Style Magazine, July 2017 by Akers Media Group

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JULY 2017 // VOL.13 NO. 9 // F e a t u r e s

E H T

30 Endless possibilities There are few businesses or homes in Lake and Sumter counties that aren’t connected digitally. It’s a technology-ﬁlled world, and this area of Central Florida is a great place to live if you want to be a part of it. STORY: JAMES COMBS

42 Connections Florida’s High Tech Corridor is a force of technology, and Lake and Sumter counties are connected to valuable resources in countless ways. STORY: CHRIS GERBASI

E U IS S

46 A degree of opportunities The variety and scope of the degrees and technologies in local schools are amazing. There’s no ﬁeld that technology doesn’t touch, and the education offered in Lake and Sumter counties means career choices are plentiful. STORY: THERESA CAMPBELL

On the cover ILLUSTRATION: JASON FUGATE

July 2017

d e pa r t m e n t s

19 I N TH E KNOW

20 24 36 28

#Trending Person of Interest Outstanding Student This’ N That

ON THE SCENE

52 54 56 58 62 70

The To-Do List In Concert Local Talent Out+About Hi, Society! Social Spotlight

77 A R O U N D T H E TA B L E

78 80 84 86 88

Quick Bites In the Kitchen Salutè Dining Guide Fork on the Road

COLUM NS

16 From the Publisher 112 Final Thought

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Lake County and Technology: Great Partners t is with great pleasure I have the opportunity to introduce this technology-focused issue of Lake & Sumter Style. I want to commend Akers Media on its decision to highlight an industry sector that gets very little attention locally, but is playing a vital role in the growth of Lake County’s economy. From manufacturing to health care to agriculture, the sector has a far-reaching impact across almost every segment of the Lake County economy. While it is true that Lake County does not [yet] have a bellwether technology giant like Google driving the industry locally, technology thought leaders and companies are becoming more prominent in our community, and we are seeing signiﬁcant increases in the utilization of advanced technologies within existing businesses. This local technologydriven growth is both a function of the evolution of Lake County’s economy, as well as the technology boom occurring in Orlando. As one of the fastest-growing tech communities in the country, Orlando’s tech revival will, without question, positively beneﬁt and contribute to the growth of Lake County’s tech industry. Lake County Economic Development is committed to ensuring that our county has the infrastructure and workforce necessary to sustain a thriving technology industry. Working with our municipalities, workforce partners like Lake Technical College, LakeSumter State College, the Lake County

School Board, and other local technology stakeholders, we plan to launch a number of initiatives and projects over the coming months and years to solidify Lake County’s positioning as a destination for technologydriven companies and as a community that supports and cultivates our existing businesses that either depend on technology or produce technology solutions. Throughout the month of July, Lake County is launching a multi-pronged marketing campaign to bring awareness to the importance of technology in Lake County. Through a series of press releases, social media postings, and promotional videos, we’ll highlight some of our more established tech-driven companies, like Steamroller Studios, Data Graphics, and GW Schultz Tools, while also promoting the tremendous importance of technology across all of Lake County’s businesses and industries. We encourage you to follow the campaign by visiting Lake County’s Facebook page at facebook.com/LakeCountyEcoDev/ with the hashtag #summertech. Robert Chandler

Robert Chandler is a special guest writer for this month’s tech issue. The publisher’s column will resume next month.

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At You r S e rv i c e

Hot Off The Press!

Kendra Akers

Sneak Peek

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

PUBLISHER kendra@akersmediagroup.com Doug Akers PRESIDENT doug@akersmediagroup.com Jamie Ezra Mark CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER jamie@akersmediagroup.com

LOOK GOOD, FEEL GOOD: BRING YOUR SELF-IMAGE TO LIFE P. 22 // MEET THE PROS WHO CAN HELP P. 35

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June 2017

VILLAGES EDITION

MEET THE 2017

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TO L AK E COUN T Y

FEAST OR FAMINE: The importance of

NUTRITION+ The Villages welcomes plastic surgeon and author of ‘The Brown Fat Revolution’ and ‘Lose the Fat, Lose the Years,’

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Editorial // Design // Photography

Leigh Neely Jason Fugate MANAGING EDITOR CREATIVE DIRECTOR leigh@akersmediagroup.com jason@akersmediagroup.com James Combs Josh Clark STAFF WRITER SENIOR DESIGNER james@akersmediagroup.com josh@akersmediagroup.com Theresa Campbell Volkan Ulgen STAFF WRITER DESIGNER theresa@akersmediagroup.com volkan@akersmediagroup.com Chris Gerbasi Michael Gaulin STAFF WRITER PRODUCTION DIRECTOR chris@akersmediagroup.com michael@akersmediagroup.com Fred Lopez CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER fred@akersmediagroup.com contributors

Mary Ann DeSantis Diane Dean Jessica Flinn Fred Hilton Vincent Niglio sales // marketing

Tim McRae Mike Stegall VICE PRESIDENT, SALES & MARKETING SENIOR ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE tim@akersmediagroup.com mike@akersmediagroup.com Jacquelyn Singer Cree Howard ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE SALES EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT jacquelyn@akersmediagroup.com cree@akersmediagroup.com Tatianna Geliga SALES EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT tatianna@akersmediagroup.com

AGE GRACEFULLY OR LOOK YOUNG? We asked locals which they prefer

MAKE A MOVE

IT’S NO FISH TALE Lake County has the largest bass in the state!

Find a way to move that makes you happy and helps your body get in shape, too!

RAISING THE BAR The NTC is a gold mine for Olympians!

HAPPY TRAILS

DISC GOLF A new spin on an old sport!

Staying safe while exercising outdoors

Get yours

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Order a subscription of your favorite magazine to be delivered directly to your home for just $72. Each subscription includes 12 consecutive issues of Lake & Sumter Style, Village Style or Healthy Living. Choose 2 or more magazines for $85 per year. To order, call 352.787.4112 or mail us at: Subscriptions at Akers Media, P.O. Box 490088, Leesburg, FL 34749. CHANGE OF ADDRESS: If you are a seasonal resident or have moved, send your address change request to general@akersmediagroup.com or mail us at: Subscriptions at Akers Media, P.O. Box 490088, Leesburg, FL 34749. BACK ISSUES: Order a single issue by mail for $7, or 2 or more single issues for $9. To pick up a back issue from our office, please call 24 hours in advance.

2017 HOT LIST

FIND OUT WHO WAS VOTED BEST OF THE BEST IN OUR ANNUAL HOT LIST AUGUST 2017

Digitize your life.

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

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Lake & Sumter Style. Published monthly by Akers Media, 108 South Fifth Street, Leesburg, FL 34748. All editorial contents copyright 2017 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.

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SEE STORY on PG 24

In the Know

One local artist is in the game.

July 2017

* #I TnR ETNhD eI N GK n o w

Theater lovers can put their money where their hearts are by helping the Tavares Community Theater Company move into a new location. The troupe has secured a building at 107 N. Lake Ave. near West Main Street, but needs about $35,000 to $50,000 for renovations. “We are very excited about this new part of our adventure,” says Noel Miner, co-founder of the company with her husband, Harold. “We hope to be full-time in

this venue by 2018, but that will depend on our ability to raise money for the renovations.” Donors may earmark contributions for speciﬁc areas of need at tavarestheater.org or send donations to 15705 Acorn Circle, Tavares, FL 32778. Tavares Theater Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonproﬁt organization, so donations are tax-deductible. The theater company’s current venue is Bridges Covenant Church, 1100 N.

Saint Clair Abrams Ave. This month, the group is staging a Ken Ludwig murder mystery, “The Game’s Afoot,” at 8pm July 1, 7-8, and 14-15, and at 2pm July 2, 9, and 16. Tickets are on sale at tavarestheater.org or by calling 352.343.9944. “In the short time we have existed, I have already seen our theater bring people together whose common thread is a love of theater,” Noel says.

NEW

Workers getting a new resource center in Leesburg Members of the workforce who need help to get ahead soon will have a new employment resource center. The city of Leesburg is constructing a multi-purpose facility targeting moderate-income workers who can beneﬁt from skills training, computer training, job placement, even assistance with day care, City Manager Al Minner says in a recent “Inside Leesburg” vid-

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eo. The center will be a boost not only to individuals, but to local businesses and the city’s economic development, he adds. The $2.3 million project is the result of a partnership between nonproﬁt organizations, government agencies, churches, and civic groups, a city news release states. Funding came from the city, Lake County, the U.S.

Department of Agriculture, and the Carver Heights/ Montclair Community Redevelopment Agency. A groundbreaking ceremony was held in May on County Road 468, south of Grifﬁn Road and near Schoolview Street. The grand opening for the center, which also will be available for use as a banquet hall, is expected around Dec. 1.

Shining a light on bullying Local talent will shine for the beneﬁt of iSparkle, a college scholarship fund created by Villages entertainer Petrina. The Got Talent Fun’draiser, a show with music, skits, and other acts, is scheduled from 6-9pm Aug. 20 at Lake Miona Recreation Center, 1526 Buena Vista Blvd., The Villages. For ticket information, contact organizer Rosemary Ahrens at 352.205.4892 or sparkleteamcoord@gmail.com. iSparkle is an anti-bullying program, and the phrase stands for inclusion, support, protect, act, respect, kindness, lift spirits, and encourage. Scholarship funds are awarded to candidates who help create atmospheres of inclusion for their peers. Applicants must be high school seniors from anywhere in the country who are related to a Villages homeowner. For more information, write to isparklescholarship@gmail.com. A golf tournament fundraiser also is scheduled for Sept. 28. Contact Penny Schritz at pjgolfer@aol.com for information.

J o s h Ta k e s O n :

NEW

‘Coming attractions’ in 2018 Plans are still moving forward for a $10 million, state-of-the-art 12-screen movie theater to be built between Target and Walmart in Mount Dora. But residents must remain patient as Epic Theatres’ representatives predict it will be the ﬁrst quarter of 2018 before construction is ﬁnished on the 50,000-square-foot multiplex. Once completed, the theater is expected to feature 1,400 reclining seats, beer, wine, and a special concession menu.

AN ADMITTEDLY ASKEW POINT OF VIEW FROM THE MIND OF ILLUSTRATOR JOSH CLARK

July 2017

* #I TnR ETNhD eI N GK n o w

Under the stars

July 22 Top Gun Aug 18 The Legend of Tarzan

The ﬁlm “Top Gun” is the attraction at dusk July 22 for Movies Under the Stars, hosted along Mount Dora’s downtown waterfront, 100 N. Donnelly St. The event is billed as a “date night” for adults to enjoy. Moviegoers are encouraged to bring a picnic basket, blanket, and lawn chairs. Candelabras are optional, and the park will be sprayed to keep mosquitoes to a minimum. Following the July movie, “The Legend of Tarzan” is the next date-night attraction for adults Aug. 18 at the same site.

A little help from a friend

‘Jaws of Life’ for Tavares Trace and Jennifer Latimer, franchise owners of the Tavares Firehouse Subs restaurant, were instrumental in helping the Tavares Fire Department receive nearly $30,000 worth of the latest technology. The department received battery-powered, hydraulic rescue tools of a Spreader (the “Jaws of Life,”), a Cutter, and a Ram, through a grant from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. The foundation, headquartered in Jacksonville, focuses on supporting ﬁrst responders and public safety organizations across the United States.

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Did you know the City of Leesburg offers help for those who have trouble making utility payments? In fact, there are several agencies throughout the area that provide ﬁnancial help for paying bills. Grants and cash funds go through CURE, Leesburg’s utility bill assistance program. Call 352.314.8733 for information. St. Vincent de Paul in Eustis also provides grants to Progress Energy to help those in need. Call 352.589.2603 for information.

New executive director

Aiding homeless veterans The Korean War Veterans Chapter 188 has an ongoing project of helping homeless veterans in the area. The chapter does this through donations from its Rose of Sharon Campaign, which is held at local Publix locations. The chapter also supports the Resource & Recover for Homeless Veterans Organization, which furnishes and operates transitional housing for these men and women. The organization has a thrift store and transitional housing in Eustis. The objective is to help as many of the homeless veterans as possible who live in camps in the woods or in the Ocala National Forest. The chapter meets at the Lake David City Building in Groveland. For information about joining or meetings, contact Commander David Litz at 352.536.9022.

Ja m e s C o m b s’

In January, 31 people gathered in Mount Dora for Lake County’s first “Death Café” meeting, which allows attendees to discuss their feelings and attitudes toward death. I have to admit this sounds intriguing. Here’s predicting that in future months everyone will be dying to attend.

Delrita Meisner is the new executive director at Be Free Lake! The native of Guam lives in Mascotte with her husband and 6-year-old daughter. Most recently, she has been the Upward Bound manager for Lake-Sumter State College and helped grow the program since its inception in 2003. Formerly, she was a developmental English instructor at the University of Guam, where she also earned her bachelor of science degree in criminal justice. She received her master’s degree in education at Washington State University in Pullman.

This month, the cities of Groveland, Clermont, Tavares, Eustis, Mount Dora, and Leesburg will present Fourth of July celebrations. You should seriously consider attending one of them. I promise, you’ll get a “bang” for your buck.

A Lake County deputy resigned after drawing a Taser from his holster and shooting metal probes into a high school employee. According to an internal investigation by the Sheriff ’s Office, it was an accident, but the deputy violated department policy by refusing to report the incident. Much like the school employee, his family members were “shocked” and “stunned” after learning he was tased.

A 31-year-old toothless Lady Lake woman was arrested after police found her dentures inside a stolen vehicle. Police need not fear this woman. After all, her bark is worse than her bite.

A man was arrested on theft charges after he stole more than $500 in meat from a van parked outside a Umatilla restaurant. I’d say his attempt at stealing meat wasn’t “well done.”

A warning has been issued by Clermont police about a ﬂasher who exposed himself to Target shoppers and employees. He must’ve thought he was at Dick’s Sporting Goods instead.

July 2017

* PIEnR STOhN eO FKI NnToE w REST

of our contract work is animation, and the new game industry is looking for high-end animators. Because we are in Eustis, we do it for a better price compared to San Francisco rates. We are taking jobs from overseas and bringing them here because communication is much better, and we meet deadlines.

V I TA L

S TAT

Good times: We are enjoying riding the wave right now. We are planning for the future, trying to make the right decisions. Running a business is 90 percent trying to make the right calls. We soundboard off each other and, so far, we have made the right decisions.

Adam Meyer

Eustis native, co-founder with Jalil Sadool and Keith Lackey of Steamroller Studios, a game development company, specializing in animation, programming, concept art for movies and games.

Chief creative officer, Steamroller Studios PHOTO: FRED LOPEZ // ILLUSTRATION: ADAM MEYER

What I want people to know: Myself, Keith and Jalil are family men; we all have kids. We are children of the ’80s. Once the three of us got together, it was like a catalyst for success.

Company’s projects: “Rise of the Tomb Raider,” “Worms W.M.D.,” “Prey,” and others.

Two words to describe me: Creative, compassionate.

Film projects include: “Avatar,” “Rise of the Planet of the Apes,” “How to Train Your Dragon 2,” and “The Hobbit Trilogy.”

Dividing the work: Half of the studio is working on stuff that makes us money, and we spend that money on making our passion project, which is

Steamroller original game: “Deadwood: The Forgotten Curse.”

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“Deadwood.” (The actionadventure game expected out next year). About games: There is a shortage of games that tell a good story, family friendly, and have unique game-play style. We are interjecting a story into a genre that never had one before. It’s exciting and, hopefully, it’ll get people excited to play a game that has a bite to it. Company’s success: Doing high-quality work. Most

How company name came about: Keith and I met at Eustis Middle School and started a lawn company. We sang the song, “Steamroller,” so the name is an inside joke, but our corporate explanation: “we are a big machine that steamrolls our competition.” Next big thing in gaming: Better games, better stories. Pet peeve: Inconsiderate people who don’t take care about people’s feelings. My passion: I’m just a guy trying to do what he loves and provide for his family. My goal has been to do what I am passionate about and share it with others.

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V I TA L

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Danielle McKay

Outside interest: Volunteers at Give Kids the World.

Age 18 // H O M E -SCH O O L E D S E N I O R

Favorite craze: Loves anything “Star Wars.”

Hobbies: My hobbies change depending on my interests and necessity of a project. Right now, I like drama/theater, jewelry making, computer photo editing, digital scrapbooking, and costume making. I enjoy almost anything that is creative.

Looking at the future: Plans to get a degree in graphic design. My TEK Lab really worked well with my home schooling. It’s a place where kids can do great stuff with computers— computer programming, robotics, using 3-D printers. Through My TEK Lab, I found a strong interest in robotics and technology. They have My TEK <dev>, My TEK Bot, and My TEK 3D to help kids learn. I loved being there and did so well I’m now an employee.

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What you do for fun: I love going to Walt Disney World, subtly dressed as a character, and volunteering at Give Kids the World.

Favorite fast food: Pizza.

Pet peeve: Everyone has the little things that drive them crazy. I have two prominent ones: 1) People who speak without thinking. If someone

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has something to say, it needs to be truthful and valuable to the other person. 2) Anything with typos or unedited work, whether it’s for one person or a hundred. If something is worth doing, take the time and do it right.

and their storylines, we’d sit for hours dreaming up new games and scenarios.

which we were both cast as lead roles and had dialogue together.

College plans:

Who inspires or inﬂuences your life?

Majoring in digital media and design at Southeastern University.

Favorite movie star:

Personal philosophy: God

At the moment, I have three: Lucille Ball, Vivian Vance, and Ewan McGregor.

created the world and everything in it with a speciﬁc purpose.

What stirred your interest in computers: Playing

Best day of your life or a special moment? There are

with Fisher-Price computer games as a little kid. Leighann, my sister, and I would come up with ways that the game could be better. We would get so intrigued by computer games

many “best days.” A very special moment for me was performing in the play “Pygmalion” as the lead, Eliza, with my sister playing the second leading lady, Mrs. Higgins. It was the ﬁrst play in

My mother, Joanne, and my sister, Leighann, hold the greatest inﬂuence and inspiration in my life. They keep my life on track and my focus where it should be.

Favorite quote? “It’s not hard to make decisions when you know what your values are,” from Roy Disney.

III PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE III

e Know * ITnH ITS h ‘N’ T H AT

Forget about Aristotle— study Johnny Cash Today’s great philosophers can be found among the country singers and their storied lyrics.. STORY: FRED HILTON // ILLUSTRATION: JOSH CLARK

I *

Philosophy rarely comes up in today’s conversations because all the philosophers we’re familiar with have one thing in common— they’ve been stone-cold dead for a long, long time.

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n the spirit of full disclosure, I’ll confess: I was a philosophy major in college. It was less of an academic decision and more of a practical one. I figured that majoring in philosophy would be easier than majoring in English, because I wouldn’t have to read all those dull books and my ability to BS would probably fly better in a philosophy paper than in an English term paper. So, I learned about Occam’s Razor, Aristotelian logic, René Descartes’ cogito ergo sum and similar gloomy things. My college friends all supported me in my choice of a major. They said it would certainly lend itself to financial success in the future. They predicted in 20 years or so I’d have a regular spot on the corner— standing behind an orange crate with a sign that read, “Philosophizing, 25¢.” Somehow, I managed to muddle along and make a living, philosophy degree and all. I will admit, though, there

were very few opportunities at dinner parties or staff meetings to discuss Plato’s Allegory of the Cave or Kant’s Categorical Imperative. Philosophy rarely comes up in today’s conversations because all the philosophers we’re familiar with have one thing in common—they’ve been stone-cold dead for a long, long time. We may not realize it, but there are great philosophers today. We just haven’t recognized them as philosophers. We call them country and western singers. Listen to the words of their songs and you’ll realize that Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, and many others are the David Hume, Thomas Aquinas and Søren Kierkegaards of today. There’s even a book titled, “Johnny Cash and Philosophy.” There are dozens of examples of philosophy in country music. One of the main branches of philosophy is ethics—the study of what is right and what is wrong.

