August 2014 everythinglake.com
Why Kids & Nutritionist Reject New School Lunch Page 10 Lake County Schools Page 12 - 13 Seven Tips For A Greener Back to School Season Page 28
BACK TO SCHOOL
“OH NO”
INSIDE THIS ISSUE 7 Seniors Willing to Discuss Driving
8 - 9 Decoding Pet Food Claims
10 Why Kids & Nutritionist Reject New School Lunches
11 Driveways to mailboxes: Oft-overlooked items that drive curb appeal
18 Expert help - not low prices - key to higher sales, more satisfied customers
20 Parents, prevent heatstroke by never leaving a child alone in a car
21 Turn your fantasy fairytale wedding into reality
26 - 27 Enjoying Retirement
14-15 Wholesome Snacks for Back to School
16 How To Maximize your tax benefits
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28 Seven tips for a greener back-to-school season
$1 DAY - OPEN TO CLOSE 5-10 pm EVERY WEDNESDAY Games and Drink Specials
BIRTHDAY/Corporate PARTIES FREE POKER EVERY SATURDAY SENIOR FUN BOWL
Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday $10. per Bowler, Prizes Awarded
HALF PRICE SUNDAY’S
All games are 1/2 price after 3pm
FULL LOUNGE TIP OF THE BURGH
from the publisher’s desk Al Asghar I was talking to my son and he said “back to school already”? In a way I agree with him. It seemed that he just got out of school and on the other hand, it’s good for him to go back. It puts my routine back to normal. Welcome to our Back to School issue. There are great stories in this issue. ENJOY! I also want to thank you for listening every Wednesday at noon to our radio show, The Everything Lake Magazine Hour, on 790 AM or on the web on my790am.com. We bring in a new artist every week and let you know about the events that are happening in the county. We will continue to bring exciting guests to the show that will make a difference to all of us.
staff Publisher & Managing Editor
Al Asghar al@everythinglake.com
Design & Layout
Joe Ramirez Amir Asghar
Photography
Elizabeth Betsy Reed
Contributing Writers
Ajay P Al Asghar
Advertising Sales
Al Asghar Matt Roderick
This months cover was taken at Tavares High School, cover model is Amir Asghar.
Keep an eye out for some real exciting news coming real soon. I cannot wait to let everyone know. As always, keep the feedback coming in. Good or bad, that’s what makes us better. See ya’ll next month. Al Asghar Everything Lake Magazine www.everythinglake.com www.facebook.com/everythinglake 407-697-7933
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The goals of the writers at EverythingLake Magazine is to provide great stories that are true and accurate from beginning to end. Please be forgiving if we make a mistake. We will make it right. EverythingLake is a monthly publication and can be located in various Schools, Chamber of Commerce, Businesses, Restaurants, etc. Any comments can be sent to EverythingLake Magazine at al@everythinglake.com or call 407-697-7933. PO Box 606, Eustis, Florida 32727 EverythingLake Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by their advertisers. All letters and their contents sent to EverythingLake Magazine become property of EverythingLake Magazine and maybe reproduced at any time. All views expressed in our magazine are those of the writers and may not be of EverythingLake Magazine. Use of the material in our magazine is prohibited unless written approval is given by EverythingLake Magazine
Seniors willing to discuss driving abilities, yet conversations rarely happen
(BPT) - There are currently more than 23 million licensed drivers aged 70 and older, and with baby boomers beginning to reach 70 years of age, the number of seniors on the road will rise steadily over the next two decades. A new survey released by Liberty Mutual Insurance finds that the majority of senior drivers are behind the wheel regularly, even with reported limited physical abilities. Though many seniors drive safely well into their later years, it’s likely that they will eventually have to face the difficult decision to stop driving. While the majority of senior drivers surveyed are open to conversations about limiting or stopping their driving, only 6 percent have spoken with someone about their driving abilities. “These are difficult conversations but important to have early and often, because everyone ages differently,” says David Melton, driving safety expert with Liberty Mutual Insurance and managing director of global safety. “Too often, these discussions are avoided until warning signs appear or, worse, there is an accident. It’s a step we all need to take to ensure the safety of our loved ones and the community.” The report reveals that despite declining physical abilities, many seniors still drive several times a week or even every day. In the past six months, the majority surveyed reported driving regularly despite slow reaction times, difficulty seeing or hearing, getting lost or feeling confused while driving. While nearly all senior drivers would consider limiting or stopping their driving if presented with the right reason, most are hesitant about transitioning to the passenger seat. Top concerns among seniors about limiting or stopping driving include losing independence, becoming less active, difficulty finding alternative forms of transportation, and feeling isolated. In 2013, Liberty Mutual Insurance conducted a survey of children of elderly drivers to determine if they were having conversations about driving with their aging parents, and if not, what was preventing them. The survey found that more than half of children with senior parents were concerned about their parents’ driving abilities and safety, yet nearly
one-third avoided initiating the conversation. However, this new report reveals that people may be avoiding conversations with aging drivers more than self-reported, while more seniors are actually open to talking: * Only 6 percent of senior drivers report having had a discussion about their driving abilities, despite 84 percent saying that they would be open to talking about the issue. * The majority of seniors who have not yet had a conversation report they would feel most comfortable being approached by their children or doctor. * Seniors cite a doctor’s recommendation and recognition of their own declining physical abilities as top reasons to limit or stop driving. “We know from our surveys that seniors are more receptive to conversations about driving than their children assume, which often prevents conversations from happening,” says Melton. “In reality, seniors are usually so receptive to these conversations that many stop driving within six months of talking about it with their loved ones. These are tough conversations, but caregivers should take comfort knowing that these discussions are typically easier than expected and usually have positive outcomes.” It’s more important than ever for children and loved ones of senior drivers to have conversations about driving early and often, before it’s time to stop. For additional tips on talking to loved ones about driving and resources for seniors when driving is no longer an option, visit www.LibertyMutual.com/seniordriving.
