FOCUS August 2015 Back-to-School by Focus

FREE

August 2015 FocusLakeCounty.com “A Catalyst For Conversation”

Teachers, Uniforms and Books... Let’s Give Our Local Schools a Look

INSIDE

Six Hands: Chapter VI Author Frank Stanfield 2ND story

6 on 6

The State of Lake County Schools MORE

• Profiles: Pat Burke One-on-One • Foodie: Turners • In Focus Pics: Babies, BBQ & Parks

SINUSES GOT YOU DOWN? • Lake Ear, Nose & Throat, the area’s leader in the minimally invasive Balloon Sinuplasty® procedure • Common chronic sinus conditions, pain, pressure, headaches • In-office, local/topical anesthesia, limited downtime*

Call today and let us help you find sinus relief. Scan the video code to watch a Lake ENT patient testimonial.

Michael A. Freedman, DO Board Certified, Otolaryngology

S. Dwight Vaught, MD Board Certified, Otolaryngology

*For qualified patients.

THE VILLAGES 352.753.8448 LEESBURG 352.728.2404 TAVARES 352.343.7279 LakeENT.net • LakeSinusRelief.com

CREDITS FOCUS ON CONTENTS

Like us on Facebook FocusMagazineLakeCounty

August 2015 | Volume 8 Issue 7 | FocusLakeCounty.com

Got a story idea? Looking to advertise in FOCUS? Contact us for more information:

9 Let’s Give Our Local Schools a Look

Red Apples Media 734 N. 3rd St., Suite 119 Leesburg, FL 34748

Overall test scores and school rankings may not be the best indicator of how Lake County Schools are faring. Read on to see how area schools are doing and what you can do to help with progress.

Office 352.801.7106 Email info@RedApplesMedia.com FocusLakeCounty.com

12 6 on 6: The State of Lake County Schools

Standards of accuracy: The goal of the writers at

All five school board members, plus the superintendent (that’s 6) and the president of the Lake County Education Association, answer six of our questions to better understand their views on the state of our school system.

FOCUS Magazine is to provide heartwarming stories that are accurate from the start. Being human however, we sometimes make mistakes. Please forgive us.

16 Take Stock in Children

So if you notice anything that is incorrect, please do not hesitate to contact the editorial department and inform us. Call 352.801.7106 or e-mail info@RedApplesMedia.com. The staff will fix the error in a timely manner.

How do those who benefit from Take Stock in Children feel about the program and how it’s affected them personally. We take a look at their stories and the mission of Take Stock.

FOCUS Magazine is published monthly and is available at local Lake County businesses, restaurants and venues. Advertisers warrant and represent the descriptions of their products advertised are true in all respects. FOCUS Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers. All letters and their contents sent to FOCUS Magazine become the sole property of Red Apples Media and may be reproduced therein. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Red Apples Media. Use or duplication of material used in this publication is prohibited without approved written consent from Red Apples Media.

Publisher Marc Robertz-Schwartz Marc@RedApplesMedia.com Managing Editor Anthony Rao Anthony@RedApplesMedia.com Junior Account Executive Stephanie Summers SSummers@RedApplesMedia.com Editor/Proofreader Stephanie Sherman SSherman@RedApplesMedia.com Writers Vance Jochim; Nanci Schwartz Photography Bonnie Whicher Photography; Ashton Bracciodieta

4 14

Publisher: Marc’s Remarks

Marc shares feedback from last month’s issue (including an anatomy lesson) and lays out a challenge to parents of Lake County students.

Profiles: Q&A with Pat Burke of HOOPS Life

Highlights from Lake Sumter TV’s Profiles interview with Pat Burke and the unique life lessons he’s trying to share with area youth.

Lake’s Legacies: Born to Teach

FOCUS introduces you to five members of the Haugabrooks, a family of teachers who were born to educate Lake and Sumter County students.

Six Hands: Chapter VI

Local author and journalist Frank Stanfield sets Michael Green on a spiritual journey. Will he find the answers he’s looking for with an old flame… or will his visit be a bust of biblical proportions?

FOCUS On Philanthropy: Guardian ad Litem

We shed some light on Guardian ad Litem and explain their role in advocating for children throughout Lake County.

FOCUS On the Issues: Are School Uniforms a Fit for Lake County?

FOCUS On Mind: Inside the Minds of Children

Look online at FocusLakeCounty.com for location distribution listings.

How do YOU feel about school uniforms? Two sides face off in this lingering debate, including guest writer Jim Miller, as well as some comments from Facebook.

Parents who teach their child about making good first impressions can impact the school year and the rest of his life.

FOCUS On Events: Calendar

Juggling, basket weaving (no kidding), Wine and Whiskers, back-to-school tax holiday and so much more!

FOCUS In Focus: Babies, BBQ, Parks and Pageantry

Take a peek at the faces and places around Lake County this month. We’ve got it all, from BBQ to the March of Dimes March for Babies awards ceremony.

Scan the code to watch August’s FOCUS TV.

What’s a QR code and why would I use it?

You can download an app, such as Barcode Scanner, on most mobile phones from the App Stores on Android or Apple. Scanning the codes throughout this issue will take you deeper into the story with video content.

August 2015

FOCUS On the Arts: Tavares Theater, Inc.

FOCUS Foodie: Turners Kitchen and Bar

FOCUS On Home: Get Home Schooled

Tavares Theater, Inc. may still be looking for a venue to perform at, but they are already taking the area by storm. Learn about where you can find them in Lake County.

FOCUS Foodie visits Turners in Leesburg to see how the newest eatery fares when the Traveling Gourmet comes to town.

Ro-mac’s Don Magruder shares tips on how to get your home ready for a safe school year.

FOCUS On Better Living: How to Manage Your Child’s Diet

Jeff Wittman provides a primer for the types of healthy habits parents can get kids started on this school year.

FOCUS On Lake County: Lake County Schools By the Numbers

FOCUS: Flashback

Robert Chandler IV, Director of Lake County Economic Growth Department on our school system, the work that’s ahead and the role our school system really plays in recruiting employees and companies to Lake County.

This month, learn a little something about the origins of Leesburg High School as we feature a vintage photo from the 20s.

FocusLakeCounty.com

PUBLISHER: MARC’S REMARKS For those of you who actually take the time to read this column at the beginning of each issue of FOCUS Lake County, thank you. Remember last month when I explained that the intention of our “Being Black in Lake” was intended to be “A Catalyst for Conversation?” Well, it worked. It was by far the most responded-to issue since Red Apples Media started publishing the magazine. From lunch tables, to emails, to social media, we certainly generated some of that aforementioned conversation. While the feedback was overwhelmingly supportive of our thought-provoking content, there were two notable dissenters. Both emails suggested our cover perpetuated a false notion that there is racism in Lake County. One went so far as to chide our publication that we, the media, are the problem. Both letters, ironically, went on to suggest we remove our head from our posterior. While I was sure to sincerely thank and respect the two writers for the time it took to share their thoughts, I also offered one of them the opportunity to explain her position in an essay, which I promised to publish. Unfortunately that offer was not accepted.

article. The explanation of how the black community so highly regarded education back in the 60s – because it was their ticket to a better life – was particularly striking to many. Which brings us to this month’s “Back to School” issue of FOCUS, as we take a look at the state of education in Lake County. Frequent followers of FOCUS will notice that we touch on themes from previous issues – including apathy and things that make us mad – especially as they apply to improving our local education system. As you prepare to send your students back to school, perhaps you’ll consider identifying an opportunity to make a difference this year. Join the PTA, be a mentor, volunteer some time, communicate with your student’s teachers, attend school board meetings (or watch them from the comfort of your sofa on Lake Sumter TV); or take an even more active interest in how your child is progressing. As the parent of a Lake County student, I know there are huge opportunities for our kids. But, like most things in a child’s life, we have to guide them and set the example. Without personal involvement, we have very little ground upon which to complain. I hope you enjoy this month’s issue and I look forward to your feedback, but would appreciate it if you would leave my anatomy out of your comments.

Marc Robertz-Schwartz Publisher, FOCUS Lake County

One of the stories which received particular comment was the “Separate But Not Equal”

Corrections In the Lake Legacies article on page 19 of July’s FOCUS Magazine there is a correction to the sentence that begins, “Widening of the I-95 bridge...” This should state “I-75 bridge” as it is located in Sumter County where the interstate runs through. Also, in the “Being Black in Lake” article on page 11 it is stated that, “The students are not coping with Common Core lessons...” It should read, “Florida Standard lessons,” as this was recently revised and Common Core is no longer used.

FCS Foundation Milestone In our June issue we reported on the worldclass medicine being practiced at Lake County branches of Florida Cancer Specialists. Now, the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation (FCSF), a non-profit 501c3 organization that provides financial assistance for non-medical living expenses to qualified cancer patients,

PFX Opens Garden of Gratitude to Honor Volunteers

In June, local non-profit PFX Athletics hosted the grand opening of the Garden of Gratitude at Legends Way Ballfields. The Garden of Gratitude currently consists of three trees that bear the names of three very special people; Laurie Rozier, Louise Barnhardt, and Mickey Curtis each donated over 125 hours of their time this spring to help PFX Athletics open the doors of opportunity for women and girls through sport. The Garden of Gratitude not only symbolizes the appreciation PFX Athletics has for its volunteers, but it also illustrates the nature of volunteerism and how giving produces life and continual growth for the community. Softball skills were taught to area youth following the Garden’s grand opening.

is celebrating a significant milestone. In June the Foundation exceeded the million-dollar mark in the amount of patient grants that have been distributed since its inception in 2012. Twenty percent of all patient grants have been awarded to non-FCS patients. Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute pays for FCSF staff salaries and overhead expenses, so that nearly 100% of all dona-

print • digital • television • radio

tions go directly to qualified cancer patients to pay for non-medical living expenses.

August 2015

On Philanthropy Organization: Guardian ad Litem Program, 5th Judicial Circuit Year Established: 1980 What is your not-for-profit status: We are a state and county funded organization

New Owners. New Attitude. New Opportunities.

Address: 418 Alfred Street, Tavares, FL 32778 Phone: 352.343.2736 or 352.425.3552 Web Address: GuardianadLitem.org

volunteers who advocate as Guardians ad Litem for the children they serve.

Email: Diana.Hollwedel@gal.fl.gov Description of Organization: Provides legal and community advocacy for abused and neglected children whose cases are involved with the courts. Who do you serve and how: The Florida Guardian ad Litem Program continues to be a powerful and effective voice advocating for the best interests of Florida’s abused, abandoned, and neglected children and is recognized and respected as a partnership of community advocates and professional staff. To the fullest extent possible, this vision is realized through

What are you most in need of and why: Volunteers/Donations to Voices For Children of North Central Florida, Inc.

Email us at Info@RedApplesMedia.com

Inspiring words: In Lake County, there are more than 300 abused and neglected children who have been removed from their caregivers due to abuse and neglect. The majority of these children are below eight years of age. They need an advocate to speak up for them in court.

Call 352.801.7106

L.E.A.S.H. Collecting Shoes for Shelter Pets facility improvements, adoption promotion, and recruitment of volunteers and fosters.

A new campaign to raise funds for shelter pets is underway. L.E.A.S.H., Inc. has partnered with World Wear Project, a company that turns donated items such as shoes, into cash donations for non-profit organizations around the country.

Gently-worn pairs of shoes may be dropped off at one of three collection points: The Lake County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services, located at 28123 CR 561, Tavares; The Leesburg Public Library, located at 100 E. Main Street, Leesburg; or Broadway Pet Grooming Spa, located at 524 8th Street, Clermont.

