25 minute read
What’s Happening
what’s happening JULY 2013
STEPPING OUT FOR
EDUCATION (JULY 27)
Watch six area celebrities strap on their dancing shoes and perform the fox trot, rumba, cha cha, swing, and tango with professional dancers from around the state for a good cause: Lake County Schools. Cocktails begin at 5:30p.m. at Lake Receptions, followed by dinner at 7p.m. and the competition at 8p.m. Seating is limited. The reservation deadline is July 9th. Tickets are $125 per person and include a five-course gourmet meal, wine and beer bar, dancing, and a vote for the star of your choice. For an additional $25 per person, you can upgrade to preferred seating. Call 352.326.1265 for reservations or purchase online at www.eventbrite.com
SUMMER MUSIC SERIES (JULY 6–27)
Looking for something special to do with your summer weekend? Then visit Lakeridge Winery in Clermont from 1 to 4p.m. each Saturday afternoon in July and enjoy live music by the area’s most talented musicians. Lakeridge wine, beer, soft drinks, and a variety of food will be available for purchase, along with complimentary winery tours and tastings. Call 352.394.8627 for information.
STEAM PUNK INDUSTRIAL SHOW (AUGUST 3–4)
Grab your top hats and goggles and get ready to experience the hottest trend in steampunk decor. Steampunk is a retro-futuristic vision of the 19th century and the era’s idea of fashion, culture, architectural style, and industrial age furniture. Think Victoria and Albert meets H.G. Wells. The show will be from 9a.m. to 5p.m. at Renninger’s Antique Center, 20651 U.S. 441, Mount Dora. For more information, call 352.383.8393.
JULY 2013
To have an event considered for Lake & Sumter Style’s Calendar section, please send a short text description (along with a color photo, if possible) 60 days in advance to: email: Calendar@akersmediagroup.com fax: 352.323.8161 mail: Lake & Sumter Style Calendar, P.O. Box 490088, Leesburg, FL 34749
EVENTS
Leesburg’s Fourth of July Celebration (July 4) Cecil Clark Chevrolet presents this annual celebration at Venetian Gardens from 6 to 10p.m. Join us for a fun-fi lled evening with live entertainment, traditional Fourth of July food, children rides and games, and free baseball. Also, watch Lake County’s most spectacular fi reworks display along the shores of Venetian Cove.
Independence Day Celebration (July 4) Events and activities for Tavares’ holiday extravaganza will take place at Wooton Park, 100 E. Ruby Street. Festivities will begin at 3p.m; the parade will begin at 5p.m on Main and Ruby Streets. Live entertainment, children activities, the splash park, and great food. Fireworks begin at 9p.m., weather permitting. Call 352.742.6176 for information.
July 4th Independence Day Celebration (July 4) Participate in this grand celebration of Independence Day with a parade down Donnelly Street at 10a.m., great food, live music, and fi reworks at approximately 9p.m at Gilbert Park. For more information, please call 352.267.2879. Sponsored by the City of Mount Dora, Mount Dora Community Trust, The Daily Commercial, and the Rotary Club of Mount Dora.
Authors in the Park (July 6) Come join this unique opportunity to have a picnic with an author at Gilbert Park in Mount Dora. Ten authors from across Florida will be reading from and discussing their works in a casual picnic setting from 11a.m. to 1p.m. Food will be provided by Round Lake Christian Church for a small donation. Children’s activities will include face painting and more. The authors will have books available for sale, and anyone purchasing a book will receive a free hot dog. Call 352.385.4499 for information.
Mote-Morris House History and Dig (July 16) Learn about the history of this local landmark. The archaeological dig was performed on the property after the house was moved to its present location. Featured speakers will be local historian Glorianne Fahs and educator Karen West. The event begins at 2p.m. at the Leesburg Public Library. Call Carol Anderson at 352.728.9790 for further info.
MUSIC AND THEATRE
Hairspray (June 28–July 21) Set in 1960s Baltimore, “pleasantly plump” teenager Tracy Turnblad dreams of dancing on The Corny Collins Show, a local TV dance program. When Tracy wins a role on the show, she becomes an overnight celebrity. She then launches a campaign to integrate the show and fi nd true love all without mussing her hair. Bay Street Players at Historic State Theatre is located at 109 N. Bay St. in downtown Eustis. Visit www.baystreetplayers.org or call 352.357.7777 for tickets and information.
