September 2014 everythinglake.com
Meet Amy Sellers
Page 10
Bowling Pro’s Coming to BreakPoint alley Page 13 Lake County Events Page 16 - 17 Make Sportmanship part of your child’s game plan Page 22 - 23
INSIDE THIS ISSUE 7 Fresh fall hairstyles that take just minutes to create 8 - 9 Thinking of buying a puppy? You may want to think again 10 Meet Amy Sellers
13 Pros Coming to Break Point Alley
14 Make Peace With Fall Allergies
16-17 Lake County Events
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18 - 19 Kid Friendly Foods
20 - 21 See How A Fitness Expert Stays Fit
22 - 23 Make sportsmanship part of your child’s (and your) game plan
24 - 25 Caught In A Data Breach
26 4 ways military service members can better manage their move 30 3 Tips to Keep Technology Safe
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Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday $10. per Bowler, Prizes Awarded
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from the publisher’s desk Al Asghar Summer is winding down. Kids are back at school and Labor Day is right around the corner. The leaves are going to start changing colors and it will start cooling of. Oh wait, I live in Florida. That means the best time of year is right around the corner. We are introducing a new section coming next month. This is going to be our entertainment section. You will be able to see who and what is going on nightly basics at local venues. I am real excited about this. You can also sign up for this on our website at everythinglake.com
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 Amir Asghar
Advertising Sales
Al Asghar Matt Roderick
Cover Art Courtesy : Amy Sellers Art Gallery 411 North Donnelly Street Mount Dora 352-735-7411
Also, go on our Facebook page, Everything Lake and keep checking for updates. All the updates are posted on there. I want to thank you for all your feedback. Make sure you keep them coming in. That’s what makes us better. Al Asghar Everything Lake Magazine www.everythinglake.com www.facebook.com/everythinglake 407-697-7933
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
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Fresh fall hairstyles that take just minutes to create (BPT) - Whether you’re a student or a busy mom, the morning routine goes into high gear once school starts again. Fitting in all the todo’s without compromising style before rushing out the door can be a challenge, which is why a few tips and tricks from the experts can help ensure you look fabulous within minutes. One of the best ways to shave minutes off your morning and define your look? Your hairstyle. “Let’s be honest, none of us want to spend longer than we need to on our hair in the morning, especially when that means we can sneak in a few more snooze sessions,” says celebrity hairstylist and member of the EcoTools Beauty Team, Christine Symonds. “Little embellishments can turn the easiest style into something really special.” Symonds shares her best tips and tricks for quickly turning an average hairstyle into an A+ look. Creative accessories: Metal-head look
pieces of hair together for a unique up-do, or pin your hair to the side with a colorful cluster. Add flare: Braided ribbon look “Whether it’s a braid or a bun, add some color and texture by using a ribbon, some lace, a silk scarf, or colorful string,” says Symonds. To achieve this look, prep hair with a texturizing salt spray and rough dry with a blow dryer. Try using the EcoTools Full Volume Styler hair brush with a unique EcoVent System(R) that dries hair 20 percent faster, not only cutting down on prep time, but heat damage as well. Use the brush to create volume around the face and smooth any unruly cowlicks. Next, attach your ribbon or other material, to a clear rubber band and wrap it around a small piece of hair at the base of your neck that will be under the braid. Braid hair in the desired direction, grabbing the fabric along with the sections and then securing at the end. Continued on page 19
“Bobby pins are one of my favorite tools,” says Symonds. “They can hide flaws or create flawless and effortless style.” Get creative with these little life savers and turn them into a work of art. Paint bobby pins with nail polish and let them dry. Match to your outfit or lipstick and pick a bold color that will stand out against your hair to make this style look intentional and add dimension. Brush hair out for a perfectly smooth finish and then pin away. Try creating a geometric shape to fasten everythinglake.com 7
Thinking of buying a puppy? You may want to think again
(BPT) - Your family is ready for a pet, so you head out to the local pet store. Within moments of walking into the shop, an energetic, sweeteyed puppy steals your heart. You plunk down your money - possibly hundreds of dollars and take him home, unaware that your new darling began his life in circumstances that most Americans would find horrifying, circumstances that will possibly cause him long-term health and psychological problems. He’s the product of a puppy mill. The majority of pet stores across the country obtain the pets they sell from commercial breeding facilities - puppy mills - according to animal welfare advocates. Equally as shocking: 43 percent of Americans don’t know that most pet store puppies come from puppy mills, and 17 percent still choose to purchase a dog at a local pet store, rather than adopt from a shelter or rescue organization, according to a survey conducted by Best Friends Animal Society. Founded in 1984, the organization is a leader in the no-kill movement. “For every commercially bred puppy purchased in a store, another shelter pet waits to find his or her family,” says Elizabeth Oreck, the national manager of puppy mills initiatives at Best Friends. “If Americans want to break the puppy mill cycle and save lives, they need to stop buying puppies from pet stores and start adopting from shelters and rescue groups.”
Approximately 167,000 adult dogs populate some 10,000 puppy mills around the United States, spending their lives in cages where they get little or no exercise, mental stimulation or human attention. They produce more than 2 million puppies each year, most of whom are sold through pet stores. Puppy mill animals commonly suffer a range of health problems such as heart and kidney disease, hip dysplasia, blood disorders and deafness, as well as a variety of infections, parasitic infestations and even behavioral problems, according to Dr. Frank McMillan, director of well-being studies for Best Friends.
