INVESTED FINANCE BRAZIL… MORE THAN JUST A GOOD BEACH

from April 2012 Healthy Living

GREEN GROWING GARDEN SAVINGS

WRITER: CHRIS BRIDGES

While the winters of Central Florida are anything but brutal, the start of spring in March often leads Floridians to take a break and head for the coast. For those who are extremely adventurous, you might even consider a trip to the exotic beaches of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. You are certain to make an investment in Brazil’s economy with a trip like this, in the way of hotel rooms, food, and entertainment, but it might get you thinking about other investments, as well. Speciﬁcally, you might consider taking advantage of Brazil’s and other emerging markets’ recent, booming economic growth to help provide a boost to your investment portfolio.

In the late 1800s, savvy British investors helped fuel America’s growth by investing in companies that were building the nation’s infrastructure, such as railroads. Although the uncertainty of these investments carried more risk than their own developed market investments, there was considerably more upside potential, which was ultimately realized by those willing to take on that risk.

Today, there is a new crop of emerging economies that are entering the same stage of their life cycles that the U.S. was in back then. These economies are characterized by:

• Rapid industrialization.

• Developing ﬁnancial and physical infrastructures.

• A growing middle class.

• Low levels of public indebtedness.

The ﬁrst two of these characteristics can lead to growth that far outpaces that of developed nations because there is a lot of room for increased efﬁciencies. The third contributes by offering the engine needed to build their new economy. Lastly, and hitting very close to home lately for the U.S. and Europe, they have not overburdened themselves with debt. This leaves them with the opportunity to implement monetary policy that can help promote and manage their growth.

Although there are many reasons to invest in these growing economies, probably the biggest downside risk lies in their immature legal systems, which can lead to corruption and a lack of transparency. The increased volatility that results from this unpredictability necessitates a patient investor with a relatively long time-horizon. These inefﬁciencies also suggest that individual investors should consider using professional money managers, versus picking their own individual investments, because of the lack of reliable research. Investment in emerging markets is not appropriate for all investors. But, for those willing to accept some added risk for part of their portfolios in hopes of history repeating itself, today’s emerging market economies seem better poised to outperform their developed counterparts who seem to be unable to agree upon how to get their own ﬁnancial houses in order.

If you answered “YES” to these questions, you may be experiencing a medical condition known as “Low Testosterone” or “Low T.”

As men age, over time they experience a decrease in testosterone. For many men, this loss of testosterone can result in reduced sex drive, less energy and decreased pleasure in life. Our ofﬁces can determine if “Low T” is the cause of your symptoms, and effectively treat your condition to get you back in the game.

352.383.3773

There are over 315 million iOS devices (iPhones, iPods, iPads and Macs), over 130 million Android devices (with over one-half million more being activated daily), hundreds of millions of PCs and over one billion Internet users online around the globe. Looking to the future, Akers Media is positioned to exploit all possible communication opportunities in this growing market.

Do you enjoy the content, feel, and look of our Healthy Living and Lake and Sumter Style magazines? If so, you are going to love our online magazines just as much… maybe more. And our new enhanced electronic versions are now just a touch away. Our new, easily-downloadable iOS and Android device applications enable you to instantly join the millions of PC and Mac users who have enjoyed instant access to our online magazines for years.

Want an enhanced media experience? Our upgraded online platform now gives us a web presence second to none. With our new electronic format you will have access to special content not found on the pages of our magazines. This content will enrich your reading pleasure and provide an even greater media experience.

We now have the capability to accompany the articles you love to read with quick response (QR) codes that will allow you to be instantly transported to our online magazine. There you may possibly see a video interview with that month’s feature subject or maybe even a slideshow of your favorite swimsuit photo shoot. The possibilities are virtually limitless.

New, enhanced streaming audio and ﬂash video content will make our online magazine not only informative, but entertaining and interactive as well. Even our online advertisements will be an exciting media experience. Like the look of that young, new physician? Just click on the embedded link and hear an audio message or watch a video of him in action. Click on another hot link and you are transported straight to his website — instantly. Like what you see? His phone number means an appointment is just a phone call away.

