHUA SMITH Clermont Middle

TIFFANY FORSYTH Cypress Ridge Elementary

CHELSEY GISMONDE Gray Middle

WILLIAM BRIGGS Groveland Elementary

SHERRI BOAM Lost Lake Elementary

CYNTHIA ORTIZ NELSON AMANDA BORYSIEWICZ DOROTHY DAILEY-GRIFFIN THERESA GRAHAM-VANN Mascotte Elementary Charter Minneola Elementary Charter Mount Dora High Oak Park Middle

LISA STANLEY STACY PRIEBE Sawgrass Bay Elementary Seminole Springs Elementary

CYNTHIA HEMPHILL Triangle Elementary

MICHAEL TARQUINE Windy Hill Middle

JENNA JONES Umatilla Elementary

LEW HUMPHREY Sorrento Elementary

GLENDA WEBER Umatilla High

TESSINE MOSES East Ridge High

SUZANNE BROADWAY MARIE BRUENER Eustis Elementary Eustis Heights Elementary

ELIZABETH GOLEM JULIA DELACRUZ Imagine South Lake Lake County Virtual School

JENNIFER JULIAN South Lake High

SANDRA POWERS Umatilla Middle

APRIL ODOM Spring Creek Charter

ELIZABETH MILLS Villages Elementary

JEAN GRADY Lake Hills School

JOAN WATSON Tavares Elementary

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

A sizzling event!

The 19th annual Chili Cook-off, sponsored by the Downtown Leesburg Business Association, was another success. This event is always a crowd pleaser—especially when it’s time to taste the varieties of chilies offered by contestants. In addition to the wonderful aromas filling the air, attendees enjoyed live music and voted on “Best Chili” categories. As always, it was a hot time in the old Towne Square!

PHOTOS: PARKER MARTIN

Denis and Amy Burney

Sila and Emma Edgar

Diane and Britney Hesslink Dawn and Steve Ganeous

Korrin Ncogswell, Sailor Hughes, and Jordan Simpson

Eric Clayman and Rachel Chun Chris Cook, Josh Chapman, and Travis Lyons

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Every year, Medicare evaluates plans based on a discriminate 5-star rating on system.

Applicable tocolor, 2019national BlueMedicare HMO plans on contract H1035.

We comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national age, disability, or gender. ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-800-352-2583origin, (TTY: age, disability, or gender.

ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística.

Llame al 1-800-352-2583 (TTY: HMO plans on contract H1035.

We comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or gender.

ATENCIÓN: Si habla su disposición gratuitos asistencia Llame al(TTY: 1-800-352-2583 (TTY: 1-877-955-8773).

ATANSYON: Si w pale Kreyòlespañol, Ayisyen,tiene gen asèvis èd pou langservicios ki disponib gratisdepou ou. Relelingüística.

1-800-352-2583 1-800-955-8770).

1-877-955-8773).

ATANSYON: Si w pale Kreyòl Ayisyen, gen sèvis èd pou lang ki disponib gratis pou ou.

Rele 1-800-352-2583 (TTY: 1-800-955-8770). age, disability, or gender.

ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística.

Llame al 1-800-352-2583 (TTY: 1-877-955-8773).

ATANSYON: Si w pale Kreyòl Ayisyen, gen sèvis èd pou lang ki disponib gratis pou ou.

Rele 1-800-352-2583 (TTY: 1-800-955-8770). © 2019 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc., DBA Florida Blue. All rights reserved. © 2019 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc., DBA Florida Blue.

All rights reserved.

1-877-955-8773).

ATANSYON: Si w pale Kreyòl Ayisyen, gen sèvis èd pou lang ki disponib gratis pou ou.

Rele 1-800-352-2583 (TTY: 1-800-955-8770). © 2019 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc., DBA Florida Blue. All rights reserved.

Y0011_94684_M CMSShield Accepted © 2019 Blue Cross 1218 and Blue of Florida, Inc., DBA Florida Blue. All rights reserved.

Y0011_94684_M Y0011_94684_M 1218 1218 CMS CMS Accepted Accepted Y0011_94684_M 1218 CMS Accepted

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

Mary and Ray Bailey

Kim and Todd Levensohn

Dr. Alan Holden with Brook and James Morris Marie Aliverti and Paul Bischoff

Natalie Mason, Kerry Ponds, and Chae Baganz

Amanda and Jerry Cypret

Giving one for the team!

LifeStream’s annual “Gala of Hope” fundraiser was a huge success again this year with great sponsors and terrific attendance. The event featured keynote speaker Kevin Hines, who is one of only 36 survivors of jumps from the famous Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

Now he’s a mental-health advocate who touched the audience with his message of hope and inspiration. This annual affair raises awareness and funds to support recovery and promote good mental health.