No medieval philosopher outlined the penalties and rewards of ethics better than Loretta Lynn’s treatise on “Don’t Come Home a-Drinkin’ with Lovin’ on Your Mind.” The plaintive message delivered by Philosopher Lynn clearly spells out the dire consequences of drinking and the rich compensations of abstaining. She succinctly summarizes that pleasures will await her husband if he lives a good life and, consequently, torment awaits him for a life of evil. In her words. She assures him liquor and love don’t mix, and it’s her or the bottle. Another important branch of philosophy is aesthetics— the study of what constitutes beauty. The topic of aesthetics is discussed in depth in the classic philosophical work, “I’m Gonna Hire a Wino to Decorate Our Home.” In this charming allegory, the wife describes adding a new level of beauty to her home by redecorating it as a bar to please her beloved

husband. She offers to put a bar in the dining room instead of a table with a neon sign indicating where the bathroom is. We again are faced with the centuries-old dilemma: Is beauty merely in the eye of the beholder or is it quantiﬁed in an objet d’art—a neon sign pointing to the bathroom, for example? Another important branch of philosophy is epistemology, or the study of knowledge and how we obtain information. Singer/ philosopher Bill Anderson poses the dilemma in obtaining knowledge when he asks his lover to walk away from him backwards so

he’ll think she’s coming in. He points out that our senses are conﬂicted on whether the individual is, in fact, walking out or walking in. It is a classic struggle between perception and reality. There are many examples in country music/philosophy of the combination of metaphysics, ethics, and cosmology in the same treatise. Philosopher Cash delves into all these branches of philosophy in the essay on “Ghost Riders in the Sky.” The unworldly creatures serve as a metaphor for the judgment of good and evil. The ghost riders explain the consequences of leading a life

of evil to a cowboy. It appears the only way to assure your place in heaven is to change their bad ways. Otherwise, they’re changing the devil’s herd forever in the sky. A similar combination of cosmology and ethics take place in two other classical philosophical works: “Dropkick Me, Jesus, Through the Goal Posts of Life” and Willie Nelson’s “Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground.” No doubt serious philosophical issues are discussed in the music of other genres. We should immediately begin studies of the works of Lawrence Welk and Snoop Dogg.

Fred Hilton Fred Hilton spent 36 years as the chief public relations off icer/spokesman for James Madison University in Virginia and 10 years prior as a reporter and editor for The Roanoke Times in Roanoke, Virginia. He is now happily retired in The Villages with his interior designer wife, Leta, their Cadillac Escalade golf cart, and their dog, Paris. (Yes, that makes her Paris Hilton).

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A C I N G N I K A E SP ter d Sum the n a e Lak es are on ng ti ti Coun some exci ogy. l of cusp s in techno e chang BS : JA STORY

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Dr. Williams photo: Fred Lopez

Y L L ANT IMPORSTAND ION INVENNTOLOGICAL TECH ILE STONE S M ICAN IN AMIESRTORY: H

ant to know tomorrow’s weather forecast? Just ask your phone. Need to ﬁnd out if your favorite sports team is winning? There’s an app for that. Have to undergo surgery tomorrow? A robot may very well be part of the surgical team. In the past 60 years, technology has brought about incredible changes—from space travel and successful heart transplants to satellite news coverage and cell phone communications. As technology continues evolving at a rapid pace, numerous industries in Lake County are riding the wave of that innovation. Here’s a look at some of the technological advances seen throughout the county.

3D KNEES Bill Eggert of The Villages was apprehensive after learning he needed a total knee replacement. After all, he endured surgery on his left knee 11 years ago. It was a slow and painful recovery. But this time would be different. His surgeon, Dr. John T. Williams, Jr. of Advanced Orthopedic Institute in The Villages, used 3D printing technology to produce a custom implant. The results were astounding. One day after surgery, he successfully walked around the hospital using only a walker. Six weeks later, he was able to play 18 rounds of golf. And it did not

1902: Alabama inventor Miller Reese Hutchison developed the first electronic hearing aid for people with hearing loss.

take long to regain full extension and full bending of his right knee. “I don’t think you should settle for yesterday’s technology when tomorrow’s technology is here today,” says Bill, a resident of The Villages who had the surgery in March. “This procedure is light years better than what I experienced in the past. There was far less discomfort and pain, and the recovery period was much faster.” Dr. Williams, who opened his practice ﬁve months ago, is one of very few doctors in Florida to perform this cuttingedge procedure. Before surgery, a scan is taken to determine the dimensions of a patient’s knee. Then, the Massachusetts-based company Conformis uses 3D printing technology to produce the implant,

DR. JOHN T. WILLIAMS

1903: Ohio inventors Orville and Wilbur Wright flew the world’s first airplane, traveling a distance of 120 feet.

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, my So far ve ts ha n e i t a p ienced exper astic fant n s. I result ne fact, o t t wen patien k one r to wo r the fte day a dure. proce EC —DR. H

RCIA TOR GA

which matches the patient’s anatomy. Thus, the customized implant ﬁts better, resulting in less pain, a shorter recovery time, and a quicker return to normal activities. It also means less soft tissue and bone dissection during surgery. As of this writing, he has performed 100 surgeries using this technology. “The ﬁrst patient I performed this procedure on won a pickleball tournament six months later,” Dr. Williams says. “I think within 10 years most orthopedic practices will utilize this wonderful

technology. Because the implant is a tailor-made ﬁt, there is going to be a higher percent of great outcomes.” Bill is certainly pleased about his great outcome. Today, he takes frequent walks around his neighborhood and works out at Mulberry Grove Recreation Center. That increased mobility has paid big dividends. He has lost 32 pounds since the surgery. “I have a friend who has done equally well with this surgery, so I’m not an isolated case. The fact that Dr. Williams uses a custommade implant makes all the difference in the world, and I think it will revolutionize knee surgery. I wouldn’t buy a set of golf clubs without having a swing analysis, so it only makes sense that I wouldn’t want a new knee that wasn’t speciﬁcally designed for me.”

A CHANGE OF PACE Patients who want the latest cutting-edge device designed to keep their ticker ticking can drive to Leesburg.

11912: 912: Salt Lake City Police Officer i Lester Wire invented the modern electric traffic th light. It was originally just red and green, for stop and go.

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1937: George Stibitz, who was employed by Bell Labs, invented the modern digital computer.

Leesburg Regional Medical Center became the ﬁrst hospital in Central Florida to utilize the Micra Transcatheter Pacing System (TPS), which is touted as the world’s smallest pacemaker because it is 93 percent smaller than traditional ones. The device was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in April 2016 and was recently approved by Medicare. This new pacemaker offers a 12-year battery life and does not require cardiac wires (or leads) that traditionally are attached to the heart and over time tend to wear out or fail to work properly. And instead of doctors making a chest incision, it is inserted through a catheter in the groin and placed in the heart’s right ventricle, making the procedure far less invasive with reduced risk of infection. Dr. Hector Garcia of Florida Cardiovascular Specialists in Leesburg performed the area’s ﬁrst procedure April 7. He said the average implant time is between 14 and 16 minutes.

1940s: Louis S. Goodman and Alfred Gilman, two Yale University pharmacologists, began using chemotherapy for cancer treatment.

Dr. Garcia photo: Fred Lopez

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“So far, my patients have experienced fantastic results. In fact, one patient went to work one day after the procedure,” he says. “Before, patients had limited use of the arm on the same side as the pacemaker for six weeks. Now, they have no limitations.”

THINK OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

NOW THAT’S HIP In September 2016, Florida Hospital Waterman became the county’s ﬁrst hospital to utilize the Mako robotic-arm assisted total hip replacement. This procedure helps eliminate hip pain caused by arthritis. How does robotic surgery work? Patients lie on an operating table, while a surgeon sits several feet away at a console. The surgeon operates the robot’s controls while looking into a monitor that provides a 3-D view of the surgical site. This allows doctors to navigate hardto-reach areas of the hip and place the implant with superior precision.

“The Mako system may result in less blood loss, greater sparing of the bone, and higher function post-surgery to manual total hip replacement,” says Dr. Jon Radnothy, an orthopedic surgeon at Florida Hospital Waterman and co-owner of RadnothyPerry Orthopaedic Center in Tavares. The hospital began offering the Mako partial knee replacement procedure in 2012. Robotic surgery is also used at South Lake Hospital for general surgery, gynecologic surgery, and urologic surgery.

1947: Dr. Claude Beck used the first defibrillator paddle on a human, delivering a large dose of electrical energy to a patient with arrhythmia.

When schools open in Lake County next month, some students won’t be riding a bus. They’ll spend several hours looking at computer screens instead of chalkboards. And science projects such as dissecting a frog can be completed with a simple swipe of a mouse. Welcome to the world of Lake County Virtual School, a place where students learn from homes and traditional classroom settings are replaced by phone calls, emails, and a computer screen. In Lake County, online education has exploded in popularity. The Eustis-based school, which opened in 2008, is home to 90 fulltime students in grades 6-12 and 12 full-time students in kindergarten through ﬁfth grade. In addition, 1,300 part-time students who attend traditional schools or are

1948: Thomas J. Goldsmith Jr. and Estle Ray Mann invented the first analog electronic video game using a cathode ray tube.

1949: California inventor Samuel W. Alderson invented the first crash test dummies, which simulate human body response from an automobile accident.

To me , learni the greates ng is t t he ﬂex thing abou —BEN t ibility JAMIN MACK-J it offe virtual ACKSO N rs.

home-schooled have enrolled in the school’s online classes. There are advantages for students engaged in computer-based learning such as lessons in time management and self-driven learning. It also helps prepare students for the increasingly growing number of online courses offered at colleges and universities throughout the country. The University of Florida, for example, offers eight web-based master’s degree programs. “The days of teachers lecturing in classrooms are a thing of the past,” says Mike Elchenko, who has been principal of Lake County Virtual School for ﬁve years. “Nowadays, people are becoming educated in many different ways, and I feel

1960: The first LASER (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) was built by Theodore Maiman of Hughes Research Laboratories in California. Today, applications of LASER are used in various industries, including medical, law enforcement, and industrial.

1962: Nick Holonyak Jr., a consulting scientist at General Electric Company, invented light-emitting diodes, or LED, for lighting and image displays.

virtual instruction is the wave of the future.” Students also can learn and complete coursework at their own pace. That’s extremely beneficial for Benjamin Mack-Jackson, a 15-year-old sophomore at Lake County Virtual School. In his spare time, he operates a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving World War II history and is a member of a traveling swim team called the Southwest Stars. By getting ahead in his coursework, the straight-A student has ample time to focus on his athletic and philanthropic endeavors. “The school sets a pace for all students, but I get my schoolwork done at a quicker pace,” says Benjamin, who became a full-time student at Lake County Virtual School in seventh grade. “To me, the greatest thing about virtual learning is the flexibility it offers.” In virtual schools, class discussions occur on message boards, while video presentations allow students to watch a teacher work through a problem. That

1969: The United States’ Apollo 11 became the first manned mission to land on the moon.

Mack-Jackson photo: Fred Lopez; Robotics photos courtesy Mary Jo Zylowski

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means a student can watch the video repeatedly or simply text, email, or call the teacher for additional help. “Our teachers make monthly calls to parents to discuss the pace [students are] working and their grades,” Mike says. “Communication is key to our success.”

SCORING MACHINES In 2016, hundreds of fans packed the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa and cheered wildly for their favorite teams. There was a buzz of excitement each time a basketball made its way through a hoop. But these weren’t your typical basketball players—they were robots meticulously crafted by students enrolled in an after-school robotics club at Fruitland Park Elementary. The day they competed in the Florida State VEX Robotics competition, students used computers to maneuver their basketball-playing robots to put plastic balls into a scoring zone or through a basket.

The competition was called “Bank Shot.” For elementary school students, designing and programming a hybrid of R2D2 and LeBron James is a signiﬁcant feat. “During competitions, students have one minute to get as many points as they can,” says Crystal Rizzo, a speech-language pathologist who has been teaching the after-school robotics club for three years. “Designing a robot teaches them how to effectively work together and ﬁgure out the best way to make their robot complete the challenge at hand.” Fruitland Park Elementary has been successful under Crystal’s tutelage. During the past three years, she has sent at least one team to both state and world competitions. That’s quite impressive considering VEX is the world’s largest robotic competition. Winning is fun, but the real goal is equipping students with lifelong skills to help them succeed in an increasingly technological world. It also fosters work

1971: Ray Tomlinson, a programmer from New York, sent the first email between two computer terminals placed side by side.

1973: Dr. Martin Cooper, vice president of Motorola, invented the first mobile phone.

skills such as collaboration, problem-solving, and project management. “This exposes them to technology of the future and helps them choose a possible career path, whether it’s a programmer or engineer,” Crystal says. “They also have to use critical thinking work as a team to design, build, and troubleshoot the robot, and that requires them to use critical thinking skills.” This past year, Crystal also served as coach of three Carver Middle School students in a private robotics program called Rizzo Robotics. She says robotics excites and appeals to both genders. Conner Zylowski, an eighth-grade student at Carver Middle, certainly agrees. “What I like most about robotics is you learn something

1973: The U.S. Department of Defense began using a global navigation satellite system, which today is known as global positioning system, or GPS. However, it was not fully operational until 1994.

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new every day that you can use to make advances in the future by using science, technology, engineering, and math,” says 13-year-old Conner. “One time, I had a program downloaded on the robot and it stopped working. I had to apply the engineering and design process to ﬁnd the problem and ﬁgure out a solution. These skills will help me in the future because my goal is to become an engineer.”

TAKING FLIGHT

I do d ro almos ne videos f o t put th every listin r e g It’s a t m on my w and remen e dous bsite. —ANN tool IE RAG AR

1976: Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak formed a partnership and launched Apple Computer.

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Annie Ragar has a knack for selling homes. She has been a consistent multimilliondollar producer for Micki Blackburn Realty in Clermont and has emerged as Lake County’s top-producing real estate agent seven different years. Now, she is taking her everchanging arsenal of tricks and technology to new heights— literally. For Annie, her newest, most unexpected selling tool is the use of drones. Drones outﬁtted with a camera ﬂy over homes, capture high-quality pictures and videos, and give prospective buyers a unique

1981: Columbia became the first shuttle in U.S. history to reach outer space after lifting off from Florida’s Kennedy Space Center.

aerial perspective of a home and neighborhood. They can also be used inside of a house to create that muchneeded money shot to sell a high-end home, which means Annie and other real estate agents present a more detailed portfolio to potential buyers. “I had one buyer who purchased a home sight unseen just because the buyer was so enamored by the drone tours,” she says. “I do drone videos for almost every listing and put them on my website. It’s a tremendous tool.” Drones may be the most important new technology for real estate marketing since the internet. “When I ﬁrst started 28

years ago, all our listings were in newspapers and magazines,” she says. “It really limited your market. Today, my market is limitless.”

Ragar photo: Fred Lopez

IT’S ELECTRIC It’s easy to grow tired of gas stations and their ﬂuctuating prices. Some customers of Vann Gannaway Chevrolet in Eustis are, for the most part, kissing their gas goodbye. That’s because they’ve purchased a Chevrolet Volt, the ﬁrst commercially available vehicle to use both an electric motor and gasoline-powered generator. Although it is not a pure electric vehicle, trips to a gas station are minimal, especially for those who

1983: Chuck Hull, founder of 3D Systems, created the first 3-D printer and has been refining his creation ever since.

use the vehicle primarily to commute to and from work. “I had one customer who only put gas in her car four times in ﬁve years,” says Mike Bradner, a salesman at Vann Gannaway Chevrolet. “With a full charge, you can go 53 miles and then the car converts over to a gas generator, allowing you to go another 367 miles. When you let off the accelerator, the brakes generate electricity back into the battery. Many people recharge the car when they arrive home from work, and it only costs between 75 cents and a dollar to do that.” The Chevrolet Volt also comes with high-tech features such as navigation, a backup camera, and Apple CarPlay.

The Leesburg Public Library is no longer the best-kept secret in Lake County. In fact, more than 300,000 people visit the library annually. “We like to say that we’re the busiest public building in Leesburg,” says Lucy Gangone, director of the library. The reason? This isn’t your grandfather’s library where you merely check out a book and read quietly by yourself. The library has turned a new page by providing relevant services in today’s informational and digital world. Patrons can visit the 45,000-square-foot facility

1985: Microsoft Windows founder Bill Gates introduced Microsoft Windows 1.0 as a graphical operating system shell for MS-DOS.

1985: Nintendo Entertainment System was released in the United States. It dominated the video game system market through the early 1990s.

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Havin g helps technolog us bri y in th d g e the di e library —DUS T Y MA T THEW gital d S ivide.

1991: The internet, which was created by English computer scientist Tim Berners-Lee, became publicly available. It would fundamentally change the world as we know it.

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1998: Sergey Brin and Larry Page, two doctorate students at Stanford University, invented the Google search engine. Today, it is far and away the most popular search engine in the world.

which allows library cardholders to download movies, TV shows, music, and audiobooks. “What I ﬁnd in my classes is that people are eager to learn,” Dusty says. Children are just as eager to learn, says Melissa St. LouisCurry. As the library’s youth services supervisor, she oversees the early learning station that features three touch-screen computers with educational software programs. “It helps students learn about operating a computer while expanding their knowledge at the same time,” she says. “The software covers everything—from reading and math to geography and anatomy.” Children can also become part of the library’s Makers Club, a handson program incorporating science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) concepts. They complete projects such as science experiments, ﬂying drones, and working with Snap Circuit kits to expand their knowledge of electronics. “Libraries are always evolving to keep abreast with technological changes and also to be responsive to the needs of our patrons,” Lucy says. “They are no longer just a house of books.”

2007: The first iPhone was released, becoming one of the first smartphones without a keyboard.

Sources: owlcation.com, mashable.com

and download QR-coded books onto their tablet or smartphone, learn how to listen to audiobooks on an MP3 player, or take a class on operating Microsoft Windows 10. They can even use genealogy databases to trace their ancestors and heritage. And it’s all free. “Having technology in the library helps us bridge the digital divide,” says Dusty Matthews, the library’s adult services supervisor. “If someone has no computer or internet access, they can come here and use our computer. Or if a school loans an iPad to a student, the student can come here and receive one-on-one instruction on how to operate it.” Dusty teaches several technologybased classes each week. Adults can learn how to operate Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word or use programs such as Hoopla,

Matthews photo: Fred Lopez

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Surgery like a da Vinci masterpiece Dr. Chris Johnson is part of the highly skilled robotics team at South Lake Hospital. PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

hen Chris Johnson was growing up in Michigan, he often was at the hospital where his father, Dr. James R. Johnson, was a general surgeon. But Chris never dreamed of the technology he’d use one day as a surgeon himself. Dr. Johnson, DO, performed the ﬁrst robotic procedure in South Lake County. He specializes in use of the da Vinci Xi Surgical System, stateof-the-art technology for minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgeries performed at Orlando Health South Lake Hospital, in Clermont. Dr. Johnson says the da Vinci Xi, made by Intuitive Surgical Inc., improves on traditional laparoscopic surgery that is performed remotely from a console with the assistance of a video camera and “micro” instruments. The da Vinci system gives surgeons more technical ability, better articulation, feel, and control of the “arms” of the robot, improved precision, a 3-D environment in which to operate, and better

patient outcomes. He is so proficient at using this system, he also proctors surgeons in the methodology around Florida and in labs in Houston and Atlanta. “I was fortunate that da Vinci liked the work I do on the robot and liked my techniques,” he says. “We started bringing in other surgeons to see those techniques in case observations, and that led into going out and training other surgeons.” He first trained surgeons at Orlando Health South Lake Hospital, which uses quality measures to continually monitor and improve doctors’ surgical performance. The hospital’s Robotic Surgery Program consists of 16 roboticstrained surgeons in general surgery, gynecology, and urology. Dr. Johnson’s interests are in colorectal, bowel, biliary, and hernia surgeries. “Minimally invasive surgery is becoming the standard for many operations,” he says. “What we are able to do robotically is expand on those.” The benefits for patients can be numerous: smaller incisions, less pain, and less conspicuous cosmetically; shorter recovery times, including outpatient procedures; and normal activities are resumed sooner than traditional open surgery. Dr. Johnson chairs the robotics committee at South Lake Hospital, co-founded a surgical practive in Clermont in 2004, and is boardcertified by the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery, all part of fulfilling his childhood ambitions. “I grew up right from the get-go wanting to be a surgeon,” Dr. Johnson says. “I was always around hospitals and doctors and patients from a very young age, so I knew what I wanted to do early on.”

We started bringing in other surgeons to see those techniques in case observations, and that led into going out and training other surgeons. —DR. CHRIS JOHNSON

For more information visit southlakehospital.com/ robotics or call 352.241.7109.