everythinglake.com 7
Decoding pet food claims to find the ideal nutrition for your furry family member
(BPT) - In the United States, 62 million households have at least one pet, including 83 million dogs and 95 million cats. That’s a lot of people who love their pets, and one of the key aspects of caring for a furry family member is providing the right nutrition. Unfortunately, with so many pet foods available, labels and claims can quickly get confusing. “Pet parents want the best for their pets, which is why cat and dog food makers try to position their pet food as the ideal nutritional option,” says Dr. Ellen I. Lowery, associate director of U.S. Veterinary and Professional Affairs at Hill’s Pet Nutrition. “But not all claims are equal, and pet parents may find it difficult to interpret the quality of a pet food based on the package. Understanding some pet food label requirements can help pet parents make informed decisions about the best food to feed their pets.” Looking for three key things can help you find a quality pet food so you can feel confident that your cat or dog is getting the proper nutrition they need to live a long, healthy life. 1. Clinically proven Pet owners should look for pet foods with clinically proven claims. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Federal Trade Commission control use of the term “clinically proven.” This means the claims are backed by science and research and your pet will see a real benefit from the food. Pet owners 8 everythinglake.com
should look for brands that rely on critical nutrition. 2. Made in the U.S.A. When shopping for pet food, always check where the food is manufactured. Those foods that are manufactured in the United States are sounder choices. Foods made in the U.S. are typically regulated at a higher level than those made overseas and owners can feel confident that the quality is higher for domestic products. 3. Manufacturer’s name and contact information Under AAFCO regulations, brands are required to include the manufacturer’s name
OVER 25 Brands of Grain Free, Holistic and Natural Foods Unbeatable Prices on: Natural Balance Natural Choice Blue Buffalo Taste of the Wild From Natures Variety Orijen, Canidae Merrick, Earthborn & Full Reptile Supplies
• $5 off any 25lb - 35lb dog food • 7% Off fence posts and wire • 10% off any small animal or exotic bird seed
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Decoding pet food claims to find the ideal nutrition for your furry family member
and contact information. Pet owners should also look for food labels that include a 1-800 number for more in-depth information. The number allows pet owners to reach out to brands specifically regarding questions on the food and its ingredients. This contact information demonstrates the company’s commitment to providing the healthiest choice for your pet and it shows they are open to your feedback and questions. Buzz words to avoid? Additionally, pet parents should question terms such as ‘gourmet’ or ‘human grade’ on pet food labels. These terms are often used for human foods, so marketers place them
on pet foods, to make the product appear healthier and to anthropomorphize their pet’s food. However, these words do not necessarily mean higher-quality ingredients, and therefore, may not equate with superior nutrition. “Looking beyond the front of the package will help pet parents ensure their pets are getting quality nutrition,” says Dr. Lowery. “And remember to talk to your veterinary healthcare team for insight into the best food for your pet. With so many pet food choices your veterinary team is the expert for your pet’s overall health and wellness.”
Cupcakes and Donuts
For Every Occasion and Just for Fun!
NEW LOCATION 122 E. 4th Ave. Mount Dora, FL
352-383-2200
www.CupcakeDelights.com We rotate over 75 Cupcake Flavors with 18-24 to choose from daily.
We now offer Made to Order Donuts. everythinglake.com 9
Why kids and nutritionists reject new school lunches (BPT) - Good nutrition for school children is a priority that everyone can support but not everyone can agree on the best way to achieve it. Recent changes by the U.S. Department of Agriculture require schools drastically alter their programs in ways that are hard to meet. Children in particular are rejecting the new meals in droves, defeating the very intent of the program.
The School Nutrition Association (SNA), which represents over 50,000 school nutritionists and cafeteria professionals, has called on Congress to relax these new standards specifically in regards to the amount of whole grains offered, sodium reduction targets they consider unachievable and not science-based and mandatory fruit and vegetable servings which invariably end up in the trash. The salt reduction efforts in particular are causing serious concerns. Dark green vegetables are among the most nutritious foods. However, they all contain very bitter phytochemicals. Broccoli is a perfect example. Adding salt to these vegetables makes them 10 everythinglake.com
taste much better. Mandating servings of vegetables for children while simultaneously requiring drastic reductions in salt use virtually guarantees that they will not be eaten and valuable nutrients will be missed. A research paper from the University of Pennsylvania examined the response of tasters to varying amounts of salt in a range of foods that were naturally bitter, including vegetables and other foods deemed to be healthy. Reducing the salt intake made these foods less appealing, and as a result adversely affected the tasters’ nutrient intake. In another double-blind taste panel study conducted at Ohio State University, cooked broccoli was fed to individuals from three different age groups: children, adults and senior citizens. The broccoli florets were prepared with different levels of salt and the results made it clear that, even though participants were unaware as to which sample was which, salt significantly increased broccoli’s palatability. Both children and seniors liked broccoli better with more salt on it. For both children and adults, the broccoli’s bitterness decreased as the level of salt increased.