PHOTOS: ANTHONY RAO

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BE Thompson, Sherry Olszanski, and Christina Creech Bill and Mindy Mathias

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

Nancy Beane, Karen Duke, Jenny Shafer, and Sallie Ketchum

Micah Osteen, Robert Cosgrove, John Palazzo, and Lee Keemp

Jon Dehondt, Steve Sutton, and Dustin Wear

Rob Hord, Jeremy Moore, and Kevin King

Michael Pennypacker, Kenny Kearsing, and Jimmy Adams James Thompson, Wale Dicker, Steve Williams, and Chris Tatum

Tim Rosenburg and Eric Jacovetti

Teeing up for education The annual Scott Strong Memorial Golf Tournament has garnered more than $850,000 for teachers and students in Lake County. Chaired by Cory Gibbs from ElectricServices Inc., it’s always a great day of fellowship and golf with good friends for a great cause, the Educational Foundation of Lake County. This year’s event proves it’s more popular than ever.

PHOTOS: PARKER MARTIN

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

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

110

S A L U T É //

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Food & Drink

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Enjoy the ultimate treat of chocolate with wine.

SEE MORE on PG 110

& Drink * IFNoToH d E KITCHEN

Heart-healthy fare Hospital dietitian advocates the DASH diet to improve cholesterol and blood sugar.

P

eter Weiss, chief clinical dietitian at AdventHealth Waterman, is leery of diet fads and commercial products billed as healthy eating.

“For someone wanting to eat a heart-healthy diet, I recommend the DASH (dietary approaches to stop hypertension) diet,” Peter says, adding it supports improved cholesterol and bloodsugar readings, provides fiber and nutrients for good health, and, by using less salt, aids in keeping blood pressure down.

“The fundamentals of the DASH diet involve increasing fruit and vegetable intake, decreasing saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium consumption,” he says.

“The information is based on sound principles that have been tested and proven through research. Additionally, it is supported by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, and that is significantly better than any fad diet.”

The dietitian says myplate.gov is a great resource to find a healthy meal, which should include a fruit, vegetable, lean protein, grain, and low-fat/fat-free dairy product.

“Meals based on a meat and a starch are not balanced,” Peter says. “If you find that your meal is a burger and fries, then consider eating only half of the burger and fries while adding a vegetable and a fruit to the meal.”

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In his own diet, Peter aims for variety.

“I love to try new things and make my meal colorful. Our minds are drawn to colorful foods,” he says. “This helps us consume a variety of nutrients and phytochemicals that provide benefits to our bodies.

Fruits and vegetables provide nutrients relative to their color.

Anthocyanins give foods beautiful blues and purples. Beta-carotene provides the vivid orange color of carrots. Green vegetables contain saponins, insoles, and carotenoids. Lycopene is found in red vegetables and fruit. Each of these phytochemicals provides unique benefits, including cancer prevention, heart health, and improved vision.”

The hospital conducts a cooking class called Yum Yum Cooking Club, which provides a great opportunity for anyone looking to follow a healthier diet through increased vegetable and fruit consumption. The next series of classes is scheduled for 6-8pm Feb. 13 and 27, and March 13 and 27 in the Conry Creation Health Kitchen at AdventHealth Waterman, 1000 Waterman Way, Tavares. The classes cost $30 each or $90 for all four. Register by calling 352.253.3685.

Heart-healthy recipes from the Conry Creation Health Kitchen:

Peter Weiss photo Nicole Hamel

STORY: THERESA CAMPBELL

Baked oatmeal Ingredients:

2

medium bananas (sliced into ½-inch slices)

1½ cups blueberries 1 ⁄4 cup honey 1

cup uncooked quick oats

1 ⁄4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

1 ⁄2 teaspoon baking powder 3 ⁄4 teaspoon cinnamon Pinch of salt 1

cup fat-free milk or soy milk

1

egg (can use egg white/substitute)

1

tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly spray an 8-by8-inch or 9-by-9-inch ceramic baking dish with cooking spray. Arrange the banana slices in a single layer on the bottom of the baking dish. Sprinkle half the blueberries over the bananas, 1⁄4 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 tablespoon honey, and cover with foil. Bake for 15 minutes, until bananas get soft.

In a medium bowl, combine the oats, half the nuts, baking powder, remaining cinnamon, and salt. Stir together.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining honey, milk, egg, and vanilla extract.

Remove the bananas from the oven, then pour the oat mixture over the bananas and blueberries. Pour the milk mixture over the oats, distributed as evenly as possible. Sprinkle remaining blueberries and nuts over the top.

Bake the oatmeal for 30 minutes, or until golden brown. Makes 6 servings. Nutritional info: 212 calories, 6 grams of protein, 5 grams fat.