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Find Your Style of Learning Cosmetology TENAJ Salon Institute provides 21st-century learning in the world of hair and beauty. PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

ENAJ Salon Institute is a place of learning that combines the beauty of style with the latest elements of cosmetology education. It looks more like a New York salon with all the amenities included. From the person who greets you at reception to the students working with clients, there's an air of professionalism and customer service that radiates in every person there. One of the elements that make this school such a quality institute is the

Kendrick, Hannah Longest, and Janice Case. Other members of the staff are working toward attaining their master educator status. "With Milady MindTap System, we can structure a class however we want it," Clinton says. "Instead of just reading chapters, students have interactive lessons on their tablets or computers and activities or quizzes to follow up reading and watching a video." If a student reads slowly, they can highlight text and have it read to them by a male

It's read, watch, do, and the instructor can monitor what the students are doing. If you have a student lagging behind, you can see why and correct the problem before it becomes an issue. —CLINTON KENNEDY

learning process. All classes are taught with electronic textbooks, and students basically can adapt their learning style to whatever works best for them. TENAJ Salon Institute uses the Milady MindTap System, which puts all study materials on tablets that are included with tuition. Clinton Kennedy is one of four Milady Master Educators, along with April

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or female voice. If the student is a visual learner, there are always videos to demonstrate what is being presented in the chapter, and then they're invited do an activity or quiz. "That's the beauty of each chapter," Clinton says. "It's read, watch, do, and the instructor can monitor how the students are doing. If you have a student lagging behind, you can see why and correct the problem before it becomes an issue."

Interactive learning prepares students of TENAJ Salon Institute for everything from basics to clinical work. To make things easier for students, the program contains apps students can access quickly to get the information they need. Once they are in school, they do four weeks in the Basic Segment; 28 weeks in the Advanced Segment; and three weeks in the Senior Segment for a total of 1,200 clock hours with a 35-week duration. "The students we have now have been raised with electronic devices, and they respond well to this curriculum," Clinton says. "Not everybody learns in a classroom, so this program allows different learners to move forward at their comfort level, and they can work with study partners. No matter their learning style, they can find a way to adapt the electronic studies to fit their needs. We bring this electronic learning into a real-world setting on the clinic classroom floor." The clinic classroom is where students work, under supervision, with clients in the chairs. They are graded on how well they do, and the instructor immediately knows how the hands-on process is going.

Cosmetology isn't just about cutting and coloring hair. Students study anatomy, bones, lymph glands, science, technology, chemistry, and how all of this affects the hair and skin. "Our job is to get you through school, licensed, and into a job," Clinton says. In addition to studying and preparing work for class, when students work on the clinic ﬂoor, doing hands-on procedures, they can begin building a portfolio. They have their tablets with them and can take before and after photos to include in their portfolio. Milady Pro teaches them how to build resumes, handle job interviews, understand time management, handle the ﬁnancial aspects, and learn about booking clients.

There are also inspirational messages to help students when things might not be going as well as planned. "Our students do very well," Clinton says. "We have had students win the prestigious 'Beacon Competition' sponsored by the Professional Beauty Association." The Professional Beauty Association's Beacon program is a renowned program designed to encourage and inspire beauty industry students to effectively prepare for successful careers. Consisting of two elements — a competition open to all qualifying students and a live, educational event in Las Vegas for top-scoring entrants — Beacon students gain the tools and conﬁdence

they need to jump-start their careers. Not only are students learning at TENAJ Salon Institute, but educators are also training year-round. The master educator class is an advanced curriculum training that requres both live classes and online training and includes 12 three-hour classes. "Milady is constantly evolving, just as our industry is. If something doesn't work, they get rid of it," Clinton says. "Tenaj also holds exclusive private trainings for their staff during summer and winter break for our educators." TENAJ Salon Institute invites you to "Excel as a Beauty Professional" with the highest quality learning setting available.

For more info, go to tenajsaloninstitute.edu or call 352.753.5511 for more information.

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’S h h Tec ties, g i H coun lorida The F r connects Sumter, d do Corri ng Lake an imize x i a includ rces to m l ou to res chnologica e t their ment. p o devel SI : CHRIS STORY

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FLORIDA ADVANCED MANUFACTURING RESEARCH CENTER

ake and Sumter counties are trying to stake their claim in the still-evolving economy of technology, as a giant network guides a large swath of the state toward growth in the industry. The Florida High Tech Corridor spans 23 counties banding together in an economic development initiative to market their hightech assets. The corridor is connected by three research universities—Central Florida, South Florida, and Florida—more than 25 economic development organizations, 14 state/community colleges, 12 regional workforce boards, and numerous industry groups. The mission is to increase the region’s high-tech presence through partnerships that support the workforce, entrepreneurship, marketing, and research between the universities and industry partners. The Corridor travels along interstates 4 and 75, so Lake and Sumter are natural partners in the initiative. “As the state of Florida tries to diversify its economy from hospitality and tourism, it’s certainly more important that we put technology at the forefront,” says Robert Chandler, Lake’s economic growth director.

STEVEN STRONG

As the Corridor Council—an advisory board of university presidents and company executives—moves its tech agenda forward, Lake County will beneﬁt now and in the future, he says. For example, the Corridor, UCF and other partners established the Florida Advanced Manufacturing Research Center, which opened in April in Osceola County. Leesburg-based ESI, or Electric Services Inc., received the electrical contract for the 109,654-square-foot building. ESI employees put in 40,000 man hours to install power lighting and other electrical work, company President Steven Strong says. The Corridor also collaborated with partners to create and help fund BRIDG, or Bridging the Innovation Development Gap, the world’s ﬁrst smart-sensor consortium, and manages the research center. The facility will develop advanced technologies in smart sensors and other areas, potentially creating thousands of high-paying jobs with salaries averaging about $78,600, according to its website. The project positions Florida as a global leader in smart-sensor manufacturing, says Ed Schons, president of the Corridor Council and director of economic development at UCF. “BRIDG provides Florida with an unmatched global competitive advantage for advanced manufacturing, which is expected to accelerate the development of the state’s high-tech asset base, generating tens of thousands of new high-wage jobs and

Research Universities Economic Development Organizations State/Community Colleges Regional Workforce Boards Venture Capital Organizations Technology Incubators Statewide & Regional Support Organizations

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AGROMILLORA

expanded state and local tax revenues,” Ed says. Beneﬁts will be felt locally as well, he says. “We expect BRIDG to fuel growth throughout our region by attracting a broad set of supply chain companies, which will generate economic impact,” Ed says. While Lake is not yet considered a technology hub, Robert says county staff is

TECH H G I H A RID S INCLUDE: O L F E H T TIATIVE ’S INI R O D I R OR

exploring how to attract more tech companies, as well as how to train students and the workforce for high-tech jobs. Technology also forms the basis for many businesses throughout the county. In Lake County ofﬁces, the focus is on attracting manufacturing companies because of the skill sets of the existing workforce and the availability of industrial land, says Erika Greene, economic development coordinator. “Going forward, we will be targeting tech companies that provide support and services relevant to the existing manufacturing companies’ needs,” she says, “therefore creating an ecosystem that supports a healthy supply-demand chain.” Partner counties can beneﬁt from being under the Corridor umbrella, says Jada Glover, economic development coordinator for Sumter County. Counties contribute funding to the Corridor initiative and participate in regional activities related to the three research universities, while business owners gain access to more resources, she adds. “The association [with the Corridor] draws attention to

Sumter County, and is beneficial for existing businesses and new businesses looking to relocate to Sumter,” Jada says. Agromillora, an agriculture technology company based in Spain, chose Sumter when looking to expand to an inland location in Florida. The company, which propagates citrus rootstocks, broke ground in 2015 on its 34,000-square-foot citrus nursery and started production in early 2016. The facility includes a tissue culture laboratory, greenhouses, and a small workforce of local employees trained for the jobs, according to its website. Sumter’s economic development office helped Agromillora find property in Wildwood near commercial citrus production and highway transportation. The county also guided the company through the permitting process and introduced it to Brite Leaf, a containerized citrus nursery in Lake Panasoffkee, Jada says. “It was a pro-business environment, and they were grateful for that,” she says. For new businesses, the Florida High Tech Corridor supports several programs,

The Virtual Entrepreneur Center: The flvec.com website, a partnership with local economic development organizations, is designed to be a one-stop shop for entrepreneurs who are looking for business resources. The center offers a catalog of local, regional, state, and global business resources organized by county,

as well as a directory of businesses that offer services catering to entrepreneurs and small-business owners. stemCONNECT: This educational initiative connects academia and private industry by bringing experts in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to classrooms. Through video

Photos: Fred Lopez Source: floridahightech.com

Entrepreneur Stan Van Meter’s profile was posted recently on flvec.com. He’s the owner of United Efficiency, a mobile software app company, and its subsidiary, FleetMode, which he started in 2008 in Mount Dora. FleetMode is an enterprise solution to stop distracted driving by using a phone app, a windshield sticker, and a management portal to disable some phone functions when a vehicle is moving. Stan acknowledges that starting a software business was challenging because the Mount Dora area is not rife with technology companies. Once he brought people onboard, however, everything worked out. He has 20 employees overall. “Mount Dora is a burgeoning, young, vibrant community,” Stan says. “Once they get here, everybody loves it.” Doug Smiley, owner of Tangent Media digital design, relocated the business to Wildwood from St. Petersburg about six years ago. His profile also is on flvec.com as a potential resource for smallbusiness startups.

including the Florida Virtual Entrepreneur Center, an online directory at flvec.com. The website helps entrepreneurs from the Corridor’s 23 counties find resources during each stage of their business, including access to a database of local and statewide information about licenses, business mentoring and coaching, networking, and venture capital. FLVEC also promotes entrepreneurs by publishing profile articles about them online, complete with links to their website and social media accounts. Companies also have many options for promotion in the media. Lake County is pleased to have a partnership with FLVEC, says Adam Sumner, Lake’s economic development and tourism manager. “One of the benefits of this partnership is the opportunity for Lake County companies to connect with myriad agencies available to help their company based on their business stage,” Adam says. “In addition to being able to create their profile, they are able to connect with other Florida-based entrepreneurs.”

conferencing, stemCONNECT’s virtual sessions have introduced high-tech careers to more than 4,700 students since 2013. GrowFL: Created in 2009 by the Florida Legislature, GrowFL provides technical assistance for second-stage growth companies. The program provides the resources owners need to start, expand, or

“I think it’s a great mission. It’s a valuable resource for small businesses,” he says. “It’s attracting a lot of businesses, which is growing our market by leaps and bounds,” he says. The Virtual Entrepreneur Center is just a small part of the Florida High Tech Corridor’s mission, but companies big and small are reaping benefits from the Corridor today—with more expected down the road. Any potential high-profile projects, however, are “highly confidential,” says Ed, the Corridor Council president. “We’re always working with partners to identify opportunities to position our region and Florida as a global competitor in technology,” he says.

relocate a business, as well as strategies, resources, and support for next-level growth. GrowFL has assisted more than 700 companies, representing more than $2 billion in economic impact. GrowFL is funded in part by the Corridor Council. Incubators: The Corridor Council supports the region’s business incubators in their mission to

ora is D t n Mou oning, ge a bur vibrant , young nity. u comm ey th Once e, r get he dy bo every . it loves VAN —STAN

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accelerate the growth of startup companies through mentoring and monitoring processes. Studies of the University of Central Florida’s Business Incubation Program found that the total economic output from client and graduate companies exceeds $355 million annually.

July 2017

TS CONNEC

S ’ Y G 0 L O N

E R U T U F E H T O T H T A P L A N O I T A C U D E

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s to tinue , n o c pace ology Techn at a rapid on ti op devel her educa and g i ke and h ions in La m to i ut instit counties a er Sumt students. ED LOPEZ re OS: FR / PHOT prepa BELL / MP ES A CA : THER STORY

eacon College, Lake Technical College, and Lake-Sumter State College have designed courses and degree programs to match today’s technologicalfocused workforce. Game design and animation courses are popular at Beacon College, the ﬁrst accredited institution of higher learning to award bachelor’s degrees to students with learning disabilities, so the school created a game design minor under the computer information systems major. “Through the game design course, students not only learn about the gaming industry, they are also exposed to business, marketing, programming, digital media, and various technologies,” says Dr. James E. Fleming, chair of business and technology at Beacon. Armon Colzie, a 2017 Beacon graduate, believes Beacon was right on target to offer the gaming course. “Students love to game, and gaming is the industry’s trend now,” he says.

LAKE TECH Applied cybersecurity, automotive service technology, practical nursing, medical assisting, and computer systems and information technology are among 28 different courses offered at Lake Tech’s main campus in Eustis, with additional locations in Clermont and the Institute of Public Safety in Tavares. “You can come here and get a career in a year,” says Dr. Diane Culpepper, executive director of Lake

Tech. “It’s quick training; it’s current and relevant to the jobs and industries in our communities because we only prepare people for careers to get hired in Lake County and our region.” Welding, one of the popular courses in high demand, has a waiting list. The college says local employers pay starting salaries up to $80,000 for those who learn advanced welding techniques. “I am excited about the enthusiasm the community has for Lake Tech graduates and excited about our renewed partnership with Lake-Sumter State College,” the executive director says. “We are doing many things together, and I think that is great for our community and our students.” One partnership between the two colleges is a technology management degree for students who graduate from a Lake Tech program and then go to Lake-Sumter to learn management skills for career advancement. Layne Hendrickson, the emergency medical services instructor for the EMT and paramedics programs at Lake Tech, demonstrated Apollo, a high-ﬁdelity simulation mannequin that helps students learn basic and advanced life-sup-

dents u t s n e re wh e a better u s e k to ma they hav n entryt n a We w ur program han just a amedic. t o ar leave nity, more try-level p n tu oppor T or an e M level E

N ICKSO HENDR E N Y A —L

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e We ar ical electr s, guy bers, plum nd ists, a chem et into we g my ato the an of the obile. m o t au K —MAR

MCKIN

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port measures. Students can assess Apollo’s breathing and blood pressure, hear heart tones, and palpable pulses, and Apollo responds to questions. “This is a great assessment tool,” Layne says. “We want to make sure when students leave our program they have a better opportunity, more than just an entry-level EMT or an entry-level paramedic. We want to give them opportunities so they are ready and there is not a big learning curve.” Lake Tech notes local industry information on starting salaries for EMTs is up to $32,000, while paramedics can make up to $50,000. Mark McKinney instructs the auto service technician program, which is in demand by local employers with starting salaries up to $45,000. “We get seven, eight, 10 calls a week,” he says. “We don’t have enough students to keep up with demand. This is a very difficult field because it involves a lot of critical thinking. If something breaks down, the technician has to think to fix it right away. We are electrical guys, plumbers, chemists, and we get into the anatomy of the automobile.” Students learn the latest diagnostic and repair skills to troubleshoot and repair complex automotive systems, which can be done via remote programming. “Someone could be sitting in California and talk to a car right here,” he says. “They can talk and repair the car to a certain extent if it’s computer related.” Spy glasses, equipped with miniature cameras, are used in class, too. “I cannot always get in the space where students are, for instance, if they are underneath the wheel well of a car, so [spy glasses] come in handy to record what they are doing,” Mark

says. “They complete the job, we hook it up and see what they did, give pointers on what is wrong or what tools they should use.” The automotive class has a car and other pieces of equipment set up to a QR code, similar to a barcode, which students can digitally scan. “If we train them on how to use this machine, a week from now they may forget some. The video lessons are linked on YouTube, so the videos help them recall how to use it,” Mark says. “We are self-paced with students at different levels…We like to say it is not what you know, but it’s knowing where to go to ﬁnd the right information.”

LAKE-SUMTER STATE COLLEGE Digital forensics, health information technology, computer information technology, information technology analysis, STEM (science, technology, engineering or math) transfer program, electrical distribution technology, and engineering technology, with a specialization in relay substation technology, are among the tech-related courses available at Lake-Sumter State College. “LSSC’s electrical distribution technology program is one of only two degree programs in the country preparing students for in-demand and high-paying jobs with electric utilities,” says Kevin Yurasek, director of marketing and college relations. The college recently invited students from local high schools to the Sumter County to see a live line-safety demonstration from Duke Energy employees to learn career opportunities. The energy industry is one of the fastestgrowing ﬁelds to offer jobs and competitive wages across the United States and the world. Starting salaries are in the $40,000 range. “Lake-Sumter is training our future workforce,” says Bob Seigworth, director/ program manager of energy technology programs at LSSC. Dr. Stanley Sidor, LSSC president, praised line workers as the hardworking men and women who install and maintain power lines, and the ones who go out in the middle of a storm to restore power. “Our placement rate with students is very impressive. If you can make it through the

gital

program, I would ity, di on, r u c e s say you have a 90 king, ministrati t. r o w t percent chance of d e n ach n atabase a anageme e t getting a job because e d W tm RK ics, there is a shortage I MCTU projec orens —BET T f in the industry,” Dr. Sidor says. Students benefit from the college’s “strong partnership” with local energy employers. “They help us enhance our curriculum by helping us design a program that fits their needs,” says Dr. Sidor, who publicly recognized Duke, SECO, the city of Leesburg, and Sumter County Economic Development as viable partners for the college. Other technology-related fields in demand include health information technicians. They assemble patients’ medical history, symptoms, examination results, diagnostic tests, treatment methods, and all other health-care provider services. “The job outlook is 15 percent growth in job openings between now and 2024 in Lake and Sumter counties for health information professionals,” says Brandy Ziesemer, program manager at LSSC. “Most years, the placement rate of our graduates is 100 percent.” She says those who become credentialed as registered health information technicians or certified coding specialists could make $20 per hour. Computer information technology is a popular degree that allows LSSC students to expand their knowledge of software, hardware, networking, and programming. “We teach networking, security, digital forensics, database administration, project management,” says Betti McTurk, program manager, who notes students range from high school graduates to adults seeking promotions or career changes. “I have an 81-year-old engineer in my class; he is one of my top students,” Betti says. “One of our students works with a well-known company. I just received an email that his boss is looking for additional graduates. It shows the success of our curriculum.”

July 2017

T C E H

Beacon has tools of tomorrow, today Beacon College stands at the educational forefront by providing technological tools to help students with learning differences succeed in the classroom and beyond. PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

r. James Fleming, department chair for business and technology at the downtown Leesburg campus, is pleased Beacon College offers assistive learning technology to help students academically with their studies, and the college also offers technology-related programs that are in demand by students and in the workforce. “We continuously change our courses to meet the needs of the industry and the students’ interests,” Fleming says.

A lot of our classes, especially in Computer Information Systems, and Web and Digital Media, we don’t use many textbooks anymore because a lot of times the information is outdated —DR. JAMES FLEMING

For more information: 855.220.5374 105 East Main Street, Leesburg beaconcollege.edu

In 2004, Beacon College became the ﬁrst undergraduate U.S. institution accredited specifically to award bachelor’s degrees to students with dyslexia, ADHD and related conditions. “We offer degrees for students with learning disabilities, and the technology that we use helps students compensate with some of their learning disabilities,” he says. “We use assistive technology, which not too many colleges and universities utilize.” Kurzweil is one assistive software that allows students to use a speech-to-text program. They can talk to a computer which can type the text for them; other software helps students organize their thoughts into an outline so they can write a paper. E-books and other speech-related software at the college comes with readers to aid students. “It has come

a long way where it doesn’t sound robotic; the voices are definitely more natural,” he says. The constant changes in technology inspires Beacon College to keep up with the times. “A lot of our classes, especially in Computer Information Systems, and Web and Digital Media, we don’t utilize many textbooks anymore because a lot of times the information is outdated by press time,” Fleming says. Instead, the latest research and information about the latest trends in these fields are shared with students regularly. Game Design is another popular course that gives students an introductory level look at the gaming industry, along with the business, production, programming, and artistic side of the field. “The way we teach our students is a huge advantage for them with the class size being small,” says Fleming. “We bring in speakers, we take them on local trips to make all of the concepts and ideas come alive. To experience it is so much more than to read it from a textbook. We’re trying to have them live it.”