The 39 Steps (July 7–21) A comedy adapted by Patrick Barlow from the novel by John Buchan and the movie by Alfred Hitchcock. The story centers on Englishman Richard Hannay, who inadvertently embarks on a chaotic adventure full of narrow escapes after trying to help a female spy. When he wakes up to fi nd her dead in his apartment, he fl ees from the police and an espionage organization, desperately trying to fi nd the truth. Bay Street Players at Historic State Theatre is located at 109 N. Bay St. in downtown Eustis. Visit www.baystreetplayers.org or call 352.357.7777 for tickets and information. Moonlight and Magnolias (July 12–August 4) It is 1939 in Hollywood and mogul David O. Selznick has just shut down production on the most eagerly anticipated movie in history, Gone with the Wind, scrapping the script and sacking the director. Determined to produce a rewrite in fi ve days, he engages the services of ace script doctor Ben Hecht and the movie’s new director Victor Fleming. With his reputation on the line, Selznick locks the three collaborators in his offi ce and a marathon creative session begins. Moonlight Players Warehouse Theatre, 732 B W. Montrose St., Clermont. Call the reservation hotline at 352.319.1116.
Assisted Living: The Musical (July 13) Sex, drugs, and gettin’ old! This critically acclaimed traveling musical comes to Mount Dora. The San Francisco Examiner calls it “lively and wickedly funny!” Do not miss this laugh-out-loud original cabaret show at the Mount Dora Community Building, 520 N. Baker St. Tickets: $15. Find information at www.whattodoinmtdora. com/VMDevents/.
Déjà Vu (July 13) Join ME Dance, Inc., for its season fi nale at the Garden Theatre. This performance will refl ect on the company’s inaugural season and look back at the last fi ve productions. Favorites will be performed once again on the main stage along with a world premiere work titled Déjà Vu. You will not want to miss this! The production is being staged at the Garden Theatre, located at 160 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. For tickets or information, contact the Garden Theatre box offi ce at 407.877.4736 or visit www. gardentheatre.org.
Oliver! (July 19–August 4) Dickens’ timeless characters are brought to life in this ever-popular story about a boy who dared to ask for more. The sensational score includes Food Glorious Food, Consider Yourself, You’ve Got to Pick-a-Pocket or Two, I’d Do Anything, Oom Pah Pah, As Long As He Needs Me, and several more classics. The Sonnentag Theatre at the IceHouse is located on 1100 N. Unser Street, Mount Dora. For tickets and information, call 352.383.3133, email jean@icehousetheatre.com, or visit www.icehousetheatre.com.
ART/HISTORY EXHIBITS
The Pilgrimage (June 14–July 25) The Mount Dora Center for the Arts selected painter Logan Marconi as its featured emerging artist this year, and his works are exhibited in the gallery. In his paintings, Marconi explores the issues of existence and uncertainty of knowledge in both secular and sacred domains. Mount Dora Center for the Arts, 138 E. Fifth Ave., Mount Dora. Call: 352.383.0880.
LEMA Permanent Collection (July 5–September 8) This exhibition will highlight award-winning and donated works from the Lake Eustis Museum of Art’s permanent collection. Artists include Henry Sinn, Earl Weydahl, Jr., Hooshang Khorasani, Princess Rashid, Patricia Zalisko, Betty Morris Parker, Robin Maria Pedrero, Donne Bitner, Dina Mack, Brigan Gresh, Stefan Alexandres, Douglas J. Nesbitt, KYLE, Parker Sketch, Cheryl Bogdanowitsch, and others. Lake Eustis Museum of Art, 1 W. Orange Ave., Eustis. Call 352.483.2900 for more information.
Art in the Grove (July 6 and 20) Local artist Kathie Camara will teach art classes on the fi rst and third Saturday mornings of the month at the Showcase of Citrus, 5010 U.S. Highway 27, Clermont. Classes for kids, ages 5–11, will be from 9:30 to 11a.m. and include all materials for a
fee of $20 per child. Preregistration is required. Please contact Kathie Camara at alckathyc@juno.com or 352.241.6407. Also, check out the scheduled classes at www.picturetrail. com/butterfl ykissesstudio. Click on “Kids Art in the Grove.”