Whether it is on your home computer, laptop, iPhone, droid, iPad, or tablet, join us online whatever the time of day or wherever you might be. Our enhanced digital experience is available for Healthy Living and Lake and Sumter Style magazines. We know it will make your media experience with Akers an exciting and fulﬁlling one.

Our job is to make your life better — and we take that job very seriously. We dedicate ourselves to providing our readers with the ﬁnest magazine content on the market today through the most innovative avenues possible. Whether it is on the printed page or in the new interactive online digital version of our award-winning magazines, we are committed to providing you with all you need to live a totally balanced and completely full life.

Award-winning performance

In the three short years since Akers Media was established, we have earned 45 prestigious awards for magazine excellence. Healthy Living was chosen by the Florida Magazine Association (FMA) as the best magazine in the state two out of the last three years and Akers’ other two publications, Lake and Sumter Style and Style Villages Edition (formerly VLIFE), have earned numerous awards in design and writing excellence.

Most recently, we garnered 14 awards from the American Advertising Federation’s (AAF). This included ﬁve golds and the prestigious best-in-print award and encompassed work from Lake, Sumter, Citrus and Marion counties. At the regional level of the competition, an additional gold was awarded for logo design, qualifying that entry for the 2012 National Addy Awards competition!

Why use Akers to deliver your message?

Proven excellence, integrity, attention to detail, and our enhanced online experience all make Akers Media the company to turn to when you want the most for your advertising dollar. When you choose to advertise in our publications, your message is being seen by over 250,000 area residents through the printed page alone. When you consider the number of online viewers who will see your interactive ad day or night, wherever they may be, it only makes good ﬁscal sense to make Akers Media your choice in advertising.

Unlike other advertising mediums that require your possible clients to drive by or purchase their product in order to see your advertising message, Akers Media reaches them where they live: in the comfort of their own homes, while stopped at a trafﬁc light, while waiting in line to pick up food, at sporting events… anywhere they have a free moment. Your ad is on the tip of their ﬁngers every time they pick up their iPhone, iPod, Droid or iPad. And for those who still prefer paper in hand, your ad is in front of more than a quarter of a million dedicated readers each and every month.

Your advertising dollar is working for you 24 hours a day, seven days a week in virtually every Central Florida home.

Want readers to visit your website? QR codes on our written advertising pages and hot links on our online magazine pages are the answer. Not only do they see and read your professionally designed ad, in just a matter of seconds, possible clients are on your website and have access to virtually every piece of information that can be found concerning your business.

Want to deliver an audio or video message? Our online platform allows this rich content to be embedded into your ad making it an interactive, personal message from you to your “new” client.

If you want to get the most out of your advertising message, look no further than Akers Media — every month, every where.

2012-2013 SCHOOL YEAR VOLUNTARY PRE-KINDERGARTEN (VPK)

ELIGIBILITY ROUND UPS WILL BE HELD AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS:

Clermont • Monday, April 16 • 9:30am – 5:30pm

Cooper Memorial Library, 2525 Oakley Seaver Drive

Eustis • Tuesday, April 17 • 9am – 5:30pm

Eustis Community Center, 601 Northshore Drive

Leesburg • Wednesday, April 18 • 8:15am – 5pm

Early Learning Coalition, 1300 Citizens Blvd. Suite 206

Minneola • Thursday, April 19 • 9am – 4pm

Minneola City Hall, 800 North US Hwy 27

Umatilla • Friday, April 20 • 9am – 2pm

Umatilla Recreation Room, Cadwell Park

Parents can also contact the Early Learning Coalition of Lake County after the roundups have concluded to obtain their VPK Voucher.

REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTIFICATE OF ELIGIBILITY:

• Proof of Residency—Florida driver’s license, Florida I.D. or photocopy of one of the following documents showing your name and home address in Florida. Examples include utility bills, pay stubs or government issued documents. (Post ofﬁce boxes are not sufﬁcient.)

