Style Magazine, September 2023

TEACHES THOSE WITH AN APPETITE FOR COOKING.

WEB DESIGNER ILLUSTRATES HOPE

CHILDREN’S BOOK

WEAVES SPIDER’S MOTIVATIONAL TALE.

COMMUNITY OF CHAMPIONS

A MASSIVE HEALTH AND WELLNESS COMMUNITY IS IN THE WORKS.

PG36

building poolsunique

“They built the pool to perfection, and the finished design was better than we ever imagined. The superintendent was willing to answer all our questions before, during, and after the project. Although we have been swimming in the pool for three months, we can still call him with any questions. Wiseman Pools went above and beyond, and the pool is functional and works like we want it to.”

—SCOTT STEPHENS

Wiseman Pools is a family-owned-and-operated, licensed residential and commercial swimming pool builder with an extensive portfolio of projects. From the small—fountains and in-ground spas. To the large—million dollar installations with multiple pools and spas. Our customers, large and small, demand a quality swimming pool for a fair price. And we deliver.

352.431.3766 | WisemanPools.com | 1517 W Main St., Leesburg

PERFORMANCE. IT’S WHAT WE’RE ABOUT.

At Advanced Orthopedics Institute we specialize in hips, knees, shoulders, ankles, wrists...and tennis players.

We’re national leaders in reverse shoulder replacements for those whose rotator cuffs are no longer functioning, performing more in a year than most surgeons perform in a lifetime. We also have a full range of non-invasive procedures to help relieve shoulder pain and improve function.

Return to the activities you enjoy most.

For all of our advanced technologies and leading edge breakthroughs in joint repair and replacement, the advancements we at AOI are most proud of are those that our patients make in reclaiming their quality of life. If you are experiencing pain or weakness in a knee, shoulder, or hip and feel it’s time to do something about it, there’s no time like right now.

COME SEE US, WE’RE HERE FOR YOU.

IMAGELIFT COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY

Facial and cosmetic plastic surgery in Tampa and The Villages®

DR. RICH CASTELLANO

is a Double Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon as seen on:

Schedule your appointment today!

352.227.1501

Serving up knowledge

Show Kitchen executive chef shares secrets to his culinary creations.

If you build it, they will come

Gain some insight into Wellness Way, the innovative master-planned 16,000-acre health, sports, and wellness community in Clermont and its first huge development—Olympus.

Weaving a tale of inspiration

There’s nothing creepy about a Eustis author’s debut book that shows how a spider can inspire children to reach their potential

STORY: ROXANNE BROWN

STORY: JAMES COMBS

STORY: GINA HORAN

Writing a wrong It’s time to show respect for writers and editors.

n September, we celebrate Little League Month, National Piano Month, National Blood Cancer Awareness Month, and National Yoga Month . . . and an observance you’ve probably never heard of: Be Kind to Writers and Editors Month.

Yep, it’s a real thing. Texas-based Lone Star Publishing established the designation in 1984.

For some, displaying kindness to a writer or editor seems unfathomable. They think all journalists twist facts to promote hidden agendas or are the lowest scum on earth next to lawyers.

At Akers Media Group, we value honesty and integrity. We diligently fact check, thoroughly proofread each sentence, and pull out the AP Stylebook and dictionary when something is in doubt. And our only “agenda” is to produce a publication with outstanding content.

I’m very proud of our editorial sta that includes editor Gary Corsair and writers James Combs, Roxanne Brown, Cynthia McFarland, Cindy Peterson, and Kyle Coppola. Each brings notable talents to the editorial team and many of them have won awards and recognition through the years for their works.

Gary is an outstanding proofreader,

an amazing researcher and mentor, with a refreshing sense of humor. He has written many excellent, in-depth articles for our publication.

James amuses us with his funny puns and clever play on words.

Roxanne, who works her myriad of sources to come up with great ideas, has a special way of bringing people out of their shells to help her pen genuinely heartfelt stories.

Kyle is an enthusiastic sportswriter who produces numerous online articles that showcase the many talented athletes in Lake and Sumter counties.

Cynthia and Cindy are skilled and trustworthy writers who turn around beautifully written stories in a timely fashion.

Of course, they are all human. They strive for perfection, but unwillingly make grammatical or factual mistakes on occasion. It happens in the best of publications.

If you notice a mistake in our publication, we want you to bring it to our attention so we can take steps to prevent it from happening again.

I only ask that you are kind when pointing out our mistakes. After all, writers and editors have feelings too.

They really do.

Sincerely, Kendra

Kendra Akers OWNER/PUBLISHER kendra@akersmediagroup.com

Doug Akers PRESIDENT doug@akersmediagroup.com

DESIGN / PHOTOGRAPHY / EDITORIAL

Michael Gaulin CREATIVE DIRECTOR michael@akersmediagroup.com

Shawnee Coppola DESIGNER shawnee@akersmediagroup.com

Alejandra D’Jermanos DESIGNER alejandra@akersmediagroup.com

James Combs STAFF WRITER james@akersmediagroup.com

Roxanne Brown STAFF WRITER roxanne@akersmediagroup.com

Nicole Hamel STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER nicole@akersmediagroup.com

Brittany Fogt DESIGNER brittany@akersmediagroup.com

DIGITAL MEDIA

Kyle Coppola DIGITAL MEDIA SPECIALIST & SPORTS WRITER kyle@akersmediagroup.com

Cindy Peterson DIGITAL MEDIA EDITOR & PHOTOGRAPHER cindy@akersmediagroup.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Cynthia McFarland Richard T. Bosshardt, MD Gina Horan

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Gary Corsair

SALES / MARKETING

Tim McRae VICE PRESIDENT, SALES tim@akersmediagroup.com

Melanie Melvin ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE melanie@akersmediagroup.com

Shaena Long ADVERTISING COORDINATOR shaena@akersmediagroup.com

ADMINISTRATION

Emily Gaulin OFFICE MANAGER emily@akersmediagroup.comm

Aubrey Akers Simmons ACCOUNT & CLIENT SERVICES aubrey@akersmediagroup.com

DISTRIBUTION

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When Should You Test? Prostate Cancer:

Prostate cancers tend to grow slowly. Some tumors never become a problem, but this is not always the case. One monitoring tool is a blood test for prostate-specific antigen, or PSA.

PSA is released into the bloodstream from cells in the prostate, a walnut-sized gland that makes seminal fluid for carrying sperm. Elevated PSA levels can mean cancer is present. Ejaculation can temporarily increase PSA, so avoid it before any PSA test. A digital rectal exam is also used to check for prostate cancer.

Early-stage disease usually has no symptoms, but they can show up later. Symptoms include:

• Having to pee more often, especially at night, or straining to empty your bladder;

• Blood in your urine or seminal fluid;

• New onset of erectile dysfunction;

• Discomfort or pain when sitting (caused by an enlarged prostate);

• Pain or burning during urination (less common).

Other symptoms can occur if cancer has spread beyond the prostate gland.

Should you get screened if you have no symptoms? There’s no easy answer, because tumor growth is hard to predict. Discuss your risks with your doctor.

If Your PSA is Elevated

An elevated PSA reading does not necessarily mean cancer is present. Elevated PSA readings can also mean:

• Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate)

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH, or enlargement of the prostate)

• Urinary tract infection (UTI)

A prostate biopsy or prostate surgery can also cause elevated readings. Your doctor may recommend another PSA test to confirm the original finding, as well as continued monitoring.

How Do Vitamin Supplements Affect Prostate Cancer Risk?

The National Cancer Institute has found that some supplements increase a man’s risk of developing prostate cancer. These supplements include:

Vitamin E when taken alone. That risk remained even after men discontinued the supplement.

Dairy and calcium, taken in high amounts, may cause a small increase in prostate cancer risk. Folic acid, an artificial form of folate, increased risk when taken in 1-milligram supplements.

However, prostate cancer risk was lower in men whose diet contained enough folate, which occurs naturally in green vegetables, beans, and orange juice.

Regular use of multivitamins has not been shown to increase prostate cancer risk, but a large study showed an increased risk of advanced prostate cancer among men who took multivitamins more than seven times a week.

What to Do After Diagnosis

Treatment options for prostate cancer include:

• Monitoring only, especially for early stage, slow-growing prostate cancer.

by the numbers

288,300

Estimated new prostate cancer cases in the U.S. in 2023.

• Surgery and/or radiation therapy (external beam or brachytherapy, the insertion of radioactive seeds).

• Hormone therapy (androgen deprivation therapy or ADT), especially if the tumor is large or cancer is more likely to return.

• Chemotherapy or immunotherapy if prostate cancer no longer responds to ADT.

Side effects may include incontinence, bone pain and weakness, and sexual problems, but these can often be prevented or managed.

1 in 8

U.S. men who will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime.

3,343,976

U.S. men living with prostate cancer (as of 2020).

RBOI’s support services are available to the community free of charge, from before diagnosis through treatment and afterward, regardless of where you are being treated. Give us a call.

Did You Know?

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer (after skin cancer) and the second leading cause of cancer death (after lung cancer) among U.S. men. Prostate cancer is more likely to develop in older men and in non-Hispanic Black men.

1.3%

Average decrease per year in new prostate cancer cases in the U.S. over 2010–2019.

The Villages 352.259.2200

Ocala 352.732.0277

Timber Ridge 352.861.2400

Inverness 352.726.3400

Lecanto 352.527.0106

RBOI.com

first

PERSON OF INTEREST Youth in action. Meet Alan Reisman, Leesburg’s youngest city commissioner.

A PURR-FECT ADDITION: Make a cat happy by opening your heart and home to a loving feline during Happy Cat Month in September. If you’re looking to adopt a cat, be sure to visit the Cat Protection Society in Eustis and/or the Lake County Animal Shelter in Tavares. Both agencies will help you give a cat a fur-ever home.

WALK THIS WAY: Floor & Décor, which recently opened its doors in Clermont, o ers an extensive selection of ooring, including tile, wood, stone, laminate and more, plus related accessories, shower tiles, installation tools and supplies. The massive store is located at 5800 Collina Terrace in the Plaza Collina Shopping Center o State Road 50.

BUENO CONTINUED . . . Luna Azul, a new Mexican restaurant in Leesburg (91341 S. 14th St.), celebrated its June 24 grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, mariachis, a mechanical bull, a DJ, discounts, and more. Fans of San Jose’s, the Mexican restaurant Luna Azul replaced, will be happy to know that the two eateries are technically one in the same. The name change is due to new ownership, but the menu still contains San Jose’s most popular dishes. For more information about Luna Azul’s hours and o erings, please call 352.805.4174.

HONEY, I SHRUNK THE KIDS: September is also Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention o ers these healthy eating tips parents can follow to ensure their children

Provide plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grain products

A SOURCE OF INSPIRATION: Sabrina Ciceri shows us how to embrace the life we truly desire without fear, guilt, or shame in her new book, ‘If It’s Not One Thing, It’s a Mother.’ Through her own challenging experience with her mother, Sabrina explores how the choices our mothers made raising us can dramatically impact our lives and the ways we can transform negativity into ambition, self-care, and an unshakable tenacity to do it better. The book can be purchased on Amazon.

• Include low-fat or non-fat milk or dairy products

• Serve reasonably sized portions

• Choose lean meats, poultry, fish, lentils, and beans for protein

• Encourage your children to drink lots of water

• Limit or eliminate sugar-sweetened beverages

• Limit consumption of sugar and saturated fat

David Kilbury

Alan Reisman

Passion for saving lives, extensive firefighting expertise ignites new public safety director’s commitment.

Youngest Leesburg commissioner is a community-driven visionary and dedicated public servant.

INTERVIEWER AND PHOTO: CINDY PETERSON

• 34 years old

My mission in my new role (Lake County public safety director) is: To seek out continual improvement throughout the Lake County Fire Rescue organization. A major emphasis will be to seek ways of improvement to arrive at every emergency in the absolute shortest amount of time possible from the original 911 call to arriving on scene with adequate resources of highly trained and dedicated professionals to meet your every need.

Growing up: I was born and raised in Leesburg, and I grew up working for my parents’ business. When I turned 18, I began my career at Firehawk Helicopters. I also have a big family, with three sisters, six nephews and two nieces.

Becoming a city commissioner: I have been involved in the community and attending the city commission meetings for over 12 years. I had run once before and lost, but that did not derail me. It made me push and get involved even more. You must be involved and informed to know what’s happening in your community..

Volunteering is essential because: It’s something I’ve always loved doing and working alongside other volunteers within an organization to accomplish a goal is very rewarding. Volunteers make up so much of your community, whether for community events, baseball games, or kids’ sporting events. It’s crucial for a community to have volunteers and for new people to step up and volunteer constantly. There is a place somewhere for everyone.

My greatest accomplishment: Achieving my childhood dream of becoming a re ghter. There is something special about being a member of the brotherhood and sisterhood that goes along with being a re ghter.

In this profession, I’ve learned that: As a re ghter/paramedic, you see humans at their absolute worst of times. No one

I want everyone to know that: I genuinely love my community and want to see it grow and prosper in all aspects. Leesburg and Lake County have so much potential.

calls 911 when they are having a good day. You experience just how precious life is and witness that it can be taken away no matter the age of the victim.

My greatest quality: I am highly trained, and I am good at what I do. I have trained hard to be prepared to deal with whatever emergency comes my way and I will absolutely give everything I can to make the situation have a more favorable outcome for the patient or property in danger. I consider myself to be an occupational athlete. In this eld of work, you are forced to place incredible demands on your body and mind. Maintaining physical and mental wellbeing is critical to the mission in the re service.

Lake County means: Community. We might be a large county, but it has that small-town feel because you can’t go anywhere without running into someone you know.

When I’m not working: I really enjoy spending time with my wife, Tina. She is truly an answered prayer.

To me, a good leader is: who can empower those around you to be better than yourself.

I want to make a di erence by: looking for opportunities to help whoever or wherever I can.

A fun fact about me: I love bass shing. I am absolutely ate-up over that little green sh. My personal best is a 13.8-pound largemouth bass I caught while shing with my father years ago on Lake Okeechobee in the Moonshine Bay area of the lake using an arti cial frog lure.

Know a person of interest? Tell us!

Know a person of interest? Tell us!

Email your recommendation to cindy@akersmediagroup.com.

Email your recommendation to cindy@akersmediagroup.com.

INTERVIEWER AND PHOTO: CINDY PETERSON

• Firehawk Helicopters Project Manager

• Elected Leesburg City Commissioner in 2022

• Active member at The Father’s House Church

• Leesburg Partnership Volunteer Award 2022 VITAL STATS

A saying I live by: do something! If you can, you should.