Butternut squash soup Ingredients:

1/8 teaspoon extravirgin olive oil

1

3½ cups butternut squash (freshly diced)

1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

2/3 cup yellow onions (freshly diced) 2/3 cup celery (freshly diced) 1/3 each bay leaf

2

teaspoon oregano (fresh, chopped)

cups low-sodium vegetable broth

1/8 teaspoon kosher salt 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Directions:

Heat extra-virgin olive oil in a medium stockpot over medium heat. Add butternut squash, celery, and onion, and cook about 3 minutes. Add bay leaf, oregano, nutmeg, salt, and pepper, cook an additional 2 minutes. Cook vegetable stock, add vegetable stock to just cover the vegetables.

Bring the contents to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until squash is very soft. Carefully ladle soup into a blender, puree until smooth. If necessary, strain through a fine mesh strainer to remove squash pulp.

Return strained soup to pan and heat to serve.

Makes 6 servings. Nutritional info: 51 calories, 1.3 grams protein, 2.2 grams fiber.

* “If you find that your meal is a burger and fries, then consider eating only half of the burger and fries while adding a vegetable and a fruit to the meal.”

— PETER WEISS

February 2019

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d & drink * FfOoR o K ON THE ROA D

5

Forks

(Out of a possible 5)

Havana 1959 Cuban Cuisine 1080 E. Alfred St., Tavares 352.609.5247 Hours: 11am-9pm Sunday-Thursday; 11am-10pm FridaySaturday.

Fork report:

Casual dining $$ Seated immediately (Dinner)

HAVANA 1959

Cuban cuisine at its best

SPECIALTIES: Vaca frita mofongo, pork osso bucco, paella, shrimp gumbo.

Owner serves up authentic national dishes.

STORY: THERESA CAMPBELL // PHOTO: NICOLE HAMEL

H

avana 1959 opened in May 2018 in Tavares, and owner Luis Tejada was elated when his restaurant won the Best Entrée plaque at the recent Taste of Tavares showcase of restaurants. With more than 500 people attending, the people’s choice voting was a validation for Luis that opening Havana 1959 was the right thing to do.

Server Alexa Antonelli recommended the slow-cooked pork or beef dishes as customer favorites. I chose ropa vieja, a national Cuban dish of shredded beef cooked with onion and Cuban mojo, and enjoyed it with yellow rice, black beans, and lightly fried sweet plantains.

The entire meal was simply delicious comfort food from the first to last bite. It also was a

How Fork On The Road Works Our reviewers are objective and unbiased. This is not a paid feature. Our reviewer makes one unannounced visit and we pay for our meals.

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treat to savor a basket of thin slices of warm garlic bread before the meal.

Seven dessert choices were available, too, including tres leches and crème brûlée.

I couldn’t resist going with the highly recommended traditional flan. The creamy custard with caramel sauce was heavenly, and it’s also available in coconut.

I’m eager to go back to Havana 1959 to savor more authentic Cuban dishes. This is a restaurant that diners around me said was highly recommended by their Cuban friends, and it’s easy to see why Havana 1959’s delicious fare—all cooked from scratch—has generated a following of regulars and also won over the Taste of Tavares crowd.

TWO 09 WEST MAIN

Down on Main Street A menu that features deviled eggs as appetizers, and biscuits and gravy and avocado toast for brunch means great variety and flavor.

W

Forks

(Out of a possible 5)

STORY: LEIGH NEELY // PHOTO: ANTHONY RAO

e thought the restaurant that was formerly Evander Lee had new owners, but it turned out it’s just a name and menu change for a different flavor and a delightful addition to downtown Leesburg.

A group of us recently enjoyed lunch and a variety of delicious dishes. We began with the smoked fish dip tray and accoutrements, which was great, and zucchini fries, which were excellent.

Theresa and I enjoyed the spinach salad, which had pecans, grapes, and wonderful fried goat cheese on top. Delicious and nutritious. Other friends with me had the hot Italian panini, and the fresh-from-Stokes-

5

Seafood white fish sandwich. The vegetable panini, however, garnered a “bland” comment.

According to Chris, the hot Italian panini was indeed piping hot. It’s like a compressed Italian sub, and the flavor of the ham particularly stood out among the salami, pepperoni, mozzarella (cheesy and gooey), arugula, pepperoncini, tomato, and a large onion slice. The bread was perfectly toasted with garlic butter, and the truffle parmesan fries also were hot, fresh, and tasty.

We hoped to finish with dessert, but they are made fresh daily and occasionally do run out. However, James did top his meal off with cheesecake topped with Oreo cookie crumbles.

Two 09 West Main 209 W. Main St. Leesburg 352.801.7966 Hours: MondayThursday 11am-11pm; Friday-Saturday, 11am-12am; Sunday 11am-10pm.

Fork report:

Casual dining $$ // Seated immediately (lunch hour) SPECIALTIES: American, brunch, bar foods, daily specials.

February 2019

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* SFAoL UoTdÉ

& Drink

* Dark chocolate contains heart-healthy and moodenhancing phytochemicals, much like red wine does.