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On the Scene

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July 2017

* TOHnE TTOh- DeO SL cI S eT n e

July

J U LY 8

Unique art A fine arts show featuring more than 70 artists, presented by The Villages Art League from 9am-3pm at Lake Mona Recreation Center, 1526 Buena Vista Blvd., The Villages. Enjoy an exhibit of two- and three-dimensional unique creations. For information, go to thevillagesartleague.org. J U LY 1 1

J U LY 1 - 1 6

J U LY 3

On the case “The Game’s Afoot or Holmes for the Holidays,” presented by the Tavares Community Theater Company at Bridges Covenant Church, 1100 N. St. Clair Abrams Ave. Performances at 8pm on July 1, 7, 8, 14, 15 and at 2pm on 2, 9, 16. For tickets, go to tavarestheater.org or call 352.343.9944.

Tree of Life Pastfinders Generalogy Club meets at 10am at Cooper Memorial Library throughout the summer. Whether you’re deep into family history or just beginning your search, this is the place to be. For information, email pastfindersslc@gmail.com or for private appointments, call 352.404.8164. Walk ins are welcome.

Look good, feel good Meet the staff and get answers about ImageLift at 1pm at the office, 8630 CR 466, The Villages. Seating is limited, so call and make your reservation now. Receive Dr. Castellano’s book free when you register. Go to imagelift.com/events or call 877.346.2435. One volunteer will participate in a free filler demonstration, and everyone gets the free book.

J U LY 1 - 2 3

J U LY 3 - 1 3

J U LY 1 1

Madcap musical See one of Broadway’s most famous plays, “The Producers,” at the State Theatre, presented by the Bay Street Players, 109 N. Bay St., Eustis. For tickets, purchase online at boxoffice@baystreetplayers.org; call 352.357.7777; or go by the box office from 1-6pm Monday through Friday and two hours before curtain time.

Swim lessons City of Fruitland Park Recreation pool. $2 per class. Time to be announced. For information, call 352.360.6734.

Rock and roll rules Bob Chubboy, of WLBE radio in Leesburg, will present a Rock and Roll Symposium at East Lake Public Library, 4125 E. Lake Rd., Palm Harbor. He’ll talk about the beginning of hip-hop and will have special guest Johnny Thunder. 6pm. Event is free and rated G. Bring the whole family.

J U LY 7 - 1 6

Drama at its ﬁnest “Race” is about two lawyers defending a wealthy white man charged with raping a black woman, presented by the Moonlight Players at 735 W. Minneola Ave., Clermont. For ticket information and performance times, call 352.243.5875.

J U LY 1 3

Scrambled eggs Lake Eustis Area Chamber of Commerce breakfast, Eustis Community Center, 601 Northshore Drive. 7:15-8:45am. For information, see eustischamber.org or call 352.357.3434. J U LY 1 3

J U LY 8 - 9

Dr. Seuss is loose “The SeussOdyssey,” presented at The Melon Patch Theatre, 311 N. 13th St., Leesburg. This show is part of the summer youth program. Shows are Saturday at 7pm and Sunday at 2pm. Tickets may be purchased by phone (352.787.3013), at the box ofﬁce (open daily 9am-1pm), or by email (melonpatchplayers@gmail.com).

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Death Café The Death Café of Lake County meets at 2801 Bay Street in Eustis from 6-8pm. The purpose of the café is to increase awareness of death with a goal of helping people make the most of living. Guests sit in small groups and enjoy intellectual discussions. For

information, visit their Facebook page, Death Café of Lake County and send a message. J U LY 1 4 - 3 1

‘Seventy-six Trombones’ “The Music Man,” the popular play about Professor Harold Hill selling band instruments and uniforms, is at Sonnentag Theatre at the IceHouse in Mount Dora, 1100 N. Unser St. For ticket information and times, see icehousetheatre.com/box-office. This play is presented as part of the summer workshops for kids and teens. J U LY 1 5

One man’s trash Trash to Treasure Yard Sale, 8am-1pm, Leesburg Community Building, corner of Dixie Avenue and Dozier Circle. Vendors should register with the Recreation and Parks Department, 352.728.9885. Tables are $10 each. J U LY 1 5

Blues, Soul, Funk, and Wine The Modernism Museum Mount Dora welcomes back CeCe Teneal for a night that includes wine, music, and dancing, Tickets are $25 ($20 for 3MD members) and include the sparkling wine reception and viewing the current exhibit. Reception is at 6:30pm; concert at 7pm. Please visitmodernismmuseum.org/events to purchase tickets or call (352) 385-0034 for more information. 145 East 4th Ave. J U LY 1 7 - 2 7

Swim lessons City of Fruitland Park Recreation pool. $2 per class. Time to be announced. For information, call 352.360.6734. J U LY 2 6

What is it? Investigation Station, 9-11am, Ellis Acres Reserve, 25302 CR 42, Paisley. Explore science and nature with the staff. For information, contact Wendy Poag at wpoag@lakecountyfl.gov or call 352.516.7456.

J U LY 2 6 - 2 8

Hard-hitting games American Beach Tour Junior Volleyball Championship at Hickory Point Beach Sand Volleyball Complex, 27341 State Road 19, Tavares, at 8am each day. For information, email chris@floridavolleyball.org or call 352.742.0080. J U LY 2 7

A new look The Villages ImageLift invites you to a free seminar at 1 p.m. at Waterfront Inn at The Villages, 1105 Lake Shore Dr., Lake Sumter Landing. Meet the staff and get answers about ImageLift. Seating is limited, so call and make your reservation now. Receive Dr. Castellano’s book free when you register. Go to imagelift.com/events or call 877.346.2435. One volunteer will participate in a free filler demonstration.

J U LY 2 9

Jumpin’ Jack Flash Bounce-A-Palooza at Venetian Gardens, 109 E. Dixie Ave., Leesburg. $5 per child. More than 20 inﬂatables, a dunk tank with proceeds going to recreation scholarship fund, open swimming pool with pool games, water volleyball, belly ﬂop contest. 11am-5pm. Call 352.728.9885. Tickets can be purchased prior to event.

Ongoing Events T U E S D AY S

Lady Lake Farmers Market Lady Lake Log Cabin, 106 S. US Highway 441/27, 9am-1pm S AT U R D AY S

Saturday Morning Market on Towne Square An array of vendors and fresh coffee along with artisan gifts and live entertainment by the fountain. 8am-1pm every week. See leesburgpartnership.com/event for more information. Downtown Leesburg. Brownwood Farmers Market 2726 Brownwood Blvd., Wildwood, 9am-1pm 1 S T S AT U R D AY:

2 N D S U N D AY:

Wine Tasting Stroll Starts at Maggie’s Attic on Alexander Street and 4th Avenue, Mount Dora, 6-8pm (7-9pm in summer months).

Guitars & Cars Renninger’s, Mount Dora 3 R D W E D N E S D AY :

PAWS Reading Dogs W.T. Bland Library, Mount Dora

2 N D F R I D AY:

Art Splash Features artists and performers on the sidewalks of downtown Mount Dora, 6-8pm

3 R D T H U R S D AY:

Mount Dora Food Trucks Downtown Mount Dora 3RD WEEKEND:

2 N D F R I D AY:

Movie in the Park Free family movie starts at dusk, Donnelly Park, downtown Mount Dora

Antique Fair Renninger’s Antique Market, Mount Dora 4 T H S AT U R D AY:

Classic Car Cruise-In Downtown Eustis

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

July 2017

* IONnC OTNhC EeR TS c e n e

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

lakeandsumter

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DATE

TIME

ARTIST

VENUE

7/4

7pm

Kings County

Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

7/7

8pm

Defenders of Daisies

Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

7/7

9pm

Scott Heath

The Oasis, Sorrento

7/7

9pm

Chicken Train

Shamrock Lounge, Leesburg

7/7

9pm

Manfredi Rocks

JJ’s Lounge, Sorrento

7/8

1pm

Highway Starz

Gator Harley-Davidson, Leesburg

7/8

4pm

Maiden Voyage Band

Pug’s Pub, Eustis

7/8

8pm

Da Boys

Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

7/8

9pm

10,000 Papercuts

Frank’s Place, Leesburg

7/8

9pm

Chicken Train

Shamrock Lounge, Leesburg

7/8

9pm

Manfredi Rocks

JJ’s Lounge, Sorrento

7/9

7pm

Jeff Whitﬁeld

Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

7/10

7pm

Smooth Country Band

Olympia Banquets and Events, Mount Dora

7/12

7pm

Jeff Whitﬁeld

Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

7/14 7/15 7/15

9pm 9pm 9pm

1 Town The Grip 1 Town

Shamrock Lounge, Leesburg Frank’s Place, Leesburg Shamrock Lounge, Leesburg

7/16

7:30pm

Defenders of Daisies

Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

7/17

7pm

Smooth Country Band

Olympia Banquets and Events, Mount Dora

7/19

7pm

Jeff Whitﬁeld

Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

7/21

9pm

Rosy Thorn

Dallas Inn Bar, Summerfield

7/22

5pm

David Oliver Willis

Eustis Community Center, Eustis

7/22

8pm

Da Boys

Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

7/22

9pm

Rosy Thorn

Dallas Inn Bar, Summerfield

7/23

1pm

Southern Breeze Band

Crossroads Inn, Summerfield

7/23

7:30pm

Defenders of Daisies

Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

7/24

7pm

Smooth Country Band

Olympia Banquets and Events, Mount Dora

7/26

7pm

Jeff Whitﬁeld

Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

7/28

9pm

Chris Ryals Band

Shamrock Lounge, Leesburg

7/29

9pm

Chris Ryals Band

Shamrock Lounge, Leesburg

7/30

7pm

Jeff Whitﬁeld

Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

7/31

7pm

Smooth Country Band

Olympia Banquets and Events, Mount Dora

* LOOnC ATL hT AeL ESNcTe n e

A human touch for robots Student Justin TenEyck is driven to succeed in technology. STORY: CHRIS GERBASI

I am driven to see artiﬁcial intelligence have not only the capacity to learn and understand, but also feel. —JUSTIN TENEYCK

lakeandsumter

.com

eople aren’t robots. But, can robots be like people? Justin TenEyck would like to find out. The 18-year-old just graduated from Lake Minneola High School, where he was president of the Nerds of Prey robotics team. He plans to study computer engineering at the University of Central Florida and then start his own robotic technologies company, focusing on automation of the service industry, cybernetics/robotic limbs—and artificial intelligence. Justin not only speaks with passion about robotics, he wants to see passion in robotics. “My own excitement in robotics begins with the idea of making our lives better in the process,” he says. “But what motivates me most is seeing technology reach a point where it has the capacity to emulate some of the most complex of human emotions. I am driven to see artificial intelligence have not only the capacity to learn and understand, but also feel.” The robotics team and career-oriented courses have given Justin the foundation to pursue those dreams. The VEX robotics program in middle school first piqued his interest. Through the Engineering Pathways program in high school, Justin learned about auto production technology and became certified in SolidWorks, a 3D CAD program used to draft mechanical designs. As a freshman, he joined the Nerds of Prey, where team members learn about electronics, mechanics, programming, and digital design.

The team annually competes in the FIRST— For the Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology—Robotics Competition in Orlando. More than 60 teams totaling 3,000 students compete with robots they designed and built themselves. In March, the Nerds of Prey had their best performance ever, ﬁnishing ninth with their robot, The Phantom. The theme of the timed competition was “Steamworks.” Each team’s robot had to retrieve and load gears onto pegs, which players then placed on a gear train on an “airship.” The robot then launched “fuel elements,” or whifﬂe balls, into large containers, the “boilers,” to power the airship. Finally, the robot had to scale the airship by lifting itself up with a climbing mechanism to reach an elevated platform. “This year was a huge step in the right direction for the team,” Justin says. “The experience this year has been extremely invigorating.” The Nerds of Prey name is a badge of honor for team members. Some classmates get the appeal of robotics; some think it’s nerdy, Justin says. But he knows that participating in FIRST can be a gateway to careers in engineering, business, design, and technology, and that’s pretty cool.

my time, and actually do what they say they will do WHEN they say they’ll do it. Unfortunately, that’s not often the case in the marketplace anymore. But it doesn’t stop with doing just what’s expected in their job: (/ they do it with personal attention and really .$ ! strive to make the customer feel important.” $ !3 !,

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THANK YOU, WENDY! YOUR KIND WORDS CONTINUALLY INSPIRE US TO KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.

THANKS LAKE COUNTY FOR 35 YEARS OF SUPPORT!

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EUSITIS, FL

WENDY LYN PHILLIPS

WHAT I HAVE TO SAY ABOUT VANN GANNAWAY

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* OOUnT +TA BhOeU TS c e n e

ROCKIES UNPLUGGING IN THE COLORADO

LODGE DINING ROOM

Photos: Tony DeSantis

LAKESIDE CABIN

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MARK SHAW-SMITH FLYFISHES FOR TROUT

EMERALD VALLEY CABIN

Taking a break from the digital world can be more difficult than we think, but a few days at a ‘wilderness retreat’ can be salve for the soul and a rediscovery of what’s really important. STORY: MARY ANN DESANTIS

his story originally was to be a recount of a luxurious few days at The Broadmoor Resort in Colorado Springs, but something more valuable happened in Colorado: I rediscovered how truly wondrous Mother Nature can be when you slow down and unplug for a few days. My husband and I didn’t sacriﬁce luxury when we made the trek to the Ranch at Emerald Valley, one of The Broadmoor’s wilderness retreats on Cheyenne Mountain. And the climb wasn’t exactly roughing it— resort guests are shuttled in Cadillac Escalades to the lodge and cabins that are 8,200 feet above sea level. Both Emerald Valley Ranch and the Cloud Camp at the very top of the

mountain offer the same impeccable service that has distinguished the iconic Broadmoor for nearly 100 years. The differences, however, are no televisions in the cabins and occasionally spotty Wi-Fi service. Even cell-phone calls are difficult to make. What guests do find right outside their doors are fishing ponds and streams, archery, horseback riding, canoes and kayaks, and hiking trails for all levels. And at night? The lodge is filled with board games and other guests who love to linger over dinner or sit by one of the roaring fireplaces or outdoor fire pits and talk. Yes, talk…without incessant text messaging. “The Broadmoor found that many guests had a different picture of Colorado,” says

Colorado Springs, CO

The lodge is filled with board games and other guests who love to linger over dinner or sit by one of the roaring fireplaces or outdoor fire pits and talk. Yes, talk…without incessant text messaging.

July 2017

* OOUnT +TA BhOeU TS c e n e

Photo courtesy of The Broadmoor

Craig Hilton, manager of the Emerald Valley property. “They are often looking for authentic Colorado experiences, like trout fishing and horseback riding.” The Broadmoor had the perfect place to add its “Wilderness Experience” packages, especially at Emerald Valley, which is surrounded by 100,000 acres of the Pike National Forest. Broadmoor founder Spencer Penrose had his original HORSEBACK RIDING AT EMERALD VALLEY hunting cabin near today’s more modern Lakeside Cabin, one of 13 secluded cabins featuring distinctive Rocky Mountain décor. Open since 2013, the ranch is an all-inclusive experience that includes chef-prepared gourmet breakfasts, lunches, and dinners in the grand lodge and an array of family-friendly activities. While horseback riding and fly fishing are the most popular activities, we preferred to hike along the Emerald Valley trail on Cheyenne Mountain until a late spring snowstorm sent us scurrying back to our warm cabin, where we could relax by the fireplace. The next day, I found a less-rugged trail along a gurgling stream that flows from a pond where guests can fish for trout. That’s where I spotted guest Mark Shaw-Smith from Oxford, England, casting his line like a pro. “I This is a never fished much but after spending time at The great place Broadmoor’s Fly Fishing Camp, I love it.” for family Mark and his wife, Roz, extended their conference-related trip at The Broadmoor to enjoy reunions the wilderness activities at both the Fly Fishing because there Camp on the Tarryall River, 75 minutes west of the is so much resort, and at Emerald Valley. While Mark perfected his trout fishing techniques, Roz spent mornings to do and we on horseback. can customize “This is a great place for family reunions because the entire there is so much to do and we can customize the entire property for a family,” Craig adds. “We can property for arrange pony rides for kids or trail rides for the a family. whole family.” Last year, the ranch hosted a 103-year-old great—CRAIG HILTON grandfather who was transported around the ADAfriendly property in a golf cart so he could watch his grandchildren and great-grandchildren fish and horseback ride. “It’s just a wonderful place for families to reconnect,” Craig says.

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Seven Falls, The Broadmoor and Dan Sulewski photos: Tony DeSantis

SEVEN FALLS

THE BROADMOOR

BACK DOWN THE MOUNTAIN Just as my husband and I were getting used to life without social media, it was time to head down the historic Old Stagecoach Road back to the luxurious Broadmoor. Who needs technology when the day includes a massage at the world-class Broadmoor Spa with its “relaxation” rooms and an exquisite wine dinner at Ristorante del Lago overlooking the resort’s centerpiece Cheyenne Lake. The Broadmoor offers additional adventure activities near the property, including rides on the historic Pikes Peak Cog Railway, zip-lining over the South Cheyenne Canyon, and hiking along Seven Falls, the only waterfall in Colorado to be listed on National Geographic’s list of international waterfalls. Hiking up the 224 steps at Seven Falls seemed like a good idea at the time, but at the halfway marker we decided our middle-age legs weren’t up to the task. Seven Falls, however, was close enough to The Broadmoor to take a relatively ﬂat trail back to the picturesque property with its manicured golf courses and lush landscaping. The adventure to top all adventures, however, was spending my last morning with master falconer Dan Sulewski, who teaches the basics of the 4,000-year-old sport of falconry to Broadmoor guests. Only a few

hours before I arrived for my Falconry 101 class, a Sarasota couple participated in the second-level class and asked where they could continue learning this “sport of kings.” Unfortunately for Floridians, The Broadmoor is one of only three U.S. resorts where guests can interact with magniﬁcent birds of prey, including hawks, falcons, and a 61-pound Eurasian eagle owl. A morning of falconry costs $128, but it is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most people. Founded by entrepreneur and philanthropist Spencer Penrose in 1918, The Broadmoor is on the cusp of its 100th anniversary. Its timeless grandeur and exquisite service were well known long before Twitter, Instagram, and the internet were even imaginable. And its reputation for excellence is well established, even when guests choose to unplug for a few days.

Trip Tip Getting to The Broadmoor is easy now that Frontier Airlines flies directly from Orlando International Airport to Colorado Springs. In the fall, direct service will begin from Tampa International Airport and Fort Myers’ Southwest Florida International Airport to Colorado Springs. Flight time averages about four hours.

DAN SULEWSKI

Mary Ann DeSantis Mary Ann DeSantis has written features for Style publications since 2006. She was recognized with first place Florida Press Club Excellence in Journalism Awards for Travel Writing in 2012 and 2016.

July 2017

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Royalty reigns at Mardi Gras The Villages Louisiana Club held its fifth annual Mardi Gras Ball with the theme, “The Era of Rock & Roll.” The ball provided an evening for Louisianans and their guests to celebrate the culture and hospitality New Orleans is known for when it’s Mardi Gras time. Clark Barrios and his band performed, and everyone enjoyed eating, dancing, and had a ball! PHOTOS: RON VANDEVANDER

Barb McKelvy

Breda Kibodeaux and Phyllis Blanchard Ron Schexnider, David Bradley, and Jeanne Schexnider (2017 Mardi Gras King and Queen) Bob Aardahl, Kathy Lombard, V.J., and Tom Hopkins

Kathy Chesley-Williams and Linda Swain

“Village Sweeties” Wendy O’Donnell and Peggy Garvin

Ron Schexnider

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T C E H

Electronics doctor SCI Computer Repair uses latest technology and specialized skills to ﬁx customers’ Apple and Mac repairs in-house, along with computer, phone, and tablet needs. PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

SCI Computer Repair uses latest technology and specialized skills to fix customers’ Apple, Mac, PC, phone and tablet needs on-site. Eustis native Shawn Collier, the owner of SCI Computer Repair located in the heart of downtown Eustis, has been providing top quality electronics repair for five years, and now his company has elevated to doing more intricate work under a microscope—meaning many customers’ beloved broken devices can be fixed! Shawn has invested in equipment that allows him to do microsoldering, a delicate skill that takes specialized equipment. He can replace components on an iPhone board that can’t be seen with the naked eye, but is visible under a microscope and the aid of a high-definition camera that allows Shawn to display what he sees under the microscope on a large screen TV. He is pleased to be able to make microsoldering repairs right in his shop. “There are people in New York who do mircrosoldering repairs, and people in this area would send devices to New York for repairs,” he says. "They no longer have to send them out for mircrosoldering, and that is one of the things that sets us apart. We do all repairs in-house.” Shawn takes great pride that his company also does Apple and Mac repairs on-site at his Eustis shop for customers, along with repairs

on iPhones, iPads, computers, and other phone tablets. “I only use high-end parts and I pride myself on my workmanship and the quality of my work,” he says. "I stand behind everything that I do.” He’s pleased to have a large following of fans on Facebook who recommend his services. They praise SCI for making repairs when others can’t, and that Shawn can restore devices without erasing information—all inhouse—in a fast and affordable manner. Before being led to believe your beloved broken mobile device can’t be ﬁxed, visit SCI Computer Repair to see what Shawn can do for you.

