Style Magazine, November 2015 by Akers Media Group

November

2015

The

FEATURING

TYLER TRITT

TRAVIS TRITT’S DAUGHTER HOLDS ON TO HER LAKE COUNTY ROOTS AS SHE SHOOTS FOR THE STARS! PLUS 8 OTHER EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE! _________

PLACES

A MUSEUM OF SPEED, A QUAINT B&B AND A FARM FULL OF FUN! _________

HOMES

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ANNUITIES 101

TH All classes s tart at 10am The Waterfront Inn

Lake La k Sum ke umte ter r La Land nd din ing, g, The Vil illa lag ges s

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201 5 // VOLU ME 1 2 N UMB E R 1

The 5th Annual

EXTRAORDINARY Issue

32 PEOPLE Extraordinary people come from all walks of life. They could be the entertainer you enjoy or the person you elected to office, or they might just be your neighbor, an ordinary person with amazing accomplishments. We highlight an array of extraordinary people from Lake and Sumter County, each with their own unique reason for being who they are. STORY: MICHELLE CLARK+LEIGH NEELY+JOHN SOTOMAYOR

49 PLACES Whether you want a cozy weekend at a bed and breakfast, or a summer day on the farm, or feel the need for speed, you’ll find a special getaway nearby.

58 HOMES The American dream included a home of your own, but with the changing climate and economic atmosphere, that dream may be greener and smaller.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

69 ASK THE EXPERTS Get the right advice from the experts in Lake and Sumter counties.

On the covers AN OUT-OF-THE-ORDINARY DECISION, THIS ISSUE IS SO EXTRAORDINARY WE CHOSE TWO COVERS. FEATURING

The

2015

November

JOSHUA BROCKINGTON

VILLAGNovember E ED ITIO 20

THE TAVARES TEEN MAKING THE HOLLYWOOD SCENE IN STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON! PLUS 8 OTHER EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE! _________

PLACES

A MUSEUM OF SPEED, A QUAINT B&B AND A FARM FULL OF FUN! _________

HOMES

FROM TINY HOMES TO THE LATEST IN GREEN TECH! FEATURING

TYLER TRITT

TRAVIS TRITT’S DAUGHTER HOLDS ON TO HER LAKE COUNTY ROOTS AS SHE SHOOTS FOR THE STARS! PLUS 8 OTHER EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE! _________

PLACES

A MUSEUM OF SPEED, A QUAINT B&B AND A FARM FULL OF FUN! _________

HOMES

FROM TINY HOMES TO THE LATEST IN GREEN TECH!

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LAKE&SUMTER EDITION

VVIL IL ILLA LAG AGGE EEDIT DDIT ITTION IOONN

DIRECTION: JAMIE EZRA MARK PHOTOGRAPHY: FRED LOPEZ MODEL: TYLER TRITT

DIRECTION: JAMIE EZRA MARK PHOTOGRAPHY: FRED LOPEZ MODEL: JOSHUA BROCKINGTON

DIRE DDI IIRE RREECTI CTTI TIO IOO N: N: JAM JAMIE AM M IEE EZRA ZRRA MAR ZR MAR MA ARRKK PHO PPH HOT HHO OOTTOGRA OGGRA OGR RAAPPHY PHY: PH HY:: FRRE RED LO LO PEZ PEEZZ PE STTRRREEEETRO STRE ST STR ETTR ETR TROO D PRROODUC ODDDUC ODU DUUUCCTION TIO ION IONS ONS IISS ROLLIIN ROLL ING NNGG IINN THHEE VILLAG I LLA LAGE G EESS GES

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144 IN THE KITCHEN Chef Roberto Manco and his children, Alessio and Anatasia, not only make pizza, they make wonderful memories in the kitchen! STORY: LEIGH NEELY

Departmen D

114

17 FROM THE PUBLISHER

23 FIRST THINGS FIRST 24 #TRENDING A mortgage lender builds a home, where to find Spiderman, purple trees aren’t just for kids, and more! 28 PERSON OF INTEREST It’s a name you’ve seen on signs around town; Tom Grizzard’s business has grown along with the area. 30 OUTSTANDING STUDENT Using the wind for power, Leah Harper races across local waters!

110 LOCAL TALENT Country singer Jeff Letourneau wrote “Cadillacs Make Me Cry” and other story-driven songs included in his debut album. STORY: BROOKE ROBLES

111 IN CONCERT Got a local favorite? Find out where their next performance is. 112 SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT It’s Christmastime in the Cities! Soon there will be twinkling lights and jingle bells. Mark your calendar for all the wonderful holiday events in the area.

114 OUT+ABOUT Swimming with the manatees (or not) Manatees are the gentle giants who enjoy the warm springs nearby. Grab your snorkeling equipment and float along with them during their winter migration.

148 SALUTÉ Dark or light isn’t just about the turkey. What’s the best wine to go with the savory and sweet flavors that make up the Thanksgiving feast? STORY: MARY ANN DESANTIS

160 FINAL THOUGHT

STORY: MARY ANN DESANTIS

118 HI, SOCIETY! Miss Florida, Grand Gator Kick-Off Party; the Boys & Girls Club 5k; and a silver anniversary.

1 37 EATS!

146

138 QUICK BITES Nips, sips, and tips along with new places to enjoy good food in the area!

107 ON THE SCENE ENE

140 FORK ON THE ROAD Variety is the Spice! There’s the elegance of dining at Vintage on 5th; Jeremiah’s is the favored local hangout, and try Peruvian cuisine with Mr. Cebiche.

108 THE TO-DO LIST Whatcha gonna do? o? If it’s happening in Lake and Sumter counties, we know when and where!

CORRECTION In our October issue of Lake & Sumter Style, “Leesburg Regional Medical Center Urgent Care” was incorrectly listed on page 78. You can find them at 550 E. Dixie Ave. in Leesburg. You can also find “The Villages Regional Hospital Urgent Care” at 1451 El Camino Real in The Villages. We offer our apologies for the errors.

STORY: MARY ANN DESANTIS+JOHN SOTOMAYOR+MICHELLE CLARK

110 0 14

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HOMES

O M ES TO THE! HOM HOOM FROM TINY GREE GRR N TECH LATEST IN

FEATU RING

TYLER TRITT

TRAVIS ON TO HER TRITT’S DAUG HTER SHOOTS FORLAKE COUNTY ROOTHOLDS S AS SHE THE EXTRAORD STARS! PLUS 8 OTHE INARY PEOP R LE!

DR. DREW an Famous physici and meddia ality persona w Pinsky Dr. Drew a sheds ligght on ic— dark topic . mental illnness

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

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

Digitize your life. find out who wins your vote in our december issue!

Visit the Apple or Android app store today and download the Lake & Sumter Style or Healthy Living online magazine app for your mobile device. For the best in enhanced magazine entertainment, join us online for the media experience of a lifetime.

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AN EXTRAORDINARY LIFE

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

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AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE

Lake & Sumter Style, November 2015. Published monthly by Akers Media, 108 Fifth Street, Leesburg, Florida 34748. All editorial contents copyright 2015 by Akers Media. All rights reserved. Lake & Sumter Style is a registered trademark of Akers Media. Nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. For back issues or billing information, call 352.787.4112. Return postage must accompany all unsolicited manuscripts and artwork if they are to be returned. Manuscripts are welcomed, but no responsibility can be assumed for unsolicited materials. “Paid Promotional Feature” and “Special Promotional Feature” denotes a paid advertising feature. Publisher is not responsible for claims or contents of advertisements. The ideas and opinions contained in this publication do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of Akers Media.

This month marks a very special milestone in my life and my family’s life. My grandson Ethan will be celebrating his first birthday. I had heard prior to having a grandchild that everything is different with grandkids, and even though you love your children dearly, there is something special with your grandkids. With Ethan, this is true. It is different, and he is super special because he is adopted. As parents, you raise your children; they leave home, get married, and eventually have children. This is pretty much the fact of life for most people. I knew someday I would have grandchildren, and I would be there to celebrate and experience the birth of my first grandbaby. Or would I? Several years back all of that seemed to be a very distant dream when my oldest son, Michael, discovered that he could not produce children. He endured test after test, and each one revealed the same devastating result. The chances of him fathering a child were slim. I watched my son internalize this devastation, and begin to push his wife, Emily, away because he didn’t feel worthy of her love. He knew she had a strong desire to have children, and he could not provide her the one thing she wanted the most. He felt she would be happier being married to a man who could give her a family. Eventually, he learned through this struggle that Emily loved him more than the idea of giving birth to a child, and their love for each other grew stronger because of it. Just about the time Michael and Emily accepted the reality that they might never be parents, we learned about a child who would be born a ward of the state and placed in foster care. The birth mother wanted to avoid having this kind of life for her child; therefore, she decided to place her child up for adoption. On November 12, 2014, I was invited into the delivery room along side my daughter-inlaw to witness the birth of my first grandchild. He wasn’t of my blood, and it wasn’t Emily that was giving birth, but that didn’t matter. As soon as we laid eyes on little Ethan, we both burst into tears and felt an instant, overwhelming love for our newest family member. Ethan Michael came into our lives and taught my family how to love extraordinarily. He has created bonds and changed our lives forever. His birthmother Rachel made the extraordinary sacrifice of putting Ethan’s needs ahead of her own, and now Ethan, Emily, Michael, and the rest of my family are blessed to share in his extraordinary life. As you read this month’s issue and learn about other extraordinary people in our community, I leave you with this reminder: “An extraordinary life is made of thousands of amazing moments.”

November

20 15 I

It’s a Run for the Rose! Kim Milne

Dr. Claudia L. Thomas

Singles in Lake and Sumter counties were nominated in Style’s version of “The Bachelor/Bachelorette,” and now there’s a slate of 19 eligible men and women in the running to be Style’s Single. The distinguished person who receives the most votes from readers will be “Lake and Sumter County’s Most Eligible Person.” More than 700 votes came in to help with the selection of the top 19 single men and women in this area. Now the second round of voting begins as readers vote for the “Most Eligible Person.” This recognition does not reflect the person’s appeal to the opposite sex so much as it makes others aware of their accomplishments and contributions to their community. Join the celebrated Singles of Lake and Sumter counties at a special event hosted by Lake & Sumter Style on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 6:30 p.m., at the Leesburg Opera House. There will be a $5 cover charge for guests, which includes free soft drinks. Beer and wine will be available for a $5 donation. A portion of the proceeds from the evening will benefit #JaxonStrong, a fund created for Jaxon Buell, who was born with microhydranencephaly. This causes an extreme brain malformation and there is no cure. The fund provides financial aid for his family.

You can vote at lakeandsumterstyle.com anytime from Nov.1-15. Cast your vote today for “Lake and Sumter County’s Most Eligible Person!”

Dr. Josh Olcott

Tara Ingalls

Tammy Vinson

Alex VonHartman

Desiree Lawrence

Shelley Graham

Dr. John Theeck

Scott Randall

Jean-Paul Galbreath Dr. Ramah Wagner

Mynor Garcia

Regina Cruz Pete Tsirnikas

Jason Fugate

Laura Johnson Dr. Kim Ireland

Charla Chavers

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InterCommunity Cancer Center has come together for coordinated cancer care at a single location in our Lady Lake, Florida, facility. Leading Radiation Oncologist Dr. Herman Flink, has cared for patients in the Leesburg community for several decades and will continue to provide cancer care at the Lady Lake location, just a few minutes from Leesburg.

FROM BUSINESS CARDS TO BROCHURES, LET US SHOW YOU HOW COLOR CAN IMPROVE YOUR IMAGE

Coming together at one location allows us to provide even more options for advanced technology to you, our patients. InterCommunity Cancer Center will continue to provide evidence-based, radiation therapy treatment ensuring the use of best practice guidelines in our patients’ cancer treatment. Together we can provide powerful outcomes for you.

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First Things

f1rst #TRENDING PERSON OF INTEREST OUTSTANDING STUDENT LEAH HARPER

November

20 15 I

24 28 30

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

ART BEAUTIQUE

I LIKE PURPLE TREES

Among the most popular ways to relieve stress these days, is the adult coloring book. Though this trend began in the United Kingdom, it’s now invading America like The Beatles. According to recent numbers, several coloring books top the best-seller list on Amazon. The Books-a-Million in Leesburg says adult coloring books are among their top sellers too. The most popular ones in this area are from the Color Therapy series. These books are designed for the minds and motor skills of adults. We’re betting everybody makes an effort to stay inside the lines. Best-selling author, Patricia Cornwell, asked followers to post their color masterpieces on her Facebook page. Many adults are finding coloring a soothing pastime while waiting outside ICUs and a startling number enjoy the quiet of coloring without television or electronics interrupting. Art therapy is an effective way to express emotions, explore feelings, and alleviate stress. Maybe it’s just another baby boomer trend that proves everything old is new again!

ANN COULTER AND ANN ROMNEY VISIT THE VILLAGES Two top-tier Republican ladies were at the Barnes & Noble at Lake Sumter Landing recently. Ann Coulter signed and discussed her new book, “Adios, America: The Left’s Plan to Turn Our Country into a Third World Hellhole,” in September. Ann Romney signed her new biography, “In This Together,” in October.

Local businessman and artist based out of Clermont, Larry Oskin, known for his photo impressionism techniques, has been named “Official Photographer for Mrs. Florida America Beauty Pageant.” Able to capture his subjects with paintinglike elegance, Oskin is now offering completely customizable photographic art with Art Beautique. Check out his virtual gallery or schedule your own shoot. Visit www.ArtBeautique.com

SPOTLIGHT ON UMATILLA Lake County is once again featured on the popular TV series, “How to Do Florida,” which highlights local destinations and outdoor living. This time, the show focuses on hiking in Umatilla. Last year, the show featured lake hopping in Lake County’s Blueway Trails on the Harris Chain of Lakes and examined Lake County’s brand, “Real Florida. Real Close.” The current backpacking episode will air on FOX Sun Sports in November. For dates and times, check your local listings or visit howtodoflorida.com.

Help keep Lake County’s lakes and rivers clean. A limited number of canoes and kayaks are available at Hickory Point, or you can walk along the shoreline. Presented by Lake County Adopt-a-Lake, Keep Lake Beautiful, Lake County Water Authority, City of Tavares, Sea Tow Central Florida Lakes, and the Harris Chain Sail & Power Squadron, volunteers will be cleaning on Saturday, Nov. 7 from 8:30 check in until noon. Trash bags, drinking water, lunch, and T-shirts provided. Canoes and kayaks can be reserved in advance through LCWA at 352.343.3777, ext. 0. You can always bring your own boat to join in the fun! The three check-in locations are Hickory Point Recreational Facility, Wooten Park, and Tavares Recreation Park (Buzzard Beach). Please RSVP by Nov. 1 to the above number. Volunteers are cleaning Lake Beauclair, Lake Dora, Dora Canal, Lake Eustis, Dead River, and Lake Harris. Calendars with pictures from the recent photo contest can be purchased for $5.

I lakeandsumter

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PHOTOS: Shutterstock.com

Love Our Lakes Clean-Up!

All Wells on Deck

Wells Fargo Bank demonstrated they could build a home, not just fund one. Recently, 14 Wells Fargo employees from various branches across the county began work on a new home for a deserving Fruitland Park family. Bryan Cornell, Lake-Sumter district manager of Wells Fargo, presented a check on behalf of the Wells Fargo Housing Foundation for $10,000 to soon-tobe-homeowners, Lovely and Jethro, who worked alongside the volunteers. “We couldn’t be more excited to have Wells Fargo as a sponsor of this home. Without committed volunteers and community partners, we wouldn’t be able to achieve our mission of providing affordable housing” said Kent Adcock, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter, Florida. To donate or learn more about Habitat for Humanity programs and services, contact Danielle Stroud at danielle@ habitatls.org or 352-483-0434 ext. 133.

TALKING TURKEY Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey to be our national bird. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says more than 45 million turkeys are cooked and eaten at Thanksgiving—one sixth of all turkeys sold in a given year. Only tom turkeys gobble, and age makes a difference in taste. Turkeys are the only breed of poultry native to the Western Hemisphere. Maybe Franklin was on to something. The Turkey Trot ballroom dance got its name from the short, jerky steps a turkey makes. SOURCE: www.infoplease.com

KEEP IT CLEAN!

The inaugural “Keep Lake Beautiful” cleanup day was a big hit! Hosted simultaneously in the towns of Groveland, Leesburg, and Sorrento, the event was sponsored by the Lake County Board of Commissioners, Senniger Irrigation, Niagara Bottling, Waste Pro, Progressive Waste Solutions, and WCA. Six tons of litter and debris were collected by around 130 volunteers, who worked along the right of way in designated corridors. Lisa DuRant and her son, Ronnie collected litter in Sorrento Park. “We love our community, and we are very excited about this event,” DuRant said. “East Lake County is worthy of the gem that it is and we should all be pitching in to keep it that way. Ronnie agreed, saying, “I like helping the community.” “Keep Lake Beautiful” is a volunteer organization, which is an affiliate of “Keep America Beautiful,” the country’s leading nonprofit agency that focuses on building and maintaining vibrant community. Information is available at lakecountyfl.gov/KLB or call 352.343.9639 to find out about future events.

NEW LEADERSHIP AT BENTON HOUSE OF CLERMONT Benton House of Clermont Senior Living Community welcomed David Hopkins as the new executive director. A Clermont resident for 16 years, Hopkins and his wife Alison have been married for 15 years and have two beautiful children, Nick and Cate, both students at Cypress Ridge Elementary School.

Hopkins is passionate about serving seniors and brings 15 years of health care experience to his new role. He received a bachelor of science in Health Information Management from the University of Central Florida. “I am so excited to be part of a great need for more senior care options in Clermont, and to have this amazing opportunity to give back to the Clermont community.” Hopkins said. To learn more about Benton House of Clermont, visit bentonhouse.com for complete list of locations and services.

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

BAKER PRAISED Enhancements made on the Lake County Property Appraiser’s website since Property Appraiser Carey Baker took office in Dec. 2012 caught the attention of the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO) and awarded Baker’s office the International Public Information Program Award for 2015. The IAAO recognized the efficient, unique way the office displayed Exemptions and Savings information to the homeowner and other website users. At the awards presentation, IAAO Executive Director Ron Worth said, “Lake County is reflecting exemptions and corresponding savings to constituents in a transparent way that is easily understood.” “This is a huge deal; actually it is beyond huge—it’s incredible be recognized on an international level,” Baker said. “Every appraisal office in the United States and hundreds of national assessment agencies around the world strive to meet the standards set by the IAAO. I’m incredibly honored they recognized the work being done here in Lake County.”

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KA-POW! BAM! ZAP! DOORS OPEN AT ALLEYWAY COMICS Take a breath, comic/graphic novel readers, you no longer have to journey to far off lands to fill your subscriptions. The Lake County comic book community has a home at Alleyway Comics in downtown Mount Dora. The owners of Barrel of Books and Games opened the shop off Dora Drawdy Way. Bring your lists and preorders to them, and help make this a permanent fixture. Stop by 342 Dora Drawdy Way, Mount Dora, call 352.735.1116 or visit AlleywayComicsOnline.com

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JAMES MES CO COMBS’

1 // AN ALABAMA WOMAN WAS ARRESTED after trying to break INTO a jail that released her a month earlier. It sounds crazy on the surface, but where else can you enjoy free room and board, free medical treatment, free air conditioning, and free food?

2 // A CONNECTICUT MAN WAS CHARGED with public indecency after neighbors saw him performing a sex act outside with shrubbery. Doesn’t this guy know it’s illegal to beat around the bush?

A RING OF FIRE

Wildfires in Idaho were frequently in the news this summer, and Lake County Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Randy Jones spent 21 days deployed there formulating a structure protection plan to save homes. Jones, a structure protection specialist, was called to the Selway Complex just outside Elk City, Idaho. He serves on the Southern Area Incident Management Red Team with the National Interagency Fire Center. The fires at the complex included the Baldy, Wash, and Noble fires, which began due to lightning strikes in the Nez Perce National Forest. The area remains drought stricken, and the fire could be smoldering for months. “A lot of the fires in that area will burn until winter snows put them out,” Jones said. “Basically we were just trying to keep them contained and keep them away from populated areas. Our strategy ranged from hotshot crews digging hand lines to bulldozers pushing lines. It’s one or the other, or both.” The Selway Complex fire was at 94,000 acres and 13 percent contained when Jones and his team were released and returned home. He was among 160 firefighters brought in to manage the fire. Crews from as far as Australia and New Zealand also provided aid. The firefighters worked 12-16 hour days for up to three weeks. To get more information about Lake County Fire Rescue’s operations, visit www. lakecountyfl.gov/firerescue or follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LakeCountyFireRescue or see www.twitter.com/lakefirePIO.

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

3 // A BUDWEISER TRACTOR-TRAILER OVERTURNED on Interstate 75 in Florida and committed the ultimate sin—spilled beer. Needless to say, it was a not-sohappy-hour for the driver.

4 // A PASSENGER EXITED A VEHICLE while stopped at a red light on U.S. Hwy. 27 to urinate. When a police car approached, the driver sped away and left the passenger to fend for himself. Naturally, the passenger was “peed off” at his buddy.

5 // A KENTUCKY MAN DUG UP the body of his long-dead father so his dad “could go to heaven.” That’s against the law, and there’s little doubt this misguided man will face “grave” consequences.

6 // AN ASTATULA MAN WAS ARRESTED after stealing a tractor and tiller that belonged to Lake County Schools. This sad act will undoubtedly leave him with a tough row to hoe.

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First things first // person of interest

EXPANSION: I sold the company to my son, Gus, six years ago. At that time, we had an office in Leesburg, one in Lady Lake, and a small one in Pembroke. Since then, he’s acquired offices in Mount Dora, Tavares, Clermont, and just opened an office in Orlando. He’s a busy boy. FAMILY MAN: With my second marriage we raised six kids; I had four and Linda had two, and we raised them all together. ACTIVITIES: Boating and fishing—my real love is to be on the water. That and golf are the two primary things, and doing things with family. IN THE COMMUNITY: We believe in giving back to the community. We’ve been active in the Leesburg Partnership and supporting the activities that they do with Mardi Gras and Bikefest, and the Leesburg Center for the Arts, which hosts the Arts Festival. In fact, Linda and another friend (Kathy Cook) were instrumental in getting The Center for the Arts started. Then we found Amy Painter to take that on and run. She’s been doing a wonderful job with it. We’ll get involved with just about anything that supports the community.

TOMGRIZZARD WHERE IT ALL STARTED: I came back from the service in Anchorage, Alaska, in 1965. My dad was developing a mobile home subdivision in Astatula, so I went over there to manage that. In the process I would sell people’s houses for them because people would ask ‘What about that for sale sign?’ and I wouldn’t get paid because I didn’t have my license. So that made me say ‘Well, If I’m gonna do this, I’m gonna get paid,’ so I went and got a license. That was in 1968.

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HUMBLE BEGINNINGS: I moved back to Leesburg and worked out of a barn, basically, just a one-man office. I built the little office in the Holiday Inn parking lot in 1974. People would come in asking about houses, and I didn’t know anything about houses, so I started building a residential team. My background was selling mobile home parks and orange groves. From there, I met a girl who was a franchise salesman for ERA. I was the first franchised broker in Lake County.

FAVORITE EVENT: The Fish Fry, because I cook hushpuppies for the fish fry. We have six to eight hundred people come, and we cook a lot of food. It’s generally the first week in April. ON LOCAL GROWTH: I was born here; we always felt Leesburg was the hole in the doughnut surrounded by Ocala, Orlando, and Lakeland. And it has not grown as fast as those places, which was kind of fortunate when we had the big crash. Although it hurt, we didn’t have as far to fall. The rebuilding has been steady, long, and good. WHY HERE: We’ve had a good life here. It’s a great place to raise kids. My dad said the way to make money in Florida was to buy land to grow hogs and cows on, and sell it to grow children on.

PHOTO: FRED LOPEZ

real estate mogul and community icon

OYSTER PERPETUAL GMT-MASTER II

First things first // outstanding student Sailing towards success

BUILDING INTEREST: My family had a Hobie 18 when I was growing up, and whenever we wanted to do something, we would go sailing. I always wanted to do it on my own. So, my mom found Lake Eustis Sailing Foundation, and I decided to race. The club has a youth program, and the sailors help coach the beginners. FAVORITE THING ABOUT SAILING: I really like the environment. When we go to sailing races, I really like seeing all the different kinds of people at a regatta. All the race kids, we grew up together. It’s a great environment. THE CLUB: Our club may be unique in this. Each practice we switch it up and you have a different partner. We’re really well rounded. All of us can crew, and most of us can skipper. I’m mostly a skipper. COMPETITION: There is the high school team race. We are a composite race. There will be 20 to 30 boats. It’s a lot to take in. It takes a lot of stamina, and you have to be good at communicating with your crew. You can’t t have a 10-minute conversation; you kind of have to know what the other is thinking. PLANS FOR THE FUTURE: I absolutely want to be on a college team. I would like to go to Stanford because they have a really awesome sailing team.