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Thinking of buying a puppy? You may want to think again
Adopting a pet from an animal shelter or rescue organization is a better option than purchasing a puppy mill animal from a pet store, animal advocates agree. Each day, 9,000 healthy, adoptable pets are killed because they don’t have permanent homes. Despite the widespread prevalence of puppy mills, and the negative associations many Americans have with the term - 55 percent associate them with “animal cruelty” - just three in five adults between the ages of 18 and 34 have heard of a puppy mill, the Best Friends survey revealed. Young adults were also less likely to associate puppy mills with animal cruelty, and more likely than other age groups to say they would buy a pet rather than adopt one.
“Adoption should always be your first choice for finding a pet,” Oreck urges. “Shelters house virtually every type of pet you could want, from puppies and kittens to mature animals, ones that are already house trained, spayed and neutered, and even specific breeds. In fact, 25 percent of pets in shelters are pure breeds. When consumers refuse to do business with stores that sell puppy mill animals, they send an important message.” To learn more about how you can help eliminate puppy mills, or to find an adoption center near you, visit www.bestfriends.org/puppymills.
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Meet Amy Sellers Amy Sellers was born in Lafayette, Louisiana, and has a great affection for her Cajun heritage. She was raised in the small town of Wexford, Pennsylvania. At age 12 she was encouraged to focus on drawing and painting by a young teacher, Al Spekis, who was teaching his first year. In 1983 Amy headed to Tampa, FL. She graduated with a Fine Arts Degree from the University of South Florida. For the first few years after graduating Amy focused on becoming a portrait artist. In 1995 she met and married her husband, Andrew Sellers. While raising three little boys Amy kept very busy painting and selling her art via the internet. In 2002 their middle son, Andrew, was diagnosed with Autism. In an effort to help him learn the meanings of words Amy created several rhyming stories with fun, whimsical paintings. When a collection of 12 were completed she put them into a self-published book, “Hurray for Rhyme, It’s Story Time”. She started a 501(C)3 charity called the “Out of the Rain Society”, assisting children and families affected by Autism. While selling the books to fund her charity she was taken under the wing of the world-famous motivational speaker Les Brown. With his help Amy was able to reach the endowment level for her charity. During this time Amy enjoyed illustrating children’s books for other people. In 2003 she and her family moved to a small farm in Apopka, FL. Once again she focused on painting and selling her art and children’s books via the internet. The family had a great time with horses and country living. It was a magical place to raise her three young sons. In 2011 they found a small, 225 square ft. retail space for rent. It was always a dream of Amy’s to have a retail gallery to sell her art. They moved, once again, and opened a 10 everythinglake.com
small gallery in Mount Dora, Fl. Since that time Amy has expanded her gallery several times. She offers many different styles of paintings including historic scenes of downtown Mount Dora and a line of children’s books published by JLB Creatives Co. Today she can be found most days painting by the front window in her gallery. Many of her works can be seen on her website: www. AmySellersArt.com.
Five things to look for when shopping for your next vehicle
(BPT) - It’s that time again - time to buy a new car. Maybe you’re excited because you’ve been dreaming of getting new wheels for a long time now. Or maybe you’re nervous; buying a car is a big financial commitment and you want to make sure you do your homework. If you fall into this second group, don’t worry; these five simple questions can help you find a vehicle that fits your lifestyle. * Is it a lemon? When you purchase your vehicle, the last thing you want to do is shop for another car in a couple of years. Picking a reliable vehicle is key. So how do you do it? Make a list of the vehicles you’re interested in and head to the Web to research previous vehicle recalls. If you are buying a used car, websites like CarFax.com and others can also show you the history of that particular car, giving you insight into just how reliable it will be. * Where’s the value? Whether safety is your top concern or you want the most vehicle for your money, it’s all about value. USAA, which provides car buying guidance (or help) and
recommendations to its members, recently released its fourth-annual Best Value list identifying the top vehicles for 2014. The list includes vehicles that finished at the top of USAA’s preferred propriety rating system, which evaluates safety, reliability, cost and other factors. There is also a list of the top 10 vehicles for teens, which you can review if you’ll soon be sharing a garage with a new driver. * How will you pay for it? Behind safety, financing is probably the most important thing to consider when buying a new car. Before you sign on the dotted line, make sure you’ve thoroughly researched your financing options. And remember, you have other options besides what the dealership offers you. * Are there any physical concerns you need to remember? Not every vehicle is perfect for
everythinglake.com 11
Five things to look for when shopping for your next vehicle
every person. Think about yourself and who will most often ride with you. If you or your passengers are very tall, a smaller sedan may not make sense. Likewise, people who have mobility challenges may not be comfortable getting into a large pickup truck. * Will it grow with your family? Sure it fits your needs now, but what about next year? The year after that? Whether it is children, pets or joining the office carpool, consider the fact that the space you need presently might not be the space you need even a year from now. Shopping for a new car can be an exciting experience, but it can be nerve-wracking as well. As you begin your search, remember these questions and you’ll be closer to finding the vehicle of your dreams. To learn more about USAA’s Best Value list, visit usaa.com/ bestvalue. USAA Preferred Best Value vehicles are typically those vehicles ranked highest in each vehicle category and obtain either the
Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ crash test ratings from IIHS and represent vehicles which are determined to be the best financial value using a USAA-developed proprietary statistical model. The model relates MSRP to vehicle features (engine type, drive train, electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, number of airbags, transmission, body additions, curb weight, horsepower-to-curb weight, height and vehicle category), fuel economy, insurance cost, additional warranty cost, depreciation, and IIHS Top Safety Pick to determine the value. In providing this analysis, USAA does not consider factors other than those disclosed. The vehicles evaluated for USAA’s Top 10 for Teens list first had to be a USAA Preferred vehicle and have an MSRP below $26,000. Then, a vehicle’s reliability, insurance cost, and overall value were considered regardless of vehicle segment to create the top 10.