Mount Dora Flow Arts Spin Jam (July 7) Every fi rst Sunday of the month, poi spinners, hoopers, jugglers, slackliners, and others convene from 3 to 7p.m. at Gilbert Park in downtown Mount Dora. This event is open to anyone, whether you are newly interested, a seasoned pro, performer, or a backyard spinner. For information, call 352.735.6545 or email dancefi tnesswithjaime@gmail.com.
ONGOING EVENTS
Lake-Sumter Computer Society (Thursdays) The Lake-Sumter Computer Society offers free and informative computer seminars weekly on the Leesburg campus of LakeSumter State College when the college is in session. Weekly presentations cover a wide variety of computerrelated subjects. www.lscs.us or call 352.343.4490
Trivia Night (Thursdays) Head to The Wine Den on fourth Avenue in Mount Dora every Thursday night to test your knowledge of music, movies, and sports. Trivia Night is held from 8–10p.m. thewinedenonline.com or 352.735.5594.
Bike Night (Third Thursdays) Bikers, make Al’s Landing on Lake Dora in Tavares your destination every third Thursday of the month. The restaurant offers great live music from 6–10p.m., delicious food, games, and drink specials. 352.742.1113.
Florida Hospital Waterman Monthly Blood Drive (Third Thursdays) Give the gift of life! Donate blood any third Thursday of the month at the Florida Blood Center at Florida Hospital Waterman in Tavares. 11a.m.–7p.m. 352.742.7020.
Breastfeeding Support Group (First Fridays) This monthly support group is designed to educate new or existing parents about breastfeeding. The Lake County Health Department’s Women Infant and Children’s office hosts the meetings at 2p.m. at its Umatilla Clinic on Collins Street. 352.771.5566.
Friday Night Street Festival (First Fridays) Visit downtown Eustis every month for this fun-filled street fest. Three stages bring guests some of the area’s best musical entertainment, and visitors can also check out the downtown shops, restaurants, and art vendors. The event also features a kids’ area and plenty of food vendors with soft drinks, beer, wine, and margaritas. Admission is free. 6–10p.m. 352.357.8555.
Wine Tasting (First Fridays) The Wine Den at 109 E. 4th Avenue in downtown Mount Dora hosts a wine tasting on the first Friday of every month. 7–9p.m. $20 per person. www.thewinedenonline.com or 352.735.5594.
Movie in the Park (Second Fridays) This is a year-round, family-friendly event. In case of rain, the movie will be shown in the Mount Dora Community Building. Free. 7:45p.m. Donnelly Park, Mount Dora. 352.735.7183.
Ballroom Dance Party (Second Fridays) Spend the first hour of this monthly USA Dance party, 7–7:45p.m., in a group dance lesson, and then partake in general dancing until 10p.m. $8 for USA Dance members, $10 for non-members. Complimentary snacks and beverages. Leesburg Community Center. 352.293.8709 or 748.3112.
Mount Dora At Nite (Third Fridays) Shop, dine, and enjoy live music in historic Mount Dora during this monthly, after-hours event from 5–8p.m. Each month’s event features a different live band or performer. 352.383.5451.
Leesburg Saturday Morning Market (Saturdays) A multitude of vendors sell produce, plants, flowers, and specialty foods every Saturday from 8a.m.–1p.m. in downtown Leesburg’s town square. leesburgsaturdaymorningmarket.com or 352.365.0053.
Central Florida Dance Club (Saturdays) The Central Florida Dance Club at the Eustis Senior Service Center on Ward Avenue features ballroom dancing and live music every Saturday night from 7:30–10:30pm. Cost is a $5 donation. dancefla.com or 352.669.1612.
BLAST-Babysitting Lessons and Safety Training (Saturdays) This course was developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics and is geared to ages 10–17. Students learn fire safety, CPR, first aid, diapering, feeding, and other skills from 9:30a.m.–3:30p.m. Light lunch provided; parents welcome to attend. Community Clubhouse on CR 448 in Tavares. Cost is $45. Preregistration required. 352.267.5592.