AGE 15/HAGERTY HIGH SCHOOL /SAILBOAT SKIPPER

LEAHHARPER 30

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INFLUENCES: My number one influence for sailing is my dad; he initially taught me how to sail. He pushes me to work hard, and he gets excited at regattas. And my friend Bailey on the team, I always wanted to be better than him, so that always pushed me to do better. FAVORITE QUOTE: “You can’t do anything that you don’t work for.”

PHOTO: FRED LOPEZ

GREATEST LESSONS: It takes a lot of communication, standing up for what you think is right according to the rules, and focus. You really have to know how to communicate. You have to know how to get your ideas across fast. I learned a lot about how to stay focused.

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Often they’re moving against the flow, but they find the road less traveled is more suited to them. They’re the extraordinary people who stand out in the crowd.

PEOPLE STORIES: LEIGH NEELY+JOHN SOTOMAYOR+MICHELLE CLARK PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ

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DAD DY’S LITTLE G I R L

TYLER TRITT “I want to be a singer and entertainer, like my dad is. I love to get on stage and sing.” Like many children, Tyler Reese Tritt wants to follow her father’s footsteps. Those steps will be leading her on to a stage, something she has been looking forward to most of her life. “I love to get on stage and sing,” Tyler said. “I sing all the time. My brothers get annoyed with it, I’m sure.” Tyler is the daughter of country singer, Travis Tritt, and his wife, Theresa Nelson Tritt, t, who w wh ho ggrew up in Leesburg. The 17-year-old d hig high gh school senior has been en working toward her goal all to be a performer for quite a while, but she has other interests too. She’s as commfortable in cowboy boots ots ts and and jeans as she is in sequins quins quin and dancing shoes. es.

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“I’m very well rounded. I dance, sing, act, and model. I recently got into pageants, but I’m also a tomboy,” she adds with a laugh. “I love four-wheel riding and hog hunting, any kind of hunting, really. My dad taught me how to use a gun. He taught me a lot of things, like how to change the tire in my car and how to saddle my horse.” Tyler has close relationships with both parents, but Father’s Day 2013 holds special meaning for her. That day, Travis released the

tional element needed to make the song special. After discussing it with Theresa, he took Tyler into the studio and they recorded it. “I loved it. I toured with him afterward, and I still do that when I can,” Tyler said. “It’s kind of hard now with school and dance and everything, but hopefully after I graduate, I can tour more.” A typical day for Tyler begins at 6 a.m. “When I come home, I either have dance or I go to Atlanta for voice lessons. Last year, I also did a

let her do it. He figured if she was talented back then, she’d get even better as she got older.” That normal childhood included dealing with two younger brothers like most big sisters do. “Me and my oldest younger brother are really close in age so we do a lot more together. He’s like my best friend,” she said and then added, “He’s actually the biggest goofball you’ll ever see in your life. He’s crazy, and when I’m not feeling good, he always makes me

atmosphere in the smaller town and appreciate that people can just “drop in” whenever they like. “We live in a gated community, so people don’t just pop in. Down there, we’re at my aunt’s house or when we would go to my dad’s or my grandmother’s, people just stopped over,” Theresa said. “So every break they get, spring break or fall break, they want to go to Leesburg because it’s fun. They go four wheeling, and they ride airboats, stuff like I used to

laugh. He’s 16, only a year younger than me.” Tarian is another issue. “My youngest brother is still in that stage where he drives me crazy. He’s 11, and we don’t have a lot in common and everybody says when he grows up he’ll be cool,” Tyler said. “But he likes to spy on us and annoy me.” The Tritts’ busy schedule often includes visits to Leesburg to see family and friends. Theresa said her children enjoy the relaxed

do. They think it’s the greatest place ever.” Theresa is a former “Miss Leesburg”; in fact, she was only the second winner of the “Miss Leesburg” title. She is still special to Linda Watts, who is pageant director in Leesburg. “I’ve been doing this for 29 years, and it’s so wonderful to see these girls and their families. It’s just a blessing. We started the pageant in 1987, and Theresa won in 1988. She was a joy. She has a great personality and is always upbeat and excited. She was dedicated to our pro-

(L–R) Travis Tritt on stage with children Taran, Tristan, and Tyler. Theresa Nelson Tritt was crowned Miss Leesburg 1988, and winning a talent competition.

song, “Sometimes Love Just Ain’t Enough,” which was a duet with her. For Tyler, the experience is unparalleled. The family had been to Florida for a wedding, and when that song came up during the drive, Tyler asked to hear it repeatedly and began singing along with Patty Smyth, who recorded it with Don Henley originally. Travis was not only impressed with the richness of his daughter’s voice, he also felt she added the emo-

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bunch of pageant stuff,” she said. “It just depends on what day it is, but my weekends are usually very relaxing.” Theresa said she and Travis are very excited about Tyler’s aspirations. “She has been wanting to do this since she was little, but we wanted to be sure she had a normal childhood,” Theresa said. “We let her dabble a little. When she was younger, Disney and Nickelodeon wanted her to do a show and stuff, but Travis wouldn’t

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(L–R) Travis and Tyler sing “Sometimes Love Just Ain’t Enough.” Tyler enjoys her first recording session. A playful family portrait with Tristan, Tyler, Travis and Taran, and Theresa.

gram and to representing us well,” Linda said. “I think it’s so cool that my mom was Miss Leesburg,” Tyler said. “Every time we’re there people come up to me and ask if I’m Theresa’s daughter and when I say yes, they say, ‘Oh my gosh, you look just like her.’ I always say thank you. It’s so funny because when I was growing up, everyone said I looked like my dad. Now that I’m older, and I’m going around with my mother, they’re saying I look just like her. I think she’s beautiful.” Theresa’s best friend is Leesburg resident, Nicole

Todd. The two have been close since elementary school. Nicole said their friendship is irreplaceable and the two of them truly complement each other. “I may not talk to her every day or even every week, but when I do, there’s never a gap. I’ve always prayed that both my girls could have a friendship like that,” Nicole said. “There has never been any jealousy or bad feelings. We started doing a ‘girls’ trip’ every year. The first year we took our kids along, but then we decided that wasn’t really a vacation. We do it so Theresa

A I M . K I C K . W I N . R E P E AT.

ROBERTO AGUAYO Kicker for Florida State University Seminoles

“I was not doing anything great, I was just doing my job—focusing on the kick and living in the moment.” —Roberto Aguayo It is a fact of football—kickers do not get the quarterback treatment. But Roberto Aguayo is no ordinary kicker.

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and I can have some quiet ‘us’ time.” Tyler’s best friend is Nicole’s daughter, Cameron. Both girls are talented musically, and Nicole and Theresa are pretty sure that talent didn’t come from them. Nicole can’t help laughing as she recalls the time both girls were in the middle school chorus. “We were so happy. We were working on a song one day and singing our hearts out,” Nicole said. “The director stopped everyone and separated us. She put each of us beside one of the best singers and across the room

The possibility became evident to him during his debut game. “I remember walking onto the field, and allowing myself a moment to take in the experience. Then I focused and scored a field goal,” said Aguayo. “I knew from that moment; I was not playing a game—I was starting a career.” Aguayo is a two-time AP All-American, who converted 48 of his 52 field goal attempts and never missed an extra point. His 92.3 field goal percentage ranks him first in Florida State University Seminole history. As a freshman (2013), he won the Lou Groza Award as the nation’s top kicker. In 2014, he made

from each other. It turned out we were awful singers, and she couldn’t let us sing together. We still laugh about that.” Tyler will have plenty of support when she graduates and begins the journey to her future at Kennesaw State University. Her major? “Business management. My dad always stresses that it’s really important to depend on yourself and he wants me to manage myself and be responsible, which I completely agree with.” Sounds like following those footsteps may lead her along the right path.

27 of 30 kicks and was a Groza finalist, converting a school record 23 consecutive field goals spanning two seasons. This year, he is a Groza Award candidate —AGAIN. FSU only lost while Aguayo ost one on ne game g played, and the Seminoles Semiinole won the National Championships He didn’t ps in n 2013. 20 change, maintaining thee work wo ork ethic e instilled by his father. “Many of the guys tell me, ‘thiss is the first time I am on a team where ere the kicker is the most popular guy uy on n the team.’” Born in Leesburg and raised rais in Mascotte, Aguayo attended Lake nded d South So High School. His father, player ther,, a soccer so

from Mexico, heavily influenced his football prowess. “My father said when I was born, I had a soccer ball in my crib,” said Aguayo. His team, The South Lake Eagles, played football in the fall and soccer in the spring. Kicking a soccer ball helped differentiate how Aguayo kicked a football. According to him, it’s in the way a soccer player swings. Aguayo prepares but doesn’t plan. With a major in criminology and a minor in psychology, he will graduate in December. If he does not play pro ball, he may consider law school. His career began with his field goal against Boston College—a three-point score that won FSU the game. “Afterward, I treated every kick as the most important thing I had to do at that moment,” Aguayo said. “If you do that every time, you will succeed.”

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S TA R P O W E R

SCOTT BERRY Owner of J. Scott Berry’s Skin Care & Day Spa

“What motivates me are children, arts, education.” —Scott Berry

Scott Berry is a comic entertainer and community activist, full of creativity and community spirit. He is sixth generation Sumter County. “My parents were very involved in the community—I learned from them,” said Berry. “My father once said, ‘Community leadership is not your duty, obligation, or responsibility, it is a privilege.’” The service nearest his heart is being special events chair of the Boys & Girls Club of Lake and Sumter County.

PLEAS E ALLOW M E TO I NTROD UCE MYS E LF…

SETH BLAKE Guitarist for WAGE WAR Local rock band, Wage War, produces music that’s a weapon in the fight to stay above negativity. Seth Blake, the guitarist from Lady Lake, is quickly becoming a hometown hero. His bandmates are Leesburg singer Briton Bond; guitarist and singer, Cody Quistad, from Ocala; bassist Chris Gaylord from Palm Beach Gardens; and drummer Stephen Kluesener from Apopka. Together, they are making a positive name for this area. Like so many musicians, Seth’s first outlet was church. He played the bass in youth ministry, but an incident altered his path—someone stole the bass. An event Seth is now grateful for, because it led him to a new instrument. “I was given the choice to get another bass or move to electric guitar.” He took lessons on the electric guitar and soon found himself amid the local rock scene. “[Wage War] played shows for five years before anything came of it,” Seth said. That was until national recording artists, A Day to Remember, from Ocala, came to see a show. This was the start of the band’s success. “It’s a very clear origin. Josh and Jeremy from A Day to Remember came to a show and liked what they heard.” Then came the setbacks—a drummer quit and legal trouble concerning band names. Seth and the band considered walking away, but continued with the thought of divine intervention. “I still get chills thinking about it, on May 1 we got a record deal offer, the exact day we said we were done if nothing happened.” The band now has a lot to celebrate with the recent release of their debut album, “Blueprints,” from Fearless Records, which produces big names like Pierce the Veil and the Plain White Tees and an international tour with Seth’s idol, August Burns Red. “The reaction I’ve heard of from people I’m not even friends with [is] they think it’s cool to see someone from our hometown actually do something.”

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G R E E N MACH I N E

MARK STARCHER CEO of Evergreen

“God does extraordinary things through ordinary people; that is certainly true with us.” — Mark Starcher

“ M S . S U L L I V A N G O E S T O TA L L A H A S S E E ”

JENNIFER SULLIVAN On Nov. 4, 2014, 23-yearold Jennifer Sullivan of Mount Dora, made history by becoming the youngest female elected to the legislature in Florida. “This first year in office was an incredible

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experience. After being on the campaign trail talking issues, I’ve enjoyed spending this year putting my words into action and being a fresh voice representing the constituents of House District 31. We had

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seven of eight bills signed into law and welcome policy ideas and suggestions for the next session. I continue to be a principled, conservative advocate on your behalf in Tallahassee. Thank you for your support, your trust, and your accountability. This office gave me a platform to pursue my passion of

encouraging my millennial generation to step up, do hard things, and that no matter what your age, you can make a difference! I’m here to serve you first and am only a phone call away. Together, we can work to make our community a better place to live, work, and play!”

JENNIF ER SULLIVAN PHOTOS: MARK FOLEY. COURTESY OF MYFLORIDAHOUSE.GOV.

A builder for 30 years—hospitals, airports, high-rise buildings and large government projects throughout the southeast U.S.—Mark Starcher’s expertise is leading the way on local sustainable construction with numerous appealing and impressive achievements…turning Lake County green. His signature work in Lake includes: The Urgent Care and Administration Building at Leesburg Regional Medical Center, Beacon College Administration Building, The Villages Hospital Outpatient Surgery, Mount Dora Christian Academy Science Building, Tavares Cancer Center Radiotherapy Vault, and national restaurants Mellow Mushroom and Papa Murphy’s.

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S T R A I G H T O U T TA TA V A R E S

JOSHUA BROCKINGTON “There are a few roles I could have in my life. Wherever I am, I just hope I’m grateful for where I am.” —Joshua Brockington

The movie, “Straight Outta Compton” was one of the biggest hits of the summer. A local premiere was held at ViaPort Mall in Leesburg. Enjoying it along with a crowd of family members was Joshua Brockington, 17, a senior at Tavares High School—and a young actor in the movie. The film is a biopic about the groundbreaking rap group, N.W.A. Joshua played the young Warren G, who was Dr. Dre’s stepbrother and one of the young men who was part of the group’s history. Though Joshua enjoyed acting in such a successful movie, his life is much different from what his character experienced. He’s an honor-roll student and was a member of the United States Karate Team. His mother, Dorothy Lewis, teaches third grade at Tavares Elementary School, and his father, Hugh F. (Brock) Brockington II, is a minister and founder of New Directions Family Worship Center. Joshua always wanted to be a performer. “I’ve been musically inclined since I was a young age. I started out at two or three years old with drums. I got a piano teacher when I was six years old,” Joshua said.

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“I had an ear for music. So even with piano, I may not be able to play the most complex pieces, but after I heard it, I could sit down and pick at it and get it to where I wanted it. I sing from time to time, but I always knew I wanted to be an actor on TV or in movies.” His parents supported that

why we couldn’t pursue moving on to LA that year,” Dorothy said. Joshua didn’t change his dream; he simply refocused his goals. “I picked up karate and I went pretty far with that. I was state champion, and I fought in Belgrade, Serbia.” The role in “Straight Outta Compton” isn’t the

“AFTER READING THE SCRIPT, AT THAT MOMENT, I SAID I DON’T FEEL RIGHT ABOUT DOING THIS,”

dream from the beginning. When he told them he wanted to model, they enrolled him in Barbizon Modeling and Acting School. When the school discovered he had confused modeling with acting, they changed his classes to focus on acting. Though Joshua was encouraged to move to California to pursue acting, it just wasn’t something his family could do at that time. “Brock and I were co-pastors at New Directions Family Worship Center, and that’s

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first role Joshua pursued. “I almost got into ‘Barbershop 3,’ another one of Ice Cube’s productions, but it just didn’t work out.” He was also up for a lead role in another movie and had come to the last stage of the audition process. “After reading the script, at that moment, I said I don’t feel right about doing this,” Joshua said. “I think I waited a full day before I came to the decision ‘I’m not taking this job.’ It was a pretty big move, especially for me.”

The film, based on a true story about gang-related activity, involved an incident very similar to what happened to his mother in 1993. She and her two young daughters were taken from the parking lot of a Winn-Dixie in Eustis to a remote area. Dorothy was raped and shot three times. Her daughters were both shot and killed. “The movie itself had a positive message. It was just me doing the movie with my background and family and all the emotions involved from everybody,” Joshua said. “It didn’t feel right. Mother didn’t know about this until after I turned it down. She would have encouraged me to do it, even if she had issues with it, so I didn’t tell her until after I had already removed myself. The actual plot and actions taken by the character are big factors in my decision making of whether I want to go with the role or not.” Whether he continues acting, or becomes a musician, Joshua’s plans include college and the possibility of becoming a lawyer. This may be the first time you’ve heard of Joshua Brockington, but it most likely won’t be the last.

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A GIRL FROM EUSTIS, THE DEA, AND ZOMBIES

STARLA STOLK “I’m passionate about zombies.” —Starla Stolk When Starla Stolk was a little girl growing up in Eustis, she dreamed of becoming a writer. “I was born in Venezuela

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and moved to Florida when I was young. Coming home after school, Mom would make me an afternoon snack. Then I would go

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in my room and close the door and write for hours,” Starla said. “I had an antique desk, and I loved it.” Writing became so important to her, Starla made becoming an author part of the bucket list she wanted to complete before her 30th birthday. And she did it. The Good, the Dead, and the Lawless: The Undoing by Angelique Archer is available on Amazon.com now. Angelique is Starla’s pen name. The book features Haven Janero, a young woman with ambitions to be an agent for the FBI. Her plans are interrupted, however, when a series of biochemical attacks occurs, creating infected zombies. The infection came from a virus intended to make humans weapons of mass destruction. Haven fights to protect herself and her grandmother. Colin MacConnell, a Scotsman visiting his father in the states, ends up in the battle too, which means romance can’t be far behind. “The systems of the law and government are lost, and Haven has to put her dreams aside to fend for herself,” Starla said. “It begs the question, ‘What would you do to survive? How far would you go?’” The Undoing is the first book of a trilogy, and Starla is working on the second book right now. “I love my characters. I feel like I know them,” she said. “The two characters most people just love are the grandmother and the

Scottish man. They were a big hit with readers.” Starla’s grandmother, Peggy McGee, lives in Eustis, which means Starla visits the Sunshine State as often as she can. After receiving her undergraduate degree from Stetson University in Deland, Starla studied and worked abroad, getting a master’s degree in international law. She speaks four languages and hopes to add more to her repertoire through future travel. She now works as a business specialist with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), where she analyzes the narcotics that come through federal litigation and provides legal counsel. “Work can be really stressful. A lot of the cases we get are hard to deal with, and writing about an alternate universe is a blessing,” Starla said. “I like to keep the reader reading, and I’m not afraid to do what I need to keep the tension high.” That means no characters have immunity in these books, Starla added. “I’m not afraid to kill off characters. It’s hard, but I’m not afraid to do it. These definitely are not happy ending books.” What does a writer who loves zombies do for fun? She collects survival tools. Starla’s collection includes a machete, crossbow, handgun, and various knives. Guess that means when the zombie apocalypse hits, Starla is ready.

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Looking for a special place to spend a day or a weekend could be as simple as driving down the road right outside your front door.

PLACES STORIES: LEIGH NEELY+MICHELLE CLARK+JOHN SOTOMAYOR PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ

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B E D , B R E A K FA S T, A N D B E YO N D

HERON CAY LAKEVIEW BED & BREAKFAST INN “Bed and Breakfasts are supposed to be different. Each one should be someone’s home and that’s what refreshing about a B&B.” —Margie Salyer Built in 1995, the beautiful Heron Cay Lakeview Bed & Breakfast Inn offers all the amenities of a modern resort in an old-fashioned setting. It’s surrounded by lush foliage and majestic oak trees dripping Spanish moss and is home for Margie Salyer and Randy Burgener, husband and wife innkeepers. “You go to a Holiday Inn around here and you go to one on the other side of the country, they’re all the same,” Margie said. “You won’t find that with a bed and breakfast where the owner is generally the manager and can tell you everything you need to know about the area.” You enter the huge Victorian mansion that is Heron Cay B&B just like any other home—through the front door. Ring the doorbell, and your gracious host or hostess opens the door to greet you. The inn sits on a hillside along Old Highway 441 that looks out to Lake Dora and makes you think of simpler times when life moved at a slower pace. The rooms are larger than typical hotel rooms and some of them have their own parlors or seating area. With

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winsome names like “Queen Victoria Suite” and “Just Heavenly,” you know you’re going to find a special place to sleep. “I had so much fun getting the accents and accessories for here,” Margie said. “I did most of my shopping at Renniger’s.” The inn hosts the Highwaymen show every August, and the artists stay at the B&B. The Highwaymen are a group of 26 AfricanAmerican artists who were self-taught and paint Florida landscapes with a distinctive style. Eight of the original artists are now deceased, but the paintings have steadily gained popularity since their “rediscovery” in the 90s, and are featured throughout Heron Cay. As a tribute to the Highwaymen, Margie and Randy have renamed one of the suites “Highwaymen Sunsets” and several of the distinctive paintings hang there. The B&B hosts family reunions, weddings, and other small gatherings indoors or outdoors. Guests enjoy an early continental breakfast or a full breakfast buffet beginning at 9 a.m. An array or fruits, egg dishes, and

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homemade baked delights are served on R.S. Prussia and R.S. Germany porcelain from the early 1900s. A room on the first floor, Zoi Garden, is fully ADA compliant, and guests can park right outside the door to the room for easy access. A private deck looks out on the grounds and pool. Margie and Randy own four Russian wolfhounds known as Borzois. The dogs remain in the owners’ quarters or in their designated area outside. “We often have guests who ask about the dogs and enjoy seeing them,” Margie said. The couple always serves extra meals for major holidays. “We cook Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners because most restaurants nearby are closed,” Margie said. “When people come here for the holidays, we want them to have a great experience.” Decorating for Christmas begins in early November so that everything is in place when Mount Dora has their official lighting ceremony. The inn has eight guest rooms that can easily accommodate more than two people. A path at the back of the bed and breakfast connects to Mount Dora’s “Walkway to Town” for easy access to shopping and events. Sitting amid the beautiful antiques and collectibles in the Reading Room makes you think you’ve stepped back in time. However, Heron Cay Lakeview Bed & Breakfast Inn features everything you need for a comfortable stay.

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FREE-RANGE FUN

STANLEY POND ADVENTURE FARM Lake County is a great place to raise kids. Families pick up and move across states to build lives in smaller cities. The schools, the programs, and the sense of community draw people in but many still run to the city for entertainment. Sure, we’re lucky to have the parks so close, but even luckier to have a place like Stanley Pond Adventure Farm right in our borders. On County Road 48, just outside Astatula, is a farm celebrating an unconventional harvest. Stanley Pond Adventure Farm is in the business of growing family fun, sweet memories, and daylilies. The 20-acre farm began as an

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escape for hard working Bob and Suzi Dennis. Before the farm, Bob owned and ran his own insurance agency, but longed for a way to escape the stresses of city living. The farm functions three ways. First, the farm houses a well-stocked pond called Catfish Junction. This is open year round for catchand-release fishing. Rods and reels can be rented, and bites are guaranteed. However, it’s not all child’s play; some angler’s reported catching a 15-pound bass! Second, the farm is a nursery. The couple found that daylilies grow well on their property. Their daugh-

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ter Tricia Merrill took over this task, and the farm is now one of the leading daylily providers in Florida. You can see these beautiful flowers spread across many acres and visitors are welcome. Daylilies are perennial plants; they are sturdy and flower in the spring and summer but die back in the fall and winter. When the daylilies’ season has passed, The Adventure Farm opens for business. Third, the farm is a “totally awesome” day park. The season begins with the Fall Festival and Pumpkin Patch. The farm receives a shipment each autumn, and

guests are invited to pick their pumpkin every weekend in October. They also offer a barbecue lunch on site, so you can enjoy your day uninterrupted by silly things like hunger. Important when there so much to do! The activities available at Stanley Pond Adventure Farm are overwhelming. It is a place where the familiar cry of “I’m bored” is never heard. And while the fun is geared toward the quickening attention span of children, adults I know also lose themselves in play! Attractions are made from all the kinds of things you might find on a farm. On

the Blue Cow Cattle Drive, the cows are made from 50-gallon drums hitched to Little John, the John Deere Tractor. The Helpful Farm Equipment is cast as silly-faced friends. Joining Little John is Ellie Mae and

Old Man Dan, both tractors who help you get around the farm, and Kirby the Cannon, who helps you practice your aim. There’s Larry and his sand pile, Skippy the airboat, and Sparky the fire truck, who love to make

kids laugh. Jack’s Jumping Pillow is for belly flops of epic proportions, but nothing will tumble your tummy like Suzi’s super slide. You can also kick up some dirt on the tricycle track, where big kids are welcome, or on

horseback rides with Tacoma, the American saddle horse. With so much to do and so many friends to make, I suggest you get to the farm early. Stay all day or come back all season.