Couple the two together and it can be bliss.

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A sweet combination Wine and chocolate can be a match made in heaven when they are right for each other.

STORY: MARY ANN DESANTIS

.com

W

hen dark chocolate is paired with red wine, it is taste-bud nirvana. The rich, creamy cocoa flavors are intensified by the wine, and tannins in the wine are smoothed by the velvety texture of the chocolate.

Finding the right wine for your valentine can be complicated but trying to figure out the percentage of cocoa you need in your chocolate to make a perfect union is even harder.

The first rule of thumb is choose dark chocolate, which is healthier than milk chocolate and a potent antioxidant. Dark chocolate also contains heart-healthy and mood-enhancing phytochemicals, much like red wine does. Couple the two together and it can be bliss.

But, like any great marriage, only one partner can be in charge at any given time. If you have a milder chocolate, such as one with 72 percent cocoa, you don’t want to pair it with a complex, sturdy wine. The wine can completely overpower the chocolate and make it taste bitter. My favorite everyday pairing is a 70 percent cocoa

dark chocolate with a lighter pinot noir. Special occasions, like Valentine’s Day, call for Amarone, an Italian wine from the Veneto region.

This underappreciated wine (probably because of its cost) has notes of raisins, cherries, and a touch of spice. Paired with a rich, bittersweet chocolate, it’s a luxurious finish to any meal.

An 85 percent cocoa dark chocolate is best for bold wines with sturdy structures.

The intense chocolate by itself is not one that most people are passionate about when they bite into it; however, the intensity of the cocoa is softened by a complex syrah or cabernet, and many wine connoisseurs think this is the perfect pairing. The wine enhances the chocolate and vice versa.

As in most matters of the heart, no one can predict with certainty which combinations work. From my informal poll of fellow members of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association, I learned that love has no boundaries when it comes to chocolate and wine. Much like wine tastes, favorite pairings ranged from excessively sweet to bone dry.

Some folks fell madly in love with sweet dark chocolates, such as Dove or Hershey’s, paired with Chianti. And forget all that talk about heart-healthy antioxidants, because a few people refused to forsake their milk chocolates when paired with sparkling wines.

One association member noted an exotic pairing of ginger-flavored chocolate paired with a chardonnay.

Just like a dream date, the slight heat from the crystallized ginger and the sweetness of the wine created a memory that has lasted years.

Others say Malbec paired with a salty dark chocolate works for them; another recommended a toffeeflavored chocolate paired with a hearty zinfandel.

Chocolate with bits of tart cherries was the perfect mate for a merlot, said another wine writer.

No matter which pairing you choose, a luxuriously rich chocolate melting in your mouth chased by a sip of fine wine is an indulgence that will make your day of romance memorable—with or without Cupid.

Suggested pairing: Amarone is one of the most elegant and silky wines I’ve ever tasted, with or without food. It’s complex but doesn’t overwhelm your palate. Pair it with dark chocolate and you can’t get a more delightful sensation. My favorite combination was a 2013 Famiglia Pasqua Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG, with a square of Ghirardelli Intense Dark Sea Salt Soireé, a slightly sweeter candy than a 72 percent or 86 percent cacao dark chocolate.

Mary Ann DeSantis Mary Ann DeSantis is a fellow of the Symposium for Professional Wine Writers, Napa Valley, and recently received certification from the Wine & Spirits Educational Trust (WSET). An award-winning journalist, she has written for Lake & Sumter Style since 2006.

February 2019

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*

Food & Drink DINING GUIDE

Dining in your city Astatula Race Car Diner 25641 Monroe St. 352.253.6940 Astor Blackwater Inn Williams Landing 55716 Front St. 352.759.3802 Castaways Restaurant 23525 US State Road 40 352.759.2213 Sparky’s Place Restaurant 24646 State Road 40 352.759.3551 Bushnell Chuck’s Odd Cuples Café 117 W Belt Ave 352.568.0408 Hong Kong Restaurant 2229 W CR 48 (352) 568-8888 Howie’s Family Restaurant 840 N. Main St. 352.793.8582 TJ’s Family Restaurant 412 W. Belt Ave 352.793.8877 Clermont 801 City Grille 801 Montrose St. 352.394.6911 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 Café 707 W. Montrose St. 352.404.9431 Corelli Italian Restaurant 1042 E. Hwy. 50 352.989.5924 El Cerro Restaurant 811 W. Hwy. 50 352.241.9884 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

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Guru Restaurant 2400 S. Hwy. 27 352.241.9884 Legends Grille & Tavern 1700 Legendary Blvd.

352.242.1910 Lilly’s on the Lake 846 W. Osceola St. 352.708.6565 Lyn’s Ice Cream & Sandwich Shoppe 824 W. Montrose St. 352.536.9935 Napolis Pizzeria 556 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.243.7500 Robata Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar 1500 Oakley Seaver Dr. 352.404.9688 The Crooked Spoon Gastropub 200 Citrus Tower Blvd.