Florida Fire Service

Assistant Fire Chief Department

•Former Fire Chief Kissimmee Fire Department

•Former Fire Marshal Orange County Fire Rescue

•National Fire Academy’s prestigious Executive Fire Officer Program graduate

•Avid bass fisherman

CINDY PETERSON

JACOB WITTMAN

Wig-wearing teenager shows philanthropic spirit.

INTERVIEWER: JAMES COMBS

PHOTO: NICOLE HAMEL

Proud achievement: I helped relaunch the Jackets’ Got Talent program at LHS following the coronavirus pandemic. This talent show allows students to compete in singing or non-singing events like dance and gymnastics. Proceeds bene t the Tammy Jerkins Memorial Scholarship Fund. She was a fantastic teacher at LHS who won Florida Teacher of the Year in 2018. She died of cancer in 2021. Last year, we raised $1,000 through ticket sales.

Another endeavor dear to my heart: I also participate in my school’s Dance Marathon, which raises money for the Children’s Miracle Network. The money bene ts children with diseases ranging from diabetes to cancer. Our year-long fundraising e orts conclude with a Dance Marathon in the spring where students stand for six hours in honor of ill children who cannot stand.

Future plans: I will attend the University of Florida and major in either business or sports management. Sports has always been my passion.

Leesburg High School senior 4.5 weighted grade-point average. Received Principal’s Award for making straight A’s as a freshman

Student body president. Drum major of LHS Band. Plays the euphonium, a member of the tuba family.

My dad started taking me to UF football games when I was 6.

Favorite number: 15. That was Tim Tebow’s number as a University of Florida player. Also, I was born on

Blue. Blue is one of UF’s colors, and my eyes are blue.

I wear an orange wig when I attend high school events like football games and the Dance Marathon. That gets everybody red up.

Entrepreneurial spirit: I’ve had my own lawn business since I was 12.

Talkin’ about my generation:

If people look closely at what’s going on in high schools and middle schools, they’ll realize today’s youth are not so bad. My classmates are going above and beyond to raise money for scholarships and sick children. We love doing good for people and realize we can accomplish great things if we work together.

Everyone knows I am quirky and energetic. However, very few see that I have a calm and sensitive side.

ORTHOPEDIC EXCELLENCE

hether someone has a rotator cuff tear or an arthritic knee, Advanced Orthopedic Institute is committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care. With exceptional expertise in orthopedic specialties, Dr. Alfred Cook and Dr. John Williams help their patients return to an active and healthy lifestyle.

Since AOI opened in 2016, much business has come from repeat patients and referrals. There is a reason for that. While treatments and innovations have greatly evolved, the AOI team has stayed true to its original philosophy— to relentlessly provide the best orthopedic care in order to improve the quality of life for their patients.

Together, Dr. Cook and Dr. Williams perform a wide variety of orthopedic surgeries, including hip and knee replacement, shoulder replacement, and rotator cuff repairs. They also treat sports-related injuries such as sprains, fractures, tendonitis, and cartilage injury. Their state-of-the-art practice offers services like physical therapy and diagnostic radiology.

Through an individualized approach, Dr. Cook and Dr. Williams take the time to know their patients and how they live. That is particularly important because each patient is different. Practicing individualized medicine effectively means spending quality time with patients so optimal results can be achieved.

“Before we attempt any treatment, we evaluate each patients’ condition carefully,” Dr. Cook says. “Working closely with our patients, we explore conservative treatment options to lessen painful symptoms. We

never rush into surgery. What I mean is, one patient with a particular injury may say, ‘I can’t golf, I can’t play pickleball, I can’t sleep.’ That patient’s life is upended, and he will be a good candidate for surgery. Another patient with the exact same injury may say, ‘You know, it really doesn’t bother me. I know it’s a problem, but I feel OK. I can still do what I want to do. That patient will probably benefit from a more conservative treatment option. We are in the business of treating patients. We’re not in the business of treating images.”

Both doctors have gained stellar reputations for achieving outstanding surgical results, and their talents complement each other. Dr. Williams specializes in hip and knee replacement surgeries and revisions. Dr. Cook focuses on sports medicine, including shoulder surgery and replacement, rotator cuff repairs, knee procedures, and arthroscopy.

Dr. Williams served as director of total joint replacement at Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia from 2000 to 2011. He has treated joint pain through surgical and nonsurgical procedures, helping countless patients regain quality of life. Additionally, he performs the safest anterior approach to the hip and has written numerous published articles focusing on various hip surgery techniques. Surgeons throughout the country have trained under Dr. Williams to learn these cuttingedge techniques.

Dr. Cook is undoubtedly a pioneer in shoulder replacement surgery. He has worked with companies to help formulate superior implant designs that replicate normal anatomy. Additionally, he has served as a surgical navigator using imaging systems to deliver precise representation of a patient’s anatomy during surgery, which allows for optimization of implant placement.

It’s safe to say they kept that promise, evidenced by the growing number of residents throughout The Villages and surrounding area who entrust them with their orthopedic care. They utilize the latest, cuttingedge treatment modalities to minimize patient discomfort and allow for a quick recovery. Their meticulous attention to detail has resulted in optimal outcomes for countless patients.

When Dr. Williams and Dr. Cook opened Advanced Orthopedic Institute, they promised to provide patients with high-quality, state-of-the-art care in a warm, friendly, and compassionate environment.

CHAM

PIONS’ PARADISE

CHAM PIONS’ PARADISE

CHAMPIONS’ PARADISE CHAM PIONS’ PARADISE

CHAMPIONS’ PARADISE PARADISE

STORY: ROXANNE BROWN

hat’s in a name?

In the case of Clermont, which rebranded itself the “Choice of Champions” in 2014, the moniker is much more than just a phrase; it’s part of the city’s DNA.

Elite Olympians and athletes from around the globe have trained in the city which frequently hosts popular sporting events and is home to renowned athletic and training facilities.

And athletes in pursuit of gold aren’t the only champs. Most importantly, South Lake residents have enthusiastically embraced a culture of health, wellness, and tness.

Soon, a massive 16,000-acre state-ofthe-art planned development located between US 27 and SR 429 (the Orlando Beltway) called Wellness Way will bolster Clermont’s reputation as the Choice of Champions.

Leading the way as the rst of many projects to call Wellness Way home is Olympus, a 260-acre sports and health/ wellness-related campus sure to put Clermont on the map for more athletes, medical professionals, sporting event coordinators, fans and so many others.

City, county, and regional leaders predict that upon Wellness Way’s build out, the phrase ‘game changer’ will all but scratch the surface in regard to the impact it will have on Lake County and beyond.

A massive development underway in Clermont expected to put Lake County on the map as a sports mecca.

PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL AND SOURCES

WELLNESS UNDERWAY WELLNESS UNDERWAY

If you’ve lived in Lake County for a while, you’ve probably heard of Wellness Way, a massive 16,000-acre planned development in southeast Clermont born more than 10 years ago in the minds of property owners and county o cials with the foresight to look ahead.

The question was how the largest tract of undeveloped land left in Central Florida at the time would be developed, so in 2013, o cials turned to the public for thoughts about what they’d like to see happen.

THEIR VISION?

aren’t addressed, the schools aren’t addressed, the environment isn’t addressed, it’s essentially a death by 1,000 cuts. With Wellness Way, however, we’ve addressed all those concerns up front, and that includes trails, wildlife corridors and water conservation.”

Lake County Commissioner Sean Parks, who’s supported and been involved in the project since day one, says the concept involves the planning of large areas and all its components at one time, rather than in small parts and pieces.

According to Sean, that’s why construction, roadwork, and other moving parts are taking shape concurrently.

“Wellness Way aims to consider people, places, environment and the economy,” Sean says. “It counters the piecemeal development pattern we see throughout Lake County, Florida and other parts of the country … It’s a lot better to plan for a large area at one time than to do it in piecemeal fashion, because then the roads

In all, Wellness Way will encompass various types of neighborhoods to the tune of about 16,000 housing units (single family, apartments, town homes, etc.) and incorporate commercial, institutional, agricultural, industrial, and green spaces. There will also be schools, parks, and an interconnected wellness/green corridor network with a bicycle/pedestrian trail system— including a clay trail local athletes said was important to them—to reach destinations within the development.

Additionally, a variety of new roads and road improvements throughout Lake County are being built in conjunction with Wellness Way that includes several new connector roads, and the 429-US 27 toll road connector that will provide high-speed access to and from nearby communities.

Sean says when the new roads are built, you’ll have three or four major east-west connectors that will serve to signi cantly reduce tra c on Highway 50 and Hartwood Marsh Road.

“I believe if there was no leadership in the planning of Wellness Way, we would have ended up another suburb of Orlando. Now we have a unique brand, a unique identity, that includes walkability, job centers, housing,

conservation and more. It’s going to be a great place to live, work and play,” Sean says. “I’m also very proud to point out that the maintenance costs for the roads, sidewalks, trails, and infrastructure is on the people that live there. They bear that cost, so it is not placed on the rest of the county or its taxpayers. It’s a very encouraging project scally.”

Recently, Clermont City Manager Brian Bulthuis and Wellness Way Consultant Richard Levey gave an update to o cials and residents about the development.

Despite early controversies and hurdles, most now agree that when Wellness Way is complete, it will be bene cial and known as a great place to live, work and play.

“Wellness Way is poised to bring over 2 billion dollars of economic value to Lake County. This is the place that Gen Z, the kids graduating high school and college today, are going to work and live in the future. There will be a lot of opportunities there for them,” Sean adds. “It’s walkable, environmentally conservationminded, and technologically friendly. It’s the kind of place the small innovator and small businessperson would like to be located.”

“In my heart, I feel very good that this is the best plan long term for Lake County. We believe the area around the proposed State Road 516 and 455 within Wellness Way will be the most valuable industrial/ commercial real estate in all of Central Florida.”

Transforming the area into a hub for high-tech and high-wage industries, and for it to be done in an organized, well planned-out manner.

Photos provided by sources

Olympus—a 260-acre health-and-wellness-focused community/campus being developed by Mike Carroll, CEO of Olympus Sports & Entertainment Group, LLC—is already creating major buzz.

EPIC EVERY DAY

A COMMUNITY OF EPIC PROPORTIONS

With a tagline of “Epic Every Day,” Olympus—a 260-acre health-andwellness-focused community/ campus being developed by Mike Carroll, CEO of Olympus Sports & Entertainment Group, LLC—is already creating major buzz.

Sean says Olympus is designed as a platform for business innovation and economic growth and is something to be very proud of.

“Olympus, as big as it is, is actually a small, but very exciting part of Wellness Way,” Sean says. “We’re very happy that Olympus chose Wellness Way and feel they are emblematic of what we intended it to be.”

“Olympus is a great way to kick o the planned development,” he adds.

In all, Olympus is a vast community with sports, wellness, tness, entertainment and residential rolled into one.

O cials have deemed it one of the biggest and most exciting privately owned businesses to come to Clermont. They recognize it as a smart, connected wellness community and global sports and entertainment destination set to change the face of Lake County forever.

Information on the South Lake Chamber of Commerce’s website says, “The Olympus development is estimated to create over 5,000

jobs and generate over $1.4 billion in local economic impact during a 10-year period.”

The community will include an array of healthcare, wellness, tness, sports training and competition venues/facilities, plus hotels and residential areas, all centered in and around a vibrant Town Center to serve as the heart of Wellness Way.

and The Florida Regional District of the Amateur Athletic Union has plans for a 100,000-square-foot Event Center.

The event center, expected to be built by late 2025, will feature basketball, volleyball, martial arts, cheer, pickleball, climbing, futsal (indoor soccer), baseball and softball. Other area will include o ce space, retail pavilions, cafés, and multi-sport indoor and outdoor training and competition venues.

Construction has begun on the rst two phases, which includes preliminary infrastructure by way of an apartment complex, single-family units, and town homes.

Major partnerships have been announced and include EDGE Sports Group, who will facilitate development, design, and management of a 60-acre Sports Campus at Olympus.

CLASH Endurance, a sports media and endurance company, will serve as Olympus’ exclusive sports and triathlon promoter and organizer,

On top of that, there is a 5,800 seat, multipurpose arena planned for the community, plus an international soccer center to feature a 3,500-seat soccer stadium and a 4.5-mile trail system for triathlon and special events. Other amenities include a beach volleyball pavilion, an Ice Center for ice hockey and gure skating, the largest red-clay tennis center in the United States, hotels, and a variety of entertainment venues.

Olympus will also house an Athlete Center and Performance Institute to o er sports training and conditioning, nutrition services and broadcast/media technology.

If that’s not enough, a $100 million, 175,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility by Healthcare Trust of America, Inc., is expected to generate approximately 325 direct, onsite medical jobs.

In all, Olympus is a vast community with sports, wellness, fitness, entertainment and residential rolled into one.

In a press release announcing HTA’s plans, Brian Bulthuis says, “The City of Clermont could not be more excited about this landmark health campus. Both the construction phase and the

permanent operations of Olympus will provide a very signi cant economic stimulus for the local economy and beyond.”

In all, and according to economist, Hank Fishkind, Ph.D.,

OTHER DEVELOPMENTS

Hickory Groves, a community just north of Scho eld Road (soon to become Wellness Way Parkway) and west of the Orange County line, will include 1,176 homes, o ces, and retail establishments.

Pulte Homes is also bringing in a community to be located between Scho eld Road and the muchanticipated Lake-Orange Connector Road that will incorporate about 1,600

homes, more than 350,000 square feet of o ce/retail space, green and wellness space and more.

Clonts Grove, a 49-acre section northwest of Olympus, was sold to Advent Health. O cials say there are no immediate plans for the parcel, although the possibility of a hospital is rumored.

Olympus is projected to create 2,800 direct, onsite jobs and have a taxable value of $1.5 billion at buildout, according to information released by Olympus.

RELATED INNOVATIONS

RELATED INNOVATIONS

For those worried about what may happen to the critters who call the area around Wellness Way home, there is no need for concern.

Sean says o cials and developers have been working with the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation, DOT, Florida Fish and Wildlife and the Division of State Parks to ensure that any wildlife in the area is taken care of, as well.

To do that, a wildlife corridor—an underpass extending between Hwy. 27 and SR 516—is being built and is a top priority for all involved.

“The wildlife will be able to cross underneath the road, through a tunnel to be located under Highway 27, so they won’t be hit,” Sean says.

Technologically speaking, a cool part of what’s ahead regarding the roadway network being built to enhance the Wellness Way development is the Central Florida Expressway’s (CFX) near $700 million Lake-Orange Expressway to link US 27 with CR 429. The expressway is set to open in 2025, but what people may not know is that when completed, it will be one

of two roads in the world equipped with dynamic charging.

“If you have an electric vehicle, you will literally be able to drive on that road and as you are driving, the road will actually charge your car without you having to stop and plug it in,” Sean says, explaining that Lake County o cials are looking to partner with a local college to create educational programs centered around that industry.