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R E V YO U R M E M O R I E S

CLASSIC DREAM CARS MUSEUM OF SPEED “I wanted to share cherished memories with people. This is a déjà vu trip through time.” —Kerry Bogard It is considered the Ultimate Man Cave, and with good reason. Once inside the Classic Dream Cars Museum of Speed in Mount Dora, men are immediately off to the races, darting their eyes in every direction. Near the entrance, there’s a Cobra ERA 427 Side oiler with only 3,700 miles on it next to an aluminum small block Cobra Mark 4 with 7,700 miles. Feet away, a Restomod (restored version) of a vintage 1935 Ford five-window standard coupe, has its original skin with a brand new Chevy motor, 700 over-

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drive transmission, 325 rear disc brakes, air conditioning, heat, and all new suspension and frame. A true collector’s dream, Classic Dream Cars has a 58 Porsche speedster 1600 super. A very rare car indeed—only 330 ever made. And a 1935 DeSoto airflow coupe—only 418 made. “There are only six left in existence, according to the airflow club,” said Kerry Bogard, owner and founder of Classic Dream Cars. He and his wife, Cindy, have been in the classic car business for 25 years, after 30-plus year careers in

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radio broadcasting, 14 years at the current location. It gets better. The all-numbers-matching Z28 is extremely rare, and according to Bogard, his could be one of possibly two made in the color combination of frost green with matching interior. The museum inventory of classic cars is not just for show—they are for sale. Classic Dream Cars is one of the leading specialists in the world. There aren’t many people who can sell a $400,000 car over the phone, sight unseen based on reputation alone.

Kerry Bogard did. He was able to do so for one reason— classic car buyers trust him. He is straightforward and reliable. His candor and outlook come from his 1960s southern upbringing. Simply, it is who he is. His passion for classic cars and Americana motivates him, not profit. That passion is the foundation of the museum. “I wanted to do something for the community, to share in the collectible antiques experience,” said Bogard. More than a museum, it is a time capsule. Looping vintage video, storyboards on cars,

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and mannequins with period correct clothing were deliberately designed to appeal to women too. The nod to the 1950s Golden Age of Film and Television begins with the sofa made from a real ’59 Cadillac rear clip. Authentic marquee letters and movie posters from bygone local theaters, like the “Garden Drive-In” in Eustis, dot the exhibit. A replica of a vintage gas station from old Mount Dora Road stands nearby, painstakingly detailed to capture how the station once stood. The newest display, completed in August, is homage to “I Love Lucy,” the popular, first-ever and longest running sitcom, is still on the air today. “They answered the phone in almost every episode, so people remember it when they see the display—now the

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most popular in the museum.” Music also draws attention. Wurlitzer 1015, Rock-Ola 100, a Seabird 100 jukeboxes encircle the room. The autographed guitar exhibit includes signatures from Chicago, Aerosmith, Eric Clapton, Ozzie Osbourne, Bon Jovi, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Albert Cohen, Ron Wood of the Rolling Stones, and Don Henley of the Eagles, among others. His rarest treasure: Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” on a 45-RPM record. “The band forced fans to buy albums by not releasing singles; which were made only for broadcast,” said Bogard. “So if you can find one, they are very, very rare. Ta-da—there it is.” There is so much more, too much to list here. It is hard work, which the Bogards do

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not mind. Especially when they witness someone react to something like Elsie the Cow from Kroger or Greater Gator grocery stores. Elsie has an in-

ternal recording and moving mouth that gave off the daily specials. They normally remark, “Oh, I remember her.” That reaction is priceless.

Owning a home was always the American dream, which usually meant cookie-cutter houses all in a row. Not true anymore.

HOMES STORIES: LEIGH NEELY+MICHELLE CLARK PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ

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G R E E N KEY VI LLAG E

HOMES THAT RUN ON SUNSHINE There once was a glorious time where we lived without energy bills, but our milk spoiled quicker and keeping our toes toasty was a literal chore. With modern advancements comes modern convenience, but what does it cost us? Usually a small fortune each month, and we can hardly discount the effects on the environment. Green Key Village in Lady Lake is a unique green-living community designed to cut this cost without cutting comfort. Focused on the idea of achieving Net Zero Living, they are building homes that not only conserve energy, but produce it, naturally.

The number-one ingredient in their recipe for the ultimate energy efficient home—solar power. Using panels that harvest the sun’s radiation, these homes have the potential to collect more energy than they can use, greatly reducing or even eliminating a monthly bill. This is Net Zero. Kim Thomas, wife of the community’s developer Greg Thomas, explains how it works: “Anything in excess that you produce goes back through the grid, then in the evening and the sun isn’t shining and you’re not producing any power with your panels, you pull it back off.”

The couple ran a remodeling business for a number of years before the opportunity for a project like this arose. It wasn’t until they found the perfect property that things started to click. “When Greg saw the property, he knew it would be the perfect place for homes with solar because of the lack of trees here.” It was the site of an abandoned development off Lake Ella road, called Sevenoaks, named so for the seven oak trees scattered across the open property. What’s really astonishing about these homes is level of luxury they offer. Green

living doesn’t mean we all have to head for the trees if we don’t wish to. The architecture of the homes is styled after Key West and the interiors are complete with state-of-the-art appliances. Green Key Village homeowners have access to an accomplished interior designer as well. There is a community garden on the property, and ground was recently broken for a recreational facility. Coming amenities include a pool, bath house, picnic pavilions, tennis courts, a pickleball court, a half basketball court, and a sand volleyball area.

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TREKKER TRAILERS

LIVING BIG IN A TINY HOME “Living in a tiny house was more about spending time outside the house and making our memories there.” —Spencer and Sarah Green

To paraphrase a well-known saying, “Everything big is small again.” The tiny house movement has grown rapidly during the recent past. So much so, that there are three shows about tiny houses on Home and Garden Television (HGTV). “Tiny House, Big Living” explores what is needed to downsize and learn to live on a small scale. “Tiny House Hunters” help seekers find a new tiny place to live, and “Tiny House Builders” looks at the

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people behind the structures. Local builder Andrew Bennett owns Trekker Trailers, a company that designs and builds small houses at their site in Leesburg. He said so many people want tiny houses now that his crew has several projects scheduled months in advance. “With the recent housing problems, tiny houses are becoming more appealing, especially with the cost of housing and utilities,” Bennett said. “It’s also part

of the movement to leave less of a mark on the environment.” Bennett was an engineer while serving in the military and found he wanted to keep working with his hands when he got out. The tiny houses Bennett builds are on wheels, so they are moveable and not subject to the same standards as permanent homes. “Some people use these houses to live completely off the grid,” Bennett said. “They use solar power, rain-catching systems, and compost toilets.” When Spencer and Sarah Green married, they wanted their own home, but weren’t sure they wanted that much debt. They knew Bennett from their church family, and went to see Bennett, who convinced them he could build a

home they would be happy in. Spencer and Sarah speak highly of Bennett’s skills. “His craftsmanship is beautiful. He really is a master carpenter. Everyone thinks this is crazy, but they need to know there’s someone in their backyard who builds these tiny homes.” The couple bought a two-burner stove and a nice toaster oven from Walmart to complete their kitchen. “We put everything away when it wasn’t in use. I had to get used to not having a microwave, and that was hard,” Sarah said.

“Another thing we had to get used to was the shower was in the bathroom itself,” Spencer said. “If Sarah took a shower, and then I had to use the bathroom, we had to wipe everything down because it was wet everywhere.” Even moving in presented a challenge. “Putting our things into the house was like working a puzzle,” Sarah said. “We put a tarp outside to place things on and decide where to put them inside the house.” Spencer said the couple also had to improve their communication skills.

“One of the biggest things a tiny house does is force you to learn to communicate with each other because of the small space—there’s no walking away.” The Greens still take advantage of the savings they put away while living in their tiny home. This summer, they paid for a trip to Ireland and Spencer is getting his master’s degree with no student loans. They sold the tiny home, but their new home is 800 square feet because they felt the memories they make outside their home are the most important.

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YO U R H O M E , YO U R S E L F

WHAT’S YOUR HOME STYLE?

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Discover your style with the help of local Interior Designer and Florist, Janice Stokes.

“Interior Design has many styles. Some of them are traditional, contemporary, modern, French country, and cottage, but there are many more,” Janice said. If you’re unsure of what your style is, it’s easy to find it. You have only to reference a magazine or ask a designer. Lucky for you, you now have both.

TRADITIONAL

“Traditional style has simplicity. Neutral colors and greens. The style of the furniture is more bulky; they usually use patterns of florals, plaids, and stripes.” Traditional style is for everyday comfort and use. When someone refers to traditional décor and furniture, they are pinpointing styles popular in 18th century Europe. The feel is casual, orderly,

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TRADITIONAL

muted with only pops of color. Gray, black, and white are common. Contemporary refers to what is popular currently and it remains a favorite.

and balanced. Draperies are swooped back with tassels. You’ll find an oil painting or mirror in a heavy frame, and accessories are as simple as paired candlesticks and silk flower arrangements. If this is your home style, you love the classic and familiar.

COLON IAL

MODERN AND CONTE M P ORARY

“It’s clean, it’s minimal.”

M OD E R N AN D CONTE M P ORARY

Modern style pieces together popular esthetics from the 1920’s to the 50’s. It is sleek and slimed down. Most adornment comes from structural details such as exposed brick or beams in the ceiling. Rooms are

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“Colonial uses dark burgundy and dark blues. They are very distinct in their furniture—Windsor chairs, poster beds, and armoires.” This style is very specific and it draws heavily on period décor. Pieces are either antique or reproductions. Furniture and designs from the colonial era have roots in

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COLON IAL

FRENCH COU NTRY

European styles, but reflect the early American need for practicality. Most likely, this is your style because you’ve deliberately chosen it.

blues and yellows. It reflects the simple, clean lifestyle of the French countryside. Floral, plaid, and striped patterns are featured, and it is popular to decorate with plates, as well as books, candlesticks, and flowers. Tapestries, paintings, and figurines are also used that depict the charm of rustic life.

FR E N CH COU NTRY

“French Country is a moderate style, in between the baroque and farmhouse.” This style is light and airy in its color schemes of

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arches, textured walls, tile work, and oversized furniture. Golds, dark reds, and cobalt blue accents are preferred. preferred

C O T TA G E

“Cottage style is light and cozy. Colors are usually neutral and soft.” Cottage style makes use of white space; wall hangings are sparse. These spaces are accented by bursts of greenery. Like modern, this style operates on the notion that less is more. But where modern style hinges on the industrial, cottage is more rustic and vintage. This style is cozy and serves you best if you favor a chic uncluttered look.

ECLECTIC

“Eclectic is a style where you have many design styles in one place.” This style has a lot of details that monopolizes contrast. It is a highly accessorized style tied together through shape, color, and texture. While these elements are often predetermined in other decorating styles, they become more dependent on individual taste. If you like many styles, and you can’t seem to choose one, your style may be eclectic.

MEDITERRANEAN AN D TU S CAN

“Characterized by rustic pieces similar to French Country, but is much bolder.” Mediterranean is a regional style, and Tuscan is a variation. These styles have both rustic and coast-

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al influences. They best serve a large open room, one with high ceilings and

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large windows with generous natural light. Distinguishing features include

ASK THE

EXPERT

THESE EXPERTS HOLD THE KEY TO UNLOCKING YOUR HOME’S GREATEST POTENTIAL. FIND OUT WHAT THEY HAVE TO SAY ABOUT MAKING YOURS EXTRAORDINARY

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

ASK THE EXPERT

REAL ESTATE GUS GRIZZARD & LORETTA MAIMONE ONE ERA GRIZZARD REAL ESTATE

WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT THE CURRENT REAL ESTATE MARKET IN LAKE COUNTY

ANSWER: Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest ventures in life. Gus Grizzard, Broker/ Owner of ERA Grizzard Real Estate and Loretta Maimone, Realtor®, provide expert advice on how to make it a successful venture. Gus: Even if you have bought or sold homes in the past it is critical to educate or reeducate yourself on the process. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) recently implemented changes that will affect the entire closing process. While the efforts will help protect the consumer, they could also cause potential delays in closings. Selling a home and then using those funds to buy another home on the same day (simultaneous closing) will be next to impossible and sellers need to know that. If not handled properly, the closing process can potentially cost you time and money. Our team is very familiar with these changes

and can help you navigate through the new process. Second, always know the market because timing is everything! Right now inventory is low and there are fewer homes competing on the market. Potential sellers need to know that as to take advantage of a seller’s market and pricing instead of waiting for inventory to rise again which could cause softening in price. Loretta: Statistics prove it. In August 2011, we had 12.9 months of inventory. Meaning, if no new homes hit the market and there was a steady level of demand, it would take 12.9 months to sell that inventory. In August 2015, it was down to 3.8 months. Six to eight months is a healthy inventory. When you’re preparing to make an offer, keep that in mind. Gus: Loretta knows this county. You don’t sell $20 million in real estate in 12 months unless you

know every nook and cranny. What impresses me about Loretta is her comprehensive local knowledge. Loretta: Last month I showed a house built in 1985 that had sold four times. I knew who built the house and every single person who bought it. I know local people, local trends, and am aware of government issues. Gus: While buying and selling a home means doing a lot of research, consumers should consult a Realtor even after using one of the Internet sites like Zillow or Trulia. What a house is “worth” on these manner. What a house is “worth” on these sites is often inaccurate and based off old data. No one sees the condition of the house or knows the transitions in the neighborhood. A more reliable source of market news from this area is a local Realtor’s website. Loretta: I just sold a house for $375,000. The buyers were ques-

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

tioning the market price because the third-party website was showing that the owner paid $100,000 in public records for the house last year. Why were the sellers asking so much for it now? In reality, it was an estate and that amount displayed was only onefourth of the market value. The Seller bought out the other people involved in the estate so she could own it outright. However, when you see on public records that she paid $100,000, you wonder why. That information

won’t be on the Internet site. Gus: Buyers should not be afraid of this market. The fact is interest rates are going to go up. If you’re thinking you’ll wait for prices to go down, you could very well cost yourself more money in the end. Interest rates over a 30-year period add up to more than you’d expect. Loretta: It’s easier to understand this if you calculate what a small percentage will do to the

overall cost of your home. With a 30-year fixed mortgage on a $200,000 home, here are the figures: Buying at 4.0 percent interest rate, your cost will be $339,847, when it’s paid. If you wait and interest rates go up to 4.5, the final cost will be $383,706, $43,859 more over the life of the loan. The price was the same, but interest rates took a nominal rise, and you pay more. Gus: Pricing from a seller’s

perspective is critical. They believe they can ask more than the Realtor recommends and test the market. The first 30-45 days are critical. Many times sellers think that they can test the market and then lower their price if they need to. What often happens is that the home ends up selling for less that what they would have gotten if they priced it right in the beginning. Wouldn’t you rather reject offers than not get any at all?

Loretta: The number-one marketing tool a seller has is pricing the house correctly. The Realtor should be candid about what is required to make a sale. Listen to the agent. He or she may not say what you want to hear, but they will tell you what you need to hear. For more information contact Loretta Maimone at 352.357.2400 or Maimone1.com and ERA Grizzard Real Estate at 352.787.6966.

ASK THE EXPERT

INTERIOR DESIGN DEBBIE BELTON LTON

OWNER OF MATAMO TAMO DESIGNS

Q HOW CAN I MAKE MY HOME A PLACE OF STYLE AND BEAUTY?

ANSWER: When you’re strolling through historic downtown Mount Dora, you’ll see an eclectic little shop filled with lovely home furnishings and accents. The colors and textures will definitely catch your eye and help bring a bit of the tropics into your home. Owner Debbie Belton offers some tips to help you. The best way to transform a room quickly is with a new paint color or treatment on the walls, change your pictures, add some new pillows and accents, and change furniture placement. These

are all inexpensive ways to give your room a quick transformation. If you’re looking to make a small room look larger, keep the walls and flooring lighter to keep the room airy. Add darker furnishings and accents to retain the coziness of the small space. Also, make your window treatments hang from ceiling to floor allowing your eye to look up. Color and themes help unify a room. For example, if you have a sea grass coffee table, carry that sustainability throughout the room with a tropical theme. Bringing

in the colors of the ocean and accents, such as leaf and bamboo lamps, will give you that tropical elegance you desire. If you like the classic elements of home décor put a wingback chair in the family room or living room. A modern twist is to use the wingback chair as a dining chair. Another beautiful classic element is a Ming-style console table or cabinet. This can be used in any room. You can bring it to the 21st century by making it a bathroom vanity. The most common mistake

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amateur decorators make is trying to mimic a room they’ve seen on a home decorating show or magazine, expecting the same results. It’s all right to dream, but reality is that most of those items are custom designed pieces, not off-the-shelf or catalogue acquired. My motto in design is, “Don’t be afraid of color and bring your voice and passion into your design.” Acquire art from local artists in the community and enjoy your decorating experience. It will ultimately be a labor of love!

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SOLAR ENERGY JACK CAHILL AHILL

OWNER OF JACKS SOLAR

WHAT IS THE VALUE OF THE PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) SYSTEM, OR SOLAR ENERGY, AND HOW CAN IT SAVE ME MONEY OVER TIME?

ANSWER: The answer varies. It depends upon how much you are currently paying for electricity, which helps us determine the size and system needed. Our advice also depends upon your age. Installation of a PV system would take five to seven years for it to pay for itself. If you are 85-yearsold, you do not need a PV system. If you are 55 to 65-years-old, then by all means – go for it. I would not do anything that is not good for my customer – that is the bottom line. If you are too old, I would tell you. Those young enough to buy into solar energy will save money. Electricity goes up every month. Using solar energy, you have a fixed monthly expense. After the system paid itself off, electricity is free.

Depending upon your energy company, duel flow meters are installed on your home. During the day when your PV system makes more electricity than you could possibly use, the power company buys it back. It is a dollar-for-dollar exchange rate. At Jack Solar, we design a package for the homeowner. Typically, it is $15,000 - $25,000. The homeowner can write off 30 percent from the start, plus rapid depreciation on the equipment, and their electricity is paid. The goal is to make you energy independent. Solar energy also adds value to your home. When a potential buyer sees there will be no $200 per month electric bill attached to the house, the house becomes more attractive to the buyer.

Jack Solar also offers hybrid hot water heaters, which will eliminate the hot water bill by $50 per month. We offer radiant barriers that goes underneath the roof, eliminating heat entering the attic. Instead of reaching 140 degrees in the summertime, the attic will remain the same as the outside air temperature. That puts a 40 percent dent in your cooling bill.

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A combination package from Jack Solar of PV, radiant barrier, and hybrid hot water heaters will not only zero-out your electric bill, but will make you money – every month. For more money-saving tips, contact Jack Cahill at Jack Solar: 352.267.4903, solardad@centurylink. net or visit jacksolar.com.

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BUILDER BOBBY RHODES PRESIDENT, ECO CONSTRUCTION GROUP

HOW DOES AN ECO CONSTRUCTION HOME DIFFER FROM A HOME BUILT BY OTHER CONTRACTORS?

ANSWER: Bobby Rhodes founded Eco Construction, LLC, and is dedicated to bringing the latest in technology and design into every custom project we do. A 1999 Florida State graduate, he was captain of the 1999 National Championship football team. He watched building practices change for the better in this area, with Eco Construction Group leading the charge. We want every custom project to be beautiful, energy independent, and as durable as possible using the latest green building techniques and materials. As a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environment Design) accredited contractor as well as a Certified Green Professional (CGP), the primary goal Eco Construction Group has in designing and building your custom home is maximizing its energy efficiency and minimizing maintenance. We do this while stay-

ing within your budget and meeting your design needs. What we do is make you aware of every option, step by step, in terms of how each green feature benefits you. However, we don’t stop there. We validate the collective structure and provide a Home Energy Rating System (HERS)/Energy Rating that allows you tax credits along with multiple other resources to validate these features throughout your home. We’ll also provide help with third-party documentation that audits all the green features in your home to ensure a higher resale value. The cost of upgrading your new home to a greener structure is usually within 5 percent of your intended budget. When you factor in the overall utility savings compared to the nominal additional cost to the mortgage, the investment in energy efficiency pays back from day

one. Say you have a 4,000-squarefoot house. Utilities will cost you around $500 a month. With one of our homes, the utility cost will be around $200 per month, which is continuing savings. You’ll have a durable, more efficient home with a healthier environment that requires

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less maintenance for the lifetime of the structure. In Florida, one of the leading comfort issues we combat daily is humidity. While doing a complete remodel in downtown Mount Dora, we’re adding square footage to the existing building. However, our

process greatly affects the overall energy efficiency and tightness of the building, meaning no change to the tonnage of the air conditioning system. On a conventional 3,000-square-foot house, you need a three-ton air conditioning system. Our houses, depending on how much green building we put into them need less tonnage because our energy-efficient system keeps comfort levels better. Humidity is lower, which makes a huge difference. If you have your thermostat set at 75 degrees but have 80 percent humidity, you won’t be comfortable. But if it is set at 75 degrees with 30

percent humidity, the difference in the comfort level is like night and day. You don’t have that uncomfortable moisture in the air. Our structures use smart technology. Control everything in your home or office from anywhere with a mobile device. Turn lights on and off and do whatever you need to ensure energy efficiency with the touch of your fingertips. Every day at five

o’clock, if you want to be sure you have a certain air temperature and humidity level, you do that before leaving work. At night, you turn off all lights with one touch. Just go to “bed” on your panel, and lights automatically shut off. Water conservation is very important to us. We use an innovative hot water recirculation system that ensures hot water goes immediately

to any fixture in the house. This means you don’t stand around with water running down the drain before getting into the shower. With landscaping, we incorporate native, drought-tolerant plants that are not only beautiful, they need less water for irrigation. Examples of ways we make a home more energy efficient include: • Using ICF (Insulated Concrete Forms) and SIP (Structural Insulated Panels) as an energy efficient and strong exterior wall system. • Using spray-foam insulation applied directly to the underside of the roof while controlling humidity levels and indoor air quality • Utilizing smart technology so an owner controls every facet of the home or office from anywhere. • Using high-performance insulate impact glass formulated to reject solar hear while maintaining visibility. • Shading glass with landscaping, rooflines, awnings, and shutters on southern and western sides while focusing on proper fenestration throughout the design process. • Energy efficient appliances. • High-efficiency air conditioners with programmable thermostats • High efficiency pools. Find out more about how Eco Construction Group can help with your green building project by visiting them at 1224 N. Donnelly St., Mount Dora or calling 352.504.0346.

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HVAC JIM R. SAFFORD PRESIDENT AND OWNER, SUTER AIR CONDITIONING

Q HOW CAN CONSUMERS ENSURE THAT THEIR HVAC SYSTEMS ARE OPERATING EFFICIENTLY?

ANSWER: “The simplest way is not to set your thermostat too low in the summer,” Jim said. This is one of the easiest and most effective ways to save money on your cooling costs. “Likewise don’t set your thermostat too high in the winter. Find a reasonable temperature at which you’re comfortable, and leave it there. I set mine at 78 degrees in the summer and 68 degrees in the winter.” “Filters should be changed every month. Not changing it can affect the air flow as the filter gets dirty and clogged.” An old, clogged filter will affect both the efficiency of the system and the comfort of the consumer. It could also potentially

cause problems for the system. To ensure your HVAC system is running at its peak efficiency, Get it the regular attention and care it needs. A planned maintenance program helps promote efficiency of a current system. “You need to have your coils cleaned. And the electrical parts of the system must be checked, and the refrigerant levels must be monitored.” These are also things homeowners do not want to do alone. “It can be unsafe to work on an HVAC system if you don’t know what you’re doing. Also the consumer should not have access to refrigerant.” Jim urges that things of this nature are not do-it-yourself projects. It needs to be done right,

and professionally, because a mishap can cost the consumer. “We offer the planned maintenance program and have a lot of customers who take advantage of it. Make sure you trust the HVAC personnel. Some companies will sell you parts you don’t need. Your goal is to simply maintain the efficiency and operation of the system and to get repairs when necessary.” “And then sometimes it comes down to a new system.” The newer the equipment, the more efficient it will be. “Over time the efficiency levels begin to decline and many people who upgrade their systems have a more efficient unit. As a side note, you also want

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to consider replacing your system when repair costs begin to pile up. Don’t replace a compressor in a 15-year-old system. Because of the expense it is better and more costeffective in the long run to just replace the system at that point.” Norm Suter founded Suter Air Conditioning in 1969. James T. Safford bought the company in 1983, and Jim R. Safford bought the company from his father in July of 2015. Suter provides sales, service, and installation of HVAC systems to Lake and Sumter counties. Suter has years of experience behind its staff with very little turnover and a commitment to keeping its customers comfortable.