352.404.4808 Troy’s Cuban & Deli 1200 Oakley Seaver Dr. 352.241.4295 Uncle Kenny’s BBQ 157 Hwy. 27 352.394.1225 Eustis 1884 Restaurant & Bar 12 East Magnolia Ave. 1.800.856.1884 Haystax Restaurant 15439 Hwy. 441 352.489.0510 Jeannie’s Place 209 E. Gottsche Ave. 352.359.0027 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 Maria’s Latin Dinner 1 N. Eustis St. 352.357.5555 LaCabana Mexican Bar and Grill 2060 S. Bay St. 352.357.4600 NightOwl Caribbean Restaurant 929 S. Bay St. 352.589.0256

Stavro’s & Sons of Eustis 2100 W. County Road 44 352.589.9100 Taki’s Pizza House 2824 S. Bay St. 352.357.0022 Thai Sushi America 925 N. Bay St. 352.357.1949 The Crazy Gator 402 N. Bay St. 352.589.5885 The Great Pizza Company 23 E. Magnolia Ave. 352.357.7377 The Oyster Troff 936 N. Bay St. 352.357.9939 Tillie’s Tavern & Grill 31 E. Magnolia Ave. 352.602.7929 Tony’s Pizza & Subs 2760 E. Orange Ave. 352.589.9001 Valentina’s Sandwhich Factory 132 E. Magnolia Ave. 352.408.9608 Fruitland Park Fruitland Park Café 3180 US Hwy. 441/27 352.435.4575 ibar-be-que Express 3170 Hwy. 27 352.315.4227 Legends Cafe 2468 U.S. Hwy. 441/27 352.728.0006 Groveland Coyote Rojo 214 W. Broad St. 352.557.8999 James Barbeque 262 W. Orange St. 352.557.4050 Ikaho Sushi Japanese 7965 SR 50, #900 352.557.8988 Red Wing Restaurant 12500 S. State Road 33 352.429.2997 Howey-inthe-Hills JB Boondocks Bar & Grill 704 S. Lakeshore Blvd.

352.324.3600 Lady Lake Bamboo Bistro 700 Hwy. 441 352.750.9998

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 The Original Brooklyn Water Bagel Co. 514 Hwy. 441 352.614.9000 Leesburg Cafe Ola 400 N. 14th St. 352.365.0089 Cedar River Seafood 8609 S. U.S. Hwy. 441 352.728.3377 Chesapeake Bay Grill 4467 Arlington Ridge Blvd.

352.315.0066 Cousin Vinnie’s Family Sports Restaurant 10700 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.253.2442 Cuba Pichy’s 10401 US Hwy. 441 352.365.2822 Dance’s BBQ 1707 South Street 352.801.8885 El Ranchito 911 W N Blvd.

352.314.9339 Frank’s Place 201 N. 1st St. 352.323.1989 Gator Bay Bar & Grill 10320 County Road 44 352.365.2177 God Café 300 W. Main St. 352.801.7447 Great Chicago Fire Brewery & Tap Room 311 W. Magnolia St. 352.474.2739 HP Grill 1403 S. 14th St. 352.314.0006 Ichiban Buffet 10301 Hwy. 441 352.728.6669 Irene’s Ice Cream Sandwiches and Deli 4120 Corley Island Rd. 352.315.1118 Jamaican George 2402 W. Main St. 352.455.1898

Johnson’s Pizza Place 4120 Corley Island Rd., Ste. 300 352.801.7250 Kountry Kitchen 1008 W. Dixie Ave. 352.323.0852 La Palma Mexican Grill 1690 Citrus Blvd.

352.323.1444 Lilly’s Super Subs 2339 County Road 473 352.343.4663 Magnolia’s Oyster Bar 201 W. Magnolia St. 352.323.0093 Ms. T’s Place 305 Pine St. 352.431.3217 Naples Italian Restaurant 1107 W. North Blvd.

352.323.1616 Osaka 1401 Citrus Blvd.

352.728.0788 Pine Street Bar-B-Que 408 Pine St. 352.728.1293 Plantation Oaks Restaurant 4720 Plantation Blvd.

352.530.2680 Ramshackle Café 1317 N. 14th St. 352.365.6565 Rodello’s Italian Restaurant 26736 US Hwy. 27 352.319.8093 San Jose Mexican 1337 S. 14th St. 352.805.4174 Sip Restaurant and Wine Bar 707 W. Main St. 352.435.7840 Southern Gourmet 314 W. Main St. 352.409.7512 Stavros Pizza 755 N. 14th St. 352.326.4202 Stokes Seafood Market and More 719 W. Main St. 352.787.3474 Takis Pizza Restaurant 1205 N. 14th St. 352.787.2344 The 24 Tap Room 1107 W. North Blvd.