I only use high-end parts and I pride myself on my workmanship and the quality of my work. I stand behind everything that I do. —SHAWN COLLIER

For more information: 352.589.1112 128 North Eustis St., Suite 102, Eustis. Hours: 9am-6pm Mon-Fri

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

A gala event at the Westin Florida Hospital Waterman Foundation celebrated their eighth annual Celebration of Life in February at the Westin in Lake Mary. Proceeds from the event were designated for the Emergency Services at the hospital. Former patient Jeanie Sherman shared the amazing story of how Dr. Florian Putigna saved her life after she had aneurism next to her heart. MPiRE provided entertainment, and the silent auction along with donations exceeded the goals of the foundation. PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL

Richard and Leigh Neely

Co-Emcees Sanjay Pattani, MD, MHSA, and Peter A. Marzek, MD, FACS entertain the crowd

Crystal Connor and Christina Saxton

Kathrine Gill and Michael Hernandez

Jenny and David Cote

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Denise Chandler and Kimberly Moffitt Vicky and Jim Pyle

W NOLABLES I H AVAMONTIAL * 6 PEC ING inimum S NC roval. Mired. A pp equ FINject to chrlyedpitayarmeefnotr rdetails. t b o *Su monSee st

The Villages Philharmonic Orchestra

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

A march on Washington The Villages Philharmonic Orchestra donated all the proceeds from their Christmas Benefit Gala to the Leesburg High School Band. Members of the band made a trip to Washington in the spring for the third annual President’s Cup High School Concert Band invitational. They were one of only eight bands nationwide invited to this prestigious event. The evening of beautiful music provided aid to band members who otherwise couldn’t have made the trip. PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL

Eloide St. Germain and Mark A De Villiers singing “The Prayer”

The Villages Philharmonic Orchestra

Jody Strokes, Leroy McClurg, Lauren Mclurg, Beryl Stroke, and Courtney Strokes

Max Fisher, Savanna Hodges, and Zach Thall

Sandy and Karen Strokes

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Madison Winter and Amanda Woodley

What does The Lake Sumter Group at Morgan Stanley do? We proactively serve a select group of families with the distribution phase of their retirement by offering rigorous, relentless discipline seeking to bring a higher level of predictability.

How does your group achieve that? With ﬁnancial planning tools and discretionary portfolio management, we build plans based on our client’s risk tolerance. As portfolio managers, we manage our clients’ portfolios on a daily basis and guide their objectives, which range from developing a health care strategy to attending to estate planning needs.

How do you help your clients achieve their objectives? Focusing our attention on our clients’ ﬁnancial details means working toward their goal of living the lifestyle they have always envisioned. Having the resources in place to enjoy the next stage of their lives is important in achieving those goals. Perhaps they want to master a new language or travel to see family. Moving ﬁnancial worry away from the front of their minds can put big concerns to rest.

What specific strategies do you offer your clients? Our focus is on ﬁnancial planning which includes retirement planning, retirement income planning, estate planning strategies, college education planning, custom portfolio management, long term care planning and life insurance planning.

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

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

Vice President Financial Planning Specialist Portfolio Manager Financial Advisor michael.monteith@morganstanley.com

The Lake Sumter Group at Morgan Stanley 832 Lake Sumter Landing, The Villages, FL 352.751.7845 ? Toll free 800.447.6036 morganstanleyfa.com/LakeSumter

What makes your group passionate about what you do? Our clients have spent their working years building a legacy. We enjoy helping them build the next phase of their lives. Having an advisor who can walk that path with them can mean the difference between living, and enjoying, their retirement.

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. © 2016. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. CRC1651264 11/16

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

Barbara Iannielli, Angela Sutherland Heidi Ressler, Lynne Kelley

Anne DeYoung

Spring Luncheon for Ladies in Philanthropy The theme for this luncheon was “Polka Dots, Purses, and Pearls,” and they were in abundance. While enjoying fresh salads and warm bread, the ladies heard Dr. Jennifer Cultrera of Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute discuss advances in treating ovarian cancer. This was followed by a fashion show presented by Stein Mart in Lady Lake. Silent auction items included designer purses, tote bags, and jewelry. PHOTOS: THERESA CAMPBELL

Melody Schell, Jennifer Palmer, Kim Harrison, and Ashley Hammer

Chris Thorpe, Allison Sellars, Jennifer Fortuno, Sue Kroll, Ashley Scott, Adrienne Linthwait

Suzie Roberts, Tara Straka, Angela Sutherland, Lisa Rojas, Barbara Iannielli, Kristi Bolick, Megan Sullivan, Bobbie Ann Bowersox, Linda Stafford

Maria Stefanovic, Sandi Moore

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Osprey Lodge’s trademark Heartfelt CONNECTIONS memory care program focuses on the unique abilities that remain to each resident, both cognitive and physical. Residents are assessed and life histories are recorded that allow us to see each person for the individual he or she is. We get to know each person we have the privilege of caring for. We understand who they are now; more importantly, we learn about their lives before memory loss brought them to our doors. With detailed knowledge of our residents at our ﬁngertips and in our hearts, we develop truly personalized care plans, incorporating favorite hobbies and pastimes into activities, and favorite foods into menus. Our caring staff, who have received specialized training in memory care, make each resident’s life as meaningful, fulﬁlling and joyful as possible! Alana Kidd, Activities Director & Memory Care Specialist

Maureen Murphy, R.N., Director of Memory Care

Hear tfelt CONNECTIONS For those seniors and their families living with a memory impairing disease. “It’s all about understanding and treasuring what remains as far more important than what is lost, and celebrating life in and of itself.” — Pat Spence, Life Care Services

Our Caregivers Support Group, sponsored by The Alzheimer’s Family Organization, meets the second Tuesday of every month at 6pm. Open to all, it’s a safe place for family caregivers to talk and learn with others in the same situation. For details, or for more information about our Heartfelt CONNECTIONS memory care program, please call or visit Osprey Lodge. Ask for Ruth Cantillon, director of sales & community relations.

352.253.5100 // OspreyLodgeTavares.com // 1761 Nightingale Lane, Tavares, FL 32778

AL license #12259

* SOOnC I ATLhSeP OST LcI eG HnTe

GAME DEVELOPMENT CAMP Thanks to volunteers and library staff, students in Lake County are learning computer coding in elementary school, but the goal of these camps might surprise you. STORY: LEIGH NEELY

he library has always offered adventures and projects for kids. This summer, the Lady Lake Library is bumping things up a notch with a Computer Game Camp. “When John [Pearl] and Marsha [Brinson] ﬁrst came up with this idea, we took it to the city commission,” says Kristen Kollgaard, Lady Lake town manager. “We told them we’d start small, but it keeps growing.” According to John Pearl, the town’s IT director, he and Library Director Marsha Brinson took computers no longer used in the school system and repurposed them for the library. Then they brought the idea for the camp to Kate Austin, who was teaching a code program in Mount Dora. “Kate ran with the idea,” John says. “She is teaching middle schoolers to do game

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development. We need to encourage more people to do what Kate is doing. Take the skills and knowledge they used throughout their careers and volunteer to help others learn it.” The goal of the camp is to help Lake County youth develop future job skills and learn how they can use those job skills right here in Central Florida. “The library can make up the difference for the schools with teaching computer skills,” John says. “We need more volunteers to sign up to help with coding camp.” Kate Austin, D.C.D., began her career as a high school math teacher and then she taught computer science and was the director of simulation and digital entertainment at the University of Baltimore. “I’m so excited about this camp. There is a whole movement to get kids to begin

learning code much earlier,” Kate says. “What I’m hoping to do is get these summer camps going at all the libraries. Schoolteachers could do it. I would like to do the workshops for teachers so they could learn how to teach it.” With the younger children, the camp will use a program created by Massachusetts Institute of Technology at Scratch.MIT.edu. Kate says kids can make their own games using this and it’s done with a building block concept. “Being able to do this is so good for the kids’ self-esteem,” she adds. Christine Leonard home-schools her children, so they use the library frequently. “They love the computers, and we’re here every Thursday,” Christine says. “My husband is the tech person in our family so he goes over it with them while they’re learning. One of my older sons built a computer himself.” Alexis and Alayla Leonard participate in the program at the Lady Lake Library, and Christine says they knew no one when the family moved to Lady Lake two years ago. However, through the library, they began to make friends and got to know their neighbors. “Most of the people I know, I met through the library. Nicole [LaFrancois] and Marsha are amazing. They truly care.” Lana and Lucas Vincent are also home-schooled by their mother Cindy. “I think this is just great. It gives the kids in the community an opportunity they may not have in school,” Cindy says. “My oldest craves computer education, and we really need this. We have a great relationship with the library.”

Nicole LaFrancois is the youth program coordinator and appreciates what the library can offer residents through these computer classes. “This program started in the youth department two years ago, and we are building a love for technology in the children,” she says. “Then as teens, we introduce them to what’s available in technology in Lake County so they know they don’t have to leave the county to get a good job.” Participants in the game camp will use the MIT app inventor online tool to develop a mobile game for Android devices and even learn to test, save, build, and disseminate apps. Computer Game Camp is scheduled for July 17-28, 1-5pm at the Lady Lake Library, 225 W. Guava St. To sign up as a student or as a volunteer, contact the library at 352.753.2957.

The goal of the camp is to help Lake County youth develop future job skills and learn how to use those job skills right here in Central Florida.

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July 2017

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Bake some penuche July 22 marks National Penuche Day, according to Foodimentary.com. So, what’s penuche? It’s a fudge made with brown sugar, milk, butter, and a hint of vanilla—no chocolate.

Let your cheesecake flag fly! Red, white, and blue sounds good, and will taste good, for your Fourth of July picnic. This no-bake cheesecake has a white filling, made from cream cheese, mascarpone cheese, and fresh whipped cream, spread over a homemade chocolate graham cracker crust. Add blueberries for the stars and strawberries for the stripes, and Betsy Ross never could’ve cooked up this flag. For the recipe, go to allrecipes.com.

Penuche Fudge Ingredients

1 tsp + ¼ cup butter, divided

2 tsp light corn syrup

2 cups packed brown sugar

1/8 tsp salt

1 cup sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

¾ cup 2 percent milk

1 cup chopped walnuts NEW

Directions

Line a 9-inch square pan with foil; grease foil with 1 teaspoon butter. In a large heavy saucepan, combine sugars, milk, corn syrup, and salt. Bring to a rapid boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook, without stirring, until a candy thermometer reads 234 degrees (soft-ball stage). Remove from heat. Add vanilla and remaining butter to pan (do not stir). Cool, without stirring, to 110 degrees, about 40 minutes. Beat with a spoon until fudge just begins to thicken. Add walnuts; continue beating until fudge becomes very thick and just begins to lose its sheen (about 10 minutes total). Immediately spread into prepared pan. Cool. Using foil, lift fudge out of pan. Remove foil; cut fudge into one-inch squares. Store between layers of waxed paper in airtight containers. Makes 2 pounds (81 pieces). Source: Country Woman

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MOUNT DORA

The hospitality fruit The Pineapple Place is a new tavern in Mount Dora, featuring a full bar, gourmet burgers, and entrees garnished with savory pineapple (chutney or salsa). 322 N. Alexander St., 352.729.2661

NEW

TAVA R E S

CLERMONT

Wine and music Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards in Clermont will be a fun place for wine and music lovers to visit 1-4pm every Saturday in July. The area’s talented musicians provide free entertainment on the outdoor stage, while Lakeridge has wine, beer, soft drinks, and a variety of foods to purchase. Complimentary winery tours and wine tasting are available, too.

U M AT I L L A

Watch him work! Check out the videos on Nicky’s D’s website of the chef preparing the freshly made food served at this popular local restaurant. The food looks amazing! 356 N. Central Ave., Umatilla. 352.669.2400

New restaurant tries to hook customers Much like ﬁshermen looking for a hot spot, owner Jim Jordan hopes the customers are biting at Fish Camp on Lake Eustis, 901 Lakeshore Blvd., Tavares. The building on the corner of U.S. Highway 441 has a waterfront view and 40,000 cars whizzing by each day, but has been a revolving door for restaurants. “It’s a great location waiting for the right team,” says Jim, who opened his new eatery in late April. The “Central Florida gourmet” menu includes specialties such as Swamp Cabbage Ceviche, ﬁsh and chips, shrimp and cheese grits, alligator sausage with smoked pork, and farm-to-table salads with ingredients grown at Aquaponic Lynx in Yalaha.

July 2017

* IANrT oH EuKnI TdC HTEhNe

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Culinary students are trained on state-of-the-art equipment at Lake Tech, an American Culinary Federation-accredited school in the heart of Eustis. STORY: THERESA CAMPBELL // PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ

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hef Kenneth Koenig, department chair of culinary arts/commercial foods at Lake Technical College, and his staff teach students how to create gourmet masterpieces and make fancy ice carvings with the latest appliances and gadgets. “When we get new tools, we are like kids in a candy shop,” says Kenneth, who has been teaching at Lake Tech for 22 years. “The students have to know how to use them and understand how they work. They are expecting us to share our knowledge, and we have to keep up with the technology because when our students leave here with one-year experience, they are going to walk out of here as certiﬁed culinarians.” Lake Tech’s culinary arts program is 1,200 hours (about 40 weeks). “Being accredited by the American Culinary Federation, we are one of the few schools that has exemplary status,” the chef says. “This year, we were ranked the eighth-best culinary school in the state of Florida.” Other schools with top rankings were universities with degree programs, he says, adding the only other technical school with a high ranking was Sheridan Technical College, north of Miami. By helping students master advanced culinary prep skills and operate commercial equipment, Kenneth says it makes them more employable to work in the kitchens of restaurants, resorts, hospitals, amusement parks, and cruise ships. The chef is proud of the success of many of his students, including area high school culinary instructors who graduated from Lake Tech or were in his apprenticeship program. “I love to see my students over the years. I’ve had students come back to me and say, ‘Chef, I just opened my third restaurant,’ or ‘Chef, I’m now an executive chef or a sous chef,’” he says. “It’s wonderful when they come back. I always like seeing what they are doing after ﬁve years or 10 years.” He enjoys showing off Lake Tech’s large kitchen, which was remodeled a few years ago

with the latest upgrades. New appliances and tools have since been added. “This is a clinebell machine used for ice carvings,” Kenneth says, showing a special freezer that freezes large blocks of ice that stand 40 inches tall, 20 inches thick, and 10 inches wide. The chef and his students often create ice sculptures of swans, eagles, and hearts with sharp chisels and a chain saw. (A cordless chain saw is on his tech wish list for next year). “I can do the same piece in about 30 minutes, but with the students, learning it takes them about a couple of hours. We do an average of 20 a year,” he says of the ice sculptures. “Most of the people in town who do this, I probably trained them.” He’s pleased by the foods baked in the kitchen’s mini Baxter oven, which has rotating racks to aid in evenly baked breads, pastries, and cakes. He loves making hard rolls and breads in the appliance. “Once I put my loaves in here, I can set it for 30 or 40 seconds of steam. It injects steam into the oven, so for the first eight minutes on 450 degrees with steam, I can get that nice crust, and then you can turn it down the rest of the way and have the most perfect bread,” he says. “In Central Florida, I don’t think another place has one of these.” However, he notes larger Baxter ovens can be found at Disney World and Universal Studios. Chef Lynette Evans joined Kenneth in showing the new portable, countertop energyefficient induction heat ranges that can be moved anywhere in the Lake Tech kitchen. “They are really reliable for us and we have fun with it,” Lynette says, pleased that water boils in three minutes, half the time of other ranges, and the range has the ability to make candy and cheese at constant temperatures. An Alto-Shaam is the newest appliance in the Lake Tech kitchen. It has a patented Halo Heat design to slow-cook food efficiently and reduce shrinkage so more portions can be served, and the chef enjoys the kitchen’s

“Being accredited by the American Culinary Federation, we are one of the few schools that has exemplary status. This year, we were ranked the eighth-best culinary school in the state of Florida.” — KENNETH KOENIG

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In the culinary world, sous chef means second in charge of the kitchen.

combi oven, where ribs are ﬁrst steamed for 30 minutes and then ﬁnished cooking with dry heat. One of the new teaching programs at the school, “Sous Chef,” is also a valuable high-tech tool. In the culinary world, sous chef means second in charge of the kitchen. Kenneth says if students are making a puffed pastry from scratch and are confused about how to roll out the dough for trifolds, they can access the program to read and watch a “how-to” video and then come to the kitchen to practice. “We have to give them as much education as we can, cram as much as we can, and still let them have a life,” the chef says. “We try to use programs that they can do here and they can do at home in their spare time. We’re using technology so we are advancing along with them, and the technology is changing all the time. Every class changes; it’s never the same.”

Many of the culinary students are eager to create new things, including one female student who made a cake with a shiny glaze resembling a mirror.

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The chef believes learning the latest culinary trends serves students well. “There are some restaurants around that you end up paying $400 a person to go and have a dinner, and they do a sevencourse meal using this new modern technology,” he says. “It’s fantastic.” The chef also delights in teaching students ways to create memorable dining experiences. He’s made many of his own as a personal chef on a yacht, and also while serving as a banquet coordinator. He began his culinary studies under the wings of one chef while they worked in California, New Orleans, and New York. Kenneth went on to receive more training at Southeast Institute of Culinary Arts in St. Augustine. “When you go on a cruise, you don’t take a picture of

the roast beef. You say, ‘look at the fruit carvings, look at the ice carvings,’” Kenneth says, noting the design of roses carved from watermelon makes fruit visually appealing. “We eat with our eyes,” he adds. “All of a sudden, the potato salad is better on the salad bar or the fruit salad tastes better.” In the culinary world, the chef says developing new dishes or ways of serving items is often desired. He tells his students the goal is to create foods that people will talk about and will make them want to come to their restaurant. “A chicken is still a chicken,” he says. “I tell my students that it doesn’t matter where you go with that chicken if you teach me what to do with that chicken.”

Recipes from the Lake Tech kitchen:

Open Range Cowboy Cookies Ingredients

cups all-purpose flour

cup sugar

teaspoon baking powder

eggs

teaspoon baking soda

cups quick oatmeal

teaspoon salt

cup chocolate chips

cup margarine (room temp)

cup pecans

cup vegetable oil

cup coconut

cup packed brown sugar

Directions

Cream together in a mixer the margarine, oil, brown sugar and white sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt, then gradually add to the bowl until well blended. Add the oats, chips, nuts and coconut until mixed in. (not long at all) Bake 10 to 12 minutes at 350 degrees until edges are golden. Do not over-bake! Cookies should rest a few minutes.

Poppy Seed Salad Dressing Ingredients

cup white wine vinegar or champagne vinegar

cup sugar

small shallot

tablespoon poppy seeds

teaspoon salt

teaspoon ground mustard

teaspoons mayonnaise (optional for a creamier dressing)

cup extra virgin olive oil

Directions

Whisk the white wine vinegar and sugar until the sugar is mostly dissolved. Peel the shallot and grate it on a microplane grater or the smallest holes on a box grater directly into the bowl. Add the poppy seeds, salt and ground mustard; then whisk to combine. Whisking the dressing steadily, pour the olive oil into the dressing in a slow stream. Continue whisking until completely combined. Transfer to a covered container and store in the refrigerator. The dressing will keep for several weeks, separating as it sits; shake to recombine before using. Makes 1 cup.