World Wear Project will make a monetary donation to L.E.A.S.H., Inc. based on the weight of the collected shoes. There is no cost to the local non-profit. “We are always looking for different approaches to fundraising,” remarked Whitney Luckhart, president and founder of L.E.A.S.H., Inc. “We have several projects and programs to help shelter animals, and they all require funding. This fundraiser

August 2015

allows community members to contribute by cleaning out closets and donating unwanted shoes.” L.E.A.S.H., Inc. shelter support programs include heartworm treatment and other medical sponsorships, enrichment activities,

L.E.A.S.H., Inc., is a non-profit agency based in Lake County that directly benefits shelter animals in need. The mission of the organization includes supporting life-saving projects and programs to assist the local shelter in increasing the live release rate.

FocusLakeCounty.com

On the Issues

Are School Uniforms a Fit for Lake County? I was elected to the Lake County School Board in 2010. At my first statewide conference, I heard Osceola County’s story of improving safety with uniform dress. They reduced referrals to the office by 30%, classroom disruptions by 35%, and gang activity by 75%. My wife and I toured Celebration HS and Osceola HS on February 4, 2011. Dr. Laura Rhinehart shared with us her fears about opening day, three years earlier. It was her first day as Principal of Celebration (63% free and reduced lunch). It went smoothly and now she is a big fan of uniform dress. She also was proud to tell us that they went from a D to an A. Principal Gary Preisser met us at Osceola HS (78% free and reduced lunch) to show us their uniform dress. He was very proud of his school, as they moved from a C to a B.

Both principals echoed that because of uniform dress, classroom disruptions and other incidents were down; both campuses were safer and felt safer. My wife and I have toured many high school campuses, and she said, “I was struck by the civility of both campuses. I felt safer. It was as if the uniformity of dress reminded everyone why they were there – to learn.”

Justice data on school-related arrests. Lake is consistently higher than Osceola. The second is on high school grades. Over the last five years, Osceola – with over 70% of their students on free and reduced lunch – had a 3.54 cumulative high school GPA; Lake County – around 60% of students on free and reduced lunch; according to WellFlorida.org) – had a 2.66 high school GPA.

Another benefit? The year before uniform dress, Osceola had 6 D high schools. In two years, all their high schools were A or B. In the last five years, the 10 Osceola high schools have achieved 30 A’s, 17 B’s, and 3 C’s. Lake County’s eight high schools have achieved 5 A’s, 16 B’s, 16 C’s, and 1 D.

Obviously, uniform dress works for kids in Osceola County. Why can’t it work for our kids?

Jim Miller

Former Lake County Schools Board Member

If you go to UniformDress.org, you will see two 10-year charts contrasting Lake and Osceola. The first has Department of Juvenile

School Uniforms: Students’ Voices on Facebook Omer Alexander Sanchez Jr., Leesburg High School: I’m not a fan of wearing the same thing every day, it’s gonna be annoying me like every day, and people also love to wear clothes to express themselves, so those people aren’t gonna like it. Lizzy Clark, Leesburg High School: I don’t like it because you would have to have two types of outfits, one for school then one for after school. It’s a waste of money to wear dress pants and polos every day. Amy Hudson, Leesburg High School: My take is that it takes away freedom of expression, but then again, most people don’t dress appropriately for school. So, it would decrease the amount of violations, which would then lead to less referrals and people out of school. IDK. I like the idea of it because I think it would benefit people more. Victoria Romero, Leesburg High School: Clothing and piercings and hair are all an expression of self. Repressing one’s ability to express oneself causes issues later on in

life and doesn’t allow for a person to grow in an actual functioning society. If you make a child grow up and repress their inner self from expression around their peers in a social setting, you are basically telling them that they’re wrong for who they are and what they like. This causes rebellion. Cecil J. Charlatan, Valencia College: How does it prevent bullying is the better question. People say it destroys the reason for bullying, but that isn’t always true. People find more reasons to bully students. I know it was that way for me. As far as I can tell, there really hasn’t been much of an advantage to uniforms. If anything, it’s only that there might be less “sagging pants” but other than that there are more cons to uniforms. Expenses for parents, it’s harder to find the right size in pants, they run out quicker, and it does not prevent bullying. Abby Collins, LSSC: Implementing school uniforms, in my opinion, does not solve anything. Yes, expression is important. There are

print • digital • television • radio

many ways to express yourself. You do not need expensive clothing or jewelry to do so. Just because you buy a $50 pink shirt with a tiny symbol versus the kid who buys a similar pink shirt at Goodwill for $2, who is the one with the low self-esteem? Someone who has to cover up their personality with expensive clothing convincing others they are better? I think uniforms support the idea that clothing defines who you are, so in order to make the less fortunate feel better about themselves, we are just going to make everyone dress alike. A bully will ALWAYS find something to pick at. And I believe school uniforms do take away from self expression to some degree. Just prior to publication of this month’s FOCUS, the Lake County School Board approved Leesburg Elementary School’s request to install a uniform policy for the upcoming school year. Leesburg Elementary joins the already approved Groveland Elementary which institued a uniform policy earlier in July.

August 2015

414 W. Main Street • Suite 209 Leesburg, FL 34748

P: 352.353.0096 • F: 352.323.1402 Services: • • • • •

Full Billing Services Insurance Credentialing Computer Support EMR Consulting Meaningful Use Support

www.twinmedicalconsultants.com VOTED #1 RADIO STATION IN LAKE COUNTY VOTED #1 RADIO STATION IN LAKE COUNTY 2013 2013

VOTED #1 RADIO STATION IN LAKE COUNTY 2013

TAYLOR

THE UNCLE SHOW RUSSIE SHOW THE UNCLE RUSSIE WEEKDAYS 4-6PM PM WEEKDAYS 4-6

TAYLOR

MONDAY & TUESDAY

TO WIN LISTENLISTEN TO WIN Home Of :

TAYLOR

MONDAY & TUESDAY

Home Of :

THE UNCLE RUSSIE SHOW WEEKDAYS 4-6 PM

The Party Line • Lake County Auction• Local Sports

JAMES

LISTEN TO WIN OFFICE-352-787-7900 * STUDIO LINE 352-787-WLBE (9523) The 70’S At 7 Weekdays The Party Line • Lake County Auction• Local Sports JAMES LAKE COUNTY AUCTION SHOW WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY The 70’S At 7 WeekdaysMON-FR 8-9a & 11a-NOON

MON – FRI 6PM-10PM MON – FRI 6PM-10PM

HomeStreaming Of : Live AtLINE www.my790am.com OFFICE-352-787-7900 * STUDIO 352-787-WLBE (9523) The • NOW The MY790AM Auction ShowLocal • LocalSports SportsOF THE 50’S, 60’S & 70’S. TheParty PartyLine Line • Lake County Auction• PLAYING THE GREATEST HITS WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY

LAKE COUNTY AUCTION SHOW MON-FR 8-9a & 11a-NOON

MON – FRI 6PM-10PM

MON – FRI 6PM-10PM MON – FRI 6PM-10PM MON – FRI 6PM-10PM

MON – FRI 6PM-10PM

JAMES

Streaming Live At www.my790am.com 70’S SATURDAY NIGHT The 70’S At 7 Weekdays

WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY

NOW PLAYING THE GREATEST HITS11a-NOON OF THE 50’S, 60’S & 70’S. COUNTYAUCTION AUCTIONSHOW SHOW MON-FR TheLAKE MY790AM MON-FRI8-9a 8-9a& &11a-NOON DANCE MIX 7P-MIDNIGHT

MON – FRI 6PM-10PM MON – FRI 6PM-10PM

OFFICE-352-787-7900 * STUDIO LINE 352-787-WLBE (9523) MON – FRI 6PM-10PM

MON – FRI 6PM-10PM

Streaming Live At www.my790am.com

NOW PLAYING THE GREATEST HITS OF THE 50’S, 60’S & 70’S. LIVE! Radio every first & third Thursday at 1:30pm, plus watch us on LSTV & on the web! August 2015

FocusLakeCounty.com

On the Mind Inside the Minds of Children

Starting Your Child’s School Year Off Right

Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation there is sure to be failure. — Confucius Preparation does not only apply to adults, but it applies to preparing your child from the very first day of school to have as successful of an experience as possible. The beginning of the school year provides the parent with an important teachable moment that can provide an invaluable lesson that will have ramifications for the rest of the child’s life. Parents have a golden opportunity to teach their child why it is important for them to try and make a good first impression on their new teacher(s) right from the first day they walk into the classroom. Point out that throughout their life they only have one opportunity to make a good first impression when they meet someone. If they meet someone nice that they want as a friend it is important to try and make a good first impression. If they want to get along well with their boss or the people that they will work with one day, it is important to make a good first impression. You can provide them with numerous other examples of why it is important to make a good first impression when you meet someone. However, also illustrate that if they make a bad first impression then that might be hard to overcome. Of course, making a good initial impression with the teacher applies not only to the child, but it is important for the parent to consider making a good first impression upon their child’s teacher as well. The start of a new school year generates an amalgam of feelings, hopes, and thoughts excitement, anticipation, trepidation (particularly for the uninitiated kindergarten student), reuniting with old friends and making new ones, a fresh start from a challenging previous year, maybe a better teacher than last year, etc. Buying school supplies will be left for another discussion. Instead, let’s address and brainstorm some of the other bigger issues parents might want to consider towards helping their burgeoning young

scholars start the school year off right. Perhaps the most important thing a parent can do to support their child and help start them off on the right foot is to attend Open House and try to meet all of your child’s teachers (both academic and non-academic.) Make it a point to shake hands with each teacher and introduce yourself. Ask them to not hesitate to call you if they have any issues or concerns about your child’s academic performance or behavior as the school year progresses. Let them know you are a supportive and cooperative parent, who will do whatever is needed to help their child achieve success. Find out what the policy is for coming in and having lunch with your child in the cafeteria occasionally. Find out if the teachers allow parents to volunteer in the classroom. As soon as possible, find out about your child’s field trip schedule and plan to chaperone at least one of them during the school year, preferably the very first one scheduled for the year. These parent participation activities will provide extra currency with your child’s teachers, particularly when fathers engage in these activities. When teachers observe parents actively participating in school activities or chaperoning field trips, closer and more cooperative relation-

print • digital • television • radio

ships between the school and these actively engaged parents tend to result. Building a collaborative relationship with your child’s teacher is highly recommended. Be proactive with your child in terms of discussing the subject of “bullying.” According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the percentage of students aged 12-18 who reported being bullied at school has increased by 24.5 percent since 2003. Do not make a big deal about this issue, but encourage your child to inform you immediately if they are beginning to be bullied. Remind your child that you are their trusted ally and that you’re not going to run immediately to inform their teacher or the school principal. An excellent website for effectively broaching the subject of bullying with your child is KidsHealth.org/parent/emotions/feelings/bullies.html# Till next time, I rest my case. Bob Blanchette is a private practice psychologist in Lake County. HumCollaB.B@Comcast.net 352.217.0131

August 2015

Teachers, Uniforms and Books... Let’s Give Our Local Schools a Look WRITTEN BY VANCE JOCHIM