352.315.0198

The Florida Porch Café 706 W. Main St. 352.365.1717 The Old Time Diner 1350 W. North Blvd.

352.805.4250 Turners 114 S. 5th St. 352.530.2274 Two Old Hags Wine Shoppe 410 W Main St 352.435.9107 Vic’s Catering 352.728.8989 Wolfy’s 918 N. 14th St. 352.787.6777 Wrapsody 712 W. Main St. 352.801.7239 Mascotte Minneola Grill 117 W. Washington St. 352.394.2555 Napoli’s Pizzeria 556 Hwy. 27 352.243.7500 Rainbow Restaurant 704 E. Myers Blvd.

352.429.2093 The Surf Bar and Grill 650 Hwy. 27 202.527.0100 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 1921 by Norman Van Aken 141 E. 4th Ave. 352.385.1921 Anthony’s Pizza 17195 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.357.6668 Barnwood Country Kitchen and Smokehouse 3725 W. Old US Hwy 441 352.630.4903 Beauclaire Restaurant at Lakeside Inn 100 N. Alexander St. 352.383.4101

Bocce Pizzeria 925 E. First Ave. 352.385.0067 Breezeway Café 411 N. Donnelly St. 352.702.7898 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 Eduardo’s Loko Tacos Mexican Restaurant 226 Alfred St. 352.742.1181 Frog & Monkey English Pub 411 N. Donnelly St. 352. 383.1936 Highland Street Café 185 S. Highland St. 352.383.1446 Jeremiah’s 500 N. Highland St. 352.383.7444 J.K. Thai & Sushi 116 E. 5th Ave. 352.385.5470 Let’s Do Lunch 426 N. Donnelly St. 352.735.4577 Mount Dora Pizza & Subs 2718 W. Old U.S. Hwy. 441 352.383.5303 One Flight Up - Coffee, Dessert & Wine Bar 440 N. Donnelly St., Ste. 100 352.758.9818 Pisces Rising 239 W. 4th Ave. 352.385.2669 PizzAmore’ 722 E. 5th Ave. 352.383.0092 Shiva Indian Restaurant 140A W. 5th Ave. 352.735.4555 Sidelines Sport Eatery 315 N. Highland St. 352.735.7433 Sugarboo’s Bar-B-Que 1305 N. Grandview St. 352.735.7675

The Goblin Market 331-B Donnely St. 352.735.0059 Whale’s 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 CR 437 352.383.8882 Gi Gi’s 25444 State Road 46 352.735.4000 Tavares Angelo’s Italian Restaurant 2270 Vindale Rd. 352.343.2757 Buzzard Beach Grill 12423 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.253.5267 Hurricane Dockside Grill 3351 W. Burleigh Blvd.

352.508.5137 Lake Dora Sushi & Sake 227 E. Main St. 352.343.6313 Mary’s Kountry Kitchen 15945 County Road 448 352.343.6823 O’Keefe’s Irish Pub and Restaurant 115 S Rockingham Ave. 352.343.2157 Palm Gardens Restaurant 1661 Palm Garden St. 352.431.3217 Ruby Street Grille 221 E. Ruby St. 352.742.7829 Sunrise Grill 462 E. Burleigh Blvd.

352.343.7744 The Hideaway 11912 Lane Park Rd. 352.343.3585 The Villages Amerikano’s Grill 998 Del Mar Dr. 352.633.8027 Bavarian Brewhaus 2738 Brownwood Blvd.

352.399.5516

Bravo Pizza 1080 Lake Sumter Landing 352.430.2394 Chengs Chinese and Sushi Restaurant 4050 Wedgewood Ln. 352.391.9678 China Gourmet III 343 Colony Blvd 352.750.4965 City Fire Brownwood & Paddock Square 352.561.2078 Fiesta Grande Mexican Grill 297 Colony Blvd 352.751.0400 Giovanni’s 3439 Wedgewood Lane 352.751.6674 Margarita Republic 1102 Main St. 352.753.4600 Mezza Luna Italian Restaurant and Bar 320 Colony Blvd.

352.753.3824 NYPD Pizzeria 4046 Wedgwood Ln 352.750.1994 RedSauce 1000 Canal St. 352.750.2930 Ricciardi’s Italian Table 3660 Kiessel Rd. 352.391.9939 Sakura 265 Colony Blvd 352.205.7393 Takis Greek and Italian Restaurant 13761 U.S. Hwy. 441 N. 352.430.3630 The Lighthouse Point Bar and Grille 925 Lakeshore Dr. 352.753.7800 VKI Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar 1004 Old Mill Run 352.259.9887 Umatilla Fish & Chix 100 N. Central Ave. 352.669.7145 Gator’s 9 N. Central Ave. 352.669.6969 Greg’s Haystax 526 Umatilla Blvd.