• Child’s Date of Birth—A document or photocopy showing each child’s date of birth. Examples include a certified birth record or certificate, a passport or certificate of arrival in the United States showing age, or a valid military dependent identification card. (Hospital birth records are not acceptable)

• Completed Parent Application

REQUIREMENTS FOR SCHOOL YEAR REGISTRATION IN A PRIVATE OR PUBLIC SCHOOL SITE INCLUDE:

Photo I.D. • Child’s Date of Birth • Physical & Immunization Records

For additional information please contact Simone Hylton at 352-315-6667

1 2 3

1300 Citizens Blvd., Suite 206, Leesburg, FL 34748 • www.elclc.org

For more information regarding Subsidized Child Care or Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Programs, contact

Early Learning Coalition of Lake County

352-435-0566

Florida’s Office of EARLY LEARNING

The early learning leaders

April 2012

5 Lake County Fair (5–14)

Don’t miss this family fun event that includes Lake County’s 4-H exhibits and awards, creative arts, entertainment, horticulture, livestock, pageant, talent show, vendors, and youth activities. Enjoy the music of The Roy Baker Band, the Lee Ann Noel Band, Neon Truckers, and the Nightly Blues Band. The North American Midway provides rides and fun for the whole family. For more information, visit www.lakecofair.com or call 352.357.7111.

8 Easter Weekend and Brunch

Enjoy a relaxing weekend at the Lakeside Inn and a lavish Easter brunch with a visit from the bunny himself on Easter Sunday. The brunch is $34.95 and reservations are required. Call 800.556.5016 for more information or visit www. lakeside-inn.com.

15th Annual Leesburg Golf Classic

13

The Leesburg Area Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring this creepy “Friday the Thirteenth event.” Scary golf… spiders, bats, snakes, and hackers, oh my!!! Continental Country Club, 50 Continental Blvd (Hwy. 44), Wildwood. Check-in 6:30a.m., registration and continental breakfast 7–8:15a.m., putting contest at 8:15a.m., 8:45 shotgun start, banquet and awards at 2p.m. To register or for more information, call 352.787.2131 or visit www.leesburgchamber.com.

Mount Dora Downtown Art Stroll

See and buy art from dozens of artists displaying their work in various downtown locations and enjoy music from area musicians. This evening kicks off a weekend full of events called “Meet Me Downtown Mount Dora” 6–8p.m. Krysta 352.383.0880, Mount Dora Center for the Arts

14 Dining in the Dark

Dine for a night without sight is a fundraising event with a silent auction and cash bar sponsored by New Vision for Independence. The reception begins at 5:30p.m and dining at 6:30p.m. Tickets cost $75 or $520 for a table for eight people. Mission Inn, 10400 CR 48, Howey-in-the-Hills. To RSVP (by April 2) or for more information, contact New Visions at 352.435.5040.

Fighting for the Future

This youth amateur boxing event is sponsored by the West Leesburg Community Development Corporation to raise funds for the West Leesburg Male Youth Academic Scholarship. Floor tickets are $15 and general admission is $10.

Doors open at 6p.m., event begins at 7p.m. at the Leesburg Recreational Complex, 1851 Grifﬁn Road, Leesburg. For more information contact Vonda R. Parker at 352.254.0281 or visit www.bellafaireplanners.com.

Palatlakaha Picnic Eco Tour

15

Here is an easy tour for the whole family... and a picnic lunch is included! Along the way you will see a variety of wildlife including beautiful and graceful osprey as they fish and call out from their nests in the tops of the trees. The ancient cypress trees standing watch at lake’s edge are a favorite vantage point for these magnificent birds of prey. Cost $55/person including kayak, gear, and a picnic lunch. Palatlakaha River 12540 County Road 561, Clermont. Call Mary Prescott at 352.406.0904, email mary@floridafromakayak.com or visit hwww.floridafromakayak.com

Amputee Support Group “W.A.L.K”

23

Waterman Amputee & Limb Loss Konnections (W.A.L.K.) is a support group for amputees and people with limb loss. Our mission is to empower all amputees and people with limb loss to live quality lives, achieve active lifestyles, and continue to be productive members of society. Held the fourth Monday of each month (except December), 6–7p.m. at the Florida Hospital Waterman Garden Conference Room B. Refreshments provided. Call for topic of the month or more information: Tracey Estok, 352.253.3892.