Continued on page 30
Driveways to mailboxes:
Oft-overlooked items that drive curb appeal (BPT) - Selling or staying, it makes no difference - everyone wants a home that looks great from the curb. Curb appeal comes together when all the elements of a home’s facade are in good shape and working together. Driveways that are cracked or pitted with potholes, dingy front doors and other seemingly minor complaints like a shabby, scuffed mailbox, can all significantly detract from a home’s overall curb appeal. Here is a handful of projects - many of them quick fixes - that can greatly enhance a home’s appearance. * Repair or resurface your driveway. For many homes, the driveway is one of the largest visual elements of the home’s overall curb appeal, ranking right up there with siding, the roof and the lawn. If winter was rough on your driveway, it’s time to think of making repairs. Concrete can crack and crumble, and asphalt develops potholes. Both can be repaired quickly and easily. For any driveway repair, make sure the area to be repaired has been cleaned of debris and loose materials. Cleaning with a hose or pressuring washing can improve the entire surface. For asphalt driveways, Sakrete U.S. Cold Patch is a ready-to-use recycled asphalt product that permanently patches potholes, cracks and other defects without the oily mess or bad smell of a conventional blacktop patch. Simply pour the product into the pothole and tamp it down. It is not oily or sticky, so you can even use your car to do the job - just drive tires over the patch to compress it. Concrete driveways can develop different types of cracks: very small and shallow resembling a dry river bed; cracks between 1/8 and 1/4 inch wide; and cracks wider and deeper than 1/4 inch. Your choice of repair method will depend on how you want the finished product to look and how much time you have to make the repair.
Portland cement-based Sakete Top n Bond can be used to repair all three types of cracks, and will provide a finished look that most closely resembles the existing concrete driveway. For tiny cracks, simple coat the entire area with a thin layer of the patching material. Top n Bond easily fills cracks wider an deeper than 1/4 inch. You can also use it to repair areas where one slab of the driveway has sunk lower than the slab next to it. If appearance is less important, an even easier option for repairing cracks 1/8 to 1/4 inch wide is to use a tube product, like Sakrete Concrete & Mortar Repair, and apply it with a caulk gun. Repairing damaged asphalt or concrete driveways not only improves its appearance, it can help extend its life, too. * Put the shine on your mailbox It sits at the end of your driveway and often plays a key role in helping guests find your house. But do you give your mailbox the attention - and the credit - it’s due? Little things can mean a lot when it comes to creating curb appeal. While a mailbox that looks good might not get much attention, one that’s ugly or shabby is sure to draw the kind of attention you don’t want. Continued on page 30 everythinglake.com 11
Guide to Lake County Schools School Website:
Astatula Elementary Beverly Shores Elementary Carver Middle Clermont Elementary Clermont Middle Cypress Ridge Elementary East Ridge High East Ridge Middle Eustis Elementary Eustis Heights Elementary Eustis High Eustis High - Curtright Campus Eustis Middle Fruitland Park Elementary Grassy Lake Elementary Cecil E. Gray Middle Groveland Elementary Lake Hills School Lake Minneola High Leesburg Elementary Lake County Virtual School Leesburg High Lost Lake Elementary Mount Dora High Mount Dora Middle Oak Park Middle Pine Ridge Elementary Rimes Early Learning Center
Sawgrass Bay Elementary Seminole Springs Elementary Sorrento Elementary South Lake High Tavares Elementary
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Address:
Principal:
Phone#
1108 W. Griffin Road · Leesburg 34748
Kathy Tatro
352-787-4175
1200 N. Beecher St. · Leesburg 34748
Mollie Cunningham
352-787-7868
680 E. Highland Ave. · Clermont 34711
Cleamstine Caple
352-394-2706
301 East Ave. · Clermont 34711
Steven Benson
352-243-2460
350 East Ave. · Clermont 34711
Dale Delpit
352-394-6633
13322 Excalibur Rd · Clermont 34711
Julie Robinson-Lueallen
352-242-2080
13201 Excalibur Rd · Clermont 34711
Charles McDaniel
352-536-8020
714 E. Citrus Ave · Eustis 32726
Kay Sawchuk
352-357-2779
310 W. Taylor Ave. · Eustis 32726
Rhonda Hunt
352-357-2447
1300 E. Washington Ave · Eustis 32726
Nancy Velez
352-357-4147
1801 Bates Ave. · Eustis 32726
Nancy Velez
352-589-1510
18725 E. Bates Ave. · Eustis 32726
David Cunningham
352-357-3366
304 W. Fountain St. · Fruitland Park 34731
Dr. Melissa DeJarlais
352-787-2693
1100 Fosgate Road – Minneola 34715
Doreathe Cole
352-242-0313
205 E. Magnolia St. · Groveland 34736
Pam Chateauneuf
352-429-3322
930 Parkwood St. · Groveland 34736
Kimberly Sneed Jarvis
352-429-2472
909 South Lake Shore Blvd · Howey-in-theHills 34737 101 North Hancock Road - Minneola 34715
Robin Meyers
352-324-3175
Linda Shepherd-Miller
352-394-9600
2229 South St. · Leesburg 34748
Patrick Galatowitsch
352-365-6308
200 W. Golf Links Ave - Eustis, Fl 32726
Micheal Elchenko
352-483-4260
1401 Yellow Jacket Way · Leesburg 34748
Bill Miller
352-787-5047
1901 Johns Lake Rd · Clermont 34711
Susan Pegram
352-243-2433
700 N. Highland Ave · Mount Dora 32757
Rhonda Boone
352-383-2177
1405 Lincoln Ave. · Mount Dora 32757
Al Larry
352-383-6101
2101 South St. · Leesburg 34748
Barbara Longo
352-787-3232
10245 CR 561 · Clermont 34711
Stephanie Mayuski
352-242-2223
3101 School View St. · Leesburg 34748
Robert Sherman
352-787-5757
16325 Superior Blvd.· Clermont 34714
Heather Gelb
352-243-1845
26200 W. Huff Rd · Eustis 32736
