REMARKABLE PEOPLE. UNIQUE PLACES. EXCITING EVENTS.
Everything that makes Lake & Sumter counties out of the ordinary! NOV '20
VILLAGE EDITION
paradise WELCOME TO
WATER OAK COUNTRY CLUB ESTATES: A HAVEN IN LADY LAKE
AL SO
LIVING WITH EPILEPSY
A full life can be enjoyed with this rare condition.
FROM FLAB TO FIT
Power Casrock shapes bodies, transforms lives.
INTO THE WILD
Chris Weatherman shares his experience on the reality show Alone.
E.R. care backed by a name you trust. More than ever, you want to be sure of where to turn for quality care, the moment you need it most. As part of the only regional health care system backed by the experts at University of Florida Health, our emergency room offers advanced stroke and cardiac care, air medical services, lifesaving treatments and access to over 100 specialists — right where you call home. Learn more at: TheVillagesHospital.org
Close. Caring. Connected.
THE VILLAGES® is a federally registered trademark of Holding Company of The Villages®, Inc., and is used under license. UF Health The Villages® Hospital is a part of University of Florida Health.
RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL
WORKS This family-owned company could be considered the “hometown pros” when it comes to electrical work, and that’s why numerous residents and businesses not only know our name but also utilize us for our services. Those services range from home repairs and electrical installations to wiring a new construction project from the ground up.
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At Babette’s, we understand that whether you are shopping for one or two rooms or an entire home, it can be overwhelming. Our talented decorators specialize in making the process simple, working with you every step of the way. Scheduling a design consultation whether in our store or in your home, is the perfect way to begin planning a design vision for your home. Whether you are looking for a custom look or want to start with a pre-designed package, our design process is all about each individual customer and we really personalize it. View our design portfolio and schedule an appointment at
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KNEE REPLACEMENT?
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At Advanced Orthopedics Institute we specialize in hips, knees, shoulders, ankles, wrists...and tennis players. Knee pain, stiffness, locking, giving way (buckling), creaking, swelling or inability to walk or play without pain can occur because of traumatic injury, arthritis, or overuse. Depending on the cause, conservative care such as a brace or therapy may relieve the pain. If not, rejuvenative stem cell therapy, arthroscopic knee surgery or partial or total knee replacement can be life-enhancing and allow you to return to your active lifestyle. Get moving. Call 352.751.2862.
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9/4/20 2:44 PM
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NOV'20 V.17
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FEATURES
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Extraordinary People The dictionary defines “extraordinary” as “beyond what is usual, ordinary, regular, or established.” That’s our Extraordinary People alright, extra special movers and shakers who inspire others by applying tenacity to talent. STORIES: VICTORIA SCHLABIG, THERESA CAMPBELL, ROXANNE BROWN, GARY CORSAIR, JAMES COMBS
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CONTENTS
Extraordinary Homes Prepared to be wowed as you step inside two of the area’s most extraordinary homes, both custom-made to reflect the creativity and imagination of the unique families who pursued visions of the perfect (for them) domicile. STORIES: VICTORIA SCHLABIG
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Living with epilepsy We recognize National Epilepsy Awareness Month through the eyes of two brave epilepsy patients who share their ongoing journey living with one of the most misunderstood afflictions and provide a message of hope. STORY: JAMES COMBS
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NOV'20 V.17
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CONTENTS 2 of 2
DEPARTMENTS
first
021
026
THE HIT LIST 022 PERSON OF INTEREST 026 OUTSTANDING STUDENT 028 MY FIRST TIME 030
agenda
088
083
TO-DO LIST 084 ATTRACTIONS 086 LOCAL TALENT 088 HI, SOCIETY 090
healthy living
CONTENTS 084 086
100
097
INSPIRATION 098 HEALTHY MIND 100
menu
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098 108 124
117
IN THE KITCHEN 119 FORK ON THE ROAD 122 SPIRITS 124 DINING GUIDE 126
122
119
PAWS-ITIVE TAILS Local rescues unleash a new life for animals. DON’T BE CHICKEN Come see the farm animals and wildlife at Uncle Donald’s Farm. A PAIN IN THE NECK Thyroid cancer is rising quickly in women.
PAWS-ITIVE TAILS
Local rescues unleash a new life for animals.
DON’T BE CHICKEN
Come see the farm animals and wildlife at Uncle Donald’s Farm.
A PAIN IN THE NECK
Thyroid cancer is rising quickly in women.
REMARKABLE PEOPLE. UNIQUE PLACES. EXCITING EVENTS.
columns FROM THE PUBLISHER 016 AT YOUR SERVICE 017 FINAL THOUGHT 136
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Everything that makes Lake & Sumter counties out of the ordinary! NOV '20
VILLAGE EDITION
E ON TH R C OV E
136
paradise WELCOME TO
WATER OAK COUNTRY CLUB ESTATES: A HAVEN IN LADY LAKE
AL SO
LIVING WITH EPILEPSY A full life can be enjoyed with this rare condition.
AL SO
LIVING WITH EPILEPSY
FROM FLAB TO FIT
A full life can be enjoyed with this rare condition.
Power Casrock shapes bodies, transforms lives.
INTO THE WILD
Chris Weatherman shares his experience on the reality show Alone.
FROM FLAB TO FIT
REMARKABLE PEOPLE. UNIQUE PLACES. EXCITING EVENTS. Everything that makes Lake & Sumter counties out of the ordinary!
Lake and Sumter Style Photo: Douglas Tyler Model: David Booth
Power Casrock shapes bodies, transforms lives.
INTO THE WILD
Chris Weatherman shares his experience on the reality show Alone.
Village Edition
Questions About Your Medicare Options? Visit one of the conveniently located Health Insurance Resource Centers where a licensed insurance agent can assess your needs and budget and provide plan options and benefits best suited to meet your individual needs.
Health Insurance Resource Center 8889 SE 165th Mulberry Lane The Villages, FL 32162 352.775.1970
Health Insurance Resource Center 1050 Old Camp Road, Suite 102 The Villages, FL 32162 352.775.1160
Health Insurance Resource Center 1571 Santa Barbara Boulevard The Villages, FL 32159 352.775.1480
Health Insurance Resource Center 2477 Pinellas Place The Villages, FL 32162 352.775.0990
Health Insurance Resource Center 2955 Brownwood Boulevard The Villages, FL 32163 352.775.1764
466
Health Insurance Resource Center 284 Farner Place The Villages, FL 32163 352.775.1920 466A
Health Insurance Resource Center 2906 Brownwood Boulevard The Villages, FL 32163 352.775.1978
Stop by anytime, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are encouraged.
W W W.HI-RC.COM
FROM THE PUBLISHER
Restore your faith in humanity Why focus on the negative when there’s so much goodness in the world? ike you, I am pained by the social unrest in America and political divide. I’m tired of riots, backlash against police, and heated confrontations between Trump and Biden supporters. I want what we had, and what we deserve. I want us to move ahead together and realize our potential as a community, a nation, a race – the human race. I’m ready to see the focus to return to the positive things that unite us. I’ve had enough of the negative attitudes that divide and turn neighbors into enemies. I’m troubled, but I refuse to lose faith in humanity. As I looked around the world, I’m reminded of the words Mahatma Gandhi wrote: “You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty.”
Here at Style, we choose to celebrate humanity. We invite you to join us. This month we shed light on the goodness all around us, right here in our wonderful community. Our highly anticipated “Extraordinary People” issue showcases the talent, tenacity and strength of local people. We hope you’ll be inspired by these amazing stories of extraordinary people among us: • A wounded veteran who dedicates his life to helping fellow vets find meaningful careers; • An elementary student who co-authored and illustrated a book to help families deal with COVID-19; • One of the longest-living HIV survivors, who was diagnosed at age 3.
These are just a few of the heartfelt, encouraging stories we’re bringing to you this month. I hope their stories restore your faith in humanity by reminding you that the power of love always
triumphs over hate, and that hope is stronger than anger. In these troubled times, it’s easy to develop a warped view of humanity. It’s also easy to find good people and things to celebrate. Yes, I’m troubled, but I refuse to lose faith in humanity. I can’t, because the moment I do I become part of the problem. God put us on this earth to love others. So, let your light shine. Don’t lose sight of your calling. After all, how can we spread love if all we feel is hate? I hope each of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoy quality time with your family and friends. Celebrate life. Celebrate humanity. Until next month,
Kendra
Have a story to tell? We’re always looking for stories about people who live and work in our area. Send suggestions to editorial@akersmediagroup.com.
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Kendra Akers Doug Akers
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PAWS-ITIVE TAILS Local rescues unleash a new life for animals. DON’T BE CHICKEN Come see the farm animals and wildlife at Uncle Donald’s Farm. A PAIN IN THE NECK Thyroid cancer is rising quickly in women.
PAWS-ITIVE TAILS
Local rescues unleash a new life for animals.
DON’T BE CHICKEN
Come see the farm animals and wildlife at Uncle Donald’s Farm.
A PAIN IN THE NECK
Volkan Ulgen Victoria Schlabig
ART DIRECTOR volkan@akersmediagroup.com
Thyroid cancer is rising quickly in women.
REMARKABLE PEOPLE. UNIQUE PLACES. EXCITING EVENTS.
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PHOTOGRAPHY douglas@akersmediagroup.com
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Everything that makes Lake & Sumter counties out of the ordinary! NOV '20
VILLAGE EDITION
STAFF WRITER victoria@akersmediagroup.com
paradise WELCOME TO
WATER OAK COUNTRY CLUB ESTATES: A HAVEN IN LADY LAKE
AL SO
LIVING WITH EPILEPSY A full life can be enjoyed with this rare condition.
Chris Weatherman shares his experience on the reality show Alone.
Perfect
A full life can be enjoyed with this rare condition.
Power Casrock shapes bodies, transforms lives.
INTO THE WILD
THE
AL SO
LIVING WITH EPILEPSY
FROM FLAB TO FIT
FROM FLAB TO FIT
REMARKABLE PEOPLE. UNIQUE PLACES. EXCITING EVENTS. Everything that makes Lake & Sumter counties out of the ordinary!
Power Casrock shapes bodies, transforms lives.
+
INTO THE WILD
Chris Weatherman shares his experience on the reality show Alone.
PICK
Lake County has bushels of berries and a bounty of agritourism sites.
ON THE WATERFRONT
GO FISH
MUTUAL ATTRACTIONS
Launch yourself into endless waterways and discover scenic wildlife areas.
Explore a fishing mecca with countless hot spots for anglers of all skill levels.
By land, sea and air, visitors can find adventure, sightseeing and recreation.
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to your home for just $84. Each subscription includes 12 consecutive issues of Lake & Sumter Style and Village Edition Style. Choose 2 or more magazines for $108 per year. To order, call 352.787.4112 or mail us at: Subscriptions at Akers Media, P.O. Box 490088, Leesburg, FL 34749. Change of Address: If you are a seasonal resident or have moved, send your address change request to general@akersmediagroup.com or mail us at: Subscriptions at Akers Media, P.O. Box 490088, Leesburg, FL 34749. Back Issues: Order a single issue by mail for $8. To pick up a back issue from our office, please call 24 hours in advance.
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Lake & Sumter Style. Published monthly by Akers Media, 108 South Fifth Street, Leesburg, FL 34748. All editorial contents copyright 2020 by Akers Media. All rights reserved. Lake & Sumter Style is a registered trademark of Akers Media. Nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. For back issues or billing information, call 352.787.4112. Return postage must accompany all unsolicited manuscripts and artwork if they are to be returned. Manuscripts are welcomed, but no responsibility can be assumed for unsolicited materials. “Paid Promotional Feature” denotes a paid advertising feature. Publisher is not responsible for claims or contents of advertisements. The ideas and opinions contained in this publication do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of Akers Media.
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first PEOPLE. COMMENTARY. NEWS.
Emily Curtalo achieves academic greatness.
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THE HIT LIST
A LITTLE AREA HIS-STAR-Y LESSON If one were to visit Yummi’s Frozen Yogurt and Cafe, 650 8th Street in downtown Clermont, they may notice many things inside and outside of the shop. That includes the store’s cute logo; a smiley faced dollop of frozen swirls atop the “Y” in Yummi’s, a plethora of yogurt, sorbet and gelato flavors, plenty of toppings to choose from and a cute choice of colors and décor inside the shop. And if you haven’t noticed, there is a black star on the sidewalk right outside the shop’s front door. Wondering what it signifies? Well, mystery solved! The star was put there in the 1920s when the corner building that is Yummi’s was a Texaco gas station. The star – the Texaco logo – is what remains of its history there. In fact, there is video of it. Members of the Cooper Memorial Library Association Board of Directors in Clermont found it in a box containing photos, documents and an old reel of film for a project involving an update to a historical book called “Clermont, Gem of the Hills (1884-1984)”. The book was republished as “From Gem of the Hills to Choice of Champions” in December 2019.
TRAGEDY HITS HOME On Nov. 14, 1970, Ruth and Jenkie Cottrell drove 627 miles from Eustis to Greenville, North Carolina to watch a football game between Marshall and East Carolina. They came to see their son, Stuart, a star quarterback at Eustis High School who started as a safety that day for the Marshall Thundering Herd. Stuart didn’t disappoint. In the second quarter, he intercepted a pass and returned the ball 81 yards for the first touchdown of his collegiate career. Ruth and Jenkie beamed with pride from the bleachers as their oldest son experienced this glorious gridiron moment. After the game, which Marshall lost 17-14, Ruth and Jenkie talked to Stuart and hugged him goodbye. That would be the last time they saw him alive. Hours later, a chartered flight carrying Marshall football players and coaches crashed into a West Virginia mountainside, killing all 75 passengers, including Stuart. This month marks the 50th anniversary of that crash, which is known as the worst accident in American sports history. Stuart’s sister, Leigh Cottrell Cordiner of Winter Springs, was only 12 when he died. It was the first time she had to cope with the death of a family member. “I was a small girl who didn’t know how to handle death. I became quiet. I was confused for many years about life and death.” Five decades later, she finds peace by remembering Stuart, not for the tragedy that took his life, but rather as a big brother who loved every minute of life. “He had four younger siblings and was always attentive to us,” says Leigh, a 1977 graduate of Eustis High School. “He would take us to the store to get Icees and also take us to the drive-in movie
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theater in his 1958 Plymouth with his cheerleader girlfriend by his side. He’d also have us go outside and throw the football to us.” Throwing the football was Stuart’s specialty. He was a secondteam all-state quarterback at Eustis High School, where he graduated in 1969. He led the Panthers football team to three straight conference titles and lettered in baseball, basketball and track. He also served as president of his senior class. Those achievements came with much fanfare. “It was fun hanging around him because everyone would approach him and want to talk,” Leigh recalls. “I met a lot of people through him. He made a big impression on people.” Years after his death, some haven’t forgotten how Stuart touched their lives. In 2007, Leigh traveled to Huntington, West Virginia to attend the premiere of “We Are Marshall,” a movie highlighting how Marshall University rebuilt its football program following the tragedy. A man who was on the freshman team in 1970 approached Leigh that night. “He told me that freshman football players tend to get picked on by upperclassmen, but said Stuart was very encouraging to him and made him feel important. He said he was a friend to everybody and had great character.” Stuart’s legacy lives on. Soon after he died, Eustis High renamed its baseball field Stuart Cottrell Memorial Field, which features an engraved plaque with his name on it. Today, family members and friends pay tributes and share memories on a Facebook page called “Remembering Stuart Cottrell.” “As his younger sister, I remember Stuart’s gentle attention,” Leigh says. “He didn’t mind babysitting me and readily included me in his life. I’m over 60 years old now and I still feel his genuine love.”
The film reel contains silent footage of Clermont shot over several years in the 1920s. In different segments of the film, the Yummi’s building appears as the Texaco and as a drug store. And at one point, the star on the sidewalk can be seen. And that’s not the only Lake County building with a Texaco-based history. The Mount Dora Marketplace building at 100 E. 4th Ave., (home of Wolf Branch Brewing Company) also contains a piece of its own. According to Marketplace owners, the building was a Texaco gas and service station with an adjoining Greyhound bus station in the 1930s. Below the wooden floorboards in the bar area, the actual lifts used to fix the cars remain perfectly preserved. Before Wolf Branch and its beloved craft beers moved in, a tap room called The Filling Station was considered. That name was a shout-out to the historical aspect of the building.
THANKSGIVING LEFTOVERS? LOOK NO FURTHER Leftovers sandwiches are as much a part of Thanksgiving as turkey and dressing, but there are alternative ways to clean out the fridge after holiday guests have gone back home. Instead of a sandwich, try a Thanksgiving leftovers taco. With sweet potatoes, if they’re not mashed already, mash them until there’s no lumps, and slowly knead in flour until a tortilla dough forms. You’ll end up adding roughly one-part flour to two-parts sweet potato, but only add about a tablespoon or so at a time. Next, scoop dough into 2-3-inch balls and use a floured rolling pin to roll into thick tortillas. Once that’s done, spray a pan and cook each tortilla until it’s lightly browned on each side. Lastly, fill it up with turkey, gravy, veggies, cranberry sauce, and whatever else was on your table (Well, maybe not pumpkin pie). Enjoy! P.S. Spicy shrimp tacos is another great way to use sweet potato tortillas! Try sautéing shrimp with any cooking oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper and cayenne, then add fresh cilantro and lime to taste. Or, make a breakfast taco with eggs, cheese, avocado and your favorite hot sauce.
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THE HIT LIST
A CORNY FALL MUST STOP Looking for somewhere unique to take the kids for some fall-inspired fun, but also need some yummy produce for your Thanksgiving menu? Look no further than Long and Scott Farms at 26216 County Road 448A, Mount Dora. You can shop at the venue’s Farmer’s Market, featuring Kirby Pickling Cucumbers and Scott’s Zellwood Triple-Sweet Gourmet Corn, plus other fresh and local produce, jams and jellies, honey, sauces and various other products. Also, according to Long and Scott Farms’ website, “If hankerin’ for delicious food,” one need only visit their café located adjacent to the market, where dishes like freshmade corn chowder, yummy sandwiches, and other goodies can be found. But wait; that’s not all! Have kids? No worries. After shopping and eating, all can enjoy some old-fashioned fun in Scott’s Maze Adventures Park, which features a challenging themed sevenacre corn maze you can literally get lost in, jumping pillow, zip line, superslide, and more! There’s also kids fishing ($2 per child) and tours of the farm via hayride (for an additional $4 per person) on The Sweet Corn Express, which includes an audio presentation about the history of the farm that has provided produce since 1963. Farm hours of operation are 9am–5pm Tuesday through Saturday and noon–5pm Sunday. The maze is only open on weekends. All three fall attractions – the market, café, and maze – are open through Dec. 13, and this year the weekends will also include more live music according to Agritourism Manager Rebecca Scott Tyndall.
“We’re excited. We’re hoping people want to get outside,” Rebecca says. “We’d had a really tough year, so we’d love to see people out here for some great fun and if people want fresh local produce, we’ve got it!” Additionally, Rebecca says that because of the coronavirus pandemic, masks inside and social distancing outside are encouraged, as are presale tickets to limit lines upon arrival. For more information, or to purchase maze and hayride tickets, call 352.383.9000 or visit longandscottfarms.com.
PANDEMIC NEST Just as many local parents were celebrating their empty nests, their kids are boomeranging back home. It’s all part of the 2020 trend, the “Pandemic Nest,” stemming the ripple effect of COVID-19 which caused Junior to lose his job, or his college closed dorms and he has moved back home indefinitely. Here are the stats: • More than half of all young adults in the U.S. now live with their
parents — that’s a number not seen since the Great Depression, according to Pew Research Center. • A recent Zillow report of current population data reveals more than 32 million adults live with a parent or grandparent. • Millions of young adults moved back home because more than 1,000 colleges and universities have shifted to online-only or primarily online models for the foreseeable future, says the Chronicle of Higher Education.
COVID CRUISERS When gyms were closed due to coronavirus, Carroll Jaskulski and his wife Rozann Abato decided to refurbish their bicycles and started riding around Mount Dora. Soon, friends joined them, and former Mount Dora Mayor Melissa DeMarco introduced the cyclists to many paved trails in Central Florida. “We now have a group of about 16 that I named the COVID Cruisers as a joke,” says Rozann. “After all, if it were not for COVID, our bikes would still be hanging in the garage.” The group rides every Saturday and sometimes on a weekday. “We have totally embraced all the wonderful bike trails in Central Florida that we never knew existed,” says Rozann. “We intend to survive this pandemic in a good mental and physical state of health.”
WHAT’S ON YOUR TABLE THIS THANKSGIVING? Studies found that roasted turkey and pumpkin cheesecake were the most commonly searched recipes in Florida during Thanksgiving season last year. In previous years, green bean casserole and yams turned up on the list, along with, surprisingly, flan. What will be No. 1 this year? According to Bon Appétit Magazine, new recipe ideas on the menu include apple cider and rum punch, as well as spicy cranberry sauce using lime, jalapeños and shallots, roasted carrots with a creamy sauce, and cranberry lime pie, apple walnut upside down cake, or a salted caramel chocolate torte for dessert.
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PERSON OF INTEREST
PEO PLE
Steve Smith Clermont man has heart for propelling people forward. INTERVIEWER: ROXANNE BROWN
≈ PHOTO: NICOLE HAMEL
L V I TA AT S ST
• Retired from banking industry in Columbus, Ohio. • Moved to Clermont to help care for in-laws.
• Steve’s family includes wife Linda Smith, four adult children and 11 grandchildren.
How did your work helping the homeless begin? After coming to Clermont, I started seeing so many people losing their jobs and homes. I formed a faith-based nonprofit homeless service provider called New Beginnings with the intention of helping these struggling families recover from their dire situation. That was in 2007, and over the years since then this ministry has helped thousands rebuild and transform their lives.
What is your role in bringing affordable housing to Lake County? In 2017 I turned over the New Beginnings’ executive director role and formed Provident Housing Solutions, a nonprofit housing developer, to focus my time creating more affordable housing to help ease this growing need in central Florida. Then, in 2018, I created a beautiful 96-unit workforce affordable rental community in Clermont called Woodwinds. The Florida Housing Coalition awarded the Woodwinds community the Sadowski Award for its beauty and I was given the title “Mayor of Woodwinds” at its grand opening ceremony.
Why is affordable housing so important? There are many agencies in Lake County that help those in need, but the lack of affordable housing is the number one problem in this area, which is why it is my number one focus. What other related group did you start? To bring awareness
Steve Smith at Woodwinds Apartments, Clermont.
to the Lake County residents of the growing affordable housing situation, I also helped form Housing For All Lake of County; a nonprofit advocacy group made up of businesses, churches and government leaders who have been meeting regularly to discuss solutions. It capped off last year with a housing forum hosted by the City of Groveland with Jaimie Ross, CEO of the Florida Housing Coalition, as the keynote speaker.
Biggest success story? My most memorable recent success comes from Woodwinds. It was a long and hard fought six-year challenge from the beginning of my dream to become a reality. I am thanked often from the residents living at Woodwinds, as for many it is their first permanent home and for some children, it is the first time they have had a bedroom of their own.
Best word to describe you? Persistent. Words you live by? TEAM, which stands for “Together Each Accomplishes More.”
Whom do you consider your biggest mentor? God is my CEO and has been my mentor for most of my life as I truly believe that with God at your side all things are possible through prayer and petition.
Know a person of interest? Tell us! Email your recommendation to roxanne@akersmediagroup.com
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OUTSTANDING STUDENT
PEO PLE
Emily Curatolo No test is too tough for UF freshman who always strives for academic excellence.
VITAL STATS
INTERVIEWER: JAMES COMBS
• Graduated from East Ridge High School in 2020. • Maintained a 5.2 grade-point average. • Completed 14 advanced placement (AP) classes. • Now a freshman at the University of Florida.
≈ PHOTO: DOUGLAS TYLER
You took many college-level classes at East Ridge. How did you balance that with a social life? I’m pretty introverted and not really a social person in general. I would make an organized agenda for each day. Some nights I would stay up studying until 4am and get two hours of sleep. However, I think that sacrifice was worth it. I was very dedicated and wanted to challenge myself.