“Literally, we are going to be internationally known for this road. It really is a big deal,” Sean adds.

Commissioner Sean Parks stands in front of what will soon be Wellness Way.

ince his start more than 20 years ago, Robert Bodine—a licensed chiropractor at Wise Chiropractic—has touched the lives of thousands of patients seeking to improve their pain, posture, and mobility.

He’s known for his caring and motivational demeanor, and for his expertise in the Thompson, Activator, Full Spine/Diversi ed, Pettibon, and Chiropractic Bio Physics techniques.

Before joining Wise Chiropractic to work alongside Dr. Jonathan Wise, he worked at chiropractic o ces in Georgia and Central Florida. He also traveled the country training and coaching chiropractors and their sta in patient education and internal/external marketing.

Today, Dr. Bodine remains focused on providing care locally.

“If we can improve a person’s positioning, their posture, how their spine and pelvis move, they function better,” he says. “Our goal is that each patient leaves here one tone higher than when they came in, whether that’s because of an outstanding adjustment or because they felt welcomed and well cared for.”

Dr. Bodine sees patients of all ages, from newborns, teens, and

elping ands

adults to expectant mothers and the elderly. He’s well versed in corrective spinal care, auto injuries, spinal decompression, family and prenatal care, wellness and nutrition, counseling, Life Cure Laser and more. But it doesn’t stop there.

He makes phone calls on his drive home to check on patients and visits them at nursing homes/hospice. He’s hand-delivered groceries or necessities to elderly patients unable to get to the store, and always reminds patients to “Make it a great day” when seeing them o .

“Patients let you into every facet of their lives, they trust you and you can’t take that for granted,” he adds. “We treat every patient like family.”

Born in Youngstown, Ohio, Dr. Bodine’s family relocated to Port Orange in 1980. After graduating high school, he attended Daytona State College, then moved on to receive his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from the prestigious Life University in Atlanta, Georgia in 2003.

It wasn’t on a whim, however. Dr. Bodine was introduced to chiropractic as a teen when he had severe Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

As a young athlete, he participated in sur ng, competitive water skiing and weightlifting, until the condition severely limited his abilities.

His neighbor, a Chiropractor, saw him wearing a brace and began adjusting him.

As his condition improved, Dr. Bodine became educated in the

Local chiropractor known for making whatever adjustments necessary to go above and beyond as a doctor and friend.

— ROBERT BODINE, DC

Spicing thingsUp

The impressive Show Kitchen teaches people how to cook.

The Market at Sawgrass is a destination for Villagers and visitors alike. Cyclists come for early morning co ee, home cooks shop for fresh produce, and golfers relax with a Bloody Mary at the Sawgrass Bar in the middle of the complex.

The market at Marilee Place in The Villages® boasts several adjacent food stalls, including Villages Grown©, The Butcher Shop, Frenchy’s Pizza, Willy’s Burgers, and Darlin’s Sweet Shoppe.

The latest gem in this unique collective is the much-anticipated Show Kitchen, a beautifully designed state-of-the-art facility

that took months to complete and has been a labor of love for Executive Chef Scott Copeland for nearly a year.

“During my job interview, management proposed the idea of having a place to educate our guests by giving them an opportunity to build new skills and instill con dence in their cooking, while at the same time enjoying a fun, communal experience,” Scott says.

The new showplace includes hightop and counter seating for up to 20 participants with audio and cameras so each can see and hear the preparations

STORY: GINA HORAN ≈ PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL

from almost every angle. The support sta provides dishes to taste while Scott demonstrates how to cook each course, complete with detailed, printed recipes to take home.

Each class runs twice on Tuesdays and Thursdays, lasting just over an hour, and o ers themes like A Taste of Argentina, (or Greece, Italy, etc.), BBQ and more. The rst class — Plant-Based Food—sold out with enthusiastic students enjoying wine and taking in the lecture.

The Show Kitchen

of food, “she says. “Normally vegans are overlooked, but Scott seems to appreciate us.”

That appreciation stems from how frustrated Scott would get when fellow chefs refused to prepare something “a la minute” for guests wanting a vegetarian dish. Scott took it as a challenge, and it showed during his presentation. He says that working with The Villages community is rewarding because many people have special dietary

“Over the years I’ve been a vegetarian and I’m really fussy about what I eat,” says cooking devotee Joyce Graf. “This class has shown me that I can expand my dishes and my palate. It’s not intimidating.”

Joyce’s friend Pam Clark took the class because Pam’s daughter MyKala eats a plant-based diet, and they like to cook together.

“We share recipes,” says Pam. “I’m not a strict vegetarian, but I like to cook with plant-based ingredients from time to time.”

Marcia Murphy, who only eats plant-based foods, took the class because she was looking for inspiration from a chef who could sense her palate and help expand her list of creations.

“I’m also impressed with how he began the classes with this category

with every person.”

“With

the goal is to share our passion for all foods and flavors with every person”

Chef

Huntington, New York when he began his hospitality career as a server for a catering company. In fact, prior to graduation, he was supervising parties and driving catering trucks all over Long Island and into Manhattan.

Scott enrolled at the University of Maryland before realizing that cooking was his passion. Certain that he was destined for a life in the culinary arts, Scott enrolled in The Baltimore International Culinary College.

“I loved the adrenaline and rush of restaurants and wanted to get back into the kitchen,” he explains.

In Florida, Scott quickly landed a job at Disney’s Coral Reef and California Grill. After a stint in South Florida, he returned to New

Scott Copeland

York City and cooked at the famous 21 Club for six years until Central Florida called him once again. He was chef/partner at Artisan’s Table in downtown Orlando for awhile before realizing that he wanted more creativity and a manageable schedule.

“At age 53 I’ve got some mileage on my body,” he says. “I feel the aches and pains of a daily grind from years being at the grill and behind the line.”

Aside from teaching at the Show Kitchen, he creates menus for McGrady’s Pub, Lazy Mac’s, and Tierra de Sol.

“Now that the Show Kitchen is nally up and running, I’m excited for the next phase of growth and creativity so I can bring my love of avor to the restaurants we will be developing in the future.”

Chef

“A TASTE OF ARGENTINA”

Carne Asado Marinade

INGREDIENTS :

11/2 cup fresh minced garlic

2 tsp. kosher salt

1 tsp. black pepper

1 cup orange juice

1/4 cup fresh lime juice

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

1 cup minced yellow onion

2 tsp. chopped fresh oregano

1 cup olive oil (EVOO)

DIRECTIONS:

In a large mixing bowl combine garlic, kosher salt and black pepper into a paste. onion, and oregano. Whisk in the olive oil until well blended.

Preparing the meat (use flank or skirt steak): Place meat into a large bowl or pan. Add enough marinade to thoroughly cover the meat. Cover bowl or pan and place in refrigerator for at least five hours (preferably overnight). Remove excess marinade before grilling steak. Allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

*Marinade can be used for beef, chicken, or pork. The acidity in the juices makes for a great tenderizer.

For

Classes: Tuesdays & Thursdays 11am – 2pm

Tickets: $60

352.753.6607

www.sawgrassshowkitchen.com

Michelle Deon (Server), Shelly Trivisonmo (Assistant), Scott Copeland (Executive Chef), Mark Regan (Former Assistant), Kimberly Schwind (Sous Chef)

My husband and I purchased a vehicle recently from Plaza Cadillac in Leesburg and we worked with Joe Welch as our Salesman. Joe was informative, patient and very helpful throughout the entire process. I highly recommend Joe and the entire team at Plaza Cadillac of Leesburg, they made the car buying process very e cient and hassle-free.

Mike Killngsworth

CATHI LAMBERT

Sales Representative JOE WELCH

General Sales Manager TONY PAGANO

ANTHONY AND ROSE CURIALE

We purchased a new 2020 Lincoln Nautilus from Plaza Lincoln. What a pleasure dealing with the sta of the dealership, very polite and professional, especially our sales agent Jay Bitzer. He is very knowledgeable and courteous, and really works hard to get your business. This is not the first Lincoln we purchased from them and it probably won’t be the last.

Sales Representative JAY BITZER

General Sales Manager TONY PAGANO

FROM

STORY:

n itsy, bitsy spider is teaching children a big lesson: Always strive to reach your full potential.

That message is delivered in Jacqueline Khoenle’s book, “Salaperantha: The Eight-Legged Wonder.’’

The rst-time author from Eustis says one of nature’s most-feared creatures can inspire us rather than make our skin crawl.

and its sole purpose,” she says. “Even when a web is knocked down, spiders rebuild it instead of giving up on life. I want children to know they should never give up on themselves.”

The 32-page children’s book weaves a motivating tale about Salaperantha, a cross-eyed spider who wears bright tennis shoes and a fur bomber hat. For years, the spider lives a mundane life inside a barn spinning webs. Feeling worthless for not contributing as much as the other farm animals,

One night, Salaperantha ventures into a eld when a severe storm hits. She uses her web-making skills to build a bridge over a ooding river, rescuing a mouse and her six babies.

“Salaperantha remembered what her talent is and by doing so saved lives,” Jacqueline says. “I hope this teaches children to discover what they do best and use their talents to the fullest.”

Jacqueline had no trouble nding inspiration to write the book. Her

Photos

Meet an inspirational spider who learned to stand on its own eight legs.

JAMES COMBS ≈ PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL & SOURCES

then, Salaperantha has enjoyed a special place in the hearts of the Khoenle family.

“I would tell the story of Salaperantha to my young children, and that was fun for me because I wasn’t limited on what the character did or said,” says Martha, a self-taught artist. “She was my invention. My goal was to tell them a di erent kind of story that had a lesson behind it.”

Jacqueline decided to revive the character several years ago.

“Mom always talked about Salaperantha over the years and even made a sketch depicting what she looked like,” Jacqueline says. “However, she never really nished Salaperantha’s story. I gured I’d do that for her by writing a book and giving it to my mom on her 83rd birthday.”

For Jacqueline, being laid o from her job in 2020 was a blessing in disguise. That gave her ample time to write the book. Through the process, she discovered the path to becoming a published author is not without obstacles. In fact, she experienced the same frustrations of her main character.

“It’s funny, but my venture into being an author paralleled Salaperantha’s story,” she says. “I was trying to nd myself and guring out what path I needed to take. I enjoyed writing the story and the creative aspect, but the business side was really challenging. The biggest lesson I learned is that you have to nd a good mentor.”

She found that mentor in Andrea Aliani, a book illustrator and graphic designer from Spain.

“The rst time I talked to her I knew she was the one who I wanted to illustrate my book,” Jacqueline says. “She knew a lot about the industry and helped guide me through the process. She was a blessing to me because there’s so much to learn.”

Jacqueline self-published the book in 2020.

“My initial intention was to only give the book to my mom,” she says. “However, when I got that rst hardcover book in my hand and saw how beautiful it is, I knew I had to give the book to the world.”

As a result, she signed a contract with San Diego-based Puppy Dogs and Ice Cream Publishing in February 2021. Today, the book can be purchased on websites such as Amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.

For Martha, there’s a sense of pride knowing

“Children have lots of pressure to succeed these days in academics and sports,” Martha says. “The moral of this book is to help kids appreciate who they are. This is the best birthday present I ever received. I was blown away.”

Readers haven’t heard the last of Salaperantha. Jacqueline is in the process of nishing a second book, and ideas for future books are already oating in her head.

“I have big plans for Salaperantha,” she says. “She’s going to keep spinning her webs and so am I. In future books, Salaperantha may experience grief and heartache or may nd love and have children. Everyone will have to wait and see.”

Jacqueline Khoenle author

of this book is to help kids appreciate who they are. ”

—MARTHA KHOENLE (MOM)

Can you tell me what’s going on at AOI as far as shoulder surgery is concerned?

Ihave always tried to be a leader in cutting-edge approaches to shoulder surgery. I have served as a surgical navigator using imaging systems that deliver precise representation of a patient’s anatomy during surgery, allowing for optimization of implant placement. This is important because anatomy is very difficult to see during the surgical procedure. I can tell you some things are on the horizon that will be revolutionary and cool.

I’m also performing rotator cuff repair using biologic augmentation, which uses healing agents such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), scaffolding, and stem cells. There are times when re-tears happen in patients following surgery. Biologic augmentation reinforces repairs and tendon healing. Let’s say you do a rotator cuff repair and you’re concerned about the tissue quality, which can potentially increase the re-tear rate after a repair. Biologic augmentation can be used as a means to lessen likelihood of a re-tear. Biologic augmentation is another avenue you can use to further reinforce the repair, and it also helps with healing time and patient satisfaction rates. I think this is the future of orthopedics. I feel that a lot of procedures we do now as orthopedic surgeons will be backed up with biologic augmentation treatment.

We’re also using CBD oil and other forms of pain management that don’t require narcotic pain medication. That has been successful as an alternative means of addressing various issues for patients.

Another thing I do is perform outpatient shoulder surgery. Previously, patients spent two or three nights in the hospital following shoulder surgery. When you’re not in the hospital, there’s a lower risk of infection after surgery.

Also, having the ability to recover at home instead of the hospital gives patients peace of mind and makes recovery time easier. I estimate that 99.9 percent of my patients go home on the day of the surgery and start therapy the following day.

What are the benefits of robotic knee implants?

Ihave been performing total knee replacements for 23 years. Today, I perform an average of 400 total knee replacements each year. Two years ago, I began performing total knee replacements using ROSA robotic technology. ROSA stands for Robotic Surgical Assistant.

Since no two bodies are the same, getting a precise knee implant that ts the patient’s anatomy is crucial for comfort, mobility, and overall experience following knee replacement surgery. For me, ROSA is an incredibly helpful tool because it helps align the implant for exact t and accuracy.

ROSA is a robotic platform that takes a personalized approach to each patient’s knee replacement using a three-dimensional model created from special x-rays. The x-rays are matched to a patient’s knee to help deliver accurate placement of implants with less soft-tissue dissection. The robot’s computer technology, camera, and optical trackers assist me to control and move surgical instruments.

Thanks to this technology, we can be more precise with the alignment and placement of implants. For patients, this leads to a more natural feeling of the knee. More importantly, the implant tends to last between 20-25 years. It’s the increase in precision that makes robotic surgery so favorable.

Depending on age and activity level, some patients go home on the same day. Others may require a one-night hospital stay. In addition, recovery times are shortened thanks to a multi-modal approach that includes pain control medication, nerve blocks, and physical therapy. That’s great news for residents of The Villages who lead active lifestyles.

This technology is more advanced than computer-assisted surgery. Computer-assisted surgery still relies on the surgeon to make the cuts and implant the devices. Robotic surgery uses a robotic arm to perform the bone cuts. Plus, robotic surgery is thought to be more the wave of the future than computerassisted surgery.

Simply put, when I perform knee replacement surgeries, my goal is to help patients return to the quality of life they enjoyed before they began experiencing knee problems. ROSA gives me con dence and information I can use to achieve that goal.