Leah Fischer
352-589-1117
24605 Wallick Road ‘ Sorrento 32778
Brenna Burkhead
352-385-1140
15600 Silver Eagle Rd · Groveland 34736
Rob McCue
352-394-2100
720 E. Clifford St. · Tavares 32778
Durenda McKinney
352-343-2861
13925 Florida Ave. · Astatula 34705
Joe Frana
352-343-1334
Guide to Lake County Schools Tavares High Tavares Middle Treadway Elementary Triangle Elementary Umatilla Elementary Umatilla High Umatilla Middle Villages Elementary Windy Hill Middle Conversion Charters: Mascotte Elementary Minneola Elementary Round Lake Elementary Spring Creek Charter
603 N. New Hampshire Ave· Tavares 32778
Dr. Janice Boyd
352-343-3007
1335 Lane Park CutOff · Tavares 32778
Trella Mott
352-343-4545
10619 Treadway School Rd · Leesburg 34788
Letizia Haugabrook
352-742-2291
1707 Eudora Rd · Mount Dora 32757
Kathy Billar
352-383-6176
401 Lake St. · Umatilla 32784
Debbie Rogers
352-669-3181
320 N. Trowell Ave. · Umatilla 32784
Randy Campbell
352-669-3131
305 East Lake St. · Umatilla 32784
Kelly Sanders
352-669-3171
695 Rolling Acres Rd · Lady Lake 32159
Dave Bordenkircher
352-751-0111
3575 Hancock Rd · Clermont 34711
Amy Cockcroft
352-394-2123
Address: 460 Midway Ave.· Masscotte 34753
Principal: Wayne Cockroft
Phone # 352-429-2294
320 E. Pearl St. · Minneola 34715
Sherry Watts
352-394-2600
31333 Round Lake Road · Mount Dora
Linda Bartberger
352-385-4399
Robert Curry
352-669-3275
44440 Spring Creek Road · Paisley 32767
Charter Schools: Alee Academy Altoona School Humanities & Fine Arts Charter School Milestones Charter School Imagine South Lake Charter
Address: 1705 County Road 44, Eustis 32736 42630 State Road 19, Altoona 32702 213 Lee St., Leesburg 34748 10516 Treadway School Rd, Leesburg 34788 2750 Hartwood Marsh Rd, Clermont 34711
CATCH HOUR
Principal:
Phone # 352-357-9426 352-669-3444 352-315-4322 352-742-7007 352-243-2960
Wholesome snacks for back to school (BPT) - The school year is here and with it, all of those hectic schedules. You may think the chaos of another school year means you’re too busy to provide your children with nourishing after-school snacks, but that doesn’t have to happen. There are many easy recipes available that will allow you to provide wholesome and delicious snacks to your kids, and there are easy ways to be sure they enjoy them. Here are a few ideas. Ask them to help Your children will be more excited about eating a healthy after-school snack if they have a hand in its creation. Creating a garden vegetable tray is an easy way to let kids customize their snack to their own taste preferences. Smaller kids can organize the grape tomatoes while you cut the peppers, and when you’re finished, you can all enjoy the snack together. This large recipe is perfect if your kids are bringing friends over. You could also create the tray on a Monday and then enjoy it all week long. Garden vegetable tray Ingredients 1 package Simply Organic Southwest Ranch Greek Yogurt Dip Mix 1 16-ounce package Stonyfield Plain Organic Nonfat Greek Yogurt 1 small zucchini, sliced 1 small yellow squash, sliced 1 pint grape tomatoes 1 medium jicama, peeled and sliced into sticks 1 orange bell pepper, seeded and sliced 14 everythinglake.com
1 green bell pepper, seeded and sliced 1 bunch of radishes 1 bunch green onions - about 10 - trimmed 1 head romaine lettuce, large leaves only for the base of the vegetable platter 1 red bell pepper Instructions Mix Simply Organic Southwest Ranch Greek Dip Mix with the 16-ounce package of Stonyfield Plain Organic Nonfat Greek Yogurt. Chill for 30 minutes. Line a large tray or shallow dish with a decorative napkin and Romaine lettuce leaves. Seed the red bell pepper by slicing off the top of the pepper, then pull out the membrane and seeds. Discard membrane and seeds, but keep the top for decoration. Fill the hollow bell pepper with chilled Simply Organic Southwest Ranch Greek Dip and place in the center of the tray or dish.
Wholesome snacks for back to school Arrange corn, zucchini, yellow squash, grape tomatoes, jicama sticks, orange and green bell pepper, radishes and green onions around the red bell pepper dip cup. Place toothpicks or skewers on nearby serving platter. Hide healthy foods in delicious flavors Sometimes the right presentation is all you need for your children to enjoy healthy snacks. This recipe for a banana, pineapple and orange smoothie hides nutritious fruit in a savory offering that feels more like a dessert. Just make sure your kids don’t drink it too fast to ward off brain freeze. Banana, pineapple and orange smoothie Ingredients 1 medium sized frozen banana (peel removed before frozen) 1 cup frozen pineapple 6 ounces Greek Yogurt
Snack on the run After a long day of sitting at their desks at school, your kids may not be interested in sitting at the table for snack time. If you’re kids are on the go, this quick, savory recipe will give them a nutritious snack they can enjoy anywhere so you don’t have to turn to chips or candy. Roasted chickpeas Ingredients 2 cans (16 oz. each) chickpeas, drained, rinsed and dried 2 Tbsp. olive oil 1 packet Simply Organic’s Crazy Awesome Veggies seasoning blends Instructions Preheat oven to 400 F. Place chickpeas in bowl.
1/2 cup coconut milk
Toss with olive oil and seasoning blend until evenly coated.
1/2 teaspoon Simply Organic Orange Flavor
Spread in a layer on rimmed baking sheet.
1/2 teaspoon Simply Organic Vanilla Flavoring
Bake 30-40 minutes or until crisp.
Fresh orange slices and shredded coconut, for garnish
Creating delicious, wholesome snacks for your kids is easier than you think. All you need is the right recipe. For more easy recipe ideas to make back to school as healthy and nutritious as possible, visit www.simplyorganic.com.