Florida Sunshine Opry (Saturdays) Enjoy performances such as ‘50s- and ‘60s-style rock ‘n’ roll and Southern gospel. Ticket prices vary. 7pm. 431 Plaza Drive, Eustis. Call for schedule. fsopry.com or 352.821.0000.
Mote-Morris House Tours (Second and fourth Saturdays) Guided tours of the Mote-Morris House, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, are available. The two-story house with a four-story tower is located at 1195 W. Magnolia Street in Leesburg. Free. 10a.m.–2p.m. 352.315.1800.
Eustis Classic Car Cruise-In (Fourth Saturdays) Take a stroll down memory lane! Historic downtown Eustis hosts hundreds of classic, antique, and custom vehicles from all over the state for fans to view up close. Great tunes from a disc jockey are included. Door prizes and eight $50 cash prizes are given away each month. Registration and admission are free. 5–9p.m. 352.357.8555.
Paws For Mount Dora (Second Sundays). Discover great places in Mount Dora for you and your pup during this monthly get-together on the “Waggin Trail.” Park at Mt. Dora Sushi & Steak on 3rd Avenue and pick up a map to find out which pet-friendly locations you and your doggie are headed to together to get your card stamped. Once your card is completely stamped, return it to be entered to win prizes. The event runs from 11a.m. to 3p.m. whattodoinmtdora. com or 352.508.4387.
Downtown Clermont Farmers Market (Sundays) Head to Montrose Street in Clermont every Sunday for fresh produce, plants, flowers, seafood, bakery items, jams, and other local goods. 9am–2pm. clermontdowntownpartnership.com or 352.394.8618.
Salvation Army Collection The Salvation Army in Lake and Sumter counties is seeking donations from the public. The organization, which helps the needy locally, is asking for donations of food, basic necessities, money, and time. For more information, call 352.365.0079 in Lake County and 352.568.2284 in Sumter County.
07/05 Corey Smith House Of Blues 07/05 “Jay And Silent Bob’s Super Groovy Cartoon Movie Tour” The Plaza Live 07/06 Kip Moore Universal Orlando Resort Music Plaza Stage 07/06 Mac Miller Hard Rock Cafe / Hard Rock Live 07/06 Richard Cheese & Lounge Against The Machine House Of Blues 07/06 TJR Roxy Nightclub 07/06 Tyrese Bob Carr Perf. Arts Centre 07/09 Valentino Khan- Roxy Nightclub 07/10 Paper Route Backbooth 07/11 Ballyhoo! The Beacham 07/12 Carlos Vives Amway Center 07/12 The Coathangers Backbooth 07/12 Kathy Griffi n Bob Carr Perf. Arts Centre 07/12 Michael Woods Roxy Nightclub 07/13 Hank Williams Jr. UCF Arena 07/13 Michael Ray House Of Blues 07/15 Rx Bandits The Beacham 07/16 The Maine The Beacham 07/16 A Rocket To The Moon The Beacham 07/18 Cookie Monsta Firestone Live 07/18 Debbie Davies Band McWell’s 07/18 Marilyn Manson Hard Rock Cafe / Hard Rock Live 07/18 Pacifi c Dub The Social 07/19 I Wayne The Social 07/19 PJ Morton The Abbey 07/20 The Aristocrats The West End 07/20 Cedric The Entertainer Bob Carr Perf. Arts Centre 07/20 Hor!zen The Social 07/20 The Supervillains Beachside Tavern 07/23 Anamanaguchi The Social 07/25 Beacon The Social 07/25 Toad The Wet Sprocket Hard Rock Cafe / Hard Rock Live 07/25 Zach Deputy The Plaza Live 07/26 The Psychedelic Furs The Plaza Live 07/26 Selwyn Birchwood House Of Blues 07/26 Souls Of Mischief The Social 07/27 Passafi re The Beacham 07/27 Selwyn Birchwood House Of Blues 07/27 The Supervillains Club Boa 07/28 Reel Big Fish Central Florida Fairgrounds 07/29 “Summer Slaughter Tour” House Of Blues 08/01 “American Idols Live” Amway Center 08/01 “Big Night Out Tour” House Of Blues 08/01 Emily Kopp The Social 08/01 Pantyraid The Beacham 08/02 Havok Backbooth 08/03 The Molly Ringwalds House Of Blues
Par-tee
on the lake
WRITTEN BY JAMES COMBS
When Jan Zacharchuk moved to Lake County from St. Petersburg in 2005, she was surprised by the area’s beautiful, pristine lakes.