Expert: JOHN WILLIAMS JR., MD Orthopedic Surgeon at Advanced Orthopedic Institute

“ Thanks to this technology, we can be more precise with the alignment and placement of implants. For patients, this leads to a more natural feeling of the knee.”

What are the advantages of full arch dental implants?

One of the biggest areas of uncertainty with patients in our practice is dental implants. We get tons of questions regarding implant dentistry daily. Did you know 69% of adults between 35 and 44 years of age have lost at least one tooth? Did you know approximately 178 million people in the United States are missing one or more teeth? Did you know 90% of patients who are edentulous end up getting conventional dentures?

Conventional dentures lead to continued bone loss, challenges with speech, and di culty with eating. Most denture patients struggle with ill- tting dentures and must utilize denture adhesive just to keep their dentures secure. Most people do not realize tooth loss leads to bone loss.

Therefore, it is our goal to educate our patients on the bene ts of dental implants. Implants maintain bone, maintain facial structure, improve appearance and speech, function and esthetics, and enhance self-esteem! We consider dental implants to be the standard of care for replacing missing teeth. We have equipped our practice to provide our patients with the best in implant dentistry, technology and support.

We are fully focused on and committed to full arch implant dentistry as we have learned it is a big necessity within our community. We have built a fully digital on-site dental laboratory, which allows us to have full control of restorations from start to nish. Kehlsey, our certi ed laboratory technician, works side by side with all our doctors to ensure the absolute best functional and esthetic results. We are also equipped with digital 3D x-ray equipment, digital intraoral scanners and onsite dental photography studio and media center.

We believe so much in educating patients on their treatment options with dental implants that we now host seminars to help answer all questions patients have before proceeding with dental implants.

If you have dental implant questions or any other dental concerns for that matter, please join our next Implant Symposium on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at Lakeview Comprehensive Dentistry. The symposium will be held at 5 p.m. Attendance is limited so call our o ce today at 352.589.5660 to reserve your seat. You can also email us at team@lakeviewdentistry.com. We look forward to meeting you!

Experts: DR. PAMELA GALARZA, DMD

DR. TIMOTHY J. PRUETT, DMD

DR. TALITA SIZEMORE, DMD

Dentists at Lakeview Comprehensive Dentistry

15820 Dora Ave Suite A, TAVARES 352.589.5660 / lakeviewdentistry.com

What is the difference between onsite and offsite emergency care?

Osite emergency rooms (sometimes referred to as “freestanding” ERs) are appropriate locations to receive minor or intermediate care where certain advanced imaging, such as CT scanners, are needed, and there is a stable diagnostic uncertainty. But if you have a true emergency that may require surgery or aggressive intervention, full-service onsite emergency rooms are more bene cial.

Although o site emergency rooms can provide assessments and treatments for many conditions, they can’t replace fully functioning emergency departments when timely diagnoses in the “seconds to minutes” category are at play. If surgery, high-level emergency imaging, or ICU-level care is needed, only a full-service ER with 24/7 access to specialists and advanced imaging, like MRIs, can provide the expertise and support required to address these issues. If needed onsite, patients can also be admitted for inpatient care quickly and seamlessly. In contrast, o site emergency rooms are required to transport patients to a full-service facility if higher level care is needed. Time is of the essence in a medical emergency. When a veterinarian issues a health certi cate, it means the puppy is in good health and t for sale, it’s free of intestinal parasites and received its rst set of vaccines and a deworming. Further vaccines will be needed, usually within the rst two weeks of purchase.

WHAT CONSTITUTES AN EMERGENCY?

“True emergencies” include heart attacks, strokes, respiratory emergencies, signi cant bleeding, or severely broken bones. They’re best served in full-scale emergency departments housed onsite within a hospital’s physical structure.

Quality surgical care goes hand in hand with a comprehensive emergency department. The relationship built between surgeons and emergency physicians is paramount when it comes to timely communication, patient assessment, rapid intervention, and a seamless transition to the operating room. We provide the full scope of surgical services, including general and open-heart surgery, neurosurgery and more.

WHEN SHOULD I GO TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM?

It can be di cult to know when to go to an emergency room. If you experience chest pain, unexplained weakness, signi cant bleeding, or unexplained and severe onset of pain, seek immediate emergency care. This list is not exhaustive; when you’re concerned for your health, that’s reason enough to seek emergency care. And our expert team at AdventHealth Waterman is always here when you need us most. You never know when a medical emergency will strike. But when it does, it’s important to know your options and seek appropriate care from the right experts in a timely manner.

Expert: DR. FLORIANO PUTIGNA, DO

Emergency Medicine Physician at AdventHealth

Waterman

1000 Waterman Way, TAVARES 352.253.3333 / MyClosestER.com

Cataract & Glaucoma Specialist at Mid Florida Eye Center

17560 US Hwy 441 MOUNT DORA

600 N. 14th Street 27/441 LEESBURG

5743 Williamsburg Lane WILDWOOD

17556 S.E. 109th Terrace Road SUMMERFIELD

352.735.2020 / MIDFLORIDAEYE.COM

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a disease that damages your optic nerve and causes vision loss. The optic nerve is responsible for transmitting visual information from your eyes to your brain. Glaucoma usually occurs when there is increased pressure within the eye, known as intraocular pressure. This pressure buildup is related to damage over time, leading to gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision initially, and if left untreated, it can progress to complete blindness.

In common cases of glaucoma, the drainage system doesn’t work properly, causing the uid to accumulate and raise the pressure inside the eye. The exact reasons why the drainage system fails can vary and may include factors like genetics, age, or certain medical conditions.

HOW IS GLAUCOMA DIAGNOSED?

This silent disease is diagnosed through a series of eye examinations and testing. It’s important to detect glaucoma early to prevent vision loss or slow down its progression. The main steps involved in diagnosing glaucoma are as follows:

• Eye Pressure Measurement: The rst step is to check the pressure inside the eye using a simple and painless test called tonometry. This helps identify if the eye pressure is higher than normal, which is a common sign of glaucoma.

• Visual Field Test: A visual eld test, also known as perimetry, is conducted to evaluate your peripheral vision.

• Optic Nerve Evaluation: The doctor will examine the optic nerve at the back of your eye to look for any signs of damage, such as thinning or cupping of the optic nerve, which can be indicative of glaucoma.

• Gonioscopy: This test involves using a special lens to examine the drainage angle of the eye to determine if it is open or closed, which helps classify the type of glaucoma.

• Imaging Tests: Imaging tests like Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) are used to get detailed images of the optic nerve and the nerve ber layer. These images provide valuable information about the health of the optic nerve and its surrounding structures.

HOW IS GLAUCOMA TREATED?

The mainstay of glaucoma therapy is currently focused on lowering intraocular pressure. This can be via eye drops, laser therapy, and in some cases oral medications. For more advanced cases of glaucoma, surgery is indicated. The choice of treatment depends on the type and severity of glaucoma, as well as other individual factors. The goal of treatment is to control eye pressure in order to slow down the progression of the disease. Early detection and consistent management are essential in managing glaucoma successfully. It’s essential to have regular eye exams, especially as you get older, to catch glaucoma early and take appropriate measures to protect your vision.

Expert: WILLIAM PLUM, MD

What should you look for when purchasing a puppy?

The rst thing people need to decide is what breed they would like to purchase, and this should be done according to their lifestyle. People who live in apartments probably should get a lower-energy breed. You also need to decide what your expectations for companionship are going to be. Do you want a dog you can go out jogging with or do you want a dog that is going to wait at home for you and sit on your lap?

Then you need to decide whether you want to buy a purebred registered puppy or one of our designer breeds, which is usually a cross between two or more breeds. Once you decide on a breed, you need to research that breed, not only for its behavior and your expectations, but also for health issues that genetically run in that breed. A good source is your veterinarian, such as the veterinarians at Belleview Veterinary Hospital. Speak to your veterinarian about your desired breed and they can give you some good techniques or questions to ask the breeder.

Now it’s time to research your breeder, and that may involve going to the internet or social media. Remember, not everything you read there is true, but it’s a tool that can be used. Ask the breeder for references, such as other families that have purchased animals from the breeder and the breeder’s veterinarian. Ask their veterinarian about any health issues their dogs may have and make sure they’re cared for properly. Visit the puppy and its environment to see the living conditions and health of the puppy.

Do not purchase a puppy without a Florida state health certi cate. The health certi cate is not only going to let you know that the puppy was physically checked out by a veterinarian before the date of purchase, but it will also guarantee a warranty within the statutes of the pet lemon law. It’s illegal for breeders to sell a puppy without a health certi cate in Florida, and without one, you also have no reconciliation if there’s a problem.

When a veterinarian issues a health certi cate, it means the puppy is in good health and t for sale, it’s free of intestinal parasites and received its rst set of vaccines and a deworming. Further vaccines will be needed, usually within the rst two weeks of purchase.

The doctors and sta at Belleview Veterinary Hospital can help guide you through this process to make sure you wind up with a healthy, happy puppy.

Expert: DR. CARA ERWIN-OLIVER Veterinarian at Belleview Veterinary Hospital

10725 SE 36th Ave., BELLEVIEW

352.347.3900 / Emergency line: 352.266.0836 belleviewveterinaryhospital.com

Center?

Cardiovascular disease kills more Americans than the next five leading causes of death combined, according to the American Heart Association. When it comes to concerns about your heart or circulation, it is imperative to seek care from well-trained medical physicians who possess vast experience, stay abreast of the latest advancements in the field, and provide appropriate care for your individual needs.

Dr. Georg Couturier is one such physician. Since opening his practice in 2011, Village Heart and Vein has gained a stellar reputation for providing comprehensive cardiac and vascular care. In fact, Dr. Couturier made Castle Connolly’s prestigious Top Doctors list after being nominated by his peers in the medical industry.

Dr. Couturier is board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, the American Society of Echocardiography, the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology, the American Registry Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, the Society for Cardiac Computed Tomography, and the NASPE/Heart Rhythm

If I’m ever diagnosed with cardiovascular disease or peripheral artery diseases, why should I choose Village Heart and Vein

Society. He specializes in general cardiology, preventive cardiology and pacemaker and defibrillator implants.

He combines the newest technologies, advanced expertise, and personalized attention that patients demand and deserve. At Village Heart and Vein Center, all patients are thoroughly examined and properly educated so they can take control of their own health care.

Treatments offered at Village Heart and Vein Center include electrophysiology, which is the study and treatment of the electrical system of the heart. This treatment is for patients who may develop a heart arrhythmia, or abnormal beating of the heart. Pacemakers can help patients whose hearts are beating too slow. If one’s heart is beating too fast, they may undergo a procedure known as radiofrequency ablation. With this

procedure, a catheter is guided to the area of the heart muscle where damage has occurred. Radiofrequency energy is used to destroy tissue that triggers the abnormal heart rhythm.

Village Heart and Vein Center also treats peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is a narrowing and hardening of the arteries in the lower extremities due to plaque build-up.

According to the American Heart Association, this disease affects nearly 8 million Americans. If left untreated, PAD can lead to heart attack, stroke, gangrene, high blood pressure, erectile dysfunction, and limb loss. One treatment option is laser, which uses a catheter to emit high-energy light that vaporizes plaque and opens up blockages. Another treatment is the use of a Roto-Rooter, a rotating

drill that shreds plaque all around the vessel.

Here at Village Heart and Vein Center, we are committed to our patients’ well-being and, most importantly, their quality of life. We are dedicated to the health of our patients at both the professional level and also on an emotional level. Since each patient is unique, our treatment is tailored to a patient’s individual needs.

Simply put, the team at Village Heart and Vein Center is committed to forming a meaningful partnership with each patient. We serve as guiding hands toward better health and a life lived to the fullest.

Residents in The Villages and surrounding communities participate in many physical sports and activities. Their main concern is remaining active and healthy. The talented, experienced, and caring team at Village Heart and

What’s the Best Medicare Plan for Me?

There’s no right or wrong answer; deciding the “best” plan comes down to a few key points. Medicare Supplements are insurance policies that pay after original Medicare pays and, depending on the plan, supplements leave you with little or no money out of pocket. Medicare doesn’t have networks of providers so these policies allow use of any provider. Your monthly premium is set so costs are xed. Supplements can be “underwritten” — meaning your acceptance into the plan could be based on health questions. There are certain circumstances when these health questions don’t apply. For example, if you’re new to Medicare, you’re guaranteed acceptance for the rst 6 months. If you drop your employer group plan you have 63 days to apply for coverage with no health questions asked. These plans only pay if Medicare pays, and they o er little or no extra bene ts beyond original Medicare.

Medicare Advantage plans (also called Part C) are your other option. In this instance, Medicare contracts with private insurance companies to administer your healthcare. Medicare doesn’t pay individual claims; rather, they pay your advantage plan a set contracted rate each month on your behalf. Medicare Advantage plans must o er the same medical coverage as original Medicare. They generally include Part D and extras like dental, vision, hearing, etc.

There are networks to be mindful of: Choosing an HMO means you must use network providers, while a PPO allows you to use out-of-network providers at a higher cost. Medicare Advantage plans typically have no monthly premium outside of your Part B premium; however, you’ll pay copays when you receive care. There’s a limit to how much you can spend in copays per year. This limit is an “out-of-pocket maximum,” and it varies per plan. Most spend less per year on an Advantage plan over a Supplement and, although what’s spent in that year isn’t a set amount, the maximum out-of-pocket limit is your nancial protection.

In a nutshell, with a Medi Gap plan you’ll pay a premium each month but no copays; Medicare Advantage has no monthly premium, but there are copays up to a maximum per year.

Not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. By contacting us you agree that a licensed agent may call or e-mail to discuss Medicare Advantage, Prescription Drug Plans or Medicare Supplement Insurance.

How to identify Geographic Atrophy?

Vision loss can sneak up you. Some vision changes are normal as we age but can be signs of a more serious condition.

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in people over the age of 60. Some patients with advanced AMD will develop geographic atrophy, which involves permanent damage and loss of tissue in the center of the retina, known as the macula.

“If you think of the retina as the lm of the camera, this is in the center of that lm,” says Matthew Cunningham, MD, FASRS, a vitreoretinal specialist and Clinical Trial Director with Florida Retina Institute.

“Geographic atrophy is serious because of its progressive nature and its location in the macula. It’s basically missing tissue of the retinal pigment epithelial layer,” explains Dr. Cunningham. “This causes di culty reading, driving, and takes a toll on the overall visual acuity in our patients with this condition.”