352.669.1555

Nicky D’s Pizza 325 N. Central Avenue 352.669.2400 Old Crow Real Pit Bar-B-Q 41100 State Road 19 352.669.3922 Quarterdeck 801 Central Ave. 352.669.4662 Shanghai 531 N. Central Ave. 352.669.2004 The Mason Jar 37534 State Rd. 19 352.589.2535 Umatilla Tavern 605 N. Central Ave. 352.669.1325 Wildwood China Jade 420 W. CR 44 352.330.5913 Cotillion Southern Café 101 N. Main St. 352.748.1223 Los Magueyes Mexican Restaurant 346 Shopping Center Dr. 352.461.0577 O’Shucks! Oyster Bar and Grill 1016 S Main St. 352.399.2200 Traditions Café 3107 Hwy. 44 352.748.1077 Woody’s Bar-B-Q 1220 S. Main St. 352.748.1109 Yalaha Yalaha Bakery 8210 County Road 48 352.324.3366

Country Club Restaurants Clermont Sanctuary Ridge Bar & Grille 2601 Diamond Club Road 352.243.0411 Legends Grille & Tavern 1700 Legendary Blvd.

352.243.1118 Howey-in-the-Hills Mission Inn Resort El Conquistador Nicker’s Clubhouse Restaurant 10400 CR 48 352.324.3101 Mount Dora The Country Club 1900 Country Club Blvd.

352.735.2263 The Villages Belle Glade Country Club 446 Moyer Loop 352.205.8208 Cane Garden Country Club 1726 Bailey Trail 352.750.0627 Evans Prairie Country Club 1825 Evan’s Prairie Trail 352.750.2225 Glenview County Club 3914 Glenview Rd. 352.753.0077 Hemingway’s at Havana Country Club 2484 Odell Circle 352.430.3200 Legacy Restaurant Nancy Lopez Country Club 17135 Buena Vista Blvd.

352.753.1475 Orange Blossom Country Club 1542 Water Tower Circle 352.751.4501 Palmer Legends Country Club 1635 Palmer Way 352.750.4499 Tierra Del Sol Country Club 806 San Marino Dr. 352.753.8005 Wildwood Continental Country Club 50 Continental Blvd.

352.748.3293

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Food & Drink DINING GUIDE

Cousin Vinnie’s Family Sports Restaurant Open seven days a week: 11am–9pm // Food, Spirits, Music, Sports 10700 U.S. Hwy. 441, Leesburg // 352.253.2442 // CVinnies.com Cousin Vinnie’s is located on U.S. Hwy. 441 across from Home Depot. Owner “Cousin” Vinnie Vittoria and his family have created a unique atmosphere by combining a “Sports Bar” with a “Family Restaurant”. As soon as you walk into Vinnie’s you will immediately notice why they are famous for outstanding comfort food and service! Their 30+ wing sauces have awarded them voted BEST WINGS in Lake & Sumter County every year since opening in 2008. In 2017 & 2018, Vinnie’s was also voted BEST SPORTS BAR! Tuesday night is “Family Night” from 5–8p.m. when kids 12-and-under eat free. Wednesday night is “Trivia Night” when the fun starts at 6:30p.m. with prizes given to the top 3 teams. There is no better place on the weekends to see who hoists the trophy or takes home the checkered flag. A few menu items offered are (never frozen – 80/20) ½ lb. burgers, personal pan pizzas, amazing rib-eye Philly cheese steaks, healthy wheat wraps, fresh homemade chicken salad and 15 awesome appetizers, including Cousin Vinnie’s Signature Secret Shrimp! Central Florida’s families simply can’t get enough of their deep-fried Ice Cream! Cousin Vinnie’s also offers, a small arcade for the kids, free Wi-Fi, great music, and an enthusiastic staff ready to exceed your expectations. “I absolutely look forward to serving you and your family very soon!” says owner Cousin Vinnie. To learn more, go to www.CVinnies.com.

Fish Camp on Lake Eustis 901 Lakeshore Blvd., Tavares // 352.742.4400 // fishcamponlakeeustis.com The Fish Camp on Lake Eustis is your spot for sampling the best locally sourced foods, liquors, craft beers, and wines of Central Florida. In addition to the local fare, Fish Camp serves up Southern classics like Gullah-style shrimp & grits and signature favorites like our blackened grouper Reuben. Our Central Florida dishes include swamp cabbage ceviche, Florida grass-fed burgers, Cedar Key clams, kale Caesar and farm salad from Aquaponic Lynx Farm in Yalaha, and Zellwood sweet corn from Long & Scott Farms. Come enjoy the view with our full bar featuring local moonshines from Yalaha Bootlegging Company, local craft beers, and our fresh-squeezed margaritas. Voted Best Seafood in the Lake & Sumter Style magazine and Daily Commercial newspaper contests in 2018.