How did you feel about receiving a $10,000 scholarship from Project Scholars, a nonprofit organization in Clermont? I was shocked. Truthfully, I had forgotten I even applied for that scholarship because I was busy filling out so much paperwork for college. To be chosen as one of four recipients out of hundreds who applied was a big honor.
Why did you choose to attend the University of Florida? My brother, who is six years older than me, attended UF. Growing up, my family would go visit him in Gainesville and attend football and basketball games. I always envisioned myself going there.
What is your proudest accomplishment as a student? My volunteer work. I volunteered at an assisted-living facility in Clermont and met so many interesting people. I would plan events, play trivia games with the residents and plan Halloween parties. I
felt I made a difference in their lives, and that made me proud.
It was unfortunate that the coronavirus hit during your senior year of high school. How did you cope? It was upsetting that we didn’t get a prom or graduation bash, but we did have a graduation ceremony a few months later. I think that helped provide some closure that seemed to be missing.
Did going through that adversity teach you a life lesson? Going through that showed me what is important in life and what we should value. The connection with your friends and family is much more powerful than a graduation bash or prom.
Your generation is known for being technologically savvy and frequent users of social media. Do you prefer face-to-face interaction or communicating electronically? I prefer face-to-face. There’s just something about laughing with someone in person and getting to look into their eyes and really connecting with each other.
What are your future plans? I want to be in a medical-related field to help people. I am still deciding whether to major in biomedical engineering, biochemistry or pre-med biology. I’m leaning toward biomedical engineering, which would allow me to create technologies that are therapeutic.
Know an outstanding student? Fill us in!
Email your recommendations to james@akersmediagroup.com
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MY FIRST TIME
PEO PLE
Chris Weatherman Survival expert recalls first experience ‘Alone’ on reality TV. INTERVIEWER: VICTORIA SCHLABIG
started into survival skills in 1990 with primitive skills and medicinal, wildlife trapping and foraging, all that stuff, and just kept moving up through that skill set to include modern survival skills. In 2011 I wrote a book, a postapocalyptic fiction survival story set here in Lake County, and I was doing a book signing in Colorado when the History Channel showed up and asked me if I’d do the show. The concept of ‘Alone’ was taking 10 experienced individuals, each choosing 10 items from a list of tools and things, and dropping us in a remote
What about your first time?
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≈ PHOTO: NICOLE HAMEL
area left to our own devices. We had to film everything we did, and we had to procure our own shelter, food, water, everything. When we arrived on Vancouver Island, they told us that it was a last man standing and that there was a half million-dollar prize for the winner. We had no idea that there was a prize going in. We were all like ‘What?!’ But we had a really good camaraderie. We knew we were competing against ourselves; we weren’t competing against each other. Everybody who went, they’re all very experienced people, but wilderness, especially like that, when you’re alone, changes the stakes. Anything you do can be life altering.
Sadly, for me, on the second night out I had a big pack of wolves show up. I have a thing with big dogs, so I left the third day. My only regret is I wasn’t able to hang out there longer, but life is what it is. One of the things they told us is that if you don’t film it, it didn’t happen, so you’re expected to always be filming video. So, you’re aware of it, but attaching it to ‘I’m gonna be on TV’ isn’t really there. I liked it all. I didn’t really want to come out of there. It was a last man standing event, but it was the ultimate way to test yourself. Not something just anybody can do.
To share a story about your first time doing something significant, email victoria@akersmediagroup.com.
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Cancer, COVID-19, and the Holidays PA I D
T
P R O M O T IO N A L
F E AT U R E
he holidays can be stressful, even without cancer’s added challenges. This year the COVID-19 pandemic can raise stress levels even further. Wendy Hall, LCSW, offers these ways to cope. 1. Keep things simple. The side effects from cancer and its treatment can ramp up your fatigue and lower your immunity, so focus on just one or two traditions that are special
to you. If you are social distancing from friends and family, consider modifying some traditions, like visiting online rather than in person. Some websites can also let you post audio and video greetings for loved ones to enjoy. 2. Shop online. Large crowds can be stressful in the best of times. Cancer can make those crowds harder to navigate, and a pandemic
can increase infection risk even for people without health issues. Shopping online has become the answer for many. Most stores have great customer service staff available to help. Due to the pandemic, some neighborhood stores may now offer home delivery. Gift cards can also be bought online. 3. Love is priceless. If money is tight, heartfelt, homemade gifts and
14.2%
“Thinking of You” notes go a long way to let someone know they are in your thoughts. If you are social distancing, you can send a digital creation or greeting. 4. Ask for help. People will want to know how you are doing. Consider sharing that information via email or in a video greeting. You can ask a close friend to share the details if doing so directly makes you feel uncomfortable. If you are gathering in person for the holidays, asking guests to bring a dish to share can keep your work load from becoming overwhelming. 5. Learn and accept your limitations. If you visit others, be aware of the physical stress that entertaining and traveling puts on your body. Use discretion when selecting which holiday invitations to accept. If you go out of town, consider staying in a hotel instead of in a family member’s home. This may help you relax and restore your energy and give you more control over your space and time. 6. Remember the true meaning of the holidays. Finally, don’t concentrate on what may be missing or is different from past holidays. Try to focus on the present moment and enjoy your celebration in whatever form it takes. Remember what the holidays are truly about: a time for renewed friendships, being thankful, and sharing with others. We are here to help. Call our social workers Wendy Hall, LCSW at 352-527-0106 or Amy Roberts, LCSW at 352-732-0277 with any questions or concerns.
US Adults practicing meditation in 2017, National Health Interview Survey (more than three times the percentage from 2012)
47% People saying finances are the greatest cause of stress during the holidays (Healthline survey, 2019)
69%
Give Yourself the Gift of Mindfulness Meditation can be done anywhere and anytime without special equipment or an expensive membership. Let Amy Roberts, LCSW, take you through guided meditation that addresses a variety of issues. Sessions can help you reduce anxiety, experience gratitude, release worries and regrets, and simply relax. You can also join RBOI’s weekly meditation group. All sessions are free of charge. Visit www.rboi.com and click on “Guided Meditation” under “Cancer Support.” Relax your mind and breathe easy this holiday season and beyond.
Employees saying COVID-19 is the most stressful time of their entire career (survey by mental health provider Ginger)
27% Americans with children who start to feel stressed about the holiday season by the beginning of November (Total Brain survey, 2019)
Patient-centered radiation oncology close to home The Villages 352.259.2200 Ocala 352.732.0277 Timber Ridge 352.861.2400 Inverness 352.726.3400 Lecanto 352.527.0106 RBOI.com
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“
P L AZ A
The whole experience at Plaza Cadillac was sincere, honest and straightforward. There was never any pressure or pushing, he answered all my questions, and he was extremely knowledgeable about the entire Cadillac product line. I am proud to say that I consider Robby a friend. If you are in the market for a Cadillac product I strongly suggest you look Robby up. I can say without reservation he will “treat you right” and you will be the better for it.
“ — JIM PIERSALL
P L AZ A 8893 US HWY 441 LEESBURG, FL 34788 352.787.1323
P L AZ A C A D I L L AC . CO M
Jim Piersall
Tony Pagano, General Sales Manager (left) Robby Giovanetti, Salesperson
P L AZ A
“
We have bought many cars in our lives. Without question, Plaza Lincoln is the finest car dealer we have dealt with. Jay Bitzer and the Plaza Lincoln people made us feel like family. They were very professional and they sold us two Lincolns over the years. Jay spent time with us in showing us how to operate our new vehicle. He was very knowledgeable and thorough.
“
— JACK & NANCY ORLANDO
P L AZ A Tony Pagano, General Sales Manager (right) Jay Bitzer, Salesperson
Jack & Nancy Orlando
8925 US HWY 441 LEESBURG, FL 34788 352.787.1255
P L AZ A L I N C O L N O F L E E S B U R G . CO M
A R T X E DI R O Y R A N LE P O E P
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firefighter academy may need additional supplies not covered by the GI Bill. “A firefighter recruit might have to pay $1,100 out-of-pocket for bunker gear, and a law enforcement recruit might have to pay out-of-pocket for ammunition and books,” David says. “We don’t want them to have to hurt financially when they’re trying to better themselves. Providing them with funding keeps them focused and on the right path.” There’s another integral component to helping veterans become self-sufficient civilians. David works closely with their family members, too. “It’s important to include the whole family because we want to look at the entire family structure,” he says. “If a husband’s spending budget is different from his wife’s, then their finances aren’t going to work out. Also, there are times when the veteran cannot be the breadwinner. In those cases, we’ll send the spouse to school and help create a career for her. Sometimes we’ll help the veteran and his wife establish new careers.” For David, operating Combat Veterans to Careers is every bit as therapeutic as it is rewarding, especially when he deals with veterans suffering from war injuries or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He relates to their pain. In September 2006, David, who was a combat medic, and several other soldiers
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were returning to base after a routine mission in Iraq when their military vehicle struck an improvised explosive device (IED). The blast resulted in a spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury. David spent three years recovering at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego. He underwent five neck surgeries and learned how to walk again. “I went from a wheelchair, to a walker, and then to a cane,” he says. “Then, I was walking without assistance. I was very fortunate to receive great care.” Though his body was severely wounded, his indomitable spirit was never broken. His battle scars remind him that pain and suffering were never intended to strip him, but rather to grow him. “Everything happens for a reason,” he says. “I was determined to overcome my injuries, and now I have the honor of helping other veterans succeed in the civilian world. That’s very rewarding.” He shares that story with fellow vets. It’s a powerful reminder of how visible and invisible injuries don’t have to define a person indefinitely. “At some point you have to stop being the wounded guy and look at how bright your future can be,” David says.
MODEL FARMER
GEORGE LININGER A bad ticker made George Lininger quit his beloved Springport, Michigan farm, but the tractors, crops, and livestock never left him. “I’ve had three serious heart attacks,” George says. “I pretty near didn’t get out of the last one. The doctor said, ‘You need to go and call the auctioneer.’ It wasn’t worth dying for. So, I got out, even though it wasn’t a good time to sell.” You would too if you’d found your 78-year-old grandfather on the woodlot of his farm, dead of a heart attack, on July 8, 1959. Farewell 1968 Case 930 diesel tractor. So long 1952 Oliver GB crawler with 20” track. Thanks for the memories John Deere six-row corn planter. Goodbye Allis-Chalmers 780 chopper. “Years ago, I had a whole bunch of tractors. I’d take a semiload of them to different shows. I sold them all,” George says. It was even hard to part with the manure spreader. Don’t laugh. The bond between man and machine can be stronger than a recently harvested cabbage field on a sultry summer night. You’d understand if you grew up with a rooster alarm clock and milked Ayrshires and slopped Chester Whites before school. Ah, farm living. Nothing like it. Land spreadin’ out so far and wide, keep Manhattan, just give me that countryside. “I had my first tractor when I was 6,” George remembers 75 years later. Big deal, lots of kids have toy tractors. “It was a real tractor. A gas-powered tractor. You can’t farm with anything else.” “We had a fairly large farm during World War II,” George says. “In the fall of 1948, dad rented a farm for me because I had 4-H and fair cattle and they were eating too much of his field.” George was, get this, 10 years old. Good thing he had 4 years of plowing under his Drum Major overalls. No ordinary plowboy, that George. He told a Michigan newspaper reporter that he likes “to choose a point a mile away and draw that straight and perfect furrow across the field.” A mile away?!! His furrows were so straight that local farm equipment dealer Hugh Losey begged George to plow competitively. Thirteen-year-old George wasn’t interested, but Losey wouldn’t take no for an answer. “He kept after me and I
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went,” George told the Lansing State Journal 58 years ago. The press clipping – and dozens more extolling George’s plowing prowess – was found on the Internet. He didn’t keep newspaper accounts of his glory days, if he ever had them. He’s not about to tell you he won the National Plowing Championship in 1958 when he was 21 at an event that drew 100,000 spectators and U.S. Secretary of Agricultural Ezra Taft Benson. “Most humble guy you will meet,” says Randy Bodine, a seventh-generation Alabama cotton farmer and president of the Alabama chapter of the International Harvester Collector’s Club. A plow horse couldn’t drag a brag out of George, so we’ll let old Michigan newspapers tell it: He won the National again in 1959, was runner-up in ’55 and ’65 and competed in the World Plowing Match in Italy in 1959 and Ireland in 1960. “He would ship a tractor and plow over there,” Randy says. George’s Michigan farm had grown to 560 acres and numerous mechanical marvels, some made by George. “He designed and built real life size equipment to use in his farming operation,” Randy says. After retiring to Lady Lake, George gave his mechanical marvels new, miniature life as 1/16” scale miniature models. “He has a little room on the side of the house with a little work bench,” says Geri, George’s wife of 21 years. “No fancy tools. He draws up blueprints and goes to work on it.” George was introduced to the hobby by a friend who made model farm equipment. “He kept wanting me to build models. He was pouring them out of castings, and selling them like hot cakes,” George says. The models were ok but lacked detail. George, the perfectionist, knew he could do better. “He gave me some junk castings. I redid them and made models,” he says. The models still weren’t good enough for George. Convinced he could achieve 100% accuracy, he developed his own painstaking technique. First, he found photos of the particular machine he wanted to replicate. Next, he drew up blueprints and made drawings. Then came the measuring, cutting, shaping, soldering, painting, etc. “He doesn’t think what he does and has done is all that special,” Randy says. “He just acts like anybody could do it, and
“HE WOULD SHIP A TRACTOR AND PLOW OVER THERE.” — R A N DY B O D I N E
better than him. And that is just not true. That’s the furthest from the truth – he does things no one else can or has done.” At tractor shows, George’s recreated machines were more popular than plug tobacco at a tractor show. “I sold a few,” he says modestly. “I made over 100. I’ve built a little bit of everything. Some of those I built are very detailed. I made quite a few that are complicated. It takes a while to get them put together so they look right.” In doing so, he elevated a hobby to an art form. “He’s an incredible custom toy builder. Not many guys have his talent or ability,” Randy says. “And yes, he is highly regarded in more circles than just the toy-collecting world.” Randy is the proud owner of George’s masterpiece. “I sold Randy a cotton picker. He’d been after me for 12 years to make him one,” George says. “The cotton picker has two drums in it with 740 picking spindles. I built each spindle and bushing. I spent three or four months building that one.” Randy’s cotton picker is the only one of its kind. George built it from specs and photos of an experimental model International Harvest built. George could have harvested big bucks from his models, but never intended to reap profits. “It was a hobby. I didn’t do it for money,” he says with a hearty laugh he punctuates most conversations with. Yes, was. “It used to take up a lot of time. He’s not feeling peppy anymore,” Geri says. “I haven’t made any lately, I’ve just about quit,” George admits. George is tired from squeezing three careers into his 81 years. He grew sugar beets and was a dairy farmer (350 head), owned a trucking company, and supervised vehicle maintenance, sanitation, and public works for the City of Leesburg after “retiring” to Florida. “I’ve had a full life. I’ve enjoyed it,” George says. A life lived as straight as the mile-long furrows he plowed. “He’s a man of integrity. He does what he says he will do and treats people so kind,” Randy said. One might say George Lininger has been a “model” citizen.
ONE FOR THE BOOKS
AIDEN WHITLEY Dealing with COVID-19 has been stressful for families around the globe, yet a Clermont boy and his mother found comfort penning and illustrating their thoughts about the pandemic. Aiden Whitley, 9, and his mother, Kelly Whitley, are co-authors of “Together, We Can Say.” “It wasn’t meant to be a ‘how-to’ book, but more of a self-awareness book to promote communication between parents and their children,” Kelly says. “Any time I would ask him a question, I would illustrate on that page what the mom might be feeling.” Aiden did the same. Together, they discovered the coronavirus pandemic was generating a wide range of emotions, especially in the early weeks of quarantine during Florida’s stay-athome orders. Aiden wasn’t happy with the closing of his school and not being able to see his friends, and Kelly realized she wasn’t the only parent feeling anxious. “We knew that it would be relatable; a lot of people were going through an emotional roller coaster with us,” says Kelly. “We thought, ‘We want to help people and let’s try help them now before it ends and is not really
relevant anymore.’ We had no idea that it would still be so relevant.” The duo self-published the book through Kindle. “We felt we can get through this if we just think positive,” adds Aiden. “We really are all in this together.” “Together, We Can Say” has been wellreceived. Teachers have utilized the book with their students during virtual Zoom classes. “Friends have told us their children have really clung to the book,” adds Kelly. “It definitely has done its job; we have opened up conversation and made it a safe space for children to be able to have discussions with adults and parents.” The book is available through Amazon for Kindle and is in paperback. Aiden has a second book in mind he’d like to write and illustrate about a superhero dog with powers to saves cities. “I’d like to be a lot of stuff. A writer, artist, animator, musician,” Aiden says as he ponders what he wants to do when he grows up. With his first book under his belt, Aiden has already achieved success as a published author. “And 2020 is a year I will never forget,” Aiden adds.
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h fth-grade ry so he es in his fi ld War II. g a p o to the sto tw e r r e o r o e ooks m W m e t b u A reading b te abo had to ti d e e n r p a e p t a th u o g ’s g rs feelin Jackson y, checkin . remembe the librar t ould find a c e ic h p Benjamin s to ie e r ans and th ta n g e e in WII v ter earch docum s W y e f r n o a n y a g r g in e to b tch orld War t his II and wa began a W ated to at the vas e W d h e ; W z d t a e u k m o c a b a cli as dic says he w omething ization de of years, s ofit organ Benjamin r le p p n u o o n c a a is d after that today events an , but y Project r to is one thing H s is n s a n r a r te e te V ve II ged istory. out these lf, it chan g WWII h em myse stories ab th g preservin h in h it w tc a lk or w actually ta “Reading t I could a th e m it when it h e in jamin. II vets ar says Ben ,” g in th y any WW r m s of t eve ie a r th to s g g the lainin p in x ll e e r T e “ : ft s A k he add now, I thin or older, aving us le e e r their 90s b a t to a g ations th e not goin ow the gener e they ar s u sn a ie c r e b to t s n these e r tu is importa p a c rever. To with us fo et out to l.” now 18, s , in is critica m ja n ossible. In hell, Be rans as p te In a nuts e v II ughout many WW eled thro v a tr ’s talk to as e h men and ur years, bout 100 a d e w the past fo ie v sed. and inter since pas e v a h the world m o e’s any of wh veteran h women, m ays the youngest s t, 104. He Benjamin the oldes ; 2 9 s a w ed e clearly. interview xperienc e t s I wasn’t r fi is rs h to expect, t a h c w remembe w o a fantasti really kn ut it was b , e “I didn’t k d li in e b eh motion b t it would sure wha sing the e s e t on me,” n c it e w ff e t . Jus found o r p a d interview a sh harles an’s word ion with C s s u c is the veter d t. says of his Clermon Benjamin o lives in h ot who w il n p a r r a vete s fighte p r o C ir Konsler, A eatre and an Army ropean th u y E e “He was th . His stor s in Mustang r Sweden e v o e n g la in flew P-51 an p ad everyth not n a Germ it really h ; shot dow e c ifi w, and r c a and s n intervie e a r ic v te r e e v s f a o nt in could wa that you
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BEHIND N O I T O M THE E S KONSLER] G N I S S E LE TN “JUST WIETERAN’S [CHAR EFFECT ON ME.” THE V D A PROFOUND K S O N A AC WORDS H — B E N J A M I N M A C K - J
d me to it inspire t u b , s ie r o ose mem capture th in says. to m le ja illages b n a e I sion,” B om The V is fr only was m n a e r th te ve on with s he is ld Army continue oject, say 96-year o r a p r, e e k th c r o d fo Irving L is doing. terviewe wed o been in d what he ls n a a s a in d have slo h n m o a ja n w wh e o n B f old proud o going, 96 years extremely an keep it o, but I’m c to o , h e tory r w tu n c WWII his like Be f o le “I still le p s o y e a s p g go ttle, so it’s ger people,” Irvin 5 years a down a li “It was 7 un . o e y ea e e it fr u th t q o r ’s n y fo om is one. It d g e e e b especiall fr ll t a a l it’l essage th about it, and the m esn’t talk o d y d .” o it b e rview and ow and if som people have to kn every inte s e p ta o e nd Facebook he vid history a bsite and enjamin, e B w to is g h in n so Accord the video lly posts a ic d . io h r tc e p into mini wa people to segments r o e fo id s v e full-length g d a e p nsform d his first a e s tr a o le e ls r a ich tells He’s ently isited, wh v s and rec e , ie R r y ta d n n e veterans rma docum ormandy ntary, No N e f m o u c le o tt d ld a e feature ay and B e battlefi s of 16 D-D journey back to th t the storie rs res the fi ught. world and featu eterans fo v e th avels the f tr o e in n m o e ja and at Ben wher nizations s not all – a t’ g a r o th , s d p n A rou eated veteran g um he cr e s to u g m in g k n a e sp , traveli , helmets tilizing a uniforms e of k schools, u li ls a ts d c e II artifa coins, m e v from WW Samurai swords, a h s milie phs, d their fa n a ts photogra e v t more, tha entic valor and . nly 19 auth ldiers im o h f o to e n d o so donate quired at carried he also ac vessel th ft ising a a r r Recently, c w g landin d is no n e a th e c – n ts te oa xis Higgins B – still in e on D-Day e r o h s safely to ation. its restor r fo s d n fu
g Rollins e attendin il h w ll a Benjamin s That’ k, where r a P inors r te Win ns and m o ti la e r l College in carry ona internati ill help him urriculums w s e p o h majors in lc he see schoo ; degrees active wants to in history o and inter ls e a iv e s H n . e h m e a r e p r d m out his e more co , to includ d e v o tary films r p im documen g rld in . o y k w r a e to m th is ound y work r a m WWII h g e n u li n e ti v a con at ans and tr I hope th “I want to s of veter in says. “ ie m r l lead ja to il n s e w g , B r this hope,” fo f n preservin o io s s ie s r a p n.” ese sto st my eservatio sharing th rganization and ju on and pr ti a by c s u o n d y a e r l m vete rica through r of histo rence for e e e s iff r ie a d c c a a ll g g rve le me on a fu elieves he’s makin nd prese a ith s w ie t b r c e to in n s their to con Benjam ll s n te o , p ti a u r n gene rding to em ope ts future em. Acco n a th letting th w e r e fo H e . se b st-hand. families ces of tho stories fir ifi e r for their c th a s d r e a he eciate th arding ve never and appr It’s a rew milies ha . ff fa o y s n y a a m p , aking a eally Benjamin oing is m k, but it r d r n o e w e f b o e t and t I’v “It’s a lo ing people that wha ir w p o s n in k t, to u ce abo rgotten,” experien hat it’s all e often fo r w a s t t’ a a h th T s e. the storie differenc aware of m e eneration th g in mak e WWII g th h d c u . m in jam e how k and buil says Ben ible to se come bac d e to r c is le n in b o a y ati re “It’s reall e entire n t they we h and tha se well, th g at our u u a th o c r y e r b th to t y wen e vic th w toda o d n n k a e II w y ar f World W the countr ds rounds o g e r.” fo th onate fun t n h o built en foug ws or to d ie m r v o o r w m te d o in c n ct. na tch toryproje brave me on, to wa is ti h a s n m a r r fo te in e isit ww2v For more project, v ’s in m ja n for Be . ook page its Faceb
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HOPS FOR HEALING
SEBASTIEN LAJEUNESSE Hands trained to kill have been retrained to save lives. The hands belong to Sebastien Lajeunesse, a former US Marine point man; a mine-sweeper—the guy Bravo Company followed into Taliban territory… if he didn’t get blown apart. “Every day on patrol I was in front of the squad with the metal detector,” Sebastien says. “On the first day of the Marja invasion I was on a berm by myself while the rest of the squad was taking cover in case I blew up. I had a squad of Taliban just unload their weapons at me.” Sebastien did what anyone would do – he dropped to the ground. But he still had to sweep. Lives – American and Afghan – depended on him. Sebastien, who grew up dreaming of being a Marine, was prepared to die for his brothers. “I turned and saw my best friend start to run up to help me, but our team leader ordered him back,” Sebastien says. “I’m on the ground, just staring at my friend. I’ll never forget the look on his face of pain and sorrow, like ‘I’m sorry bro.’ I crawled and I’m sweeping, with bullets flying past me, inching across the berm, just about exhausted. Finally, I was halfway done, and he decided to go against team leader’s order and gave me covering fire. I definitely don’t think I would be here now if he hadn’t disobeyed the team leader’s order.” Somehow, Sebastien remained physically intact. That doesn’t mean he returned home whole. “Like a lot of family and loved ones that came back, I never truly came back.” Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) followed him back to central Florida. Sebastien was working a dead-end job with a food distribution company when his father, a former professional hockey player turned entrepreneur, offered a lifeline. “Dad called me up and said, ‘Come work for me part-time and go to school and study,” Sebastien says. “That’s where I discovered my love for horticulture therapy. Sebastien left part of his inner self in Afghanistan, but found peace, not on a therapist’s couch, but in the arms of nature, among rows of plants. Sebastien made the life-altering discovery while working for his father’s business, Agro Research International, in Sorrento, which specializes in organic pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers. “He told his sister, who is a therapist, ‘This is therapy for me. This helps me put Afghanistan behind me,’” recalls Agro Research International CEO Marc Lajeunesse. “Working on the farm, working with plants and everything has helped me a lot. I’m definitely in a better place. I feel like I was truly blessed to have the opportunity my dad gave me when I got out,” Sebastien says.