SYMPTOMS OF GEOGRAPHIC ATROPHY MAY INCLUDE:

• Loss of vision or blurry spots in the central eld of vision

• Di culty reading in low light

• Colors appear faded

• Trouble seeing ne details

Expert: MATTHEW CUNNINGHAM, MD, FASRS

Vitreoretinal Specialist with Florida Retina Institute

1025 Primera Blvd., LAKE MARY 407.333.1570 / floridaretinainstitute.com

Contributing factors include family history, smoking, extensive sun exposure, obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

“The problem with geographic atrophy is that it spreads. The patient’s vision will progressively worsen as it involves the center of the macula, known as the fovea,” says Dr. Cunningham.

The condition can be diagnosed with a dilated eye exam, which is recommended annually for patients over the age of 65. If you have been diagnosed with AMD, you may need a dilated eye exam every six months depending on the severity.

“We now have two medications that give retina specialists treatment options for patients with the devastating condition known as geographic atrophy,” notes Dr. Cunningham. “This is exciting because for so many years, we told patients we have nothing to o er. At least now we have something that can slow this process.”

Syfovre® has been available for about six months. Izervay™ recently received FDA approval and becomes available this September.

“These are intravitreal injections that are done every four to eight weeks. While they are not curative, the goal of treatment is to slow down the rate of geographic atrophy spread,” says Dr. Cunningham. “It does not reverse damage already done, but the fact that we can potentially slow down the process is exciting for retina specialists around the world.”

Up to 20 percent of patients with AMD will develop geographic atrophy. These new therapies can hopefully maintain their vision longer. More clinical trials are underway and retina specialists are optimistic about additional treatment options in the future.

Private Duty services involve providing clients with assistance needed for them to carry out day-today activities more easily, but from the comfort of their own home and with the utmost safety protocols in mind.

What

are Private Duty services?

Expert: ANDREA SMART

Director of Private Duty at Lake Centre Home Care

310 Market St. LEESBURG

352.315.0050 / www.golchc.com

Medicare Certified Home Health Agency

License No. HHA299992424

The basic idea is that our nurses come to you and assist with services that include bathing/showering, dressing, toileting/brief changes, meal preparations, ambulation, grocery shopping/running errands, picking up prescriptions, and range of motion (ROM) exercises. Also included is help with basic light housekeeping, laundry, changing linens/making the bed, medication reminders, transportation to appointments, rides to a beauty salon/barber shop, pet care, respite services and companion care.

DOES LAKE CENTRE HOME CARE OFFER PRIVATE DUTY?

Yes, Lake Centre Home Care is a Certi ed Home Health Agency that also o ers Private Duty Services to clients who live in Lake, Sumter, and Marion Counties. We are a licensed agency, and

we are committed to positively impacting the well-being of those we serve by assisting each client in reaching his or her potential by delivering the highest standard of care in a safe home environment.

WHO CARRIES OUT PRIVATE DUTY SERVICES FOR CLIENTS AND FOR HOW LONG IS ASSISTANCE PROVIDED?

Private Duty involves non-skilled services that utilize certified nursing assistants, home health aides and companions. The frequency of the visits depends on the client’s needs and requests. Lake Centre Home Care requires a 4-hour minimum and can provide up to 24 hours each day. Frequency is based on client requests.

ARE PRIVATE DUTY SERVICES COVERED BY INSURANCE AND DO I NEED A REFERRAL?

If in need of Private Duty services, you are welcome to call us and get

24-hour, around the clock care, and the request does not have to be ordered through your physician. Such services are not covered by most insurances and are considered an out-of-pocket expense, but some long-term care policies pay for a portion of these services. Each policy is different and depends on the Long-Term Insurance Company. If interested, know clients are required to pay Lake Centre Home Care directly for services. Clients will then need to file for reimbursement directly through their policy provider. At Lake Centre Home Care, however, we provide the Long-Term Insurance Company all the documents they require for your reimbursement.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST BENEFICIAL ASPECTS OF PRIVATE DUTY?

Private Duty is like aging in place, or aging in your home with help from Lake Centre Home Care nursing assistants and other qualified members of staff who provide you with the services you

need in the comfort of your own home. Studies show that anyone who ages in a familiar place stays healthier longer. Knowing that, what we do is focus on helping people with what they need done, so they can stay independent longer and in their homes for as long as they can. Our goal is to get our patients and clients to live their best life.

WHAT ARE LAKE CENTRE HOME CARES’ BELIEFS WHEN IT COMES TO PRIVATE DUTY CARE?

• Providing clients with the services they need in the comfort of their own homes

• Delivering the highest standard of care using a patient-centered approach

• Rendering professional services with care and devotion to people in need

• Listening attentively and o ering professional and humane views

• Being courteous and respectful to all

• Getting our patients and clients to live their best lives

• Building a healthy community for all

• Helping patients reach their utmost potential “ Studies show that anyone who ages in a familiar place stays healthier longer.

Expert: DR. USMAN BAJWA Doctor of Internal Medicine at Aegis Medical Group

8491 S.E. 165th Mulberry Lane THE VILLAGES 352.775.1261 / aegismedicalgroup.com

Do statins cause dementia?

atients who have high cholesterol often have other risk factors associated with dementia such as hypertension and diabetes, so it is very important to separate these risk factors. Many people take statins to reduce the risk of heart attacks and stroke and there have been many studies that have looked to see if this appears to alter the risk of dementia. When all the data was analyzed, there was no association found. In fact, those who take statins had a 29% reduced risk of developing dementia.

WHAT EFFECTS DOES UNCONTROLLED DIABETES HAVE ON THE BODY?

Uncontrolled diabetes means blood sugar levels are too high even if one is being treated. If it’s not treated, it can lead to a host of other complications. Nearly every organ in the body can be a ected including the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, nerves, GI tract, teeth, and gums. To control or reverse diabetes complications, some patients must make only small lifestyle changes while others need medication or even surgery. Best practices to treat diabetes and slow down complications are to keep your blood sugar levels under control by eating healthy, exercising regularly, losing weight, avoid smoking, treating hypertension and high cholesterol.

CAN UNMANAGED BLOOD PRESSURE LEAD TO HYPERTENSIVE HEART DISEASE?

Hypertensive heart disease develops over many years in patients who have elevated blood pressure. This includes conditions like heart failure, heart arrhythmias and many others. One out of every three adults in the United States su ers from hypertension, but only half of them are able to manage their blood pressure successfully. Hypertensive heart disease is the number one cause of illness and death due to hypertension. The risk of hypertensive heart disease can be decreased with lifestyle changes such as exercising regularly, keeping a healthy body weight, and eating healthy. Blood pressure should be checked once a year in every individual above 18 years of age. If the numbers are high, the readings should be checked more often. Home monitoring with a simple blood pressure cu can be an easy way to monitor blood pressure. All in all, managing your lifestyle mindfully is the simplest way to maintain healthy blood pressure levels in adults of all ages.

How can I facilitate long-term care planning for my loved one?

First and foremost, when planning for long-term care, you should consider securing an advocate to guide you through the process. Even people that are in health care get overwhelmed with the system without advocacy, so it’s an important first step.

A guiding light in the sea of healthcare, our team here at Tri-County Caregiver Resource Center helps families navigate all of their senior care options, including health care emergencies, hospital stays, rehabilitation centers and programs, finding the right senior living communities and appropriate level of assistance, care at home and numerous other resources to support aging loved ones.

First, we understand their needs so we can effectively advocate for the best cost scenario toward their financial obligations. We also help veterans trying to access their benefits and assist caregivers by educating them on available resources.

One of the most powerful educational programs we offer is a day-long bus tour that stops at various independent and assisted care facilities. This allows our clients to catch a glimpse of continuous care options and offerings available in their area.

We also look into additional resources that may be covered by health insurance and available in the community, including support groups, meal delivery, transportation, child visits, longdistance family communications, and patient visits in the hospital and at rehabilitation centers.

For us, it’s all about teaching people about using the right language with professionals to get seniors the help and resources they need and looking at the senior’s big picture financially, socially, clinically, and emotionally. Whatever the senior or your loved one needs or wants is how the path is created. We’re not coming in with an agenda to push assisted living or home care.

All of our conversations start with “What are your goals and what services can we provide to help you meet those goals?”

We’re not a placement agency, but true advocates consisting of experienced nurses, social workers, and concierge homebound physicians who can come to your home and facilitate difficult moments in your care planning journey.

Experts:

STEPHANIE SCOTT-GARDNER

Long-Term Care Insurance Policy Holder’s Advocate

ANGELA DAVIS

Health Care Advocate/Care Coordinator

AMY CEARLEY

CEO/Founder

SUSIE PRATT

Health Care Advocate

DOLLY MCCRANIE, RN, BSN, ACM

Chief Nursing O cer, Health Care Advocate

561 Fieldcrest Drive, THE VILLAGES 918 Rolling Acres Rd, Ste 8, LADY LAKE 352.775.2952 / tricountycaregiverresourcecenter.org

Change the Skin You’re In!

This holds especially true with your skin. You look in the mirror and fine lines and wrinkles are visible. It’s nobody’s fault. It just happens. We all experience it. But why?

Collagen is vital for skin support and elasticity. But after the age of 20, your skin produces one percent less collagen a year. And as skin loses collagen, the results can be frustratingly visible--fine lines and wrinkles, and more.

Collagen loss is a natural part of the aging process, but it can be accelerated by factors such as sun exposure, smoking, and medical conditions.

The good news is there are treatments to help collagen reproduction--like microchanneling--that can transform your skin.

Since opening in 2017, Renew Day Spa, has worked to provide treatments that result in transformations and results for their clients.

NANOSTAMP 360™

The Renew Day Spa team is excited to introduce microchanneling and nanoinfusion with the NanoStamp360™, a medical-grade skin rejuvenation device uniquely designed to aid in collagen reproduction.

The NanoStamp 360™ system boosts skin’s regenerative capabilities leaving it looking younger and healthier. It offers game-changing skin and hair rejuvenation with minimally invasive treatments.

“The ability to provide multiple treatments with one device will provide our clients endless possibilities,” note owners Tim and Dina Simpson.

If you are wanting your skin to feel rejuvenated, NanoStamp 360™ is the perfect solution.

The most common areas targeted for anti-aging are the face, neck, and chest. The abdomen and thighs can also be treated for stretch marks. Microchanneling has also proven effective for hair regrowth.

The number of treatments required for noticeable results depends on the skin’s condition. Over time, the process builds new collagen, improving skin texture and appearance.

Nanoinfusion can be done every one to two weeks while microchanneling can be done every four to six weeks.

Experts: JAIMIE DAUGHTRY, KRISTEN BOWERSOX, ALEXANDRIA KANE

As the saying goes, “Father Time wins all battles.”

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MICROCHANNELING AND MICRONEEDLING?

“Although microneedling has been around for quite some time and has provided good results for skin, at depths of up to 2.5mm, microneedling isn’t always the best option and has been described as pro-aging versus anti-aging,” explains esthetician Alexandria Kane, a graduate of Elise Esthetics Institute and Spa.

Microchanneling is a minimally invasive alternative to stimulate the skin to rebuild collagen. Over time, the repeated process will build new collagen, improving the surface texture and the appearance of your skin.

“Microchanneling penetrates at shallower depths between 0.25mm and 0.5mm, e ectively repairing skin and promoting collagen reproduction in the dermis,” adds Alexandria.

Estheticians have debated that the penetration process at shallower depths will more e ectively repair skin.

HOW CAN NANOINFUSION BENEFIT YOUR SKIN?

“Nanoinfusion is a method of delivery used during a facial that pulsates on the skin with a gliding motion. It provides an increased level of penetration and absorption of products to produce improved results,” explains Jaimie Daughtry, a graduate of the International School of Skin in Roswell, Georgia.

Since opening, Renew Day Spa has partnered with Farmhouse Fresh® to provide facials with all-natural ingredients.

WHEN CAN I EXPECT TO SEE RESULTS AND HOW LONG DO THE RESULTS LAST?

“You’ll typically notice an improvement in the quality and appearance of your skin within the rst 24

“The ability to provide nanoinfusion in conjunction with one of our facials, will elevate your experience,” says Jaimie. “Nanoinfusion improves the overall tone and texture of skin, helping to improve ne lines, wrinkles, scarring, pigmentation, and more.”

your journey.

Busy men and women can experience stress as a result of not taking time for themselves. Renew Day Spa o ers a carefully crafted menu of spa treatments designed to help reduce stress, ensuring you have peace of mind and the healthy lifestyle you deserve.

Don’t let time be an excuse. Enjoy microchanneling, cryo fat loss, massage, body treatments, the infrared sauna and more. Let the team help you live a stress-free life for a healthier you!

SPECIAL OFFER

For readers of Lake & Sumter Style Magazine, Renew Day Spa would like to o er one FREE microchanneling treatment when you commit to a series of four treatments. Call today to schedule your next facial with Alexandira, Jaimie or Kristen.

agenda

EVENTS. TRAVEL. PEOPLE.

EVENT

AWESOME SALSA

Appreciate salsa floor and on your chips? If so, don’t miss Clermont’s Sips & Salsa Festival Park. You’ll enjoy cultural cuisine through a variety of exquisite dishes, live salsa music and dancing, a chihuahua race, domino tournament, and a kid’s zone.

September 23 / Waterfront Park / 100 3rd St., Clermont / 352.394.3500

sep. ON STAGE

Enjoy quality entertainment on the many stages of Lake and Sumter counties.

KEEP ON TRUCKIN’

9/8 – 9/24

Bay Street Players presents “Hands on a Hard Body, ” a story about 10 down-ontheir-luck Texans who compete to keep one hand on a brand-new truck in order to win it. This hilarious musical comedy is based on true events.

Bay Street Players 109 N. Bay St., Eustis / 352.357.7777

WHAT A HOOT

9/9 – 10/2

Sonnentag Theatre at the IceHouse presents “The Owl and the Pussycat, ” a story about Felix, an unpublished writer, who experiences trouble when Doris, an aspiring model and actress, appears at his door late at night.

Sonnentag Theatre at the IceHouse

1100 N. Unser St., Mount Dora / 352.383.3133

WIRED FOR PERFECTION

9/23

EVENT

A CROWNING AFFAIR

Contestants will compete for crowns in various age groups at the 37th annual Miss Leesburg Scholarship Pageant. Winners will spend a year participating in community service projects throughout Lake and Sumter counties.

September 23 / Leesburg High School 1401 Yellow Jacket Way, Leesburg / 352.255.3508

The band Chicago produced 21 top 10 singles, five consecutive No. 1 albums, and five gold singles. Relive the band’s music through Chicago Rewired, which touts itself as the premiere Chicago tribute band.

Clermont Performing Arts Center

3700 S. Hwy. 27., Clermont / 352.394.4800

OCT 3

EVENT

On the right side of the law

During National Night Out, the Clermont Police Department as well as other law-enforcement agencies throughout the country—promotes police/community partnerships to make our neighborhoods safer. Law enforcement officers will happily discuss issues that are important to residents.