Are Lake County school kids getting a good education or not? Are lazy parents or poorly-educated parents a cause? Can parents with children at any school ensure that they receive a good education? The Lake County School District is the largest employer in the county and educates almost 50,000 students each year. In addition, there are charter schools, private schools, and homeschool parents that are also educating our children. Some parents and employers complain about Florida Standards, work skills, reading, writing, Liberal and Islam bias, and worry about the quality of schools in general. So, we decided to tell you about some improvements in different education methods and advise that not everything has gone to pot. Yes, you read about low student test scores or low school rankings, but is that the best indicator of school quality in Lake County? I think not. I have been attending most School Board meetings for eight years, and learned a few things. The truth is that you need to look deeper into the education system to learn what works and what does not. Overall test scores and school rankings can be low, but those are averages, and it doesn’t mean the education is poor for those students who are disciplined and take advantage of the education system benefits. ***** The Lake County School District is composed of 51 schools, almost 50,000 students, and over 3,000 teachers. Excluding charter schools, that leaves 44 elementary, K-8, middle, and high schools, managed by the central School District administration and the five elected School Board members. Students progress via a “feeder pattern” from one level of school to the next. In the most recent Florida Department of Education school rankings, Lake County has many C, D, and F schools. Does that mean all students in C, D, or F ranked schools are poorly educated? No. It means that the lower-rated schools have students that may be from lower income

August 2015

and non-English speaking families that drag down the average scores. Lower income families don’t always ensure their kids do homework, or read to them, or set expectations for 100% attendance to classes. So their kids skip classes, are tardy, avoid homework, take easier classes, or even drop out. That behavior is hard for teachers to control. Those situations were all discussed in two recent community meetings held to improve school rankings in Leesburg and Eustis. In Leesburg, they had a large community meeting and parents spoke out about the need to get all parents to provide direction and discipline for their children. The initial meeting resulted in subsequent monthly meetings, guided by the Chamber of Commerce, to work on issues like providing mentors for children who had no parental guidance, and to establish “partnerships” with local employers and churches. But other students, at the same schools, have involved parents or are self-motivated and disciplined, and they do well. They don’t skip school, are not tardy, do the homework, participate in class, and focus on learning, to ensure a bright future. There is now more encouragement to take AP (Advanced Placement) classes, which are classes that result in college credit if the student achieves specified test scores. Unfortunately, AP classes are defined by the College Board, and some parents are now objecting to liberal and other biases inserted into the AP classes, and a movement has started to pull kids out of AP classes until liberal biases are removed. (Note: AP US History has the most objections, and not all AP classes are subject to biases.) The movement to reduce AP participation may be a tough sell since good scores on AP tests result in college credits and easier entry into selective colleges. What are the advantages of students enrolling in the normal public school system? I talked to two school principals and both offered many reasons to keep students in public schools.

Beverly Shores Elementary in Leesburg – Principal Monica Gordon This Leesburg school received a Florida Department of Education ranking of D in the most recent review. Ms. Gordon explains they have challenges with the demographics, where many children come from low income homes, without parents who encourage the children to be active learners. Gordon does say that being enrolled in a public school provides access to benefits not offered by other education systems. “We serve every spectrum of child, and have specialized units to serve slow learners, autistic kids, or gifted students who can enter accelerated learning programs. Public schools can offer added classroom settings,” she concluded. For instance, a nearby charter school closed recently, and Beverly Shores held an open house for parents of the 40-50 students moving to her school. “The parents’ questions were answered,” she explained. “We offer AVID classes with higher-order thinking strategies.” Some parents complain about Florida Standards, but Gordon says that it is “more rigorous and goes deeper into subject areas. Every child is making improvements in grade level.” When asked about parent complaints that the Florida Standards are too hard or not developmentally appropriate, she explains, “When you deliver instruction in chunks, it should not be overwhelming. I have never had a parent complain about the ability of their child to cope with the standards and related curriculum.” Although Gordon did not mention it, another reason for poor school rankings is English language learners who do not speak or write English well. They contribute to the low average rankings of several schools. However, the School District recently conducted a study to find areas to reduce spending, then switched the savings, including one million dollars, into the budget for helping English language learners. “We see growth in our children. We are on our way to getting an

FocusLakeCounty.com

A rating. Beverly Shores used to have an A rating.” Gordon says that some students are a challenge and the early warning indicators are poor attendance. “We can’t control parents’ motivation to encourage student attendance. However, we have programs like an “On Time” club where children with perfect attendance get field trips as an incentive. Kids want to be part of the activities and to take ownership of their attendance record. Some parents require personal outreach to get them to motivate their children to attend school. We try to relate to good attendance as an important behavior leading to future success.” Another behavior factor, helped by the Leesburg committee for better schools, is the involvement of churches; especially African-American churches, which “adopt” a local school and help with resources and mentoring. Beverly Shores has partnered with three local churches, and the idea is to get church leaders to provide inspiration about education and attendance for children who do not have good parental direction. “All school principals want community partnerships,” says Gordon. “We are starting to see a turnaround, and when we have a student and parent event, 300-400 people now show up.” In conclusion Gordon shared, “We are here to partner with parents, and welcome their voices.” South Lake High School – Principal Rob McCue This school is one of the few Lake County schools to be the site of a Bill and Melinda Gates funded grant – a pilot project for Individual Personalized learning (IPL). It is mandatory for ninth graders, and optional so far for higher grades. Rather than follow rote learning lessons, students create “individual” learning plans and work on projects using “project-based learning” with groups and collaboration. Rather than just listen to lectures and take tests, they might collaborate in group projects to research

print • digital • tele-

vi-

history and science topics, then create a presentation on solving an environmental problem. The School District plans to roll out IPL to other schools in the future when funding permits. Now, according to South Lake’s McCue, more AP and CTE classes are being added to his schedule. This is partly due to the transfer of about 130 freshmen from the Minneola area, due to the new boundary map that determines which school they attend. McCue also pointed out that this year 900 of his students took different AP tests, compared to 559 the prior year, indicating a growth in aspirations. Career and Professional Academies, and LakeTech Lake County has always had “Career Technical Education” (CTE) programs at high schools and some middle schools. They have grown due to the emphasis on the “Career and College-Ready” focus of the new Florida Standards, and newer schools may have more sophisticated technical equipment that was funded as part of construction. They include classes to earn industry certificates in many trades, including fields like construction, AV technology, health sciences, and other fields. This is way beyond taking wood shop like I did as a kid. Programs vary by high school, so parents should learn about different programs to help their children choose one. Get CTE information at Lake. k12.fl.us/Page/438

sion •

And don’t forget LakeTech in Eustis (Laketech.org), which is an official charter high school and post-secondary adult school, but has more advanced hands-on “dual-enrollment” career technical classes like public safety and manufacturing, and health sciences programs, like Emergency Medical Technician, Paramedic, or Nursing Assistant (CNA). Many high school students and parents do not know about LakeTech, but if the student is a hands-on type of learner, they need to know about both the CTE classes in their local schools and also the LakeTech dual-enrollment programs. Many of the students of either type of program can graduate and get hired quickly with these skills. Discussions at prior School Board meetings indicate not all high school counselors will tell students about Lake Tech, because if a student enrolls, the revenue paid by the state follows the student to LakeTech. Thus parents need to get involved to ensure their students are aware of LakeTech dual-enrollment programs.

August 2015

Charter Schools in Lake County Two charter schools in Leesburg just closed for not meeting state standards. However, there are four “conversion” charter schools, and three “non-conversion or startup” charter schools in Lake County. Conversion charter schools are former public schools that converted to charters, but their staff and teachers are still part of the Lake County School District wage and benefit plan. The startup charters were initiated by private groups. Spring Creek Conversion K-8 Charter School – Principal Wesley Locke Wesley Locke is the Principal of Spring Creek Conversion K-8 Charter School in the northeast corner of Lake County, in Paisley. The difference between a conversion charter school and a regular public school, is that it’s run by a community board who hires the principal. The School District has no authority over the school or hiring of the principal. Thus the School Board and principal can choose a curriculum based upon local, not state or district, requirements. As a result, the school follows the Florida Standards but chooses their own curriculum, which is project-based, and not focused on state-defined topics. “We don’t teach to the state tests because we believe the curriculum we use prepares students to be successful taking any test.” Spring Creek uses a curriculum focused on project learning that emphasizes “doing” or hands-on assignments, versus lectures and tests. This engages students who are from low income families that may not encourage reading and academics. “Continuity and stability in staff and teachers is also important, and the School District cannot transfer our leaders or teachers like they do in regular public schools,” concludes Locke.

Some parents complain about Florida Standards, but Gordon says that it is “more rigorous and goes deeper into subject areas. Every child is making improvements in grade level.”

Visit Lake Schools “Home Education” page at Lake.k12.fl.us/page/1315

One well-known private school in Lake County is the Montverde Academy. According to its Dean private schools in Lake County are doing just fine.

Get the Lake County School Choice Brochure To help understand all the different school choices, including virtual and magnet schools, locate the newly-updated “School Choice Brochure” on the School District website, by searching the word “choice” at Lake.k12.fl.us/. Note: The brochure does not discuss “post-secondary” (college credit) LakeTech, or dual-enrollment programs at Lake-Sumter State College, so visit LakeTech.org, or LSSC.edu, for how high school students can enter dual-enrollment programs.

The Dean of Admissions for the non-profit K-12 Montverde Academy, Jack Sweeney, said they are already at capacity for this fall with 1200 students (day and boarding school) and have waiting lists for the middle and elementary day-school programs. They are a college prep academy focusing on sports and now arts. 100% of their students were accepted by colleges, and 90% were accepted by their first-choice college. Montverde Academy publishes their fees on their website for both day-school local students and boarding students. Day-school rates are $13,000 plus, while Sweeney says many Orlando private schools are charging $20,000 per year. “We like to keep the fees low.” Last year, they had 60 students start in mid-semester, but they don’t track the reasons for the applications. They do not follow Florida Standards. Montverde does not receive state funding, but does have a scholarship fund of $10 million, so they can extend scholarships on a needs basis. Homeschooling We could not get any homeschooling parents to return our calls, but many anti-Florida Standards parents are moving their students into homeschooling and here are some references: Check out the Florida Parent Educators Association (FPEA) at FPEA.com

August 2015

Review a homeschooling consultant’s website at HomeSchoolinFlorida.com Facebook.com/groups/LakeCountyFLHomeschoolers/ Visit the Facebook page “Crossing over to Homeschooling”

All types of Lake County schools provide a good education, but active parents and motivated students are the key to finding the best programs and schools. Parents should research each type of program above, find one that fits their child, and ensure they do the homework and attend all classes, to have the best chance for a successful future.

School Health Team Relocates As of July 20, the School Health Team which was formerly housed in the “Eustis Health Center,” was relocated to the department’s Administration Building located at 16140 US Hwy 441. For more information, please contact them at 352.589.6424 or visit Lake.FloridaHealth.gov

FocusLakeCounty.com

A FOCUS STAFF REPORT

6 on 6: The State of Lake County Schools

This month FOCUS concentrated on school issues around Lake County. As part of this effort, Lake County School Board members, the Superintendent, and the president of the Lake County Education Association answered a questionnaire detailing the state of our schools and future of the local youth. Below are their poignant answers to the issues raised by these questions. For their complete responses please

visit FocusLakeCounty.com

1) What is the biggest challenge facing Lake County Schools? 2) What do you find the most pride in? 3) What is your biggest frustration with the school system? 4) What is the best-kept secret about our schools in Lake County? 5) What myth about our school system would you like to dispel? 6) Looking into your own personal crystal ball, what does the future look like for Lake County Schools?

Bill Mathias District 1

Rosanne Brandeburg District 2

Marc Dodd District 3

Debbie Stivender District 4

3) The reality is we have very little control. Funding is set by the state and federal government. Lake County is 66th out of 67 counties in funding per student. Curriculum and assessments are dictated by the Florida Department of Education. The legislature sets, in many cases, unfunded statutes that must be met.