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“Working for my father, that’s when I realized, ‘Hey, one day it would be cool to have a farm for veterans to work it, a healthy farm where they can practice horticulture,’” Sebastien says. Sebastien is so sold on horticulture therapy that he started a 15-acre “healing” farm to help other vets find peace. “I’m just so tired of hearing on the news about the 22 veterans a day committing suicide. It wasn’t bad enough that I lost brothers in Afghanistan fighting, but we lost more after coming back home because of PTSD and committing suicide, and I want to do something to prevent those numbers,” Sebastien says. Fittingly, he named his healing farm Valhalla. In Norse mythology, Valhalla is the hall of slain warriors, a splendid palace roofed with shields where the warriors live blissfully.” In mythology, the warriors fight each other for sport. Warriors at the Valhalla at 40923 Maxwell Road in Umatilla, plant and harvest St. Johns Hops (named after the central Florida river), which are sold to central Florida microbreweries. Today, 32-year-old Sebastien leads battle-scarred veterans, not through booby-trapped desert, but to their very own better place. “St. Johns Hops is a veterans healing farm, dedicated to hiring combat veterans who suffer from PTSD, to work in this peaceful therapeutic environment,” Sebastien says. “We also help them get on their feet economically.” “It’s a hard transition coming back from Iraq,” says combat vet Keith Brown, who says he finds comfort “in being around my brothers” among rows of hops at Valhalla. “We have a couple of success stories. One of my veterans said, ‘When I came back from Iraq, I had anger issues and PTSD. Ever since I started coming here my life’s been so much easier. I’m happy. I feel less stress. I feel less angry,’” Sebastien says. Sebastien can relate. In seven years, he risked his life during two combat tours of Afghanistan and served as a rifle instructor after being promoted to sergeant. St. Johns Hops is prospering because Sebastien figured out how to grow hops
in Florida’s oppressive climate (hint: he uses his father’s organic products). “I grew a few hops plants and tried my dad’s products on them to see if they worked.” They did. “I went to a couple of local breweries to see if they’d buy the hops. They tried it and loved it. I figured, ‘Hey, this is the perfect opportunity to start the healing farm for veterans.” During months of researching ways to protect hops from bacteria that buried other would-be hops farmers, Sebastien wrestled with another problem – how to help as many veterans as possible. Valhalla isn’t large enough to warrant hiring more than a few vets. He’s never had more than three employees at one time. The answer came to him this summer – start a non-profit strawberry patch/ farm. “Warriors to Farmers is a brandnew program that I just got my 501(c)3 approved for. All the money that we get from donations will go toward the salaries to hire more combat vets that struggle with PTSD, for them to work in the same farm,” Sebastien says. If all goes according to plan, Warriors to Farmers will do more than put money in the pockets of veterans. “The jobs will be part-time. The reason they’ll only work part-time is so they’ll have the time they need to go to school and pursue a career,” Sebastien says. “Also, in the program they will get three months of counseling. That’s a brand-new program I’m trying to get off the ground now.” Strawberries are only part of the grandiose plan. “We actually are in the process of getting ready to set up a brewery at
the farm where we will brew our hops. And one of group workers has actually volunteered to train one of my veterans to be a brew master. So that would be something to add to his resume. He’ll also be making commission from the brewery and everything so he can better himself and his situation.” “I was really having trouble adjusting back to the civilian life and everything,” Sebastien says. “I was the first client, I guess.” “I would love to create other branches around the country because American veterans all over are struggling, not just in our little corner of the country,” Sebastien says. It will take years to fulfill such a dream. If anyone can pull it off, Sebastien can. “He’s happy, the veterans are happy, and I think he’s touching lives. He found his passion,” Marc says. Sebastien’s still very much a solider. “I was lost trying to find my purpose, then I found my calling helping other veterans go forward, Sebastien says. “I feel like I’m still serving my country.”
EXTRIA ORDY R A N LE P O E P
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NG T I H T E M SO
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WITH R O V I V A SUR
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Enjoy endless indoor air-conditioned recreational fun! Plus, over 218 acres of outdoor amenities! • 4 fitness centers • Indoor/outdoor swimming pools • Tennis, pickleball and bocce courts • 54 holes of golf on three courses • Private radio-controlled flying field, drone course & race car track • Over 17 miles of walking trails • Dog parks & much more • Veterans Park Featuring Memorial, Archery Range, Horseshoes, Cornhole, Community Garden and More!
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MODERN
Exterior photo by Nicole Hamel
CASTLE
Marble, wrought iron and limestone fuse 21st and 12th century design in this Oxford home made for entertaining. STORY: VICTORIA SCHLABIG
≈ PHOTOS: DOUGLAS TYLER
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abrina and Joe Ciceri loved their home in Yalaha, but when they adopted more children, they realized they would need a bigger space, so they began house shopping. From the moment they stepped foot in a unique Oxford home, they saw the potential to make it exactly what they wanted. Sabrina described the theme of the house as “country,” which isn’t really the Ciceris’ style, but they knew they could make the necessary changes to create the now castle-esque home they’ve resided in for almost four years. “Last year we took a castle tour in Scotland. We just like castles so we wanted to try to go as much as we could that way, like black and white, but I think it has a Mediterranean feel, too,” Sabrina says. Not only did they change most of the interior decor, they also made significant additions, such as adding a full home gym and expanding the pond on their eight-plus acres of land.
GYM The home gym, which sits on what was originally a plot of grass behind the house, includes a sauna, steam room and massage room. This is Joe’s favorite part of the house, besides the pond and back patio of course. Sabrina appreciates not having to leave home to work out or get a massage, because it can be hard to wrangle all of the kids out of the house.
OUTDOORS The pond was small, so they purchased an additional eight acres of land that neighbored their lot and expanded the pond, adding a fountain and plenty of bass. The pond and outdoor area is one of Joe’s favorite parts of the “house” and he spends a lot of time on the water fishing, kayaking and enjoying the Florida weather. Sabrina enjoys having enough space to host weddings (she’s hosted three), fundraisers, and other events at her home. “I like the events, like we’ve had a couple of fundraisers for the Boys and Girls Club, which I’m happy to have done,” she says. They also hosted a fundraiser for Anthony Sabatini of the Florida House of Representatives. “I like being able to give my home to organizations or events, to share what we’ve done with the house and plus to help out other people,” she adds. Sabrina also loves hosting parties for their large Greek and Italian families. “We have a lot of get-togethers. Porch night, we call it, is when everybody comes over and we’re always on the porch drinking beer, hanging out,” she says. The family often grills out for these parties, but Sabrina loves to cook as well.
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KITCHEN Given the number of gatherings the Ciceris host, the large kitchen is a huge plus. “I cook a lot and that’s where I stay, that’s where everybody congregates. Being with a large family, someone’s always at the bar or the table or on the back porch,” she says. The Ciceris changed the kitchen by replacing live oak cabinets and lowering counters to match their taste. “Anybody that comes to my house knows they don’t have to bring anything; we’re fully stocked all the time. We’ll overdose you with food, alcohol, whatever,” Sabrina says. “Everybody knows if you come over here it’s for a good time, you’ll never go hungry.” She loves making charcuterie boards with meat and cheese, appetizers, lasagna and other Italian dishes, and grilling seafood.
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BEDROOMS The house has plenty of room for four of six kids still living at home – five bedrooms, eight bathrooms, a theatre room, rec room, and a three-floor playroom. Every bedroom has an adjoining bathroom, and the kids’ rooms even have “secret” crawl space playrooms. In the master suite, a noticeable detail is marble flooring, which was recently added throughout the house as well to replace medium-light hardwood that matched the original “farmhouse” look but it didn’t really “go” with the castle look Sabrina wanted. The master also has very large walk-in closets for both Joe and Sabrina.
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CHANGES/PLANS
ALONSO One of the most eyecatching details in the Ciceri home is a painting. After designers noticed fur decor throughout the house – blankets, details on furniture, etc., they had “Alonso” painted to satisfy her love of fur. “They had it painted kinda as a joke,” Sabrina says, but she ended up loving Alonzo. “He’s got the crown and the drink. He’s kinda grumpy but he’s cool, and that’s kinda how he is,” she says as she points to her husband.
The Ciceris essentially did a whole makeover on the inside of the house. Another big project was tearing out the wooden railing and stairs to the second floor and replacing the railings with wrought iron. Sabrina expresses her gratitude towards Denise and Suzanne of Inspired Decor, who worked with her for years and know her style well. “Whatever I was trying to find, they would find it. I wanted everything that’s dark and they helped me add color,” she says, pointing to the orange beading in the living room chandelier. They found the chandelier at a market and had it made for the specific dimensions of the house. Sabrina adds that she loves specialized lighting and uses it to “cozy up” her home. “Under cabinet lighting, overhead lighting, dim lighting in the shelves, lighting really sets the mood,” she says. At night, the candles in the living room turn on automatically and “give the room a cozy feel.” Her favorite lighting feature is the chandelier in the foyer. With the price of the house and the changes made, Sabrina says the house is now worth roughly $2 million. And they’re not done yet, Sabrina still has changes she’d like to get done to make the house perfect. The theatre room has yet to be touched, and she wants to use limestone to replace the shelving surrounding the fireplace (all the way up), with two statement chairs on each side. “It’s a pain ‘cause every time we finally do something and say, ‘That’s it for a while,’ then we get caught up in doing something else.”
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The Childers’
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FARMHOUSE Wood features, statement tile and unique lighting make the Childers family home cozy and welcoming. STORY: VICTORIA SCHLABIG
≈ PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL
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E N T R Y WA Y As much as she was inspired by Pinterest, it took Heather forever to find a piece she liked for the entry to the house. That’s because it is 22 feet high, so she needed to find something big enough. “It’s a Childers sign. We recently just got that in July, so it was over a year, it took a while to find the right piece.” Heather got the sign from ToeFishArt, an Etsy shop. oug Childers credits his wife Heather’s creative eye for the many projects and unique details within their “forever home.” The couple knew they wanted a farmhouse-style home, and Heather made great use of Pinterest for inspiration. Creating her home also helped Heather realize her passion for design. “I spent hours on Pinterest, so I found a house that I liked. Then on the inside I just kept pinning things that I liked, like my fireplace, and the tile in the half baths, so I would say I made all of those decisions for the inside,” Heather says. She also followed some home designers who have a similar style as herself and used ideas from Pottery Barn and Ballard Designs. She describes the house as “Joanna Gaines-inspired modern farmhouse.” The family shares 60 acres of land with Doug’s brother and parents. Their home on 10 of those acres has three bedrooms, two full baths, one outdoor half bath and one indoor half bath. They officially moved in in May of 2019.
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BARN DOORS/ WOOD FEAT U R ES
As seen in the half-bath, Heather wanted a lot of wood features in her home. “I feel like wood makes it warm, ‘cause I knew I’d have a lot of white,” she says. She gives her brother “props” for building the barn door, dining room table and breakfast nook table from scratch, and for doing all of the shiplap, including a “really cool wall” in the master bedroom.
“I FEEL LIKE WOOD MAKES IT WARM.”
INSIDE H A LF BATH
The indoor halfbath is just one of the many detailed features. “I love the half-bath with the black and white tile. I love that look with the wood countertop,” Heather says. Doug wanted to include a special feature in every room, “Like a wow moment. So that’s what we made sure, even in the half-baths, that they had those,” Heather adds.
PA N T RY
Another wood feature serves as entry to the large pantry off the kitchen. “I love the swinging doors that go in and out like a saloon, and then I just love having all my blenders and all of that in there so it’s not taking up space on my kitchen countertops,” Heather says. The Childers’ pantry is always stocked with lots of snacks, as they are always hosting their daughters’ friends or cousins. Cheez-Its are a staple. The ever-present snack inspired the nickname “Cheez it Char” for one daughter. “She can’t live without them,” Heather says. I N D O O R F I R E PL AC E
The indoor fireplace is one of Heather’s favorite elements. That was one of the few design disagreements Heather and Doug had. “He wanted it to be brick and I wanted it to be what it was so I said ‘Just let me get it’ and he didn’t see my vision until everything else got in there.”
OUTDOOR AREA
One of the family’s favorite features is the outdoor area, including a pool, fireplace, outdoor kitchen and firepit, all on the edge of a pond, where they love to fish, paddleboard, kayak and swim. “Doug spends every single moment when he’s home out there,” Heather says. Many weekends are spent “grilling and chilling,” wings being one of Doug’s favorite things to make while the kids are swimming in the pool or playing in the rock pit, the area by the pond where they jump into the almost 80-foot deep water. “It’s a neat little compound. His (Doug’s) brother lives out there, his parents live out there, so the kids have all this area to just romp around.” The family also keeps its pet bunny’s cage outside, but let him wander into the house and around the patio as much as he wants.
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B R E A K FA S T N O O K
The breakfast nook features a beaded light fixture and one of the tables built by Heather’s brother, Josh Miller, who runs Jomish Design. There, he specializes in handcrafted and custom home decor, with a “farmhouse flare” to them, including tables, entertainment centers, wall hangings and more. Josh and Matt Yoder of T&D Builders also helped bring Heather’s Pinterest boards to life. “The little beaded lights were kind of a fun story. We were on vacation and I was in the dressing room and asked if that light fixture was for sale, and they said no but they would sell it to me,” Heather says. “So, it all just kinda came together, I would see something I liked and put it all together.” Breakfast is Heather’s favorite meal to cook, so Saturdays often include bacon, eggs and “Mama’s Favorite Pancakes,” lovingly named by the Childers’ youngest daughter after Heather started making the recipe during quarantine.
“IT IS JUST A FOREVER HOME.”
“It’s just a forever home.” It’s not huge, Heather says, but she and Doug knew they wanted to live there as they got older, so she wanted to make sure she could still clean it. “We took a while until we decided we were ready to build a house, but we wanted to build it exactly like we wanted, and just have a place that the kids would love to have their friends over. We wanted the home that all the kids wanted to come to,” she says. When it’s cold outside the kids love to go out and do s’mores, and just hang out. Every year Heather and Doug always host either Thanksgiving or Christmas parties and have about 50 of Heather’s family members with their kids over. “We need to have a lot more parties, but when we do have a big get together it’s a lot of people.”
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352.728.2404 LakeENT.net LEESBURG THE VILLAGES TAVARES
®
villages PEOPLE. PLACES. EVENTS.
Happy 100, 19th Amendment Local women give a vote of thanks.
From behind the lens Betty Eich has an eye for photography.
They dig their hobby Meet The Villages Metal Detecting Club.
IN THE VILLAGES
CO MMENTARY
So, what’s to be thankful for? Villagers strain to find reasons to celebrate Thanksgiving. STORY: JOE ANGIONE
o matter who wins on Election Day—if there is a clear winner then—about half the Villages’ population will be upset. The coronavirus continues to infect Villagers, and even kill some of them. Many restrictions on our activities and entertainment are still in place. Wearing masks remains the inconvenience it always was. Most Villagers are retired, but some have lost badly needed employment income. Safe distancing is a constant reminder that social interactions are severely limited. For the most part, we feel safer if we remain at home, particularly when we worry anarchist thugs might attempt to visit our streets. So, what’s to give thanks for this Thanksgiving Day? A lot. We must believe that no matter who wins the White House, God will protect us from political abuse. Have faith. Corona is still here but thank God you’re still alive and have not been infected. Wearing masks and safe distancing may be a bummer, but we’re still able to venture out to obtain essential goods and services.
And we have friends and sometimes family close by— although at twice an arm’s length—to cheer us up. We live in Florida’s friendliest hometown. It does everything possible to minimize the stress of dealing with problems brought on by the pandemic, and to cope with worries about society in transition, and its impact on our security and serenity. We should also be thankful that our places of worship have reopened, enabling us to continue receiving God’s blessings. In a world where our religious beliefs are under assault, it is extremely heartening to know that here in The Villages, we have the freedom to connect with God as we always have in the past. What has gone wrong with America is a strong signal that we must draw closer to God and pray harder. Nearly all that we hear in the news tends to ignore God as a source of protection and comfort. There is little urging by any level of government to pray for God’s hand in ending the coronavirus and bringing peace to our cities. But, without prayer we’re missing a great opportunity to return our lives to the health and stability we knew only about six months ago. Pray and God will draw closer to us. That’s a fact. Happy Thanksgiving.
Joe Angione loves to share stories of his adventures. If you want to contact him, email joeangione@aol.com.
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Holiday Book
BONANZA Nov. 15-22
Visit writersleagueofthevillages.com/books
Now is the perfect time to find a book to read while you’re staying home more than usual. An online Holiday Book Bonanza is being offered Nov. 15-22. You can search for the perfect book to compliment your holiday gift list. Ordering through Amazon makes it convenient and safe. Enjoy browsing through an online catalog of treasures where you’ll find romance, mystery and mayhem. There are children’s books, spiritual writings, memoirs and more. Between Nov. 15-22 visit writersleagueofthevillages.com/books to shop selections for the bookworms in your life. You can be anywhere, not only in Central Florida, to shop for a good read.
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MEET A VILLAGER
PEO PLE
Betty Eich Photography of globetrotting former teacher reveals educated eye. INTERVIEWER: GARY CORSAIR
Who are you? I am a photographer. I love taking photos, post-processing my photos and showing my photos to others. I am also a traveler and speaker. I enjoy sharing our stories (my husband, Ed, and I) and my photos. In my personal life, I am a wife, mother, grandmother of 13 and great-grandmother of 3 – with another one on the way! Absolute favorite photo?
Africa, bumping along in our open vehicle, scanning the landscape for animals. Suddenly, I saw a lion’s head pop up over the dry grass. I had my camera ready; I focused; and I got the shot. Suddenly another lion popped up right behind the first! One lion looked to the right; the other to the left. I got another quick shot before both ducked down again. And, fortunately, that shot had both lions in sharp focus.
When did your interest in photography begin? I was passionate about teaching. I knew that, after I retired, I would have to find something new to be passionate about. I took an evening class, “Getting to Know Your Camera,” at a local high school. I was
VITAL STATS
This is a question like “who is your favorite child?” However, the photo that first comes to my mind is one that I took of two lions. Ed and I were on a morning safari in
≈ PHOTO: NICOLE HAMEL
fascinated to learn about aperture and shutter speed and ISO and lenses. It was a new world for me.
As a teacher, were you more Mr. Kotter (Welcome Back, Kotter) or James Keating (Dead Poet's Society)? I was a Mr. Kotter-type of teacher. I loved the classroom and the students. I have taught all grades and levels from preschool to graduate school except for grades K, 1, 2 and 3. High school students are my favorite, however. In a high school English classroom, students learn as much about themselves as they do about literature and writing.
Tell us about your husband . Ed is a musician who plays trumpet and French horn in three of The Villages’ bands. He teaches stained glass at The Villages’ Woodshop. He enjoys kayaking, fishing, and golfing. Both of us love to travel. He will say that his job is carrying my camera gear, and he does that. But our travel is really a partnership; we share the experiences, impressions, and joy wherever we go.
• Oldest of seven children. • Born and raised in German-speaking household in Freistadt, Wisconsin. • Former teacher and school administrator. • Lives in Village of La Reynalda.
Do you know an interesting Villager?
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Email gary@akersmediagroup.com
BOOK CLUB
CO MMENTARY
Sisters in Law How Sandra Day O’Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg Went to the Supreme Court and Changed the World. STORY: KATHY PORTER
fter COVID-19 forced us into hiatus, the Bookworm Book Club has resumed in-person meetings using an outside venue. One book on our disrupted schedule that we felt had to be discussed was “Sisters in Law.” When Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died in September, the book took on a whole new perspective and significance. Sandra Day O’Connor, a Christian, moderate Republican, was raised on a ranch in Arizona. Fiercely independent, she learned the value of ‘no excuses’ early on. After graduating from Stanford Law School in the top 10 percent of her class, the only job she was offered
in the legal profession was as a legal secretary. Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a Jewish, liberal Democrat raised in Brooklyn. One of only nine female students at Harvard Law School, she graduated first in her class. Like O’Connor, she could not find a job after law school despite glowing recommendations from her law school professors. The author chronicles how together these dynamic justices from very different backgrounds framed the legal rights of women, including, but not limited to, employment discrimination, abortion rights, affirmative action and sexual harassment. The book abounds with exceptional research and charming anecdotes.
It recounts how O’Connor and Ginsburg became trailblazers in their early careers as they fought to overcome discrimination against women in the law profession. In 1981, Ronald Reagan made history when he nominated O’Connor to be the first woman on the Supreme Court. Justice O’Connor served for 25 years, retiring in 2006 to care for her ailing husband. Bill Clinton nominated Ruth Bader Ginsburg to be the second woman on the Supreme Court in 1993. Justice Ginsburg served until her death this year. This short synopsis cannot possibly convey the scope of this book, which is a must read for advocates of equality and justice and devotees of the Supreme Court.
Want to read more about Sandra Day O'Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg? “Sisters in Law: How Sandra Day O'Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg Went to the Supreme Court and Changed the World” can be found at Target, Books-A-Million, Barnes & Noble, or on Amazon.