July 2017

* SAArL UoTuÉ n d

T h e Ta b l e

Location, location, location Who says you have to travel to a winery to meet a winemaker and taste his wines? Dave Phinney led an interactive online tasting, proving location is relative. STORY: MARY ANN DESANTIS // PHOTOS: COURTESY OF LOCATION WINES - MARY ANN DESANTIS

* “We want consumers to feel like they are getting more than they paid for.” — WINEMAKER DAVE PHINNEY

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veryone knows when buying real estate that location is an important consideration. Where a wine is produced also is an important sales tool, especially when wines come from distinctive and highly prized geographical areas where the terroir is considered magical. Certain places—Italy, France, Spain, and California—tout speciﬁc regions as the best. Think Tuscany, Bordeaux, Rioja, and Napa, but single vineyard wines from those areas are often very expensive. Enter Dave Phinney, a young winemaker who thinks outside the box—whether it’s making and blending wines or ﬁguring out the

best way to market them. He also likes to keep things simple and fun, including wine labels. You can’t miss the large, single letters on the oval white labels on his Locations Wines when perusing wine shops in Lake and Sumter counties. “I created Locations based on a simple concept: make the best possible wine from a given country or location,” he told participants in his online tasting. “The simple concept ended up being pretty challenging to put into action.” Indeed, European AOC (appellation d’origine controlee) placed restraints on blending grapes, which is of the utmost importance to Dave. He wanted to seek out high-quality vineyards with low yields and then combine those grapes with grapes from other lesser known areas. His vision was to craft a wine that paid homage to the country of origin, not just a particular region or vintage. Traditions are hard to break, and it took several years to ﬁnd forwardthinking growers who would share his vision. Nonetheless, Dave accomplished his goal in France, where he had bought a vineyard in the Maury appellation in 2008. “I couldn’t believe what I saw when I arrived at this special vineyard…schist and granite soils like nothing I had ever seen in California,” he says. “I fell in love with this land and the promises it held.” After making several single vineyard wines from his estate, he began to venture north to Bordeaux and Rhone. He started wondering what the wines would be like if he could blend old vine Grenache from the Rhone Valley with old vine Grenache from his vineyard. As his reputation and venture grew in Maury, other

winemakers joined it. Today, his “F” wines from France contain a blend of Grenache from the Roussillon, Syrah from the Rhone Valley, and assorted Bordeaux varieties. And wine critic Robert Parker takes them seriously enough to give them a 91 rating. “It’s important not to be seen as a gimmick,” Dave says. “The wines must be good so they are not perceived as supermarket wines. We want consumers to feel like they are getting more than they paid for.” Today, Locations Wines produces 12 different wines representing France (a red and a rosé), Italy, Spain (E for España), Portugal, Corsica, Argentina, Texas, Oregon, Washington state, and two from California (red and white). The California wines showcase the best of the Golden State with fruit from Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, and the Sierra Foothills. All sell in the $20 range and all are bottled in the country or state as the labels indicate. And where did the idea originate for those distinctive letter labels? Dave was at the Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris when he noticed the unique “F” sticker on the license plate of a taxi as it pulled up to the curb. He had a revelation: he would borrow the taxi idea and use letters to create a wine label indicating a speciﬁc country. “My mind exploded with the thought and possibility,” he says. “What if I could take this idea and do it not only in France, but also Italy, Spain, and Portugal. I wanted to produce wines that paid homage to their homelands without compromise and without boundaries. “And let’s face it. These stickers are something everyone can recognize without having to remember a label or name.”

* Plan your own virtual tasting Are you curious what your out-of-town friends like to drink these days? It’s easy to discuss wines over the internet. The added bonus is you don’t have to leave home. 1. Agree on three or four wines you’d like to try. 2. Find the wines in your locale. Make sure you buy the same varietals and vintage as everyone else. 3. Research the wines, and print profile sheets from the winery’s website, if possible. 4. Schedule a convenient time for everyone to use a program like Skype or GoToMeeting.com. 5. Open your bottles and start your virtual tasting. 6. Swirl, sniff, and sip just like you would in a real-world setting.

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

7. Make sure every participant has a chance to share their opinions on each wine.

July 2017

A r o u n d T h e Ta b l e DINING GUIDE

Dining in your city Astatula Race Car Diner 25641 Monroe St. 352.253.6940 $

Astor Sparky’s Place 24646 State Road 40 352.759.3551 $$

Bushnell Beef O’Bradys 2586 W. CR 48 352.568.7000 $ Chuck’s Odd Cuples Café 117 W Belt Ave 352.568.0408 $ Hong Kong Restaurants 2229 W CR 48 (352) 568-8888 $$ Howie’s Family Restaurant 840 N. Main St. 352.793.8582 $ Sonny’s Bar-B-Q 2684 W. CR 48 352.569.0200 $ TJ’s Family Restaurant 412 W. Belt Ave 352.793.8877 $$ Waffle House 2571 W CR 48 352.793.5656 $ Waller’s Restaurant 138 Bushnell Plaza 352.793.2592 $

Legend $: $5-14 $$: $15-24 $$$: $25-40 $$$$: $40+ Kid’s Menu Beer, Wine or Cocktails

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Clermont Akina Sushi Bar & Asian Fusion Bistro 4300 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.243.8988 $$$ Calabria Ristorante 13900 County Road 455 407.656.5144 $$ Cheeser’s Palace 707 W. Montrose St. 352.404.9431 $ 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 $$ Robata Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar 1500 Oakley Seaver Dr. 352.404.9688 $$ 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 $$ Troy’s Cuban & Deli 1200 Oakley Seaver Dr. 352.241.4295 $$

Eustis 1884 Restaurant & Bar 12 East Magnolia Ave. 1.800.856.1884 $$ Barnwood BBQ 50 W. Orange Ave. 352.630.4903 $$ Beach Bums 12 S. Bay St. 352.308.8504 $ Dam Smoker Barbeque 36721 County Road 19A 352.357.6555 $$ Kiku Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar 15211 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.483.8288 $$$ King’s Taste Bar-B-Que 503 Palmetto St. 352.589.0404 $$

Maria’s Latin Dinner 1 N. Eustis St. 352.357.5555 $ NightOwl Caribbean Restaurant 929 S. Bay St. 352.589.0256 $ Stavro’s & Sons of Eustis 2100 W. County Road 44 352.589.9100 $$ Taki’s Pizza House 2824 S. Bay St. 352.357.0022 $$ Thai Sushi America 925 N. Bay St. 352.357.1949 $$ The Crazy Gator 402 N. Bay St. 352.589.5885 $$ The Great Pizza Company 23 E. Magnolia Ave. 352.357.7377 $$ The Oyster Troff 936 N. Bay St. 352.357.9939 $$$ Tillie’s Tavern & Grill 31 E. Magnolia Ave. 352.602.7929 $ Tony’s Pizza & Subs 2760 E. Orange Ave. 352.589.9001 $$

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

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

Howey-inthe-Hills JB Boondocks Bar & Grill 704 S. Lakeshore Blvd. 352.324.3600 $$

Mission Inn Resort & Club’s El Conquistador 10400 CR 48 352.324.3101 $$$$ Mission Inn Resort & Club’s Nickers 10400 CR 48 352.324.3101 $$$$

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

Leesburg Bloom’s Baking House and Restaurant 610 W. Main St. 352.787.1004 $$ Cousin Vinnie’s Family Sports Restaurant 10700 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.253.2442 $ Cedar River Seafood 8609 S. U.S. Hwy. 441 352.728.3377 $$ Cuba Pichy’s 10401 US Hwy. 441 352.642.3686 $ Dance’s BBQ 1707 South Street 352.801.8885 $ Gator Bay Bar & Grill 10320 County Road 44 352.365.2177 $$ God Café 300 W. Main St. 352.801.7447 $ Great Chicago Fire Brewery & Tap Room 311 W. Magnolia St. 352.474.2739 $ Habaneros 3 Mexican Restaurant 10601 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.315.1777 $$ HP Grill 1403 S. 14th St. 352.314.0006 $

Kountry Kitchen 1008 W. Dixie Ave. 352.323.0852 $ La Palma Mexican Grill 1690 Citrus Blvd. 352.323.1444 $$ Lilly’s Super Subs 2339 County Road 473 352.343.4663 $ Magnolia’s Oyster Bar 201 W. Magnolia St. 352.323.0093 $$ Naples Italian Restaurant 1107 W. North Blvd. 352.323.1616 $$ Osaka 1401 Citrus Blvd. 352.728.0788 $$ San Jose Mexican 1337 S. 14th St. 352.805.4174 $ Southern Gourmet 314 W. Main St. 352.409.7512 $ Stavros Pizza 755 N. 14th St. 352.326.4202 $$ Takis Pizza Restaurant 1205 N. 14th St. 352.787.2344 $$ The 24 Tap Room 1107 W. North Blvd. 352.315.0198 $ The Florida Porch Café 706 W. Main St. 352.365.1717 $$ The Latin Cafe 400 N. 14th St. 352.365.0089 $$ Turner’s 114 S. 5th St. 352.530.2274 $$ Two Old Hags Wine Shoppe 410 W Main St 352.435.9107 $$ Vic’s Catering 352.728.8989 $$$$

Mascotte 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 1921 by Norman Van Aken 141 E. 4th Ave. 352.385.1921 $$$ Anthony’s Pizza 17195 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.357.6668 $ Beauclaire Restaurant at Lakeside Inn 100 N. Alexander St. 352.383.4101 $$$ Bocce Pizzeria 925 E. First Ave. 352.385.0067 $ Breezeway Café 411 N. Donnelly St. 352.702.7898 $$ Cecile’s French Corner 237 W. Fourth Ave. 352.383.7100 $$ Cody’s on 4th Cafe 111 E. 4th Ave. 352.735.8426 $ Copacabana Cuban Cafe 320 Dora Drawdy Way 352.385.9000 $$ Cupcake Delights 122 E. 4th Ave. 352.383.2200 $ Eduardo’s Loko Tacos Mexican Restaurant 226 Alfred St. 352.742.1181 $$ Frog & Monkey English Pub 411 N. Donnelly St. 352. 383.1936 $$

Highland Street Café 185 S. Highland St. 352.383.1446 $ 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 $ J.K. Thai & Sushi 116 E. 5th Ave. 352.385.5470 $$ Let’s Do Lunch 426 N. Donnelly St. 352.735.4577 $ Mount Dora Pizza & Subs 2718 W. Old U.S. Hwy. 441 352.383.5303 $ One Flight Up - Coffee, Dessert & Wine Bar 440 N. Donnelly St., Ste. 100 352.758.9818 $ Pisces Rising 239 W. 4th Ave. 352.385.2669 $$$ PizzAmore’ 722 E. 5th Ave. 352.383.0092 $ Shiva Indian Restaurant 140A W. 5th Ave. 352.735.4555 $$ Sidelines Sport Eatery 315 N. Highland St. 352.735.7433 $ Sugarboo’s Bar-B-Que 1305 N. Grandview St. 352.735.7675 $ The Goblin Market 331-B Donnely St. 352.735.0059 $$$ The Health Basket of Mount Dora 18834 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.735.1166 $$

The Windsor Rose English Tea Room 142 W. Fourth Ave. 352.735.2551 $$ Village Coffee Pot 425 Donnelly St. 352.383.3334 $ Whale’s Tale Fish House 2720 W. Old U.S. Hwy 441 352.385.1500 $ Zellie’s Pub 4025 N. U.S. Hwy. 19A 352.483.3855 $$

Ruby Street Grille 221 E. Ruby St. 352.742.7829 $$ Sunrise Grill 462 E. Burleigh Blvd. 352.343.7744 $ The Hideaway 11912 Lane Park Rd. 352.343.3585 $$ Zac’s Pressed for Time Cafe 505 W Main St. 352.253.4663 $

Sorrento

Umatilla

Del Franco Pizza Place 31436 CR 437 352.383.8882 $ Gi Gi’s 25444 State Road 46 352.735.4000 $$

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

Summerﬁeld

The Villages

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

Bob Evans 2199 Parr Dr. 352.259.1224 $ Bonefish Grill 3580 Wedgewood Ln. 352.674.9292 $$ Bonifay Country Club 1033 Pinellas Place 352.205.7455 $$ Cane Garden Country Club 1726 Bailey Trail 352.750.0627 $$ Carrabba’s 650 U.S. Hwy. 441 N 352.430.1304 $$ Chengs Chinese and Sushi Restaurant 4050 Wedgewood Ln. 352.391.9678 $$ China Gourmet III 343 Colony Blvd 352.750.4965 $ City Fire Brownwood & Paddock Square 352.561.2078 $$ Olive Garden 3680 Wedgewood Ln. 352.259.0304 $$

Tavares Angelo’s Italian Restaurant 2270 Vindale Rd. 352.343.2757 $$ Buzzard Beach Grill 12423 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.253.5267 $$ Casa Mia Cafe 505 W Main St 352.742.9940 $ Hurricane Dockside Grill 3351 W. Burleigh Blvd. 352.508.5137 $$ Lake Dora Sushi & Sake 227 E. Main St. 352.343.6313 $$ Mary’s Kountry Kitchen 15945 County Road 448 352.343.6823 $ O’Keefe’s Irish Pub and Restaurant 115 S Rockingham Ave. 352.343.2157 $$

Evans Prairie Country Club 1825 Evans Prairie Trail 352.750.2225 $$ Fiesta Grande Mexican Grill 297 Colony Blvd 352.751.0400 $$ Hemingway’s at Havana 2484 Odell Circle 352.753.1475 $$$ The Legacy Restaurant at the Nancy Lopez Country Club 17135 Buena Vista Blvd. 352.753.1475 $$$ The Lighthouse Point Bar and Grille 925 Lakeshore Dr. 352.753.7800 $$ Mezza Luna Italian Restaurant and Bar 320 Colony Blvd. 352.753.3824 $$ NYPD Pizzeria 4046 Wedgwood Ln 352.750.1994 $$ Outback Steakhouse 710 N. Hwy 441 352.430.2590 $$ Palmer Legends Country Club 1635 Palmer Way 352.750.4499 $$ RedSauce 1000 Canal St. 352.750.2930 $$ Sakura 265 Colony Blvd 352.205.7393 $$ Scooples 2718 Brownwood Blvd 352.750.6263 $ Square One Burgers & Bar 2542 Burnsed Blvd. 352.689.2191 $$ Takis Greek and Italian Restaurant 13761 U.S. Hwy. 441 N. 352.430.3630 $$ TooJay’s 1129 Canal St. 352.430.0410 $

VKI Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar 1004 Old Mill Run 352.259.9887 $$

Wildwood Aztec’s Mexican Restaurant 348 Shopping Center Dr. 352.748.2250 $ Beef O’ Bradys 840 S. Main St. 352.689.0048 $ Buddy’s BBQ 1210 N. Main St. 352.330.0338 $$ China Jade 420 W. CR 44 352.330.5913 $ Cotillion Southern Café 101 N. Main St. 352.748.1223 $$ O’Shucks! Oyster Bar and Grill 1016 S Main St. 352.399.2200 $$ Traditions Café 3107 Hwy. 44 352.748.1077 $$ Woody’s Bar-B-Q 1220 S. Main St. 352.748.1109 $$

Yalaha Yalaha Bakery 8210 County Road 48 352.324.3366 $$

July 2017

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O L I V E BR A N C H M E D I T E R R A N E A N-I TA L I A N G R I L L E & B A R

It’s not just a meal, it’s an experience!

Forks (Out of a possible 5)

Olive Branch MediterraneanItalian Grille & Bar 115 W. 3rd Ave., Mt. Dora 352.729.6734

Fork Report: Casual dining. $$// Seated immediately (lunch hour) WAIT FOR MEAL: 10 minutes OUT-OF-THE-ORDINARY STARTERS: ($4-$8): Daily soups, Mediterranean, Caesar, and house salads, fresh mozzarella and tomatoes. ENTREES:($9-$12): Salads, spinach pie, gyro, wraps, omelette served with toasted pita bread, lasagna, pasta broccoli, tortellini Bolognese, fettuccine alfredo, penne ala vodka, individual specialty pizzas, and daily specials not on the menu. How Fork On The Road Works Our reviewers are objective and unbiased. This is not a paid feature. Our reviewer makes one unannounced visit and we pay for our meals.

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STORY: LEIGH NEELY // PHOTO: FRED LOPEZ

ining at Olive Branch Mediterranean-Italian Grille & Bar is like eating at Mama’s house on Sundays. The food is fresh and delicious, and you absolutely won’t go home hungry. Though the beautiful cloth napkins and tablecloth say ﬁne dining, there’s deﬁnitely a casual atmosphere in the restaurant. You can eat outside and enjoy the view of beautiful Lake Dora or dine inside and see the same view from most tables. The food is the star, and each dish is prepared fresh and made to order. Chef Jerry Vejseli, who owns Olive Branch, is dedicated to providing the best food around. Since he opened the restaurant in December 2015, he has made it a family affair because his wife and two young sons often walk around the restaurant and visit diners. Our server, Betty, says he treats staff like family, too. We enjoyed two appetizers: toasted pita bread with hummus, ajvar, and tzatziki/ yogurt sauce, and fried mozzarella with tomato sauce. We pronounced both wonderful. You actually could taste how fresh the tzatziki/ yogurt sauce was with the

soft but crispy pita bread. The mozzarella was in three triangles, and the red sauce was exceptional. For lunch, I picked pasta primavera, which had penne sautéed with fresh vegetables in a specially made pink sauce. The wonderful creaminess and tomato flavor of the pink sauce truly complemented the fresh, slightly crisp vegetables. My two companions had chicken broccoli franchaise (extraordinary flavor) and one of the daily specials—an openface prime rib sandwich with fries (tender, flavorful meat). We knew we couldn’t leave without dessert, which is prepared by Matt, the restaurant’s salad and pastry chef. Not only were they incredible to eat, they were absolutely beautiful. My friend’s chocolate ribbon even had a beautiful cameo in the center of the dark

chocolate. I enjoyed an apple tart with salted caramel ice cream, and the man in the group had chocolate lava cake. Chef Jerry came to our table, as did Matt, to see how we enjoyed our food. This is a wonderful place to take the whole family or enjoy an intimate meal with someone you love. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.

A r o u n d T h e Ta b l e DINING GUIDE

The 24 Tap Room 1107 W. North Blvd., Suite 26, Leesburg // 352.315.0198 Mon-Thu 3 p.m-12 am // Fri 3 p.m-1 am // Sat 12 pm-1 am // Sun 12 pm- 12 am The 24 Tap Room is a fun and new craft beer and wine bar where you can enjoy 24 rotating taps, weekly live entertainment, trivia, board games, darts, and special nightly events. Visit on Sundays to watch NFL football on one of several 48-inch TV’s inside or on their outdoor patio. Proprietor Alberto Cisneros says, “We’re focused on bringing an ever-changing selection of some of the best locally-brewed beer in the state, as well as other great craft brews from across the country, to discerning beer lovers in Lake County.” A variety of appetizers are now available, including Sweet Potato Tots, Pulled Pork Sliders, Pub Pretzels, Black Bean and Chicken Nachos and Grilled Chicken Quesadillas.

1884 Restaurant and Bar 12 E. Magnolia Ave., Eustis // 1.800.856.1884 // 1884restaurantandbar.com Mon-Sat: 11 am–12 am // Sun 11am-10pm Located in the historic Ferran’s building in downtown Eustis 1884 Restaurant and bar is a must for all to discover. 1884 has everything from Boars Head wraps and hand pressed burgers at lunch to hand cut filets and the signature double bone in pork chop at dinner. They also offer Sushi 7 days a week for dinner. With more than 10000 sq.ft., 1884 can accommodate an intimate dinner for two to a private event of up to 100 in one of the three semi-private rooms. Diners can also enjoy the full-service bar while ordering custom craft cocktails, 8 rotating beers on tap and an amazing wine list. Join 1884 on Mondays for Prime Rib Special… Tuesdays, where kids eat free*…Wednesdays you can get $4 by the glass or free bottle of house wine*…Thursdays offer Wing special with Friday and Saturday always the best dinner specials around. No doubt, there is something for everyone. This restaurant has won in 6 categories for 2016 Lake and Sumter Style’s hot list as well as Open Tables Restaurant of the month several months running. You can also enjoy live entertainment nightly. Check us out on facebook for all the details. Call 1.800.856.1884 to reserve your table or book your party now. Lunch, dinner, live entertainment. 1884restaurantandbar.com to be the first to know of all specials, entertainers and events.

The Country Club of Mount Dora 1900 Country Club Blvd., Mount Dora 352.735.4059 Come enjoy a great meal at the Country Club of Mount Dora overlooking the beautiful greens of the golf course. We serve lunch daily and breakfast on weekends. Be sure to bring your appetite for our half-pound burgers made your way, thick cut Reuben sandwiches, delicious Greek salad, and much more. We serve a full breakfast menu every Saturday and Sunday including Eggs Benedict, French toast, omelettes, and much more. Come join us!