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 12 everythinglake.com
The Bowling Pros Are Coming To Town! By Amir Asghar
Break Point Alley has done it again. They are going to be hosting the member/non-member doubles open at their facility from September 26th through September 28th.
“We are so proud and happy that this event is coming here in September” stated Rich Kosto owner of Break Point Alley. “We want to bring the best to town for people to enjoy, bring their families out and leave with endless memories”. The event starts with a Pro Am Event on September 26th. Bowlers of all age are invited to come bowl with the pros. There are different age groups. Call the center for more details. The Qualifying starts on September 27 and the squads will be broken into two groups. Play starts at 9 am. Sunday, September 28th is the finals. Play, again starts at 9am. This is one event that you do not want to miss. For all the event info and details, call Rich Kosto at 352-343-5333 or email him at rich.kosta@breakpointalley.com
everythinglake.com 13
Make peace with fall:
Get over your love-hate relationship with autumn allergies
(BPT) - Fall: love it or hate it? People who suffer from fall allergies no doubt love the fall colors and the festive time of year, while hating the sneezing, sniffling, wheezing and itching. So what’s an autumn lover to do?
You can’t run, but you can avoid exposure
Batten down the hatches and get ready for fall allergy season with the following tips from the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI).
* Keep car and home windows closed and use air conditioning, if possible.
The early bird catches the ... allergy meds? “The most important reminder we can give people is to start taking their fall allergy medication two weeks or so before symptoms usually begin,” says allergist Dr. James Sublett, ACAAI president-elect. “You should also continue your medication for two weeks after the first frost. Because of nasal and eye symptoms associated with ragweed allergies, symptoms can linger after pollen is no longer in the air.
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While it’s impossible to completely escape pollen and molds, here are some other ways to lessen exposure.
* Remember to change home and auto air filters and replace them with high efficiency filters. * Don’t hang clothing outdoors to dry. Pollen may cling to towels and sheets. * Outdoor air usually is most heavily saturated with pollen between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m., so early morning is a good time to limit outdoor activities. Mold spores, however, are released due to wind, or other activities that stir them up.
Make peace with fall:
Get over your love-hate relationship with autumn allergies * Wear a NIOSH-rated 95 filter mask when mowing the lawn, raking leaves or gardening, and take appropriate medication beforehand. Apple picking, pumpkin pie and food allergies? As summer eases into fall, kids are back in school and adults start thinking about food-centric holidays like Halloween and Thanksgiving. Holidays that focus on food might also involve food allergies. One of the challenging issues is that many people may think they have a food allergy when what they really have is food intolerance. Food intolerance can often mimic a food allergy, causing nausea and vomiting, but is not life-threatening. The best way to determine whether what you’re experiencing is a food allergy is to see an allergist for testing. An allergist will help you develop an action plan to deal with whatever allergies or intolerances you may have. Take a deep breath and get an asthma screening
Many people don’t know that allergies and asthma go hand-in-hand, and that an allergy can trigger a life-threating asthma attack if the person is unaware they have one, or both, of these chronic illnesses. To help children and adults with symptoms of asthma and allergy know if they are at risk, allergists from around the country participate in the Nationwide Asthma Screening Program. ACAAI offers free allergy and asthma screenings throughout the year. The screenings, sponsored by Teva Respiratory, take place at about 100 locations nationwide. A list of screenings can be found by visiting acaai.org/nasp. For those who may think they have allergy and asthma but cannot attend a screening, ACAAI offers free online tools, such as the Asthma and Allergies Symptom Test, MyNasalAllergyJournal and an Allergist Locator, to track symptoms and find a local board-certified allergist.
Sign up today at www.everythinglake.com
Lake County Events 2nd Annual Show Down Bass Tournament When: Saturday, September 06, 2014 - Sunday, September 07, 2014 Time: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Where: Powell’s Campground 25716 Powell Dr., Astor Cost: Varies Description: Fishing tournament, kids tournament and games, food, raffle and Entertainment by Neon Truckers. Bring the whole family. See flyer and entry forms on Chamber website for more information. Contact: Call James Powell at 352-759-2121 or email fastcar19@aol.com. Central Florida Triathlon Series #4 When: Saturday, September 13, 2014 Time: Where: Waterfront Park 330 3rd St., Clermont Cost: 65.00 Description: Sprint includes a .25-mile swim, 10-mile bike and 5K run. Super Fun Sprint includes a 200-yard swim, 8-mile bike ride and 2-mile run. Contact: Call Sommer Sports at 352-394-1320 or email info@sommersports.com.