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WOMAN’S RIGHTS
S E TOR O V F EN OM W
HARD-FOUGHT
STRUGGLE Sisters of Suffrage (SOS) coalition celebrates 100 years of women winning the right to vote. STORY: THERESA CAMPBELL
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≈ PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL ≈ ILLUSTRATIONS: MEGAN MERICLE
illager Jill Moss Greenberg, the leader of Sisters of Suffrage (SOS) coalition, marvels that the deciding vote to ratify the 19th Amendment was cast by a young Tennessee state representative in 1920 after a 72-year struggle of women marching, educating and lobbying to win the right to vote. “There’s a wonderful book called the ‘The Women’s Hour,’ by Elaine Weiss,” says Jill, which is being optioned into a movie by Steven Spielberg. The book tells the story of Tennessee being the last state needed to ratify the landmark amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Women and proponents of the 19th Amendment wore yellow roses; opposers wore red roses. “If it didn’t pass, it was going to be dead. It came down to the vote being tied, and one young legislator, Harry T. Burn, 22, was wearing a red rose and the opposition was counting on his vote,” says Jill. “The drama was so huge. He took out a paper from his pocket with a note from his mother, who asked him to vote in her honor, to vote for the suffrage amendment.” Burn’s unexpected “yes” vote allowed the 19th Amendment granting women the right to vote to become a federal law on Aug. 18, 1920. “I knew that a mother’s advice is always safest for a boy to follow, and my mother wanted me to vote for ratification,” Rep. Burn wrote in a personal statement
explaining his decision, which was recorded in the House Journal. “It shows the importance of mothers,” Jill says of Burn’s deciding vote. “And it dawned on me that the 19th Amendment was passed 100 percent by men, it was passed by all the state legislators, passed by the U.S. Congress, all of which were 100 percent male at that time because women couldn’t vote.” The SOS group is a conglomerate of several women’s organizations in the area, including the League of Women Voters, Daughters of the American Revolution, Sigma Beta Sorority, American Association of University Women, Political Moderates Group of The Villages, and the Enrichment Academy in The Villages. The group had planned to be involved in centennial parades, exhibitions and educational events to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the 19th Amendment, yet COVID-19 curtailed the activities. “Nationally, the suffrage centennial has extended its celebration through 2021,” says Jill, adding that SOS plans to be involved on the local scale to honor suffragists’ achievements with several events and educational programs. “As co-chair of the SOS Education Committee, I’m looking forward to working with our local Lake and Sumter County schools to make sure students understand the work that the suffragists did to secure the right to vote for women in the United States. This is
L-R: Dorothy Hobbs, Kathy Morgan, Frankie Smith, Noni Gauder, Beth Hicks, Mary Schulz, Katina, Stephens, Gail Formanack, Avon Hambrick
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WOMAN’S RIGHTS
“THESE WOMEN GAVE UP A NORMAL LIFE TO BE RIDICULED, HASSLED AND DISRESPECTED FOR A CAUSE.’” — EVA R I C E
important history,” says Rosella Valentine of Leesburg, adding that those who started the movement in 1848 did not live to see women vote. “It was a hard-fought struggle,” adds Rosella. “I admire women like Susan B. Anthony, Alice Paul, Elizabeth Candy Stanton and Ida B. Wells, who over the years organized, marched and fought so hard for a right they knew they deserved every bit as much as any man. These amazing suffragists were often willing to be force-fed and jailed for the ‘crime’ of wanting to vote! Can you imagine that?” Quilter Eva Rice of Leesburg has created a 3’ x 6’ banner honoring women’s suffrage. It is filled with 36 stars representing each state that ratified the 19th Amendment. She hopes the banner will be part of SOS displays. “If I could, I would tell the suffragists, thank you for your determination, perseverance and achievement. I am so grateful that you fought for the right to vote I have today,” says Eva. “It is important to spread the word how we, as females, gained the right to vote. These women gave up a normal life to be ridiculed, hassled and disrespected for a cause.” Katina Stephens of Bushnell says SOS is composed of women grateful for the sacrifices of women from over a century ago; the earliest efforts were started in 1848. “Our SOS group is a modern reflection of our foresisters in that we are a group with diversities in professions, ages and nationalities that respect each other’s differences and celebrate our similarities,” says Katina. “We have bonded as a sisterhood from our love and desire to educate and keep alive the heroic acts of all the brave suffragists from the 1920s and earlier.” “The women suffragists of 100 years ago are certainly to be admired; courageous women of strength who were willing to die for what they believed in,” adds Avon Hambrick of Wildwood. “I am so honored to sit with present day Sisters of Suffragist who bring knowledge, wisdom, unity, laughter, education and opportunities to the table and they bring these traits with passion.”
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VILLAGERS
in
SOS
SHARE
THEIR VIEWS NONI GAUDER Village of La Zamora “I wonder how those dedicated ladies continued their perseverance and fortitude when everything seemed against them and then also surviving World War I and the Spanish Flu pandemic,” says Noni. “They were persistent and courageous as it took many decades of lecturing, marching, lobbying and even being jailed to finally accomplish their goal.” Noni’s advice to others: “Please remember to vote…it is our right and important duty.”
Mary says several women have influenced her in her life, including her mother and female administrator, who was her mentor. “I would be remiss not to mention Ruth Bader Ginsburg,” adds Mary. “In addition to the groundbreaking work she did for equal rights on the Supreme Court, I am inspired by her acceptance of those who disagreed vehemently with her own opinions. It is helpful to think of her in these days of political divisions.”
LIZ SCHWEERS DOROTHY DOBBS Village of Dunedin
MARY SCHULZ Village of Pine Ridge “The fight for the right to vote was long, but the women did not give up … To the suffragists from the past I say a most heartfelt THANK YOU. Women would not have the opportunities they have today had the suffragists given up.”
Rosella Valentine
admire their tenacity and drive to put food on the table and provide housing for their children,” says Dorothy. “National leaders since the 1920s have stood up to the ridicule and sexism to pave a way for myself, my daughter and my four granddaughters. My we all claim the mantra, ‘she persisted’ and continue to speak up, march and petition to further the cause for women’s rights.”
“I was blessed to have two very independent grandmothers, both raised families alone. They taught me to think independently, question wrong actions and attitudes and to never give up. When I consider they were both born in the early 1880s, and all the limits women were afforded, their struggles to provide for their children and even run their own business was remarkable feat. I have to
L-R: Noni Gauder, Frankie Smith, Mary Schulz. Kathy Morgan
Village of Fernandina “I recognize that I stand on very broad shoulders of women who have gone before me and I wanted to help celebrate 100 years of their strength and tenacity. Under Jill Moss Greenberg’s very capable leadership, SOS has focused on revealing the accomplishments of such trailblazers as Susan B. Anthony, Carrie Chapman Catt, Mary Church Terrell, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Alice Paul, and Sojourner Truth among many others. These women began opening doors for women to
Jill Moss Greenberg, Beth Hicks
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WOMAN’S RIGHTS
become more than wives and mothers,” says Jill. “Just in my lifetime I have seen career opportunities for women expand way beyond being a teacher, nurse, secretary, or airline stewardess to potentially being elected to president of the United States or to corporate leadership.”
BETH HICKS Village of Santiago “The right to vote did not come as a gift from above. They (suffragists) fought for it for 72 years and never gave up. They were the original resisters and per sisters. Neither wars nor pandemics stopped them from fighting for what they believed,” says Beth. “My immigrant grandmother, who was so proud of her citizenship, made sure she voted in each
and every election.” Beth adds: “I would say three things to early suffragists. No. 1. Thank you, No. 2. We stand on your shoulders, and No. 3. We will continue the fight as voting rights is a right that cannot be taken for granted. We owe it to those who are still meeting challenges to lift them up.”
GAIL FORMANACK
KATHY MORGAN
Village of Hemingway
Village of Sanibel
“I am co-president of the League of Women Voters of The Villages/Tri-County area. Our organization was founded 100 years ago with the goal to educate women on the issues so they would be prepared to exercise their new voting rights at the polls…It is wonderful to come together with other like-minded organizations so we could work together to make an even bigger impact in getting the attention this (19th Amendment) celebration deserves.” Gail says The League of Women Voters plans to screen a portion of the PBS special “The Vote” to be followed by a panel discussion featuring three of SOS members at 1 p.m., March 16, 2021 at Everglades Recreation Center in The Villages.
“There are a couple of reasons that I love being a part of SOS. The first one of course is the opportunity to learn more about what the suffragists went through so that all women can vote. I’ve enjoyed using that right for all of my adult life. I had no idea what these women went through for me to have the right to vote as there was basically nothing about the struggle in my history or civics classes,” says Kathy. “The Sisters of Suffrage consists of a brilliant and diverse group of women. I feel lucky to be among this group and I’m looking forward to learning even more about the struggle.”
Village of Rio Grande “As I tell my students at The Enrichment Academy: ‘We walk on floors we never swept. We waltz through doors we never opened.’ We owe so many women so much. The suffragists gave us not only the vote. They gave us the freedom to begin dreaming about what real equality could be, and what we could become. They endured so much: ridicule, insults, imprisonment in filthy, rodent-infected cells, the torture of forced feedings, and yet they persisted. Three generations of women fought for 72 years. Carolyn reflected on women who not only impacted her life, but for all women. “I think of the suffragists, the women who pioneered in the law like Sandra Day O’Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and the women of the 1960s like Betty Friedan
SUE DUBMAN Village of Santo Domingo “Public figures like RBG (Ruth Bader Ginsburg) paved the way for women to get credit and to buy a house in their own name, without their husband, to play a sport, to consent to medical treatment without approval from their husband, etc. I remember the days when I couldn’t get credit in my name. I also remember the days when Anheuser Busch failed to hire me for an operations research job (even though I passed all their math tests) because they were concerned how I would get along with the guys at beer break. Today they can’t do that thanks to RBG and others,” says Sue. “I have also been influenced by women who have broken the ceiling in medical research and blessed to be able to work with them.”
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CAROLYN INGHAM-DUNCAN
FLORIDA SHOWED ITS SUPPORT FOR WOMEN’S SUFFRAGE BY BELATEDLY RATIFYING THE 19TH AMENDMENT ON MAY 13, 1969.
and Gloria Steinem, all of whom truly changed our lives.”
CATHERINE HALE Village of La Zamora “This give me a way to pay tribute to my grandmother, Martha Cain, who is my hero,” Catherine says of being in SOS. “She was the first female to serve as
19
TH
AMENDMENT
WOMEN’S RIGHT TO VOTE
president of the student council in college. She spoke several languages and donated her time helping tutor children who were hospitalized with polio for extended periods. She gave to many charities and we learned of this only at her funeral as they sent representatives to pay tribute.” Catherine marvels over the tenacity of the women of the suffragist movement. “They had a lot of guts and sheer determination to involve themselves in activities which were unpopular at the time,” she says. “They had to put up with the repercussions at home with their husbands as well as any retributions from social circles. They cared more about the future and what it may bring for others than the pain it caused them personally. To me, that is just as significant as a soldier who volunteers to serve his country.” If she could talk to the suffragists, Catherine says she would thank them for their service to society and for paying a price for progress. “We won’t let you down,” she says. “We stand upon your shoulders today and our work will make it possible for the daughters tomorrow to have a more fair world.” Catherine credits her father for shaping her progressive values. “He taped many inspirational sayings to that shared bathroom mirror so we would read them as we brushed our teeth each morning. Those sayings stuck with me and I enjoy seeing my brothers carrying that practice forward with their children.” Once the pandemic ends and the centennial celebration can proceed, Catherine says she anticipates being active with her SOS peers. “I look forward to inspiring younger women to know the price that was paid for their rights today and to get them energized to carry the torch into the future,” she says. “There remains much work to be done.”
Passed by Congress June 4, 1919. Ratified Aug. 18, 1920. The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.
Katina Stephens
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SOCIAL CLUB SPOTLIGHT
CLUB
On the hunt Members of The Villages Metal Detecting Club find pleasure in searching for treasure. STORY: ROXANNE BROWN
≈ PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL
ne man’s loss is another man’s gain,” is a well-known saying that members of The Villages Metal Detecting Club may take more seriously than most. Just ask club founder and president Larry Miller, who has enjoyed a fun and lucrative 35-40 years of the hobby. Larry has found rings and other things for people who’ve asked him to search for their lost valuables. He’s also discovered loads of items while probing an area for fun. “People drop all kinds of things; jewelry, toys, money… but it’s just the history of what you find. I often think, ‘There’s no reason for this to be here,’ because it’s amazing what’s out there in the middle of a field or buried somewhere out in a park or something,” Larry says. “You just wonder how it got there, who it belonged to and how and why they lost it.” Larry, a snowbird from Wisconsin, says he started the club in 2006 after moving to The Villages part time.
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“There wasn’t a club for that, so I started one,” he says. He says metal detecting is something anyone can do. “I read a few books on it, bought a metal detector and here I am light years later,” Larry says. The club’s purpose is “to get people interested in metal detecting, whether it is looking for treasure on the beaches or hunting for relics at many sites in our state.” After 14 years, the club has 50-60 members who routinely met –precoronavirus shutdowns–at 7pm on the fourth Monday of every month at the Hibiscus Recreation Center’s Jasmine Room. Each November, members also participated in a huge scavenger hunt that provided fun and entertainment, plus served as a skill sharpening exercise. Leaders would hide hundreds of trinkets, coins and numbered discs that could be traded in for prizes. This year, the event was canceled, but that hasn’t stopped members from going on adventures of their own. “It’s kind of a fun hobby,” says Dennis Evans, the club’s immediate past president, who with his wife Katie relish the excitement of their finds. “I have had a metal detector probably for 20 years and my wife enjoys it too. We used to do some beachcombing and it was nice to find a club that had a bunch of people that like it and knew what they were doing,” Dennis says, adding that he’s found worthless things like pop-top tabs and tent stakes and pretty cool things, like wine stoppers, rings and other small pieces of jewelry. He says he’s never found anything particularly high in value but knows people who have. Larry is one of them, but it’s his wife Veryl who mostly benefits from
it, he says with a chuckle. “She just takes all the gold rings and stuff like that I find.” Larry says he once found a tennis bracelet worth about $400-500. Veryl still has it. “Over the years, I’ve found an enormous amount of stuff, from miscellaneous chunks of gold and silver to gold rings and other trinkets. Once I found an old rusted pistol in the backyard of a house I lived at in Wisconsin, and I’ve been able to return about a half dozen high school class rings to their owners,” says Larry. About three years ago, Larry gathered a bunch of finds he’d stored in their garage and sold them; garnering about $5,000. “We took a couple of nice trips with that money,” Larry says. Larry says there are tricks to the hobby. “The key is first learning how to use your metal detector; reading the manual,” Larry says. “The hardest part is that people get into this with the mindset that they’re gonna find a fortune and get frustrated, but you have to have patience.” Larry says metal detectors range in price from $50-$5,000 or more, but if doing it for fun, a $400-500 device should suffice. Plus, he says there’s an art to retrieving treasures. He suggests checking with local authorities regarding dos and don’ts. “You have to learn how to retrieve items from the ground without making a big mess because it upsets the parks. You don’t have to dig huge holes,” Larry says. “You also have
Some of Larry's personal treasures are clippings he collects from various publications which highlight The Villages Metal Detecting Club's activities.
to be careful about rules, so when in doubt, ask.” He says there are precise rules regarding finding coins, and in The Villages people can metal detect at parks but not downtown. A ‘Lost and Found’ tab on the club’s website gives members a bulletin board for posting finds in hopes of reuniting lost items with their rightful owners. “Most people are good about following all the rules, but about 10 percent of people don’t listen and they ruin it for the other 90 percent,” Larry says. For more information and The Villages Metal Detecting Club updates, visit tvmdc.weebly.com.
Want to see your club in Social Club Spotlight? Send your suggestions to roxanne@akersmediagroup.com.
ROXANNE BROWN
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A new location: Just what the doctor ordered Rivers Family Medicine, which has enjoyed a stellar reputation for 16 years, is opening a second office. PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
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hen Dr. Steven Rivers opened Rivers Family Medicine in 2004, he had a clear vision. He wanted to establish a practice that delivers a high standard of care and offer a warm, friendly environment. More importantly, he wanted patients to receive care from a doctor who is personal, knowledgeable and accessible. In other words, a physician who is willing to take the time to thoroughly answer patients’ questions, inform them of their options and treat them as people rather than just patients. Sixteen years later, it’s safe to say he has fulfilled that vision. Hundreds of residents in Lake, Sumter and Marion counties make Rivers Family Medicine their medical home. Moreover, the practice has expanded from one physician to four physicians.
Those feats are a clear indication of long-term commitment to excellence in health care. That vision has fueled the growth for a second location. Rivers Family Medicine is opening another office in Brownwood Paddock Square. The office, which will be 2,400 square feet, is expected to open by Feb. 1, 2021. “It’s an opportunity to serve the southern half of Villages,” Dr. Rivers says. “We look forward to establishing new relationships with patients who live closer to Brownwood and serving all their health care needs.” Patients who live on the south end of The Villages will benefit from the wealth of services offered at Rivers Family Medicine. Those services include an in-house laboratory, ultrasound, echocardiograms, electrocardiograms, pulmonary function testing, joint injections, skin biopsies and immunizations. “We’re excited to extend our unique patient services and unique approach to health care to even more residents of The Villages,” says Dr. Anthony Desmarais, who joined Rivers Family Medicine 13 weeks ago. “Our new facility will offer a well-rounded and comprehensive approach for all patients as we continue to foster an environment of excellence and compassion.” Patients can look forward to expert, accessible medical care at Rivers Family Medicine. Moreover, doctors go above and beyond to form lasting relationships with patients who entrust them with the care of their health.They also listen attentively to help assist patients with making their own informed decision about their personal health. “Each of our physicians practice differently, but what we are is a practice that focuses on the person and their needs,” says Jimmer Roy, business manager of Rivers Family Medicine. “Our doctors also find what the problem is rather than focusing on what the ailment is. Discovering where a problem is originating from allows us to effectively treat the ailment rather than masking symptoms.”
Here are the Rivers Family Medicine doctors serving you:
DR. STEVEN RIVERS
DR. JULIO UGARTE
DR. ERIN DARIANO
DR. ANTHONY DESMARAIS
Each morning, Dr. Rivers wakes up excited to go to work. For him, a commitment to comprehensive patient care is the most meaningful aspect of being a doctor. “I love the patients,” he says. “It’s so nice to have the interaction on a daily basis, and throughout the years we’ve established long-term relationships. They’re like an extended family.” Dr. Rivers completed his undergraduate studies and medical school at the University of Iowa. He completed his residency at AdventHealth Orlando. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his three children and going to the beach.
Dr. Ugarte, who provides traditional and functional medicine, joined Rivers Family Medicine five years ago. He enjoys working alongside a talented and compassionate group of physicians. “We have diverse philosophies and backgrounds, but we’re all geared toward optimizing the health of our patients,” he says. “Residents in The Villages are very active, and we want to improve their health so they can remain that way.” Dr. Ugarte completed his undergraduate studies at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and medical school at the University of South Florida College of Medicine in Tampa. He completed his residency at Florida Hospital. His hobbies include regular exercise, traveling, and spending time with his seven grandchildren.
For Dr. Dariano, who joined Rivers Family Medicine in May 2018, conversations with patients go well beyond medicine. She gets to hear about their lives, their careers and their families. “It’s always interesting to hear what industries my patients worked in and what they enjoy doing now in their retirement years,” Dr. Dariano says. “I also enjoy meeting patients from Ohio, which is where I’m from.” Dr. Dariano completed undergraduate studies at Bowling Green State University in Ohio, medical school at Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine at Ohio University and her residency at Ohio Health O’Bleness Hospital. She enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters, plays pickleball four times a week and visits Disney World as much as possible.
Though Dr. Desmarais joined Rivers Family Medicine 13 weeks ago, he already loves being part of the team. “The workflow is very efficient, and the support staff here is very helpful,” he says. “We also have great relationships with local imaging centers and can get tests done in a timely fashion.” In addition to traditional medicine, Dr. Desmarais will offer Juvaderm, Botox and hormone replacement. He did undergraduate studies at the United States Military Academy at West Point, medical school at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and his residency at Lower Bucks Hospital in Pennsylvania. He enjoys spending time with Kelly, his wife of 13 years, working out at the gym and weightlifting.
Rivers Family Medicine 352.750.8220 / 1503 Buenos Aires Blvd., Bldg. 110, The Villages / riversfamilymedicine.com COMING SOON: 2771 Brownwood Blvd, The Villages / Sandspur Ice Plant Building
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Compassionate Pet Care From Your Other Family Doctor!
Services • New Puppy And Kitten Exams • Yearly Wellness Exams • Flea And Heartworm Prevention • Yearly Blood Screening • Maintaining A Healthy Geriatric Pet • Cold Laser Therapy • Regenerative Stem Cell Therapy
Dr. Cara Erwin-Oliver
352.347.3900 // 10725 SE 36th Ave www.BelleviewVeterinaryHospital.com
F
Let the industry’s leading professionals provide you with expert advice from everything ranging from interior design to generators. PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
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Interior Design Sheila Blue and Sharon Ahrens
≈ Babette’s Furniture & Home
352.617.6001 / babettesonline.com / 8345 US Highway 441, Leesburg / 3691 Meggison Rd., The Villages
Q.
I want to furnish and decorate my home. Where do I start?
A.
At Babette’s, we understand that whether you are shopping for one or two rooms or an entire home, it can be overwhelming, but there’s no need to stress because we can help. Babette’s has design consultants ready to assist in-store at no additional cost. They are here to guide you step by step through the process, make suggestions, and answer any questions you may have. The first step is to call our team or visit our website to set up a design consultation. From finding the perfect fabric combinations to reflect your style to using your floorplan to design your entire home, we are a full-service design experience. All of our locations feature design studios with hundreds of fabric options and wood finishes, with custom options galore, the possibilities are endless. We will discuss your ideas and the desired function for each room to begin planning a beautiful design vision for your home. With 30 plus years of experience and an unparalleled reputation of quality and service, you can trust that our services come highly recommended.
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Tell me more about your design team?
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A.
Our design team leaders are Sharon Ahrens and Sheila Blue. They are Interior Designers known for their years of experience and amazing ability to transform the most ordinary home décor into something not only affordable but extraordinary. “What we love the most is that we are able to bring our inspiration, vision, and expertise, combine it with your needs and desires to create something that tells the story about you throughout your home,” Sharon says. For those who need more in-depth interior design services, our In-Home Design Consultation is available with Interior Design Project by Babette’s Design Team
a small deposit. Our designers will personally visit your home to take detailed measurements and photos, as well as review any specific family needs, your timeline, and your budget, plus share style options, color palettes, and inspirations to help get an idea of the aesthetic you are looking to achieve. The in-home design consultation is perfect for those furnishing an entire home and need the extra design assistance. After your in-home visit, our designers will prepare a presentation of layout options, suggested colors, furnishings, fabrics, and accessories to share with you during a follow-up in-store visit.
Interior Design Project by Babette’s Design Team
Whether you receive a design consultation in your home or in our store, Babette’s Furniture can help make your new house feel like home.
Q.
What areas do you service?
A.
Babette’s has three locations in Lake and Sumter counties. We focus on each customer’s individual needs, not where
you are located. We work with clients throughout Central Florida in all stages of life, from new families, rentals, retirement, and beyond. “Our customer service is second to none. We get a lot of referrals because people are comfortable with us and happy with what they see we’ve done,” Sheila says. “What we want most is for your home to be functional, comfortable, and cozy. We want you to be proud of it and hope you’ll want to show it off to all your family, friends, and neighbors.”
Interior Design Project by Babette’s Design Team
Ready to get started? Call our design team at 352.617.6001 or visit mybabettes.com/design to see our design portfolio and schedule your appointment.
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Drain/Sewer Fred Wurgler
≈ Zoom Drain
352.805.4775 / zoomdrain.com/central-florida
Q. A.
What advice would you give someone looking to hire a drain and sewer cleaning service?
Unexpected drain and sewer problems can come at the worst time. When you experience a time-sensitive emergency and in need of prompt service, you can count on Zoom Drain® to be your drain and sewer experts here in Central Florida. We are available 24/7, including holidays, ready to resolve the toughest of issues with a skilled team of expertly trained technicians. Zoom Drain® provides drain and sewer services to both residential and commercial establishments. From drain and sewer cleaning to preventative maintenance, including video inspections and fast emergency service with state-of-theart technology, we are here to help. Zoom Drain® handles a number of issues servicing anything that carries water
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in your home or business. We resolve issues with sinks, toilets, and tubs as well as larger problems with main drains, roof drains and storm drains. Our technicians promptly respond and arrive on site with a fully stocked “super truck” equipped with all the tools necessary to handle any problem. When you have a drain emergency,
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you don’t want to wait until the next business day to get it taken care of. Our drain experts are at-the-ready with flexible schedules and can resolve most problems and cleanings all in one visit. Known for our quick response time, we aim to get to you as soon as possible, whether it’s Sunday at 3 a.m. or right after you take the Thanksgiving turkey out of the oven. Zoom Drain® customers are able to get back to normal in less time than you would expect from other drain and sewer companies, any time, day or night. Zoom Drain® backs their work with their “Satisfaction
Guarantee”, confident that their work is done right the first time, and to exceed customer expectations. In the unlikely event that you are unsatisfied with your service, we will go above and beyond to make it right immediately. Zoom Drain® is proud to be a sister company to Munn’s Air Conditioning, a name that is well known and trusted throughout the Central Florida community, and has been for decades.
A Division of Munn's Sales & Service, Inc.
Q A
Residential HVAC Ian Stiver
≈ Munn’s Sales & Service, Inc.
352.787.7741 / munnair.com / 2135 US HWY 441/27, PO BOX 430, Fruitland Park
Q. A.
How do I know my air conditioner is working for me and not against me?