July 2017

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DIGINO’S

A slice of greatness DiGino’s serves up tasty pizza and other Italian delights STORY: JAMES COMBS // PHOTO: FRED LOPEZ

iGino’s is a neighborhood Italian restaurant in Tavares that touts its New York-style pizza. Therefore, it’s no surprise that a big part of its décor consists of black-and-white photographs depicting magniﬁcent scenes such as the New York City skyline and two men playing golf atop a downtown skyscraper. The faux brick counter and industrial-style lighting ﬁxtures add to the ambience. Eight booths and three tables make for a small but intimate atmosphere. But truthfully, there’s nothing fancy or pretentious about DiGino’s, which is located in the same plaza as a BP gas station. Here, it’s all about the food. Just ask Mercedes Quinones, a Tavares resident who frequents the restaurant: “I’m from the Bronx, and I can honestly say this is the best pizza I’ve had since moving to Florida 32 years ago.”

DiGino’s // 219 E. Burleigh Blvd., Tavares // 352.508.7593

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The menu has plenty of items—sub sandwiches, salads, Stromboli, and various pasta dishes. However, I wanted to give their pizza a day in court. I ordered a 14-inch, onetopping pizza and 10 hot wings for $16.99. The pizza was nowhere near as greasy as other New York-style pizzas I’ve tried, and the dough was much flakier and nowhere near as thin. Still, it contained a generous amount of cheese and pepperoni and more than fulfilled my pizza craving. The wings were juicy and meaty and smothered in savory Buffalo sauce. My co-worker ordered a small calzone that looked large enough to fill up two people. Cutting into the crisp, golden crust revealed a generous filling of mushrooms, pepperoni, sausage, green peppers, and cheese. There’s a reason regulars keep coming back to DiGino’s, according to our friendly waitress, Talayia Robinson: “Most things here are made from scratch, including our pizza sauces and salad dressing. Plus, we go above and beyond to provide friendly service.”

A r o u n d T h e Ta b l e DINING GUIDE

Cousin Vinnie’s Family Sports Restaurant Open seven days a week: 11am–9pm // Food, Spirits, Music, Sports 10700 U.S. Hwy. 441, Leesburg // 352.253.2442 // CVinnies.com Cousin Vinnie’s is located on U.S. Hwy. 441 across from Home Depot. Owner “Cousin” Vinnie Vittoria and his family have created a unique atmosphere by combining a sports bar with a family restaurant. As soon as you walk into Vinnie’s you will immediately notice why they are famous for outstanding comfort food and service! They also have been voted BEST WINGS in Lake County every year since opening in 2009. 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 6–10pm Tuesday night is “Family Night” from 4–8pm when kids 12-and-under eat free. Wednesday night is “Trivia Night” when the fun starts at 6:30pm with prizes given to the top 3 teams. There is no better place on the weekends to see who hoists the trophy or takes home the checkered flag. Cousin Vinnie’s also offers, free Wi-Fi, great music and an enthusiastic staff, ready to exceed your expectations. Vinnie’s has been open eight years, if you have never been there… it is absolutely time for you to check it out!

Cuba Pichy’s Cuisine 10401 U.S. Highway 441, Leesburg // at Via Port Mall 352.365.2822 If you’re in the mood for a flavorful, authentic Cuban food experience, then Cuba Pichy’s Cuisine, located at ViaPort Florida Mall in Leesburg, is just what you’re looking for. The menu includes classic dishes such as Roast Pork, Ropa Vieja, Palomilla steak, and popular dishes such as Arroz con Pollo, Churrasco, Mofongo, vegetarian and seafood dishes, as well as a selection of Pichy’s Masterpieces. Most dishes are served with rice, black beans, and sweet plantains. Appetizers like Cuba’s Gran Combo, a variety of delicious items including Masitas Fritas, Chicharrones de Pollo, Ham-croquettes, and sweet plantains; Pichy’s beef empanadas filled with spicy, flavorful ground beef encased in a delicious flaky baked pastry, Cuban sandwiches, specialty desserts and Cuban coffee are always available. Cuba also features a full-service bar, and a private banquet room that can accommodate up to 40 guests, and, as a bonus, Pichy will create a specialty menu just for your group.

The Goblin Market Restaurant & Lounge 331-B Donnelly Street (Rear Alley), Mount Dora // 352.735.0059 // GoblinMarketRestaurant.com Lunch: Tue–Sat 11am–3:00pm // Dinner: Tue–Thu 5–9pm, Fri–Sat 5–10pm, Sun 11am–3:30pm 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. Join us for our new “lighter fare” dinner menu, gourmet soups, salads, and sandwiches. Tuesday–Thursday from 3–9pm (regular dinner menu also available).

July 2017

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QUARTERDECK

Stellar seafood STORY: THERESA CAMPBELL // PHOTO: FRED LOPEZ

The Quarterdeck has daily early bird specials for $5.99, served from 11am-5pm, including a ﬁsh basket with fries and slaw, 4-ounce steak and spuds, small grilled chicken salad, or small seafood salad..

he casual atmosphere of the Quarterdeck in Umatilla features nautical accents and fishingrelated décor, which makes it the idyllic setting to savor beer-battered fish, crab legs, fried oysters, spiced shrimp, hush puppies, seafood dishes, and cold beer on tap. Of course, there are a variety of other tempting menu choices—sandwiches, salads, ribs—which makes it challenging to decide what to order. My friend found the beer-battered fish cooked to perfection. Luckily for me, I enjoyed sampling it, too. The lightly breaded coating was just the right amount to enjoy

the delicious flaky white fish. It was served with two sides. She picked the fried okra and coleslaw, and the meal also came with hush puppies filled with corn kernels. In trying to consume more veggies, I chose the shrimp stir fry, with carrots, broccoli, and popcorn-size shrimp, all tossed in a teriyaki sauce over rice pilaf. The meal also came with a house salad, and it was enjoyable, but I must admit the beer-battered fish really won me over, and that’s what I will order on a return visit to the Quarterdeck. We also enjoyed sharing a slice of coconut cream pie, which was scrumptious with

Quarterdeck // 831 S. Central Ave., Umatilla // 352.669.4662

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a light graham cracker crust. The dessert was the perfect ending to a nice meal. The Quarterdeck has daily early bird specials for $5.99, served from 11am-5pm, including a fish basket with fries and slaw, 4-ounce steak and spuds, small grilled chicken salad, or small seafood salad. The restaurant also has all-you-can-eat specials: whole catfish on Mondays, peel-and-eat spiced shrimp on Tuesdays, ribs on Wednesdays, quail on Thursdays, a fish fry on Fridays, crab legs on Saturdays, and fried chicken on Sundays.

A r o u n d T h e Ta b l e DINING GUIDE

La Palma 1690 Citrus Blvd., Leesburg // 352.323.1444 // LapalmaGrill.com Open Daily 11:00am – 9:00pm // Lunch Specials: 11:00am – 3:00pm Owner Raudel Torres invites you to a delicious dining experience at the La Palma Mexican Grill. The recipes used for these unique dishes are a blend of old-school traditions from Mexico, combined with culinary inspirations and trends from California and Louisiana. Flavorful, homemade Mexican entrees such as Tacos Azteca, Carnitas, Fajitas, and Tamales and much more are timeless and prepared with only the freshest ingredients. Sit in the comfortable dining room or enjoy the outdoor view on the new patio deck. Fast and friendly service, reasonable prices, and three-for-one margaritas all day every day mean exceeding customer expectations. In addition to in-house service, catering is available for large parties, or meetings. Daily specials available on the website, lapalmagrill.com and you can enjoy a Mariachi band the first and third Sunday of each month. pecial! Patio S for 1 e e All b r 2 tio! the pa while on

Mason Jar 37534 State Road 19, Umatilla // 352.589.2535 Mon–Sat 6am-8pm // Sun 6am-2pm Established in 1979, The Mason Jar is well-known for southern style, downhome cooking; sparkling clean, casual dining room; family-friendly hospitality and reasonable prices. Located in Umatilla at 37534 State Road 19, and family-owned, the restaurant is a welcome sight for travelers and locals alike. Seven days a week patrons enjoy breakfasts of homemade grits, real fried potatoes, fluff y biscuits, country ham, and mile-high pancakes. If you are a late riser, you can still enjoy daily specials: Monday-Meatloaf; Tuesday-Beef Tips and Noodles; Wednesday-Liver and Onions; Thursday-Fried Chicken; Friday-All you can eat Fish Fry; Saturday-Fried Chicken Livers and Sunday-Award-winning, all-you-can-eat Fried Chicken. Other favorites include various beans (pintos, lima, northern) with rice, served with onion slices and corn muffins, homemade soups, fresh vegetables for sides, and of course, the meal wouldn’t be complete without a glass of southern sweet tea! Awards: Orlando Sentinel’s Best Fried Chicken in Lake County (March, 2015) Orlando Sentinel’s Best Breakfast in Lake County (March, 2015)

Mom & Dads 304 U.S. Hwy. 441, Lady Lake // 352.753.2722 Tue-Sat 4pm–9pm // Closed Sun & Mon This little place in the heart of Lady Lake is a local favorite. All the food at Mom & Dad’s is authentic and homemade, from the famous sauce to pastas to the incredible desserts. Made from scratch in-house ravioli and lasagna. Many diners automatically order Spaghetti al la Bruzzi, which is the house specialty. This baked spaghetti has a meat sauce, mushrooms, and three cheeses. Add to that the homemade bread Papa prepares every day, and you’ve got a memorable meal. You can’t stop with the entrée, however. Mama’s homemade cakes are amazing! Moist and delicious German Chocolate, creamy, luxurious Red Velvet, Cannoli, and who doesn’t love Spumoni. If you’re looking for a great Italian dinner that will remind you of home and all the goodness of eating there, try Mom & Dad’s. Mom & Dad’s also offers a full gluten free menu featuring pizza, lasagna, ravioli, and desserts all made in-house from scratch.

July 2017

A r o u n d T h e Ta b l e DINING GUIDE

Oakwood Smokehouse & Grill Lady Lake // The villages // Eustis // South Leesburg // Clermont // Wildwood 11am-9pm Daily // 11am-3pm Sunday Oakwood Smokehouse & Grill is the perfect place to go if you’re looking for hearty Southern food. Celebrating 19 years as a “home grown,” Lake County business, we believe that the next meal we serve is the most important one. Whether its our award winning baby back ribs or our 14 hour smoked, pulled pork, there are offerings to please everyone in your family, yound or old… Other items include choice aged slow smoked beef, grilled or smoked chicken, freshly grilled fish, and a full line of freshly made salads. Sides include creamy Sams slaw, limabeans, black-eye-peas, collard greens, and more. The food is only part of the allure though. Our staff is unmatched at offering up warm Southern hospitality that pairs well with our excellent food. Upon entering our restaurant, be prepared to be greeted by wonderful smoky aromas… and equally warm smiles.

Subway Subway.com Custom-made, fresh sandwiches, salads, and flatbreads made right before your eyes. The “healthy” alternative to fast food. Lady Lake // 208 W. Guava St. // 352.750.4929 Eustis // 469 Plaza Dr. // 352.357.7827 Mount Dora // 18870 U.S. Hwy. 441 // 352.735.4376 Leesburg // 2013 Citrus Blvd. // 352.787.6442 10135 U.S. Hwy. 441, Suite 4 // 352.326.3234 27405 U.S. Hwy. 27, Suite 4 // 352.314.8847 The Villages // 1580 Bella Cruz Drive // 352.750.9600 8796 S.E. 165th Mulberry Lane // 352.750.9991 1070 Lake Sumter Landing Drive // 352.205.8535 349 Colony Blvd. // 352.391.1657 Wildwood // 480 W. Gulf to Alantic Hwy. // 352.748.8800

Tiki West Raw Bar and Grill 118 Ruby St., Tavares // 352.508.5783 Sun-Thu 11am-10pm // Fri-Sat 11am-11pm Tiki West Raw Bar and Grill has specials every day for you to enjoy. Daily specials include $2 off Dozens of Raw, Steamed, or Chargrilled Oysters on Tuesday; $9.99 Pound of Peel and Eat Shrimp on Wednesdays; $5 off Buckets of Oysters Thursday or Sunday; or $9.99 Mahi Mahi Beer Battered Fish Fry on Friday. This Tavares restaurant overlooking Lake Dora has outdoor dining area on the patio, indoor seating in the dining room, or take a seat at the oyster bar surrounded by 11 TVs. Come check out our new Crab Leg Specials by the pound starting at $19.99 served with fries and slaw! Diners also love the “All You Can Eat” Peel-and-Eat-Shrimp, Coconut Shrimp or Fried Shrimp for $25.99; Fried Mahi Mahi or Fried Clam Strips for $16.99 and Fried Chicken Tenders for $14.99. The best part about the All You Can Eat is you can reorder any of the All You Can Eat specials of equal or lesser value. Come check out our new lunch menu good Monday-Friday from 11-3. Some of the lunch specials include $6 Soup and Salad Combo, $7 Lunch Baskets and $12 Pound of Peel and Eat Shrimp. With great food specials and Happy Hour all day every day, Tiki West is the place to be!

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HOT

PROFESSIONALS Hair Stylist { Annette Fredrick, Hair & Nail Creations { Anthony Chicocchi, Pinup Hair Salon { Chadia Bond, Chadia Hair Salon { Danielle Daugherty, Mia Bella { Dina Simpson, Renew Day Spa { Mark Brouder, Mark Roberts Salon { Robin Newsome, Independent { Jaime Butner, Salon Jaylee

Massage Therapist { Amber Lanier, Robert & Roberts { Dawn Couillette, Mia Bella Salon Spa { Kim Planck, Renew Day Spa { Nicki Lord, Nikki's Therapeutic Massage { Tracy Zito, Self Employed

Bartender { Chelsea Harkness, 1884 Restaurant and Bar { Joyce Huey, Two Old Hags { Katie Braton, Turners { Terrence O'Keefe, O'Keefe's Irish Pub { Jeffery A White, Frank's Place

The nominations have been counted, it's time to vote for this year's HOT LIST — Hurry, voting ends July 15!

CHECK OFF YOUR FAVORITES THEN GO TO lakeandsumterstyle.com TO CAST YOUR VOTES!

Food Server { Shelley Jagger, 1884 Restaurant and Bar { Katie Braton, Turners { Rita Mansour, Magnolia's Oyster Bar & Cafe { Tony Russo, Goblin Market

Chef { Jessy Flinn, Gourmet Today { Jack Branton, Turners { JMATT Maddox, Southern Gourmet

Financial Advisor { Elizabeth Cornell, TB Financial Group { Hays Ginn, HG Wealth and Insurance { Jason Woodall, Woodall & Associates { Romain Spell, Wells Fargo

Banker { Gail Baker, Reunion Bank { Bill Wonus, United Southern Bank { Vanessa Wall, CBC National Bank { Lori Pratt, Wells Fargo { Tessa Hibbard, United Southern Bank

Personal Trainer { Tyrell Rachel, Infinity Fitness { Sidney Gray, Anytime Fitness { Chris Osorio, Mean Genes Fitness { Michelle McClain, Not the Norm Crossfit { Norm Woodring, Not the Norm Crossfit { Al Cardiello, Infinity Fitness

Realtor { Lena Williams, Morris Realty { Tammy Dunseath, REMAX Premier { Linda Grizzard, ERA Grizzard { Lauren Fickett, Morris Realty { Karen M Riscinto, Vangie Berry Realty { Jennifer Warren, Remax Touchstone Group

July 2017

Volunteer { { { {

{ Justin Richey, Leesburg FD

Jayme Johnson Tim Simpson Rayna Moore Mary Abrahams

Politician

{ April Von Maxey { Hannah Longest, Tenaj Salon Institute { Kelly Guthrie Raley

{ Lori Pfister, Tavares City Counsel { Bob Bone, Mayor Leesburg { Josh Blake, Lake County Commissioner { Troy Singer, Tavares City Counsel, Vice Mayor

Coach

Photographer

{ Brian Ruscio, Grappling Mastery { Pat Burke, Hoops { Richard Pettus, Villages High School { Samuel Torres, ST7 Volleyball { Sheldon Walker, First Academy

{ Bonnie Whicher { Brian Sumner { Kristen Raynor, Kristen Paige Photography { Sierra Ford, Sierra Ford Photography

Teacher

Darcey Harrison JT Smalley Laren Knorr Laura Hermis Adams

{ Tommy Treadway { David Oliver Wilis { Leesburg Blues Brothers Tribute { Tom Paquette { Uncle Bob's Rock Shop { Zack Maruniak { John Johnson { Tyler Haney

Policeman Todd Harris, Clermont John Clark, Tavares Kyle Moore, Leesburg Rob Hicks, Leesburg Sarah Coursey, Tavares

Fireman/EMT { Brian Gamble, Lake County FD { Jamey Ricketson, Leesburg FD { Jeff Moore, Leesburg FD

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HOT

HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS Hospital

Local Band/ Musician

{ { { { {

Healthcare Provider { Lori Esarey, ARNP, Total Nutrition and Therapeutics { Sarah Ortiz, DPT, Hohman Rehab { Joanne Keller, ARNP, Women’s Health and Wellness { Larry Blevins PA, Mesos Plastis Surgery

OB/GYN Practice { Advanced Obstetrics and Gynecology, Leesburg { Lake OB/GYN Associates of Mid-Florida, Leesburg { Lake Obstetrics & Gynecology, Mount Dora { UroGyn Specialists of Florida, The Villages

Chiropractor { Dr. Jeffrey Glover, Glover Chiropractic, Leesburg { Dr. John Theeck, Legacy Clinic of Chiropractic { Dr. Kim Etheredge, Etheredge Chiropractic, The Villages

Doctor

Artist { { { {

{ Face 2 Face Aesthetics and Wellness { Central Florida Plastic Surgery { Mesos Plastic Surgery

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{ Florida Hospital Waterman { Leesburg Regional Medical Center { South Lake Hospital { Villages Regional Hospital

Eye Care Provider { Beacon Advanced Eye Care { Eye Care Center of Leesburg { Lake Eye Associates { Mid-Florida Eye

Pharmacy { { { {

Bay Pharmacy Burry’s Pharmacy The Pharmacist Lake Pharmacy

Plastic/Cosmetic Surgery { Bosshardt & Marzek Plastic Surgery Associates

{ Dr. Jeff Glover, Glover Chiropractic { Dr. Doug Moffett, OB/GYN Associates { Dr. Scott Wehrly, Lake Eye Associates { Dr. Maen Hussein, Florida Cancer Specialists { Dr. Michelle Wood, OB/GYN Associates { Dr. Dan Boggus, Lake Primary Care

Dental Practice { Eddie Orobitg DMD, Leesburg { Lakeview Comprehensive Dental, Tavares { Heritage Dental, Lady Lake { Main Street Dentist, Leesburg { The Dental Touch, Leesburg { The Dentist, Lady Lake

General Medical Practice { Total Nutrition and Therapeutics, Lady Lake { Lake Primary Care Associates, Tavares { Premier Medical Associates, The Villages

HOT NIGHT OUT

Guys’ Night Out { World Of Beer, Brownwood { 1884 Restaurant and Bar, Eustis { 24 Tap Room, Leesburg { Brü Tap House, Tavares { Pieces Rising, Mount Dora

Girls’ Night Out { 1884 Restaurant and Bar, Eustis { Brü Tap House, Tavares { Pieces Rising, Mount Dora { Sip Restaurant Jazz and Wine Bar, Leesburg { Two Old Hags, Leesburg

Date Night { 1884 Restaurant and Bar, Eustis { The Goblin Market, Mount Dora { Turner’s Kitchen + Bar, Leesburg { Brü Tap House, Tavares

Family Night { 1884 Restaurant and Bar, Eustis { Via Port Entertainment, Leesburg { Ramshackle’s, Leesburg

Golf Course { Arlington Ridge, Leesburg { Mount Dora Country Club, Mount Dora { Harbor Hills, Lady Lake { Mission Inn, Howeyin-the-Hills

Movie Theatre { AMC Theatre, Leesburg { Barnstorm Theatre, Brownwood { EPIC Theatre, Clermont

Performing Arts Theatre { Sharon Morse Performing Arts Center, The Villages { Bay Street Players, Eustis { Ice House Theatre, Mount Dora { The Melon Patch Theatre, Leesburg