1) Inadequate funding for our school district. The Lake County School District is funded at number 66 out of 67 counties in Florida. We have tremendous capital needs including technology, maintenance, school buses, white fleet, and the ability to build replacement and new schools with the aging of existing schools and the increase in the county’s growth.

1) When your funding level is 66th out of 67 counties, the answer is easy. While we should always be good stewards of taxpayer dollars, it becomes even more important to allocate resources wisely in ways that will improve district performance.

2) Being able to represent the 42,000 + students and their families. Being at a school and seeing that light in a student’s eyes when they realize they got it! Watching a teacher interact with their students and knowing that their interaction is making a lasting positive impact on those lives.

4) Lake Hills Special Education School, located in Howey-in-the-Hills, educates our most severely disabled students in Lake County. I think society is judged by how it treats its most vulnerable citizens. The passion of the administration and educators for their students truly demonstrates the best in all of us. The success of our CTE programs, that prepare students who are not going to college, for a career path.

4) The outstanding teachers, staff, and administration and their commitment and dedication to improving the lives of our children.

3) The speed of government is slow. Prior to being elected, I was a kindergarten teacher. I experienced plenty of struggles that plague classrooms everywhere. Despite identifying significant issues and their widespread impact, implementing the solutions isn’t always quick.

5) That the school board runs the day-to-day oper5) The negative views ations of the district. The and opinions that are held school board hires the superabout our schools. Our intendent who subsequently students are excelling each hires the rest of the adminday and we need more istrative staff. By Florida support from our commu- statute, administration has nities to help us improve responsibility for the majority and not tear us apart. of the decisions.

print • digital • television • radio

Stephanie Luke District 5

2) Being able to help people – several of the emails or phone calls I receive are to provide information that helps get them to the source of their questions. Be it leaders, teachers, parents. I’ve had the opportunity to engage with community members and be their voice, which lends itself to my next bullet. Listening to stakeholders and having the ability to 4) The people, over 5,000 implement improvements for strong, who have dedicated the students’ benefit. their lives to prepare the future workforce of this 6) Personalized learning for county, to be either college all students to maximize their or career-ready! achievement and success, along with a “small town” 6) My fear is that society relationship/trust factor has shifted the focus away despite our “large district” from public schools and status. We offer a hometown toward the charter/voucher environment while continuconcepts. Without a public ously growing. We have so school system, there will much to offer and I’d love continue to be dividing to see our re-organization at lines that will not help this the district lend itself to more county, state, or country consistent expectations, and regain their rightful place in high standards at all schools the world. = success for all!

August 2015

1) It’s difficult to meet growing needs – particularly our capital needs – with limited funds. We have aging buildings that need major renovations or replacement. We also need to upgrade our Susan Moxley, Ed.D technology infrastrucSuperintendent ture; make HVAC, roofing and plumbing repairs, and replace old school buses. Our challenge is to ensure all of these needs are met while never losing our focus on our primary goal – helping children learn, grow and excel. 2) We are fortunate to have a community of business partners, parents, other engaged residents and staff who are all truly passionate about children and their success. 3) I want people to understand that an investment in education provides a greater return long-term than an investment in the stock market. If we invest now, we will have a well-trained work force that can

STUART KLATTE PRESIDENT, LAKE COUNTY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

1) The biggest challenge for Lake County Schools is responding in the best interest of students and teachers to the legislative attempts to control and influence our educational system. Our elected state and national politicians naively inject themselves into our locally-controlled public schools in everything from teacher hiring and retention, to testing and budget. Lake County is one of the lowest-funded school systems in the nation yet every year we get new unfunded mandates in both curriculum and testing. 2) Every teacher has stories of former students thanking them for influencing their lives toward a career, professional, or personal accomplishment. We shape future citizens daily. Education is the equalizer for all students regardless of socioeconomic levels, race, creed, handicapping conditions, or religion. I feel proud watching the joy of discovery when a child first understands a new concept, or assisting a student to make a career choice. High school graduation ceremonies are the culmination of

August 2015

contribute to our economy and community in the future. 4) We have a robust Career-Technical Education program that prepares students for careers in advanced industries. Last year, we had 69 Career and Professional Academies in our schools, and students earned 1,687 certifications in culinary arts, digital design, television production and many other areas. 5) It’s important for all of our stakeholders to know that at Lake County Schools we want to be transparent, and we welcome their input and partnership. The system of public education can be very complicated, intricate and difficult to maneuver. It works best when we all work together. 6) I see Lake County Schools providing an environment where students work with teachers to drive their own learning and connect that learning with their individual interests and aspirations. They will develop the skills to use appropriate technology and resources while building networks of teachers, experts and peers for support.

every student’s, parent’s, teacher’s, support staff and administrator’s efforts. 3) Just because you went to school and had a teacher does not make you an expert on education. Teachers are professionally-trained, many with advanced degrees, certified, licensed, and have work experience outside of education. Decisions are often made without listening to the true experts in education. A decision may appear logical on the surface but is often implemented without teacher input or a complete vetting. There is a lack of consistency in our Lake County Schools. Our schools vary by technology, facility, educational quality, and leadership. 4) The positive interaction between student and teacher on a daily basis is the best kept secret. This connection cannot be measured by any test. A student will often refer to “MY teacher.” Teachers encourage children to try new things and will give support in success and failure. The student has to trust their teacher to guide them into the unknown. Lake County Schools has a variety of career and technical programs at each of the high schools that are industry-standard and result in certification. Programs range from medical, robotics, agriculture, business, television production, culinary, and many others that lead to career-ready students.

Get involved and make your voice heard. A schedule of the school board meetings is posted in the calendar section of the Lake County Schools website at Lake. K12.FL.us and airs on Lake Sumter TV (LakeSumterTV. com for times and channels.) And don’t forget to stay connected with FOCUS on Facebook and at our website FocusLakeCounty.com where we will be posting the complete answers to all of the questions asked of board members. Plus, you can connect with Lake County Schools on Facebook to see what is going on and keep up-to-date with the latest news and information regarding our local schools. 5) In Lake County there is no such thing as tenure. Any teacher can be terminated for a variety of just-cause reasons or poor performance. There is not even a guarantee of employment year to year for most teachers. Teaching is not an 8 hour day with summers off. Most teachers work 60 hours per week and even during their unpaid summer “vacation.” Planning lessons, additional training, and tutoring are just a few of the activities teachers undertake on their own time. We keep hearing about international ranking of US students on the PISA test. When the results are aggregated for poverty rates, US students rank in the top five internationally. 6) Private business learned 20 years ago that in order to save money and be more competitive, they needed to flatten their organization structure. I would like to see Lake County Schools do the same and put more resources into our classrooms to benefit students. We are at a crossroads. We know from the research, that smaller class sizes and more teacher collaboration and planning benefit our students. Will we make the wretched compromises necessary to accomplish this or will we continue to accept the “drill and test” methods that the state and national legislatures have imposed on us for an entire generation of students?

FocusLakeCounty.com

rofiles In the August episode of Profiles on LSTV, Pat Burke discusses HOOPS Life and how it’s impacting area youth, his basketball career, and how young people in Lake and surrounding counties can benefit from the effects of being on a team. FOCUS has highlights from that interview, plus you can scan the code in the corner to watch it in its entirety. Learn more at HOOPSPatBurke. com

Q&A with Pat Burke Hoops Life Training Facility

PAT: I would say that 85% of it is life skill lessons and then the other part, of course, is 15% [basketball], but there are children walking into this program that don’t even want to play basketball. They’ve never even played the game. It’s not about them having pressure on being able to dribble a ball.

PROFILES: For those that are unfamiliar, explain to us the concept of HOOPS Life.

happening, to actually have a child understand exactly what’s being taught, with the ability to put it back into the off-the-court play or off-the-field, and that’s what HOOPS Life started to do and that of course creates something that’s so overwhelming it makes it so that the children do have a transformation. PROFILES: Once they leave here, they’ve got their home life. What role does their home life and their parents play, in either creating almost a challenge to what you’re trying to achieve, or to support it?

PAT: In the HOOPS PAT: As a parent, I would Life program, individual want the best for my chilchildren are asked what they want to work on dren and that’s exactly and asked what it is what we get the parents that they would like to in HOOPS Life to do. I’m do as far as becoming not sharing that I want to their best. That means parent someone’s child and that it’s not a ball going I’m not saying that I have through a hoop. It’s a the manual to parenting. simple concept of self What I have is a program awareness, “How am that assists children and parPHOTO BY ASHTON BRACCIODIETA I affecting the people ents to see something that around me? Whether it’s Pat Burke, owner of HOOPS Life Training Facility during his interview with Marc they really want. Inside of my parents, whether it’s Robertz-Schwartz on LSTV’s Profiles. that, there is a commitment the children that I’m runlevel. You couldn’t do this in Inside of that, it’s to not talk about the ball ning up and down the floor with, or whether one conversation. That’s why HOOPS Life is itself. Basketball is really just the bridge. It’s it’s my teacher.” When you allow a child that a twelve-week program. From the moment comfort level, not to be told what to do, not the conduit by which we introduce other they walk in, my staff and I are talking with to submit to being told and telling them what things. parents about how we can assist them. The I believe as an adult would help their lives, children are actually sharing where they you are actually allowing them a safe place PROFILES: Tell me what you’re trying to would want to go with individual goals. for them to figure it out, and when that hapachieve. What are the philosophies and what PROFILES: What are some of the most pens it does it in such a way that it creates a are the goals for the kids that come through common goals that you hear? team and a family. I get goose bumps right the program? now thinking about how children start to change and transform their approach with PAT: If you think about it, how much monPAT: Two years ago, I was trying to help my child understand how to clean his room, or their homework or their responsibilities at the ey and time does corporate America spend house or even their communication with their looking to invest in team-building and under- trying to get him to do his homework or tryparents. It also allows the parents to finally standing how people can work with each oth- ing to have him understand his emotions and er? What we’ve done in creating the HOOPS see that maybe there’s a way in which they can assist too. Life program is starting that from seven years old. How many professional athletes, after Scan the code to watch they’re done with their careers, can create PROFILES: How much of this is basketball this month’s episode of Profiles featuring and how much of this is a bigger picture, life simple analogies of how a sport can work its Pat Burke. skills? way back into business? Most programs don’t have the opportunity, in the moment it’s

print • digital • television • radio

August 2015

how to manage them. Those individual goals are what we work with. But, what if a question was asked about how they’re thinking in those moments? Or what could we do to assist them to make that better? And it provides that ability for a child to have a comfort level. The amount of trust and the amount of ability for a child to share what it is they want with a group that’s working with them, that produces the HOOPS Life measurements of achievement. PROFILES: How do you measure success? PAT: We’ve partnered up with schools. We [focus on] everything from attendance to time management to grades and then there are some things you can only measure by a parent maybe quantifying on a scale of one to ten. How do you measure a child’s confidence? How do you know when they’ve actually come to a point where they can come up to any adult and look them in the eye and shake their hand, or when they have the ability to communicate right in front of everybody. Success stories [like] a child who used to wear sunglasses and the parents would walk into a room and tell other parents and adults, “Please, don’t look my child in the eyes because he has a fear of that particular child moving on and becoming one of the leaders of this program and actually going on to play in travel ball and being one of the

I learned a lot of things in life, how to do them by myself. Many times people don’t understand how to ask for help in a way that provides a team to come and help them. kids that everybody else wants to be like.” That’s another one of those goose bump moments where I know we created that and that measurable is something that makes people realize there’s something special going on there. There are other basketball programs where the basketball is great. We’re not looking to make the greatest basketball players. If they want that, we can do it, but what we’re looking to do is to make great people. PROFILES: How different would your youth have been had a program like this existed? Because it’s pretty forward-thinking. PAT: Wow, I’d have to look back at where I was. I was not the best student. My parents were hard-working. My dad worked

rofiles

long hours and so did my mom. Growing up, I had the ability to throw my book bag in the corner of the room and never do my homework. I struggled with getting things done on time but also I struggled with not having that understanding of how to do it, time management, all of that. A program like this I believe, of course, would have created an understanding of how to do things with a team. Early on, I learned a lot of things in life, how to do them by myself. Many times people don’t understand how to ask for help in a way that provides a team to come and help them. Having the ability to ask questions can provide assistance, but when you’re doing things by yourself, things start to pile up. If you can actually ask people, “Where can I get the assistance to fix this?” then you’re starting an opportunity for someone else to contribute. PROFILES: Who is going to best benefit from being part of HOOPS Life? PAT: I will give you a line from my brother-in-law; he’s a wise man. He shared with me, “I don’t know any kid who doesn’t need HOOPS Life.” It isn’t strangers, it isn’t yelling at kids. It isn’t telling people from the sidelines what to do. It’s more family. It’s more relationships. It’s more finding out where people want to go other than having people tell you where you should go.