“Seeing the sunset on Lake Harris for the fi rst time was breathtakingly beautiful,” she says.
To this day, though, she is amazed and disappointed by how underutilized the lakes are.
“Other than fi shing, I seldom see people using the lakes for recreational purposes such as skiing, tubing, or just enjoying a boat ride. That drives me crazy.”
As executive director of the Leesburg Area Chamber of Commerce, Jan has thought long and hard about organizing an event that would bring visibility to area lakes. Unfortunately, her ideas never seemed to materialize. She continued swinging, though, and now Jan feels she has hit a hole-in-one.
The Leesburg Area Chamber of Commerce’s inaugural Lake Scramble will be held July 26th at Venetian Gardens. Avid golfers who have a fear of hitting a ball into the water should not worry. That is actually the objective of this unique on-the-water golf tournament set on the shores of Lake Harris.
Organizers will set up 18 weighted-down “holes” throughout various spots on the lake made out of pool noodles, and fl oating fl ags will be placed inside each noodle to help golfers with their accuracy. At each hole, participants will have two chances to hit a biodegradable golf ball into the fl oating targets. Nine holes are 20 yards from the target, while the remaining holes are at a distance of 40 yards. Volunteer boaters will be stationed at each hole to determine where balls land in the water.
The tees will be set up on wooden bridges, the shoreline, and other locations throughout Venetian Gardens. At each tee, golfers will place their ball on a square artifi cial grass mat and swing for the target. Participants can access the tees by riding a golf cart or walking. Attendees will be allowed to use only two golf clubs, but they will not be intimidated by annoying sand traps.
“You do not have to be a skilled golfer to participate in this event,” Jan says. “I urge everybody to come out for a day of fun. Bring your family, friends, and co-workers because everyone will truly have a wonderful time.”
In addition to golf, members of the Leesburg Area Chamber of Commerce will provide a continental breakfast, food, beer, and water. The after party will include an awards ceremony, live music, and food.
No doubt, Jan is serious about bringing recognition to local lakes. She is advertising the event in various media outlets throughout the East Coast. “I hope this event helps locals and tourists appreciate the abundance of natural beauty that we have in Lake County.” The cost is $50 per player. Tee box sponsorships cost $250. For more information, call 352.787.2131.
MEET LAKE’S LAKES
• Lake County has more than 1,000 lakes and rivers. • Lake County is home to two unique waterway systems that feature multiple lakes connected by canals and rivers — the Harris Chain of Lakes and the Clermont
Chain of Lakes. • Of the nine lakes that are part of the Harris Chain of
Lakes, Lake Harris is the largest at 15,087 acres. • Of the 11 lakes that are part of the Clermont Chain of
Lakes, Lake Louisa is the largest at 3,634 acres. • During one month in 2005, more than 350 professional and amateur anglers came to Lake County to compete in two separate nationally televised fi shing tournaments on the Harris Chain of Lakes. • Clermont Waterfront Park on Lake Minneola is home to the longstanding, popular Great Floridian Triathlon.
Spain:
Conversations worth having
WRITTEN BY MARY ANN DESANTIS • PHOTOS BY TONY AND MARY ANN DESANTIS
Imagine my surprise when I checked out of a luxury resort in Spain after a week’s stay and the fi nal bill was less than $2 — and that’s only because I had a bottle of water from the minibar.
I had become so immersed in my experience as a VaughanTown volunteer that I had forgotten my stay was in exchange for English conversation. When I fi rst heard about VaughanTown, a program in Spain that pairs Anglo speakers with Spanish executives who want to become more fl uent in English, I thought it was too good to be true. A week in a four-star resort just to talk seemed like an Internet myth.