The older a system gets, the more energy it’s going to use for the same amount of cooling. Although it may last a few more years, it may be in your best interest to purchase a newer system, as it will save you money and conserve energy in the long run, and our team at Munn’s Sales & Service can help you determine if these issues are occurring and if they can be fixed. Whether or not you’re comfortable in your home can be a sure sign of if your system is or is not doing its job, and whether it needs to be replaced. Another clue that your system isn’t working as efficiently as it should is if your energy bill is continually getting higher each year. That typically means your system is running longer and using more energy to do the same
amount of cooling as it did a few years ago. AC units, like cars, need tune-ups each year. There are always newer, more efficient models coming out, and our team at Munn’s Sales & Service will come to you and give free quotes, so you can decide whether to have your current system repaired or to purchase a new one. We realize that the decision to replace your system is a big one, so we want you to know what to consider and expect. You can also take Munn’s Installed-Right Home Survey on our website to help you quickly identify the requirements for your system and home. Properly timing and correctly deciding whether to repair or replace your system can save you money. Making the decision to replace an old or inefficient system involves a lot of consideration including, the cost of the current repair, the price of
a replacement, the ongoing cost to maintain your old equipment, and whether there is a need to make the system match current home use, make your home more sellable, or for financing to match your monthly budget. Munn’s Sales & Service can help you find the right financial timing to either
repair or to replace. It is our job to keep your home cool and comfortable in the summer and warm and cozy in the winter while saving you money along the way.
Commercial Realtor® Timothy H. Sennett, MBA, CCIM 352.516.6848 / Tim@Sennett.com / NAIHeritage.com
Q. A.
≈ NAI Heritage
What should I look for in a good real estate investment?
When looking to invest in real estate, three of the major factors to consider are location, return, and ease of management. There are also many different types of investments, ranging anywhere from a small rental house to a shopping center or a mall, and with each different opportunity comes different pros and cons. As your real estate investment specialist, I can help you determine exactly what you, as an individual, should be looking for in your investment based on your monetary and time management parameters. For example, if considering a small rental home, your initial investment may be cheaper and you may be able to get a higher return, but with that, you may have more risk because renters come and go and there could be more wear and tear on the
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home. You could likely end up putting more money into the home for things like new carpeting and paint after each round of renters. As far as owning a multi-tenant shopping center, you will oftentimes have to hire a
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management company to handle the day-to-day needs of renters, unless you want to become very hands-on with the property. An advantage with these types of investment properties is that they diversify your monetary risk, as opposed to a single-tenant property where all of the money you take in
relies on one tenant. For example, if you own a six-unit center and one renter leaves, it will not affect you as much as the sole renter leaving a single-tenant property. Another type of handsoff, yet very lucrative investment is vacant land. An investment in land does not have a monthly or annual return unless you lease the property. The return on your investment is usually in appreciation. Or you may even develop the property. So, whether you’re looking for a quick and easy investment or something that will continually make you money long-term, I am able to help you find something that fits your needs. I’m licensed throughout Florida, but my concentration is in the areas of Lake, Sumter, and Marion counties. I can also refer you to a qualified agent if you would like to invest out of the area.
Roofing Robert Sackrider, Owner
≈ Sack Roofing
352.430.2773 / sackroofing.com
Q.
How do you know when it’s time for a roof inspection or replacement?
A.
At Sack Roofing, we recommend having your roof inspected every year or at least every five years. Most homeowners neglect or even look at their roof, they don’t last forever. We know they need maintenance and routine inspection. At Sack Roofing, that’s all we do providing trusted, quality roofing expertise and services.
Q.
What are the best types of roofing options?
A.
Sack Roofing offers several types of roofing materials to consider. The best and increasingly popular is standing seam metal. Metal roofing is well worth the investment because it is longlasting, durable, energy-efficient and economically friendly. Another desirable option is tile due to its aesthetically-pleasing roofing style on Florida homes. Tile roofs are very durable,
typically made from clay, and are long-lasting with proper care and maintenance. The most popular option is asphalt shingles. They’re affordable, durable, easy to install, and come in a wide range of styles and colors to complement your home design. Eighty percent of what we do is shingle roofing and important to select shingles from a good manufacturer.
Q.
What should you look for in a roofer or a roofing company?
A.
With nearly 30-years’ experience, Sack Roofing is an experienced and reputable roofer. We are a licensed, insured, and bonded company. We offer warranties on our roofing services and some brands offer purchasable extended warranties. We do not require down payments upfront to begin a roofing job. You can put your trust in Sack Roofing for your next roofing
project. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a roofing inspection, or if you need a new roof, we’re happy to provide a FREE estimate of roofing options.
Q.
In September 2020, AtlasPRO+ announced that Sack Roofing reached Diamond Level – the highest level of its program status as a contractor. What does that mean and how
does that benefit your customers?
A.
First, we are one of only three contractors in all of Florida to have achieved Diamond Level, so we are really proud of that. The recognition is based on Sack Roofing’s multi-year commitment to installing Atlas Signature Select roofing systems and because of that, Sack Roofing is provided with training, access to enhanced warranties, and industry tools we can then pass on to our customers.
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Commercial Air Conditioning Ryan Nash, President
≈ Nash Plumbing and Mechanical
352.748.1454 / nashpm.com / 3494 N. US Highway 301, Wildwood
Q. A.
Research has shown that COVID-19 is spread person-to-person by way of the virus being contained in microscopic water droplets, emitted through sneezing or coughing, that can remain in the air for up to three hours. Aside from face masks, frequent hand washing and social distancing, what else can business owners and operators do to help protect their employees and patrons from contracting COVID-19?
There are three primary practical and proven safety measures that business owners and operators should consider to better protect their employees and patrons. We at Nash Plumbing and Mechanical can work with you to help determine which products best fit your application and budget, so let me tell you about us. This company was founded by my grandfather in 1974, and has operated continuously at the same location in Sumter County servicing commercial clients since then. We have grown substantially in size and knowledge and now that 2020 introduced COVID-19 into our everyday lives, we have shifted our focus. Our research into COVID-19 mitigation efforts can help you by
providing the quality installation and support needed to make your business a better place. The first and most easily implemented safeguard is upgrading your current air conditioning system filters to MERV 13 or higher to catch water droplets .1 micron in size exiting the human body that COVID-19 attaches itself to. The typical filter is around MERV 8, which is not designed to capture particles that small, so we suggest switching them out. But because smaller particles are being captured by MERV 13 filters, the increased pressure drop could pose a greater risk of damaging your system unless filter changes are done frequently. The second system is placing high-wall in-room UV lights inside your place of business to allow the COVID-19 virus adequate exposure to UV light and be
effectively neutralized. Research shows that due to the velocity of air moving past UV lights, when placed in your A/C unit, the virus passes too quickly for neutralization to be accomplished, but hIgh-wall in-room UV lights treat the air that slowly circulates around a room to do it. Lastly, adding bi-polar ionization to your existing A/C unit is probably the most effective solution and can be done at a reasonable cost. The bi-polar system, currently being used at places like the Whitehouse, Harvard University and Boston Children’s Hospital, creates positively and negatively charged ions within the air stream that break viruses and bacteria down on contact. The charged ions attract smaller particulates that enhance the effectiveness of your existing centralized filtration systems without producing ozone or other harmful byproducts, allowing you to bring outdoor freshness indoors.
Q A
Residential Realtor®
Q. A.
Addie Owens, CRS, CEO, Principle Broker
How has COVID affected the local market?
That is the number one question I am asked by friends, family members, and customers across the country. Now, they want to know how COVID-19 has affected their property values and real estate in general. The short answer is; it depends. Here in Central Florida, we are fortunate to have many positives working in our favor thus far. Specific to Lake County, our county leaders were able to successfully keep as many businesses open as possible for as long as possible, and thanks to CARES Act funding, many businesses, and homeowners that were negatively impacted by COVID-19 are seeing some financial relief. Lake was already poised to see a drastic increase in growth due to the opening of the Minneola turnpike interchange and in East Lake, the opening of the
≈ Touchstone Real Estate
352.223.0053 / addieowens.com / touchstonemoves.com / 777 N Donnelly Street, Mount Dora
Central Florida Expressway connection. Partly due to COVID-19, nearly 1000 people move into Florida per day and are clamoring for the suburbs. Stats provided by Florida Realtors® shows a checkmark style recovery during our summer sales season with closed sales up over 12% year over year in July alone. The local unemployment rate has dropped to 8.8% in August, after rising over 12% in April. A healthy unemployment rate is between 4-6%, so we are on a positive track toward correction. All of this contributes to a healthy environment for Real Estate in Lake. The biggest challenge we are facing at this juncture is a lack of inventory to keep up with the growing demand on housing. Active inventory is down 26% from 2019, impacting prices across the county, especially in homes below the price of $400,000. Homes priced below $200,000 are sparse and often sell with
multiple offers on the table. The Villages is considered a micro-market in Lake County and has a different set of influences than the rest of the county. Largely a seasonal environment, this year we saw a 32% increase in closed sales in August 2020 over the same time last year. Typically, August is a slower month for sales in The Villages, but this is 2020, and after prolonged quarantines in northern states, our seasonal residents have brought their friends and
neighbors to enjoy Florida living, Village style. This year, we have learned that housing needs do not stop in times of crisis. Life keeps moving forward and with that, necessary housing changes. Housing is, and always has been essential, and the practice of Real Estate Sales is in a constant state of evolution to meet the demands of the consumer.
Addie Owens, CRS is the President of the Realtors® Association of Lake and Sumter Counties, Residential Real Estate Council Florida State 2021 President-Elect and serves on the Florida Realtors Board of Directors. She is also owner of Touchstone Real Estate and is a licensed Real Estate Instructor for Touchstone Real Estate Schools located in Mount Dora, Florida.
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Generators/ Electrical Joe Ciceri, Owner
≈ Electrical Works
Q A
352.460.0810 / ElectricalWorksFlorida.com / 8010 US Highway 441, Leesburg
Q. A.
How do whole home generators work?
While portable gasolinepowered generators were selling out at stores, manufacturers Generac, Briggs & Stratton, and Kohler announced that they would ramp up production of standby generators, which can energize a home nonstop for days. The key to the operation of whole home generators is an automatic transfer switch. When your home first loses utility power—whether it’s caused by a storm or equipment failure—your generator senses a problem and prepares to restore your home’s power. The automatic transfer switch disconnects your home from your utility, usually within seconds of detecting the interruption in service. Once your home is safely off the grid, the switch starts up the generator before transferring its power to the home’s electrical panel and restoring your electricity within seconds. The generator turns on automatically, whether you’re home or away, and it will continue operating until utility power returns. At the heart of the system is an internal combustion engine, which usually is fueled by the local natural gas supply.
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Where natural gas isn’t available, liquid propane or diesel stored in a large tank nearby can be used. Just like any other engine-powered machine, generators require regular maintenance. Whole home generators keep themselves in shape throughout the year with weekly low-speed exercise cycles. Electrical Works can work with you to ensure that your whole home generator is operating at peak performance so when the power goes out, your generator will be ready to bring you back into the light. Many generator manufacturers support Mobile Link. With Mobile Link,
owners can view their generator’s status and maintenance needs, set the unit’s exercise schedule, review its running and maintenance history, and receive push notifications to indicate status changes. They can even arrange to send notifications to Electrical Works. This makes maintenance easier, since dealers can spot any issues in advance and ensure the generator is operating smoothly.
Home Organization
Q. A.
Marlin Graden, Manager and Lead Designer
≈ Inspired Closets
352.748.0770 / inspiredclosets.com / 3107 E. S.R. 44, Wildwood
What makes Inspired Closets unique?
Inspired Closets is a small company with a big name and reputation. It has been familyowned and operated for 17 years – having served everyone from families just like ours to big developers – and it was awarded an exclusive service contract with The Villages for new home construction. At Inspired Closets, customers will be impressed the moment they step into our elaborate, expansive showroom, where they will see a variety of closet displays and accessory options for every room in the home. Having a showroom is beneficial because people like to visualize what a closet is actually going to look like in their own home. Once they pick out their dream closet, we use a specialized 3D design software so they can see their closet designed to scale before anything is ordered. We have quick turnaround time on
design and quotes—usually within 24 hours. Another plus is that Inspired Closets is manufactured on-demand, meaning each piece is specifically made for a customer’s individual project, which gives us incredibly quick turnaround times. Customers also have peace of mind knowing that each job is completed by our installation crews who are licensed and insured. They are our employees, not subcontractors who jump from company to company for this kind of work. We’ll use touch-up paint to repair any areas that need it before we install our products. We also wipe everything down before installation is completed and we vacuum our customers’ floors, extra touches we receive a lot of compliments for. Simply put, Inspired Closets offers whiteglove service from beginning to end and we’re so confident we are the best in the business that our products come
with a lifetime transferrable warranty. We will take the stress off of you and do your project right. With any project, the focus at Inspired Closets is always function first and form second. Customers want to spend their money wisely, so we want to give them a closet system that is both striking and efficient, that improves their overall quality of life. We also know you don’t have to compromise beauty for function. Inspired Closets projects are known for being just as gorgeous as they are functional. With over 20 colors, textures, and
finishes to choose from, a variety of hardware and door profiles, and the latest design accessories and trends, we will always give you a closet that is fresh, functional and uniquely yours. These are the reasons why most of our business comes from word-of-mouth. It’s our goal at Inspired Closets to not only meet the needs of customers but exceed their expectations.
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Fencing Shane Miller
≈ Mossy Oak Fence
271 Southridge Industrial Drive, Tavares / 407.900.2940
Integrity, teamwork, excellence, and accountability. These core values are important to Shane Miller, and explains why his company, Mossy Oak Fence, has gained the trust and respect of their clients. When you deal with Mossy Oak Fence, you can always expect prompt and reliable service, as well as hard work and honesty. We asked Shane some questions about the fencing industry.
Q.
Q.
A.
A.
What How long separates does it Mossy Oak take to Fence from other install a fence? fencing companies? It’s the service that we provide. We don’t look at customers as just another job or just another name. We treat them as clients, and our definition of a client is someone who is under the care, guidance, and protection of a professional. We spend more time than the average company does on site, making sure we have the right product for the property and trying to achieve the outstanding results that client desires.
It depends on the style of fence. If it’s a backyard residential fence that’s 300 square feet or less, then it’s a one-day installation. Mossy Oak Fence also installs larger commercial projects for companies like Disney, Publix, and Coca Cola that take much longer. The important thing to remember is that we take our time to complete each project large or small to the client’s exact specifications, says Shane.
Q.
Q.
A.
A.
Does fencing require a permit?
Most projects do require a permit. If you’re in the limits of Lake County, then no permit is required unless the fence exceeds 6 feet in height. However, if you live within city limits, then it does require a permit.
Do you offer custom fencing?
We’re very big on custom fencing. We’re truly one of the few companies in Central Florida or maybe even Florida that truly is a custom manufacturer of fencing. We have a 110,000 square-foot facility located in Tavares with state-of-the-art
equipment to manufacture, fabricate or weld virtually any design a client might have in mind. fabrication department that can fabricate wood, different vinyl styles, and aluminum and steel. There’s really nothing at this point we cannot do as it pertains to fences.
Q.
How long have you owned the company?
A.
I have owned it for 13 years. I was born and raised in Leesburg and graduated from Leesburg High School in 1987.
Q.
What makes you passionate about fencing?
A.
I’ve been in the industry for about 30 years. I’ve just come to love what I do, and we’ve become professionals at it. We have a slogan here at our company: “Let the Mossy family protect your family.” In a small way, I feel like we’re in the security business. For residences and businesses alike, Mossy Oak Fence contains pets and children and keeps the bad guys out! We really enjoy providing security and peace of mind for our clients.
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Window Treatments Roxanne and Alexa Stafford
≈ Window Reflections
352.330.2055 / 103 N Main St., Wildwood / WindowReflections.net
Q.
How Can I Dress Up My Windows?
Oftentimes, our windows feel bare or incomplete, despite having a blind or shade inside of it. Although those types of treatments are stylish and provide the necessary privacy and light control needed, they do not always give the desired finished look. Luckily, there are ways to complete a window by dressing it up, in addition to incorporating more design elements and personal style into a room. Aside from a traditional drapery treatment that opens and closes across a window, our customers are currently loving stationary drapery side panels, as shown in the picture. Side panels frame and dress up the sides of a window, or a large opening, such as a sliding glass door, in a beautiful way. They are a perfect alternative for when a homeowner doesn’t envision needing a treatment
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that closes off their view, but still want the effects that a drape gives a room. Whether it be a full drapery or a stationary side panel, we customize every element of
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your window treatment. Our experts guide you through each step of designing your desired look. We hand-select and design the fabric colors and patterns, as well as the correct pleating and hardware styles. You can ensure no one else has the same window treatments as you! What if a dramatic long drapery treatment just doesn’t feel right for your taste, but
you still want to dress your windows up? We’ve got you covered! Cornice board and valance board top treatments are excellent options for adding flair to a window without closing off the space around it. As with our other treatment options, we guide you through choosing the right design and fabric to ensure it embodies your taste, whether it be more modern or contemporary, traditional, or casual. Window coverings can be functional, purely decorative, or a mixture of the two. Sometimes dressing up a window simply means adding a pop of color to bring in warmth, or deciding to bring a pattern in. Sometimes it means hanging your draperies higher and choosing an airy, flowy fabric. Ultimately, there are endless options to help achieve your goal of dressing up a window. Let the designing fun begin!
We want to help make Medicare simple. Discover a plan that may work to your advantage. If you’re over 65 and have recently moved or lost your health coverage, you may be able to enroll in a Medicare plan right now. If you do, it’s a good time to consider a Medicare Advantage plan from UnitedHealthcare®, which may offer more benefits than Original Medicare without costing much more. We can help you see if you are eligible to sign up now. We can also assess your needs and find a plan that’s right for your needs and your budget.
Attend a Medicare plan meeting to learn how to make the most of your Medicare coverage. Mount Dora Office Hours Mon - Fri, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM HIRA Office Renaissance Bldg.
Mount Dora Saturday and Evening hours available upon request HIRA Office Renaissance Bldg.
1 on 1 Appointments Your Home, Our Office, You Pick!
Virtual appointments also available.
To see if you qualify to enroll, call today. HEALTH INSURANCE AND RETIREMENT ADVOCATES, INC. Licensed Sales Representatives
352-735-7795, TTY 711 www.HIRAdvocates.com 411 N. Donnelly St. #300 Mount Dora, FL 32757
If you have this card, call UnitedHealthcare today.
For accommodation of persons with special needs at meetings, call 352-735-7795, TTY 711. Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare. © 2019 UnitedHealthcare Services, Inc. All rights reserved. Y0066_170717_130724 Accepted
SPRJ35825 0028C47B
Janet Noack
unitedsouthernbank.com
USB NMLS#419535
Jeanne Lazo
352-589-4663 NMLS#514772
352-771-2404 NMLS#514769
Carrie Cribb
Kelly Guzman
352-572-4986 NMLS# 1234308
352-483-5892 NMLS#1363256
When you’re ready to make your move, we’re here for you. USB’s residential lending team believes that lending is better together. We work with you to help you get into the home that fits your family’s needs. Your timing, our expertise.
Rhonda Pincus 352-771-5711 NMLS#514771
The Villages Insurance
Home. Auto. Life. Business. Insurance for your
Daily Ride and Weekend Travels Give our Advisors a call today to see how much they can save you!
352-751-6622
Auto. Motorcycle. RV. Boat.
www.TheVillagesInsurance.com
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agenda EVENTS. TRAVEL. PEOPLE.
Activities at Lake Louisa State Park range from leisurely to glamorous.
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THE TO-DO LIST
nov. 2020
EVENT
Lit to be eyed The Spanish Springs Classic Christmas Tree Lighting Festival is a free event and will feature a projector light show, live entertainment by Cool Yule Band, and performances from Aloha O’Ka Hula, Mystic Jewels Dance Troupe, The Original Villages Belly Dancers and The Villages Twirlers and Drum Corps. The event is sponsored by Verizon. Dec. 2 @ 4-9pm / Spanish Springs Town Square / 1120 Main St. / thevillagesentertainment.com/event/tree-lighting-festival-2
ONGOI NG L I GHT D ISPL AYS Events are subject to change and cancellation.
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Ferran Park, Eustis 250 Ferran Park Dr., Eustis Donnelly Park 420 N. Donnelly St., Mount Dora Mount Dora City Hall 510 N. Baker St., Mount Dora
Dancing Lighted Christmas Tree Sunset Park 230 W. 4th Ave., Mount Dora Tavares Union Train Station 305 E. Ruby St., Tavares
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Wooton Park 100 E. Ruby St., Tavares
City of Clermont Lights Display Throughout Clermont
Winter Wonderland Lights Walk Venetian Gardens Park 109 E. Dixie Ave., Leesburg
Chick-fil-A Christmas Spectacular at the Citrus Tower 141 S. Highway 27 Clermont
EVENT
HEART AND SOLE Help support Mount Dora High School FFA and Run 4 a Cause Foundation by participating in the Mount Dora Half Marathon. Choose to run a half marathon or 5K.
nov.JAMS
Dec. 21-22 / 100 N. Donnelly St. / mountdorahalfmarathon.com
Move to the beat of one of your favorite performers at one of these great concerts or local venues!
11/7@noon
11/17@3pm and 7pm
CARL LEE ADCOX Yalaha Bootlegging Company, Yalaha
THE VILLAGES PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA The Sharon, The Villages
11/7@7pm MAIDEN VOYAGE BAND Gators of Umatilla, Umatilla
11/7@9pm MAD HADDER BAND Frank’s Place, Leesburg
11/14@noon CARL LEE ADCOX Yalaha Bootlegging Company, Yalaha
11/14@noon HARD COUNTRY ROOSTER Stormy Hill Harley-Davidson, Clermont
EVENT
WINE AND DINE
11/15@1pm
Visit Lakeridge Winery for a festival of chocolates and wine featuring local chocolatiers paired with Lakeridge wines. Enjoy live music by local bands and a wine and cheese bar. Dec. 13-15 / Lakeridge Winery / 19239 US 27 / lakeridgewinery.com
ONGOI NG EVENTS Events are subject to change and cancellation.
Howey Mansion Christmas Decorations 1001 Citrus Ave., Howey-in-the-Hills, Tues-Sat. 10am-2pm
Santa’s Christmas Tree Forest 35317 Huff Rd., Eustis, Wed. mornings
11/21@noon CARL LEE ADCOX Yalaha Bootlegging Company, Yalaha
11/21@5pm C.O.D. FLORIDA Hurricane Dockside Grill, Tavares
11/28@noon CARL LEE ADCOX Yalaha Bootlegging Company, Yalaha
11/23@5pm and 8pm HOTEL CALIFORNIA “A SALUTE TO THE EAGLES” Savannah Center, The Villages
MANFREDI ROCKS Ruby Street Grille, Tavares
* Dates and times are tentative due to COVID-19 guidelines. Contact the venues for updates.
Santa’s Enchanted Forest Lake Catherine Blueberry Farm 5849 Lake Catherine Rd., Groveland
Winterland Adventures Lake Square Mall 10401 US Hwy 441, Leesburg
Presidents Hall of Fame 123 US-27 N, Clermont
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ATTRACTIONS
AT TR AC TIO NS
Roughing it, boujee style Lake Louisa State Park caters to outdoor enthusiasts, even those partial to the little luxuries of home. STORY: ROXANNE BROWN
Arden Tilghman
≈ PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL ith the unbearable heat of summer behind us and cooler weather here to stay for a while, people are itching to enjoy the outdoors. Clermont’s Lake Louisa State Park may be just the place to visit, considering there are many activities to satisfy cravings for nature. Arden Tilghman, owner and founder of P3 Lake Louisa, a private for-profit company that provides services for the 4,500-acre state park, says there is something for everyone. “You can spend days exploring this park and not see all of it; and believe me, when I say that whatever your favorite outdoor activity is, you can do it here,” Arden says. There are 20 miles worth of connected trails for hiking, biking or horseback riding, plus kayaking, canoeing, fishing or swimming in a beach area on the north side of Lake Louisa near a picnic area complete with barbeque grills, playground and bathrooms. Arden says the park also offers hiking and kayak ecotours, geo-caching, bird-watching, and special events and weddings can be booked year-round. People can also camp, but if roughing it is not your thing, do not cross the experience off your list. You can still get the overall taste of it, but with the little luxuries of home or a hotel. Welcome to glamping. “Glamour plus camping equals glamping,” says Arden of glamorous, or care-free camping. There are three glamping sites available for rent at Lake Louisa, and 10 more sites are being built because the glamping trend has taken off. “We started about a year-and-a-half ago by putting up one site, and not really having any idea if there would be an interest in it and it was so popular, it booked solid for
enough time, that within the next month, we had another site set up,” says Arden. Each luxe tent comes equipped with A/C and heating units, a queen bed with linens, a coffee pot, an inside seating area with lighting, exterior seating with lighting, a firepit, grill and picnic table. The 10 new sites, which will be located in their own glamp area by year’s end, will have dedicated bathrooms. Arden says she has witnessed glamping win over even the least outdoorsy of people. “We see situations where someone in a group is a really enthusiastic camper, but their partner or their spouse or other family members aren’t so sure,” Arden says. “This is a really nice middle ground, especially for someone who’s confident of the outdoors, but does not really want to sleep on the floor in the outdoors.”