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Lake Collect-a-Con When: Saturday, September 27, 2014 Time: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Where: Lake Receptions 4425 N. U.S. Highway 19A, Mount Dora Cost: $2 Description: Collectibles Show featuring collectibles from autographs to comic books and more. Special Guest Johnny Duncan who played Robin in the 1949 Batman serials will be signing autographs. Contact: Call Greg Bohenert at 352-406-6906 or email fse@prodigy.net. 3rd Annual Lake County Wings & Wildflowers Festival When: Friday, October 03, 2014 - Sunday, October 05, 2014 Time: 9 - 4 a.m. Where: Venetian Gardens 109 E. Dixie Ave., Leesburg Cost: Free (cost for various programs) Description: The Festival will include Keynote speakers related to birding and wildflowers. Festival-goers will learn about the charismatic Florida Scrub-jay and the unique Florida scrub habitat. Other specialty field trips will be offered to area preserves and pristine public lands. Unique birding programs will be available by kayak, pontoon boats and seaplanes. For your dining experience, food trucks will be available. With Lake County’s reputation as a premier birding location, it is the goal of this festival to enhance awareness and appreciation of Lake County’s quality of life, and support environmental initiatives on behalf of citizens and visitors alike. We hope you can join us. Contact: Call Yvonne Powers at 352-742-3925 or email ypowers@lakecountyfl.gov. everythinglake.com 17
Kid-friendly foods that are also healthy appearing in restaurants across the country
(BPT) - With summer finally here, many will take the opportunity to spend more quality time with family, and dining out in restaurants is a perfect way to spend that time together. In an effort to meet the growing demand among consumers for more healthful menu options, a number of restaurants - in hometowns across America and at various vacation destinations - are offering more nutritious and great-tasting menu options for kids. Restaurateurs are committed to ensuring the meals they offer for children are healthful, flavorful and innovative. The participants of the National Restaurant Association’s Kids LiveWell Recipe Challenge initiative offer tangible proof of this. Sponsored by founding partners McCormick For Chefs and Healthy Dining, the challenge gives operators the opportunity to showcase the creative, healthful and flavorful dishes they plan to feature on their menus. During the 18 everythinglake.com
competition, which uses an “industry tested, kid approved� approach, a panel of food and nutrition professionals select the finalists and a team of elementary school students choose the eventual winners. The Kids LiveWell Recipe Challenge provides chefs and foodservice professionals with a forum to develop nutritious recipes that promote fun dining experiences. National chains, foodservice companies, independent restaurants and noncommercial organizations, have displayed their culinary creativity and competed in the contest, inspiring young patrons to be excited about eating healthful foods. The winning recipes have embodied nutritious and imaginative ideas, such as a sandwich that uses multigrain and pumpernickel bread shaped to look like a piano, a dish that turns a kid favorite - spaghetti and meatballs - into a pizza, and a quesadilla and soft taco that incorporate whole wheat, lean proteins and vegetables into meals that are tasty and exciting.
Kid-friendly foods that are also healthy appearing in restaurants across the country All of the challenge’s recipes are required to meet nutrition criteria set forth by the National Restaurant Association’s Kids LiveWell initiative, which is based on the 2010 USDA Dietary Guidelines. The program’s goal is to increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains and low-fat dairy, while limiting unhealthful fats, sugar and sodium. The Kids LiveWell initiative today includes 145 restaurant brands in more than 42,000 locations, and all of them are committed to providing more healthful meals for children. Nutritious meals can be found at all types of restaurants, from independent to chain to casual dining to quick-service, fast casual and fine dining. They’re even available in museums and theme parks.
For busy families that are constantly on the go, Kids LiveWell has made it even easier to find healthful menu items when they dine out in restaurants. Many of these nutritious menu options can be found on HealthyDiningFinder. com or by downloading the free Kids LiveWell smartphone app, available in the Android Market and iTunes app store. Restaurateurs and chefs can make the healthful choice the easy choice. Parents and their children will keep coming back for more.
