FROM THE PUBLISHER

All systems go for space launch

Counting down to Style’s moon mission.

hadn’t been born when astronaut Neil Armstrong stepped onto the moon and uttered the historic words, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind,” but I appreciate that the Apollo 11 crew achieved one of history’s greatest milestones and changed the course of history on July 20, 1969. That successful mission not only advanced science and technology but also taught the world to dream. By now you’re probably wondering why I’m writing about space. It’s because Lake and Sumter Style magazine is following Armstrong to the moon. Yes, we’re actually going to be launched into outer space! It gives me chills to type that. How is this possible, you’re wondering? Good question. Dave van de Velde, a resident of The Villages and founder of Van Gogh Vodka, spearheaded a project for students in Leesburg schools to create a virtual City of Leesburg on the moon. They’ve spent months designing computerized images of buildings, streets, and parks.

The content they created will be stored on a micro-SD card with 2 trillion bytes and launched into space this spring. Because Dave asked local businesses and organizations to participate, the entire contents of this month’s issue of Style will also be put onto that micro-SD card.

This is particularly exciting for me because I helped launch Style in 2004. Several career opportunities opened up and temporarily took me away from the magazine, but in the back of my mind I always had a vision for what it would look like under my ownership.

That was my dream. And the dream came true in 2010 when I purchased Style from a publishing company in Marion County. My mission was a go! We had lifto !

This publication is my baby. Now my baby is going to a galaxy far, far away where few publications like mine have ever gone before.

So, what can readers take away from this letter? Whether you’re an astronaut on a historic mission or an aspiring entrepreneur like myself, don’t ever give up on chasing your dream. The road to get there may be lled with speed bumps, potholes, and detours – even moon craters and meteor showers – but you can successfully navigate any challenge and reach your ultimate destination.

When you do, you’ll feel like you’re out of this world.

Sincerely,

Have a story to tell?

We’re always looking for stories about people who live and work in our area. Send suggestions to editorial@akersmediagroup.com.