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$ $ Q $$

ENERGY SAVINGS JERRY MILLER

GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS MANAGER, DUKE ENERGY

HOW TO SAVE MONEY AND ENERGY WITH DUKE ENERGY FLORIDA

ANSWER: Your monthly electric bill shouldn’t shock you each month. Duke Energy Florida has energy experts and programs to help you reduce electricity use and lower your monthly bill. According to Jerry Miller, Duke Energy government and community relations manager and certified energy auditor, “Whether you own or rent, live in a newer, more efficient home or an older place that needs updates, we have experts and programs to help you save electricity and money.” Duke Energy Florida’s Home Energy Check is a free evaluation of your home’s energy efficiency. Receive a custom report showing past and current energy usage, no- and low-cost tips to use right away, and expert recommenda-

tions for home improvements that save energy and add value. “We even have rebates to help with the cost of energy-efficient improvements such as adding insulation, installing new windows, or fixing leaky duct work,” he said. You can participate online, by phone (877.574.0340 during business hours), or have an energy advisor perform an in-home evaluation. EnergyWise Home is a free, easy way to make a positive energy impact while getting up to $147 a year in bill credits. EnergyWise Home works to lower communitywide energy usage during rare periods of unusually high demand. It works by adding a small switch to the water heater, central heating and/or air conditioning,

and pool pump (if applicable). During that period of high demand, power can be cycled off and on temporarily reducing energy use. “This program is essentially free money every month,” Miller said. “More than 400,000 of our customers participate.” To get started, call 877.574.0341. In addition to company programs, Miller said there are many simple things to do to save. He suggests starting by looking up— at your ceiling fan. “The fan should spin counter-clockwise when the AC is running and clockwise when the heat is on,” he said. “Remember to turn it off when you leave the room. Fans cool people, not rooms.” He also recommends replacing

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HVAC filters regularly. “Dirty filters make your system work harder, wasting electricity. Check filters monthly, and change as needed.” Many people also leave their AC fan in the “on” position. “Switching the setting to ‘auto’ can save you up to $25 a month on your bill,” Miller said. “At Duke Energy, we want our customers to use energy wisely and save money,” he added. “It’s good for the environment and your wallet.” For more money-saving tips from Duke Energy, visit www. duke-energy.com, pick Florida as your location, and click on “Save Energy and Money.” You can also call 800.700.8744.

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KITCHEN/BATH REMODELING GREG AND DENISE BERLIN OWNERS, WILDWOOD KITCHEN AND BATH

WHAT STEPS SHOULD I TAKE WHEN STARTING A KITCHEN OR BATH REMODEL?

ANSWER: Greg and Denise Berlin, owners of Wildwood Kitchen and Bath, have forged a tradition of excellence in the building industry—a tradition created through quality design, workmanship, and meticulous attention to detail. The company started in Illinois and moved to The Villages seven years ago. Wildwood Kitchen and Bath receives most of its business from repeat customers and referrals—a glowing testament to its unwavering commitment to customer service. The company’s team of designers, salespeople, and installers help turn a client’s kitchen and bathroom into personal reflections of themselves. Many of them have more than 20 years of experience in the industry and thus are able to answer all questions and concerns clients may have. Customers who walk into the company’s elaborate 10,000-squarefoot showroom will undoubtedly marvel at the extensive selection of designer cabinets, countertops, and custom showers. The company is the

area’s largest distributor and installer of custom Jetta Stone Solid Surface shower bases and wall material that comes in a wide selection of colors and styles. “Jetta Stone is an excellent product because there are no grout lines, so you don’t have to worry about mold and mildew,” Denise said. “There is very minimal maintenance and you won’t have to replace it in the long run.” No matter what service someone may need, the team at Wildwood Kitchen and Bath always listens closely to their clients’ wishes and takes the necessary time to answer all questions. This is a true family business in every sense of the word, and the employees pride themselves on being the most trusted name in the kitchen and bath remodeling industry. Greg owns his own granite yard, which has over 100 different colors and 400 slabs. The company is located at 368 Shopping Center Drive in Wildwood. For more information, call 352.539.0220 or visit www.wkandb.com.

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1) The most common question customers ask is about remodeling advice. The Wildwood Kitchen and Bath team will come to your home free of charge to take measurements and understand what a customer is trying to accomplish. 2) The staff at Wildwood Kitchen and Bath helps customers choose colors and minimize selections so they do not feel overwhelmed. 3) Denise uses a computer-aided design software program so customers can visualize the project during the conceptual stage. This helps to ensure that the job is done right and that customers’ remodeling dreams become reality. 4) Wildwood Kitchen and Bath uses several cabinet companies whose products are made to order. This is a big advantage because customers have numerous options and can find something within their budget. 5) Wildwood Kitchen and Bath offers countertops in quartz, granite, Corian, and laminate. 6) The company provides twoyear warranties on all products installed.

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ROOFER WAYNE SMITH

PRESIDENT, SCOTT SMITH ROOFING NG

WHAT PREVENTATIVE MEASURES CAN BE TAKEN TO KEEP YOUR ROOF IN TIP-TOP SHAPE?

ANSWER: Having a roof over your head is important, but keeping a roof over your head is even more important. Because roofs protect the home from severe weather such as high winds and hail storms, they endure constant wear and tear. Unfortunately, replacing a roof is both an expensive and inconvenient process for homeowners. However, regular maintenance can help extend a roof’s life and ensure it does not break down prematurely. It can also help minimize costly repairs. That begs the question: What preventative measures can be taken to keep your roof in tip-top shape? Who better to ask than Wayne Smith, president of Scott Smith Roofing? Wayne and his partner, Scott Jr., have proudly served residents of Lake, Sumter, and Marion counties since 1986. Here are Wayne’s suggestions. 1) Roof inspections and maintenance performed by professionals is one of the most cost-effective ways

to prevent costly repairs down the road. If a problem is caught early, the homeowner may only spend pennies on the dollar to correct these issues. 2) Make sure to remove tree debris such as leaves and branches that commonly fall on roofs. Sometimes vegetation grows in gutter and drains and causes drainage problems. 3) Make sure overhanging tree branches are a minimum of 10 feet from the roof. Limbs that are too close to the roof can damage shingles. 4) Clean your gutters regularly and perform regular maintenance on them. If gutters are clogged with debris, then water levels will rise above the roof edge, which results in rotten wood and/or damaged shingles. 5) Use guards for plumbing, ventilation and exhaust pipes, as well as paintingproof protrusions, to prevent squirrels and rats from destroying the flashing around the roof. 6) Use beautification techniques. This may include using cleaning solution,

which can be placed at a home improvement store, on the roof to eliminate algae growth. You can spray the roof with a water hose rather than a high-pressure sprayer. Using a hose will not cause damage to shingles, and many solutions on the market are safe for vegetation. That is wonderful advice from a man whose multi-generational, family-owned company is “on top” (no pun intended) of the

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roofing industry. Rather than use subcontractors, Wayne and Scott Jr. utilize a highly skilled team of in-house employees, many who have been employed there for decades. “We take an old-school approach, meaning we go above and beyond to satisfy our customers and exceed their expectations,” Wayne said. “Quality materials, workmanship, and family values are the foundations this company was built upon.”

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MORTGAGES MARY RHODES

BRANCH MANAGER AT THE MORTGAGE FIRM RM

HOW LONG AFTER A BANKRUPTCY, SHORT SALE, OR FORECLOSURE CAN I QUALIFY FOR A MORTGAGE TO PURCHASE A HOME?

ANSWER: This is a question I am asked most often, given the fact that many people experienced one or more of these credit events as a result of the recession and downturn of the economy in recent years. The short answer is in as little as two years depending, on the type of mortgage you are seeking. The key is to be proactive and take the necessary steps to build your credit and raise your credit scores. The first step is to begin reestablishing your credit. A bankruptcy, foreclosure, or short sale can drop your scores a hundred points or more, so it may be difficult to get credit. I suggest a secured credit card through a bank. These are fairly easy to obtain as the bank lessens their risk by having money on deposit from you. A car loan or installment loan will help as well, but opening a credit card will raise your scores much more quickly. Be

sure to keep the credit card balance low, less than a third of the amount of credit extended to you, as the balance in relation to the credit limit weighs heavily on credit scores, too. I have talked to many people who waited the necessary time after a credit event, but could not qualify for a mortgage because they chose to stay away from credit altogether, for fear of it. Don’t let that happen to you! For the most part, you need to have about a 640 credit score to qualify for a new mortgage. The second step is to contact a mortgage professional to have your credit reviewed and to be sure you are on the right track. You can be prequalified or preapproved, to do so you will need to provide income and asset documentation, pending the waiting period after the credit event. Obtaining a preapproval letter will put you in a good negotiating position when you are ready to make an offer on a house. The amount of time you need to wait after a bankruptcy, foreclosure,

or short sale depends on the type of mortgage you are seeking. For a VA mortgage, you must wait two years. For a FHA mortgage, you must wait two years after a bankruptcy and three years after a foreclosure or short sale. USDA mortgages require a three-year waiting period after any of these credit events. Conventional loans, which are FNMA or Freddie Mac loans, are more difficult to qualify for. There is a four-to-sevenyear waiting period. The good news is, once you have met the seasoning requirements, you can purchase a home with a minimal down payment; 3.5 percent down for a FHA mortgage and no money down for a

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USDA or VA mortgage. Once you have waited the necessary time frame, re-established credit, and obtained a preapproval letter, you are ready to buy a house! With an appreciating real estate market and low interest rates, it is wise to consider a home purchase sooner rather than later. If you have any other questions, regarding mortgages, please call Mary Rhodes at 352.383.3046 or themortgagefirm. com. NMLS #354036.

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INSURANCE BLAINE VERMEULEN LICENSED PUBLIC ADJUSTER R

WHAT EXACTLY IS A PUBLIC ADJUSTER, AND HOW CAN I BENEFIT FROM THEIR SERVICE?

ANSWER: Our firm, represents homeowners, businesses and associations when there is any kind of property insurance loss. Small situations like a dishwasher leak, a BBQ fire, or an afternoon storm which blows a few shingles off the roof are all small instances that could end up being BIG dollars to repair. Here is a startling fact: Public adjusters help clients receive 747 percent higher settlements, according to a study conducted by the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability. We have to ask, why is it that a public adjuster’s involvement has shown such higher settlements? I have seen thousands of instances where damages are overlooked, improperly denied, under-estimat-

ed or ignored. When you have a private adjuster working on your side, we make sure these instances do not happen. Blaine Vermeulen, who has had a corporate office in Mount Dora, Florida for more than 20 years, provides important tips to help homeowners receive a fair settlement for property damage. If you have an insurance claim, call Blaine first before you make a claim. This is so important for two reasons: The damages may not be as bad as initially feared and you do not want an unnecessary claim on your records—Blaine will let you know if the damage is covered. And, what you say can hurt you! Don’t leave your money on the table. The insurance adjuster works for the insurance company.

Who’s working for you? Clients never pay Blaine up front; and, if he is unable to help clients receive money, then he is not paid at all. Blaine has also been a general contractor for more than 30 years. His vast knowledge of construction proves invaluable when he evaluates and assesses damaged property. Most insurance adjusters do not understand construction. Blaine’s extensive knowledge of the insurance industry allows him to navigate complex issues surrounding a policyholder’s losses. That is very beneficial because insurance policies are difficult to understand. As a result, homeowners can save themselves from needless hassles and headaches. Property loss can take an emo-

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tional toll. Filing a property loss claim with your insurance carrier can add to your stress. Through Blaine’s experience, expertise, and passion, he can save homeowner’s time, achieve a faster resolution, and maximize their settlement. The Lake County office is located at 240 South Highland Street in Mount Dora, Florida. For more information, please call 352.383.6438 or visit them at www.yourprivateadjuster.com. BLAINE GERRIT VERMEULEN LLC #A273309 “THIS IS A SOLICITATION FOR BUSINESS. IF YOU HAVE HAD A CLAIM FOR AN INSURED PROPERTY LOSS OR DAMAGE AND YOU ARE SATISFIED WITH THE PAYMENT BY YOUR INSURER, YOU MAY DISREGARD THIS.”

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HOME ORGANIZATION MARLIN GRADEN

MANAGER AT GINGERICH CONSTRUCTION ON

Q HOW DO I MAXIMIZE SPACE IN MY HOUSE?

ANSWER: It does not matter whether you live in a lakefront home or a villa in one of the area’s numerous retirement communities. We all need to maximize space so our homes feel more spacious and welcoming. Gingerich Design Center in Wildwood is a custom home building and remodeling company with an outstanding reputation in home organization. The local, family-owned company has proudly served Central Florida residents for 29 years, and helps organize and maximize space in closets, garages, wall beds, home offices, laundry rooms, and entertainment centers. Marlin Graden, the manager of Gingerich Organization (a division of Gingerich Design Center), provides tips to help homeowners maximize space in their homes. 1) If you have clothing in your master closet that you have not worn for 60 days, put those clothing items in another closet to avoid overflow. 2) Maximize utility and space by turning your spare bedroom into both a home office and a guest bedroom, by installing a wall bed along with your desk setup. 3) Consider three ways to maximize usage of space: height, depth, and adjustability.

ALL IMAGES © ORG HOME

• Height: Most homebuilders install single-level shelving in closets. Since homes typically have 8 or 10-foot ceilings, we can add mutliple heights of shelving, instantly doubling or tripling space for clothes. That’s beneficial because most people in Florida hang short-length items such as t-shirts, tops, skirts, and pants. • Depth: We offer adjustable and deeper shelves that are ideal for the pantry or garage: 14, 16, 19, or 24 inches. Industry standard is 12”. • Adjustability: Our shelving units can be adjusted every inch and a quarter. This allows the organization system to be customized for all types of items, like books, silverware, and games.

4) Do your research. Consider cost, time and quality of DIY. Then call a professional, reputable design company. We offer a free in-home design consultation with 3D rendering of finished product, so people should definitely take advantage of that. 5) See, touch, feel the product before committing to buy. Quality is so important for long-term use and home resell value. Gingerich Design Center has full home organization displays, and welcomes people to visit for ideas and inspiration when dreaming up plans for their own homes. One of the most-loved advantages, unique to Gingerich Organization, is a computerized software program that allows

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customers to see what a finished project will look like in 3D and color. “They’re amazed when they see what their new space will look like,” Marlin said. “You can see that wow factor on their faces. We can turn designs around only 24 hours after meeting with a customer. Of course, as good as our tools are to present the product, it still doesn’t do the completed job justice.” Combining superb customer service with meticulous attention to detail has been a winning combination for Gingerich Construction. “I always ask customers, ‘Has this process met your expectations?’” Marlin said. “Nobody has ever told me no.”

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(L–R): Joe Bryant, Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician, Lint Factor; Rob Ziebert, Branch Manager, Landmark Mortgage Planners; Dawn Cary, Owner, Great Lakes Carpet and Tile; Arlene Udick, Owner, Udick Commercial and Real Estate Law; Doug Ringold, Owner, Therma Pros Insulation; Pete Tsirnikas, Owner, Bone Dry Roofing; Phil Dolfi, Owner, Custom Vinyl Systems; Don Magruder, CEO, Ro-Mac Lumber and Supplies; Barney Saunders, Owner, Dress Up Your Window; Marilou Stone, Owner, Stone’s Design; Thomas Muller, Owner, Volthom Electric, Inc.; Kevin Branch, Realtor , Remax Premier Realty ®

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If you need a new front door, Ro-Mac Lumber should be your first call, because with their custom door plant and installation team, they can have a new door swinging in a matter of days. If you would like to add a glass insert to your door, many times Ro-Mac’s skilled technicians can do it right on the job. Ro-Mac Lumber also offers minor door repairs such as new weather-stripping, jamb repairs, lock replacement, and lock re-keying. Ro-Mac Lumber & Supply, Inc. and the BNI Powerhouse group make an unstoppable team for all of your home improvement needs.

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For more information about the great products and services provided by Ro-Mac Lumber, call them in The Villages at 352-753-3333 or in Leesburg at 352-787-4545. For additional information about BNI service providers or to join the best BNI Powerhouse group in The Villages area, send an email to don.magruder@romaclumber.com. Don Magruder, CEO Ro-Mac Lumber & Supply, Inc. A proud member of BNI Powerhouse

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2411 W Old Hwy 441 • Mount Dora, FL 32757

The Villages 352.753.3333

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LOVING WHAT WE DO Volthom Electric, Inc. was established to provide high quality, efﬁcient and professional electrical services, repairs and installations to industrial, commercial and residential clients. Our founder and Master Electrician, Thomas Muller has over 25 years of experience as an electrician gaining expertise in a broad range of electrical and mechanical systems. We are best known for our high quality, efﬁcient service with uniformed and professional staff members. “Volthom Electric provided service that was beyond their call of duty. Thomas and his staff were so knowledgeable and professional; I highly recommend this company for their quality and integrity.” —DOREEN FERRENTINO, THE VILLAGES

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THINKING ABOUT A REVERSE MORTGAGE BUT NOT EXACTLY SURE HOW THEY WORK… OR IF IT EVEN MAKES SENSE FOR YOUR SITUATION?

In the last few years reverse mortgages have become dramatically more popular. With all the information out there it can be hard to separate the facts from fiction. Some people question the legitimacy of them and may even go so far as passionately calling it a scam. Others call it a much needed lifeline that came at just the right moment. And some are even calling it a strategic and savvy financial planning tool that just makes wise financial sense.

Who is right? To help you answer these questions I created a free guide titled:

“The 5 Most Common Myths About Reverse Mortgages”

Robert Ziebart – Branch Manager, CMPS Certified Mortgage Planner NMLS #: 305375

IN THIS GUIDE YOU WILL DISCOVER: • The surprising truth about who really owns your home after a reverse mortgage.

• Why a reverse mortgage isn’t only for people who are struggling financially.

• The little known “Mortgage Elimination Strategy” that can wipe out your current mortgage and save you hundreds of thousand dollars in future mortgage payments.

• The 10 unconventional ways that savvy financial professionals and in the know seniors are using a properly structured reverse mortgage to create additional wealth.

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EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE Kirk Malone, president of The Villages Ear, has opened a whole new world of opportunity for thousands of people by properly fitting them with hearing instruments and vastly improving their hearing ability. Now, he is creating a first-rate impression for patients who walk through the door. His newest office, which opened last February in the Brownwood area, does not have a clinical feel. Instead, the waiting room resembles an upscale living room, complete with comfortable furniture and warm pendant lighting. The overall brightness and spaciousness of the reception area soothes, calms, and cheers the soul.

In addition to the modern and inviting atmosphere, there is the smiling face of Patient Care Coordinator Patty Brawner, whose personable, friendly demeanor makes you feel as if you’ve known her your entire life. “Every time I walk into the reception room, Patty is engaging a patient in conversation. Our patients love our warm and friendly office,” said Kirk, a board-certified hearing instrument specialist. Although this is the third Villages Ear location, Kirk wanted this office to be different. His logic is simple, yet precise. Patients tend to relax more in an attractive, comforting environment and the processes of having their hearing screening and

being fitted for hearing instruments go much more smoothly. “I’m very excited about having a presence in Brownwood because it’s the fastest growing part of The Villages,” Kirk said. “We’re on the outskirts of Wildwood and only four miles from Leesburg and Fruitland Park. Residents from these towns have convenient access to us, and we look forward to developing relationships with them.” The Villages Ear already has nearly 5,000 active patients and typically sees 12,000 patients each year. Approximately 70 percent of new patients come via referral, a glowing testimony to Kirk’s emphasis on patient satisfaction. “You will not find a more caring and friendly staff, and we always put the needs of our patients first – that is our GUARANTEE! Our impeccable reputation is proof of that commitment. In addition, we

III PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE III

pride ourselves on treating our patients with the most advanced and up-to-date technology that the industry offers”. No wonder The Villages Ear consistently receives an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. All of these reasons—and many more—are why The Villages Ear is The Villages largest and most trusted name in hearing healthcare. ________________________________

THREE GOLF CART ACCESSIBLE LOCATIONS IN THE VILLAGES 2951 TRAVERSE TRAIL // 352.259.8976

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CELEBRATE THANKSGIVING! Gather with friends and family Thursday, November 26, 2015!

Join us for our Thanksgiving Grand Brunch Buﬀet featuring traditional favorite entrées, live entertainment, endless Champagne and Mimosa’s and desserts in a memorable family atmosphere. Make your reservations to get prime seating times. Adults $44.99 - Children (4-11) $20.99 Let us help you proudly host and plan your seasonal or holiday banquet, party or catering event. HOLIDAY PACKAGES • CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF • SPA RETREAT FOUR RESTAURANTS • OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS

HOWEY-IN-THE-HILLS, FL | MissionInnResort.com | 352-324-3930

Let the Good Times Roll! SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

Streetrods are every bit as fun as a hole-in-one, but they’re no longer just for the fairways

ayne Cook of The Villages has gone plum crazy. Not literally, of course. But he does have the words “Plum Crazy” inscribed on his 1934 Ford Streetrod. “Plum crazy is the color of my car and the attitude of the driver,” he proudly said. Wayne purchased his Streetrod two years ago from Streetrod Pro-

ductions in The Villages, which is the only Streetrod store in Florida. Because The Villages has more than 100 miles of paved golf cart paths, Wayne can drive his Streetrod to grocery stores, restaurants and doctor’s offices. “You can do anything in The Villages with a golf cart,” he said. “However, the only way to really do it is in a Streetrod.”

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

Although he has driven his Streetrod 6,000 miles in two years, his machine has experienced no mechanical problems whatsoever. “It has been maintenance free,” he said. “It runs like a clock. I take it to Streetrod Productions every 100 hours for an oil change. They thoroughly inspect every part of my Streetrod-from the lights to the brakes.” Karen Adair is another Streetrod fanatic. In fact, Karen, a resident of The Villages, purchased two models from Streetrod Productions; a 1932 Ford Anniversary Edition Streetrod with an infrared pearl upper body and a silver lower body; and a black 1934 Ford Phaeton forward facing four passenger in black with black and tan seats. “I own two because I have a large family,” she said. “When my three grandchildren visit with their families, not everyone got to ride because there wasn’t enough

room. With two, everybody gets to ride. It’s funny because one grandchild goes outside in the garage and sits on my Streetrod. He’s always ready to go.” Karen typically drives her Streetrod to various destinations in The Villages, including Lake Sumter Landing and Brownwood Paddock Square. “When I’m driving down the road and see other Streetrod owners they honk and wave to me. It’s fun to be part of them. I also appreciate how Streetrod Productions holds luncheons and other exciting events for Streetrod owners. I try to attend all their events because the people are very friendly.” Like Wayne, she is madly in love with her machines. “I love the way they handle and drive. Plus, they are extremely cute and sporty. It’s like having an old-style car without all of the expenses that come with mainte-

nance and upkeep. You don’t worry about them breaking down.”

Riding in Style Where better to own a golf cart than The Villages? After all the sprawling retirement community boasts miles of golf cart paths so people can easily access the grocery store, bank, movie theater, bowling alley, and yes, golf courses. Simply put, the community allows for the ultimate golf-cart lifestyle. Not everyone is content with a standard, run-of-the-mill golf cart, however. Some take golf cart ownership to another dimension by purchasing customized golf carts that are certain to turn heads of passersby just as an antique or exotic vehicle would. That’s where Streetrod Productions, Inc. comes in. The company, which was founded 20 years ago

THE VILLAGE STREETROD STORE HOSTS SEVERAL STREETROD CLUB EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

in Iowa, opened a retail store and showroom in The Villages in 2005. Streetrod Productions has revolutionized the industry by transforming golf carts from ordinary to extraordinary. Simply put, they are engineered to the highest automotive standards. “Customers really use their imagination when thinking of ways to customize their Streetrods,” said Paul Ressler, the store sales manager. “In fact, we’ve never built two Streetrods that are identical during the past 10 years. People take their Streetrods every bit as seriously as they would their collector car. Life in the Villages isn’t ordinary and your golf cart shouldn’t be either.” Streetrod makes five different models including a 1929 Ford Model A, a 1934 Ford, a 1935 Chevrolet, a 1937 Ford and their newest model, a 1932 Ford. The kustom karts are available in

1932 FORD 20TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION STREETROD

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

convertibles and hard-tops and offer coupes, trucks, and Phaeton body styles, to name a few. They are available from 2 to 10 passenger configurations and also offer specialty models. “The Streetrod finishes rival and exceed those of a $50,000 or $100,000 automobile. We use PPG automotive finishes, and our bodies are hand blocked and sanded as are each layer of the multi-stage paint process, which includes three coats of primer, three coats of color and three coats of clear coat,” Paul said. Customers also have the option of choosing any paint color from any model year or make of vehicle. In addition, they can opt for custom paint schemes such as flames or special paint graphics. Customers can also order seats and convertible tops to match or complement the exterior finishes of their Streetrod.