Fresh fall hairstyles that take just minutes to create Twist and go: Rolled pony look “If braiding isn’t a skill on your resume, a twisting technique is super simple and can create a polished look in seconds,” says Symonds. Try a new twist on an old classic with a rolled ponytail that can be worn several ways. This is a great option for second or third-day hair. Start by wetting hair with a salt spray and rough dry for texture. Use the EcoTools Quick Volume Styler hair brush, which is made from cruelty-free synthetic boar’s hair bristles that evenly distribute hairs’ natural moisturizers. Blow out just the top section for volume and smoothness. Fasten a ponytail two inches below the neck then roll it up towards the back of the head and pass through the middle
of the hair. Repeat two to three times and loosen the twist with your fingers to create an undone look. Insider tip: Here’s how to make a texturizing salt spray right at home: 1. Pour warm water from sink into an empty spray bottle. 2. Dispense a good amount of fine-grained sea salt into the bottle. The ratio should be approximately 1/4 salt and 3/4 water (the more texture you want, the more salt you should add). 3. Put in a few drops of your favorite aromatic oil such as lavender, coconut or vanilla. 4. Shake well before each use. everythinglake.com 19
See how a fitness expert stays fit and healthy with a daily dose of fun
(BPT) - Keoni Hudoba wasn’t always the renowned New York City fitness trainer he is today. A native of Hawaii, he came to New York as a performer, and developed a love for fitness through a series of healthy steps that led to a radical transformation. Keoni battled his weight throughout his college years and into his 20s. At his heaviest, he weighed 327 pounds and once had a director tell him he had a great voice but lacked the physical fitness to pursue a career as a theatrical performer. Keoni took the comments to heart and set out to improve his health through small, daily habits that would shape him into his best self. Today, Keoni is the creator of two popular fitness methods, Cyc and DRENCHED, and an inspiration to many. Take an inside look at Keoni’s daily routine to see how he maintains healthy habits. 7 a.m. - Keoni wakes up and plays his favorite music (anything Sam Smith on repeat) in his apartment as he readies for the day. He showers and packs a bag for the day’s classes at Cyc, then eats a breakfast of oatmeal with some raisins and seasonings for variety. With breakfast, Keoni grabs two vitafusion gummy vitamins. For years, he has been taking vitafusion Men’s - a multivitamin that’s easy 20 everythinglake.com
and delicious, so he remembers to take them every day. 9 a.m. - Keoni arrives at Cyc and prepares for his first cycling class of the day. “I like to make working out enjoyable,” he says. “The enjoyment aspect comes with the music. I change my playlist numerous times, because I think music has a huge role in workouts.” 9:30 a.m. - He teaches his first Cyc class, a 45 minute ride that activates the whole body, incorporating 20 different sport movements such as boxing, volleyball and swimming. Afterwards, Keoni is still full of energy, thanks to his clients. “It gets me fired up to see 54 athletes in the studio. If someone is taking the time to see me, I’ll give them 110 percent.” 10:30 a.m. - This is where Keoni takes some “me time”. Although Keoni teaches up to 3 Cyc classes a day, he always carves out time in his busy schedule for his own workout and hits the weight room. “I find time every day for my own workout, to focus on the muscles and areas I need to work on,” Keoni says. 12 p.m. - Keoni takes a break, grabbing lunch or heading out to run errands before the next class. He admits his favorite lunch is still goodContinued on page 29
Stop loan scammers and bogus bill collectors with these tips (BPT) - In the United States, federal and state consumer collection laws forbid debt collectors from using unfair, deceptive, and abusive means to collect debt. Unfortunately, that fact doesn’t stop scammers from using threats of arrest and jail time to coerce victims into paying bogus bills they don’t owe. It’s just one of the many tactics criminals use to defraud victims in fake loan and collection scams. In many cases, victims or their loved ones are already experiencing financial hardships. In a recent case in Texas, con artists posing as collection agents for a payday lender attempted to convince a mother and daughter to pay a debt they claimed the woman’s son owed. Although they threatened her with legal action, the woman refused to pay and instead contacted authorities who are now searching for the scammers. “Loan and collection scams are particularly distasteful, because they target people when they are most vulnerable and in need of a helping hand,” says Patrick O’Shaughnessy, chairman of the Community Financial Services Association of America (CFSA), and the CEO of Advance America, a leading short-term credit provider. “Scammers use the reputation of a legitimate, respected business, along with dire threats, to get what they want from victims. Unfortunately, when someone’s been scammed using our good name, there’s little more we can do other than work with law enforcement and empathize.”
O’Shaughnessy and Advance America offer consumers some advice for spotting scams and protecting themselves from falling prey to a loan or collections con: Learn the signs of a scam Federal law strictly regulates how real bill collectors and loan agents can do business. The federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) specifically prohibits debt collectors from being abusive, unfair or deceptive in trying to collect a debt. Visit the FTC’s website to familiarize yourself with the law. The law specifically says debt collectors cannot threaten you with arrest or jail time if you don’t pay their bill. “If someone claims you will face criminal prosecution unless you immediately wire them money, it’s almost certainly a scam,” O’Shaughnessy says. Lenders - including short-term or “payday” lenders - are also highly regulated by federal and state laws. Legitimate lenders abide by the regulations, but unlicensed lenders may operate outside the law. Scammers may claim that you have been pre-approved for a loan, and then require you to purchase a prepaid debit card or wire money as a “processing fee” or “good faith deposit.” Others may really be identity thieves out to get your personal or financial information. Consumers should look for the CFSA seal, which shows the lenders that abide by industry best practices. These practices include: Continued on page 27 everythinglake.com 21
Make sportsmanship part of your child’s (and your) game plan
(BPT) - You’ve probably been to a youth sporting event when an argument broke out between coaches and parents. Or maybe you’ve watched youth athletes refuse to help one another up or congratulate an opponent on a great play.
According to the survey:
And you wonder where has sportsmanship gone?
* According to both parents and coaches, learning “teamwork” and “sportsmanship” are the two most important aspects of participating in youth sports.