Directions In a blender, blend all ingredients until smooth, about 3 to 4 minutes. Use a spatula to scrape the sides down as needed throughout blending. Serve immediately.
How to maximize your tax benefits from charitable gifts
(BPT) - You answer calls to support your alma mater, the local animal shelter and the American Red Cross with gifts of money and volunteer time. And after cleaning out the closets, dressers, kitchen cabinets and garage, you take a trunk load of donations to the thrift store. You know your gifts of cash, time and household items may be tax deductible, but what do you need to do to verify that and maximize your deduction? “Being charitable can cut your taxable income, as long as you follow a few simple rules,” says Jessi Dolmage, spokesperson for popular digital tax preparation brand TaxACT. “Those include giving to eligible organizations and keeping accurate records.” To determine if you’ve donated to eligible organizations, search the IRS’ database of Exempt Organization Select Check at www. irs.gov. Most religious organizations and government agencies are eligible, even if they’re not listed in the database. Keeping detailed records is important for accurate valuation of your gifts (and in turn your tax deduction) and in the unlikely event of an audit. Dolmage says records should include organization name, donation date and amount. For monetary gifts, keep the written acknowledgment from the organization with the donation date and amount. A canceled check or card statement with the transaction date also suffices for gifts under $250. If you receive merchandise, benefits or privileges in exchange for a gift, you must subtract the value of those from the original gift amount. If your payment is more than $75, the organization must give you a written statement with a description and estimated value of the merchandise, goods or services. For noncash donations, document the 16 everythinglake.com
charity name, date and location of the items, along with a reasonably detailed description of the items. If you receive a receipt from the charity, keep it with your records. The IRS requires additional documentation for vehicle donations. You must receive a written acknowledgment or Form 1098-C from the charity for the vehicle. Noncash donations, such as clothing, kitchen gadgets and furniture, must be in good condition or better. The tax-deductible amount of those items is the fair market value (FMV), the price if they were exchanged between willing buyers and sellers. Special rules apply to donations of cars, boats airplanes, property subject to debt, investments that have appreciated in value and inventory from your business. Mobile apps can make tracking throughout the year painless. Donation Assistant by TaxACT tracks cash, noncash and recurring gifts, with FMVs for more than 1,300 commonly donated household items. You can also save photos of your donations and receipts. When doing your taxes, import the information and TaxACT Deluxe will calculate your maximum deduction and complete your tax forms. You can deduct charitable gifts you made between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31 only if you itemize deductions on Form 1040 Schedule A. In order to itemize, all of your itemized deductions must exceed the standard deduction amount based on your adjusted gross income and filing status. Additionally, you must file Form 8283 if your cash and noncash contributions total more than $500, and a qualified appraisal of property worth more than $5,000. Download the free Donation Assistant app at www.taxact.com/apps and learn more about the tax rules of charitable giving at www.irs.gov and www.taxact.com/taxinfo.
POST RACE CELEBRATION
Includes Free T-Shirt After Party Celebration with DJ Supervised kids activities offered during the race for parents registered in the 5K Food will be available Cash Bar Awards given for each age group Awards given to overall male and female
everythinglake.com 17
Expert help - not low prices - key to higher sales, more satisfied customers (BPT) - Online comparison shopping has left you overwhelmed by options and contradictory reviews, and all you need is a little in-person guidance to choose the right product for your needs. At the store, you find a sales floor so deserted, you almost expect to see tumbleweeds rolling by. When you finally do get help, it’s from a poorly trained sales associate who knows even less than you do. You leave the store unsatisfied and possibly empty-handed. Then again, maybe you’ve experienced the opposite: an experienced, knowledgeable salesperson who knows how to help you find the perfect item. Retailers and customers alike have long reported that expert sales associates offering advice lead to happier shoppers and, in turn, more sales. Now, those reports have been validated in data that shows exactly how such knowledge can impact a customer’s sales experience - and a retailer’s bottom line. High-quality help makes the biggest difference in getting a prospective customer over the hump from “just looking” to happily buying, according to the Retail Experience Survey involving more than 600 U.S. consumers. In fact, the data showed that nearly three-quarters of consumers walk into a store looking for advice from a product expert. And just how much is a knowledgeable, helpful sales associate worth to a retail business? Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School recently set out to answer this question. The study, The Value of Helpful Expertise in Retail, followed more than 63,000 sales associates at 330 retail locations over two years to find out how 18 everythinglake.com
salespeople who completed product training affected sales. Sales associates received customized product training from Experticity, a network that helps them build their brand expertise and get rewarded for their knowledge by the brands themselves. The results of study were staggering. Sales associates who completed a single training course sold 69 percent more than those who didn’t. And those who completed just six training courses sold a full 123 percent more. “Retailers that want to boost their sales and build loyal customer advocates must invest in great buying experiences by offering customers knowledgeable help, and right when they need it,” says Experticity CEO Tom Stockham, “The role of store staff has changed from simply serving customers to informing and guiding their choices.” These days, as brick-and-mortar stores struggle to redefine themselves in the face of online competition, putting a human face on helpful expertise is a smart way to stand out from the crowd and get customers in the door. That means making sure sales associates have the information they need to give customers expert advice right when they’re deciding what to buy. “This study data provides evidence of what we’ve all experienced in our own lives as consumers,” Stockham says. “The way forward for retailers involves focusing on providing excellent, knowledgeable customer service that results in better, more productive experiences for customers.”