“We can create a one-of-a-kind Streetrod that perfectly reflects a customer’s personality or lifestyle,” said Mike Payne, a salesperson at Streetrod Productions. “Some of the Streetrods we’ve built resemble fire trucks, police cars, and limousines.” Companies often try to imitate or emulate Streetrod kustom karts, but the differences are big and significant. “What sets Streetrod Kustom Karts apart from other golf carts is in the build processes, materials, finishes and that the karts are built to 5/8 scale of the original cars” said Paul. “All of our metal surfaces, except the wheels, are made of polished stainless steel so they can’t rust or corrode like chrome or other metals. Our chassis start out as a lightweight but extremely strong, all aluminum Club Car Carryall Workforce Chassis. They are

then stretched by eight inches for better ride, handling and stability. All of our karts feature automotive halogen headlights with high/low beam and built in self-cancelling turn signals features as well as DOT taillights.” He continued: “Our karts also feature marine grade upholstery which prevents fading and moisture damage and all of our interiors are custom ordered by the customer as are the paint colors and designs. “Our interiors feature an automotive style polished stainless steel steering column and Bluetooth radio with LED Lighted radio visor.” The store, which is open Monday through Saturday, offers new and pre-owned golf carts as well as service, parts and rentals. They also take trade-ins of any make or model and offer financing.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

Celebration time Streetrod Productions is celebrating its 20th year of business in November. It’s a wonderful opportunity for visitors to learn more about Streetrods and to take advantage of all of the Anniversary Specials. Be sure to visit this innovative, one-of-a-kind company so you can cruise through The Villages in style. ________________________________

FOR MORE INFORMATION

STREEROD PRODUCTIONS Palm Ridge Plaza 11962 County Road 101, Suite 101, The Villages 352.751.3953 VillageStreetRod.com Facebook.com/Streetrod Productions of Florida

“We can create a one-of-a-kind Streetrod that perfectly reflects a customer’s personality or lifestyle.” SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

WITH THE LSSC ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PROUDLY PRESENTS THE 2015 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI & LSSC HALL OF FAME

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS LSSC Investor, Daryl Carter & Family; Corporate Partner, Duke Energy, Jerry Miller; LSSC Faculty/Staff Award, Joan Knost; President’s Award, Chief Robert Hicks; Professional Achievement, Vicki Wynns; Service to LSSC, Greg David; LSSC Faculty/Staff Award, Dr. Charles Mojock; Against the Odds, Commissioner Linda Durham Bob; Volunteer for Service, Dr. Isaac Deas; Service to Home Community, Chuck Johnson; Service to Education, Dr. Susan Moxley; Young Alumni, Sean Jenness, and LSSC Trustee, Linda Winchester.

ting Sponsor

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

Sponsor sionalPresenting Sponsors P rofessional Sponsors ANITA GERACI-CARVER, ATTORNEY AT LAW

t Sponsors

BELTON FINANCIAL GROUP OF RAYMOND JAMES CITY OF LEESBUR ANITA GERACI-CARVER,DEAS ATTORNEY AT LAW WILL °A & DEBRA DAVIS CONSULTING STATE FARM, KIM VARN

Student Sponsors

Sponsors Media Sponsors

°B BELTON FINANCIAL GROUP OF RAYMOND JAMES °C CITY OF LEESBURG °W WILL & DEBRA DAVIS °D DEAS CONSULTING °SSTATE FARM, KIM VARNADORE

PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT 352.365.3539 OR EMAIL CLAUDIA MORRIS AT MORRISC@LSSC.EDU TO BE ADDED TO OUR MAILING LIST TO RECEIVE INFORMATION ABOUT THE LSSC ALUMNI ASSOCIATION.

On the

scene THE TO-DO LIST LOCAL TALENT SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT OUT + ABOUT

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On the scene // the to-do list

NOVEMBE E To have an event considered for the calendar, send a short text description along with a color photo (if available) 45 days in advance of event to:

calendar@akersmediagroup.com or Lake & Sumter Style Calendar, P.O. Box 490088, Leesburg, FL 34749

EVENTS NOVEMBER 4

FIRE DEPARTMENT SOCCER TOURNAMENT What do hard working heroes do on their days off? Run around getting sweaty, of course! The brave men and women who work at area fire departments will be participating in a friendly competition from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It’s a Seven vs. Seven Soccer Tournament—that’s 14 sweaty firefighters on a field. Winners take home the prize and the second biggest bragging rights, next to chili champs. Come play, come support. And, did I mention the sweaty firefighters? National Training Center, 1935 Don Wickham Dr., Clermont. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL KATE POWELL AT 352.241.7144 OR EMAIL KATHLEEN.POWELL@ ORLANDOHEALTH.COM.

This celebration exhibits the best South Lake has to offer. Because they know one taste won’t be enough, 26 local restaurants will let you sample their goods and services. From sushi rollers to coffee roasters, from favorite chains to local caterers, you can try it all. Walt Disney World will be represented with their World Showcase of Flavors. Other local businesses will be exhibiting their specialized work. Not only can you be wined and dined, but also a performance by a Grammy-nominated artist ensures you’ll be entertained. Get your tickets ahead for $25 or $30 at the event. 5:00-8:30 p.m. Waterfront Park, 100 3rd St., Clermont. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 352.394.4191. OR VISIT TASTEOFSOUTHLAKE.COM.

NOVEMBER 7

NOVEMBER 5

TASTE OF SOUTH LAKE The South Lake Chamber of Commerce invites you to one of their fastest-growing festivals.

INTERNATIONAL HARVESTER PANCAKE BREAKFAST Bring on the maple syrup; nothing says harvest time like a stack of light and fluffy buttermilk pancakes! It’s tradition. The International Harvester Pancake

Breakfast held at Paquette’s Historical Farmall Museum will honor Cornerstone Hospice this year with a portion of the proceeds. Get your fill while watching the Antique IH movies, and then take a stroll through the tractor exhibits. This event is community to its core. Support a great cause with your $15 entry fee, share a meal with family and friends, and learn a bit about our history. 8-11 a.m., Paquette’s Farmall Tractor Museum, 615 S Whitney Road, Leesburg. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 352.728.3588, EMAIL STEWSSTUFF@GMAIL.COM, OR VISIT STEWSIHSTUFF.COM.

NOVEMBER 8

NOVEMBER 11

NOVEMBER 14

FALL INTO A BANANA SPLIT: AN ICE CREAM SOCIAL Ready for a cool down? Celebrate the coming of fall with a cup or a cone. Tavares is hosting a community ice cream social at the Tavares Civic Center. All you have to do is show up and enjoy. Don’t be afraid to pile on the goodness from the toppings bar! 3-4 p.m., 100 E. Caroline St., Tavares. CALL ROSA ROSARIO

SINGLE MINGLE Join Lake & Sumter Style at the Leesburg Opera House in celebrating the nominations for Style’s Most Eligible Singles! You will have an opportunity to meet and learn about each nominee. There will be food, beer and of course a lot of fun! There’s a $5 cover charge for all attending, nominees will not be charged, and a portion of the proceeds will be going towards Jaxon Strong. RSVP BY

LEESBURG FOOD TRUCK-N-FLICK NIGHT This time around, the flick is Into The Woods, an offbeat musical where not everything is as happily-ever-after as thought. It brings true-to-life expectations to our favorite fairytales. One of the film’s biggest stars is Meryl Streep. It’s a film for the whole family. To find which trucks will be driving in, visit the Leesburg Partnership website: foodtrucknflick.leesburgpartnership.com. 5-10 p.m., Towne Square. 501 West Main St., Leesburg. FOR

AT 352.742.6204 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

CONTACTING DEB MATLOCK AT DEB@AKERSCREATIVE.COM OR 352.787.4112. NOVEMBER 8

4TH ANNUAL MOUNT DORA PATRIOT CRUISE & SALUTE This event organizes recreational boating events to benefit NOVEMBER 7 LEESBURG CHILI COOK-OFF wounded, injured, and ailing veterans of the United States Contestants, ready your ladles! It’s “on your mark, get set, cook” Armed Forces. Get involved with this cause and bring the joy of for the annual Chili Cook-off the water adventures to those coming to the Leesburg Towne Square. The title is up for grabs who have served. FOR MORE again, so this is a call for INFORMATION, VISIT MOUNTDOall the spice masters to pick RAPCS.ORG your peppers and take your places. Leesburg is hungry! Food and fun is sure to keep you warm. Come for live music NOVEMBER 11 all-you-can-eat grub, and only HISTORY HIKE: WALK IN $5 per person. 5-10 p.m., Towne THE FOOTSTEPS OF Square, 510 W. Main Street, FLORIDA’S PIONEERS Leesburg. FOR MORE INFORMA- Embark on this two-mile hike and journey to an era where TION, CALL 352.365.0053. the land was unsettled and much was uncertain. Walk the unpaved path traversed by Native Americans long ago. 9-11 a.m. Ferndale Preserve, 19220 County Road 455, Ferndale. TO MAKE YOUR RESERVATION, CALL 352.253.4950. OR EMAIL PARKSANDTRAILS@LAKECOUNTYFL.GOV.

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MORE INFORMATION, CALL 352.365.0053.

NOVEMBER 12

TASTE OF TAVARES Time to dig in! Tavares is serving up some of its finest fare. Come to Taste of Tavares and vote for your favorite local eatery. Entry is $25. 6 - 9 p.m. Tavares Pavilion on the Lake, 200 S. Disston, Tavares. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL COLLEEN MCGINLEY AT 352.343.2531. OR EMAIL DIRECTOR@TAVARESCHAMBER.COM.

NOVEMBER 13

3RD ANNUAL MOUNT DORA SCOTTISH HIGHLAND FESTIVAL A skirt was never so manly! Don’t miss the Highland games at the third annual Mount Dora Scottish Festival. It’s sure to be a sight. Come and enjoy the wonderful music, Celtic bands, and a singer/songwriter will liven up the town. Nov. 13-14. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 352.735.7183.

NOVEMBER 14

THE NOT-SO-WESTMINSTER DOG SHOW The Leesburg Saturday Morning Market presents this unique dog show, the organization promises “It’s like no other dog show you have experienced.” Enroll your furry friend in the competition, or just come for a tail-wagging good time. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Medals awarded at 11 a.m., Towne Square, 501 West Main St., Leesburg. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 352.365.0053.

E ER NOVEMBER 22

RENNINGER’S ANTIQUE EXTRAVAGANZA This is the event you’ve been waiting for. Three days of mulling over booths with the possibility of finding that one gem, or ten! Its Florida’s largest antique show, with more than 800 booths featuring dealers from all over the country. Entry is $10 Friday, $6 Saturday, and $4 Sunday. Or purchase a three-day pass for $15. 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Renninger’s Antique Center, 20651 US Hwy. 441, Mount Dora. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 352.383.8393. OR VISIT RENNINGERS.NET

7 p.m. and tickets are only $25 to $35. Whether you’ve been longing for the old sound, or you were too young to hear it firsthand, this performance will send you back in time on a musical journey. Mount Dora Community Building Theatre, 520 N. Baker Street, Mount Dora. FOR MORE

with love” feeling. Support your neighbors and give something truly special. In between your browsing, you can also help yourself to a continental breakfast and/or lunch. There’s no entry fee, so come feel at home. The sale runs 8 a.m.-3 p.m. The Plantation at Leesburg, Leesburg.

INFORMATION, CONTACT BRIAN YOUNG AT 352-217-5072/EMAIL VISITMOUNTDORA@GMAIL.COM OR VISIT MOUNTDORALIVE.COM.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 352.326.3626.

NOVEMBER 6

FAMILY FOOD TRUCK NIGHT/ MUSIC ON MONTROSE It’s First Friday time again! Our friends at the Clermont Downtown Partnership offer new delicious food trucks delights and a night of fun music at City Hall Park. It’s sure to be a swingin’ time with Jay Guess and Class Act Jazz Combo Quartet. 5:30-9 p.m. Historic Downtown Clermont, 691 W. Montrose St., Clermont. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 352.247.4640.

NOVEMBER 22

LEESBURG MAIN STREET CHRISTMAS STROLL WEATHER ALERT: Snow is falling in Leesburg this year! Leesburg is making your Florida Christmas white. Come and experience an enchanted evening as you stroll through a wintery wonderland downtown. Shop, enjoy the Christmas displays, and the carolers. Top the night off with the lighting of the 24’ Magical Dancing Lights Musical Christmas Tree, 6 - 9p.m., Main Street, Leesburg.

NOVEMBER 27

HOLIDAY CONCERT SERIES Joyful sounds will fill downtown Leesburg as the holiday concert series brightens up the holiday spirit. Don’t miss this inaugural event: the music will make your heart light. The series continues through Dec. 19, with new music each night. FOR SCHEDULED TIMES AND A LIST OF PERFORMERS, PLEASE SEE CHRISTMASCONCERTS.LEESBURGPARTNERSHIP.COM.

ARTS+EXHIBITS MUSIC+THEATRE NOVEMBER 4

GOOD VIBRATIONS: A CELEBRATION OF THE BEACH BOYS “Round, round, get around, [you] get around…” to snagging your tickets for the ultimate Beach Boys tribute, yet? Good Vibrations are coming your way as the group takes the stage at

NOVEMBER 7

ANNUAL CRAFT FAIR AT THE PLANTATION AT LEESBURG Looking for that unique holiday gift? Check out this community craft fair, all 60 booths are filled with one-of-a-kind treasures made by residents of The Plantation’s gated community. Only one thing is better than a “made in America” tag, it is that “made

NOVEMBER 7

21ST ANNUAL MOUNT DORA PLANT & GARDEN FAIR Aren’t people always telling you to stop and smell the roses? What about the gardenias? Lilies? Rosemary? Put your sniffer to work at the Plant & Garden Fair November 7-8 as it takes over downtown Mount Dora. Admission is free. Central Florida’s top growers bring more than 12,000 plants, herbs, and garden antiques to this annual event. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL CHRISTINE COLE AT 352.729.2170.

NOVEMBER 7

DOWNTOWN CLERMONT ART FESTIVAL Art is in the air! It’s time you caught the bug. This area is a breeding ground for art; let’s celebrate its catching fire. The 9th annual Downtown Clermont Art Festival hosts local artwork as well as local music. Stroll the booths of our many talented artists; enjoy music, food, and drink. The event offers two full days of community and culture. Beginning the 7th at 10 a.m., and ending the 8th at 6 pm. Downtown Clermont, 685 West Montrose Street, Clermont. FOR

NOVEMBER 28

EUSTIS CLASSIC CAR CRUISE Classic cars in a classic town. This monthly event never gets old. New cars and old friends make this worth returning. Walk the beautiful downtown area. The fun begins at 5 p.m. But feel free to stay until they shut the town down. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 352.360.3712.

MORE INFORMATION, CALL RON SMART AT 352.247.4640. OR VISIT CLERMONTDOWNTOWNPARTNERSHIP.COM/ARTFEST. NOVEMBER 22

Clermont Comic Con

It may not be San Diego, but Clermont is bringing the big names. Come and meet Eisner Award Nominee Alex Saviuk, artist of Marvel Comics Web of Spiderman; Karl Moline, artist of DC Comics Superboy, and Lee Grimes, who does special effects on “The Walking Dead.” Who knows what else is in store?! Entry is only $10. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Clermont Performing Arts Center, 3700 S. Highway 27, Clermont. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL SCOTT SCHLAZER AT 321.229.7705, EMAIL INFO@CLERMONTCOMICCON.COM OR VISIT CLERMONTCOMICCON.COM

NOVEMBER 20

Craft Beer, Wine & Food Festival

The ultimate celebration of taste. This festival takes over Venetian Gardens with craft beer, select wine, and food. Complete with live music, all your senses will be pleased. Entry is $25. 6 - 10 p.m., Venetian Gardens, Leesburg CALL 352.365.0053.

LOCAL TALENT

JEFF LETOURNEAU SONGS ABOUT REAL LIFE STORY: BROOKE ROBLES PHOTO: FRED LOPEZ

It wasn’t until five years ago that local singer and songwriter, Jeff Letourneau, picked up a guitar for the first time. “One night, I woke out of a deep sleep with some things weighing heavy on my mind, so walked over to a guitar that was left to me by an old friend and wrote my first song.” Before that night, Jeff didn’t know any chords on the guitar, yet he picked it up, began to strum, and wrote his first song called, “Chosen Ones.” “After that, I really took an interest in playing and writing music, and I began to teach myself by watching other local musicians in town.” Jeff has written several more songs, all of which are very story driven. “I like to write songs based on hundreds of my experiences and the experiences of people around me.” “Twelve Steps,” a song featured on his debut EP, is about a time Jeff took a friend struggling with addiction to an AA meeting. “This song touches so many people. Every time I play it at a show, people come up and record it to send to their friends and family.” It has quickly become his most requested original song. Other songs like “Cadillacs Make Me Cry,” a song about heartbreak with some comedic relief, will also be on his debut EP. “This song is about a guy who breaks down every time he sees a Cadillac because he remembers the woman who broke his heart.” Music plays a big role in his Jeff’s life. His influences are mostly country singers. “The artists who most influenced me are Johnny Cash, Jimmy Buffet, Garth Brooks, Willie Nelson, Kenny Chesney, but my singing and writing style is more Merle Haggard, Don Williams, James Taylor.”

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Although Jeff hasn’t been playing music long, he always loved country music. “Mom and dad used to listen to the Grand Ole Opry on the radio.” That was where Jeff’s love of country music truly began. “I remember one night, my dad brought the local bar band home and they set up in the living room of our old wood house. All us kids thought it was so cool sitting in our underwear, after midnight, listening to live country music show.” Jeff is currently working on his debut EP with award-winning producer, Andy Anderson. Schedules for release in 2016, it includes six of Jeff’s original songs.

INCONCERT DATE

TIME

ARTIST

VENUE

11/4

7 p.m.

Good Vibrations: A Celebration of The Beach Boys

11/4 11/4 11/4

7:30 p.m. Jeff Whitfield 7 p.m. The Villages Hometown Band 7 p.m. Cody Ray Slaughter Elvis Tribute

11/5 11/5 11/6 11/6 11/7 11/7 11/8 11/12 11/12 11/13 11/13 11/13 11/14 11/14 11/18

7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 8 p.m. 8 p.m. 8 p.m. 7 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 8 p.m. 8 p.m. 8 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7 p.m.

Mount Dora Community Building Theatre, Mount Dora Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Savannah Center, The Villages Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center, The Villages Savannah Center, The Villages Ruby Street Grille, Tavares 1884 Restaurant and Bar, Eustis Ruby uby Street Grille, Tavares Ruby uby Street Grille, Tavares 1884 884 Restaurant Restauurant and Bar, Eustis Ruby uby Street Grille, Tavares Ruby uby Street Grille, Tavares St.. Patrick Catholic Catholic Church, Mount Dora Family Christian mily Chris stian Center, Clermont 1884 884 Restaurant Restauurant and Bar, Eustis Ruby uby Street Grille, Tavares Ruby uby Street Grille, Tavares Orange range g Blossom Opry, p y Weirsdale Sharon haron L. Morse Performing Artsts Center, The Villages Ruby uby Street Grille, Tavares 1884 884 Restaurant and Bar, Eustis Leesburg esburg Craft Beer, Wine, and Food Festival, stival, Venetian Gardens, Leesburg Ruby uby Street Grille, Tavares Savannah avannah Center, The Villages Savannah avannah Center, The Villages 1884 884 Restaurant and Bar, Eustis 1884 884 Restaurant and Bar, Eustis 1884 884 Restaurant and Bar, Eustis 1884 884 Restaurant andd Bar,, Eustis 88

The Villages Hometown Band Dave Merrill Mike Hartmann Defenders of Daisies Justin Heet Tony Paul Neal Bobby Frank Jon Cabrera Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra Jeff Whitfield Bluestone Circle Da Boys The Sweeney Family Band Munich Symphony Orchestra

11/19 7:30 p.m. Kelly Jarrard 11/20 8 p.m. Jessie Abbey 11/20 6 p.m. Justin Heet 11/20 11/20 11/21 11/21 11/27 11/28 12/4

8 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 8 p.m. 8 p.m. 8 p.m. 8 p.m.

The Accuzed The Villages Philharmonic Orchestra The Villages Philharmonic Orchestra David Oliver Willis Mark Z Dave Merrill Mike Hartmann The Sweeney Family Band

Bands subject to change… Email inconcert@akersmediagroup.com to submit ann event for In Concert. Submissions must be received by the ninth of the month prior to month of the event (example: November ovember 9 for December issue).

Kelly Jarrard

David Oliver Willis

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

THE

CITY LIGHTS OF CHRISTMAS

STORY: MICEHLLE CLARK

LEESBURG

CLERMONT

Begins the holiday season with Light up Leesburg, a long-standing tradition. Each year Venetian Gardens turns into a wonderland of lights. Displays are grand and spread across the large park. Lighted monkeys and snowflakes hang from trees while the S.S. Santa Claus brings Christmas to Florida. There’s always something new, and in recent years, we’ve welcomed the musical Christmas tree that coordinates light shows with some of our favorite tunes. Light up Leesburg will be November 27, and you can stroll or drive through displays with 500,000 mini lights. Don’t forget the 48th annual Leesburg Christmas Parade; it takes over Main Street on December 5, 3–10 p.m. Floats, lights, and beloved local performers are just the beginning. Expect finger-licking food as well as carnival style rides and games. It’s a great way to spend time with family and friends this holiday.

Greet the season with the city of Clermont as they host three jam-packed days of festivities from December 3–5. It kicks off Thursday, 7-8 p.m. with East Ridge High School Band Symphony at Waterfront Park Pavilion. Here’s the itinerary for the rest of the weekend: Friday, December 4 • Family Food Trucks, Downtown at Montrose and 7th Street • Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6:30 p.m. Presented by Downtown at Montrose and 7th Street • Holiday Music on Stage 7:30–9 p.m. Downtown at Montrose and 7th Street • Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Provided by South Lake Kiwanis, Clermont City Center, 620 W. Montrose Street

TAVARES

PHOTOS: Teri Virbickis/Shutterstock.com

Get ready for the holiday season with this quick guide of lighting events and parades across our shining cities.

Come to Christmas Parade and Celebration in Wooten Park December 5. It’s an all-day community event; 3–9:30 p.m. Join your neighbors for lakeside holiday fun. December also marks the start of The Cannonball Christmas Express. Join the Cannonball crew for a ride from Tavares to the North Pole. Enjoy cookies and hot chocolate, make friends with elves, and get a surprise from Santa. This is a holiday hit, so buy your tickets before they sell out! Board the train at 300-398 E. Main Street in Tavares.

Saturday, December 5 • Crafts and Food 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Montrose and 8th Street • Music and Entertainment on Stage 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m. • Hometown Holiday Parade 1 p.m. Downtown Clermont • Concert by Montverde Academy 7 p.m.

MOUNT DORA The enchanting city of Mount Dora gets into the swing of things early, their lighting ceremonies are November 28. A perfect post-Thanksgiving treat to get you in the jolly mood. The 34th Light up Mount Dora starts at 6:30 p.m. in Donnelly Park. They will also be

lighting the Main Street Christmas tree across from Sunset Park. Don’t miss these other iconic Mount Dora events: Saturday, December 5 • 56th annual Mount Dora Christmas Parade. 11 a.m. Downtown Mount Dora. • Lighted Boat Parade. 7–9p.m. at the Lakefront Mount Dora

LADY LAKE Light Up Lady Lake transforms the park and the old red caboose with hundreds of lights; you may spot Santa’s reindeer or an old friend. This tradition makes its return on December 11, just in time to make new memories. The lighting ceremony starts at 6 p.m., and the display stays up all year long. Add this to your light-seeing lineup.

WEBSTER The city of Webster is bringing back Winterfest for the second year. It will be in the City Hall courtyard on December 4, 12:30-3:30 p.m. Last year was a great success with tree lighting, prize drawings, yummy food, caroling, train rides, and photos with Santa!