Watch the one-on-one interview with Pat Burke on the Award-Winning Profiles Featuring

Mon • Wed • Fri 7a & 7p Tue • Thu • Sat 10:30a & 10:30p Comcast 13 • Bright House 498 • FL Cable 4 LakeSumterTV.com

August 2015

FocusLakeCounty.com

The mission of Take Stock in Children, a statewide Mentor/Scholarship program, is to end the cycle of poverty through education, by providing financially at-risk students the opportunity to earn a college scholarship. We offer our students college scholarships, caring volunteer mentors, a student advocate, and hope for a better life involving their families. Our comprehensive services start in middle school, continue through high school, and include their transition into college.

teer mentor who meets with the student once a week at his or her high school.

One of the key and proven success factors for the program is the role of the mentor. Each student who enters Take Stock in Children is immediately matched with a volun-

For information on volunteering, mentoring, or becoming a donor, please call 352.787.6576, or email WeidnerG@Lake.K12.FL.us

Take Stock in Children induction class of 2015. Current Status: 189 in High School

Three students are currently teachers in Lake County and one student is a teacher in Sumter County.

It’s “Bumble” Time

Degrees received by graduated students: Associates 60 Bachelor’s 100 Master’s 16 PhD 5 Certificates 16 Total 197

and To Benefit Lake Cares Food Pantry

Presented by:

Be part of an exciting spelling bee competition designed for ADULTS Teams confer on the correct spelling No microphones The final answer is written on a white board at each table No elimination for incorrect answers

THE TAKE STOCK IN CHILDREN 14th ANNUAL CORPORATE SPELLING BEE AND SILENT AUCTION

THURSDAY SEPT. 17, 2015 AT LAKE RECEPTIONS

4425 Highway 19A, Mount Dora, FL Cocktails and silent auction 5:30-6p.m. • Dinner and competition 6-8:30p.m.

GET YOUR COLONY IN ON THE ACTION KILLER BEES - $1,000

8 person team Dinner and a drink for each person

HONEY BEES - $500

4 person team Dinner and a drink for each person

SPECTATOR TICKETS - $25

Dinner and a drink for each person

Proceeds to benefit Students in Lake & Sumter Counties • Tax Exempt ID # 59-2764174

For more information, call Take Stock in Children at 352.787.6576 or email WEIDNERG@LAKE.K12.FL.US

print • digital • television • radio

• 4 Person Scramble • Price: $50.00 per person • Men’s/Women’s/Mixed Divisions

• Shotgun Start: 8:30am • 18 holes of Golf/Cart/Luncheon

For more info: email Kathleen at kathleen.lakecares@gmail.com, call 352-383-0100 or email us online at www.lakecares.org 2001 W. Old Hwy 441, Ste 1• Mount Dora, FL 32757 • (352) 383-0100

August 2015

Name:

Janet Hoskinson County: Lake Affiliation: Kiwanis Club of Clermont Reason Involved in Take Stock in Children: Related to Geomariâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s difficulties because she has a granddaughter one year ahead of Geomari in college

Happy to Mentor

The Take Stock In Children program is a wonderful program. In my studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s case TSIC partnered with the Kiwanis Club of Clermont to provide a four year tuition paid scholarship to the school of their choice. TSIC then provides mentors for them to keep them focused on the steps they need to take so at the end of high school, they are ready for an easy transition into college. As a mentor I worked with my student on a regular basis making sure that needed classes were taken, volunteer hours were earned, goals were stated and met. She was active in sports and in clubs where she took positions of responsibility. I worked with a student who knew exactly what she wanted and already had the discipline to meet her goals. I had a granddaughter a year ahead of her so I could also relate to her some of the difficulties my granddaughter had in her first year of college. I was so proud of how well she did and she was completely ready to move on to college. The best benefit was that I got to share her four years of high school with her and hope that it made her more comfortable to move into college life. I also found a new friend. Sincerely, Janet Hoskinson

Letter of Gratitude

I just wanted to express my gratitude and thanks to you and the Take Stock foundation for the opportunity that I was given to eam the scholarship that I was granted. It is truly a blessing, for the financial aspect of college had always been a looming threat that made me question the option of going to college to begin with. You guys really made my dream come true! I am also very appreciative of my mentor, Mrs. Hoskinson, for guiding me throughout my high school career. She was always the one person I could talk to about my stress with school, and she was always such a great listener. The program also helped me tremendously with what to expect from college, making me less anxious for the transition yet to come. Again, words cannot perfectly describe how thankful I am for being a part of Take Stock, and I hope that this program continues to change the lives of others like it has done for me. You guys are awesome! Kind regards, Geomari Martinez South Lake High School

August 2015

FocusLakeCounty.com

s e i c a g e L e k La

Haugabrooks: Born to Teach WRITTEN BY NANCI SCHWARTZ PHOTO BY BONNIE WHICHER

The name “Haugabrook” is not common but it is likely that hundreds, if not thousands of students throughout Lake and Sumter Counties know it. It is because Haugabrooks were born to teach. In Lake County, Tanya, Brian and Letizia Haugabrook are employed by the school district. Minerva Haugabrook teaches at Lake-Sumter State College. They are four of more than about a dozen members of the family – by blood and by marriage – who have dedicated their lives to education. The family tree of teachers has many branches: Letizia and Brian Haugabrook are siblings. Minerva is married to their uncle and Tanya to one of their cousins. Brian, meanwhile, is married to Kenesha who teaches in Sumter County Schools. His brother is also married to a teacher, Melonie. Some of their career paths are similar. They didn’t plan to be teachers. Brian studied Sociology at the University of Florida and planned to work at the federal prison. “I worked in a teaching program while at UF and it just felt natural. It was a lot of fun.” Brian teaches reading and physical education at Carver Middle School and also coaches flag football, soccer and girls basketball. Tanya was a business major who worked as a teacher’s assistant to help with expenses. “When I was a T.A., I fell in love with teaching and didn’t look back,” said Tanya, who became a teacher in 1996 and is at Carver Middle School teaching intensive reading. Letizia says the principal of her elementary school inspired her at an early age to be an

educator. “He was Some members of the Haugabrook family who are educators are picalways so visible tured here: Front row left to right: Kenesha and Brian Haugabrook, Meland very friendly. anie Haugabrook. Dr. Minerva Haugabrooks, on left, and Letizia Haugabrook are in the back row. I wanted to do that.” But she says stand where the kids are coming from. I enjoy her family pushed helping them to read.” her to study engineering at the University of Central Florida. “I remember being a teacher’s assistant for a “Not even a year into my major, I knew I didn’t second grade class and there was a student who could not write her name,” said Tanwant to do it. I walked my records over to the ya. “When I taught her to write her name, it education school,” said Letizia, who began turned on all the lights for me.” her career in Sumter County schools. After five years, she transferred to the Lake County “I love teaching because it has the potential to School District as an administrator where she’s bring out the best in those we teach. We are all been for 19 years. Most recently, Letizia was principal at Treadway Elementary School but is at our best when what we read can be applied to our daily lives,” said Minerva. moving to the District where she’ll be Administrative Coordinator for Title 1 programs. “Shop talk” does come up a bit when the family Minerva, however, received her inspiration from gets together. her high school history teacher. “Letizia pushes us on everything,” laughs Tanya, who says Letizia and Brian are like her “She was a great role model and encouraged siblings. me to tutor students who were having difficulty. I loved her spirit of compassion and her desire to see all students succeed,” said Miner- “She (Letizia) wants to make sure what we’re doing is up to her standards and that of the va, who teaches health sciences at Lake-Sumter State College. She’s been an educator since school district,” agreed Brian. she was 19 and even taught science at the Ironically, some of them hadn’t even realized high school level. that “educator” seems to be a family gene trait. And after many years in the school environSo why are so many Haugabrooks happiest in ment, the Haugabrooks are each passionate the classroom? about it. “The biggest part is being with children. I love seeing them grow and helping them learn,” said Letizia, who specializes in working with children with learning disabilities and understands some children learn differently than others.

“The Haugabrook family comes from a long line of educators,” said Minerva. ”Many, many, years ago they established Haugabrook Academy in Atlanta and many members of this family have been trained to serve in education, business, health, and music.”

Brian, who admits he wasn’t a good reader as a child, has used that to his benefit. “When you’re not an avid reader, it’s easier to under-

“We are a giving family and we love people,” said Letizia. “My family is about service to people.”

print • digital • television • radio

August 2015

LUXURY & ELEGANCE

with ocean views from every window.

$20.00 off

Purchase of $100.00 or more Expires August 31, 2015

Picture yourself surrounded by open ocean, romance, adventure, and elegance.

352.748.ROCK (7625)

Indulge in fine dining, high teas, and traditional on-island lobster bakes for a perfect Maine island Lighthouse experience.

4144 E. CR 462, Wildwood, FL 34785

Each suite pampers guests with separate si ing and sleeping chambers, king sized beds, and luxury private bath.

Photos by Darren Setlow

Resident Inn Keepers, Mark Zinkiewicz and Heather Graham

Surround yourself with sweeping panoramic views of Maineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Atlantic Coastline and bask in contemporary luxury and design. The custom millwork, beautiful moldings, coffered ceilings and marble bathrooms are the ultimate in cra smanship. The Cuckolds is a unique experience, receiving each guest in contemporary luxury through layers of bespoke cra smanship and design. All honoring the sense of place and Cuckolds history. Your island adventure begins with an ocean cruise to this rocky island. The sounds of the ocean waves lull you to sleep each night.

Come and stay... Reservations: 855.212.5252 www.InnAtCuckoldsLighthouse.com

August 2015

InnAtCuckolds_HalfVert_2015_2.indd 1

1/8/15 11:42 AM

FocusLakeCounty.com

My incredible heart!

PUMPS OVER

250 000 OUNCES

BRIGITTE JACKSON “Wednesday I went to Emergency thinking I had heartburn.

Thursday they did a bunch of tests. Friday they cleared a 90% blockage in my heart. They saved my life. It’s that simple. I’ve made changes — diet, exercise. To date I’ve lost 45 pounds and I wear a size 6-8! I’ll never go anywhere but Florida Hospital Waterman. ”

Your heart is incredible, too. Take our heart risk assessment at FHWATERMANHEART.COM

A DAY

CENTRAL FLORIDA’S MOST AWARDED CUSTOM HOME BUILDER AND REMODELER...