October 3 / Waterfront Park 100 3rd St. Clermont / 352.708.5989

Let us help you get the word out!

send

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

sep.JAMS

Move

9/3 @ 7pm

THE VILLAGES

PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

The Sharon, The Villages

9/8 @ 7pm

BOBBY RANDALL AND THE OBO BAND

Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale

9/8 @ 7pm

CARL AND KAT

Ski Beach Bar and Grill, Leesburg

9/9 @ 5pm

C.O.D. FLORIDA

Hurricane Dockside Grill, Tavares

9/9 @ 7pm

ALABAMA TRIBUTE

Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale

9/16 @ 5pm

C.O.D. FLORIDA

Hurricane Dockside Grill, Tavares

9/16 @ 6pm

CARL AND KAT

Fraternal Order of Eagles 4273, Okahumpka

9/16 @ 7pm

HANK WILLIAMS 100TH

BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE

Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale

9/22 @ 5:30pm

DENNIE AND THE JETS

American Legion Post 347, Lady Lake

9/22 @ 7pm

CARL AND KAT

Ski Beach Bar and Grill, Leesburg

9/22 @ 8pm

REO SURVIVOR

Clermont Performing

Arts Center, Clermont

9/23 @ noon

33 YEARS

Lakeridge Winery, Clermont

9/23 @ 7pm

PERLEY CURTIS AND LEONA WILLIAMS

Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale

9/23 @ 7pm

DENNIE AND THE JETS

Royal Harbor, Tavares

9/23 @ 8pm

CHICAGO REWIRED

Clermont Performing Arts Center, Clermont

9/29 @ 7pm

BOBBY RANDALL AND THE OBO BAND

Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale

9/29 @ 7pm

CIMARRON

The Sharon, The Villages

9/30 @ 6pm

SOUND THEORY BAND

Suncreek Brewery, Clermont

Here’s the scoop

Meet a man whose music and ice cream are real treats.

f you happen to hear the owner of Mystic Ice Cream singing a few lines or playing his trumpet, you’ll quickly realize that he is

“I’m fortunate to have the gifts God has given me,” says Darrell Day. “Because performing background, I am able to use my gifts to enhance the experience of our customers when they

Darrell, 66, is not exaggerating when His father, Joe, was a guitarist/singer, and his mother, Opal, performed and toured through the Midwest in the 1940s. It was only natural for Darrell to

“My parents had me singing in church when I was a child. I started playing piano at age 7, learned guitar from my dad, and started playing trumpet at

Darrell studied conducting and composition at Eastern Kentucky University and majored in voice. He became an opera singer, which explains why he speaks German and Italian. Darrell sang with the Greater Miami Opera Company and toured with “Follies on Broadway” in Europe in the early ’80s. He also worked at the Metropolitan Opera in New York.

“Opera has always been my love; it’s an entire 3-D experience,” says Darrell, who sang with opera legends Placido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti.

For 40 years, Darrell made his living as a composer and conductor. Originally from Versailles, Indiana, he has called Central Florida home since 2013. Not long after moving to Florida, Darrell met his wife, Lisa. The couple is a Christian Mingle success story and have been happily married for eight years. Between them, they have ve adult children — Megan, Tom, Ryan, Garrett, and Nicholas.

The ice cream business entered the picture when the Days bought Mystic Ice Cream from Je Markow in 2019.

“Two months later the pandemic hit. We’d just invested money in this new business and now everything was shutting down,” recalls Darrell.

“Our prayer has always been, ‘How do we serve our community?’ We opened the front window and sold ice cream that way and also bought an ice cream truck.”

Since then, the Days have expanded Mystic Ice Cream to three shops with a fourth soon to open in Summer eld.

“Lisa and I walk out our faith. The goal is about making life better for others,” says Darrell. “It’s all about relationships. We’re just thankful to be here.”

For more information, visit www.mysticicecream.com

INTERVIEWER: CYNTHIA MCFARLAND

PHOTO: NICOLE HAMEL

A HAWAIIAN DREAM

@ LEESBURG ≈ PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL. The Leesburg Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2nd Annual Immersive Spring Fling—luau style—on May 12 at the Venetian Center in Leesburg, was a big hit. Attendees, most in tropical attire, were transported to Hawaii via elaborate décor and a delicious feast of island favorites, including roasted pig. Live entertainment featured exotic re twirlers, hula dancers, drummers, and more. The celebration was sponsored by RoMac Building Supply.

Ma’healani Kamau, Lyndsey Kamau, Keoki McGowan, Akilei Malo, Mariela Chavez, & Terina McGowan

Taylor Boyd & Cobe Smalley

Dee & Josh Turnage with Netane Polynesian Productions Company

Daniel Miller, Sarah Bass, Makala Beaver, & Lea Barnwell

Chris & Sheila Kewley

Jacob Moore & Torissa Spivey

Jeff Moore

Scan this code to view all photos on lakeandsumterstyle.com.

BIKER BASH

@ LEESBURG ≈ PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL.

Leesburg’s Gator Harley-Davidson celebrated its 30th anniversary with an all-day ‘Dirty 30 Party’ complete with a bikini bike wash, bikini contest, men’s hot bod contest, bike show, and live musical entertainment by Hypersona. Cash prizes of $500 were awarded to the winners of the bikini, hot bod, and best in show bike contests. Food and drinks were available for purchase, along with licensed merchandise and aftermarket parts and accessories.

WHERE'S MY PIC?!

Hyper, Reply, Doowop, & Gabby (Bikers Street Names)

Jillian Olofson, Tony Cianci, Danny Lopez, & Lisa Smith

Kyle Williams, Steve Pierce, & Christopher Strongs

Carrie Creachbaum, Lindsey Murdock, & Nikki Smith

Carolynn Bayne & Stacey Drosos

Lion Heart & T.P. (US Military Vets)

Lisa Barton

Rich & Gloria Berger

Experience Luxury Senior Living at HarborChase

FRONT ROW FANATICS

@ LEESBURG ≈ PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL. VIP tickets that opened doors to a variety of amenities and special perks were available for purchase when the Leesburg Partnership’s three-day BikeFest rolled into downtown Leesburg in April. VIP perks included access to a VIP tent with an unbeatable view of the main stage, where Warrant, Buckcherry, and Whey Jennings performed. VIP ticketholders also enjoyed a cash bar, hors d’oeuvres, and air-conditioned restrooms.

Scan this code to view all photos on lakeandsumterstyle.com.

WHERE'S MY PIC?!

Keith & Donna Riddle with Donna Cooke

Vicki, Alice, Beau, Ryan, Jeremy, Kim, & Liz

Victoria Shorter

Emory & Paula Frazier with Charles Griffith Jr.

Melissa & Brian Andreichuk

Brian Brooks, Phil & Linda Braun, Sandi Moore, Leah & Eric Conner

Tim Barber, Tyler Albert, & Victoria Rosell

Do you want to have AN IMPACT ON SOCIETY?

CONSIDER

Located in Mount Dora, Abundant Life Nursing School offers patient-centered nursing programs and continuing education.

NURSING! 352.720.6322 License: 701165 License: 6248

ALNS OFFERS:

Class Sizes

For more information on ALNS programs and enrollment, scan here: or email us at Admissions@AbundantLifeNursingSchool.com 2799 W Old US Hwy 441, Mount Dora

Providing a strong nursing education

hen we think of professions that are often described the top of the list. Nurses

education classes such as AHCA Medication Assistant, APD Basic Medication Administration, and CPR/ First Aide.

“Students will nd several advantages in enrolling in our school, including smaller class sizes, a ordable payment plans, and schedules to accommodate working people.”

The school can achieve this through its highly educated sta and faculty.

“I’m very proud to have a sta and faculty of caring, devoted, and innovative people who are highly respected in the eld of nursing,” Patricia says.

Patricia spent most of her childhood in Mount Dora. A 2004 graduate of Alee Academy, she attended LakeSumter State College and currently owns a home health agency that serves Lake County.

located in the scenic and historic town of Mount Dora. Patricia Allen, a nurse since 2008, opened the nursing school in 2017. Her school prepares nurses with real-world experience to take on crucial responsibilities, critical decision-making, and leadership positions.

Abundant Life Nursing School’s o ers several programs, including Practical Nursing, Patient Care Technician, and Home Health Aide. In addition, the school o ers continuing

Patricia earned an associate of science in nursing (ASN) degree from LakeSumter State College and bachelor of science in nursing at the University of Phoenix. She is currently working on her master’s degree in nursing from South University.

Ena-Lorraine Ebanks, the school’s director of education instructor, earned a master’s degree in nursing from Chamberlin College of Nursing in St. Louis. She served as supervisor of nursing at Johns Hopkins University. Deborah Stevenson, an instructor at the school, earned a master’s degree in nursing from Clarkson College. She formerly taught at ECPI University in Orlando.

For her, it’s a point of pride to produce nursing students who seek employment locally.

“Our goal is to create a higher quality of nurses who will raise the standard of care in our community,” Patricia says.

Abundant Life Nursing School properly prepares students to enter healthcare.

menu

Hawaiian-inspired Poke Bowls, which are full of fresh and healthy ingredients, have made their way to The Villages.

FORK ON THE ROAD

SCORCHING SUCCESS

Father-daughter duo ignites culinary passion with Fire Rock Pizza.

STORY AND PHOTOS: CINDY PETERSON

n 2022, Fire Rock Pizza, a one-of-a-kind restaurant in downtown Leesburg, sparked from the kindling of a shared family dream.

“I’ve had this concept in my head for a number of years,” says Jack Foreman, who shares ownership with wife Joy and daughter Trina Dye. “But it wasn’t until our daughter wanted to open a restaurant that we decided to jump in together.”

Although Jack had worked for pizza companies in his earlier years, he holds a degree in art and spent most of his career on massive

projects for entertainment giants like Disney and Universal.

Around the year 2000, Jack and Joy became foster parents, and Trina is one of 12 foster kids the couple adopted. Trina was 9 when she came to live with them, and they o cially adopted her at age 12.

“Oddly enough, I was made perfect for them,” Trina says. “I’m an artist just like dad. I also worked for Disney, and I’ve pretty much followed in his footsteps. Now we are running a restaurant together.”

Trina spent many years in the restaurant industry and always hoped she’d have the opportunity to call the

shots one day. When a restaurant she was working at closed and the owner put the equipment up for sale, Trina immediately called her dad.

“I had thrown this concept of a pizza place to her, and she was all-in,” Jack says. “So, we got the equipment and went to work.”

The lady who was selling the equipment also happened to own the building now occupied by Fire Rock Pizza.

“Trina is really the talent behind the restaurant,” Jack says. “She has a very unique way of making things and is always looking to make new items and improve recipes.”

ON THE MENU

Fire Rock Pizza isn’t your typical greasy and round pizza joint. Think fresh and at. As in, pizzas built on 5” x 12” atbreads that can be customized for every preference, including vegetarian and gluten-free options.

“We wanted some place where everyone would be happy,” Jack says. “Everyone gets what they want on their pizza, and it’s the perfect size for an individual.”

Create-your-own begins with the sauce. Choose from their signature tomato sauce, spicy tomato sauce, Alfredo or hummus. Then comes

the cheese: mozzarella, house blend, parmesan, ricotta, and feta. Add your choice of meats: ham, pepperoni, bacon, sausage, chicken, pulled pork or meatball. Then nish it o with veggies: onions, black olives, mushrooms, tomatoes, bell peppers, jalapeños, garbanzo beans, black beans, spinach, banana peppers, or pineapple. Yes, they emphasize that pineapple de nitely belongs on pizza.

They also o er signature house pizzas which include the veggie lovers, meat lovers, cheese lovers, BBQ (chicken or pulled pork), the All-American with ground beef, bacon, cheddar jack and onion. Their most

popular is the Hawaiian, but with a twist. It features Alfredo sauce, house blend cheese, pulled pork, pineapple, ham, and bacon.

To complement the pizzas, the restaurant o ers bone-in chicken wings, handmade soft pretzels with beer cheese, Caesar and house salads with a build-your-own option. Homemade desserts include cinnamon buns, fresh-baked cookies and a twist on the classic apple or cherry pie. They also have half pizza/half salad specials, along with rotating daily specials like the Taco Tuesday pizza.

ALFREDO

SAUCE

(Base of Fire Rock Hawaiian Pizza recipe)

INGREDIENTS :

6 tbsp unsalted butter

1 tbsp minced garlic

2 tbsp all purpose flour

11/2 cups heavy cream

11/2 cups milk

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:

In a large skillet, melt butter then add in the minced garlic. When mixed, whisk in the flour, then the heavy cream. Add the milk and continue whisking until smooth. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and add salt and pepper to taste.

FIRE ROCK HAWAIIAN PIZZA

INGREDIENTS :

1 Flatbread

1/2 cup Alfredo sauce

1/2 cup cheddar and mozzarella blend cheese

1/4 cup chopped ham

1/4 cup cooked bacon, chopped

1/4 cup cooked pulled pork

1/4 cup pineapple chunks

BBQ sauce for drizzle

FLATBREAD RECIPE:

11/2 cups all-purpose flour

11/2 tsp baking powder

3/4 tsp sea salt

2 tbsp olive oil

1/2 cup lukewarm water

1/2 tsp olive oil, for cooking

DIRECTIONS:

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine dry ingredients. Add wet ingredients and stir. Then begin using your hands to knead the dough together. Cover and let rest for 15 minutes. Divide the dough into two equal portions and flour your work surface. Use a rolling pin to form ovals or rectangles. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over high heat on the stove. Once the skillet is hot, place one flatbread on its surface. Let the flatbread cook for about 2-3 minutes, until bubbles form on the surface. Flip the flatbread and cook for an additional 2 minutes or so.

ASSEMBLE AND BAKE:

Top flatbread with desired amount of Alfredo sauce, followed by the cheese blend, ham, bacon, pulled pork and pineapple. Cover with more cheese, then add a drizzle of BBQ sauce. Bake in oven at 400 degrees for 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and crust is brown. Cut and enjoy!

Create-your-own beginswiththe sauce. Choose from: SIGNATURE TOMATO SPICYALFREDOTOMATO HUMMUS

EXTRA , E X T RA!

owners Jack Foreman and Trina Dye

New soft pretzel charcuterie board

SOFT BOILED EGGS:

FIRE ROCK HOUSE SALAD

TONKOTSU RAMEN

INGREDIENTS :

INGREDIENTS :

1 cup romaine heart, chopped

1/2 cup of your favorite noodles, cooked

1 cup spinach

1/4 cup bell pepper

2 tbsp. of your favorite dashi (Japanese soup stock) or soy sauce

1/4 cup onions, sliced

11/4 cup of Tonkotsu broth

1/4 cup tomato, chopped

Take 2 eggs and boil 3 quarts of water. When water is boiling, add 3 tablespoons of white vinegar. Place eggs and cook for 6 minutes. Have an ice bath ready. Place in ice bath and peel. In a bowl, mix 1 quart soy sauce, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 cup water. Mix well. Place peeled eggs in this base until ready to use.