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

SWIMMING WITH

MANATEES

(OR NOT)

Manatees will crowd into Florida’s warmer spring waters later this month, to ride out the winter weather. Seeing these gentle giants is a unique experience, and the only place in the world where you can legally swim with the endangered species is in the nearby Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. STORY: MARY ANN DESANTIS PHOTOS: OPENING PHOTO “MORNING RENDEZVOUS” BY JEFF STAMER/ FIREFALLPHOTOGRAPHY.COM + TONY + MARY ANN DESANTIS + PROVIDED BY PLANTATION ON CRYSTAL RIVER

arly mornings on the water of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge are peaceful. Pontoon boats glide quietly along as the sun barely peaks through the cypress trees. Just enjoying the scenery is enough to start the day right, but anticipating a manatee encounter creates a restrained excitement for 15 swimmers who’ve donned wetsuits in the August heat. Captain Ross Files of the Plantation on Crystal River Adventure Center/Dive Shop predicts his passengers might just see one or two manatees on this cruise. “In the summer, the average manatee tour will see one manatee,” says Files, our guide and boat captain who is a passionate advocate for protecting manatees. “In the winter, we can see as many as 250 in Kings Bay and another 150 in the adjoining Three Sisters Springs in just a couple of hours.” As Files steers his boat into a canal near the Plantation on Crystal River, we spot her…a large pregnant manatee near the edge of the sea wall. We’ve been well-coached for this moment. After all, we’re about to enter her habitat. “When you get into the water, you are entering the manatees’ home,” Files reminds us, “so practice good manatee etiquette.” First and foremost, passive observation is the best way to interact with manatees. We are to float above them and keep our hands to ourselves. The captain tells us that if a manatee wants to be petted or touched, it will let us know—most likely with a gentle bump. When Jeff Stamer was trying to photograph a sunrise at Three Sisters Springs, a manatee actually popped into the frame and gave the Longwood photographer a gentle nudge, apparently wanting a belly rub or possibly just to have its photo taken. The first manatee on my swim was not so outgoing. She was probably only a few days away from delivering her baby, so we moved out of the canal and into Kings Bay in the national wildlife refuge, the only place

in Florida where swimming with manatees is sanctioned and monitored. Our group was luckier than most tourists on summer excursions. During our two-hour cruise, we saw three manatees. One apparently was lonely, because she spent a great deal of time frolicking with swimmers who had come from as far away as Germany and the Netherlands, just to see manatees.

The Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge is indeed known worldwide for having the largest manatee population (more than 1,000 wintered there last year). It was founded in 1983, specifically to protect the endangered Florida Manatee, a subspecies of the West Indian Manatee. This unique wildlife refuge—with more than 25,000 surface acres of pristine lakes, rivers, springs, and state parks—is the last unspoiled and undeveloped spring habitat in Kings Bay, which forms the headwaters of the Crystal River. “The manatees love it here because of the 80-to-90 springs, which stay a constant temperature,” explains Brandie Wooten, operations manager for River Ventures, a family ownedand-operated manatee swim tour company in Crystal River. “The aquifer-fed springs provide a critical habitat for the manatee populations. The bay is shallow, which they also love because they can feel the sunshine.” Manatees are migratory and often return to the same places every winter with their offspring. They can live to be 50-to-60 years old so it’s not unusual to see several generations from the same manatee family. Wooten, who is active with the Mana-

PRACTICING MANATEE ETIQUETTE The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service offer the following tips for proper interaction with manatees: • Look, but don’t touch manatees. Also, don’t feed manatees. If manatees become accustomed to being around people, they can alter their behavior in the wild, thus becoming more susceptible to harm. • Do not pursue or chase a manatee while swimming, snorkeling, diving, or operating a boat. • Never poke, prod, or stab a manatee with your hands, feet, or any object.

tee Eco Tourism Association, describes “Vee,” a manatee who returns annually with at least four of her offspring and grandchildren. “Manatees tend to be very good mothers,” she adds. Indeed that was the case in nearby Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park, where a severely injured manatee was “adopted” by the park’s resident manatees. “Our girls are very maternal,” says Homosassa Springs park ranger Ed Spector. “They helped the injured manatee surface for air and helped her feed because she couldn’t do it herself.” If donning a wetsuit (required for buoyancy) and snorkel is not your cup of tea, you can still get an up-close and personal look at manatees in Homosassa Springs any time of year without getting wet. Four manatees live there permanently because they are unable to return to the wild. At feeding time, they make themselves available for photos near the boardwalk and at the floating underwater observatory. And just like Kings Bay, Three Sisters Springs, and other springs, Homosassa Springs is home to wintering manatees by the hundreds, from November to March. The park also offers daily lectures about manatees to increase appreciation and awareness about this still-endangered species protected by the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act.

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• If a manatee avoids you, you should avoid it. • Give manatees space to move. Don’t isolate or single out an individual manatee from its group, and don’t separate a cow and her calf. • Keep hands and objects to yourself. Do not attempt to snag, hook, hold, grab, pinch, or ride a manatee. • Avoid excessive noise and splashing if a manatee appears in your swimming area. • Use snorkel gear when attempting to watch manatees. The sound of bubbles from SCUBA gear may cause manatees to leave the area. • Float at the surface of the water to passively observe the manatees. • Do not enter areas designated as “NO ENTRYMANATEE REFUGE”

Visit Lake & Sumter Style online to learn where else in Florida you can view manatees up close and personal!

TRIP TIP Currently, about a dozen companies in the Crystal River and Homosassa Springs area offer licensed swim-with-the-manatee tours. The Plantation on Crystal River, my recent base of operations, offers manatee swim “packages” with overnight accommodations so guests can conveniently enjoy the early morning excursions (the best time to view manatees) leaving from the on-site dive shop. [www. plantationoncrystalriver.com]

TAMMIE CALLAHAN UNDERSTANDS THE BEAUTY OF AESTHETICS

DESIGNED AND DEVELOPED BY DINO MADONNA, MD

Scan the code for a video tour of Face 2 Face

On the scene // Hi, society!

TERRI AND CARSYN GRIFFIS

CHEYENNE, TAYLOR, AND TAMMY POHL

KRISTIN AND GRACE YOUNG

HANNA MORAN AND JORDAN THORP

PHOTOS: RON VANDEVANDER

JUAN CANTU

MISS FLORIDA MARYKATHERINE FECHTEL

HERE SHE COMES… Nearly 200 people flocked to ViaPort Florida mall for a sendoff party for Mary Katherine Fechtel, who won the title of Miss Florida last summer. Among them were former Miss Florida winners, Kristin Beall Ludecke Young, Allison Kreiger Walsh, and Kylie Williams. Fechtel was going to the Miss America pageant held September 13.

BARBARA AND CHARLES MARTIN

ALEXIS BLASKY

JOANNE AND JERRY COX ROBERT HICKS, JOANIE SMALLEY, AND JOE SHIPES

SIERRA CICERI AND LYNNE KELLEY

On the scene // Hi, society!

IN GRAND STYLE There’s nothing like game-winning touchdowns and hard-hitting tackles. The anticipation of football was in the air at Grand Gator’s second annual Kick-Off Party, which included a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the company’s move to downtown Leesburg. Attendees enjoyed a tailgating party complete with hotdogs, music, and margaritas. RICHARD LOSSMANN, DEBBIE DENNY, AND ANN GIBBS

RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY BETTY RICHARDSON AND DIANE SPURLOCK

JAYME & MICHAEL JOHNSON PHOTOS: JOSHUA DOSS

PENNY BENNET WITH ELLA

JEN AND PEGGY HERLONG

GERALD AND ELAINE SCOTT

JOYCE HUEY, PATTI WOLF, AND BEV OHNSTAD

On the scene // Hi, society!

NIKKI HARRISON, CHRISTINA PIZZIMENTI, AND BECCA COHEN

FOR THE CHILDREN Harbor Hills hosted their second annual 5k benefiting the Boys and Girls Club of Lake and Sumter Counties on August 29. Members of the community, from youth to senior, arrived early in the morning to support this great cause. Runners and walkers wound their way through the beautiful Harbor Hills community and golf courses, ending their philanthropic journey at the renowned Harbor Hills country Club. A generous $10,000 was raised. SAMANTHA ANGER, JOSHUA OLCOTT, AND AL CARDIELLO WITH SON JAXSON

BENJAMIN WEISLEDER

MARYPAT GODIGKEIT, ANNE CRANE, AND CHRISTINE MEGINLEY

PERRY AND PAUL RESSLER DANIEL WEISLEDER AND DR. DEBORAH MICHAEL

CHRISTINE PRATER, CHELSEA CALABRESE, KELLEY YODER, AND GABRIELLA CALABRESE

MEGAN JOHNSON, DERRICK MYERS, AND SETH BLAKE

PHOTOS: RON VANDEVANDER

MARLEY WILSON

On the scene // Hi, society!

MICHAEL AND TRACY WOOLDRIDGE, MARCIE SAMUELSON, AND MAYOR ELISE DENNISON

A SILVER ANNIVERSARY Lake Port Square and the Leesburg Area Chamber of Commerce recently held a 25th anniversary gathering with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony. Staff and residents enjoyed mingling with guests and neighbors during the event, which featured Congressman Daniel Webster as a guest speaker, as well as live music, cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres. CONGRESSMAN DANIEL WEBSTER

LAEL AND KEN LAWN

KAREN LORIA AND TERESA CADER

JERRY AND MARGE DERUSHA

PHOTOS: RON VANDEVANDER

LES RABB

DORIS AND RICHARD LANE

JERRY GRISHAM AND SUE KELLY

JOYCE AND BOB STRUNC

SED CLOKSGIVING

N THA DAY

Cough? visit us today EXCEPTIONAL

Urgent Care Center Your health. Your time. Our priority. Why settle for less…experience the Best!

Monday-Friday 9am-5pm Saturday 9am-3:30pm Sunday Closed Monday-Friday 9am-5pm FLU Saturday vaccines9am-3:30pm available Sunday Closed while supplies last!

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

unitedsouthernbank.com November 20 15

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“Men no longer need to suffer from frequent urination because they are getting older,” says Dr. James Young, a down-toearth urologist with 33 years of experience in treating men with prostate problems in Lake County. Although the cause of these symptoms is most likely an enlarging prostate (BPH), a normal part of the aging process in men, treatment options are more numerous and less invasive than those offered to our fathers and grandfathers. Years ago there were two options for treating an enlarged prostate: surgical excision via an open operation (knife) or much more commonly by performing a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), commonly referred to as a “roto-rooter” by patients and physicians. Both required hospitalization as well as major anesthesia and could be fraught with complications such as bleeding, infection, loss of bladder control and even death. “In my career I have performed over 3,000 TURPs; however, I no longer perform any,” says Dr. Young. “There are presently too many excellent alternatives to consider a hospital operation for the vast majority of patients with BPH.” “When I see a new patient I perform a physical examination and properly evaluate the patient’s symptoms, thus diagnosing the underlying problem(s),” he says. “Next, I describe to the patient what’s normal and then explain what is abnormal with him. Lastly, I teach him his treatment options. If I’ve done a good job of teaching, he will select the correct option for himself.” While prescribing medications for BPH can be done by primary care physicians, only urologists are trained to thoroughly

evaluate the bladder and prostate (including ruling out prostate cancer), as well as providing extremely effective minimally invasive, office-based therapies as alternatives to lifelong medical therapy. One such option is Prostiva-RF Therapy, a procedure performed by Dr. Young in his office under local anesthesia that usually takes less than 30 minutes. Prostiva utilizes low level radio frequency energy to ablate (destroy) the obstructing component of the enlarged prostate. “I am very happy with the results I have achieved for my patients using Prostiva-RF Therapy,” says Dr. Young, who has successfully treated more than 2,400 patients with this procedure. “Medtronic is a $13 billion-a-year, publicly traded corporation that perfected the technology for Prostiva and produces the necessary hardware. Recently, Medtronic produced an educational DVD for international distribution to inform patients and physicians worldwide regarding the benefits of Prostiva therapy. Seven of the eight patients featured on the DVD are my patients. I am very proud Medtronic selected my practice to feature the benefits of Prostiva-RF Therapy. However it is sort of a bad news/good news thing. The bad news is neither my patients nor myself received a penny for our participation. The good news is Medtronic gave us all the DVD’s we want, so if anyone wants one all he needs to do is drop by my office at 801 Northshore Drive in Eustis, and we will give him one!” And with an office staff with nearly as much experience as the doctor, (many have worked with Dr. Young more than 20 years)

you don’t spend a great deal of time waiting to see him. “We pride ourselves in being timely in seeing our patients. We respect our patient’s time as much as we do our own,” adds Dr. Young. “Patients appreciate this; many of our patients tell me I have the best office staff on the planet. I consider that a huge compliment.” So if you are getting up at night and can’t get back to sleep because you are thinking about what may be wrong with you, it’s time to check in with Dr. Young and have him check you out. “Many men accept frequent bladder urges as part of aging. And while it is part of the aging process, it’s not like death and taxes. There is something you can do about it,” he says.

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

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

352.751.4990 801 Northshore Drive, Eustis, FL 32726

352.357.6786

ProstateEvaluation.com

The Villages Facelift Specialist You Can Trust Surgical or Non-Surgical. Don’t settle for less.

Results are typical and do vary.

Dr. Rich Castellano is a Double Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon as seen on:

Results are typical and do vary.

YOU’RE INVITED! LIMITED QUANTITIES AVAILABLE

Free ImageLift seminars are being held at the following locations in November and December. Meet the doctor and enjoy free food, books, *drawings and door prizes. *RAFFLE DRAWINGS AWARD FREE FILLER TREATMENTS, A $1200 VALUE!

FREE IMAGELIFT BOOK for first 20 callers! (Retail $14.95)

November 10th November 17th December 10th December 15th

CALL NOW TO RSVP - LIMITED SEATING

PROMO CODE “STYLE” Filler Luncheon at The Villages ImageLift office Seminar at the Waterfront Inn, The Villages Seminar at the Waterfront Inn, The Villages Holiday Party at The Villages ImageLift Office

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

Dr. Castellano

THE VILLAGES // 8630 East County Road 466 877.346.2435 // www.IMAGELIFT.com

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER CREMATION? Oftentimes loved ones clearly relay their desire to be cremated; unfortunately many never consider what will happen to their cremated remains when they are returned to their loved ones. Quite often family members wrestle with what to do because this important discussion of what to do after the cremation has never taken place. Many times spouses choose to take the urn home with them. Sometimes spouses struggle with scattering cremated remains because their grief compels them to “hold on” and not to “let go”.

(There are also many laws and ordinances prohibiting scattering cremated remains on public grounds and waterways.) Another common issue many families encounter occurs years later when a loved one’s urn has been taken home. Quite often the spouse or family member entrusted with the care of the urn may pass away and then families struggle with what to do with two urns. Unfortunately our staff members at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Leesburg and Lakeside Memory Gardens in Eustis are confronted

with these types of issues quite regularly. Many are not aware that our cemeteries offer many affordable options that provide a safe and permanent place that will allow families to place a loved one’s cremated remains. A Personal Columbarium such as the one pictured can be designed to accommodate single or double urns and slightly larger versions can provide alternatives for larger families. Our Columbariums are available in a large variety of styles and granite color options, and one of the most important features is that they are transportable if the need should arise due to relocation. If you have not had a conversation concerning “After the Cremation” please explore this

III PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE III

topic with your loved one(s). The Columbarium discussed is one of dozens of options for cremation that we offer at our cemeteries. We offer financing options and have options for every budget. Call or stop by today and let us help you find a personal cremation option that fits your needs and desires. ________________________________

FOR MORE INFORMATION HILLCREST MEMORIAL GARDENS

352.854.0681 1901C. R. 25A Leesburg, Florida 34748 www.HillcrestMemGard.com

AND LAKESIDE MEMORY GARDENS

352.357.3404 36601 C. R. 19A Eustis, Florida 32726 www.LakesideMemory.com

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Lifestyle Solutions MedSpa:

LOOK BETTER, FEEL BETTER, BE HEALTHY As co-founders of Lifestyle Solutions MedSpa, Dr. Michael Holloway, medical director and wife, Shannon Holloway, who serves as the company’s executive director, have developed an outstanding reputation for transforming clients both physically and emotionally. The MedSpa has a 12-year reputation for delivering medically-directed weight management and medical spa services to clients throughout the region. Throughout the years, many of their clients drove from The Villages and surrounding areas to Ocala. Now, all these state-of-theart services will be offered closer to home. The couple recently opened a second location in The Villages, and it’s safe to say this magnificent 3,500 squarefoot facility will leave a lasting impression. The new facility is located in a serene area off U.S. Hwy. 441 in the beautiful Oaks at 138th medical complex. As clients approach the MedSpa their senses

“We provide a real-life approach to help our clients not only lose weight but learn how to have successful long-term outcomes.” III PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE III

will tune in to the unique exterior features, such as the natural and soothing sounds of a four-tiered waterfall just in front of the grand corner-tower entrance. Their minds will become even more at ease after seeing the facility’s striking décor, which resembles a world-class resort. After a brief stop at the elegant coffee station clients will feel a sense of home as they approach the beautifully adorned lobby which features an awe-striking bubble-wall behind the reception desk. The bubble-wall provides a peaceful and calming effect as mesmerizing air bubbles constantly flow and change colors: green, red, blue, purple, and gold. “De-stressing is very important because stress is a major issue in our society and a much overlooked part of health,” Dr. Holloway said. “Stress affects all aspects of one’s health including struggles with weight, blood pressure, diabetes, energy levels and mood. We provide a real-life approach to help our clients not only lose weight

but learn how to have successful long-term outcomes.” “We’ve really raised the bar not just with our weight loss programs but all of the medicalspa services we offer,” Shannon said. “We continually research and incorporate the latest, state of the art technology in the marketplace like our CoolSculpting® non-invasive body contouring technology that can help our clients rid themselves of that stubborn diet and exercise resistant fat which helps to

achieve that sleek and sculpted body one may desire.” “Residents of the greater Villages community have asked us repeatedly to open a second practice that was closer to them,” Dr. Holloway said. “We’re excited that we can better accommodate them. We offer something for everybody. You may not need to lose weight, but you might be in need of one of our many full medical-spa services we provide.”

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Let’s get pampered Lifestyle Solutions MedSpa is a medical practice that blends result oriented treatments with the upscale feel and atmosphere of a destination resort. The wealth of services offered include weightloss, CoolSculpting®, Botox®, Restylane®, customized facials including the incredible Hydrafacial®, peels, microdermabrasion, laser hair removal, IPL photofacials, fractional skin resurfacing, permanent make-up and massage just to name a few. “In addition to being a certified CoolSculpting® site we are one of only a few practices that offers ‘dual-sculpting’ which is very beneficial to our clients,” said Shannon. “For example, if they want to get rid of fat on both ‘love-handles’, then we can use two machines at once rather than have them come for two separate appointments. This cuts treatment times in half.” The MedSpa’s technology is all FDA cleared and proven. The Holloway’s pride themselves on offering only evidence and outcome based models of care. “We’ve done our due diligence by carefully researching each of these procedures,” they said. “That’s why we have an incredible success rate in everything we do here. If we do not feel a treatment or procedure will provide a client with the desired result, then we do not incorporate it into our practice model.”

It’s time to renew and refresh For two years, the Holloways have carefully thought out every detail in creating not only a practice with a unique design but also how to maximize efficient use of space. Their hard work has certainly paid dividends. The meticulous attention to

detail and stunning décor will certainly leave patients feeling breathless. Crape myrtles, palm trees, butterfly gardens, four-tiered waterfalls, and stone columns dot the landscape. Inside, as a client undergoes treatment in a spa room, they can maximize relaxation by gazing skyward at the glimmering fiber optic star dome ceiling that features shooting stars and soothing colored sunrises and sunsets. After treatment the client will experience the spa bathrooms that contain beautiful mosaic tile with a state of the art body shower, crystal vanity light and a beautiful lavatory faucet that illuminates to provide a visual of the water temperature (red is hot, green is

warm, and blue is cold). Each spa room and treatment room features a unique décor and color scheme, including eye-catching paintings that hang on the wall. The bronze and copper colored restrooms in the waiting area add even more elegance, style, and artistic beauty to the facility. In addition, the MedSpa offers a unique spa package for a “girls’ day out” or “couples escape” where they can undergo simultaneous treatments and in-between treatments enjoy a healthy catered lunch in a private, quiet oasis outside while listening to light music and admiring a butterfly

“We continually research and incorporate the latest, state-of-the-art technology…” — SHANNON HOLLOWAY

garden and tranquil fountain. A simple massage is another wonderful way to de-stress. Without question, you’ll be hard pressed to find a medical spa that can compare with the breadth, depth, and scope of services offered at Lifestyle Solutions MedSpa. The wonderful amenities, the unmatched sense of caring, and the high level of attentiveness will undoubtedly leave patients feeling rejuvenated and wanting to

III PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE III

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““Whatever Wh YYour Occasion, Let Miss Daisy’s Make It Special!”

eats QUICK BITES FORK ON THE ROAD IN THE KITCHEN ALESSIO AND ANASTASIA! SALUTE DINING GUIDE

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EATS // QUICK BITES Bits and Bites of Food in the News

JAM UP AND JELLY TIGHT!

PDQ in the Colony Professional Plaza, County Road 466A, east of Morse Blvd.

A Little Taste of Southern Charm Check out Southern Gourmet Café and Coffee Bar tucked in the back of Southern Gardens in downtown Leesburg. The restaurant features breakfast all day along with gourmet coffee, cappuccino, lattes, and mocha, iced and flavored coffees. Lunch includes an array of salads and sandwiches, from Southern Pecan Chicken Salad to All Beef Chili Cheese or Kraut Dogs. If you want to take a little Southern food home with you, visit the Southern Gourmet shop just next door. With nearly 500 specialty items, it’s a great place to shop for gourmet cooking aids like avocado oil, dipping oils, and even truffle oil. Cookbooks, aprons, and kitchen gadgets are available too, and they prepare gifts baskets to order.

FUN FACTS ABOUT THANKSGIVING THE FIRST THANKSGIVING MEAL might have included lobster, rabbit, chicken, fish, various squashes, beans, chestnuts, hickory nuts, onions, leeks, dried fruit, maple syrup and honey, radishes, cabbage, carrots, eggs, and goat cheese. Definitely a nice spread. SOURCE: WHSV.COM

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THE PLYMOUTH PILGRIMS invited the Wampanoag Indians to join them for the celebration that actually lasted three days. THERE WERE NO FORKS on the table. The pilgrims used spoons, knives, and their fingers.

GET YOUR RED HOTS! Lake Sumter Landing Market Square offers up nightly music, dancing, libation stations, and plenty of people watching. Most evenings you’ll find Steve Scher at a hot dog cart serving up steamed dogs and rolls that’s reminiscent of childhood visits to baseball stadiums, carnivals, and street fairs. Just follow your nose—you’ll have no trouble finding and indulging in this delectable delight.

PHOTOS: Shutterstock.com

Another restaurant from the founder of Outback Steakhouse, PDQ— People Dedicated to Quality—is going up in the Colony Plaza center in The Villages. Casual atmosphere and freshly prepared food are the hallmarks of the new place. In addition to handspun milkshakes and fresh salads, diners can get made-to-order sandwiches, fresh fries (cut and prepared daily).

If you are stopping by The Villages Spanish Springs Farmers Market, be sure to visit Patty Grantham of Patty’s Preserves. There’s a healthy variety of products using only honey or agave for sweeteners. The Summerfield resident’s orange jam tastes like fresh oranges and her ginger jelly is made with just ginger and apple cider.

HOTTER

CHOCOLATE

MIZ KATHI’S SOUTHERN SWEETERY Those with a Southern sweet-tooth are smiling. The beloved Cotillion Southern Café in Wildwood expanded to include a Sweetery next door. All your favorites are at Miz Kathi’s Southern Sweetery, and there are no more worries of running out. You can finally have that pineapplecoconut-lemon cake all to yourself! Oh, and that salted caramel. The scrumptious treats include pies, cookies, bars, tarts, and M-Mmmmm… macaroons! Light fare is also served: simple sandwiches, fresh salads, a soup of the day, and homemade quiche.

Whether you are a mini marshmallow guy or homemade whipped cream gal, you love this drink because it soothes, warming our bodies and filling us with fuzzy feelings. Naturally, hot cocoa is a feel-good drink; it’s a drinkable endorphin release. Filled with stimulants such as caffeine and tryptophan—which releases serotonin to the brain—drinkable cocoa was first used as a vitality elixir for the Olmec and Mayan people in Southern Mexico. So rich and revitalizing, the Aztecs saw the cocoa as a valuable commodity. Drinkable cocoa was passed to Spain via our friendly conquistadors, then to Europe before making its way back to America. However, it has changed quite a bit through all this travel. Prepackaged or instant options often stifle cocoa’s natural health benefits with all its additives. Mexican Hot Chocolate recipes, a throwback to hot cocoa glory days, can be found in popular cookbooks and on your favorite social sites like Pinterest. And don’t think for a second that because it’s better for you that it’s lackluster. Ingredients are pure cocoa power, minimal sugar, cream, and even chili powder is often added. This historically spicier version is winter’s hot trend. Caliente!