Guitar Series
A unique Boutique and Art Gallery located in downtown Mount Dora
Amy Sellers Art Gallery 411 N. Donnelly Street Mount Dora, FL
352.383.1102
Lots Of New Earrings 2 for $10 everythinglake.com 19
Parents, prevent heatstroke by never leaving a child alone in a car
(BPT) - Warm weather is great for trips to the pool or beach, but not so good for the inside of cars, which can rise to deadly temperatures in a very short period of time. Many people are shocked to learn how hot the inside of a car can actually get. Even on a mild 70 degree day, the temperature inside a car can rise 19 degrees in 10 minutes and keep getting hotter with each passing minute. The temperature can continue to climb much higher than it is outside, and cracking the windows doesn’t help. Since 1998, at least 617 children have died from heatstroke when left unattended in a vehicle. That’s one child every 10 days. More than half of these children were simply forgotten; something that can happen to the most loving and caring parents when their routine is changed. Other heatstroke deaths were a result of a child intentionally being left in a vehicle or climbing into a vehicle on their own and not being able to get out. While hot temperatures in cars can be dangerous for anyone, children are especially susceptible to heatstroke because their bodies heat up three to five times faster than those of adults. When a child’s internal temperature reaches 104 degrees, major organs begin to shut down. A body temperature of 107 degrees can be fatal. 20 everythinglake.com
So what can parents and caregivers do to prevent heatstroke? Safe Kids Worldwide and the General Motors Foundation want to remind everyone to ACT with these three simple steps: * A: Avoid heatstroke-related injury and death by never leaving your child alone in a car, not even for a minute. And make sure to keep your car locked when you’re not in it so kids don’t get in on their own. * C: Create reminders by putting something in the back of your car next to your child such as a briefcase, a purse or a cell phone that is needed at your final destination. This is especially important if you’re not following your normal routine. * T: Take action. If you see a child alone in a car, call 911. Emergency personnel want you to call. They are trained to respond to these situations. One call could save a life. Losing a child to heatstroke is a tragedy that is completely preventable. To learn more about how to protect your child from heatstroke and other safety tips, visit safekids.org.
Turn your fantasy fairytale wedding into reality (BPT) - Every girl dreams of her fantasy wedding. It usually includes a Prince Charming standing next to her at the altar, saying “I do,” while surrounding by friends and family in a fairytale atmosphere. Now it’s time to turn that fantasy dream into reality. And while Prince Charming has been replaced with Mr. Right, the rest of the fairytale doesn’t have to change. Every bride should feel like a princess, and here are some ways to pull off the special wedding: * The dress: The right wedding dress and accessories can make any bride look like a princess. A strand of pearls around the neck for a Cinderella look or a long, decorative braid down one side of the head completes the Rapunzel look. Many brides love the look of a simple tiara woven into an elegant hairstyle. And the dress can have a full or puffy skirt, or long flowing tresses to really bring out the princess style. Disney also has a collection of designer princess cut dresses based on several of the Disney princesses. * The invitations: Set the tone for your fairytale wedding right from the start with Disney Princess Wedding Invitations from Invitations by Dawn. The collection features eight elegant princess invitations inspired by Ariel, Sleeping Beauty, Rapunzel, Belle, Cinderella, Jasmine, Tiana and Snow White. You’ll love the deep embossing, the shimmer paper and the raised print that looks like an invitation from royalty.
The flowers and motifs will capture the eyes of your guests and evoke a sense of fairytale nostalgia, having them anticipating the wedding itself. * The decorations: Shimmery gossamer, twinkle lights and decorative candles provide beautiful touches to help make the fairytale a reality when it comes to your wedding and reception. If you are a crafty person, use DIY crafting sites like Pinterest to find centerpiece and table decoration ideas you can make yourself. Also ask your florist and cake decorator if they have any suggestions on decorating your reception and the wedding hall in a fairytale theme. They may suggest a fountain centerpiece, or creating a forest backdrop behind the cake to help enhance the theme. If you’ve been dreaming about your wedding for many years, you probably already have some ideas for those special romantic touches that will make your wedding memorable and special. Share those ideas with the wedding specialist helping you plan your special day, and let the magic happen. Your guests will be awed by how you pulled together the entire fairytale theme, from the invitations to the special gifts they’ll take home to remember your special day.
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Money-saving tips so you can earn your degree without going into debt (BPT) - If you’ve just finished high school and you’re headed to college, or if you’re an adult student looking to go back to school, chances are you’ve thought about student debt. You’re not alone. The epidemic of student debt is taking higher education by storm. In 2011, combined student debt eclipsed the $1 trillion mark. Consider the fact that total credit card debt in the United States was estimated at $798 billion that same year, and you can see why student debt is such a problem.
debt quickly. What’s worse, poor use of your credit card - maxing out the limit or making late payments - hurts your credit score and could make future purchases like a home or car more difficult. Avoid credit cards if possible, but if you must have a card, try to limit your cards to no more than two and don’t charge more than you can pay off each month.
While concerns about accruing debt may make you nervous, obtaining your college degree is the key to better career opportunities and a higher earning potential throughout your professional life. So how do you earn the degree of your dreams without a mountain of debt? Follow these money-saving, debtprevention tips and you’ll see the benefits on graduation day. * Avoid the credit card blitz. As a college student you will be inundated with new credit card offers. While the idea of spending now and paying later may be tempting, credit cards carry some of the highest interest rates available. Frequent use of your credit card without paying the balance off in full will cause you to pile up 22 everythinglake.com
* Maintain your current job or take a parttime job. Paying off credit cards or staying ahead is easier if you’re working part-time. Many students don’t want to work during their college years, but part-time work is an excellent way to avoid debt. Working even a few hours a week can help you pay down your bills and provide for a little financial cushion so you don’t always have to feel like a poor college student.
Many students, such as Kevin, come to Columbia College from a large state university. To be financially smart he enrolled in the evening program, which he balanced with an overnight job. He was involved in many campus activities, and also was a student worker.