Still.

Kevco Builder’s Next Dream Home Could be Yours! $3,000 Towards Closing Costs**

Sleepy Hollow** Meadow Ridge** FROM

$144,900

ZERO DOWN

Leesburg, FL

Payment equals $919.53*

FROM

$169,900 Grand Island, FL

Payment equals $1,056.03*

ONLY 12 LOTS REMAINING!

Lock Leven $349,900

Beauclair Ranch Club

Black Bear Reserve

$349,900

FROM

Mt. Dora, FL

FROM

Tavares, FL On a 2-5 acre lot

$199,900 Eustis, FL

OR A Custom

Home ON YOUR LOT Joe Ziler President, Kevco Builders

Watch Interviews with Kevco Homeowners

352-508-1875 KevcoBuilders.com

*Payment includes estimated principle, interest, estimated taxes and insurance. Payment based on a purchase price of $144,900 with zero down, 30 yr fixed rate USDA financing at a rate of 4% with an APR of 4.759%. Terms and conditions can vary. This is not meant to be a binding quote or an approval, but is presented strictly for informational purposes. Contact your trusted lender for details. License #CBC1289012. **Payment includes estimated principle, interest, estimated taxes and insurance. Payment based on a purchase price of $169,900 with zero down, 30 yr fixed rate USDA financing at a rate of 4% with an APR of 4.747%. Terms and conditions can vary. This is not meant to be a binding quote or an approval, but is presented strictly for informational purposes. Contact your trusted lender for details. License #CBC1289012.

On Events August 22; 7 AM – 9 AM NTC Lace It Up Series: Gem of the Hills 5-Miler National Training Center For more info 352.241.7144

August 27; 6 – 8 PM Lake Louisa Super Sprint Triathlon Lake Louisa State Park For more info 352.536.2453

Every Saturday; 8 AM – 1 PM Leesburg Saturday Morning Market LeesburgSaturdayMorningMarket.com

August 8; 10 AM – 1:30 PM Star Wars Day Cagan Crossings Community Library

August 7; 6 PM Red Hot Mamas Wine Pairing Dinner Leesburg Center For The Arts LeesburgCenter4Arts.com August 24; 2 PM – 3 PM Allergies and Asthma Leesburg Public Library For more info 352.728.9790 August 25; 10 AM – 2 PM Access Florida Volunteers Leesburg Public Library For more info 352.728.9790

August 8; 6 – 9:30 PM Leesburg Food Truck-n-Flick Night Towne Square

August 1; 9 AM – 4 PM Basket Weaving Workshop Trout Lake Nature Center For more info 352.357.7536

August 1 & 2; 9 AM – 12 PM Learn To Row Clermont Boathouse For more info 303.656.8816 August 5; 10 AM – 7 PM Career Source Training Florida Cagan Crossing Community Library For more info 352.243.1840 August 7; 5:30 – 3 PM Family Food Truck Night Historic Downtown Clermont August 8; 7:15 AM – 9 AM 29th Annual Central Florida Triathlon Series #3 Cool Summer Mornings 5K Clermont Waterfront Park For more info 352.394.1320

August 1; 7 PM Leesburg Lightning Game Pat Thomas Stadium August 3; 1 PM – 2 PM Circus and Juggling Leesburg Public Library For more info 352.735.7180 August 4; 2 – 3 PM Skin Care Class Leesburg Public Library 352.735.7180 August 4; 11 AM – 11 PM Red Fridays - Remember the Deployed AMVETS POST 2006 August 3, 10; 2 PM – 4:30 PM MARVELous Mondays Leesburg Public Library For more info 352.728.9790

print • digital • television • radio

August 1; 9:30 AM – 12 PM Bird Count and Nature Walk Trout Lake Nature Center For more info 352.357.7536 August 4; 9:30 – 10:30 AM Tuesday Morning Outdoors Trout Lake Nature Center For more info 352.357.7536 August 7; 6 PM – 10 PM Panther Spirit Night Downtown Eustis August 8; 6 PM Strut Your Mutt Eustis Community Center StrutYourMuttFS.com August 14; 6 PM – 11 AM Friday Night Naturalist Trout Lake Nature Center For more info 352.357.7536

August 2015

August 26; 10 – 11 AM Nature Sprouts - Water Trout Lake Nature Center For more info 352.3257.7536

August 17 – 22; 10 AM – 4 PM Conceptual Journeys Mount Dora Center for the Arts Gallery For more info 352.383.0880 August 22; 7 – 9 PM Divas and Diamonds Show Mount Dora Community Building

August 4; 9 AM – 12 PM Board of County Commissioners Meeting Administration Building - Board Chambers August 11; 2 – 4 PM Quilters’ Club Library Conference Room August 12; 9 AM – 12 PM Lake County Code Enforcement Special Master Hearings Administration Building - Board Chambers August 18; 9 AM Board of County Commissioners Rezoning Meeting Administration Building - Board Chambers August 20; 5 PM Library Advisory Board Meeting Lake County Agricultural Center August 25; 2 PM – 4 PM Roots & Branches Genealogy Group Tavares Public Library For more info 352.742.6204

August 26 & 27; 10 AM – 4 PM Conceptual Journeys Mount Dora Center for the Arts Gallery For more info 352.383.0880 August 29; 7 PM – 9 PM Wine and Whiskers - Pet Peace of Mind Lakeside Inn ppomwineandwhiskers.brownpapertickets. com

August 9; 8 AM – 2 PM Renningers Guitars and Cars Renningers Flea Market For more info 352.383.8393 August 14 & 15; 10 AM – 4 PM Conceptual Journeys Mount Dora Center for the Arts Gallery For more info 352.383.0880 August 15 & 16; 11 AM – 9 PM Alex Marley & The Rebel Band at the Mount Dora Seafood Festival Elizabeth Evans Park

August 2015

August 7 – 16 Florida Sales Tax Free Holiday For Back-to-School Shopping August 28; 7:30 – 11 AM Quarterly Bird & Butterfly Survey Ellis Acres Reserve, Paisley September 3; 10 AM – 2 PM Suicide Prevention Training Ocala Police Department

August 6, 13, 20, 27; 11 AM – 12 PM Lego Club Fruitland Park Library For more info 352.360.6561 August 13; 7:00 PM Commissioner Meeting Fruitland Park City Hall

August 12; 1:30 PM MPO Technical Advisory Committee Lake-Sumter MPO Office August 17; 7:30 – 8:30 AM 17th Annual Planned Giving Seminar Magnolia Room - LSSC, Leesburg Campus August 28; 7:15 – 1:30 PM 17th Annual Professionals’ Seminar Magnolia Room - LSSC, Leesburg Campus

August 1 & 2; 2 PM – 10 PM Grease, The Musical The IceHouse Theatre August 5; 10 AM – 5 PM Lake County Senior Expo Lake Receptions For more info 352.383.1958

August 4; 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM Quick, Healthy Meals for 1 or 2 Lake County Agricultural Center, Tavares

August 7; 7 PM BJ Thomas Live Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center The Villages August 12; 2 pm – 4 pm Shine (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) Lady Lake Public Library For more info 352.753.2957 August 18; 7:30 PM Michael Bolton Live Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center The Villages

September 17; 5 – 8:30 PM 14th Annual Corporate Spelling Bee Lake Receptions, Mount Dora For more info WeidnerG@Lake.K12.FL.us

FOCUS Magazine Lake County

Go to FocusLakeCounty.com and Like the FOCUS Lake County Facebook page to find more events information.

FocusLakeCounty.com

IN FOCUS MARCH FOR BABIES AWARDS

PHOTOS BY ANTHONY RAO The March of Dimes held its annual March for Babies awards ceremony recently at Lake-Sumter State College. The event itself, held at the LRMC’s Wellness Way in April, raised more than $174,000 for 2015. Next year’s event will be held May 7, 2016 at the South Lake Hospital Campus.

print • digital • television • radio

August 2015

IN FOCUS ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE

PHOTOS BY MARION ROBINSON Recently the Artists in Residence grand opening overflowed with friends, artists, and students in attendance. Located at 606 W. Main Street in THE SHOPPES ON MAIN in downtown Leesburg. AIR exists to promote and teach the love of visual arts to all ages and levels of experience. Multiple mediums are taught to encourage students to explore and fully express their individual talents.

MISS LEESBURG SCHOLARSHIP GOLF Recently the Miss Leesburg Scholarship held its annual golf tournament and now a special invitation is being extended to local girls to participate in the 29th annual Miss Leesburg Scholarship Pageant being held Saturday, September 26 at the Leesburg High School auditorium. Applications are available online at MissLeesburg.com

August 2015

FocusLakeCounty.com

IN FOCUS RO-MAC 70TH ANNIVERSARY BBQ

PHOTOS BY BRUCE FEUSTEL To celebrate its 70 year anniversary, Romac Lumber & Supply hosted a number of community BBQs during the last week of June. This one was held at Ro-mac’s Leesburg complex off Main Street, and featured a live broadcast on my790am, plus plenty of food and good times for residents.

Scan the code to watch Ro-mac’s Don Magruder on FOCUS Radio discussing the history of the company.

LEESBURG GATEWAY RIBBON CUTTING Leesburg’s $3.8 million Main Street Streetscape project is finished. The project transformed the gateway to the downtown area into a vibrant, inviting landscape to welcome visitors. The undertaking, running from US 27 to Ninth Street, features infrastructure upgrades, new decorative crosswalks, landscaping and brick arches.

print • digital • television • radio

August 2015

IN FOCUS

FERRAN PARK RIBBON CUTTING

PHOTOS BY ASHTON BRACCIODIETA

Historic Ferran Park in Eustis has a new look and the kids will love it. Local dignitaries recently held a ribbon cutting for a new playground and they announced plans for a Splash Pad that will be constructed by the end of 2016.

Why weren’t you in this issue? Do you have an event, a story, or information you want to get out into the community? We can’t read your mind. We need to hear from you.