Glamping at Lake Louisa starts at $120 per night and each 220-square-foot tent sleeps four people. If more bed space is needed, sleeping bags or air mattresses are allowed or a request can be made during the reservation process. Arden says she tries to incorporate everything she loves into what her company offers and is happy to see glamping taking off. “I did real, official, roughing-it-camping for a long time when I was younger, but the little luxuries of home are nice,” Arden says. “We also recognized here, being so close to Disney, there’s a large group of people with an interest in this but who didn’t have the equipment, or the experience or the understanding of how to do it.”
And perhaps one of the coolest things is having free reign of exploring the other park amenities, day and night, she says. “It’s kind of a special time in the campground at night, especially a private campground like ours, because unless you are a registered camper, when the park closes, you have to leave,” Arden says. “Also, when the sun starts to go down, it starts smelling like a cookout; it’s lovely, but it’s quiet enough too.” Most of all, Arden says that no matter what adventures guests choose, she likes it when people discover and enjoy Florida’s lesser-known beauty and charm. “I’m a huge nature nerd. I love all of this. It’s fascinating. I have a deep appreciation for Florida, and here at the state park specifically, we have a couple of really unique environmental things going on,” says Arden. “We’re on the Lake Wales Ridge and we’re on the border of the Green Swamp, so there are a ton of endemic species that our park is kind of a harbor to.” She continues: “A lot of our locals have some awareness of that, but a lot of them come in and are still surprised to learn and understand what’s in their own back yard, but who I particularly love to share this with, are tourists and other people who think of Florida as just beaches and theme parks; there’s so much more to it.” For information or to reserve a glamping site, book events or other activities, visit lakelouisastatepark.com or call 352.503.4489.
IF YOU GO
LAKE LOUISA STATE PARK 7305 US-27, Clermont / 352.503.4489 lakelouisastatepark.com Hours: Monday to Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Know of a cool attraction or upcoming event you want to see in Social Spotlight? Contact us at least three months in advance and provide all the details to roxanne@akersmediagroup.com.
ROXANNE BROWN
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LOCAL TALENT
PEO PLE
‘Don’t wanna be no star’ Singer, songwriter, guitarist wants to use his talents to give back to those he is thankful for. STORY: VICTORIA SCHLABIG
≈ PHOTO: DOUGLAS TYLER
rowing up listening to all kinds of music, Braxton Bennett began learning electric guitar at age 10. Now, the 26-yearold guitarist, singer and songwriter creates and performs country and rock songs. With influences ranging from Hank Williams, Jr. to Metallica, Braxton describes his own genre of music as “all over the spectrum.” Though he’s been involved with music for most of his life, he only started performing in October 2019. He now plays at venues from The Villages to Mount Dora and likes to keep it local. Church is also a big part of Braxton’s life. He is a worship leader at Good News Church in Leesburg and is passionate about using his music to influence and help that community. “I’m very thankful to God for placing that desire in my heart to wanna pursue music and wanna do something with it, to give my talents back to the Lord,” he says. Braxton is also thankful to have the support of his family and friends, and the leadership he’s been able to find in the community. “Very early on in my music career I’ve been able to meet some very talented people that have kinda taken me under their wing. I’m very thankful for that.” When writing a song, Braxton tends to use influences from songs he already knows. “So, when I’m sitting here singing something, I’ll just kinda have that song in my head for a while and I just take a simple melody in my head and branch off from there,” he says. When asked about his favorite artists, he says, “That’s a tough one. Every time somebody asks me that, I always tell them I don’t know, because I couldn’t do what I do if I could answer that, because it’s such a wide spectrum. I just love it all.” Braxton’s ultimate goal with his music isn’t to be given the title of the next greatest musician. He’d just like to make a comfortable living doing what he loves. “I don’t wanna be no star,” he says. Braxton only recently started recording his music, so keep an eye out for his demo, which should be out soon on many of your streaming platforms.
Do you know talented people in the community? Send recommendations to victoria@akersmediagroup.com.
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Style_FullPage_Optometry.pdf
1
9/28/20
3:27 PM
Imagine 20/20 in 2020 with a comprehensive eye exam from Lake Eye.
LINDSEY WALSH, OD
ADRIA YOUNG, OD
ALEXANDRIA RAWLS, OD
Optometrists Dr. Lindsey Walsh, Dr. Adria Young, and Dr. Alexandria Rawls provide a fresh, clear prescription for outdated lenses, diagnose eye diseases, and treat a host of eye and vision problems, all in a single visit, so you can keep the focus on fun.
Tavares • Leesburg • Lady Lake • The Villages • Wildwood
352-775-1532 • LakeEye.com •
See all the photos for this event at lakeandsumterstyle.com/hisociety
HI, SOCIETY!
Steve Knowles and Sandy Stokes Jeanne Thorpe, Joyce Huey, Amy Painter, and Lance Oulman
E 'S WHER ?! M Y P IC
Linda Grizzard, Vicky Murphy, and Cheri English
Kevin Yurasek, Heather Bigard, Amanda Gonzales, and Josh Gonzales
H ATS OFF T O LO CA L GR EATS ≈
@ VENETIAN CENTER PHOTOS: DOUGLAS TYLER. The Venetian Center
Katie and Scott Mack
Nikki Lord and Nicki Haber
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was host to the 26th Annual Leesburg Partnership Awards & Installation dinner. Community leaders in attendance enjoyed an extravagant evening filled with good cheer, great food, cocktails and celebration in honor of the outstanding contributions from individuals, businesses, merchants and volunteers to the economic development and betterment of Downtown Leesburg. The Partnership’s new 2020-2021 Board of Directors were introduced and inducted and Lena Williams took the helm as incoming president.
FENCES
S ?!
WOOD • VINYL ALUMINUM • RANCH RAIL CHAIN LINK • PERGOLA'S ESTATE GATES
MOSSYOAKFENCE.COM 407.900.2940
HI, SOCIETY!
Joe Ciceri
Deb Matlock and Sabrina Ciceri
Doug Akers, Barbara Glate and Kendra Akers
Vicki Paynter, Sheriff Grinnell and Brittny Baugh
Sierra Clemmons, Makenzi Berry and Jay Berry
Lisa Gonzalez, Samantha Palmer, Lindsey Mallory and Keri Keedy
Anthony Sabatini, Sabrina Ciceri
F I R S T T I M E AT T H E S PA @ IMMUNITY HEALTH SPA ≈ PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL. A VIP party was held at Immunity Health Spa in Lady Lake. Community leaders and residents who attended the event received a tour of the facility and learned about the company’s numerous services, which include body treatments, salt therapy, massage and vitamin IV therapy. They were treated to hors d’ oeuvres, wine, champagne and beer.
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See all the photos for this event at lakeandsumterstyle.com/hisociety
Dave Nehitz, Ally Wright and Emma Lea
E 'S WHER ?! M Y P IC
S ?!
Color
Salon
BEAUTY IN EVERYTHING.
Featuring
KEVIN.MURPHY products
PAUL MITCHELL focus salon BRAZILIAN BLOWOUT certified stylists
NOVEMBER
NEW LOCATION FREE Cut with Color
SALE! Call or Text 352.461.0874
25 Men’s Cuts $
touloucolorsalon.com
Monday-Saturday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
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10401 US Highway 441, Leesburg, FL 34788
Hydra Facials
115 North Main Street Wildwood, FL 347858
Thursdays: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
LWAKERIDGE &V INERY
WHEN CLEAN JUST ISN’T CLEAN ENOUGH.
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Florida’s Largest Premium Winery Available Online and at your Local Supermarket and Retail Outlets!
www.LakeridgeWinery.com 19239 US 27 North • Clermont, FL 34715 352-394-8627 • 1-800-768-WINE 094 /
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Fall Into A Fresh Look C ALL FOR YOUR FREE CONSULTATION AND UPLIFT YOUR LOOK TODAY!
352.259.5126 Face2FaceFL.com
THE VILLAGES LEESBURG TAVARES
FACIAL COSMETIC SURGERY | INJECTABLES | LASER TREATMENTS | SKIN CARE LINE | AESTHETICS | PRP
Y A L P N I CA ? R E N O O S F L GO OUTPATIENT TOTAL JOINT REPLACEMENT!
At UNOVA HIP & KNEE CENTER, our minimally invasive techniques, opioid & narcotic free anesthesia, and our enhanced rapid recovery approach, allow us to offer outpatient joint replacements to our patients. Our outpatient joint replacement patients are discharged home on the same day to recover in the comfort and safety of their own home.
Outpatient Total Hip Outpatient Total Knee Outpatient Partial Knee
CALL US TODAY FOR A CONSULATATION WITH ONE OF OUR OUTPATIENT TOTAL JOINT REPLACEMENT SPECIALISTS.
888.847.4895 UnovaHealth.com
?
healthy living MIND. BODY. SOUL.
Heather Knorr doesn’t let epilepsy take the joy out of life.
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INSPIRATION
PEO PLE
He’s got the power Clermont man puts fun, flair and passion into shaping local warriors. STORY: ROXANNE BROWN
≈ PHOTO: NICOLE HAMEL
or as long as he can remember, Power Casrock’s life has revolved around health and fitness. As a child, he always stayed active and organized little fitness groups for people. As he got older, he got into boxing; but carb cravings – especially bread and his mother’s vegan chocolate chip cookies – translated into a dreaded belly. “That’s when I figured I better practice what I preach, lead by example,” Casrock says. For the past 14 years, Casrock has taught Zumba/Tae-Bo inspired classes he’s dubbed “DYGO” – or Dance Your Gut Off – that anyone in the community can take for free at Waterfront Park in downtown Clermont. He is also a private personal and master trainer (he trains other trainers to teach) who relishes the nickname his warriors gave him – “The world’s greatest fat destroyer.” His latest program? Brutal X. Casrock explains: “I thought, I have to take this to the next level. I have to create something that’s never been done, like a program that’s so unique, you can’t get it anywhere.” The next level is in his backyard, where he’s set up a training course of huge rubber tires and tunnels students jump and crawl through while marching like soldiers carrying weighted dummies and sledgehammers. They also climb ropes in trees, work their abs poolside and more – all while a very energetic Casrock pushes and motivates them. Casrock says as long as people keep up with his program, it works despite less than ideal food choices. “A lot of times, you know they’ll say, nutrition and fitness is 90% what you eat, but I came up with a program where 90% is going to be this physical thing. You’re eating garbage, but you’re still gonna lose the weight, you’re gonna still bust up the fat because the program is so intense; so relentless.” Casrock credits the regimen for his own muscular physique and six pack abs, but most of all, he takes pride in knowing he’s helping others. “It’s like an artist, you know? You’re an artist and you want to like sculpt people. Just watching the transformations, that’s how I really get my joy,” Casrock says. “When you look at people and they look at themselves and they come back happy and pleased and they say, ‘Ah man, thank you, you know, you’ve transformed my body, transformed my health and my life.’ It just lets me know that what I’m doing is working, that it’s right and that it’s needed.” For more information, follow Power Casrock on Facebook and Instagram or visit brutalxzone.com.
Do you know someone who is a healthy inspiration? Email your recommendations to roxanne@akersmediagroup.com
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Lake Centre Home Care We have skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, home health aides/CNAs, and MSW services. We are locally owned and operated. Medicare Assignment Accepted Private insurance Accepted with Pre-Authorization
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Faces of epilepsy Two brave women refuse to let their condition put a damper on life. STORY: JAMES COMBS
pproximately 3.4 million people in the U.S. live with epilepsy, according to the Epilepsy Foundation. Depending on what part of the brain seizures originate from, patients can experience symptoms ranging from falling to the ground in convulsions, to falling into an unconscious state. Fortunately, with correct diagnosis and treatment, most patients can live a normal life. Just ask Heather Knorr and Emma Ethington, Lake County residents who were both diagnosed with epilepsy at an early age. “Seizures are terrible. I’m fatigued. I get bad headaches. I sleep for a day or two afterward. It feels like you’ve run a marathon because every muscle contracts at the same time during a seizure. It’s mentally and physically draining,” Heather says. While the unpredictable disease has brought hardships for both, Heather and Emma have learned to live each day with a grateful heart and refuse to let epilepsy get in the way of bettering themselves. M EET H EATH ER
Four-year-old Liam Worfel never panicked. Not when his mother unexpectedly fell to the ground. Not when she began shaking uncontrollably. Not when she failed to respond to his pleas to wake up. He did what he was taught to do in the event his mother, Heather Knorr, had an epileptic seizure. The boy grabbed his mother’s cell phone, called his
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grandmother and described what was happening. His grandmother called 911, and within minutes paramedics arrived at Heather’s home. Days later, the City of Mount Dora awarded Liam’s heroic actions. “I’m fortunate he was so brave in that situation,” Heather says. “However, it doesn’t seem fair that my son had to see me in that condition.” Life hasn’t always been fair since Heather was diagnosed with epilepsy at age 13. The condition triggers a severe type of seizure known as tonic-clonic, which cause sudden surges of electrical activity in her brain. She drops to the ground, endures painful muscle spasms and loses consciousness. Throughout the years, Heather’s seizures have struck at the most inopportune times: shopping in a grocery store, attending church, jogging on hiking trails and during work. She has limited time to react and safely position herself. “Thirty seconds before a seizure strikes, I feel an aura, which I describe as an out-of-body experience,” says Heather, a 25-year-old Leesburg resident. “I get a strange taste in my mouth and feel like I’m no longer in control of my body. I do my best to lay down on my left side and try to protect my head. If anyone is around me. I try to alert them.” Sometimes, there is no warning. Heather falls fast and hard, which has resulted in whiplash, popping her jaw out of socket and hitting her head. A postictal state – where she loses consciousness for several minutes – follows each seizure. “Being in the postictal state means I’m not tense anymore but I’m not awake,” she says. “I stare into space and I’m non-reactive.”
“I LIVED A VERY FEARFUL LIFE. I DIDN’T LIKE GOING PLACES. I WOULD STAY IN MY APARTMENT BECAUSE I WAS OBSESSED ABOUT THE AWFUL THINGS PEOPLE WOULD THINK ABOUT ME IF THEY SAW ME HAVING A SEIZURE.”
Heather Knorr and sons Liam and Sebastian’s photo by Douglas Tyler
—HEATHER KNORR
Heather Knorr and sons Liam and Sebastian
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MIND
For Heather, epilepsy has come with a hefty price – a price not limited to frequent doctor visits and two medications she takes daily to suppress electrical impulses in her brain. There was a time when she went three years without driving and endured low self-esteem. “I lived a very fearful life. I didn’t like going places. I would stay in my apartment because I was obsessed about the awful things people would think about me if they saw me having a seizure. On top of all the mental issues, it’s frustrating not being able to drive.” Then came the day she suffered a seizure at her doctor’s office. It was a blessing in disguise. She left his office with a lifechanging outlook. “I walked out of the room crying,” she recalls. “Another epilepsy patient approached me and said epilepsy is not a death sentence. I realized I have to live my life.” Living life started with making lifestyle changes. Adequate sleep, healthy eating and regular exercise became a part of her daily routine. Being deficient in any of those areas can trigger seizures. “Not sleeping well pretty much guarantees I’m going to have one,” she says. “I also have to eat in a healthy manner because if my blood-sugar level is off I will likely have a seizure. I run three to four times a week to keep myself in the best shape possible.” Rather than remaining mostly homebound, Heather became more engaged in life. She currently coaches her son’s soccer team and leads a Wednesday night youth group at Heritage Community Church in Fruitland Park. Living healthy and maintaining a positive attitude has paid big dividends. Heather hasn’t suffered a seizure since January 2020 and she’s driving again. Under Florida law, epilepsy patients must be seizure-free for six months to regain driving privileges. Soon, she’ll earn the proud title of college graduate. Heather is only a few courses short of graduating with a psychology degree from the University of Central Florida. Unfortunately, she had to drop out last spring when the coronavirus forced her to homeschool her children. “Psychology is a very interesting field that will allow me to help other people who are struggling,” she says. Heather is familiar with life struggles. But she promises life doesn’t have to be an ongoing struggle for epilepsy patients. “Don’t be afraid of telling other people what accommodations you need. Don’t be afraid to talk about it because it’s not a taboo topic. There are people who will be loving, supportive and accommodating to help you live a full life.”
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MEET EMMA
Emma Ethington, 17, enjoys all the volunteer opportunities that came with being crowned Teen Miss Umatilla in 2020. However, her true crowning achievement in life is being an advocate for epilepsy. At age 6, Emma was diagnosed with benign Rolandic epilepsy, the most common form of childhood epilepsy. The condition causes nighttime twitching of her legs, arms and head. “I can’t walk after a seizure; it’s like partial paralysis,” says Emma, a junior at Umatilla High School. “I feel fatigued because seizures take so much out of you. One time at night I was having a seizure and saw my mom standing in the hallway. I was screaming as loud as I could for her to help but nothing was coming out of my mouth. I felt trapped because I had no control of my body.” She discovered that epilepsy wreaks havoc beyond physical symptoms. “When I was in elementary school, I sometimes felt isolated because nobody understood what I was going through and I was too young to explain it. Nobody else at my school had epilepsy and really had no idea what epilepsy is.” As a result, Emma set out on a personal journey to raise awareness and educate people about her condition. When she was 10, Emma wrote a book titled “I am Special” to help students better understand epilepsy through words, pictures and illustrations. The book is unpublished. During Disability Awareness Month in October, Emma read the book to her classmates on her school’s morning television program. “For me, that was a big opportunity and I took it,” Emma says. “Even as a young girl, I realized that epilepsy isn’t a secret that you want to keep. You have to make a difference through public awareness.” Emma didn’t stop there. She became active in the Epilepsy Association of Central Florida, an Orlando-based organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of epilepsy patients. She has volunteered at numerous fundraisers, including 5k runs, as well as special events like Purple Day at Walt Disney World. Purple is the international color representing epilepsy awareness. Her volunteerism turned Emma into a temporary star. At age 10, she was chosen to appear in a television commercial for George Nahas Chevrolet, which conducts an annual fundraising
“I WANT OTHER PATIENTS TO KNOW THAT EPILEPSY DOES NOT HAVE TO HOLD YOU BACK IN LIFE.” —EMMA ETHINGTON
Emma Ethington photo by Nicole Hamel
golf tournament for the Epilepsy Association of Central Florida. “That was so cool,” she recalls. “I felt like a superstar.” Emma was also a star last March when the organization invited her and three other girls with epilepsy to serve on a special panel. A crowd of 250 people packed a ballroom inside Disney’s Contemporary Resort to ask the girls questions about life with epilepsy. “That was nerve-racking because I didn’t know what they were going to ask,” she says. “They ended up asking us about school, how our friends deal with us and things like that. I felt good telling people about epilepsy and answering any question they had.” Emma has organized her own fundraisers for the Epilepsy Association of Central Florida. Working with the Bay Street Players in Eustis, she sold tickets, collected donations for a silent auction and baked treats for the premiere of Peter Pan. She raised $3,000. “I love knowing that my efforts can help others who battle epilepsy,” she says. “I want other patients to know that epilepsy does not have to hold you back in life.” It certainly hasn’t slowed down Emma. The tenacious girl competes on Umatilla
High’s tennis and bowling teams and serves as vice president of both her junior class and Future Farmers of America (FFA). She has appeared in 40 shows put on by the Bay Street Players, including “Into the Woods,” “Annie,” and “Guys and Dolls.” She is equally talented in pageants, winning the titles of Tiny Miss Umatilla in 2008 and Teen Miss Umatilla in 2020. Though she’s proud of her past accomplishments, she has her sights set on the future. Emma plans on attending the University of Central Florida and earning a degree in communications. “She’s amazing,” says Emma’s mother, Kim. “When she puts her mind to doing something there’s no stopping her. She pushes through her condition and keeps going.” Most importantly, she moved beyond her pity party many years ago. “Dealing with this was hard at first, but then I realized I have this condition because God wants me to help other people,” says Emma, a member of First Baptist Church of Umatilla. “There was definitely a purpose.” Epilepsy hasn’t knocked Emma down. Instead, it has helped her lift many others up.
Emma Ethington
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“We can honestly say that whilst we were somewhat reluctant to sign with Wiseman owing to the long lead time from contract signing to completion, the finished product was well worth the wait. The custom design is exactly what we asked for and we maintain that the craftsmanship of the pool, spa, equipment, pavers, screen enclosure, and summer kitchen are second to none.” — TOM & LYNDA MURPHY
We know that every single customer is unique—Building Unique Pools is our company motto—and so every project we undertake is delivered to a client’s signature set of personal tastes and, where necessary, solves any challenges their property may present. 352-431-3766 | www.WisemanPools.com | 1517 W Main St., Leesburg Wiseman Pools is a family-owned-and-operated, licensed residential and commercial swimming pool builder with an extensive portfolio of projects. From the small—fountains and in-ground spas. To the large—million dollar installations with multiple pools and spas. Our customers, large and small, demand a quality swimming pool for a fair price. And we deliver.
Welcome to Water Oak A Lady Lake paradise residents are proud to call their own. PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
Water Oak Front Entrance
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f you’re 55-plus and looking for a beautiful, serene, but activity-filled, convenient, and friendly place to live, look no farther than Water Oak Country Club Estates – a beautiful, gated community in Lady Lake that boosts reasonably priced and quality luxury residences to call home. Not only that, this pet-friendly neighborhood is close enough to satisfy all the conveniences of The Villages area but distant enough for peace and quiet to overshadow all the hustle and bustle. Water Oak Sales Manager, Mel Ferioli, says, “The homes at Water Oak are conveniently located, but also very affordable in comparison to other retirement communities in the surrounding area and it’s a great place for people to start that next wonderful chapter of their lives.” Water Oak Country Club is a perfect fit for anyone who wants to take advantage of all the shopping, dining, and entertainment options that The Villages area offers, but would like to live where it’s slower-paced, relaxing, and to just enjoy life at their own speed. Water Oak residents enjoy an active lifestyle with an abundance of several special interest clubs and activities to participate in. “Our residents can be as busy as they want, or be as reserved as they want, it’s really up to them. Our community’s atmosphere allows them to enjoy both,” says Mel. Water Oak is a 55-plus manufactured home community and has been in the Lady Lake area since the early 1980s. Acquired in 2005, it is one of Sun Homes Communities, Inc. flagship properties across the U.S. and has flourished ever since. They’ve invested in expansion with additional lots and updated the resortlike amenities. Residents are captivated by the picturesque community with over 300 acres of rolling hills, trees, and lakes combined with an 18-hole championship golf course, walking paths, a three-story clubhouse, and more. Water Oak’s central Florida location is also very favorable to its residents
with an abundance of tantalizing Florida attractions nearby. Several irresistible destinations are just a short drive away whether they want to experience Florida’s beaches, or visit one of the several world-famous attractions like Disney World, Universal Studios, Busch Gardens or SeaWorld. The ease of access to the interstates and highways allows for short day trips to either coast to enjoy and take it all in.