After some online research and a faceto-face conversation with Fred Weldon of The Villages, who has volunteered with the program 27 times in the last nine years, I was convinced this “working” vacation could be an experience of a lifetime.
“It’s always interesting to meet the local people who have many stories to tell,” says Fred, who recently married a fellow volunteer he met at VaughanTown’s Gredos location in 2011. His wife, Ann, now lives in The Villages and, like her husband, plans to volunteer again in the future.
Fred’s enthusiasm for the program was contagious, so the next day my husband, Tony, and I sent our applications to volunteer in early May. We were a little worried about our Southern accents and lack of teaching credentials, but the program is not about teaching grammar. We quickly learned it is more about listening and exchanging information. And those Southern drawls? The Spaniards loved them.
Vaughan Systems, Spain’s largest language training fi rm, provides seated language classes to Spanish business executives from international companies, doctors, lawyers, and independent business owners. Founder Richard Vaughan recognized that students needed to understand a variety of accents — British, Canadian, U.S., Australian, Ireland, and yes, American Southern.
In 2001, Vaughan transformed an abandoned Spanish village into a secluded town where the offi cial language was English. Today, Vaughan Systems hosts more than 70 VaughanTown programs around Spain each year, reaching about a 1,000 Spanish students annually who spend a week in total English immersion. The number of non-paid volunteers, known as “Anglos,” is slightly higher.
After meeting the other volunteers in Madrid, we boarded a bus on a Sunday morning for El Rancho de la Aldegüela in Torrecaballeros, a small town near Segovia. Each Spaniard had to sit with an Anglo, and the conversations began. My seatmate was a young businesswoman, Pilar Sanchez, who was leaving the following month for a nuclear energy meeting in China where the language of business is English.
The 9a.m.-to-9p.m. days — and sometimes
even longer — were tiring, yet fulfi lling. We had one-on-one meetings with each student followed by group activities. There were skits, mock conference calls, and formal presentations. Conversations, of course, began with polite questions about jobs, families, and hobbies. By the end of the week, we had fi rsthand knowledge about Spain’s economic situation, the royal family’s woes, foods we should try, and places to visit before we returned to the U.S.
It is hard to pick my favorite part of the program because every day offered something special. One of my best memories was exploring the picturesque city of Segovia in teams of four (two Spaniards, two Anglos) as part of a photo scavenger hunt. We were given a list of things to photograph and, luckily, Tony and I had Spanish teammates who knew the city and were able to guide us quickly through the list.
A beautiful country with magnifi cent art and cultures that rival other European destinations, Spain is still economical to visit. The VaughanTown experience did not offer much time to explore beyond El Rancho. After the program ended, however, we ventured with another couple to southern Spain where we rented a two-bedroom villa for less than $400 for the week. The day trips to Cordoba, Granada, and Cuenca were even more special because our VaughanTown acquaintances had because given us tips for sightseeing and eating. given u
Getting to know the “locals” was priceless Gett and an experience that many travelers usually and an do not have. Tears came to our eyes the night do not before we fl ew home when two VaughanTown before w students drove to our Madrid hotel to say student goodbye in person. We believe, however, the goodby farewells were only temporary. In this age of farewel social media and Skype, we have made lasting social m friendships that will certainly take us back to friendsh Spain again and again. Spain a
Visitwww.volunteers.grupovaughan. Visi com/vaughantown for more information com/va about VaughanTown. about V
About the writer
Mary Ann DeSantis has written features for Style publications since 2006. She was recognized with a fi rst place Florida Press Club Excellence in Journalism Award for Travel Writing in 2012.
PREMIERES THIS AUGUST!
Proud to be an American
Cheryl Pisano, a dentist in Lady Lake, is in the business of restoring teeth and making people smile. Now, she is also helping restore the lives of wounded veterans to make them smile.
A proud mother whose son bravely fought in Afghanistan, Dr. Pisano will forever hold a special place in her heart for the men and women in the military who are stationed overseas. She is honoring their sacrifi ce by introducing Wounded Warrior Wednesday at her practice.
Each Wednesday, she and her dental team at First Impressions Dental Care dress in khaki and green scrubs and donate a portion of that day’s proceeds to the Wounded Warrior Project, a national organization that provides aid to injured servicemen and women.