GET YOUR COCOA FIX: • One Flight Up! – Mount Dora • Donut King – Minneola • Yalaha Bakery – Yalaha • Bloom’s Baking House – Leesburg • Kilwins – Lake Sumter Landing, The Villages • Cottom’s Farm (during lights/hayride season) – Weirsdale

TAKIS GREEK AND ITALIAN RESTAURANT What do homemade pasta, long-simmered meat sauce, flaming goat cheese appetizers, and belly dancing have in common? Takis Greek and Italian Restaurant in Lady Lake. On the last Sunday of each month, Takis hosts a gathering with some joyful early-evening belly-dancing performances. Loud shouts of “Opa!” and bouts of good-natured laughter are delivered in equal measure as patrons accommodate the belly dancer’s request for audience participation. Due to the popularity of this event, reservations are encouraged.

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EATS // fork on THE Road Tasty insights and observations

THE RICHNESS OF

VINTAGE ON 5TH STORY+PHOTOS: MARY ANN DESANTIS

’S ED ITO R

PI CK 5 FORKS

(OUT OF POSSIBLE 5) VINTAGE ON 5TH 114 NE 5th St., Crystal River, FL 34429 352.794.0004 Tues-Sat. 5-9 p.m. (10 p.m., Fri. & Sat.) www.vintageon5th.com Dining reservations recommended.

FORK REPORT: Fine dining. $$$ // Seated: Immediately with reservations // Wait for meal: 30 minutes

The food, the ambiance, and the historic location make having dinner at Vintage on 5th in Crystal River a rich experience. I’ve never been disappointed by the advice to go where the locals go, and that mantra certainly rang true when I visited the Nature Coast. The recommendations were all the same: head downtown to Vintage on 5th, a locally owned eatery in a 1940s bungalow that was once a church. Be forewarned, though, this eatery is so popular that reservations are a must. Even on a week night, patrons are lined up for prepared-to-order

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OUT-OF-THE-ORDINARY STARTERS ($5 - $9): Escargot served in garlic herb butter; Hickory-smoked pork belly with a sweet chili glaze; fried green tomatoes ENTREES ($18 - $32): Hand-cut Angus beef, “Maple Leaf Farms” duck breast; fresh-cut Gulf grouper; rack of lamb; porcini & truffle ravioli (Served with trademark house salad, bread, and chef’s recommended side) FINE ENDINGS ($6 - $8): Old-fashioned root beer float; homemade Key Lime pie; Crème brulee

specialties that create a dining experience to be savored. The first item on the menu that caught my eye was the

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she-crab soup, a Charleston delicacy you don’t often see in Central Florida. The soup was creamy, flavorful, and

HOW FORK ON THE ROAD WORKS Our reviewers are objective and unbiased. This is not a paid feature. Our reviewer makes two unannounced visits, and we pay for our meals.

elegant with just the right balance of dry sherry, seasoning, and sweetness. My fascination with lowcountry cooking continued when I ordered Shrimp and Grits—another rich dish made with smoked Gouda cheese, shallots, baby spinach, smoked bacon, and portabella mushroom cream sauce. My husband opted for the more traditional bourbonglazed pork chop, which was tender and juicy. To have such a dedicated clientele, owners Rodney and Jennifer Carr are doing everything right at Vintage on 5th, which is about an hour’s drive from Lake County. In addition to outstanding food, the service is impeccable. Our waiter was attentive and— even more impressive—knew his wine selection. Honored by Wine Spectator Magazine as having one of the most outstanding wine lists in the world for six consecutive years, Vintage on 5th offers 140 different wines, so the waiter’s recommendation was definitely appreciated. The elegant pine dining room offers an intimate setting, but Vintage on 5th also has a wrap-around verandah for outdoor dining, where well-mannered canines are welcome.

JEREMIAH’S RESTAURANT AND BAR Local gathering place and watering hole is favored for flavor STORY: JOHN SOTOMAYOR PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ

Most people know towns that attract lots of tourism have a hidden gem preferred by locals for drinking, dining, and socializing away from the centralized over-crowding and mega-hype. In Mount Dora, that preferred place is Jeremiah’s Restaurant and Bar. It is conveniently located between downtown Mount Dora and the Renninger’s Flea Market, near the Classic Dream Cars Museum of Speed. Despite its proximity to nearby attractions, it is off the beaten path and maintains a general lowkey, part-of-the-family vibe. Its popularity stems in part from the atmosphere. “Jeremiah’s has one of the friendliest staffs in Lake County,” said owner Wayne Parker.

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It is also popular for the food. Try the mouth-watering sirloin steak with fully loaded baked potato and fresh, crispy Italian bread. Enjoy a pint with your meal and then stop by their adjacent pub, McGregor’s for a second. People enjoy the décor. The hanging model planes and trucks inside Jeremiah’s should look familiar to anyone who visits the Classic Dream Cars Museum of Speed. They were purchased from the museum. “Most people enjoy seeing something different they do not see anywhere else,” said Parker. In a town competing for attention, Jeremiah’s stands out on its own.

JEREMIAH’S RESTAURANT AND BAR 500 Highland St., Mount Dora 352.383.7444 Sunday-Thursday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

MCGREGOR’S: Monday-Saturday: 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Sunday: 12 p.m.-2 a.m.

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everyone has to cook that way” the chef told me. For my entrée I had Ancient recipes with modern appeal Cebiche, the dish that STORY: MICHELLE CLARK PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ is the source of the restaurant’s namesake. From Vegan venues to German grub, dining My variation was the Mixto Limeno. The options in Mount Dora are never humdrum. surprisingly large portion of either tilapia Known for its eclectic eateries, downtown or grouper (I had grouper) accompanied by Mount Dora boasts a variety normally seen in squid, shrimp, muscles, and calamari served a metropolis. But of all the choices you can in a pool of citrus marinade. In the authentic thoroughly enjoy, Mr. Cebiche, overlooking Peruvian style, yam slices and corn kernels Donnelly Street, is a complete experience. the size of dimes framed the plate. Peruvian food is a curious venture; one I The seafood was undeniably embarked on for the first time fresh, as were all the ingredients, with Mr. Cebiche. A plate of but my palate was not weighed foreign food always comes MR. CEBICHE 411 North Donnelly St., down by fishiness. And though with a bit of excitement and a Suite 212, Mount Dora by meal’s end I was quite full, I bit of anxiety. Certain kinds of 352.735.8106 did not feel heavy or sluggish. food, such as Italian and ChiTuesday - Thursday: Asking the chef how this could nese, are so common in Ameri11:00 AM - 9:00 PM be, he said simply “It’s healthy.” can dining that the flavors are Friday - Saturday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM To top it off, I enjoyed my meal familiar. But Peruvian remains Sunday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM with the house Merlot (Navarro mysterious; a conglomeration Correas Privada), which was of ancient Incan, Spanish, and served generously. other colonial influences. Chef Jorge prides himself on serving meals I went with the staples for my first Peruthat are healthy and fresh, the way he’s alvian meal. For an appetizer, I ordered Papa ways known. Good-for-you food that actually Rellena, a dish the chef and owner, Jorge tastes good too. Soon new menu items will Bracamonte, said his mother used to make be introduced featuring medicinal herbs and him as a boy in Peru. “A good house meal,” drinks brought back from Peru. it is an egg-shaped potato cake stuffed with The food is exceptional, the environment a tenderloin, olive, and raisin mixture and welcoming. The wait time may be a little lightly fried. It was garnished with thin red longer than usual, but it is only a testament to onion slices soaked in citrus, and a cream of the quality on your plate. I suggest using the mayonnaise sauce the chef made himself. Abtime to laugh with good company; it’s good solutely everything is made in house. It is the for you too! Peruvian way. “In Peru there are no providers,

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COUNTERTOPS • VANITIES • FIREPLACES • FLOORING • CUSTOM FABRICATION

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

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In Cucina con Alessio and Anastasia! STORY: LEIGH NEELY PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ

When Chef Roberto Manco is in his kitchen at home, he doesn’t worry about what’s on the menu. He’s more concerned that he’s making good memories with his children, Alessio, 5, and Anastasia, 3. “On Sunday, we spend most of the day baking and cooking,” Roberto said. “We grow our own herbs and have a nice garden. We grow vegetables, and Alessio has his own little tractor. He doesn’t even need the iPhone and iPad, he loves being in the garden.” While Roberto talks, Alessio and Anatasia are working on their pizza dough. Alessio wants to put his toppings in the shape of a T-rex. Meanwhile, his sister said, “These are so yummy,” and ate two delicious mozzarella balls before putting one on top of her dough. Roberto has to convince Alessio that

T-rex needs tomatoes and basil leaves to go with his cheese. Once the toppings are in place, brother and sister help their papa put the pizza in the oven. “Sharing my passion for cooking and my culture with my kids not only brings back a lot of memories, we also have lots of fun in the kitchen,” Roberto said. “It’s a passion one day they can pass on to their own family, and it will bring these memories back to them.” The Manco home is a mixture of cultures as Roberto’s wife, Oksana, is from Russia. On the counter where the children are busy with their pizza stands a beautiful Russian tea maker. “We went to Russia for the first time this summer.” Roberto said. “It was wonderful.” The couple’s youngest child is Anthony, who is one year old.

The family also travels to Naples, Italy, to visit Roberto’s parents. “Alessio was spending most of the time with my parents at home and in the garden. He would say, ‘Papa, you can go out, I stay home with Nonna (Grandma). I’m sure we are going to cook something.’” Roberto laughs. “He also wanted to stay because Nonna would take him to eat homemade gelato by the gulf of Napoli. Who wouldn’t do the same? She used to take me when I was a kid.” Holidays are big celebrations in the Manco house, and everything revolves around the kitchen. “When my mother is here during Christmas, she starts cooking early in the morning of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The kids comes out and smell the wonderful cooking,” Roberto said. “I think that’s how Alessio started cooking with me

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

because he sees it is a family thing. The kids also want to help my mother when she is cooking.” Sharing a passion for cooking and the Italian culture means Roberto enjoys good times with his children, but father and son also like playing soccer and basketball as well as deep sea fishing. Roberto said Alessio has a blast every time they fish together. Alessio frequently goes to the restaurant with Roberto. Alessio enjoys being with the servers and talking with customers. But he also loves to spend time in the restaurant’s kitchen with his father. “I like to make alfredo pasta and the gnocchi,” Alessio said. Today’s cooking session ends with Alessio putting the homemade pasta dough through the cutter to make fettucine. Buon appetito!

THESE RECIPES ARE FROM A TASTE OF ITALY: OVER 100 EASY-TO-PREPARE RECIPES BY CHEF ROBERTO MANCO. COPIES ARE AVAILABLE AT THE RESTAURANT, GIOVANNI’S, IN THE VILLAGES. COMMENTS ARE FROM CHEF MANCO.

PIZZA MARGHERITA “Pizza Margherita is the most well-known pizza worldwide. It is the classic Napolitano pizza, made with fresh ingredients such as fresh plum tomatoes, mozzarella di bufala, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil. It was invented by Raffaele Esposito in Naples in 1889. One day the king of Italy, Umberto I, was visiting Naples with his Queen, Margherita. Esposito created three types of pizza. The queen’s favorite was the pizza made with only three basic ingredients, representing the three colors of the Italian flag. The queen encouraged everyone to try this simple, yet incredibly tasty pizza. Everyone loved it, and Esposito named the pizza in honor of Queen Margherita. The pizza’s history is steeped in the city where I grew up. Every pizzeria in Naples makes great pizza, especially in the historic part of Naples. It’s all about using fresh ingredients and cooking them in a wood oven. It takes only 3-4

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PIZZA MARGHERITA

basil in a small bowl. Season with extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper. Combine well and spread mixture on top of each slice of toasted bread. Serves 4.

minutes for a pizza to be cooked in Naples. Every time I return to Naples, I eat this pizza almost daily.”

INGREDIENTS 4 pizza doughs of 12-inch diameter 2 ½ c. water 4 ½ c. flour 3 ½ tsp. fresh yeast 6 T. extra virgin olive oil 1 ½ tsp. salt

SPAGHETTI AL POMODORO (SPAGHETTI WITH CHERRY TOMATOES AND BASIL)

TOPPINGS FOR PIZZA 2 ¾ c. mozzarella di bufala 10-15 fresh basil leaves 3 ½ c. fresh plum tomatoes ½ c. extra virgin olive oil

CAPPUCCINO CON PANNA

DIRECTIONS: Place the flour on a worktable, and make a hole in the middle of the flour. In a small bowl, pour a cup of warm water, yeast, and salt. Stir with a small whisk or fork until yeast and salt are completely dissolved, and then pour this mixture into the middle of the flour along with the olive oil. Start to mix with both hands, adding remaining water a little at a time. Divide dough in the number of pieces you need for the number of pizzas you are making. Roll each piece with your hands into a round ball, nice and smooth, and place them on a large tray coated with a little bit of flour. You can also roll them and leave them on the worktable. Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and set aside until the dough doubles in volume—about 1 to 1 ½ hours in a warm place. Now it’s time to stretch the dough to make the pizza.

INGREDIENTS 1 c. milk 2 tsp. sugar 2 oz. espresso coffee Whipped cream and cocoa powder for topping

Preheat oven to 500°F. Dice the mozzarella and place in a bowl. Process the tomatoes and place them in a bowl with a pinch of salt. Stretch the dough and place it on a screen or pizza stone and top with a spoonful of sauce. Sprinkle with mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Bake at 500°F. for 10 minutes or until crispy if cooked in a gas or electric oven. If cooked in a wood oven, it will be done in 3-4 minutes.

“There is nothing better than waking up in the morning and smelling the aroma of fresh homemade cappuccino accompanied with a good Italian pastry.”

DIRECTIONS: In a pot, pour the milk with sugar and heat until the sugar is melted. Prepare espresso coffee and pour it into the milk. Stir and mix well. Pour into cappuccino cup and top with whipped cream and sprinkle some cocoa powder on top. Serve with a pastry or biscotti.

BRUSCHETTA

INGREDIENTS 2 cloves garlic 3 T. extra virgin olive oil 2 c. cherry tomatoes cut in half 5-6 large basil leaves, plus extra for garnish 1 lb. spaghetti (or pasta of your choice) Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) Salt and pepper DIRECTIONS: In a large skillet, sauté garlic with olive oil over medium heat. Cook garlic until golden. Reduce heat, add cherry tomatoes, basil, salt and pepper to taste. Stir and cook 5-6 minutes, until tomatoes are slightly tender. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Pour in pasta and cook until al dente, approximately 7-8 minutes. Drain pasta and toss with tomato sauce. Place on serving plate and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Garnish with basil leaves. Serves 4-5.

“This appetizer originates in central Italy. It is very flavorful and easy to prepare.”

INGREDIENTS 12 slices Italian bread 2 cloves fresh garlic, finely chopped 3 T. extra virgin olive oil 2 large ripe tomatoes, finely diced ½ medium onion, finely diced 5-6 fresh basil leaves, finely chopped 1 tsp. dried oregano Salt and pepper DIRECTIONS: Slice bread approximately ½- to 1-inch thick. Toast slices over charcoals, if possible; otherwise, toast in toaster oven or regular oven at 450°F. Combine garlic, tomatoes, onion, and

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EATS // saluté A worldly look at wine

EXTRAORDINARY WINES FOR THANKSGIVING Thanksgiving is around the corner, and it’s time to have the dark versus white discussion. No, we’re not talking about turkey breasts or thighs here but rather which wine you serve to make your meal simply…extraordinary! STORY: MARY ANN DESANTIS

hanksgiving dinner includes an array of flavors and rich foods, but that’s only half the challenge when it comes to pairing the best wines with your meal. There’s also a variety of taste buds to consider. Some fam-

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ily members prefer a traditional oven-roasted bird, while others want smoked or fried turkey. Adults love real cranberries; children prefer the canned concoction. Northerners want pumpkin pie; Southerners think sweet potato is tastier.

Guests’ preferences can be just as eclectic when it comes to wine preferences. Some want sweet, others prefer dry. So how do you select wines for this sociable holiday that is all about enjoying and appreciating friends and family? Author and popular host of “Wine Library TV,” Gary Vaynerchuk recommends wines served at Thanksgiving should be lower in alcohol and lighter in weight, because it is going to be a long day and the food will be filling. The secret, says the author of 101 Wines: Guaranteed

SANCERRE On a trip to France, I was introduced to Sancerre, a white wine that is made with sauvignon blanc grapes. Earthier in taste than American sauvignon blancs, this wine can stand up to the rich side dishes on the dinner table and create a nice balance with roasted turkey. One of my favorites, available locally, is the 2014 Le Clos Chartier Sancerre.

PROSECCO Sparkling Italian wines are a nice welcoming beverage for guests, especially in Florida where November afternoon temps may still be warm. Light and refreshing, Prosecco works as a pre-dinner cocktail that can move into the dining room where its nutty-fruity interplay works with traditional Thanksgiving foods. I prefer the extra-

to Inspire, Delight and Bring Thunder to Your World, is to serve wines that won’t overpower your head, your palate, or your wallet. The combinations of salty, sweet, and savory foods can quickly overwhelm a wine’s taste, so finding the best varietal to make your Thanksgiving meal extraordinary can be a challenge. Be creative and forget the adage to serve white wines with white meat. That is old-style thinking, not to mention boring. In fact, turkey makes some white wines seem bitter. Wine should enhance or bring out

dry, but Proseccos and other sparklers come in all levels of sweetness.

VOUVRAY The first time I tasted Vouvray, a white wine produced from the chenin blanc grape, I was at someone else’s holiday celebration. Vouvrays can range from bone-dry to extremely sweet. It’s not a wine that I serve often, but the faint sweetness of the tendre style helps make it a perfect match with Thanksgiving dishes. If you prefer really sweet wines, try the demi-sec.

PINOT GRIS Pinot Gris tends to be a rich wine with a spicy character and enough residual sugar to be round and fruity. Wineries in the Pacific Northwest produce Pinot Gris in the traditional French style, although they are generally fruitier than the

Alsatian counterparts. This white wine works well with the sweeter dishes served at Thanksgiving.

PINOT NOIR Pinot Noir is one of my staples at Thanksgiving. The fourth Thursday in November is a uniquely American holiday, so I like the idea of choosing a domestic Pinot. The rich fruit flavors, especially in the California varieties, are good matches with whatever you are serving. Lighter Pinot Noirs could get lost in all the different flavors competing at your table, but a rich, full-of-fruit-in your-mouth Pinot Noir holds its own without overwhelming the lighter dishes.

ZINFANDEL

the flavor of foods, not leave an odd aftertaste in your mouth. You won’t go wrong if you find wines you like, no matter what the critics and ratings say. I agree, but it helps to have suggestions from the folks who know wines. Visit local wine merchants (we are blessed to have several in this area) and describe your preferences to them, such as sweet, dry, fruity, or earthy. They will have recommendations to fit your budget. Pair these exceptionally good wines with your Thanksgiving menu to make your meal extraordinary:

combine the fruitiness of Pinot Noir with the elegance of Beaujolais. Zins are typically dry, but the fruity character adds a hint of sweetness and spice which works well with food.

CÔTES DU RHÔNE The luscious taste of this aromatic French wine is a special treat at the Thanksgiving table. Soft, well-rounded blends will not overpower the food and will complement meats with rich gravies or sauces. The Le Pas de la Beaume Red Rhône, a blend of primarily of grenache noir and syrah, is very affordable and therefore sells out quickly. Wine merchants can recommend other similar producers.

ABOUT THE WRITER Living in Italy was the catalyst for Mary Ann DeSantis to understand more about wine, and she now enjoys sharing what she’s learned. Since 2010, Saluté has covered topics for oenophiles of all levels — from novice wine drinkers to experienced connoisseurs. The column received a 2014 Florida Magazine Association Silver Award for Best Department and a 2012 Florida Press Club Excellence in Journalism Award for Commentary.

Zinfandel, an almost uniquely American wine, is another great choice. The lighter-styled Zins

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EATS // dining guide Destinations of good taste

dining Charley’s Grilled Subs 421 N West St. 352.568.1186 $

Calabria Ristorante 13900 County Road 455 407.656.5144 $$

Chuck’s Odd Cuples Café 117 W Belt Ave 352.568.0408 $

Cheeser’s Palace 707 W. Montrose St. 352.404.9431 $

Coyote Rojo 2082 W. CR 48 352.569.0302 $$ Critic’s Choice 8032 CR 476B, 352.568.0008 $ Hong Kong Restaurants 2229 W CR 48 (352) 568-888 $$ Howie’s Family Restaurant 840 N. Main St. 352.793.8582 $ Market Street Gardens 311 N. Market St. 352.568.0100 $$ Mia Plaza Pizzeria 6092 CR 609 352.793.4418 $

Astatula Race Car Diner 25641 Monroe St. 352.253.6940 $

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

Bushnell Angelotti’s Pizza 920 N Main St. 352.569.0446 $ Beef O’Bradys 2586 W. CR 48 352.568.7000 $

IN YOUR CITY

Sonny’s Bar-B-Q 2684 W. CR 48 352.569.0200 $ TJ’s Family Restaurant 412 W. Belt Ave 352.793.8877 $$ Waffle House 2571 W CR 48 352.793.5656 $ Waller’s Restaurant 138 Bushnell Plaza 352.793.2592 $ Whistle Stop Café 311 N. Market St. 352.568.7667 $$

Clermont Akina Sushi Bar & Asian Fusion Bistro 4300 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.243.8988 $$$

Flippers Pizzeria 2523 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.242.2214 $$ G’s NY Pizza 12346 Roper Blvd. 352.243.8900 $$$ Green Garden 1790 E. Hwy. 50 352.243.2077 $$ Legends Grille & Tavern 1700 Legendary Blvd. 352.242.1910 $$$ Lyn’s Ice Cream & Sandwich Shoppe 824 W. Montrose St. 352.536.9935 $ Napolis Pizzeria 556 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.243.7500 $$ Robata Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar 1500 Oakley Seaver Dr. 352.404.9688 $$ Rusty Fox 649 12th St. 352.394.3333 $$ Sanctuary Ridge Golf Club Restaurant 2601 Diamond Club Dr. 352.243.0411 $$ Spiro’s Pizza 1203 W. Hwy. 50 352.394.5538 $$ Sugar Mama’s Bake Shoppe 648 Eighth St. 352.241.9738 $$ Troy’s Cuban & Deli 1200 Oakley Seaver Dr. 352.241.4295 $$

$: $5 – $14 $$: $15 – $24 $$$: $25 – $40 $$$$: $40+

Eustis 1884 Restaurant & Bar 12 East Magnolia Ave. 1.800.856.1884 $$ Barnwood BBQ 50 W. Orange Ave. 352.630.4903 $$ Cafe Gianni 119 N. Bay St. 352.589.1402 $$ Dam Smoker Barbeque 36721 County Road 19A 352.357.6555 $$ Double Take Pizza 403 N. Grove St. 352.343.0990 $$ El Korita Mexican Restaurant 256 W. Ardice Ave. 352.483.0355 $ Jeannie’s Place 209 E. Gottsche Ave. 352.357.0027 $ Kiku Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar 15211 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.483.8288 $$$ King’s Taste Bar-B-Que 503 Palmetto St. 352.589.0404 $$ La Mandarina Mexican Restaurant 1401 Orange Ave. 352.357.2487 $$

Taki’s Pizza House 2824 S. Bay St. 352.357.0022 $$ Thai Sushi America 925 N. Bay St. 352.357.1949 $$ The Crazy Gator 402 N. Bay St. 352.589.5885 $$ The Great Pizza Company 23 E. Magnolia Ave. 352.357.7377 $$ The Oyster Troff 936 N. Bay St. 352.357.9939 $$$ Tony’s Pizza & Subs 2760 E. Orange Ave. 352.589.9001 $$

Fruitland Park Fruitland Park Café 3180 US Hwy. 441/27 352.435.4575 $ Legends Cafe 2468 U.S. Hwy. 441/27 Fruitland Park 352.728.0006 $$

Groveland

Kid’s Menu

Lady Lake Harbor Hills Country Club 6538 Lake Griffin Rd. 352.753.7000 $$$ Mom & Dad’s Italian Restaurant 504 S. U.S. Hwy. 441/27 352.753.2722 $$ Texas Stockyard BBQ 360 S. U.S. Hwy. 441 352.750.5229 $$

Leesburg Bloom’s Café 610 W. Main St. 352.787.1004 $$ Cousin Vinnie’s 10700 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.253.2442 $

Stavro’s & Sons of Eustis 2100 W. County Road 44 352.589.9100 $$

Mission Inn Resort & Club’s Nickers 10400 County Rd. 48 352.324.3101 $$$$

Takis Pizza Restaurant 1324 W. North Blvd. 352.787.2344 $$ The Florida Porch Café 706 W. Main St. 352.365.1717 $$ The Latin Cafe 400 N. 14th St. 352.365.0089 $$

Vic’s Catering 352.728.8989 $$$$

Gator Bay Bar & Grill 10320 County Road 44 352.365.2177 $$

Mascotte

Howey-inthe-Hills

Mission Inn Resort & Club’s El Conquistador 10400 County Rd. 48 352.324.3101 $$$$

Stavros Pizza 755 N. 14th St. 352.326.4202 $$

Dandy’s Sandwhich Co. 10320 County Road 44 352.365.2177 $

HP Grill 1403 S. 14th St. 352.314.0006 $

Rhythms Bar & Restaurant 12 S. Bay St. 720.318.5492 $

San Juan Mexican Restaurant 1341 S. 14th St. 352.787.7575 $$

Two Old Hags Wine Shoppe 410 W Main St 352.435.9107 $$

Habaneros 3 Mexican Restaurant 10601 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.315.1777 $$

JB Boondocks Bar & Grill 704 S. Lakeshore Blvd. 352.324.3600 $$

Osaka 1401 Citrus Blvd. 352.728.0788 $$

Cedar River Seafood 8609 S. U.S. Hwy. 441 352.728.3377 $$

Red Wing Restaurant 12500 S. State Road 33 352.429.2997 $$$

Olivia’s Coffee House & Bistro 113 N. Bay St. 352.357.1887 $

Beer, Wine or Cocktails

Kountry Kitchen 1008 W. Dixie Ave. 352.323.0852 $ Lilly’s Super Subs 2339 County Road 473 352.343.4663 $ Magnolia’s Oyster Bar 201 W. Magnolia St. 352.323.0093 $$ Naples Italian Restaurant 1107 W. North Blvd. 352.323.1616 $$

Rainbow Restaurant 704 E. Myers Blvd. 352.429.2093 $$

Minneola Jack’s Barbecue 100 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.394.2673 $ Lil Anthony’s Pizza 205 N. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.394.1516 $$ Tiki Bar & Grill 508 S. Main Ave. 352.394.2232 $$

Mount Dora Anthony’s Pizza 17195 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.357.6668 $

CONTINUED

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1884 RESTAURANT AND BAR OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK: 11A.M.–12A.M. // LUNCH, DINNER, LIVE ENTERTAINMENT 12 EAST MAGNOLIA AVENUE, EUSTIS // 1.800.856.1884 // WWW.1884RESTAURANTANDBAR.COM Located in the historic Ferran’s building in downtown Eustis, 1884 Restaurant and Bar is a must for all to discover. The restaurant, which is open from 11am to Midnight 7 days a week, has everything from Boar’s Head wraps and pressed sandwiches at lunch to hand-cut filets and the signature double-bone, two-inch thick pork chop at dinner. Sushi Bar on Friday and Saturday nights and all day Sunday! With more than 10,000 square feet, 1884 can accommodate an intimate dinner for two to a private event in one of the 3 semi private rooms. Diners can also enjoy the full-service bar while ordering custom craft cocktails and eight rotating beers on tap. “Wine Down Wednesday” features $4 house wines. By using the most local and fresh ingredients, the chefs and bartenders will amaze you with their talent. Dinner and daily specials begining at 5 pm with happy hour from 4:30 - 6:30. No doubt, there’s something for everyone at 1884. This restaurant has won in 4 categories for the 2015 Lake and Sumter Style’s Hot list: Best server - Shelly Jaggers, Best bartender - Chelsea harkness, Best Cocktail, and Best Girls Night out. They were also named as Open Table’s Restaurant of the Month. Call 1.800.856.1884 to reserve your table or book your party now. Join the email list at www.1884restaurantandbar.com to be the first to know of all specials, entertainers and events.