PORK BELLY:

FAMOUS CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

(Makes 12 3-ounce cookies)

INGREDIENTS :

21/4 cups all purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup butter, softened

1/4 cup cucumber, chopped

2 1-oz pieces of pork belly

1/4 cup mushrooms

1/4 cup black olives

3 grams scallions

1/2 cup feta or goat cheese

2 soft boiled eggs

3 lbs. pork belly

1 cup brown sugar

About The Funky Monkey

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 egg

3 tbsp. salt and pepper mix

1 tbsp. chili flakes

OPTIONAL:

3 mushrooms, sliced Dressing of choice

1 tsp vanilla

21/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

1 cup soy sauce

DIRECTIONS:

1/2 tsp. of monosodium glutamate (MSG) as a flavor enhancer

DIRECTIONS:

Chop the romaine heart and mix together with spinach. Top with all your favorite toppings. Pair with a balsamic or dressing of choice.

DIRECTIONS:

TONKOTSU BROTH:

1 lb. pork neck

1 lb. pork fatback

1 lb. pig feet

1 lb. pork bones

1 medium onion

5 mashed garlic cloves

1 thumb sized ginger piece

DIRECTIONS:

Run cold water over the bones. Put in a stock pot and cover with cold water. Bring to boil. Empty water. Yes, dump it. Return pot to stove and cover with cold water again. Bring to a soft boil. Add remaining ingredients. Cover and let cook for minimum 18 hours. Broth will get low a lot during this process. Just keep refilling with water. After 18 hours, the broth should be a soft cream color. Allow to cool.

Mix brown sugar with soy sauce, salt and pepper and chili flakes. Cover bottom of non-stick pan with oil. Place pork skin side down and let it get a nice hard sear. Place pork on aluminum foil. Rub soy mixture on the pork belly. Wrap and place in a 400 degree oven for 1.5 hours. Let cool for 30 to 45 minutes and slice.

MUSHROOMS:

1 cup black fungus (kikurage mushrooms)

8 cups water

DIRECTIONS:

Boil both together. Mushroom will double in size when it is done. Drain. Add some of egg mixture and sesame seeds. Mix well.

PLATE IT:

In a serving bowl, add the dashi or soy sauce first with the optional MSG. Then add the Tonkotsu broth, followed by the cooked noodles. Top with pork belly, soft boiled egg, mushrooms and scallions. Serve immediately or broth will congeal.

The Funky Monkey opened in 2021 in the upstairs dining area of the Renaissance Building in downtown Mount Dora. This is owner Rodrigo Morocho’s second restaurant. The first is The Frog and Monkey Restaurant and Pub, located just two floors down.

“Originally my brother-in-law and I opened it to offer a different atmosphere than The Frog and Monkey,” Rodrigo says. “It’s more of a laid-back gastrobar offering tapas, or small, sharable dishes.”

Heat oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl, mix flour, baking soda and salt together. Set aside. In a separate bowl, beat softened butter and sugars with an electric mixer on medium, or with a spoon until fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla until smooth. Stir in flour mixture until blended and add chocolate chips. On ungreased cookie sheets, make 4 tablespoonful hockey puck sized balls, placing them 3 inches apart. Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until light brown. The center will be soft. Cool

Rodrigo was looking for something that no one else offered in the area, so Dionne was a perfect fit with his extensive culinary skills.

The menu offers four of Dionne’s signature ramen bowls –tonkotsu, spicy miso, short rib and veggie. Other “big eats” include chaufa, a Peruvian-inspired fried rice with vegetables and choice of protein, steak frites (marinated skirt steak with chimichurri and asparagus), and the Funky Burger with a ground beef and pork patty topped with coleslaw, cheddar cheese and chimichurri.

FIRE ROCK PIZZA

712 W Main St. in Leesburg

Hours: Monday – Saturday 11am – 8pm

352.460.0423

www.pizzaleesburg.com

Their signature tapas (great for sharing) include charcuterie, empanadas, chicken or pork bao buns, chicken wings, potato croquettes, braised short rib, loco pulpo (braised and grilled octopus) and gambas (head on prawns with spicy butter).

Hey, readers! Do you have favorite recipes or know a chef we should profile? Comment on this article or send story ideas to cindy@akersmediagroup.com.

“Everyone gets what they want on their pizza, and it’s the perfect size for an individual.”

—JACK FOREMAN

CINDY PETERSON

Aloha fresh

Brownwood’s Island Fin Poké Co. offers bowls loaded with delectable flavor combinations.

ealthy? Check. Made with only the freshest of ingredients?

Check. A ordable? Check. Delicious? Check, check, and check again.

Yes, you need to try the food at Island Fin Poké Co., a restaurant at Brownwood Paddock Square in The Villages®.

“You can tell all the food here is extremely fresh, and for somebody who is super health conscious, tracks her food and pays attention to what she’s putting in her body, that’s really important,” says Orlando’s Nicole Freeman, who was visiting Island Fin Poké with friend Ann Rose from Ocala. Both ladies traveled halfway for lunch and a visit. “I love how they actually measure things out in their bowls as opposed to just plopping food in there. It makes a real di erence.”

Nicole’s comments are like soothing ocean waves breaking gently on the sand for Island Fin Poké Co. owners Frank and Jodi Michienzi, whose primary goal is making sure customers feel welcome, and by the time they leave, full, satis ed, and proud of themselves for choosing one of the healthiest options for eating out in the area.

“We love every person who comes in here and we want people to experience the same thing we did on our rst visit to Island Fin Poké Co. in Rhode Island,” says Nicole. “The minute we tasted the food, that was it, we were hooked, and now that’s our slogan: ‘One bite and you’re hooked.’”

For those unfamiliar with poké, it is a ‘build your own’ type dish featuring small bites of protein. In Hawaiian, poké means “to slice” or “cut crosswise into pieces.” The name refers to the slices or cubes of raw sh

served in a bowl with rice, dressing, vegetables, and seasonings.

At Island Fin Poké, a bowl starts with a base consisting of white or brown rice, mixed green salad, or premium options like zucchini noodles seasoned with a mild, medium, or spicy gluten-free soy sauce marinade. The next layer consists of di erent fruits and veggies, including seaweed salad, then 3.5 ounces of protein, either sushi grade salmon or tuna, cooked chicken, ceviche shrimp cooked with orange-lemon-lime juice, Korean BBQ chicken, blanched octopus, spam, or tofu. Lastly, you choose a nishing sauce, some crunchy toppings and seeds, and viola: a poké bowl is served.

Island Fin also serves beer and wine, plus mimosas made from the Dole Whip concoctions available for dessert.

STORY: ROXANNE BROWN ≈ PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL

Another highlight is that almost everything on the menu is gluten-free and Vegan friendly.

“I come here often during my workday because my job brings me to The Villages area. It’s always fresh and consistent, it’s a light lunch, which is nice, and it’s a ordable. Plus, the owners are awesome. They really take care of their customers,” says Chris Wilson, a physical therapy assistant and home health agent based in Lady Lake.

both hit the spot. After eating our Poké Bowls, we felt satis ed, but not overly full.

We also shared a Dole Whip freeze and mimosa.

Our satisfaction was enhanced by impeccable cleanliness throughout the restaurant, the freshness of all the ingredients, and the friendly and welcoming atmosphere created by Frank, Jodi, and all their employees.

tent to events and markets in the area so that more people experience the world of poké. And, whenever possible, they involve themselves with area schools and fundraisers associated with various organizations.

being uncorked, poured into a couple of glasses, and set on the table in front of us.

The best thing, however, was that feeling of home Alisha was so intent on creating that The Sipping Garden exudes. The center of the bistro looks like a living room straight out of Better Homes & Gardens.

“Another slogan we live by here is, ‘No friends, Ohana,’ and it really is that way. We treat everyone that comes in here like family,” says Jodi. “Our employees are on a rst-name basis with most of our regular customers and they’re like that with each other too.”

If that’s not enough, Jodi, an art enthusiast and 30-year sign language instructor, puts those skills to use at Island Fin Poké by o ering occasional Mod Podge and paint pour classes as announced.

On Sundays, you may spot Winnifred—her beloved ’67 Mustang—parked outside for pictures.

And the menu . . . from charcuterie boards, creamy burrata, and salads, to crostini topped with chicken salad, or prosciutto and Brie, mini crab cakes, cordon blue bites, and petite beef wellingtons, everything sounded tasty and well thought out.

After hearing good things about the place, Style Photographer Nicole Hamel and I stopped by to taste Island Fin Poké’s bowls for ourselves. We were not disappointed.

Nicole ordered sushi, but I stuck with cooked proteins, though I did sample the seaweed salad and ceviche shrimp. Both were rather tasty. And

Additionally, Alisha daily makes homemade soup. We enjoyed her delicious broccoli cheese soup served with two slices of toasted crostini.

We also tried, and loved, the beef wellington and her award-winning prosciutto Brie bites— freshly made crostini topped with g spread, sliced fruit, brie, prosciutto, and balsamic glaze—dubbed ‘best appetizer’ at the Leesburg Area Chamber of Commerce 2023 Taste of Lake & Business Expo in March.

“Mostly, the menu is curated to my taste; things that I would want to choose if I were to go somewhere. And I love making soups. Soups are

big for me, so I do a di erent one every day,” Alisha says. Her wellloved avors include tomato basil, sausage potato kale, chicken and dumplings, black bean, and split pea. “Although it’s a lot of work making a homemade soup every day, it’s worth people knowing it didn’t come in a bag from a distributor but was made fresh and with love.”

“We love serving great food, but the best part of the whole restaurant are the relationships we build on every day.”

While friendships grow, waistlines shrink. Since Jodi learned that some customers lost 20 or more pounds each in just a few months by eating poké for lunch every day, the restauranters are trying to partner with area gyms to o er meal plans and reciprocal discounts. They are also in talks with the Villages Grown to bring some of their micro greens into the Island Fin Poké kitchen.

Island Fin Poké also hosts an American Sign Language (ASL) night from 5-7 p.m. on the rst Sunday of every month and in November, will host/participate in a 5K race for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a notfor-pro t organization that bene ts veterans and rst responders.

Each day, Alisha takes to Facebook and posts The Sipping Garden’s soup of the day, new wines, pictures of small bites, and upcoming entertainment.

The venue features live music on select nights and hosts private parties. On the third Tuesday of every month, Alisha, in her element, o ers a reservation-only ‘Wine and Cheese Pairing’ event.

Big on community, Frank and Jodi oftentimes take their pop-up poké

“It’s not about tasting the wine; it’s about experiencing the wine, and that’s what I try and emphasize. I love talking to people about wine, explaining where it came from, the tasting notes and what it may remind them of, and I like hearing what they think about it,” Alisha says. “When customers take that rst sip of wine, or their rst bite of food here, I really like seeing them smile and hear them say, ‘Mmmm,’ or ‘Wow, that’s so good.’”

“It’s all about making people happy through their stomachs.”

Let’s do lunch or dinner

Tell us about a great restaurant by emailing roxanne@akersmediagroup.com.

IF YOU GO

THE SIPPING GARDEN AND BISTRO

605 West Magnolia St., Leesburg

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 12-9pm, closed Sunday and Monday

ISLAND FIN POKÉ CO.

2752 Brownwood Blvd.

Open for dine-in and takeout. Live music (select nights) and daily drink specials.

The Villages

352.492.4414

Menu: www.islandfinpoke.com

352.450.0716

Website: www.islandfinpoke.com

Follow us!

/location/the-villages-fl/

Facebook: ‘The Sipping Garden Bistro’ Instagram: @thesippinggardenbistro

www.thesippinggardenandbistro.com

Hours: Open 7 days per week 11am – 9pm; dine-in, pick-up and limited delivery

“You can tell all the food here is extremely fresh, and for somebody who is super health conscious, tracks her food and pays attention to what she’s putting in her body, that’s really important.”

—NICOLE FREEMAN

Alisha Blake, owner / sommelier

A CLASSIC

made my rst cocktail at the age of 7 after noticing that each day at 5pm my grandparents went to the liquor trolley and produced a mysterious icy caramel concoction topped with a Maraschino cherry.

One day, I cajoled Grandaddy Bill into teaching me how to make his beloved Old-Fashioned. I became their guest bartender for years.

I have since learned other ways to prepare that classic cocktail, and during a visit to Roasted Spirit—a fairly new, and very popular bar in downtown Clermont—its Chief Mixologist Andrew Vierling enlightened me even more.

The Old-Fashioned has sure evolved over the last half century.

“People have become more sophisticated,” says Andrew. “We have a whole menu dedicated to the Old-Fashioned and pour dozens for the Friday night crowd.”

Through the years, as he honed his craft, Andrew realized that the public craves new and nuanced versions of the classics.

“People expect a well-balanced cocktail, and it’s our mission to provide that.”

Part alchemist and part mad scientist, Andrew experiments daily with di erent avor pro les to elevate his cocktail program. His creations can take four to ve days of boiling, steeping, and stewing.

“I have a passion for selfeducation,” says the 41-year-old. “There are so many ways to enhance a cocktail by creating interesting avors.”

He works closely with Chef Alisha Wagner to make house-made specialty bitters, infusions, and syrups.

“I like to use a variety of ingredients, so I try infusions that are done in the kitchen,” he says.

Constantly trying new ways to tweak his already complex menu, Andrew seeks out avors like lavender and locally grown blueberries. He even experiments with raw marshmallow and whole pecans.

The Roasted Spirit has a vision that includes partnering with distributors and brand ambassadors. That entails travel to distilleries, including Blanton’s, Elijah Craig, and Eagle Rare to taste and purchase barrels of bourbon that may not be available to the public. Those unique labels are adapted into The Roasted Spirit’s enviable back bar.

“We want people to come here and experience the wide variety of labels that they may not nd anywhere else.”

I, for one, plan to return for a “New” Old-Fashioned and raise that glass fondly to my Grandaddy Bill.

STORY: GINA HORAN ≈ PHOTO: NICOLE HAMEL

Brooklyn’s Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant

27405

U.S. HWY 27, LEESBURG | 352.728.2020 & 352.365.9004

MYBROOKLYNPIZZERIA.COM

When hit with a craving for authentic New York style pizza, there’s no need to catch the next flight to the Big Apple. Simply visit Brooklyn’s Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant in Leesburg and Owners James and Shawna Pancari will make you feel right at home with New York inspired vibes, décor, and flavors. Not only have they perfected the New York style thin crust people swear by, but they take pride in ensuring everything they serve is made fresh and from-scratch daily; including their pizza dough and sauces, strombolis, calzones, subs, salads, wings, specialty Italian and pasta dinners. Additionally, the restaurant is family-run and Veteran-owned, with James having served in the Coast Guard for 31 years. In honor of that, the dining room features a military wall, plus a 10 percent discount for veterans, active members of the military, police, fire, and first responders. Brooklyn’s Pizzeria also offers gluten-free pizza and pasta options, and accepts door-dash, online-ordering, catering, and curbside pickup.