HOT PLACES

Bowling { Break Point Alley, Tavares { Via Entertainment, Leesburg { Fiesta Bowl, The Villages { Leesburg Lanes, Leesburg

Gala/Fundraiser { Black & White Gala, Boys and Girls Club of Lake and Sumter Counties { Lake-Sumter State College Gala, LakeSumter State College

Festival/Event { Mount Dora Arts Festival { Leesburg Bike Fest { Amazing Race for Charity, Eustis { Pig on the Pond, Clermont

Wine Bar { Maggie’s Attic, Mount Dora { Two Old Hags Wine Shoppe, Leesburg { GarVino’s Cigars, Fine Wine & Gifts, The Villages { Hemingway’s, Tavares { Sip Restaurant Jazz & Bar, Leesburg

Cigar Bar { GarVino’s Cigars, Fine Wine & Gifts, The Villages { Hemingway’s Wine and Cigar Bar, Tavares

Sports Bar { Cousin Vinnies Family Sports Restaurant, Leesburg { Tiki West, Tavares { Tillies Tavern and Grill, Eustis { Gator’s Dockside, Eustis { World of Beer, Brownwood

HOT

OUTDOOR SPOTS Lake for Boating { Lake Harris { Lake Dora { Lake Eustis

Lake for Fishing { Lake Harris { Lake Dora

{ Lake Eustis { Lake Griffin

Water Park { The Children’s Splash Park, Tavares { Leesburg Splash Park, Leesburg { Eustis Splash Pad, Eustis

Park { Wooten Park, Tavares { Venetian Gardens, Leesburg { Pear Park, Leesburg { Lake Idamere, Tavares { Gilbert Park, Mount Dora { Ferran Park, Eustis

HOT BUSINESS

Furniture { Babette’s Furniture & Home Shoppe, Leesburg { Bargains and Blessings, Wildwood { Matamo Designs, Mount Dora { City Furniture, The Villages

RV Dealership { Alliance Coach { Campers Corner { Camping World

Boat Dealership { Nobles Marine, Leesburg { Holiday Marine, Leesburg { Mount Dora Boating Center, Mount Dora { Triangle Marine Center, Tavares

Clothes { The Salty Mare, Eustis { Frugal’s, Leesburg & Mount Dora { My Secret Closet, Leesburg

{ DoggiBags, Leesburg

Auto Dealerships { Phillips Toyota, Leesburg { Vann Gannaway, Eustis { Bill Bryan Subaru, Leesburg { Jenkins Hyundai, Leesburg { Cecil Clark Chevrolet, Leesburg { Plaza Cadillac, Leesburg

Motorcycle Dealers { Gator HarleyDavidson, Leesburg { Lucky U Cycles, Wildwood { Champions Powersports, Eustis

Sporting Goods/ Outdoors

{ Rennigers Antique Mall, Mount Dora { Ruffles & Raspberries, Leesburg { Trader Maes, Apopka

Jewelry { Gold In Art Jewelers, The Villages/Mount Dora { The Gold Exchange { Merry Jewelers, Eustis { Bob’s Coin and Jewelry, Summerfield

Pet Items { Piglet’s Pantry, Mount Dora { Woof Gang Bakery, Brownwood { Leesburg Pet Center, Leesburg { Karen’s Canine, Leesburg

{ Granger-Carter Construction & Development

Pool Contractor { Blue Moon Pools { T & D Pool & Spa Service { Wiseman Pools

Rooﬁng Contractor { { { {

ACI Roofing, Lake County Bone Dry Roofing McHale Roofing Scott’s Roofing

Electrical Contractor { { { {

Volthom Electric Lenhart Electric Jimmy Electric Electrical Works

Gift Shop

Flooring

{ Alada’s China & Gifts, Leesburg { Matamo Designs, Mount Dora { Peddler’s Wagon, Eustis { Ruffles & Raspberries, Leesburg { Rustic Rose, The Villages

{ Great Lakes Carpet & Tile, Wildwood & Lady Lake { The Floor Shoppe, The Villages { DCO Flooring, Leesburg

{ Pugh’s Dry Cleaners, Eustis { Superior Cleaners, Leesburg { Ambassador Dry Cleaning of Lake County, Clermont

Health Foods

{ Craig Williams Lawn Care { K B Lawn & Landscaping { S & D Commercial Landscaping

Bank/Credit Union

Home Builder

{ Game On! Sports, Mount Dora { Brokers Bait and Tackle, Leesburg { Pat's Pawn and Guns, Leesburg { Rural King, Leesburg

Dry Cleaners

{ { { { { {

United Southern Bank Insight Credit Union BB&T Citizen’s First Bank Fairwinds Credit Union Wells Fargo Bank

{ Jeff ’s Health Foods, Leesburg { Green Apple, Lady Lake { The Health Basket, Mount Dora

{ { { { { {

D & H Builders Dibarco Builders Kevco Builders Lee Woods Construction O’Kelley Homes Evergreen Construction

Antiques

Commercial Builder

{ Victoria’s Antique Warehouse, Leesburg { Main Street Antiques, Leesburg

{ Evergreen Construction Management { Lee Woods Construction { Emmitt Sapp Builders

Lawncare Services

Private School { First Academy, Leesburg { Lake Montesorri of Leesburg { Mount Dora Christian Academy

Day Care { Little Blessings Child Care, Lady Lake { Happy Days Chid Care Center, Leesburg { First Steps in Learning, Eustis { First Academy Preschool, Leesburg

July 2017

CHECK OFF YOUR FAVORITES THEN GO TO lakeandsumterstyle.com TO CAST YOUR VOTES!

{ Stepping Out for Education, Educational Foundation { Strut Your Mutt, Best Friends Animal Society

Gym/Fitness Center Anytime Fitness Gold’s Gym Grappling Mastery MVP Athletic Club Not the Norm CrossFit Planet Fitness Too Your Health Spa Infinity Fitness & Spa

Hair Salon { Chadia’s Hair Salon, Lady Lake { Hair & Nail Creations, Wildwood { Mia Bella Salon & Spa, Fruitland Park { Michaels Couture Salon, Leesburg { Renew Day Spa, Leesburg { Salon Jaylee, The Villages { Nicki’s Hair Salon, Leesburg

Barber Shop { Bob’s Barber, Eustis { Cal’s Barbershop, The Villages { Country Barber Shop, Leesburg { Kay’s, Leesburg { Demoss House of Cuts, Leesburg

Nail Salon { Alina Nails, Eustis { Charlie’s Nail Salon, Tavares { Golden Nail’s and Tan, Leesburg { Linda’s Nail Salon, Leesburg { Mia Bella Salon & Spa, Fruitland Park { Renew Day Spa, Leesburg

Day Spa { Renew Day Spa, Leesburg { Essential Therapies Garden Spa, Mount Dora

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Event/Wedding Venue { Mission Inn, Howey In The Hills { Opera House Events, Leesburg { Tavares Pavillion On The Lake, Tavares

Caterer { { { { {

Catering Cottage Codys on 4th Gourmet Today Inc Southern Gourmet Vic’s Embers Catering

Real Estate Agency { Vangie Berry Signature Realty { ERA Grizzard { Morris Realty { Remax, The Touchstone Group { Remax Premier { Century 21, Carlino Realty

Insurance Agency { Frank Slaughter Insurance { Lassiter Ware { State Farm { The Van Agency { Westgate Jones Insurance

Law Firm { { { {

Hunt Law Firm Jeffery M Pfister PA McLin Burnsed Radson-Dempsey, PA (Katrina Dempsey) { Pittman Law Office

Accounting Firm { Crippen & Co. { Hartman, Hartman, and O’Brien

HOT PLACES TO EAT+DRINK Sushi { Thai Jasmine & Sushi House, Tavares { Sakura, The Villages { 1884 Restaurant & Bar, Eustis { VKI, The Villages { Lake Dora Sushi, Tavares { WAVE Asian Bistro & Sushi, Mount Dora

Burgers { 1884 Restaurant and Bar, Eustis { Square 1 Burgers, The Villages { The Goblin Market, Mount Dora { Buzzard Beach Bar & Grill, Tavares { Ramshackle's, Leesburg { Turners Kitchen + Bar, Leesburg

Mexican { Fiesta Grande Mexican Grill, Mount Dora { La Palma Mexican Grill, Leesburg { Eduardo’s Loco’s Taco’s, Tavares { San Jose, Leesburg { Sol De Mexico, Eustis

Ribs { Oakwood Smokehouse and Grill, Leesburg { iBar-b-que, Fruitland Park { Sugar Boo’s Bar-BQue, Mount Dora { Sully’s BBQ, Leesburg

Steak { 1884 Restaurant and Bar, Eustis

{ The Goblin Market Restaurant and Lounge, Mount Dora { Texas Roadhouse, Lady Lake { Turners Kitchen + Bar, Leesburg

BBQ { Oakwood Smokehouse and Grill { Dance’s BBQ, Leesburg { Old Crow BBQ, Umatilla { iBar-b-que, Fruitland Park { Sullys BBQ, Leesburg

Wings { Ramshackle’s Café, Leesburg { Legends Café, Fruitland Park { Cousin Vinnies Family Sports Restaurant, Leesburg { Gator’s Dockside, Eustis

Seafood { Bonefish Grill, The Villages { Tiki West Raw Bar and Grill, Tavares { Cedar River, Leesburg { Pisces Rising, Mount Dora { Turners Kitchen + Bar, Leesburg

Dessert { Twistee Treat, Tavares { Bloom’s Baking House, Leesburg { Ms. Kathy’s Southern Cotillion, Wildwood { Turner’s Kitchen and Bar, Leesburg

Cocktails { 1884 Restaurant and Bar { Turners Kitchen + Bar, Leesburg { The Goblin Market Restaurant and Lounge { Ruby Street Grille { Sip Restaurant Jazz and Wine Bar, Leesburg

Coffee { Turners Kitchen + Bar, Leesburg { One Flight Up Café, Mount Dora { Wild Bear Coffee, Tavares

Sweet Tea { Sonny’s BBQ, Eustis/ The Villages { Oakwood Smokehouse and Grill { The Mason Jar, Umatilla { Turner’s Kitchen and Bar, Leesburg { Southern Gourmet, Leesburg

Italian { Angelo’s Italian Restaurant, Tavares { Giovanni’s Ristorante & Pizzeria, The Villages { Mom and Dad’s, Lady Lake { Naples, Leesburg { Stavros, Leesburg/Eustis { Vincent’s, Mount Dora

Pizza { Flippers Pizza, Lady Lake { Great Pizza Company, Eustis { Mount Dora Pizza { Pizza Amore, Mount Dora { Stavro’s, Leesburg { Takis, Leesburg

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July 2017

Prostate Problems? As men mature, the prostate grows from a walnut-sized gland to sometimes as large as an orange. This growth causes outﬂow problems from the bladder in the passing of urine, resulting in symptoms from a slow stream, getting up at night to urinate, or even worse—the constant urge to urinate, even to the point that urination begins before they reach the bathroom. These inconvenient, and often embarrassing symptoms, can be resolved by proper treatment of the enlarged prostate. PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

Dr. James Young is a very successful urologist who has been practicing in Lake County since 1982. “The treatment of BPH (an enlarged prostate) has always been my focus, and that is the primary reason I moved to Florida when I ﬁnished my medical training as Chief Resident of Urology at the University of Arkansas. I looked at Florida as being the largest ‘prostate ranch’ in the United States, so I began my practice from scratch in Eustis in 1982.” For many decades, the only treatment for BPH was a surgical procedure, the TURP, more commonly referred to by men as a “roto-rooter.” Dr. Young performed more 3,000 of these procedures, however they were very invasive, required anesthesia, hospitalization, and could have serious complications, including massive bleeding and at times, death. Then medications were approved that relieved symptoms but after a period of time, the medications lose their effectiveness or caused side effects, usually sexual in nature. There had to be a better way. In the late 1990’s a new procedure, transurethral

needle ablation of the prostate (TUNA) was approved by the FDA. “I was never a fan of jumping on new technology quickly because, as we know, not everything delivers the results as promised,” says Dr. Young. However, after the procedure was used for ﬁve years, Dr. Young began doing TUNAs, later known as Prostiva RF therapy. This procedure was done in the ofﬁce under local anesthesia with few complications. The procedure worked by inserting wires into the prostate, then low frequency radio waves were transmitted through the wires and heated prostate tissue to 115 degrees Celsius. This heat was transmitted in a conductive manner (radiate from the wires) but the heat dissipated rapidly as it traveled away from the wires. The heat was reduced by the formula of 1/r2 with r being the distance from the wires. Basically, cores of prostate tissue surrounding the wires were destroyed. Dr. Young had tremendous success with Prostiva RF therapy and ultimately did almost 3,000 procedures. His success with Prostiva gave him the distinction of being placed on

Castle Connelly’s Top Docs list for five consecutive years. However, more than five years ago, Dr. Young heard rumors of a new technology that was similar in some ways, but completely different in others. This new therapy was FDA approved in 2015 and was known as Rezum. “Even though I have a reputation for not jumping on new technology, I completely understood the science behind Rezum, so as soon as it was available to me, I switched to this procedure immediately. The science driving this technology is fascinating. Using low frequency radio waves, water is transformed into steam and then nine seconds of steam is infiltrated into the prostate tissue, once again in the office under local anesthesia. The major difference is the heat is transferred in a convective, as opposed to conductive manner. As Einstein said, “Energy cannot be created or destroyed, it can only be changed.” So once the steam is infiltrated into the prostate, and returns to liquid, it releases all the energy that changed the water into steam. This is a tremendous amount of energy and destroys much

more prostate tissue than the conductive heat did conveyed by Prostiva. There is much less discomfort with Rezum and when patients leave the ofﬁce (usually in under 30 minutes), they experience no pain what so ever. Since June 2016, Dr. Young has performed just under 300 Rezum procedures, almost twice as many as any other urologist in the United States and many, many more than any other urologists in the state of Florida. “The results have been so amazing and the patients have been so happy that Healthgrades.com notiﬁed me that based on my recent reviews and clicks on my site, I am now ranked in the top 100th percentile of all urologists in the United States. While I am very proud of that, it is also very humbling. I personally think this is biggest leap forward in the treatment of BPH that I will see in my lifetime.” ________________________________

JAMES W. YOUNG III, M.D.

Board-certified Urologist Practicing in Lake County since 1982 with extensive experience in evaluation and management of prostate problems.

COMPREHENSIVE CARE If you are a first-time patient of Dr. Young, you will receive a detailed examination. “When I see a new patient I perform physical examinations and properly evaluate the patient’s symptoms, thus diagnosing the underlying problem(s),” Dr. Young said. “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 enlarged prostate 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. With an office staff with nearly as much experience as

the doctor (many have worked with Dr. Young for 25 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 patients’ time as much as we do our own. 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 waking up at night and have difﬁculty falling back asleep because you’re worried what may be wrong, then it is time to check in with Dr. Young and have him examine you. “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.”

James W. Young III, M.D. Nationally recognized board-certified urologist

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

Introducing Rezum Therapy for enlarged prostate.

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12TH ANNUAL

Stepping Out For

Education LOCAL CELEBRITIES COMPETE ON THE BALLROOM FLOOR

Doug Childers President/CEO LassiterWare

Gail Baker LC President Reunion Bank of Florida

$150red r e f e r P atinmgeal, SInceludes a 7 croaunrsdea chance eer ba ner. wine & bote for the win to v

Nicole Brouhard Assistant Principal Cypress Ridge Elementary

Leah Conner Owner Leah D. Conner Interior Design

Tim Simpson Owner Renew Day Spa

Michael David Herrera Executive Director Community Foundation Of South Lake

TWO FULL PERFORMANCES!

Friday, July 28, 2017 or Saturday, July 29, 2017 Mission Inn Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida Hosted by

For tickets: www.edfoundationlake.com or 352-326-1265

OF FLORIDA

Hosted by The Educational Foundation of Lake County. Benefiting the teachers and students in Lake County Schools

Why Content Counts. Content is king and our magazines provide the best.

300K + 10K 2.7M 10K

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Dino Madonna, MD

Judith Milstead, MD

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__________ Countywide school supply and non-perishable food drive benefiting the Lake County Public School District. The event is organized by the Educational Foundation, participating Chambers and THAT! Company.

How Can Your Business or Organization Participate? __________

_______ 62.7% of Lake County students receive free or reduced lunch programs? Lake County has 1,946 homeless students?

What Happens to Donations?__ _____

BE A COLLECTION SITE OR SUPPORTER IN THE MONTH OF JULY Just call our office to sign up We will deliver signage, box and buttons

What Do We Need? __________ Pencils, pens, rulers, hand sanitizer, tissue, erasers, glue sticks, crayons, notebook paper, composition books, spiral notebooks, folders, graph paper, scissors, calculators, construction paper, markers, dry erase markers, crayons, dry erasers, highlighters, staples, paper clips, tape, index cards, binders, colored pencils, non-perishable food items & backpacks.

Donations will be distributed by the foundation to free and reduced lunch students at the Back to School Fairs in August and in Apple-Mart stores where teachers shop for free. Food collections will stock district and individual school pantries. If you would like to become a collection site or a volunteer for the program please contact 352-326-1265 or Cullen-battc@lake.k12.fl.us. The foundation has the ability to purchase supplies at deeply discounted rates and will be accepting cash donations on-line at www.edfoundationlake.com or checks can be mailed to: Educational Foundation of Lake County 2045 Pruitt Street Leesburg, FL 34748 cullen-battc@lake.k12.fl.us

JOIN US Bring your collections to an old fashioned SUPPLY WEIGH IN Mon., July 31 WOOTON PA RK TAVARES 4-6 pm

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am not the Unabomber. This is not a manifesto against technology. It’s just a rant. Oh, sure, there’s no denying the many benefits of modern technology—or the many annoyances. Try to remember those sane days when “text” wasn’t a verb, “selfie” had not yet been derived from “selfish,” people were smarter than their phones, and no one felt compelled to take a photo of their lunch so 37 “followers” could see it. “Hey, look, there’s the tuna melt Wally just ate! Awesome!” (Confession: I love tuna melts.) The appeal of smartphones eludes me, and not just because I prefer to look straight ahead when I walk. Maybe I come from a long line of Luddites (Google it on your phone), but any type of phone always has seemed intrusive. I use my less-intelligent phone only when needed. No boring chitchat, no needless texting. My only apps come from Beef O’Brady’s, the only bars I need serve beer, and whatever the Angry Birds are, may they photobomb all the gadget addicts. Don’t call me, I won’t call you. (Confession: I don’t know what “the cloud” is, but I expect

It’s a phone! It’s a camera! It’s a phone and a camera! You need one!

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that one day, when Alexander Graham Bell returns to Earth, all true believers in smartphones will be lifted up into it.) Unfortunately, it’s unrealistic to believe smartphones will become a passing fad, like pet rocks, mood rings, or Myspace. “Follower” is a good word for the technological age. Camera phones represent the greatest mass marketing scam ever: “It’s a phone! It’s a camera! It’s a phone and a camera! You need one!” Why? What exactly is this obsession—selfobsession—with photos? When I was a kid, my parents took photos on trips and at family gatherings. Five years later, maybe you looked at them in a scrapbook—once. No one needed to see Suzy’s chocolate-covered face at the picnic again and again. And we didn’t mail that photo to people around the world and ask them to comment on Suzy’s chocolate-covered face. At an Orlando Magic game last spring, a self-absorbed couple asked someone to take their photo with their phone during the national anthem—repeatedly. Apparently, the ﬁrst shot wasn’t good enough. Forget about the anthem of our country and the tribute to ﬁrst responders on the court: “How do we look!?” You look like idiots. Enough already. Lift your heads up. Look around. The world is not 5 inches wide. (Confession: It’s actually 32 inches wide and in my living room.)

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T=#Zkdw#pdnhv#rxu#HU#glļhuhqwB D=#Zh#kdyh#wkh#vshfldolvwv#|rx#qhhg#rq0vlwh1 We are a state-designated Primary Stroke Center – with the area’s only neurosurgical team. Patients who arrive with chest pain don’t only get expert emergency care – they get the resources of an entire Heart Institute. Those are just two of the ways we oﬀer a higher level of care, right here. Learn more and download our free ER app at LeesburgRegional.org.

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Style Magazine, July 2017

Articles inside

Final Thought

Person of Interest

The To-Do List

Out+About

In the Kitchen

Salutè

Social Spotlight

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