BARNWOOD BBQ AND COUNTRY KITCHEN 50 W. ORANGE AVE., EUSTIS. // 352.630.4903 // WWW.BARNWOODBBQ.COM Mouth-watering barbecue. A family-like atmosphere. Old-fashioned service. Those are three qualities that patrons of Barnwood BBQ and Country Kitchen in Eustis experience upon each visit. Owners Dan and Elaine Backhaus have discovered that the recipe behind delicious barbecue is cooking meats low and slow over smoldering wood. That method has served them well, both for their restaurant and food truck business. Diners can also purchase Barnwood’s delicious, award-winning barbecue sauces and special seasonings. Popular breakfast items include a ham-and-cheese omelet, smoked sausage omelet, pancakes, biscuits and gravy, and a variety of breakfast combinations. The restaurant’s equally delicious lunch items include a three-rib sandwich, pulled pork sandwich, beef brisket platter, smoked country sausage platter, mushroom Swiss burger, and grilled Reuben sandwich. Burgers, soups, and salads are also available. Be sure to top off your meal with one of Barnwood’s popular desserts, which include fruit cobbler and dark-chocolate brownies. HOURS OF OPERATION: MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY FROM 7A.M. TO 3P.M. LOCATION: 50 W. ORANGE AVE. IN EUSTIS. CONTACT: 352.630.4903 OR VISIT WWW.BARNWOODBBQ.COM.

COUSIN VINNIE’S FAMILY SPORTS RESTAURANT OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK: 11A.M.–9P.M. // FOOD, SPIRITS, MUSIC, SPORTS 10700 U.S. HWY. 441, LEESBURG // 352.253.2442 // WWW.CVINNIES.COM Cousin Vinnie’s is located on U.S. Hwy. 441 across from Lake Square Mall. Owner “Cousin” Vinnie Vittoria and his family have created a unique atmosphere by combining a sports bar with a family restaurant. As soon as you walk into Vinnie’s you will immediately notice why they are famous for outstanding comfort food and service! They also have been voted BEST WINGS in Lake County 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014. Additional menu items offered are killer ½ lb. burgers, personal pan pizzas, amazing ribeye cheese steaks, healthy wheat wraps, fresh homemade salads, chicken strips that totally melt in your mouth, 16 awesome appetizers and their signature deep fried Ice Cream and Snickers Bars! Every Monday is “Texas Hold’em” from 6–10p.m. Tuesday night is “Family Night” from 4–8p.m. when kids 12-and-under eat free. Wednesday night is “Trivia Night” when the fun starts at 6:30p.m. with prizes given to the top 3 teams. Thursday night is “Karaoke Night” where everyone is a star! There is no better place on the weekends to see who hoists the trophy or takes home the checkered flag. Cousin Vinnie’s also offers, free Wi-Fi, great music and an enthusiastic staff, ready to exceed your expectations. Vinnie’s has been open almost seven years, if you have never been there… it is absolutely time for you to check it out!

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dining Beauclaire Restaurant at Lakeside Inn 100 N. Alexander St. 352.383.4101 $$$

Operation Deep Freeze Custard 140A West 5 Avenue 352.735.8269 $

Blackbear Smokehouse 18750 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.383.2327 $$

Palm Tree Grille 351 N. Donnelly St. 352.735.1936 $$

Bocce Pizzeria 925 E. First Ave. 352.385.0067 $

Pisces Rising 239 W. Fourth Ave. 352.385.2669 $$$

Cecile’s French Corner 237 W. Fourth Ave. 352.383.7100 $$

PizzAmore’ 722 E. 5th Ave. 352.383.0092 $

Cody’s on 4th Cafe 111 E. 4th Ave. 352.735.8426 $

Saucy Spoon Catering & Bistro 427 S. Highland St. 352.383.1050 $$$

Copacabana Cuban Cafe 320 Dora Drawdy Way 352.385.9000 $$

Sidelines Sport Eatery 315 N. Highland St. 352.735.7433 $

Cupcake Delights 122 E. 4th Ave. 352.383.2200 $

Sugarboo’s Bar-B-Que 1305 N. Grandview St. 352.735.7675 $

Highland Street Café 185 S. Highland St. 352.383.1446 $

The Frog and Monkey Pub 411 N. Donnelly St. 352.383.1936 $$

Incredible Edible Cakes 4295 W. Old Hwy. 441, Suite 2 352.223.3581 $ Ivory’s Take Out 1325 N. Grandview St. 352.735.6797 $ Jeremiah’s 500 N. Highland St. 352.383.7444 $ Lisa’s Kitchen 3201 N. Hwy. 19A 352.383.9338 $$ Mount Dora Pizza & Subs 2718 W. Old U.S. Hwy. 441 352.383.5303 $ One Flight Up - Coffee, Dessert & Wine Bar 440 N. Donnelly St., Suite 100 352.758.9818 $

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IN YOUR CITY

Whales Tale Fish House 2720 W. Old. U.S. Hwy. 441 352.385.1500 $$ Zellie’s Pub 4025 N. U.S. Hwy. 19A 352.483.3855 $$

Sorrento Del Franco Pizza Place 31436 County Rd. 437 352.383.8882 $ Gi Gi’s 25444 State Road 46 352.735.4000 $$ Lisa’s Country Cafe 23911 State Road 46 352.735.3380 $

Summerfield Francesco’s Italian Ristorante and Stone Fire Pizza 16770 South U.S. Hwy. 441 352.693.2008 $$

Tavares

The Garden Gate Tea Room 142 E. Fourth Ave. 352.735.2158 $$

Angelo’s Italian Restaurant 2270 Vindale Rd. 352.343.2757 $$

The Goblin Market 331-B Donnely St. 352.735.0059 $$$

Buzzard Beach Grill 12423 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.253.5267 $$

The Health Basket of Mount Dora 18834 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.735.1166 $$

Casa Mia Cafe 505 W Main St 352.742.9940 $ Hurricane Dockside Grill 3351 W. Burleigh Blvd. 352.508.5137 $$

$: $5 – $14 $$: $15 – $24 $$$: $25 – $40 $$$$: $40+

O’Keefe’s Irish Pub and Restaurant 115 S Rockingham Ave. 352.343.2157 $$

Chengs Chinese and Sushi Restaurant 4050 Wedgewood Ln. 352.391.9678 $$

Ruby Street Grille 221 E. Ruby St. 352.742.7829 $$

Kid’s Menu

Outback Steakhouse 710 N. Hwy 441 352.430.2590 $$

Buddy’s BBQ 1210 N. Main St. 352.330.0338 $$

China Gourmet III 343 Colony Blvd 352.750.4965 $

Palmer Legends Country Club 1635 Palmer Way 352.391.9939 $$

China Jade 420 W. CR 44 352.330.5913 $

Sinbad’s of Lake County 1050 W. Burleigh Blvd. 352.343.6669 $$

City Fire Brownwood Paddock Square 352.561.2078 $$

RedSauce 1000 Canal St. 352.750.2930 $$

Sunrise Grill 462 E. Burleigh Blvd. 352.343.7744 $

Olive Garden 3680 Wedgewood Ln. 352.259.0304 $$

Ricciardi’s Italian Table 3660 Kiessel Rd. 352.391.9938 $$

The Hideaway 11912 Lane Park Rd. 352.343.3585 $$

Evans Prairie Country Club 1825 Evans Prairie Trail 352.750.2225 $$

Sakura 265 Colony Blvd 352.205.7393 $$

Zac’s Pressed for Time Cafe 110 S. New Hampshire Ave. 352.253.4663 $

Umatilla Old Crow Real Pit Bar-B-Q 41100 State Road 19 352.669.3922 $ The Mason Jar 37534 State Rd. 19 352.589.2535 $$

The Villages Bob Evans 2199 Parr Dr. 352.259.1224 $ Bonefish Grill 3580 Wedgewood Ln. 352.674.9292 $$

Fiesta Grande Mexican Grill 297 Colony Blvd 352.751.0400 $$ Glenview Champions Country Club 3194 Glenview Rd 352.753.0077 $$ Hemingway’s at Havana 2484 Odell Circle 352.753.1475 $$$ Las Tapas Brownwood Paddock Square 352.399.5516 $$ The Legacy Restaurant at the Nancy Lopez Country Club 17135 Buena Vista Blvd. 352.753.1475 $$$

Scooples 2718 Brownwood Blvd 352.750.6263 $ Square One Burgers & Bar 2542 Burnsed Blvd. 352.689.2191 $$ Takis Greek and Italian Restaurant 13761 U.S. Hwy. 441 N. 352.430.3630 $$ TooJay’s 1129 Canal St. 352.430.0410 $ Toscani’s Deli and Pizzeria 8760 SE Mulberry Ln. 352.693.2237 $$ VKI Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar 1004 Old Mill Run 352.259.9887 $$

Bonifay Country Club 1033 Pinellas Place 352.205.7455 $$

The Lighthouse Point Bar and Grille 925 Lakeshore Dr. 352.753.7800 $$

Wildwood

Village Coffee Pot 425 Donnelly St. 352.383.3334 $

Lake Dora Sushi & Sake 227 E. Main St. 352.343.6313 $$

Cane Garden Country Club 1726 Bailey Trail 352.750.0627 $$

Mezza Luna Italian Restaurant and Bar 320 Colony Blvd. 352.753.3824 $$

Aztec’s Mexican Restaurant 348 Shopping Center Dr. 352.748.2250 $

Wasabi Buffet 16700 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.383.7016 $$

Mary’s Kountry Kitchen 15945 County Road 448 352.343.6823 $

Carrabba’s 650 U.S. Hwy. 441 N 352.430.1304 $$

NYPD Pizzeria 4046 Wedgwood Ln 352.750.1994 $$

Beef O’ Bradys 840 S. Main St. 352.689.0048 $

The Windsor Rose English Tea Room 142 W. Fourth Ave. 352.735.2551 $$

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Beer, Wine or Cocktails

Cotillion Southern Café 101 N. Main St. 352.748.1223 $$ Dickey’s Barbeque Pit 1220 S. Main St. 352.748.4288 $$ Mel’s Island Café 901 Industrial Dr. 352.748.4105 $$ O’Shucks! Oyster Bar and Grill 1016 S Main St. 352.399.2200 $$ Polly’s Pantry 819 S. Main St. 352.330.4002 $$ Rita’s Oyster Bar 346 Shopping Center Dr. 352.399.2987 $$ T Weston’s Smokehouse 1210 N. Main St. 352.748.9378 $$ Traditions Café 3107 Hwy. 44 352.748.1077 $$ Woody’s Bar-B-Q 1220 S. Main St. 352.748.1109 $$

Yalaha Yalaha Bakery 8210 County Road 48 352.324.3366 $$

EATS // dining guide Destinations of good taste

THE GOBLIN MARKET RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 331-B DONNELLY STREET (REAR ALLEY), MOUNT DORA 352.735.0059 // WWW.GOBLINMARKETRESTAURANT.COM Nestled on a back alley in downtown Mount Dora, the Goblin Market Restaurant has been charming locals and tourists alike since 1996. The restaurant, housed in a renovated warehouse, features three intimate, book-lined dining rooms and a full-service lounge furnished in soothing, muted tones with tasteful modern art. The private, tree-shaded courtyard and garden patio are open year-round for al fresco dining. Low lighting and “new age” music add the finishing touches to the restaurant’s casual elegance. Owners Vince and Janis Guzinski embrace a simple philosophy of offering the highest-quality products, served in a unique and romantic atmosphere by a personable and attentive staff. The Goblin Market’s wine list and menu represent a refreshing mix of ideas from its culinary team. The diversified origins and background of each member ensure exciting menu offerings and nightly selections. HOURS OF OPERATION: LUNCH: TUESDAY–SATURDAY 11A.M.–3:00P.M. DINNER: TUESDAY–THURSDAY 5–9P.M., FRIDAY–SATURDAY 5–10P.M., SUNDAY 11A.M.–3:30P.M.

JOIN US FOR OUR NEW “LIGHTER FARE” DINNER MENU, GOURMET SOUPS, SALADS, AND SANDWICHES. TUESDAY– THURSDAY FROM 3–9P.M. (REGULAR DINNER MENU ALSO AVAILABLE).

SUBWAY WWW.SUBWAY.COM Custom-made, fresh sandwiches, salads, and flatbreads made right before your eyes. The “healthy” alternative to fast food. LADY LAKE // 208 W. Guava St. // 352.750.4929 EUSTIS // 469 Plaza Dr. // 352.357.7827 MOUNT DORA // 18870 U.S. Hwy. 441 // 352.735.4376 LEESBURG // 2013 Citrus Blvd. // 352.787.6442 10135 U.S. Hwy. 441, Suite 4 // 352.326.3234 27405 U.S. Hwy. 27, Suite 4 // 352.314.8847 THE VILLAGES // 1580 Bella Cruz Drive // 352.750.9600 8796 S.E. 165th Mulberry Lane // 352.750.9991 1070 Lake Sumter Landing Drive // 352.205.8535 349 Colony Blvd. // 352.391.1657 WILDWOOD // 480 W. Gulf to Alantic Hwy. // 352.748.8800 HOURS OF OPERATION: MONDAY–SATURDAY SUNDAY

10A.M.–10P.M. 10A.M.–9P.M.

TIKI WEST RAW BAR AND GRILL 118 WEST RUBY ST. TAVARES // 352.508.5783 A fun-filled dining experience and delicious food await patrons at Tiki West Raw Bar and Grill. Owner Chris Clark serves up tasty Key West-inspired food such as homemade crab cake sandwiches, mahi tacos, fresh oysters, conch chowder and flank steak burritos. Daily specials are also offered, including $2 tacos on Tuesday, peel-and-eat shrimp for $9.99 on Wednesday and discounted buckets of oysters on Sunday. Happy hour is all day, everyday. Diners can also sit at the horseshoe-shaped oyster bar and see how shucking oysters is an art form. HOURS OF OPERATION 11 A.M. TO 10 P.M. SUNDAY THROUGH THURSDAY 11 A.M. TO 11 P.M. OR LATER FRIDAY AND SATURDAY

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WORLD OF BEER 994 ALVEREZ, THE VILLAGES // 352.633.4787 // WWW.WORLDOFBEER.COM/SPANISHSPRINGS 2751 WEST TORCH LAKE DRIVE, THE VILLAGES // 352.633.9519 // WWW.WORLDOFBEER.COM/THEVILLAGES This exciting venue offers more than 500 craft beers from breweries around the world and 50 rotating beers on tap. THIS NOVEMBER AT WOB: Wednesday, November 11: Operation Shoebox and Victory Brewing Company team up for donations and Victory brews this Veterans’ Day… Brownwood location.

Friday, November 13: Founders Tap Spotlight. Try special release beers from this highly regarded Michigan brewery…Spanish Springs location. Saturday, November 14: Enter the raffle to win a seat in the WOB VIP tent at the final Polo Club Tournament of the season playing Sunday, November 29 in The Villages …Spanish Springs location.

Thursday, November 26: Open on Thanksgiving…Brownwood AND Spanish Springs locations. Every weekend: BEERunch from 10am – 2pm…Spanish Springs location. HOURS OF OPERATION SPANISH SPRINGS LOCATION MONDAY – THURSDAY: 11 A.M. TO MIDNIGHT FRIDAY: 11 A.M. TO 2 A.M. SATURDAY: 10 A.M. TO 2 A.M. SUNDAY: 10 A.M. TO MIDNIGHT

BROWNWOOD LOCATION SUNDAY – FRIDAY: 11 A.M. TO MIDNIGHT SATURDAY: 10 A.M. TO MIDNIGHT

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE YOUR RESTAURANT IN OUR DINING SECTION?

CALL US AT 352.787.4112

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Thanks to our sponsors, players, volunteers and donors the 18th annual

was ass again agai g a huge success. h

With your support, this year’s tournament, held on September 11, raised more than $100,000 to support the programs and services of Leesburg Regional Medical Center, as we honored our first responders and troops.

Air Conditioning Services & Energy Solutions

The Leesburg Regional Medical Center Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt organization and all contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

LRMC Foundation | 701 N. Palmetto St., Suite G | Leesburg | 352.323.5500 | CFHAlliance.org

Join us for the 2015

g Beneﬁtin

rican e m A e h T on i t a i c o s s Heart A and al c i d e M F HT rip Mission T

ice walk Saturday, November 14th 4730 SE 49th Rd, Ocala Registration at 8:00am - Walk steps oﬀ at 9:00am

Our 4th annual (ice)walk is sure to get you moving. Come lace up your sneakers and join in on the fun with us beneﬁting the American Heart Association including vendor exhibits, food and refreshments, and more! Sponsors

puticeonit.com

RSVP to Kim Panzer 352.286.6411 Like us on Facebook

BUSINESS TECHS “Where Quality Service is Still Important!”

Customer Testimonial: “We went with Business Techs because they are local and because they offer a good product. Their response times and techs have been great! If we do need toner or a machine serviced they are always there quickly. Chad and the rest of their staff has done a phenomenal job coordinating the installation of new machines. Whenever possible they even export the settings from the previous machine. A real time saver.”

— Danny Graham

Director of Technology Support 352-750-1515 www.TheVillagesTSG.com

Full Color Imaging Solutions Starting at $49 a Month

421 N Palmetto St. Leesburg, FL 34748 Office: 352.326.3418 www.businesstechsinc.com

Locally Owned and Operated

Final thought // John Sotomayor

MEDIOCRITY IS FINE HAVE WE SET OUR SIGHTS TOO LOW? When the time came to prepare my column for the extraordinary issue, some suggestions were made. Do not go too grandiose. Rather than write about figures who are larger than life, write about the people you encounter every day. Mention the cashier who brightened your afternoon with a smile and “thank you for shopping” farewell. It’s the simple gestures that make up an extraordinary day. This confused me. Maybe I’m wrong about this, but to me, nothing could be more ordinary than being sent on my way with a smile and a cheerful good bye. It should be ordinary, because that’s how we are

taught to act all the time. It becomes extraordinary if it is not commonplace. Is that where we are today as a society? Surprised when someone is nice to us? Have we become so desensitized to one another that a “welcome,” “thank you,” and “have a good day” stop us in our tracks? I attended a seminar recently sponsored by the Lake County Workforce Taskforce called “Maximizing Performance and Retention with Gen Y and Z” by Mark Perna, a renowned speaker and specialist on the Millennial generation. Held at Lake Technical College’s Institute of Public Safety campus in Tavares,

the seminar was attended by Lake County business leaders. The focus was on how to engage the Millennial generation effectively. It was suggested that while Millennials are team oriented and good multi-taskers, they are also rather needy. They require support by their employers and their peers, plus a stimulating job environment. If they don’t receive all three, they lose interest and leave. According to Perna, the Millennial generation became this way because they are the sons and daughters of the wealthiest generation in history—the Baby Boomers. They have safety nets, so do not feel the same pres-

sures as previous generations. In essence, they lack challenges. Maybe Perna is on to something. Within his presentation, Perna posed the hypothetical question, “If everyone wins a trophy, does anyone win a trophy?” In today’s competitive sports, players are awarded just for participating. Without challenge, is there truly accomplishment? We have become a society that awards everyone just for showing up and are amazed when what should be expected is done. It seems we have not set the bar higher nor lowered it—we have done away with it altogether.

From (L-R) Gregory Prevatt, Charles Smith and Michael Monteith

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

see family. Moving ﬁnancial worry away from the front of your mind can put big concerns to rest. With discretionary portfolio models and planning tools we can build a plan based on your risk tolerance. As portfolio managers, we manage your portfolio on a daily basis, guiding your objectives from developing a health care strategy to helping you attend to estate planning needs. You’ve spent your working years building a legacy. Now let’s work to build the next phase of your life. Knowing you have a ﬁnancial advisor who can walk that path with you may mean the difference between living, and enjoying, your retirement. Protect what you want for today, and what you need for tomorrow.

Charles H. Smith, Sr. CWS® Senior Vice President Portfolio Management Director Wealth Advisor charlie.smith@morganstanley.com NMLS# 1255635

Gregory Prevatt, CLTC, CFP® Senior Vice President Portfolio Management Director Financial Advisor gregory.prevatt@morganstanley.com NMLS# 1262242

Michael Monteith Financial Planning Specialist Portfolio Manager Financial Advisor michael.monteith@morganstanley.com NMLS# 1265211

The Smith Prevatt Monteith Group at Morgan Stanley 832 Lake Sumter Landing, The Villages, FL 32162 352.751.7845 • Toll free 800.447.6036

morganstanleyfa.com/smithprevattmonteith

Nicole Silberstein Client Service Associate nicole.silberstein@morganstanley.com

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC offers insurance products in conjunction with its licensed insurance agency affiliates. This material is intended only for clients and prospective clients of the Portfolio Management program. It has been prepared solely for informational purposes only and is not an offer to buy or sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy or sell any security or other financial instrument, or to participate in any trading strategy. The individuals mentioned as the Portfolio Management Team are Financial Advisors with Morgan Stanley participating in the Morgan Stanley Portfolio Management program. The Portfolio Management program is an investment advisory program in which the client’s Financial Advisor invests the client’s assets on a discretionary basis in a range of securities. The Portfolio Management program is described in the applicable Morgan Stanley ADV Part 2, available at www.morganstanley.com/ADV or from your Financial Advisor. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not accept appointments nor will it act as a trustee but it will provide access to trust services through an appropriate third-party corporate trustee. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER and Federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the US. © 2015. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC CRC 1110052 02/15

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Style Magazine, November 2015

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