“I treat many veterans at my practice, and some have specifi cally requested appointments on Wednesday because they feel strongly about contributing to this charity,” she says.
PERSONALLY TOUCHED
For Dr. Pisano, the war in Afghanistan has hit close to home. Two years ago, her son Nicholas, a 23-year-old U.S. Marine infantryman, was injured while his platoon was patrolling Musa Qala, a town in southern Afghanistan. A soldier near Nicholas stepped on an improvised explosive device(IED), and the force of the explosion knocked his body into Nicholas. Nicholas was unconscious for several minutes. When he came to, he wrapped a tourniquet around his friend’s extremities and radioed a helicopter for assistance.
Today, Nicholas suffers from migraine headaches, memory problems, and balance issues. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is equipping him with the necessary tools to manage his memory issues successfully while he attends college to earn an associate’s degree. He resides in Illinois with his wife and child.
“The explosion affected my life because at that point I knew I wasn’t Superman,” Nicholas wrote in an email. “I am just as vulnerable as anybody else. And when you see your friends wounded, it defi nitely makes you think twice about the world around you.”
Seeing up close and personal how war injuries can forever change lives makes Nicholas appreciative of his mother’s efforts.
“I am extremely happy that she is donating to the Wounded Warrior Project,” he writes. “It is something every veteran is thankful for, whether they are injured or not. As veterans, we want all our brothers to have the best care and newest techn ologies to get them better after an injury. The people who donate to make that possible are heroes in my mind.”
HOORAY FOR THE RED, WHITE AND BLUE
Without question, Dr. Pisano’s heart is fi lled with American pride. She cries whenever she hears the national anthem or the Pledge of Allegiance. She honks her horn or gives a thumbs-up sign whenever she sees someone with a “Semper Fi” bumper sticker or license plate. And whenever she encounters a veteran at her offi ce or out in public, she personally thanks them for their service.
“I have so much respect for everybody in the military,” she says. “They sacrifi ce their lives to defend this country and keep it safe. I’m proud I can help veterans who have disabilities, as well as the families of soldiers who did not return home. I want all troops who are fi ghting overseas and in harm’s way to know their efforts are greatly appreciated.”
First Impressions Dental Care is located at 8575 N.E. 138th Lane Suite 105 in Lady Lake. Just look for the large sign that reads “Wounded Warrior Wednesday.” For more information, call 352.364.0064 or visit drpisano.com.
Our Patients Say It Best...
Marie McAvoy of The Villages golfed four times a week and walked several miles a day. Unfortunately, she gave up both activities when her feet began causing her excruciating pain one year ago.
“I started going to a rheumatologist, but that did no good,” she says. “I couldn’t stand the pain any longer, so I took the bull by the horns and decided to go to Tri County Podiatry.”
Dr. Johnny Wu diagnosed her with severe arthritis and bone spurs in both feet. Always one to try conservative measures fi rst, Dr. Wu ordered special arch supports for Marie and had her undergo several weeks of physical therapy with Tri-County Podiatry’s in-house physical therapy team. Having experienced no pain relief, her condition required surgery. Dr. Wu performed a bunionectomy with a joint implant on the big toe of her right foot. Once she fully recovers, Marie will have the same procedure performed on her left foot.
“I’m recovering nicely and no longer have any pain in my right foot,” she says. “Dr. Wu is very caring. He called me the night before my surgery to see if I had any questions or concerns.”
MEDICAL & SURGICAL TREATMENT OF:
• Bunions and Hammertoes • Corns • Morton’s Neuromas • Ingrown Nails and Warts • Heel and Arch Pain • Thick Painful Toenails
• Foot Injuries • Diabetic & Geriatric Foot Care • Sports Medicine • Orthotics • Diabetic Shoes • Numbness/Tingling of Feet *NOW OFFERING IN-OFFICE PHYSICAL THERAPY
Same-day appointments often available for emergencies.
From Left: Larry Erlinder, DPM; Michael Palma, PTA; Johnny Wu, DPM; Felix Esarey, DPM; Ivelisse Rosa, DPM; and Keri Brooks, RPT
Learn more about Tri-County Podiatry when you scan this with your smart phone
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