A new effort by Liberty Mutual Insurance’s Play Positive program looks to renew the spirit of sportsmanship and remind youth sports coaches and parents of the importance of this life lesson. Parents and coaches are asked to take the Play Positive Pledge to promote good sportsmanship. Taking the pledge could even help your youth sports team or organization earn $2,500 toward providing a better youth sports experience. Recently, a survey of 2,000 youth sports parents and coaches conducted by Liberty Mutual Insurance revealed shocking statistics about the decline in sportsmanship in youth sports, underscoring the need for a stronger emphasis. 22 everythinglake.com
* 50 percent of parents and coaches believe that sportsmanship has worsened in youth sports since they participated as children (while only 12 percent think it has improved).
* 26 percent of parents say they have witnessed a verbally abusive coach, and 16 percent say they have witnessed a confrontation between parents. * 55 percent of coaches have experienced parents yelling negatively at officials or their own kids, and two in five have experienced parents yelling negatively at other kids. So how do parents and coaches stop this trend and improve sportsmanship for the next generation? It starts with teaching children the value of sportsmanship. Seventy-five percent of parents and coaches say that teaching sportsmanship is the responsibility of parents.
Make sportsmanship part of your child’s (and your) game plan If you want to help your child learn the value of good sportsmanship and playing with a positive attitude, follow these tips: * Play with integrity. One of the most essential lessons a child can learn from sports is to follow the rules. Make sure your children understand the rules and don’t break them, even if they have the opportunity to get away with it. * Respect the officials. It’s important that youth athletes - as well as parents and coaches - learn to respect referees and officials. Showing respect for the officials will set a good example for your children. Remember, they are always watching and learning from you.
Play Positive ambassador. “Those lessons have stuck with me over the years, and now as a father of children involved in youth sports, I know the opportunity lies with us as parents to have the conversation and reinforce this important life lesson.” You can learn more about Liberty Mutual Insurance’s Play Positive program find helpful tips and resources for teaching your children lifelong sportsmanship skills and take the Play Positive Pledge by visiting www.PlayPositive. com.
* Be a good sport. This means teaching your child to do what they can to lift up their teammates. Teach them that being a good teammate also means being a good person on and off the field regardless of the outcome. * Maintain self-control. Help your child learn to keep their cool, have a positive attitude and avoid overreacting during practices or games. * Let the coaches coach. Avoid chiming in with your coaching advice for the team or other parents. Let those in charge run the plays. This will help your children learn to respect their coaches and the coaches’ decisions. “Growing up as a youth athlete, my coaches and parents were constantly using examples of poor behavior on the field as an opportunity to teach me about the importance of sportsmanship,” says actor Chris O’Donnell, Liberty Mutual Insurance everythinglake.com 23
Caught in a data breach? How to reclaim control of your credit and identity (BPT) - By the end of the first quarter 2014, more than 200 data breaches compromised millions of consumer records, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center, which keeps track of reported data breaches. Stunned? Data breach stats are even more staggering if you’re among the millions of Americans caught up in one every year. In addition to the potential monetary loss and identity theft risks, data breaches can also rob you of your sense of security and confidence. When you learn you’ve been involved in a data breach, it’s important to take steps to help protect your identity and financial accounts, and to rebuild your sense of security. Often, breached organizations will offer affected customers some form of credit monitoring for a set period of time (usually one year) after the breach. While such services may go a long way toward making you feel more secure, be sure you understand exactly what the offered product can - and can’t - do to help you recover from the potential impact of a data breach. Data breaches, credit monitoring and identity theft risks Consumers whose personal or financial information is compromised in a data breach may be at greater risk of experiencing identity theft. In 2013, more than 13 million Americans experienced identity fraud, according to a study by Javelin Strategy. Credit monitoring products aim to help minimize identity theft risks by keeping an eye on your credit accounts, where evidence of potential fraud and identity theft may first appear. Identifying such signs early may help mitigate some of the damages associated with identity theft. 24 everythinglake.com
While it’s true that consumers can do on their own virtually everything a credit monitoring product does, going it alone can sometimes be time-consuming and burdensome. Convenience is a significant benefit of a credit monitoring product. Not all credit monitoring products are alike, however, and if a company offers you this product in the wake of a data breach, don’t hesitate to carefully review the product and ask questions, including: * Does the product provide daily monitoring of credit files? * Will you receive timely alerts of key changes in your credit files? * Does the product monitor your credit file at all three of the major credit reporting agencies, or only one? For example, Equifax Complete monitors information from all three bureaus. * Are financial alerts included, and is it possible to link your bank and credit card accounts to the monitoring product? This allows you to be alerted when withdrawals from your bank account and/or charges to your credit card are processed, based on threshold amounts that you define.
Caught in a data breach? How to reclaim control of your credit and identity * Is Internet scanning for your Social Security Number and credit card numbers included? This may help detect unauthorized posting of your Social Security number and credit card numbers on certain suspicious trading sites.
a key step toward regaining some confidence and peace of mind when you’re a data breach victim.