The vibe Another top benefit of living at Water Oak is: “the amazing, amazing people,” says Mel. With that, Mel describes the signature “Water Oak Wave” everyone uses as a mutual greeting between each other and calls it heart-warming. “Everybody acts like a family here. They back each other up, they wave constantly to each other and if anyone is in need, they are right there supporting them,” Mel adds. Ken and Donna Garren, Water Oak residents as of May 2019, say when they
were considering neighborhoods to move into, they were thrilled with the amenities Water Oak offers, that also provided ease of accessibility when it came to shopping, dining, quality medical care and the value of their home, but what sealed the deal was the non-material benefits. Donna said from the moment they began looking in Water Oak, they sensed genuine warmth all the way around. She said they were immediately taken by the community’s welcoming feel exuding from residents and the entire staff. “One thing I like here better than some of the other communities we looked at is that the homes here are not so close together, so we have space but what we like best are the people here. We love riding around in our golf cart and how everybody waves at each other,” Donna says. “We have awesome neighbors and before COVID, we had get-togethers all the time. I have not met anyone we don’t like; it’s just a really nice neighborhood and there are lots of activities and fun people. If you’re not doing something or making friends, it’s because you don’t want to.”
Haven Bay Model
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Amenities
Here and yet to come
Water Oak offers every resort-style living activity imaginable available for its residents – including tennis, billiards, arts and crafts, quilting, fishing, shuffleboard, softball, basketball, volleyball, bocce ball, and pickleball – and the clubhouse amenities are plentiful. With two clubhouses on-site, the resort-like community ensures the best when it comes to swimming and sunbathing poolside or keeping fit at the gym and staying entertained. There is also a restaurant, a championship golf course (discounted for residents), and a pro shop on site. Not only that, but there are no amenity fees to worry about and an optional $20-per-year home-owners association membership to consider. Additionally, the community’s ownership arrangement means more money in residents’ pockets, plus general maintenance and lawn care are included. “We are a land-lease community, which means you own the home and lease the land that it sits on, so you’re able to put all your money into your home, which
Over this past summer, locals may have noticed the community’s main entrance underwent a massive makeover that bid farewell to the look it once had. Our residents and future home buyers are now welcomed home by lighted waterfalls, with stone and leaf-inspired accents, which also includes an updated sales center and a new administration building. A future expansion, planned for January, will see approximately 260 new home sites to accompany the 1,200 already residing at Water Oak. With that, new and current residents will enjoy a brand-new recreation facility to feature a huge pool with its own beach entrance and cabanas, plus firepits, horseshoe pits, a bar and refreshment area, and rooftop seating. John Ebert, who with his wife Barbara, has lived at Water Oak since July, says he cannot wait for the new amenities, although they’ve barely had a chance to savor existing offerings. “The amenities that come along with the rent, if you will, are wonderful and the facilities accommodate many residents at one time. There are all kinds of activities, and if you can’t find something to do, I don’t know where you can go, because Water Oak has everything,” John says.
Admiral II Model
tends to be $100,000 to $200,000 less than if you were to build a stick-built home where you have to purchase the land, the home,” Mel says. She adds, “People pay a monthly lot rent, but with that, they have a gated community, 24-hours-a-day, seven-daysa-week, and there are no additional amenities fees like you would have to pay in a lot of communities around here. We
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Main Club House
also pay the majority of all the property tax and the only household tax a resident would pay is about $632 for the whole year and that includes your emergency services and garbage pick-up.”
A home to make your very own There is a home at Water Oak for every budget, including pre-owned, newer, and bigger homes with lavish features and other quaint choices. Most residents can live comfortably under $1,000 per month excluding a mortgage payment. Additionally, standard features in a home at Water Oak – like crown molding, LED lighting, vinyl plank flooring, window fixtures, appliances, ceiling fans, a porch or lanai, double carports, and more – are included features that in other communities may cost extra. And besides that, a new home buyer has the ability to customize anything they can imagine. A multitude of specialty options includes open floor plans, tray and coffered ceilings, fully equipped kitchens, spa tubs, and Roman tiled showers, upgraded landscaping, large walk-in closets, modern decorative accents, and much more. Water Oak also offers new home buyers the ability to choose their countertops, flooring, paint colors, and shingle colors. The design team can alter many features such as move walls and closets; they can literally modify their new home any way that they want. Water Oak has four beautiful model homes to view options, plus several different floor plans and styles to customize the perfect place to live. If we can find the lot a resident likes, all they have to do is find something that fits their needs and we make it happen for them in the most beautiful and efficient way possible.
No room for the “t” word One thing the sales team notices is that a lot of people worry when they hear Golf Course
Bistro Restaurant Cape Coral Model
the words, “manufactured homes,” but Mel and her team can overcome these concerns. “Some people still have that ‘trailer’ mentality, but we have gone way beyond that. They’re not trailers anymore. They are actually really well-built, energy-efficient homes,” Mel says. “Ever since Hurricane Andrew, all the standards changed and so our homes are made to withstand anywhere from 130-150 mph winds.” The main builders Sun Homes primarily work with for Water Oak, are Palm Harbor and Skyline, known as two of the very best manufacturers in the industry. Additionally, all Water Oak homes are built to be
extremely energy efficient, adding high-grade insulation in the ceilings, walls, and floors, including double-paned windows and LED lighting throughout. This allows for cost savings overall on electricity usage and with heating and air conditioning the home. “Live the dream and have it all,” says a Water Oak brochure. And that, Ken and John add, is what they and their wives plan on doing for a long time to come. “What makes Water Oak unique to us is that it’s a perfect balance here. You have all the amenities, in a beautiful community with lots of trees and wildlife, but you also have all the conveniences of having
doctor’s offices, restaurants, shopping centers and more basically within 10 minutes of here,” says Ken. John adds: “The entire facility, with all the amenities, and the atmosphere of an almost resort-like place is what we thought would be a really wonderful place to live and we were absolutely right.”
If you are looking for that perfect, affordable retirement home offering an all-inclusive resort-like lifestyle, look to the very best in manufactured home communities in Florida at Water Oak. Envision your next chapter of life filled with enjoyment and lasting new friendships and fall in love with Water Oak.
877.363.7553 / wateroakcountryclub.com / 106 Evergreen Lane, Lady Lake
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FOOD. DRINKS. REVIEWS.
IN THE KITCHEN
RECIPE
Pasta-tively Amazing Bernie Germeroth keeps family tradition alive each Christmas by making homemade noodles with her kids and grandkids. STORY: VICTORIA SCHLABIG
ernie Germeroth recalls the tradition of making noodles for Christmas starting about 20 years ago, in the garage. Now, Bernie, lovingly called “Mom Mom,” with assistance from her husband, “Pop Pop,” their three children and nine grandchildren, makes 10 pounds of noodles every year to share with family and friends. While they all enjoy eating their yummy creations, it’s the tradition and time spent together they most appreciate. “It’s a tradition carried on three generations from Mom Mom’s Italian family to ours,” says Bernie’s daughter, Lori. Bernie used to make noodles several times a year, and still uses
her father’s fettuccine noodle machine today. While noodles are her specialty, you can’t have them without her tasty meatballs in tomato sauce, made with four meats: chicken, pork, beef and sausage. Bernie loves this noodle-making tradition, as it is a time to get ready for the celebration of Jesus’s birth, and she appreciates the blessing of family time when everyone’s lives are so busy. “We all make noodles. Even the little great grandchildren have their own dough to work with and get flour all over their faces,” she says. “Every year it is a tradition a few days before Christmas Eve to gather and make the noodles,” says Bernie’s granddaughter, Aubrey. The family’s Christmas Eve menu (made to serve 40) typically consists of homemade noodles with sauce and meatballs, two large pans of lasagna, a large Italian salad, and garlic and cheese bread. On Christmas Day they also enjoy homemade Maryland crab soup, ham and other sides.
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“YOU LEARN JUST HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO HAVE THESE TRADITIONS STAY ALIVE.” —CHRISTIAN GERMEROTH
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Photos: Provided by Bernie Germeroth
IN THE KITCHEN
Photos: Provided by Bernie Germeroth
“Noodle night has always been my favorite family tradition,” says grandson Christian. “All the family gathered in the garage, listening to old records, sharing laughter and of course making noodles. Growing up I looked forward to spending time around hearing stories shared from Mom Mom and Pop Pop. As kids we learned lessons about making pasta, but as we are getting older, I realize there is more to it than just good pasta.” The whole family cherishes this tradition and is reminded of how important it is to spend that time together, especially as the family is getting bigger and there are more obstacles in the way. “You learn just how important it is to have these traditions stay alive,” Christian adds. Another granddaughter, Caitlin, says that tradition to her, means love, comfort and belonging: “It passes on values, responsibility, faith and connection, generation after generation. Tradition is a reminder that while our world is ever changing, the importance of family remains the same. In our family, tradition is vital. The values we inherit, the underlying love and acceptance we have for one another despite the different paths or seasons of life we are in.” Desserts are, of course, an important part of Christmas Eve too. Mom Mom usually features banana pudding, cookies, pies, and another one of Bernie’s specialties – her chocolate chip brownies. Everyone brings a dessert, and the family also makes a gingerbread house. After all the cooking is done and messes have been cleaned up, the family can finally sit down and relax with one another. “Then, we enjoy a meal together. What a joy! God is good; all the time, God is good,” Bernie says.
L A S AG N A ( F E E D S 2 5 - 3 0) INGREDIENTS
12
pounds ricotta cheese
8
eggs Pasta sauce of your choice Fresh parsley, chopped
3
cups parmesan cheese
2
pounds grated mozzarella cheese
4
boxes oven-ready Barilla lasagna noodles Pepper to taste
2
9-by-13 baking dishes
DIRECTIONS
Mix eggs, ricotta, parmesan, parsley and pepper to taste and set aside. Layer sauce, noodles, cheese mixture and mozzarella, and repeat until pans are full. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Take out of oven and let rest for 15-20 minutes before serving. Lowell and Bernie Germeroth
NOODLES (M A K ES 10 P OU N DS) INGREDIENTS
5
pounds all-purpose flour
1
dozen eggs at room temperature Oil Butter
DIRECTIONS
Place dough on clean counter. Add eggs to the middle and mix thoroughly. Cut dough into smaller portions. Roll out two or three times so they are thin. Put them through your pasta maker. Hang to dry for one or two days (depending on the weather). Package in plastic bags. When ready to eat, boil water with some oil and cook noodles as usual. When al dente, strain and add butter immediately. Serve with sauce and meatballs.
Hey, readers! Do you have favorite recipes or know a chef we should profile? Comment on this article or send story ideas to victoria@akersmediagroup.com.
VICTORIA SCHLABIG
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FORK ON THE ROAD
REVIEWS
Downtime destination 3 eateries inside Suncreek Brewery offer familiar favorites with an upscale twist. STORY: ROXANNE BROWN AND THERESA CAMPBELL
≈ PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL
owntown Clermont has been on the rise with a fresh revitalization, which includes a fun hangout to visit and savor delicious craft beers and tasty eats inside the Suncreek Brewery, 790 W. Minneola Ave. Suncreek provides a “great destination for your downtime” with the city’s original craft brewery, winner of Best Place for Drinks in the Chamber of Commerce’s Best of South Lake Awards for the second consecutive year in 2020. We at Style love that the brewery has three separate restaurants serving a wide array of delicious foods to enjoy with your favorite brew. The food offerings, which include trendier selections than typical bar foods, come from Michael’s Ali Coal Fired Pizza, MAC’d OUT and Savoree, all three which have sister operations in Winter Garden. Want specialty pizza? Michael’s Ali serves up authentic 900-degree, coal-fired pizza, along with coal-fired wings, craft sandwiches and some of the biggest burgers you’ve seen. Just ask Gunnar Morton and Blake Stone, who both ordered the “Dirty Doug,” a grilled steak burger topped with ham steak, a fried egg and fresh burrata on a buttered brioche bun. “I don’t know if my mouth is big enough,” Blake exclaimed before strategically taking a first bite of the massive burger facing him. After having figured out how to do it, Blake says, “Mmmm. It’s rough and it’s messy, but it’s so good.” Gunnar, who works at Suncreek, says he eats at all three of the neighboring eateries often, but proclaims Michael’s Ali his favorite because of the coal-fired wings with “Crazy Diego sauce,” his favorite, plus the tasty pizza and burgers. “I eat here all the time and it’s always good; and the coalfired, it has that certain great-tasting flavor to it,” says Gunnar. Macaroni and cheese lovers are bound to love MAC’d OUT, a specialty mac and cheese stand inside the brewery that features house-made fresh pasta and five cheese sauces, filled with your choice of additional ingredients, and topped with an herb Romano crust. Savoree offers a wide assortment of handcrafted salads, sandwiches, wraps and fresh bowls. “We cater to everybody,” says General Manager Diego Tarazona (namesake of the Crazy Diego honey-sriracha
MAC’d Out
Savoree
Michael’s Ali
FOR YOUR INFO
SUNCREEK BREWERY 407.850.8810
MICHAEL’S ALI COAL FIRED PIZZA AND MAC’D OUT
SAVOREE 352.708.6974
352.227.3512 790 W. Minneola Ave., Clermont, FL. 34711 Call for hours.
wing sauce), explaining that there’s something for everyone’s palate at the Suncreek venue. “This is the perfect thing because you have the beer, you have the mac and cheese, pizza, wings and more,” adds Diego. “My boss, Michael Ali, comes from New York and he brought that style of coal-fired pizza down here and coal-fired wings. He brought his own sauce, which is different from any other place. We are not your typical chain restaurants. All of the ingredients are fresh. Fresh veggies, cheese and everything down to our dough. We make our dough.” Diego also notes that MAC’d OUT is a special and unique culinary treat. “Our mac and cheese is not your regular mac and cheese in a box,” he says. “This is really authentic mac and cheese.” The challenge, of course, is choosing from the plethora of menu choices. So, we
relied on tasting some of diners’ favorite dishes among the three eateries. We savored Savoree’s Dillard Bowl of brown rice topped with taco beef, black bean corn salsa, shredded mozzarella cheese, tortilla chips topped with their homemade Green Goddess Dressing. We also enjoyed a Michael’s Ali perfectly crisped Kitchen Sink pizza that came generously topped with pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, red onion, red peppers and extra cheese, finished with fresh garlic. Next, we dug our forks into a fresh out-of-the-oven MAC’d Philly, which aside from loads of creamy cheese, included marinated sirloin steak, caramelized onions, roasted red peppers and a perfectly toasted crust. We’re eager to come back to try other popular choices, including the Margharita Primo pizza at Michael’s Ali,
the Buffalo Chicken mac and cheese at MAC’d OUT, and the Cuban and Thai turkey sandwiches at Savoree that Manager Ashlei Rodriguez said they are known for. “We have a lot of customers who come here just for that, but we also have a lot of other things, including gluten-free, vegan and healthy options, plus quinoa, which has a lot of protein in it, that appeal to people coming off the bicycle trail,” Ashlei says, adding that Savorees’ meatball subs and huge nachos are a big hit, too, especially when paired with a brewski.
Let’s do lunch or dinner Tell us about a great restaurant by emailing roxanne@akersmediagroup.com.
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SPIRITS
REVIEWS
Creating a buzz Jose Villafana, Jr. taps into the increasingly popular craft beer scene. STORY: JAMES COMBS
Uncle Mikey’s Peach Blond Ale
Paul Griffin and Greg Nall
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am Gordon remembers the first time she saw the dark brown liquid cascading into a glass with milky white bubbles rising to the top. She brought her nose to the glass and inhaled the wonderful aroma. Her favorite craft beer, a coffee stout called Coocha, was love at first sip. “I love the creaminess and richness,” says Pam, a resident of Eustis. “This is a very smooth, easy-drinking beer.” It’s one of many brews readily available at her preferred watering hole, Wolf Branch Brewery. “This is my favorite place to come,” she says. “The craft beer here is out of this world.” Those words warm the heart of Jose Villafana, Jr., who opened Wolf Branch Brewery in December 2017 with the help of his father and brother-inlaw. Jose previously spent 18 years in the U.S. Army, serving two tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. His military travels allowed him to visit craft beer venues in other
≈ PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL
countries. One day, he realized he could “serve” his country in a different capacity. “I was able to go to places like Munich, home of the Hefeweizen beer, as well as the Belgian Brewers Museum in Belgium. I also visited a monastery where beer is brewed by Trappist monks. I began falling in love with the whole craft beer culture and wanted to do my part in promoting it here.” The veteran-turnedbusinessman has successfully accomplished that mission. Much like serving in the military, owning a brewery requires long hours and hard work. But it’s all been worth it. His original location in downtown Eustis fared so well that he opened a second location in downtown Mount Dora. Both venues are popular hangouts where friends and strangers alike order drinks and socialize with fellow craft beer enthusiasts. Jose is more than an astute businessman. He is also a certified master brewer who spends much of his time concocting new craft beer recipes. Jose graduated from the master brewer program at Siebel Institute of Technology,
“THE CRAFT BEER HERE IS OUT OF THIS WORLD.” — PA M G O R D O N Owner Jose Villafana, Jr. and wife, Whitney
the 143-year-old school that produced legendary beer makers August Busch III and John Stroh. Jose also spent four months in Munich and two months in Chicago learning from some of the world’s most renowned brewers. “That was a very hard and demanding program, but it gave me the knowledge I needed to brew great-tasting craft beer,” he says. He uses that knowledge to provide Wolf Branch Brewery customers with a world of creative flavors and innovative ingredients at their finger—and tongue—tips. The styles and flavors are endless. Hearty stouts. Fruit- and herb-infused ciders. Citrusy pale ales. Sometimes, customers come up with creative ideas for new craft beers. Jose has no qualms about fulfilling their wishes. That’s how one of his most popular beers—Uncle Mikey’s Peach Blonde Ale—was born. Several years ago, Mike Straughan, who owns a peach grove in Umatilla, approached Jose about making a beer using his homegrown peaches. The deal came with a stipulation. “He said it has to be a blonde ale and it has to be named after him,” Jose says. “Turns out that customers loved it. As soon as this beer goes on tap, it only lasts a couple of days.”
Jose also enjoys making experimental beers customers may never find anywhere else or ever taste again. In the past, he has tapped into his creativity to produce a peanut butter and banana brown ale, an oatmeal crème pie beer, and a strawberry pepper porter. “We get lots of special requests from customers, and since we’re a small brewery, we will at least entertain their ideas,” he says. “However, when I make unique beers, I typically don’t repeat them.” The honey jalapeno cream ale is an exception. “That’s one of the few we’ve actually repeated,” he says. “It tastes good, it makes for easy drinking and has full flavor. You can taste the jalapeno, but it’s not in-your-face-hot.” Don’t let the names of Jose’s creative concoctions scare you off, beer purists. The taste of beer is still prominent. “Let’s take the peanut butter and banana brown ale, for example,” Jose says. “Yes, adding a peanut butter and banana flavor gives the beer a little nuance and more of a complexity, but I still want beer to taste like beer.” At Wolf Branch Brewery, the craft beer experience isn’t only about trying palate-pleasing flavors. It’s a gathering place where strangers can pull up a
chair or barstool, order a drink, banter about life, and forge new friendships. The brewery offers special events such as trivia nights and bingo nights. “Everyone is welcome here,” says Jose’s wife, Whitney, who serves as operations manager. “It doesn’t matter who you are, what you like, or what your opinion is. You can come here and enjoy great beer and great conversations. To see people build relationships is exciting, and we’re more like a family now.” That family has become close-knit. In fact, Pam, the aforementioned craft beer enthusiast, formed the Wolf Branch Run Club in February 2019. The group, consisting of Wolf Branch Brewery regulars, runs twice a month in Eustis and twice a month in Mount Dora. “We run a couple of miles then come back to the brewery and enjoy several beers,” Pam says. “I’ve made some incredible friends here. There have even been times we’ve gathered at each other’s houses.”
Flavor. Variety. Friendships. Those key ingredients have helped Jose brew up success in the craft beer business.
FOR YOUR INFO
WOLF BRANCH BREWING CO. 119 N. Bay Street, Eustis, FL & Mount Dora Marketplace Hours: Monday through Thursday: 3-10 p.m. Friday: 2-11:30 p.m. Saturday: 1:30-11:30 p.m. Sunday: Noon-8 p.m. wolfbranchbrewing.com
Do you know a place where we can drink? Comment on this article or send story ideas to james@akersmediagroup.com.