Email us at Anthony@RedApplesMedia.com

or call 352.801.7106

August 2015

FocusLakeCounty.com

On the Arts WRITTEN BY TAVARES THEATER STAFF

“One day I am going to suddenly look down and see a stage Noel Miner; Peter Carlson (Jesus Constanzuela) and Pierre “Pete” Rougeaux (Manolo Constanzuela) full of people all looking like little ants. I’m going to exclaim, the Lighthouse Players of Royal Harbor, a sional designers and directors, all indicate ‘When did I get up here? I wasn’t retirement community theater group. During that this group is on its way. By the time you done.’” That is how Noel Miner feels about these years, Harold became proficient in see this article, they have probably wrapped life. She and her husband, Harold Miner, lighting and sound, via coursework at Vaup their second show, Robert Harling’s “Steel believe live theater is one of the best ways lencia and hands-on-training from William Magnolias” (July 24 – August 2, 2015) and to not only continue the adventure called Dumas, well-known Central Florida Lighting their first Musical Theater Camp for Kids life, but also exchange knowledge and enDesigner. Noel, who had dabbled in vocals (August 3 – 14, 2015), again at Bridges thusiasm about living, between those who and film in Miami, took to the stage in 2006. Covenant Church. The one thing they are are young in body and those who are young It was through watching, listening, and missing: a permanent venue. in mind. It is also a place to gain mutual interacting with director David Clevinger that respect. Noel began to see not only how deep her Tavares Theater, Inc. looks to the future and love of theater extends, but also how import- is actively pursuing a downtown venue. “AfThen there is their view of Tavares. “A city ant a tool it can be in the development of ter a second meeting with city officials,” said is like a living organism. It needs nourishrelationships and understanding between all Noel, “We are cautiously optimistic concernment to stay healthy and grow and prosper. ages and all people. She has since furthered ing sites which could come available for the Community theater can become a valuable development of a state-of-the-arts commuelement, bringing people back for afternoons her skills with Valencia, Encore in New York, and most recently Paul Castaneda’s GOAT nity theater. We have not decided on a name and evenings to see great comedy, drama, associate ensemble. She has also written for the theater. Stories of Angel Benefactors musicals, and mystery. A little shopping, dinand performed her first monologue at the keep coming our way and I get wistful. We ner, or a snack at a local shop would round ATHE Convention in 2013. would like to match such a lover-of-the-arts out the day. Why drive in for one event up with our theater.” Tavares Theater, Inc. is when you can stay in one of our hotels, After an encouraging talk with city leaders working hard to make this new venue hapstroll to a show for the evening, and have a in 2013, they began in earnest. By 2014 pen. If you love theater or you can envision nice relaxing dinner? Make it a weekend.” they introduced Tavares Theater, Inc. to the Tavares with a wonderful new spot for peocommunity via the Annual Fourth of July ple to forget the worries of the day, a place The Miners do not undertake this program Celebration at Wooton Park. By the end of to stimulate conversation, and a place to without history and skills. Educators for 32 2014 they were an official 501(c)(3). Darelle bring people together, then join them. years, they ran highly successful Vocationand Peter Pallans, and Marni Whitehouse, al Service Organizations, serving on state joined them. In February, Tavares Theater, For more information please email Tavaresand national levels. Harold was executive Inc. opened at Bridges Covenant Church. Theater@cfl.us.com or visit TavaresThedirector for several years at the state level. Between news coverage and word of mouth, ater.org Noel’s expertise was in the area of program the remaining shows were all sell-outs. development and production. After “retireStanding ovations, and kudos from profesment” they became founding members of

print • digital • television • radio

August 2015

THE ROTARY CLUB OF THE VILLAGES presents

The 11th Annual Taste of Class

Le Diner en Blanc

Sunday, October 11th • 6pm • Savannah Center, The Villages WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK OUR ROTARY PARTNERS! WITHOUT YOU, THIS EVENT WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE!

now s t e tick ble at .org la i s a s v a l a eofc t s a aryt

T&D Companies KB Landscape & Supply City Furniture Fross & Fross Villages Hospital Foundation & Auxiliary PSL Travel Premier Vein Center Honey Baked Ham Edward Jones Publix Markets Fairwinds Credit Union Citizens First Bank & Mortgage Company The Fresh Market Properties of the Villages Sabal Trust Sumter Tire & Auto Lake Ear Nose Throat & Facial Plastic Surgery Red Apples Media

rot

Entertainment by The Paul Vesco Band Wine provided by The Fresh Market • Tasting from 20 area restaurants $100 donation per person • rotarytasteofclass.org

or The Villages Box Office to reserve a table 305.484.2370. Cash Bar. No additional solicitation. Dress in all white attire.

a sizable portion for $8.45. We also ordered a cup of split pea soup that was very good but could’ve been served hotter. It should be noted that side salads and soup are a la carte at Turners.

Turners is on a roll. The restaurant has only been open for two months but I would anticipate a long run for Mr. Jack Braton and company. They are doing a fine job for only being open a short time and I have seen improvements in service and execution during that period. As you approach the entrance on 5th Street you will notice a very attractive outside seating area for those that would like a cocktail and some time to relax. Upon entering the restaurant, you are greeted enthusiastically by a host and hostess. The owner’s wife, Allison, greeted us and directed us to the bar area as my companion and I prefer to sit at the bar and have a cocktail before we dine. The bartenders were both upbeat, cheerful, and very friendly. We had a Scotch Old Fashioned and a Vodka tonic with lime. They were both prepared excellently and, I might add, most places do not know how to properly prepare a Scotch Old Fashioned in this day and age. It should be noted that if you bring a bottle of your own wine that is not on their menu they have a cork fee of $15, which is very reasonable. For those of us who have a wine cellar, that is a very nice gesture. I brought a bottle of High Roller Cabernet Sauvignon and they were very gracious about chilling and serving it to us at our table. Our server for the evening was Jay, who was very knowledgeable about the menu selections and did an excellent job of waiting on us. He recommended the specials and described them in detail. We shared an appetizer of baked artichokes, comprised of roasted artichoke hearts in a lemon butter parmesan sauce;

For my entrée I ordered the Barramundi, one of the specials for the evening. It was a very nice flaky white fish, very mild, served over a brown rice and cucumber salad for $19.95. My companion ordered the Sweet Potato Q Tuna; a thick filet of yellowfin tuna served alongside mashed sweet potatoes, pan-roasted Brussels sprouts with bits of sautéed bacon, and topped with fried Gulf oysters for $19.95. Both entrees were excellent. For the finale, we shared an order of chocolate chunk bread pudding with raspberry sauce and whipped cream which was very nicely done. Overall, a great dining experience. The décor at Turners is brick, art, and lots of wood trim that imparts a very warm feeling. The only recommendations I would make are to dim the lighting at the start of dinner time; bright lights are indicative of a cafeteria. And I suggest that for those having a cocktail before dinner, that the bar tab be transferred if the guest requests it. I would also suggest that if a customer prefers a particular booth and server, that they be allowed to have it even if it’s not in the server’s section.

Pictured is the Sweet Potato Q. Turners Kitchen and Bar opened in May and is located off Main Street in Leesburg.

Response: Try a Turn at Turners Turners is a family owned and operated business committed to our community. We are intentional about creating relationships with local businesses in order to offer locally and responsibly sourced ingredients. Our partnerships with these local companies enables us to feature the freshest possible seafood, vegetables and high-quality beef. Turners

is more than a lunch or dinner spot – it is an experience for your taste buds. For us to provide you, and all of our clients, with the best possible dining experience, we limit service to parties of 2-4 people. We are unable to accommodate parties larger than six people. Unfortunately, we do not accept reservations.

As my daddy always told me, you are only as good as your last cup of coffee, and the guest is always right, within limits. All in all it was an excellent experience and I am sure Turners is here to stay. We need them in downtown Leesburg and I’m sure the locals will support this type of venue. TurnersKitchen.com Info@TurnersKitchen.com 352.530.2274

Real critiques of your favorite Lake County restaurants. FOCUS sends an anonymous Foodie to review them each month and then gives the local owner a chance to answer the good and not-as-positive experiences we’ve had in the restaurant. Enjoy and bon appétit.

print • digital • television • radio

August 2015

Open House Celebrate our new location, meet the new doctor and enjoy

DELICIOUS FOOD | FUN GOODY BAGS | DOOR PRIZES | JEWELRY SHOW

Thursday, August 6, 2015 | 4:00-6:30pm RSVP 352-589-6005 You’re invited! Lake Wellness for Women OB/GYN is proud to show off our brand new location at an Open House. With large patient rooms and a cute kids’ play area, the fresh new space is conveniently located in the Medical Office Building on the campus of Florida Hospital Waterman. We’re also proud to introduce you to the new physician on our team: Joel Hallam, DO. Dr. Hallam is a native Floridian with a special interest in obsetetrics, advanced gynecologic surgery and women’s health through all stages of adult life.

3340 Waterman Way, Tavares, FL 32778 | 352.589.6005 | LWWObGyn.com

FHMG-15-25399

MAMIE ROGERS, MD; JOEL HALLAM, DO MARILYN MAYNE, DO

Chapter VI

Haven’t read the first five chapters of 6 Hands? Go to FocusLakeCounty.com to find them as well as the continuing serialized story. WRITTEN BY FRANK STANFIELD Windshield wipers slapped time with the radio as Michael Green piloted the rental car past highway median strips that flew by like bullets.

increasing arguments, was that she was being backward and unrealistic.

After checking into his hotel at Disney, he drove into the city.

There was something else, too. Her life goals included getting married and having children. That was not for Michael. There was money to be made and fun to be had. But there was one recurring theme in her arguments that had now become an obsession for him.

Global Econ Investments was tucked inside a 14-story bank building on a busy corner in downtown Orlando.

Privately, he considered her faith a waste of time at best. His attitude, which eventually showed itself out in increasing arguments, was that she was being backward and unrealistic.

He was headed for the land of Disney World, but unlike the millions of tourists headed for the “happiest place on earth,” this trip was a mission because he had to see someone in Orlando. Memories of Janice flashed through his mind like a light show – some pleasant, some painful. Unlike Naomi, Janice was not some fantasy girlfriend. She was real and she was serious. She was also serious in a different way. Like Michael, Janice Hopper was a firstyear hire at the investment firm, right out of school. Like Michael, she was serious about her new career, but money and professionalism was not her only passion. A born-again Christian, her heart was also tied to her faith. Michael had no interest in that, however. It was her beauty, her intelligence - which came pouring out through her piercing dark eyes - and a growing sexual tension that sparked his attention. In spite of the fact that he was barely even a “holiday Jew,” it would be her steadfast Christian beliefs that would cause growing friction between the two. He derided her belief in Jesus as the savior of the world. Privately, he considered her faith a waste of time at best. His attitude, which eventually showed itself out in

“Jesus died for our sins,” she said, “so that God can forgive us, and we are to forgive those who have hurt us.” Forgiveness? And at that level? It was beyond his comprehension – all of it – including human beings forgiving others. “Apologizing is a form of weakness,” his father once told him. If that was true, then forgiveness had to be even more out of the question. And it just seemed, well, impossible if the harm inflicted was severe enough. Yet, here he was on an apology tour and seeking forgiveness from those he had harmed. Janice was among those harmed. Although their relationship was brief and they had not slept together, the breakup was abrupt and painful.

print • digital • television • radio

Upon exiting the elevator he was greeted by an attractive young woman seated behind a granite-topped counter. Within minutes another woman was escorting him down the hall to Janice’s office. He was amazed at what he saw. There, standing up behind her desk, was the same raven-haired beauty he had known so many years ago. She stepped around the corner of the desk, her arm outstretched, her hand extended for a firm handshake. “Thanks for seeing me,” he said, smiling feebly and taking her hand. “You haven’t changed a bit,” he said as she motioned him to sit in a chair in front of her desk. If she was angry, she didn’t show it. It was more like she was curious, he thought, noticing her slightly upturned eyebrows. “I was surprised when my assistant said you had called,” she said, keeping her businesslike attitude. “What can I do for you?” Michael said nothing for a moment, his mind racing through his rehearsed speech. “The hell with it,” he thought, and instead blurted out, “I want you to forgive me.” Now it was her turn to lose her composure. “What? Forgive you for what?” “I was an ass,” he said, “and I hurt you.”

August 2015

“That was a long time ago,” she said. “I forgave you a long time ago. I’ve moved on.”

“Wrong? Does this mean you’re a Christian now?”

He gazed at her for a moment. He then noticed the photos of two teenagers in a silver frame.

“I don’t know enough about it to even ask the right questions,” he admitted, “but I know there is something missing in my life.”

“Your children?”

“From what you’ve told me, what’s missing are relationships - real relationships, right?”

“Yes,” she said, a note of pride creeping into her voice. “You’re married?” “My husband died two years ago – cancer.” “I’m so sorry.” “What is this all about?” Michael explained his cold-water-in-theface moment with his wealthy client and his mission to rebuild bridges burned. “You must have burned a lot of bridges to come this far,” she said. “There’s something else,” he said. “It’s not just breaking up with you, or having a complete disregard for you wanting a family, or even that you weren’t as obsessed with money as I was. It was that I gave you a hard time about your faith. It was wrong, I was really wrong.”