El Ranchito Mexican Cuban Restaurant

911 W. NORTH BLVD., LEESBURG | 352.460.0123

ELRANCHITOMEXICANCUBAN.COM

Since opening in 1997, El Ranchito has been the go-to place for Lake Countians who desire delicious Mexican food. Although the restaurant was closed for nearly two years due to the coronavirus, El Ranchito’s Leesburg location officially reopened in December 2021. The restaurant is now named El Ranchito Mexican Cuban and serves genuine Mexican cuisine and a variety of Cuban entrees with entertainment on Tuesdays and Saturdays! The menu features many of the favorite dishes diners have grown to love over the years, as well as new dishes. Consider the Molcajete Caliente featuring your choice of meats grilled with onion, potato, and bell pepper, topped with cheese and salsa verde. Or try the Bistec de Palomilla with thin-sliced steak with onions and parsley that comes with a signature steak sauce. El Ranchito fans will appreciate the remodeled restaurant, which now includes a 50-seat outside patio. Despite the changes, the food remains as scrumptious as ever. Enjoy amigos!

Guru Restaurant

CLERMONT HILLSIDE TERRACE, 2400 S. U.S. 27, SUITE 101, CLERMONT 352.241.9884 | GURURESTAURANTCLERMONT.COM

Owned by Chef Uday Kadam, Guru has a following of fans who savor the delicious, award-winning Indian cuisine inside the restaurant’s beautiful dining room filled with Indian décor and tables with linen tablecloths. Guru earned the prestigious Best Entrée award at the 2021 Taste of South Lake & Business Expo for its Chicken Tikka Masala, featuring boneless chicken pieces cooked in a Tandoor oven with tomato sauce, onion, aromatic herbs, spices, and served with Basmati rice. Guru also has tasty appetizers, Naan breads, vegan dishes, and a wide array of entrees, including Palak Paneer, a dish of homemade cubes of cheese cooked with spinach and fresh spices; Lamb Vindaloo of choice lamb cubes marinated in vinegar with potato and a blend of spices; and Tandoori Chicken Tikka, where the chicken is marinated in mild spices and yogurt. Additionally, Indian alcoholic beverages of Taj Mahal and Kingfisher are served at Guru, and the restaurant caters private functions, parties, and provides many delivery options for orders made online at mygurutogo.com.

Mon, Wed, Thu 11:00am – 8:00pm

Friday 11:00am – 9:00pm

Saturday 12:00pm – 9:00pm

Sunday 12:00pm – 8:00pm

Closed Tuesday

Sun – Sat

11:00am – 10:00pm

Follow us on Facebook for daily specials and entertainment!

Visit our Villages location!

El Ranchito Restaurant

1 La Grande Blvd, The Villages 352.750.3335

Mon – Sat

11:30am – 10:00pm

Sunday

11:30am – 7:00pm

La Palma Mexican Grill

1690 CITRUS BLVD., LEESBURG | 352.323.1444 | LAPALMAGRILL.COM

The entire staff invites you to a delicious dining experience at La Palma Mexican Grill. The recipes used for the restaurant’s unique dishes are a blend of old-school traditions from Mexico, combined with culinary inspirations from California and Louisiana. Homemade Mexican entrees such as Tacos Azteca, carnitas, fajitas, Chori Pollo, tamales and more, are flavorful and prepared with only the freshest of ingredients. Sit comfortably in the beautiful dining room, the festive bar, or outside on the patio deck with a serene view of the grounds and of the fun wild animals that can be spotted in the trees. Enjoy fast and friendly service, reasonable prices, three-for-one margaritas all day, every day, and a party room, available by reservation, for large parties or meetings. Full menu at lapalmagrill.com. Call for daily specials.

BWWAAAK!

It’s five o’clock somewhere!

Mom & Dad’s Italian Restaurant

352.753.2722 | 304 US-441, LADY LAKE

Mom and Dad’s Italian Restaurant in Lady Lake has the distinct honor of calling itself a true family-owned restaurant. In fact, five generations of family members have represented the restaurant since its humble beginnings in May 1962. As many generations of customers have dined there throughout the years thanks to the outstanding service and scrumptious dishes such as Spaghetti a la Bruzzi, Delmonico steak, and lasagna. This food savvy family prepares everything from scratch, crafting everything with love to satisfy your taste buds.

Prime 3 on Main Steakhouse

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN LEESBURG, 610 W MAIN ST, LEESBURG 352.314.0015 | PRIME3STEAKHOUSE.COM

The dream and concept of three lifelong physicians, Prime 3 on Main is a confluence of American, Asian, and Latin influences in one world-class restaurant. Prime meats, prime rib, skirt steak, and seafood are our specialties. Our filet with black cherry port wine reduction sauce, or the Grouper Fromage, is unique and found nowhere else. Our Casa de Rosado Churrasco is a personal family recipe. Homemade Creme Brûlée and ice cream will complement your meal. Recently given the Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator Magazine as among the world’s top wine and food restaurants, Prime 3 on Main has an extensive wine list and caters to small and large groups.

Open Daily 11:00am – 9:00pm

Lunch Specials 11:00am – 3:00pm

Margarita

Mondays!

Enjoy $5 margaritas all day every Monday.

Wed – Sun 4:00pm – 9:00pm

Closed Monday & Tuesday Full Gluten-Free Menu

Mon – Sat

11:00am – 9:00pm

Closed Sundays

Lunch

11:00am – 3:00pm No Reservations Needed Dinner 4:00pm - 9:00pm Reservations Required

Ask us about our Wine Pairing Event Dinners!

Rodello’s Italian Restaurant

26736 U.S HIGHWAY 27, LEESBURG | 352.319.8093 | RODELLOS.COM

Chef Amadeo Avila invites you to enjoy authentic and fresh Italian cuisine in a friendly, comfortable dining environment at Rodello’s Italian Restaurant. The recipes used for his dishes are a blend of old-school traditions from Italy—the restaurant is named for a city in the old country—with new culinary inspirations that Chef Amadeo has learned during many years in the restaurant business. Flavorful, homemade Italian entrees such as Pistachio Crusted Lamb, Salmon Saltimbocca, Lobster Ravioli, Shrimp Risotto, and many others are classics and prepared with only the freshest ingredients. The lunch menu features personal pizzas, calzones, subs, and pasta. Sit in the spacious dining room or enjoy drinks or desserts like delicious gelato in the cozy lounge, which features a full bar, wine menu, and an array of specialty cocktails. Always look for new features on Chef Amadeo’s menu, available on the restaurant’s website, Rodellos.com.

The Rose Plantation

200 ROSE AVE, FRUITLAND PARK | 352.805.4340 THEROSEPLANTATION.COM

Enjoy an early 20th Century dining experience at The Rose Plantation, located in a home built in 1917. This charming and delightful restaurant on Fountain Lake serves up outstanding dishes with a side of elegant ambiance, starting with the glass-enclosed garden room and veranda, eclectic china, live piano, fine silverware, linen tablecloths, and the rose garden out front. The chefs are given creative freedom to make memorable dishes such as rack of lamb with bourbon berry glaze and cherry gastrique, delicate sacchettini pasta filled with three types of cheese in a brandy cream sauce, colossal crab cakes, and crab stuffed angeloni with parsnip puree and roasted red pepper cream sauce. All dishes are upscale in both quality and presentation. Customers can also choose from 140 varietals of wine. The restaurant, which seats 128 guests, includes private dining rooms for parties of 2 to 50.

Present original ad with purchase to enter monthly $100+

TooJay’s

LAKE SUMTER LANDING

1129 CANAL ST., THE VILLAGES | 352.430.0410

BROWNWOOD PADDOCK SQUARE

2835 BROWNWOOD BLVD., THE VILLAGES | 352.350.2122

TOOJAYS.COM

Serving your favorite New York Style Deli Food since 1981, we offer hearty portions of homemade comfort foods like Shepherd’s Pie and Beef Brisket, handcrafted sandwiches such as our classic Hot Pastrami and Corned Beef, made-from-scratch soups like our famous Matzo Ball and Chicken Noodle, handmade, award-winning cakes including our Banana Dream and Chocolate Killer, just to name a few. Our extensive menu includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with options for everyone. We have an incredible over the counter offering of deli meats and cheeses, as well as made fresh-daily breads. Our catering menu is one of the best in town, with options for both social gatherings and corporate functions.

Open Daily 11:00am – 9:00pm

Lunch: Tue – Fri 11:00am – 2:00pm

Dinner: Tue – Sat 4:30pm – 8:00pm Reservations Encouraged

Mon – Sun

8:00am – 8:00pm

800-GO4-DELI

World-Class Medicine. Hometown Care.

Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) has built a national reputation for providing world-class cancer care in community settings. From genetic screening to immunotherapies and access to the latest clinical trials, our top-ranked cancer experts provide the most advanced treatments available — increasing cure rates and extending lives.

Supporting patients and families through every step of their cancer journey

Despite rapid advancements, cancer treatment can be complex and span months and years. That’s why it’s so important for patients to have convenient access to the comprehensive care they need in a single location, close to home and loved ones, without the need to drive long distances or travel out of state.

At FCS, every interaction is focused on each patient’s experience and well-being, minimizing disruption to daily life. Newly diagnosed cancer patients are seen within 48 to 72 hours of referral. Beginning with your first appointment through your last round of targeted treatment and survivorship, our dedicated team will provide expert guidance and support.

At the forefront of science and research

FCS’s physicians and patients are part of leading-edge cancer innovations and discoveries through participation in clinical trials. In fact, the majority of new cancer drugs approved for use in the U.S. in recent years were studied in clinical trials with FCS participation prior to approval. No other community-based oncology practice in Florida matches the clinical trial opportunities we make available to patients close to home.

Embracing innovation to deliver truly personalized care

FCS’s in-house pathology laboratory provides cutting-edge clinical next-generation genomic testing that can rapidly detect mutations in hundreds of different genes simultaneously. Physicians are able to personalize treatments based on each patient’s unique genetic makeup and provide the best matches for clinical trial opportunities.

With access to 99% of all oral oncology drugs on the market, Rx To Go, our in-house specialty pharmacy, provides convenient and timely home delivery of medications and 24/7 patient support.

Leading the transition of oncology care reimbursement

FCS continues to advance and receive recognition for initiatives that are helping to contain soaring healthcare costs and improve clinical quality and performance accountability. We consistently outpace industry targets and benchmarks for quality and value.

Experienced doctors you can trust to treat your unique cancer

In Lake and Sumter Counties, 18 board-certified hematologists, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists, and an expert team of clinical and support staff, deliver exceptional and compassionate care for all forms of cancers and blood disorders.

Providing care at eight

FL 32778 | (352) 343-1117

1503 Buenos Aires Blvd., Bldg. 140, The Villages, FL 32159 | (352) 750-5105

1400 U.S. Hwy. 441 N., Bldg. 500, Ste. 540, The Villages, FL 32159 | (352) 753-9777

1400 U.S. Hwy. 441 N., Bldg. 920, Ste. 924, The Villages, FL 32159 | (352) 633-8319

Learn more or schedule a consultation today: FLCancer.com

Our Services*

Cancer Rehabilitation

Care Management

Clinical Trials

DigniCap®

Genetic Counseling

Hematology

Infusion Therapy Laboratory

Medical Oncology

Non-Oncology Infusions

Nutritional Counseling

Oncology Navigator

Oral Oncolytic Pharmacy (Rx To Go)

Palliative Care

Radiation Oncology

Radiology

Telemedicine

*Services may vary by location

CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY

IS SEPTEMBER

It’s the perfect time to double check that your children are AS SAFE AS POSSIBLE when they’re riding in your vehicle. It’s as easy as 1-2-3:

As children grow, how they sit in your car will change. MAKE SURE you use a car seat that fits your child’s current size and age.

Not all car seats fit in all vehicles. MAKE SURE the car seat is the right fit for your vehicle. Test the car seat you plan to buy to make sure it fits well in your vehicle.

Buy a car seat that can be INSTALLED AND USED CORRECTLY every time.

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Online afterlife

Words to live by after death.

STORY: JAMES COMBS

here was a time when basic questions raced through the mind of anyone approaching death. What will I leave in my will, and to whom? What kind of funeral would I like? Who will read my eulogy?

But in an era when we devote so much of our lives to Facebook and Twitter, it’s no surprise that a new question has taken precedence:

Who will manage my social media account once I’m dead?

That has been on the minds of many since 2015 when Facebook introduced a new

feature allowing users to designate a legacy contact to manage their account after they pass away. Other social media companies have followed suit and offer a similar feature.

In other words, you’ll still be alive even in death.

We’ve finally achieved eternal life, . . . the opportunity to communicate from beyond the grave, and the ability to continue tweeting even after our hearts stop beating.

Death is a topic I’ve avoided like . . . well, the plague. Until now.

his waitress said, ‘You look stressed out and fatigued. Do you have a lot on your plate?’”

THE CAREER POST

“Before his passing, James spent 23 years as a magazine journalist. James once interviewed a deathrow inmate at a state prison in Raiford, the site where serial killer Ted Bundy died in an electric chair in 1989. James said the method used to kill Bundy didn’t surprise him too much because, “We fry everything in the South.”

THE SPORTS POST

Posts Reels

James Combs

Faced with a cancer diagnosis, I’m preparing for my online afterlife with James-isms because I wouldn’t want people to remember me any other way. I’ll assign my mom to be my legacy contact. Here’s a small sampling of what I’m going to have her post in my absence.

Remember the time James scarfed down a 6-pound burrito in 25 minutes at Eduardo’s Lokos Tacos in Tavares? Ironically, his waitress said,“You look stressed out and fatigued. Do you have a lot on your plate?”

“It was one year ago today when James stirred controversy on Facebook after Kentucky beat South Carolina in football for the fifth consecutive time. He wrote, “South Carolina has the arrogance of Notre Dame and the trophy case of Vanderbilt.’”

THE POLITICAL POST

THE REMEMBRANCE POST

“Remember the time James scarfed down a 6-pound burrito in 25 minutes at Eduardo’s Lokos Tacos in Tavares? Ironically,

“James probably wouldn’t be surprised that Joe Biden fell again today. He always said Biden was the most down-to-earth president of his lifetime.”

THE STATUS UPDATE POST

“James is still dead.”

Hopefully, that one won’t generate too many likes.

Have a commentary topic in mind?

Top Comments

Roxanne Brown

His plate wasn't full for long!

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