* Seek advice at your school. Universities across the country are more aware of student debt than ever before, and some of them are even instituting programs to help students save and reduce debt. Columbia College of Missouri’s Money Stacks Program provides students with important financial education and the tips and tools they need to graduate with little to no debt. You’ll learn about saving, spending smartly and how overall financial awareness can help you avoid debt.
Money-saving tips so you can earn your degree without going into debt * Avoid using loan money for noneducation related costs. Think your loans are like a low-interest credit card? Think again. Instead of looking at your loans as a source of free money, budget your loan money solely for tuition, books and related fees. This will ensure your loan money is spent as it was intended and you stay on budget. * Save money where you can. College is expensive, but there are plenty of ways you can save. Purchase new textbooks only after you’ve exhausted rental or usedbook options. Living at home or in the dorms is more cost effective than renting a place of your own. Plus, if you live on campus or close to public transportation, you can eliminate the need to own your own vehicle, which will save you even more. A college education is an investment that will benefit you the rest of your life, and while you may be concerned about the debt that pursuing a degree can create, saving and spending smartly will allow you to attain your degree without a mountain of bills. To learn more about Columbia College of Missouri and its Money Stacks Program, visit www. facebook.com/CCMoneyStacks.
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Giving back to the everyday heroes who inspire you
(BPT) - When you think of public servants or people who do heroic jobs, do you picture police officers, firefighters and soldiers? While all those people selflessly serve the public, they’re not the only everyday heroes whose jobs contribute to the greater good. The field of public service is broad, encompassing teachers, health care workers, law enforcement professionals and social workers. Demand is high for caring, trained professionals to fill a growing number of jobs in public service fields. In fact, job opportunities are expected to grow 22 percent for social and human service assistants, 7 percent for firefighters, 6 percent for high school teachers and 5 percent for police officers and detectives, across the nation by 2022 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Some of the professionals to fill those jobs will come directly from colleges like Kaplan University, where first-time students will pursue coursework designed to specifically prepare them for public service careers. Others will be career changers, like Arthur Chapel and Melissa Bowermaster, who entered public
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service after enduring personal challenges and were inspired by the caring help of other public servants. “I was in a bad place, and someone helped me,” says Arthur Chapel, who successfully completed substance-abuse treatment and then decided to change careers to become a counselor. “Now I give back by helping others who need it. I have the satisfying career I always wanted and I get up every day eager to go to work because I know I’m helping people who need it.” “Working in law enforcement, I saw every day the caring of the human services people I came into contact with,” says Melissa Bowermaster, executive director of Citrus County Child Advocacy Center in Florida. Her interaction with these professionals, especially those who worked with children, inspired her to return to school to pursue a human services degree. After graduating from Kaplan University with a bachelor’s degree of science in human services, Bowermaster went to work advocating for children in need in Citrus County.
Giving back to the everyday heroes who inspire you Chapel and Bowermaster aren’t alone in finding inspiration from the everyday heroism of public servants. Each day, these professionals have a positive effect on thousands of people across the country. In honor of Public Service Recognition Week, May 4 to 10, Kaplan University is inviting the public to salute the everyday heroes in their lives.
To learn more about public service career opportunities, visit www.kaplanuniversity.edu or the Center for Public Service website.
Post a photo and story of your everyday hero police officer, firefighter, EMS, early childhood teacher, social worker or other - using the tag #PublicServiceStars through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest or Google+, and then register at the #PublicServiceStars Wall of Heroes. As a thanks for submitting your story, you’ll have the chance to make a difference in the lives of others. Kaplan University will make a $500 donation to the favorite charitable cause of one lucky participant.
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Enjoying retirement in a home suited for an active life
(BPT) - When it’s time to retire, do baby boomers just sit back and watch life pass them by? Not anymore. Boomers are known for getting involved in their communities, enjoying the outdoors and starting new - or restarting older - hobbies. They also love spending time with family.
specifically designed for the active boomer, and continue entertaining in these prime years. Consider the following customizable features available in these homes:
This active lifestyle means boomers don’t want to take care of the large homes they lived in for years while raising children. In fact, they’re ready to downsize, and want to design their homes to be exactly what they need for their retirement years.
* Bragging wall - Every parent and grandparent loves to show off photos of their children and grandchildren. A wall designed specifically for hanging photos, awards and other proud mementoes gives parents and grandparents the perfect opportunity to share stories with visitors.
Downsizing into a new home - one that can adapt to boomers’ changing needs as well as accommodate their occasional desire to entertain guests - is a great way to enjoy retirement in comfort and style. And with the customizable features available through Clayton Homes, they won’t regret downsizing at all. Boomers can choose these features in The Holland home model by Clayton Homes,
* Handy but hidden entertainment - When friends and family come over, consider how efficient it is to have a built-in cabinet that flips open to serve as a beverage station. When visitors are not around, tucking the beverage station away into a designated place makes the home more open. Another customizable feature is a support column that acts as a wine storage cubby with a built-in bench beside it.
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Enjoying retirement in a home suited for an active life * Accessible laundry - Placing laundry facilities close to the bedroom is great for baby boomers. The space doesn’t need to be large, but sometimes when a small space is designed for laundry, you lose out on those wonderful additional features, such as drying racks. Clayton Homes has alleviated this issue by installing pull-out hanging racks or built-in storage above the machines and off the floor. * Bedroom luxury - Enjoy a home that segregates the master bedroom and bath from the entertaining areas of the home. One way to make this private space perfect is to install a beauty bar. It’s a vanity station in the bedroom with a large mirror and chair so one can comfortably prep for the day without constantly standing.