August 2015

He nodded. “I don’t know about the right questions, but I know where you can find the right answers,” she said. She reached behind her desk and pulled open a cabinet door. He was surprised to see that she was holding a battered dog-eared paperback Bible. She handed it to him. “You’ll find the answers in here,” she said. “I suggest you read it, all of it. You’ll find what we call the Old Testament to be familiar.” “Oh no, I couldn’t take your Bible.” “It’s OK, this is a copy I keep here in the office. I read it on my lunch hour. My church Bible is at home. Go ahead, take it,” she said, reaching across the desk. He took it and stared blankly at the book, which he now saw was heavily underlined in sections.

“I’m sorry, I have an appointment with a client,” she said, once again rounding the corner of her desk. “Well, thanks. I really appreciate it – all of it,” he said reaching out his hand. He was surprised by what came next. Instead of grasping his hand, she touched his forearm, pulled him closer and leaned forward to give him a kiss on the cheek. “Good luck,” she said, “and I mean it.” His head was still swimming when he reached the hallway. Waiting for the elevator, he looked down at the decorative table between the two elevator doors. The man of loose Jewish heritage wanted to leave the Bible on the table. Yet, the now more openminded Green was intrigued by what Janice said, “You’ll find the answers in here.”

Frank Stanfield Author, Journalist, Speaker Frank’s known for two of his more popular books, Unbroken:The Dorothy Lewis Story, and Vampires, Gators and Wackos, a Newspaperman’s Life FrankEStanfield.com

FocusLakeCounty.com

Get Home Schooled

Preparing your home for a safe school year In preparing for a new school year, parents can get so wrapped up in shopping for school supplies and other back-to-school activities, they overlook the importance of getting their homes ready, too. Due to financial and cultural challenges in our world today, many families have children returning from school to empty houses. Unfortunately, the open window of the Internet has made it easier for predators and criminals to prey upon these unsupervised children. A child’s personal safety from the time that child is dropped off by the bus driver, until a parent or caregiver arrives at home, is paramount. Creating a safe zone in and around your home, along with talking to your children about safety procedures, is your best defense and can make all the difference in the world. With new technology, it is easy and fairly inexpensive to update the safety of your home. Here are some steps you can take: Re-key the locks in your home. If anyone outside your family has ever held one of

your keys or if your kids are always losing keys, you should re-key the locks. New keypad technology is great as long as the batteries in the locks don’t go out. That is why I prefer keys for children. Kwikset’s SmartKey® allows for quick and easy key changes. Install a keyless entry system on your garage door. Keyless entries are keypads installed on the outside of garage doors that remotely open the garage doors with a fourdigit code. A child with a code can always get into your garage and find a hidden key to get inside the home. Fix all window and sliding glass door latches. The best safety latch for a sliding glass door is a simple pin that costs less than $2. The pin penetrates the door and frame and prevents intruders from lifting the panels off the track. Invest in a wireless alarm system with a one-touch police button. These systems are very affordable now and one of your best tools for monitoring your home. If you buy a system, be sure it comes with a screaming alarm to alert neighbors. Install a solid interior door on your child’s bedroom. Better yet, install a metal door with a steel frame and heavy-duty lockable doorknob. Door technology does exist to build a legitimate safe room that can give your child an advantage against intruders.

Install an LCD doorbell viewer that automatically takes a picture and gives the homeowner on the inside of the door a view of the person on the outside. This is one of the neatest new items on the market and is great to identify potential intruders and criminals. Naturally, your child should be instructed to never open the door without an adult present. New home-safety products are great tools for creating a safe zone but will only work if parents are able to instill safety awareness in their children. Review your home’s safety before school starts and, most importantly, talk to your children about what to do in case of an emergency.

Don Magruder is the CEO of Ro-mac Lumber & Supply, Inc. RomacLumber.com

Serving The Villages & Lake County

352.414.6556 Se Habla Español AireMasters1.com

CALL TO WE M DAY ATC OR BE H AT ANY E STIM ATE

Honesty Above All Else Licensed & Insured #CAC1815401

print • digital • television • radio

August 2015

On Better Living

How to Manage Your Child’s Diet

As a nutritionist, many times parents will come to me to counsel their diabetic or obese child. I would ask the parent a few questions first. “Does your child drive?” All the time knowing the child is 12 years old. Then I will ask, “Does your child do the grocery shopping? Does your child prepare the meals?” Very quickly the parent will see that my food counseling will be 80/20 - 80 percent the parent and 20 percent the child. Because the parent is the one who does all those things I asked, it’s mostly the parent who controls what a child eats by what they prepare or bring home. Through the child-rearing years, we are to provide an example of good nutrition with foods that have value to our child as they grow up. They learn from us what is best for them. I have found that when I educate the parent, I educate the family. When I have a client fill out a food plan of what they ate last week, I ask, “Where are the salads? And you didn’t have but two pieces of fruit?” I realize that I have to start with the

August 2015

basics with them. We need a balance of protein, carbs, and fats per meal. We need three to five servings of fruit, and three to five servings of vegetables, per day. Also, don’t forget my favorite drink is water, at least 64 ounces per day and not including water in other drinks. I find that this is a big void with kids today. We have to lead them by example and make it available to them. I learned years ago raising my own family, that we need to teach them good morals, work ethic, and proper nutrition. We are raising a child to be the best they can be, so we should feed them the best we can. And the next time you bring your child to a nutritionist, remember it’s really your class time, too! Eat healthy to be healthy.

Jeff Wittman Jeff’s Health & Nutrition Leesburg, Florida Lic. Nutritionist 352.365.6477

FocusLakeCounty.com

On Lake County:

Lake County Schools By the Numbers

Did you know that Lake County’s public schools offer over 90 “Career and Technical Education” (CTE) programs. Did you know that over 10,000 Lake County students are enrolled annually in a CTE academy, and that these students have grade point averages that are 25% higher than their non-CTE peers? Did you know that close to 1,000 Lake County CTE students graduate from Lake County high schools each year, with an industry-recognized certification that will allow them to immediately gain employment in their career field or get a head start at a technical or state/community college? Did you know that Lake County’s CTE program has been recognized as one of the best in the country?

Most Lake County residents are completely unaware of the many positive things that are occurring within our local education system...

Are you surprised? I would not be surprised if you were. Most Lake County residents are completely unaware of the many positive things that are occurring within our local education system, of which the immensely successful CTE program is one. There are many other positive changes occurring; however, the local perception of the Lake County school system is typically not a positive one. I’m not here to convince you that our school system is perfect. It certainly isn’t. In many respects, our school system can be a significant hurdle to overcome when attempting to recruit companies to Lake County. Over the last several years, we have seen

a substantial increase in the importance relocating companies place on quality of life factors, such as education. CEO’s want to know where their children are going to go to school and where their employees’ children will go to school. A sub-standard school system relative to our competition, can without question become a drag on recruitment efforts.

for one of the CTE academies. Be a mentor. There are a multitude of opportunities to get involved and make a difference. When it comes to economic development, the importance of raising the level of our local education system cannot be understated, and the impact of community involvement on the outcome of this effort has immeasurable value.

Yes, our school system has a lot of work to do, but that does not mean that there isn’t legitimate and exciting progress currently being made. We have some very talented administrators and educators in this county who are working extremely hard to improve the educational experience for our youth. They have the same goal that we do; a successful education system that prepares our students for whatever career path they may choose and a system that every resident can be proud of. Unfortunately, change does not happen overnight, and maybe more importantly, change cannot happen without the support of the community.

If you’ve read any of my previous articles, you know that I am excited about the future of Lake County. Lake County is well positioned to experience years of economic prosperity, and I am hopeful that our local community will provide the support necessary to ensure our school system plays an integral role in that success.

The education system is the backbone of Lake County’s economy, and if Lake County residents and business leaders are serious about true economic progress, then we as a community need to rally behind our school system and become a part of the solution. Get involved. Donate your time. Offer an internship at your business. Become an advisor

print • digital • television • radio

Robert L. Chandler IV Director Lake County Board of County Commissioners Economic Growth Department

August 2015

1585 Santa Barbara Blvd., Suite B, The Villages TriCountyPodiatry.net // 352.259.1919 MEDICAL & SURGICAL TREATMENT OF: • Bunions and Hammertoes • Corns • Morton’s Neuromas • Ingrown Nails and Warts • Heel and Arch Pain • Thick, Painful Toenails • Foot Injuries • Diabetic & Geriatric Foot Care • Sports Medicine • Orthotics • Diabetic Shoes

FOOTC A R E F OR PE OPL E OF A L L AG E S W I T H AC T I V E LIFEST Y LES.

MEDICARE AND MOST INSURANCES ACCEPTED

SCAN HERE with your smart phone to learn more about Tri-County Podiatry

FLASHBACK

LEESBURG Junior and Senior High School Circa 1927 Located at 1401 Yellow Jacket Way, Leesburg High School was founded in 1927 as both a Junior and Senior High School. Today it is home to more than 3,000 students, under the direction of new principal Dennis Neal. The school’s motto is “Moving On Up,” after the song that played as the theme on the television series The Jeffersons. In March 2011 the boys’ basketball team won the Class 4A state title by defeating Cardinal Gibbons (Fort Lauderdale) 66-58. The school previously won the state championship in 1977. Notable alumni include Roger Holt, a former MLB player for the New York Yankees, Greg Johnson who played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFL, and Danny Trevathan who was drafted to the NFL in 2012 and currently plays for the Denver Broncos.

print • digital • television • radio

August 2015

Where beautiful Skin Happens Gift Certificates are always available

Botox $10 per unit Laser Hair Removal 25% Off SilkPeel 10% Off Facial 10% Off Offer Expires 8/31/15

Open 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM (summer hours) Monday through Friday

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

US Hwy 441/27 Lady Lake, Fl. 32159

352-350-1210 www.alani.com https://www.facebook.com/pages/Alani-Medical-Spa

$100 Window Rebate *On your next order of $1,000 or more for replacement windows *Limit 1 coupon per customer. Offer expires 8/31/15

New and Replacement Motorized Garage Screen Window Sales & Service Door Sales & Service • Two convenient Window & Door Showrooms, where you can try the actual product, before you decide to buy. • Two fully staffed offices. Not a rolling office in a pickup truck. • Ro-Mac sells and installs all major brands. • Free jobsite quotes. You’ll never get a surprise from us. • We follow all of Florida’s strict hurricane and building codes.

Motorized screens will immediately increase the size of your family’s living space while keeping the bugs out during the warmer months; allowing a cool breeze during the autumn months; and blocking harmful and damaging UV rays. With the click of a button, you can now bring the outside... inside, and no bugs. Call for a FREE Quote!

Are your windows efficient? Take

The Touch Test Can you tell the temperature outside, simply by touching the inside of the glass or frame of your current window? Then you probably have old fashioned, poorly insulated, solid-core aluminum windows. These are energy robbers!

Call Ro-Mac Windows today for a quote on new high-performance, Low-E vinyl or aluminum-clad windows from one of these great manufacturers, and keep the outside from coming inside.

LEESBURG 352.787.4545 700 EAST MAIN STREET

OCALA 352.622.7099 1432 SW 15th AVENUE

Ask about our Home Install Financing Program

Contractor’s License Number CBC1252465 • Home Improvement Retail Installment Seller License Number HI9900545, HI9900003, HI9900004, and HI9900005. *If you qualify. Improvement to a single-family residence • For projects from $1,000 to $30,000.