JAMES COMBS
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DINING GUIDE
dine
OUT From classic diners and lakeside restaurants to fine dining and everything in-between, Lake County’s culinary scene is booming. Your favorite meal is sure to be served with a side of hospitality. Denotes locations where you can find Lake & Sumter Style A S TAT U L A
CLERMONT
Race Car Diner 25641 Monroe St. 352.253.6940
Akina Sushi Bar & Asian Fusion Bistro 4300 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.243.8988
ASTOR Blackwater Inn 55716 Front St. 352.759.3802 Castaways Restaurant 23525 US SR 40 352.759.2213 Sparky’s Place Restaurant 24646 SR 40 352.759.3551 Williams Landing 55716 Front St. 352.759.2802
Cheeser’s Palace Café 707 W. Montrose St. 352.404.9431 Clermont Brewing Co. 750 W Desoto 321.430.2337 Corelli’s Italian Restaurant 1042 E. Hwy. 50 352.989.5924
BUSHNELL
Devenney’s Irish Pub 16909 High Grove Blvd. 352.432.3925
Beef ‘O’ Brady’s 2586 W CR 48 352.568.7000
El Cerro Restaurant 811 W. Hwy. 50 352.241.9884
Darryl’s Diner 2237 W CR 48 352.444.2318 Howie’s Family Restaurant 840 N. Main St. 352.793.8582 TJ’s Family Restaurant 412 W. Belt Ave 352.793.8877
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Friar Tuck 16640 Cagan Crossings Blvd. 352.404.6818
Stavro’s & Sons of Eustis 2100 W. CR 44 352.589.9100
Lil Anthony’s Pizza 7965 SR 50 352.429.7499
Taki’s Pizza House 2824 S. Bay St. 352.357.0022
Red Wing Restaurant 12500 S. SR 33 352.429.2997
Thai Sushi America 925 N. Bay St. 352.357.1949
H OW EY- I N THE -HILLS
The Crazy Gator 402 N. Bay St. 352.589.5885 The Oyster Troff 936 N. Bay St. 352.357.9939 Tillie’s Tavern & Grill 31 E. Magnolia Ave. 352.602.7929 Tony’s Pizza & Subs 2760 E. Orange Ave. 352.589.9001 F RU I T L A N D PA R K Fruitland Park Café 3180 US Hwy. 441/27 352.435.4575
Guru Restaurant 2400 S. Hwy. 27 352.241.9884
Troy’s Cuban Deli 1200 Oakley Seaver Dr. 352.241.4295
ibar-be-que Express 3170 Hwy. 27 352.315.4227
Legends Grille & Tavern 1700 Legendary Blvd. 352.243.1118
Uncle Kenny’s BBQ 157 Hwy. 27 352.394.1225
Legends Cafe 2468 U.S. Hwy. 441/27 352.728.0006
Lilly’s on the Lake 846 W. Osceola St. 352.708.6565 Oakwood Smokehouse & Grill 230 Citrus Tower Blvd. 352.394.0036 Robata Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar 1500 Oakley Seaver Dr. 352.404.9688 Root and Branch Bistro and Bar 1200 Seaver Dr. 352.708.4529 Sanctuary Ridge Bar & Grille 2601 Diamond Club Road 352.243.0411
G’s NY Pizza 12346 Roper Blvd. 352.243.8900
Sarah’s Greek Cuisine & More 16640 Cagan Crossings Blvd., Ste. 305 352.404.8031
Gators Dockside 1200 Oakley Seaver Dr. 352.242.1825
The Crooked Spoon Gastropub 200 Citrus Tower Blvd. 352.404.7808
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EUSTIS Jeannie’s Place 209 E. Gottsche Ave. 352.359.0027 Gators Dockside 15241 US Hwy 441 352.357.1255 Kiku Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar 15211 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.483.8288 LaCabana Mexican Bar and Grill 2060 S. Bay St. 352.357.4600 Nalan Sultan Mediterranean Grill 1 N. Eustis St. 352.357.4444 NightOwl Caribbean Restaurant 929 S. Bay St. 352.589.0256
NY Deli N Diner 3325 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.365.0051 Rae Rae’s Restaurant 2468 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.323.1595 Stavro’s 3223 US Hwy. 441 352.315.0028 The Rose Plantation 200 Rose Ave., Fruitland Park 352.805.4340 G R OV E L A N D Coyote Rojo 214 W. Broad St. 352.557.8999 Ikaho Sushi Japanese Restaurant 7965 SR 50, #900 352.557.8988 James Barbeque 262 W. Orange St. 352.557.4050
Frank’s Place 201 N. 1st St. 352.323.1989 Gator Bay Bar & Grill 10320 CR 44 352.365.2177 God Café 300 W. Main St. 352.801.7447
JB Boondocks Bar & Grill 704 S. Lakeshore Blvd. 352.324.3600
Great Chicago Fire Brewery & Tap Room 311 W. Magnolia St. 352.474.2739
La Hacienda Restaurant 10400 CR 48 352.324.3910
HP Grill 1403 S. 14th St. 352.314.0006
Nicker’s Clubhouse Restaurant 10400 CR 48 352.324.2718 L A DY L A K E Bamboo Bistro 700 Hwy. 441 352.750.9998 El Ranchito 1 Lagrande Blvd. 352.750.3335 Harbor Hills Country Club 6538 Lake Griffin Rd. 352.753.7000 Mom & Dad’s Italian Restaurant 504 S. U.S. Hwy. 441/27 352.753.2722 OakWood Smokehouse & Grill 860 S. Hwy 27/441 352.751.5640 Takis Greek and Italian Restaurant 13761 U.S. Hwy. 441 N. 352.430.3630 LEESBURG Bloom’s 610 W. Main St. 352.787.1004 Brick & Barrel 209 W. Main St. 352.431.3069 Cedar River Seafood 8609 S. U.S. Hwy. 441 352.728.3377 Chesapeake Bay Grill 4467 Arlington Ridge Blvd. 352.315.0066 Cousin Vinnie’s Family Sports Restaurant 10700 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.253.2442
Ichiban Buffet 10301 Hwy. 441 352.728.6669 Kountry Kitchen 1008 W. Dixie Ave. 352.323.0852 La Palma Mexican Grill 1690 Citrus Blvd. 352.323.1444 Lilly’s Super Subs 2339 CR 473 352.343.4663 Magnolia’s Oyster Bar 201 W. Magnolia St. 352.323.0093 Main Street Cantina 205 W. Main St. 352.435.7279 Mamma’s Pizzeria 27405 US Highway 27 352.728.2020 Mammoth Oak Brewing Company 1107 W. North Blvd. 352.326.0100 Mrs. T’s Place, Southern Restaurant 305 Pine St. 352.431.3217 Naples Italian Restaurant 1107 W. North Blvd. 352.323.1616 Oakwood Smokehouse & Grill 2775 U.S. 27 352.435.4633 Arigato Steak House 1401 Citrus Blvd. 352.728.0788 Pine Street Bar-B-Que 408 Pine St. 352.728.1293 Plantation Oaks Restaurant 4720 Plantation Blvd. 352.530.2680
Ramshackle Café 1317 N. 14th St. 352.365.6565 Rodello’s Italian Restaurant 26736 US Hwy. 27 352.319.8093 San Jose’s Original Mexican Restaurant 1337 S. 14th St. 352.805.4174 Sip Restaurant and Wine Bar 707 W. Main St. 352.435.7840 Stokes Seafood Market and More 719 W. Main St. 352.787.3474 Sully’s Smokehouse 10820 CR 44 352.483.7427 Takis Pizza Restaurant 1205 N. 14th St. 352.787.2344 The Florida Porch Café 706 W. Main St. 352.365.1717 The Kitchen Cafe & Cooking School 712 W. Main St. 352.901.6537 The Mojo Grill & Catering Co. 9925 US-441 352.787.0494 The Old Time Diner 1350 W. North Blvd. 352.805.4250 Turners 114 S. 5th St. 352.530.2274 Wolfy’s 918 N. 14th St. 352.787.6777 MASCOTTE Napoli’s Pizzeria 556 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.243.7500 Rainbow Restaurant 704 E. Myers Blvd. 352.429.2093 MINNEOLA Lil Anthony’s Pizza 205 N. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.394.1516 Minneola Grill 117 W. Washington St. 352.394.2555 Napoli’s Pizzeria 556 Hwy. 27 352.243.7500
The Surf Bar and Grill 650 N. Hwy. 27 202.527.0100 Tiki Bar & Grill 508 S. Main Ave. 352.394.2232
Olive Branch MediterraneanItalian Grille 115 W. 3rd St. 352.729.6734
MOUNT DORA
One Flight Up 440 N. Donnelly St., Ste. 100 352.758.9818
1921 Mount Dora 142 E. Fourth Ave. 352.385.1921
Pisces Rising 239 W. 4th Ave. 352.385.2669
Anthony’s Pizza 17195 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.357.6668
PizzAmore’ 722 E. 5th Ave. 352.383.0092
Barnwood Country Kitchen & Smokehouse 3725 W. Old US Hwy 441 352.630.4903
Shiva Indian Restaurant 140A W. 5th Ave. 352.735.4555
Beauclaire Restaurant at Lakeside Inn 100 N. Alexander St. 352.383.4101 Bocce Pizzeria 925 E. First Ave. 352.385.0067 Café Gianni 425 N. Alexander St. 352.735.3327 Cody’s on 4th Cafe 111 E. 4th Ave. 352.735.8426 Copacabana Cuban Cafe 320 Dora Drawdy Way 352.385.9000 Fiesta Grande 421 N. Baker St. 352.385.3540 Frog & Monkey English Pub 411 N. Donnelly St. 352. 383.1936 Highland Street Café 185 S. Highland St. 352.383.1446 Jeremiah’s 500 N. Highland St. 352.383.7444 J.K. Thai & Sushi 116 E. 5th Ave. 352.385.5470 Let’s Do a Maine Lobster Roll 426 N. Donnelly St. 352.735.3702 Magical Meat Boutique 322 N. Alexander St. 352.729.6911 Mount Dora Pizza & Subs 2718 W. Old U.S. Hwy. 441 352.383.5303
Sidelines Sport Eatery 315 N. Highland St. 352.735.7433 Sugarboo’s Bar-B-Que 1305 N. Grandview St. 352.735.7675 The Bavarian Haus 433 N. Alexander St. 352.735.8387 The Country Club 1900 Country Club Blvd. 352.735.2263 The Goblin Market 331-B Donnely St. 352.735.0059
Fish Camp Lake Eustis 901 Lake Shore Blvd. 352.742.4400
Belle Glade Country Club 446 Moyer Loop 352.205.8208
Margarita Republic 1102 Main St. 352.753.4600
Hurricane Dockside Grill 3351 W. Burleigh Blvd. 352.508.5137
BlueFin Grill & Bar 2738 Brownwood Blvd. 352.571.5344
Kalua Hale Beach Bar 181 S. Joanna Ave. 352.609.5910
Cane Garden Country Club 1726 Bailey Trail 352.750.0627
Mezza Luna Italian Restaurant and Bar 320 Colony Blvd. 352.753.3824
Lake Dora Sushi & Sake 227 E. Main St. 352.343.6313
Chengs Chinese and Sushi Restaurant 4050 Wedgewood Ln. 352.391.9678
Mary’s Kountry Kitchen 15945 CR 448 352.343.6823 O’Keefe’s Irish Pub and Restaurant 115 S Rockingham Ave. 352.343.2157 Palm Gardens Restaurant 1661 Palm Garden St. 352.431.3217
Lisa’s Kountry Cafe 23911 CR 46 352.735.3380 TAVA R E S Angelo’s Italian Restaurant 2270 Vindale Rd. 352.343.2757 Bella Nona Pizzeria 280 Silverado St. 352.508.9370 BTW (Burgers, Tacos & Waffles) 115 E. Main St. 352.508.9287
Continental Country Club 50 Continental Blvd. 352.748.3293
Ricciardi’s Italian Table 3660 Kiessel Rd. 352.391.9939
Cotillion Southern Café 101 N. Main St. 352.748.1223
Sakura 265 Colony Blvd 352.205.7393
Los Magueyes Mexican Restaurant 346 Shopping Center Dr. 352.461.0577
Evans Prairie Country Club 1825 Evans Prairie Trail 352.750.2225
Sunrise Grill 462 E. Burleigh Blvd. 352.343.7744
Glenview County Club 3914 Glenview Rd. 352.753.0077
Tierra Del Sol Country Club 806 San Marino Dr. 352.753.8005
Habaneros Mexican Grill 3551 Wedgewood Ln. 352.633.2080
VKI Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar 1004 Old Mill Run 352.259.9887
THE V I L L AG E S Amerikano’s Grill 998 Del Mar Dr. 352.633.8027
W I L DWO O D
RedSauce 1000 Canal St. 352.750.2930
Giovanni’s 3439 Wedgewood Lane 352.751.6674
Tiki West Raw Bar and Grill 118 W Ruby St, Tavares 352.508.5783
The Mason Jar 37534 State Rd. 19 352.589.2535
Chop House at Lake Sumter 1045 Old Camp Rd. 352.750.6000
Ruby Street Grille 221 E. Ruby St. 352.742.7829
The Hideaway 11912 Lane Park Rd. 352.343.3585
Shang Hai Restaurant 531 N. Central Ave. 352.669.2004
China Gourmet III 343 Colony Blvd 352.750.4965
The Lighthouse Point Bar and Grille 925 Lakeshore Dr. 352.753.7800
Whale’s Tale Fish House 2720 W. Old U.S. Hwy 441 352.385.1500
Old Crow Real Pit Bar-B-Q 41100 SR 19 352.669.3922
Palmer Legends Country Club 1635 Palmer Way 352.750.4499
Puddle Jumpers 111 W Ruby St. 352.508.5862
Tavares Ice Cream 214 E. Main 352.508.5342
Del Franco Pizza Place 31436 CR 437 352.383.8882
Orange Blossom Country Club 1542 Water Tower Circle 352.751.4501
Fiesta Grande Mexican Grill 297 Colony Blvd 352.751.0400
Vincent’s Italian Restaurant 5914 Orange Blossom Trl. 352.735.4578
SORRENTO
NYPD Pizzeria 4046 Wedgwood Ln 352.750.1994
Greg’s Haystax 526 Umatilla Blvd. 352.669.1555
Hemingway’s at Havana Country Club 2484 Odell Circle 352.430.3200
U M AT I L L A
Legacy Restaurant Nancy Lopez Country Club 17135 Buena Vista Blvd. 352.753.1475
Combat Café 831 S Central Ave. 352.483.0250 Fish & Chix 100 N. Central Ave. 352.669.7145 Gators Dockside Grill 9 N. Central Ave. 352.669.6969
China Jade 420 W. CR 44 352.330.5913
O’Shucks! Oyster Bar and Grill 1016 S Main St. 352.399.2200 Roberto’s Ristorante & Pizzeria 2468 Burnsed Blvd., 352.626.1059 Traditions Café 3107 Hwy. 44 352.748.1077 Woody’s Bar-B-Q 1220 S. Main St. 352.748.1109 YA L A H A Yalaha Bakery 8210 CR 48 352.324.3366
Robertos Ristorante & Pizzeria
GOOD GRUB
THIS MONTH'S EDITOR'S PICK
Admit it. Sometimes, your taste buds get a craving for Italian food. When that’s the case, those cravings are sure to be satisfied at Roberto’s Ristorante and Pizzeria. You simply cannot go wrong with anything on the menu, which includes Lasagna Alla Napoletana, Linguini Calamari, Grouper Italiano, Stuffed Chicken Marsala, Spaghetti Carbonara, and a wide range of pizza choices. Do yourself a favor and visit Roberto’s Ristorante and Pizzeria, where homemade Italian is done to perfection. 2468 Burnsed Blvd., Wildwood / 352.626.1059
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DINING GUIDE
The Kitchen Café
Tuesday-Saturday 9am-2pm
352.901.6537 | 712 W. MAIN ST., LEESBURG GETCOOKINGWITHZE.COM Culinary creativity comes alive at The Kitchen Café, tucked away inside the Southern Gardens Mall in Downtown Leesburg. The “create-your-own-bowl” option allows diners to choose a base product such as brown rice, sweet potatoes, good rice and riced cauliflower. From there, pick your choice of veggies, and a plant or animal based protein options like citrus grilled, herb roasted chicken, or personal meatloaf. Other menu items include thier made from scratch soups, chicken salad, and flavorful breakfast items like sweet potato hash, and a breakfast sandwich made with homestyle yeast rolls. Partnering with local food purveyors bring “fresh” back to the table.
Mamma’s Pizzeria 352.728.2020 & 352.365.9004 | 27405 U.S. HWY. 27, LEESBURG MAMMASPIZZERIAON27.COM Step into Mamma’s Pizzeria and step into Little Italy. Owners Jimmy and Shawna Pancari have created an authentic, hometown restaurant adorned with an Italian flag, chandelier lighting and photos of New York City—fitting since Mamma’s specializes in New York-style pizza, the thinner the crust the better. Get any toppings you want up to super-deluxe pizza with everything on it. Other favorites include chicken parmesan, chicken marsala, classic lasagna and a variety of salads. Jimmy and Shawna’s four children also work at the family business. Jimmy spent 31 years in the Coast Guard, and Mamma’s takes care of veterans, residents from nearby retirement communities and Northern transplants, all of whom are a big part of the devoted customer base. The restaurant offers online ordering, catering and delivery.
Mom & Dad’s Italian Restaurant 352.753.2722 | 304 US-441, LADY LAKE Mom and Dad’s Italian Restaurant in Lady Lake has the distinct honor of calling itself a true family-owned restaurant. In fact, five generations of family members have represented the restaurant since its humble beginnings in May 1962. As many generations of customers have dined there throughout the years thanks to the outstanding service and scrumptious dishes such as Spaghetti a la Bruzzi, Delmonico steak, and lasagna. This food savvy family prepares everything from scratch, crafting everything with love to satisfy your taste buds.
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Monday-Thursday 11am-8pm Friday 11am-9pm Saturday 3pm-9pm Sunday 12pm-7pm
Wednesday-Sunday 4pm-9pm Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Full Gluten-Free Menu
Custom-made, fresh sandwiches, salads, and flatbreads made right before your eyes. The “healthy” alternative to fast food.
Subway SUBWAY.COM LADY LAKE | 208 W. GUAVA ST. | 352.750.4929 EUSTIS | 469 PLAZA DR. | 352.357.7827 MOUNT DORA | 18870 U.S. HWY. 441 | 352.735.4376 LEESBURG | 2013 CITRUS BLVD. | 352.787.6442 10135 U.S. HWY. 441, SUITE 4 | 352.326.3234 27405 U.S. HWY. 27, SUITE 4 | 352.314.8847 THE VILLAGES | 1580 BELLA CRUZ DRIVE | 352.750.9600 8796 S.E. 165TH MULBERRY LANE | 352.750.9991 1070 LAKE SUMTER LANDING DRIVE | 352.205.8535 349 COLONY BLVD. | 352.391.1657 WILDWOOD | 480 W. GULF TO ALANTIC HWY. | 352.748.8800
Open Daily 8am-7pm
Yalaha Bakery 352.324.3366 | 8210 STATE ROAD 48, YALAHA
A German Bakery Like No Other!
The family owned German Bakery since 1995, is an award-winning Bakery that offers to customers high-quality German products made with the highest culinary standards. Fine European pastries and breads are made with organic flours, chocolates, and spices, butter, and imported European ingredients. Take home tortes, tarts, and wonderful pretzels, but before you go home, enjoy something from our delicious deli menu. We serve breakfast from 8-11am and lunch and dinner are served 11am-7pm. Enjoy German specialties like Nurnberger breakfast, Hunterschnitzel with Spätzle, Bratwurst, Reuben, Quiche, typical German soups, and maybe Semelknoedel (bread dumplings with mushroom sauce) for lunch or dinner. We offer a fine selection of German beers and wines. Whatever time of day, you’ll find something you love at Yalaha Bakery. On the weekends you can come and enjoy various events and music concerts on Saturdays and Sundays at our Beer Garden. You can follow us on Facebook, Twitter or via our website www.yalahabakery.com
Would you like to see your restaurant in our dining section? CALL US AT 352.787.4112
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NOW IS A PERFECT TIME TO USE THE EQUITY IN YOUR HOME FOR WHATEVER YOU NEED!
Open a Home Equity Line of Credit with Insight, for up to $100,000, and your appraisal is on us*! Call us today at 407.426.6000 or Toll-Free 888.843.8328, or visit one of our convenient locations to speak with a Representative for more information, or to apply for a HELOC today! INSIGHTCREDITUNION.COM *Insight Credit Union will pay the appraisal fee for Home Equity Lines of Credit, up to $100,000, funded starting October 1, 2020, for a limited time. $5,000 minimum to open a Home Equity Line of Credit. Standard appraisal fee will apply to Home Equity Lines of Credit $100,001 or greater. Eligible collateral includes primary single-family detached residence only. Offer valid in the State of Florida only. Loans subject to normal underwriting guidelines. Interest accrues from the date of disbursement. Membership restrictions apply. Offer subject to change at any time. One entry per person only. A random drawing will take place on or around February 5, 2021, and the winner will be notified by February 15, 2021. The odds of winning will be determined by the number of participants. Prize must be collected within 15 days of being notified. To qualify, winner must be a member in good standing. Winner must consent to a photo release to accept the prize. Substitution of prizes is not permitted except at the sole discretion of Insight Credit Union. Employees and their immediate family members are not eligible for the prize drawing. If you desire to enter the drawing other than opening a HELOC, print your name, address and telephone number on a 3x5 card. Send the card to Insight Credit Union $500 Home Depot Gift Card Giveaway, Attn: Marketing Department, 1200 Hillcrest Street, Suite 102, Orlando, FL 32803. Other restrictions and fees may apply. Void where prohibited. Drawing governed by Official Rules. See Insight Credit Union for details. Equal Housing Lender. Federally insured by NCUA.
Plus, to wi be enter ed n one $500 of th ree Hom gift c e Depot ards * !
NOV 20
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A n m b u f w
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AMERICAN FAMILY HOMES CUSTOM CHANGES BENEFIT YOU
CHANGE IS GOOD
At American Family Homes we believe you deserve your new home, your way. This includes custom changes that make your home personal and special to you. That’s always been part of the American Family Homes experience. Bring us your ideas. Let’s collaborate on style, color and design features to create an energy efficient custom home, within budget, just the way you want it.
KNOW YOUR BUILDER
“Designing and building a custom home is a long process. A thousand decisions need to be made, one just as important as the next. The first decision you need to make is to hire the right builder with the right experience. Don’t underestimate the importance of the relationship with your builder. American Family Homes is Committed to Quality and 100% Satisfaction. We invite your inquiry today.” - Mike Neace CUSTOM HOMES “ON YOUR LOT” FROM THE $200s OFFICE/DESIGN STUDIO 312 South Bay St., Eustis FL 32726
HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF LAKE-SUMTER
BUILDER OF THE YEAR Let’s get started. Call me today.
Mike Neace: 352-589-6004 Award Winning Home Designer, Builder, Licensed Contractor
“Committed to Quality & Satisfaction” AmericanFamilyHomesInc.com State License Number - CBC058306
I’m Josh Gonzales...
Lake County Market Executive at Citizens First Bank
“As a Lake County banker for nearly 20 years, my experience and knowledge of the area make me uniquely positioned to help you turn your dreams into a reality. I love working with my clients to develop personalized plans for growth and it would be my pleasure to help your business reach its goals.”
Contact me today to see how I can help.
Like Citizens First Bank on Facebook! Hey Cassie – Looks great! Just a couple changes David would like. www.MyCitizensFirst.com | 352-259-3200 Please take out his email and replace with my email Keep our phone number also include cell phone number which is BauerFinancial 5-Star Ratedbut Bank, Since my 2014
DISABILITY CONSULTANTS
HEARINGS ARE HELD IN OUR OFFICE! CHRIS BELL, A.D.R. + JEFF BELL, A.D.R.
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Are you under 65 and unable to work? 352.326.5009 1 0 1 E B E R C K M A N S T, F R U I T L A N D PA R K 1 0 2 0 N E 8 T H AV E , O C A L A
ALSO OFFERING HELP WITH MEDICARE INSURANCE
uld like. r phone is
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50 per calendar
Each calendar comes with a ticket for the raffle.
One gun raffled each week 53 total guns To Purchase: Email: Sandee@CombatVeteranstoCareers.org Call 352-775-4008 | Cell: 352-461-4025 Visit: CombatVeteranstoCareers.org All proceeds benefiting Combat Veterans to Careers. Visit CombatVeteranstoCareers.org for rules and details.
FINAL THOUGHT
CO MMENTARY
You can’t spell “feast” without “e-a-t” On Thanksgiving, don’t feel guilty when you’re as stuffed as the turkey. STORY: JAMES COMBS
he large brown table is topped with a beige tablecloth and 10 stylish white plates. I’m more fixated on what’s on those plates. Roasted turkey. Mashed potatoes. Rolls. Gravy boats. Green beans. Homemade dressing. Apple pie. We pray. I give thanks for the tsunami of calories about to enter my body. My plate is piled high. There’s not enough room for even one more green bean. Then, as I’m about to dig in, Aunt Sally asks the stupidest question in the history of Thanksgiving get-togethers. “James, a big guy like you doesn’t need that much food. Are you really going to be able to eat all that?” Say what? Who in the hell does Aunt Sally think she’s talking to? My photograph graces the wall of Eduardo’s Lokos Tacos in Tavares for being one of three people to successfully consume a 6-pound burrito in under 25 minutes.
I’m the guy who pulls out a sticky note at Subway and pretends that the second sandwich I’m ordering isn’t for me. I cannot pull through McDonald’s without uttering the word “supersize,” and local waitresses know me as the guy who orders his cheeseburgers triple sized. Aunt Sally needs to work on table manners. I need to work on wardrobe selection. I was hoping the XXL pants and shirt I wear only on Thanksgiving would hide my basketball-sized belly. Unfortunately, nothing gets past Aunt Sally. But back to her ridiculous question. Yes, I’m going to be able to eat all that. After all, this is Thanksgiving, a once-a-year-feast. Then I’m going to have seconds. And most likely thirds and fourths. No, I’m not proud of my appetite. Yes, I most certainly need to lose weight. But that sure as heck isn’t going to happen on Thanksgiving Day. Nor should it. Let me try to convey some logic here. There are 365 days in a year, and most people eat three meals a day.
That computes to 1,095 meals each year. Does it make any sense that one of those meals has a disproportionate impact on my health and well-being? Plus, we have 364 days between Thanksgiving meals to exercise and work off those calories. Simply put, holiday food isn’t the enemy we’ve made it out to be. So, for this one day, follow my example. Be merry and indulge. Load up on those mashed potatoes. Cut yourself a few more slices of turkey. Have a piece of pie and cake. Lay back in your recliner and drink a few beers while the Detroit Lions are being pummeled on television. Then pass out and take a super-long nap. Most of us probably have an Aunt Sally, that one ignoramus who can’t help questioning our eating habits on Thanksgiving, a day where we… well… eat. Do what I did. Put Aunt Sally on ignore. Then enjoy Thanksgiving for what it was designed for. Eating hearty, being thankful. And once Aunt Sally leaves, be thankful and eat hearty again.
Hey, readers! Is there a particular subject that you would like me to write a commentary about? Tell me, via email, at james@akersmediagroup.com.
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Lake Sumter Landing Professional Plaza | 910 Old Camp Rd. Suite 142 | The Villages
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Urology Institute of Central Florida Introduces
Dr. Jeffrey Thill Board Certified Urologist
UICFLA is proud to announce the addition of Dr. Jeffrey Thill to our Lady Lake office as an office-based urologist. Dr. Thill is a board-certified urologist and has been practicing urology in Central Florida since 1993. During his tenure, he has specialized in kidney transplantation, laparoscopy, and robotics surgery in addition to general urology practice. Dr. Thill is an office-based urologist. He no longer admits patients to the hospital nor does he perform hospital-based consultations or procedures. Dr. Thill is accepting new patients in our Lady Lake office. To make an appointment, please call 352-751-0040.
Same day appointments are often available
808 Highway 466, Lady Lake, FL 32159
•
(352) 751-0040
•
uicfla.com
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