If a breached company cannot answer these questions, or you’re not satisfied that the credit monitoring product being offered is comprehensive enough for your needs, you may need to take additional steps. First, you should ask the breached company for a different product. Such companies are increasingly aware of the impact data breaches can have on their reputation, and may be more willing to engage with those customers who feel they’re not receiving an appropriate response in the wake of a data breach. If a company refuses to respond to your request, consider also subscribing to a more suitable product of your choice on your own - it can be
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4 ways military service members can better manage their move Tips to make moving more manageable for military members (BPT) - The military gives individuals and families the opportunity to explore the world, but that exploration often requires frequent moving. Rarely is this a smooth process. Service members can receive assistance through Permanent Change of Station (PCS) and Personally Procured Moves (PPM) programs to help handle the process. No matter how quickly the move happens or what kind of moving assistance your family requests, additional assistance is available for military members in order to make the move go more smoothly. Penske Truck Rental has a specialized call center staffed with employees who are trained to aid service members and their families in negotiating the complications of a move. Here are some moving tips from the Penske call center to help make your family’s relocation within a base or to a new base more efficient: * Planning - PCS notifications can come without much warning, or families may know about a potential move far in advance. For both instances, getting a plan in place is a good start. Gather important information into one folder, such as phone numbers, contact names, dates, receipts and checklists so you can easily track everything about your move. For some planning tools that focus specifically on military moves, visit the U.S. Department of Defense website. 26 everythinglake.com
* Weights - Military rules require soldiers to certify the weight of the rental vehicle when empty and after it’s fully loaded. Weight-limit reimbursements are set depending on a soldier’s rank and dependents, but the traditional weights are estimated at 1,000 pounds per room, excluding bathrooms and storage areas. Then add the estimated weight of large appliances, garage items and items in storage. Compare this number to what is allowed and determine if you can reduce the load in any way so you can avoid paying overweight costs. To help with weight certifications, Penske offers a Certified Public Scale locator tool online to help movers in finding weigh stations. * Contact info - File a change of address form at your local post office so mail can be forwarded, and make certain your new information is updated with your specific branch of the military. * Explore - Get to know your new neighborhood, both on and off base. If you have children, explore the schools and the after-school activities available. Learn a bit about the city’s history and gather information on the services the city offers so that on moving day, your water and electricity will be available right away. When in the military, a move is practically inevitable. The process, however, can be much less emotionally and financially stressful with a little organization and planning from the getgo.
Stop loan scammers and bogus bill collectors with these tips * Full disclosure of all transaction terms and fees * Regulatory compliance * Truthful advertising * Collection practices that comply with the FDCPA Protecting yourself from scammers In addition to understanding how lenders and bill collectors can operate, consumers should also take steps to protect themselves, including: * Never give personal information such as your Social Security number or bank account information online or over the phone without verifying that you are working with a legitimate lender or bill collector. To verify, call the establishment back using a known number, such as the number listed on your statement or on the back of your credit/debit card. * Be suspicious of any email with urgent requests for personal financial information. If an email demands immediate action or makes upsetting or exciting false statements, it’s likely a scam. * Verify company licenses when applying for a loan online. Legitimate lenders will display state licenses on their websites to verify that they are full-service, licensed lenders complying with state and federal laws. * Never wire money or provide prepaid debit card information to a lender claiming you have been pre-approved for a loan and must make an initial payment as a “show of good faith.” Legitimate lenders do not offer approvals prior to application and do not require good faith deposits. * Keep anti-virus, anti-malware, and spam email protection software up to date on all your computing devices. * Maintain a record of all outstanding debt, and include lender contact information. * Regularly check your bank, credit and debit card statements to ensure there are no
unauthorized transactions. Likewise, check your credit report (using Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion) every four months on a rotating basis; credit reports are often one of the first places where signs of identity theft or fraud will appear. * If someone approaches you claiming you owe them a debt, demand they provide written proof of the debt as the law requires - especially if it’s for a charge you don’t recognize. * If you suspect you’re being scammed, report it to local law enforcement and to the lender that the scammer claims to represent. Advance America customers can call 888-310-4238. “Scammers can be very convincing, especially when they use threats and intimidation and appear to have access to personal information,” O’Shaughnessy says. “Awareness and caution are the best defenses consumers can use to protect themselves from bogus bill collectors and loan scams.”
