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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 specifi c areas of need at tavarestheater.org or send donations to 15705 Acorn Circle, Tavares, FL 32778. Tavares Theater Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofi t 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 benefi t from skills training, computer training, job placement, even assistance with day care, City Manager Al Minner says in a recent “Inside Leesburg” video. 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 nonprofi t 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 Griffi n 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 benefi t 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.
NEW
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 fi rst quarter of 2018 before construction is fi nished 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.
Josh Takes On: AN ADMITTEDLY ASKEW POINT OF VIEW FROM THE MIND OF ILLUSTRATOR JOSH CLARK
July 22 Top Gun
Aug 18
The Legend of Tarzan
Under the stars
The fi lm “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.
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 fi rst responders and public safety organizations across the United States.
A little help from a friend
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 fi nancial 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.
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.
James Combs’
1 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.
2 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.
New executive director
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.
3 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 Off ice, 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. 4 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.
5 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.” 6 A warning has
been issued by
Clermont police about a fl asher who exposed himself to Target shoppers and employees. He must’ve thought he was at Dick’s
Sporting Goods instead.