* Fun space - Many retirees finally have the time to enjoy their hobbies to their full potential, and they’ll need to designate a space in their new home to accommodate the activity. Maybe they’re interested in physical fitness and need a place for equipment. Sometimes a craft room is required so the grandkids can come over and put their creativity to good use. Entertaining is an option, too, and having a separate room near the kitchen just for those planned gatherings might be exactly what is needed. By efficiently utilizing living space that is specifically designed for their use, boomers can enjoy their retirement years in a home that is built to suit their new active lifestyles.
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Seven tips for a greener back-to-school season
(BPT) - With back-to-school shopping, changing schedules and preparing kids for the upcoming school year, your family’s environmental impact may be the last thing on your mind It is possible to have a greener back-toschool season. Here are seven simple things parents and children can do to care for the environment - and themselves - as they return to school. 1. Reuse and recycle notebooks. While high schoolers may go through multiple notebooks per subject every year, it’s rare for elementary school-aged kids to use up their notebooks. Tear out used pages (and recycle them, of course) from last year’s notebooks so that kids can use the remaining blank pages. Use contact paper to freshen and reinforce covers that are worn or written on. 28 everythinglake.com
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Seven tips for a greener back-to-school season 2. Give broken and worn down crayons new life. Gather all the bits and separate by color. Remove all papers. Using a mini-muffin pan (or mini ramekins in fun shapes), fill each cup with crayon pieces in one color. Melt in an oven set at 350 degrees just until crayons are completely melted. Cool at room temperature, then freeze for 30 minutes to make it easier to remove the newly formed crayons. 3. Refresh smelly shoes naturally. Stinky gym bags and tennis shoes don’t have to be a reality for your athletic child, and you don’t have to resort to chemicals to kill odor. You can create a natural deodorizing spray with essential oils. Simply mix 12 to 16 drops of lemon oil, six drops of red thyme oil and 2 drops of patchouli oil and 4 ounces of water in a misting bottle. Shake vigorously and mist inside gym bags and shoes. The formula not only kills odors, it adds an energizing, refreshing aroma. 4. Look for ways to green your commute to school. If you live close to school, consider walking or biking. Families with longer commutes may consider carpooling or using the school bus. 5. Green lunches by packing them in reusable lunch bags (no brown bags or plastic baggies, please). Pack sandwiches in reusable sandwich containers, and use bento-style boxes with multiple compartments to hold snacks, veggies and other sides. Replace plastic water bottles with reusable bottles - plenty of fun, colorful options are available.
6. Energize naturally. Do your kids grab a sugary soft drink or sweet snack to boost their awareness while doing homework? Instead of relying on unhealthy treats for an energy boost that will come with a crash afterward, energize homework time with an essential oil diffusion. Aura Cacia offers this mood-boosting blend: Ingredients: 10 drops peppermint essential oil 3 drops eucalyptus essential oil 2 drops ginger essential oil 3 drops sweet orange essential oil Directions: Combine all oils in a mister bottle and spritz in the air around your child’s work space. To give kids a boost during the school day, soak a cotton ball in the essential oils blend, slip it into a reusable plastic container and place in your child’s book bag. Whenever he needs a burst of energy during the day, he can open it and take a quick whiff. 7. Lighten up your electricity use and carbon footprint. Get kids involved in a fun weekend project by replacing incandescent bulbs throughout the house with energy-efficient CFLs or LEDs. These bulbs give off the same amount of light for back-to-school tasks like homework or picking out a first-day outfit, but use about 80 percent less electricity and can last for eight or more years before needing replacement.
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Why kids and nutritionists reject new school lunches Salt itself is also an essential nutrient children need. They also need the iodine which producers started adding to table salt almost 100 years ago. In fact, the World Health Organization points to iodized salt as key to eliminating iodine deficiency disorders, one of the most common and preventable world-wide causes of brain damage. The WHO calls iodized salt a “spectacularly simple, universally effective, wildly attractive and incredibly cheap ‘weapon’ against childhood mental retardation.” The SNA has good cause to ask for more scientific research on sodium reduction and health given a recent Institute for Medicine report which concluded that there was insufficient research to support sodium reduction efforts and that evidence actually suggested that low salt diets were harmful. A study published in the American Journal of Hypertension further found that Americans on average already currently consume sodium within the optimally healthy range and sodium reduction efforts will cause harm. According to SNA President Leah Schmidt, “The professionals working in school cafeterias are the front line experts, charged with the responsibility of feeding 30 million students each day - all with different tastes, appetites and preferences. We’re just looking for some flexibility from those in Washington to ensure our kids are getting the nourishment they need to be successful.”
Driveways to mailboxes: If you live in a community that restricts what type of mailbox you can have, simply give your rusted, stained mailbox and the post it sits on a fresh coat of paint in its original color. If your community has no standards for mailboxes, you can swap out an ordinary looking box with something that compliments your exterior design. Does your home have a brick facade? Consider a mailbox set in or on a brick pillar. If your house features fieldstone accents, consider carrying that over to the mailbox with a small, stone-trimmed planting bed at its base. * Lavish your front door with some TLC The door is the point where your exterior design meets your interior d√©cor. It’s also an element that significantly impacts how visitors view your home. Give yours a fresh coat of paint or stain, and don’t forget the trim around the door. Next, consider lighting. Is the area around the door well lit? Good lighting is key not only for safety at night but also to enhance the appeal of the area. Consider sconces beside the door or an attractive overhead fixture if your door has an awning, porch or overhang. Ground lights can accent the effect, either illuminating the pathway that leads to the door or lighting up the door itself. Finally, take a look at the door hardware. Is the handle or knob looking rusted and shabby? Replacing worn or dated door hardware is an easy, cost-effective way to improve the overall look of your entryway. Anyone hoping to sell their home during warmer months can greatly enhance curb appeal by investing in these seemingly minor design elements. If you plan to stay in your house, boosting the curb appeal will make you feel even better about coming home every day to a fresh, appealing house.
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