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Easy ways to make senior living affordable
(BPT) - Kathy Hesselgrave’s 90-year-old mother’s health declined to the point where she was no longer able to live in her home by herself. Because her mother needed help cooking and taking her medication, Hesselgrave found herself taking care of her mom, splitting the days and nights with her niece. Other family members pitched into help, too, but it became too much. “We didn’t have the money in the bank for her to move into assisted living,” says Hesselgrave, who lives in Sussex, Wis. “So we worked with a company that helps in this kind of situation and took a loan against her home to help pay for care until her house is sold.” Hesselgrave’s situation is becoming common among the “sandwich generation” - middleaged Americans who are caring for their parents and their children. This year, the youngest baby boomers turn 50 and, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, people 65 and older are expected to represent 20 percent of the population by 2030, nearly a two-thirds increase in percentage from 2010. As America’s “silver tsunami” draws near, more seniors and their children are searching for options to pay 28 everythinglake.com
for retirement living and quality care. “When making plans for the future and looking for a senior living community that’s right for you or your loved one, it’s important to find a community that will work with you and care about your unique needs and abilities,” says Greg Richard, chief operating officer of Brookdale, a leading senior living company that operates more than 1,100 communities in 46 states. “Finding a community that will partner with you and help find solutions to financial, social and health care needs makes a transition easier and more enjoyable.” Even with the best financial planning, seniors and their families are looking for a creative, smart and advantageous way to pay for retirement living and quality care in the future. Most don’t think they can afford living in a retirement or assisted living community, until they find out that a wide variety of financial options is available to them. For instance, for veterans who need assistance, the Department of Veteran’s Affairs offers benefits in addition to a monthly pension
Easy ways to make senior living affordable through the Veterans Aid and Attendance Program. This support allows veterans and their surviving spouses who require a caregiver to assist in various aspects of daily living - including eating, bathing, dressing and medication dosing - to receive money to help pay for long-term care in their own home, a skilled nursing community or an assisted living community. The benefit is not dependent upon service-related injuries. A veteran married to a non-veteran is eligible for approximately $2,000 per month while a married couple who are both veterans is eligible for nearly $2,800 per month. Benefits are also available to veterans who are independent, but who have an ill spouse. Veterans can get monthly financial assistance not only for themselves if they need care, but also for a spouse who needs assistance.
Richard says that Brookdale partners with several companies that offer reverse mortgage loan options, life insurance solutions and home equity loans. Financial counselors are available to assist seniors and their families in determining the best financial option to help pay for home care, assisted living or retirement community needs. Many of these companies, like Elderlife Financial Services, can get families the money they need in less than 24 hours to help with funding gaps. Others, like Life Care Funding Group, can take an existing life insurance policy and set up a long-term care benefit plan.
See how a fitness expert stays fit and healthy with a daily dose of fun
old-fashioned peanut butter and jelly, but he’s found a way to make it healthy and still enjoy it. “I make it on a flaxseed wrap with almond butter and sugar-free jam, instead of white bread and full calorie peanut butter.” 1 p.m. - He returns to the gym for one or two more Cyc classes and meets with a few clients for one-on-one instruction. “I tell clients they have to be ready to make a change and be fully invested in reaching their goals,” he says. “Any time I start working with someone new, I make them sign a contract saying they’re ready to make that investment.” 6 p.m. - He leaves the gym and heads to dinner. Sometimes this means going out to dinner to his favorite spots like CATCH, Lure or 44 & X, with friends, and other times he heads home for a nice quiet meal.
8:30 p.m. - Dinner’s finished and now it’s time to unwind. A homebody, Keoni says he enjoys his quiet time. “I’m always on, so when I get home I want to turn it off,” he says. “When I’m home I love lounging and cooking dinner. It’s all about what fits with individual preferences and needs, and this is how I refuel.” 10 p.m. - Keoni tries to be in bed by 10 p.m., allowing his body to get the rest it needs so he can start the routine over again the next day. “After my transformation, fitness and health has become a lifestyle, a daily thing,” Keoni says. “Even if I’m tired, I’m invested in the time I’m working out because I’ve already made it in the door. Invest in the body. It’s the only body you’ll ever have, so make the commitment to yourself.”
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3 tips to keep technology safe and accessible while traveling (BPT) - Are you dreaming of a vacation? Whether you’re planning a family trip, a romantic getaway for two, or a solo adventure, technology will likely be by your side. But using technology while away often requires some advance prep to reduce potential disruptions to your personal services, including Web-based email, apps and cloud storage, and to reduce the risk of criminal activity. When you try to sign in to your online services from a new location, companies may throw up roadblocks intended to keep out malicious attackers. To make sure you’re able to access documents or connect with friends while traveling, consider these tips: 1. Keep security information up-to-date If you access services while traveling to a new place, such as Outlook.com for email, or OneDrive for documents and photos, this may raise a security flag that’s normally intended to keep the bad guys from accessing your information. If this happens, you’ll need to verify account ownership, which is easy to do if you have a set of security information added to your account, i.e. mobile phone number and/or alternative email address. If prompted, simply use the unique code sent to your mobile phone or email account. If you’ve already added security information to your account, just make sure it’s up-to-date before you travel.
2. Install an authenticator app If you’re out of cell phone range, or you put your phone in airplane mode while traveling, but need to send an email or check a document stored in the cloud from a PC, then you’ll want an authenticator app. This allows you to retrieve a unique code on your mobile phone regardless of connection so you can verify account ownership. While authenticator apps may vary across platforms, typically the apps will use industry-standard security code generation to help keep your devices secure while traveling. If you have a Microsoft account, you can get the app by going to your Microsoft account security settings page at account.live.com/proofs/manage, and click ‘Set up’ under “Identity Verification Apps.” Otherwise check the app store on your device for your specific authenticator app. 3. Travel with devices you trust Internet cafes and hotel business centers are really convenient. However, when possible, it’s always best to access personal information and documents from your own devices given you likely know who has access to them before and after you use it. This makes the device more trustworthy, as well as helps reduce the need to verify account ownership given it’s a familiar device where you normally access information.
Amy Sellers Art Gallery
Book Signing Event Saturday Nov 1st Free Sing Along CD’s with the purchase of a set at the Book Signing Event
Amy Sellers Art Gallery 411 North Donnelly Street Mount Dora 352-735-7411