26 16th Annual Leesburg Bikefest (26–29)

Lake County comes alive with the roar of over 200,000 bikes and riders from throughout the U.S. Downtown is open to motorcycles only! Live bands all day and night, Ms. Bikefest Contest hosted by Hooters, motorcycle show, live biker demonstrations, stunt riding, festive food, merchandise vendors, and much more. Historic Downtown Leesburg. Contact the Leesburg Downtown Partnership at 352.365.0053 or visit www.leesburgbikefest.com.

28 Earth Day Celebration

The Clermont Downtown Partnership and the City of Clermont are sponsoring the sixth Annual Downtown Clermont Earth Day Celebration to be held on Montrose Street in historic Downtown Clermont. Crown Shredding will offer free document shredding to the general public and the business community at the corner of 7th street and Montrose with no limit to the amount of documentation. Enjoy chalk art work from artists of all ages competing for prizes, the popular tree and plant sale, Earth Day vendors, entertainment and more. This will be a great day of fun with family and friends. 9a.m.–2p.m. www.clermontdowntownpartnership.com.

A Flavor Of Salsa

“Latin Night” at Starlight Ballroom and Dance Center in Leesburg helped raise funds for Lazarus Free Medical Clinic. Participants enjoyed live Latin music, Latin food and a variety of Latin dances. The clinic provides primary medical care at no cost to area residents who are at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level or have no medical insurance.

1. Father Gianni and Nikki Hoffman

2. Erin and Dr. Jose Diaz

3. Chris Aguilar and Lorena Dixon

4. Myrta Aviles, Marcel and Maria Manning

5. Hector and Beatriz Lozano

6. Dr. Pedro and Mrs. Sandra Geliga

7. Shawn and Karen Quinn

8. Adina Ion, Dr. Marianna De Jongh and Dr. Adrian Finol

9. Dr. Rafael A. Cheas, Nahum Rabiel and June Lew

A Right To Life

Those who attended Life’s Choices of Lake County’s Annual Banquet and Ministry Expo had an opportunity to hear testimonials from mothers who faced unplanned pregnancies. Life’s Choices provides single-parent peer counseling, pregnancy and ultrasound tests, adoption referrals, and parenting classes for women facing unplanned pregnancies.

1. Peggy Coven and Carol Moore

2. Jenna and Jordan Hawkins

3. Pastor Greg and Holly Watts

4. Pam and George Gavin, and Kevin and Lisa Rees

5. Dave and Barbara Conklin, and Clark and Debra McCall

6. Paul and Dianne Guthrie

7. Carolyn Maimone and Marcia McNaney

8. Alicia Reynolds, Shelley Kluesener, Richie Kluesener, Meghan Williams and Melanie Williams

9. Devin Leopardi Hayes, Matthew Close and Candace Leopardi Hayes

On Par With Higher Education

Community members gathered at the beautiful Bella Collina golf course to participate in Montverde Academy’s 4th Annual Golf Classic. The event beneﬁts student programs and athletics. In addition to a fun round of golf, participants enjoyed spectacular prizes, lunch, a silent auction, and much more. Montverde Academy offers a high-quality education for students seeking entrance into the world’s elite colleges and universities.

4 6

1. Dr. Jason Boardman, Samuel Boardman, Dr. Kevin Nowicki, and Dr. Wei-Shen Chin

2. Tina DeClercq and Kathy Adkins

3. Josh Jeppesen, Brian Roehn, Kevin Roat, and George Schmid

4. Tal Johnson, Rick Marshall, Mark Graff, and Brian Olson

5. Justin and Katie Holder, and Vinnie and Nesli Senturk

6. Dr. Paul Jakubowski, Chad Laxton, Darren Sinopoli, and Jim Painter

7. Robert and Cheryl Stanek, John Hopman, and Mike Foley

Strutting His Stuff

It was a beauty pageant with a twist. Instead of showcasing young, beautiful women, the Optimist Club’s pageant featured 12 male contestants. Nonetheless, participants and spectators alike enjoyed the “Woman-less Beauty Pageant,” which was held inside the Leesburg Community Building at Venetian Gardens. This event raised funds for children ﬁghting cancer and helped provide them with a special Christmas holiday.

1. Pastor Steve Yates and Tom Howard