Stokes Seafood Market and More 719 W. Main St., Leesburg // 352.787.3474 Facebook.com/StokesSeafoodMarketandMore The freshest seafood available, custom-made party platters, and many delicious “grab and go” meals are available from Stokes Seafood Market and More every day, and we now have outdoor seating so you can enjoy a delicious lunch at the market! We also serve freshly made lunches every Wed.-Fri. from 11-2pm…check out our scrumptious lunch menu! We are located at 719 W. Main Street at the corner of 9th Street in historic downtown Leesburg. Come try our wonderful house-made seafood dishes at the market, including lobster rolls, fish tacos, sesame-seared Ahi tuna, salad with blackened salmon or Ahi tuna, the best seafood gumbo, New England clam chowder, shrimp and lobster bisque around, and so much more. When you pick up your fresh seafood you can sample some of the wonderful house-made seafood salads, spreads, and dips, and wine and beer, and take some home to go with your dinner. We specialize in hard to find Northern fish and shellfish, live Maine Lobster and Blue Crab, Salmon, Tuna, Snapper, Grouper, Mahi, Ipswich Clams, Oysters, Mussels, Mullet, Catfish, Tilapia, Swordfish, Crab, and so much more! Every day there’s something new to pick up for lunch and “grab and go” home to enjoy. We are your one stop seafood shop…we carry everything to make your seafood meal and appetizers perfect! In addition to the fish brought in fresh from the boats daily, there’s also a great selection of shellfish and frozen fish. Ask about our fun and informative cooking demonstrations…just call or check the schedule in the store for times and dates.

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Food & Drink DINING GUIDE

Subway 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

The Whistle Stop at Zellwood Station 2728 Cayman Cir., Zellwood // Tue-Sat 11am-7pm // Sun 11am-5pm // 407.814.7005 Located in the rolling hills of Zellwood Station is Whistle Stop Restaurant and Lounge. With a scenic view of the community’s beautiful golf course, the restaurant is open Sunday morning for breakfast, Wednesdays and Fridays for dinner, and Tuesday through Sunday for lunch. Diners can satisfy their taste buds on various food items prepared by a former Disney Chef, including Reubens, burgers, Caesar salad, and a large pork sandwich.

Yalaha Bakery 8210 State Road 48, Yalaha // Open daily 8am-7pm // 352.324.3366 The family owned German Bakery since 1995, is an award-winning Bakery that offers to customers high-quality German products made with the highest culinary standards. Fine European pastries and breads are made with organic flours, chocolates, and spices, butter, and imported European ingredients. Take home tortes, tarts, and wonderful pretzels, but before you go home, enjoy something from our delicious deli menu. We serve breakfast from 8-11am and lunch and dinner are served 11am-7pm. Enjoy German specialties like Nurnberger breakfast, Hunterschnitzel with Spätzle, Bratwurst, Reuben, Quiche, typical German soups, and maybe Semelknoedel (bread dumplings with mushroom sauce) for lunch or dinner. We offer a fine selection of German beers and wines. Whatever time of day, you’ll find something you love at Yalaha Bakery.

On the weekends you can come and enjoy various events and music concerts on Saturdays and Sundays at our Beer Garden. You can follow us on Facebook, Twitter or via our website www.yalahabakery.com A German Bakery Like No Other!

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F i na l T h oug h t

Surviving heartache February is not always a month of love.

STORY: THERESA CAMPBELL

W

hen assignments for February were revealed, I was surprised seeing “surviving divorce” as one of the feature story topics. Isn’t this usually a month of love, chocolates, and roses?

However, I do know Valentine’s Day is tough for people going through divorce or widowhood, and I experienced the emotional roller coaster of sadness and heartache when my first marriage ended in divorce after 12 years and I had two young daughters, ages 4 and 7. My second marriage abruptly ended when my husband died from pneumonia before our 25th

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Maybe I’ve watched too many Hallmark movies, but I really wanted my happilyever-after to last decades longer.

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wedding anniversary, when our youngest daughter was preparing for college finals.

Maybe I’ve watched too many Hallmark movies, but I really wanted my happily-ever-after to last decades longer. In reality, Forrest Gump was so right in describing the simile of life: “My momma always said, ‘Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.’”

It helped to know I was not alone when I went through a 16-week GriefShare group in Leesburg after the death of my husband. There are many places to find help.

It’s really OK and normal to feel anxious about the future.

It can take time to heal and re-energize.

I’ve found being good to yourself emotionally and physically is key to feeling better overall. Over the past three years, I’ve taken more time to relax, eat well, and be involved in exercises that I enjoy. It’s also been a joy to explore new interests, share special outings with friends, and savor special moments with my family.

Take it from someone who knows: You can survive divorce and/or widowhood, and you may be pleasantly surprised to discover a new you—a person who is strong, resilient, and doing OK.

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