FOCUS Magazine May 2016

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MAY 2016 FocusLake.com “A CATALYST FOR CONVERSATION”

HIGHER EDUCATION: A QUESTION OF DEGREE

ALSO INSIDE:

LIVING WITH HOPE

THE BATTLE AGAINST CHILDHOOD CANCER

STORIES OF THE UNIVERSE

VISION OR DREAM?

MORE

• LEGACIES: DAVID WALKER DRIVE: A ROAD TO THE STARS SPECIAL SECTION: MARCH OF DIMES • FOCUS ON LAKE COUNTY: IN GOOD HEALTH MARCH FOR BABIES: GIVING EVERY BABY A CHANCE • FOCUS ON EDUCATION: TAKE STOCK IN CHILDREN

FOCUS ON CONTENTS

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May 2016 | Volume 9 • Issue 5 | FocusLake.com

FEATURES

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8 A Question of Degree: College vs. Trade School

Does financial success depend on a college degree? Lake County students have more choices than the generations before.

10 Living With Hope: The Battle Against Childhood Cancer

The story of how local communities have rallied around two children fighting different types of cancer.

12 Lake Legacies: David Walker Drive: A Road to the Stars 14 March of Dimes, March for Babies: Giving Every Baby a Chance Lake and Sumter residents gather to March for Babies at the South Lake Hospital Campus.

19 Musician, Ray Stevens: No, Seriously.

Ray Stevens gets ready to visit Lake County and use his music to make people laugh.

MONTHLY

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4 Marc’s Remarks: On the Front Lines with LCSO

FOCUS publisher Marc Robertz-Schwartz spends six hours on the road with Lake County’s finest.

5 FOCUS On Philanthropy: Children’s Advocacy Center 6 FOCUS On the Issues: What Higher Education Could Mean for You

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Two educators go head-to-head to explain their views.

13 FOCUS On Mind: Stimulating Brain Growth Through Education 22 FOCUS On Events: Calendar 24 FOCUS In Photos: Frying Fish, Spinning Pinwheels, Lake County Fair, Amazing Racing Herons & Blueberries

28 FOCUS On the Arts: Nailing Down His Future

Kai “The Hammer” Staton expresses his art form in Mixed Martial Arts.

30 FOCUS On Better Living: Magnificent May and Your Garden 31 FOCUS Foodie: On the Road to the Newest Roadhouse The Ginger Gourmand puts Texas Roadhouse to the test.

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FOCUS On Home: To DIY or Not to DIY? Hidden Gems: The County of 1000+ Lakes

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FOCUS On Lake County: In Good Health FOCUS On Education: Celebrating Take Stock in Children FOCUS Flashback: Johnson Junior College

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32 Stories of the Universe: Dream or Vision?

Got a story idea? Looking to advertise in FOCUS? Contact us for more information:

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You can download an app, such as Barcode Scanner, on most mobile phones from the App Stores on Android or Apple. Scanning the codes throughout this issue will take you deeper into the story with video content.

May 2016

Red Apples Media 734 N. 3rd St., Suite 119 Leesburg, FL 34748

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Advertisers warrant and represent the descriptions of their products advertised are true in all respects. FOCUS Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers. All letters and their contents sent to FOCUS Magazine become the sole property of Red Apples Media and may be reproduced therein. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Red Apples Media. Use or duplication of material used in this publication is prohibited without approved written consent from Red Apples Media.

Office 352.801.7106 Email info@RedApplesMedia.com FocusLake.com

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Standards of accuracy: The goal of the writers at FOCUS Magazine is to

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provide compelling stories that are accurate from the start. Being human however, we sometimes make mistakes. Please forgive us.

If you notice anything that is incorrect, please do not hesitate to contact the editorial department and inform us. Call 352.801.7106 or e-mail info@ RedApplesMedia.com. The staff will fix the error in a timely manner.

FOCUS Magazine publishes 8,000 copies monthly and is available free at local Lake County businesses, offices, restaurants and other venues. Look online at FocusLakeCounty.com for location distribution listings.

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Creative Director Christine Cruz; Christine@RedApplesMedia.com Editor/Proofreader Stephanie Sherman; SSherman@RedApplesMedia.com Writers Lori Farfaglia; TeResa Gibson; Tom Kubala; Nanci Schwartz; Devin Collins Photography Bonnie Whicher Photography; Victoria Gonzalez Contributors Dennis McGee; Dr. Thomas J Valente; Mike Staton; Derek Locke; Dianne Venetta; Dr. Gary Sligh; Brandy Ziesemer; Ginger Gourmand

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PUBLISHER: MARC’S REMARKS

“We will continually strive to maintain and enhance the quality of life in Lake County through service to the community, by working together to provide effective crime prevention, law enforcement and judicial support.” This is the Mission Statement of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.

I mention this because a few days before we went to print, I had the chance to do an evening ride-along with Sgt. Greg Holtzclaw, the sector commander covering deputies from Mount Dora to Lady Lake.

Once I donned my bulletproof vest, Sgt. Holtzclaw and I hit the road. Much to my dismay, I didn’t get a chance to press any buttons, respond to dispatch, or turn on lights and sirens. According to Holtzclaw, ours was “a slow evening.” Maybe for him; but for me everything was new and compelling.

Our evening started with a trespass call as a young woman (whom Holtzclaw had previous incidents with) wound up unwanted in an ex’s front yard. In her early to mid 20s, I was told she already had a history of trespassing, drugs, and prostitution. As Holtzclaw spoke with her I noted what looked like a jailhouse tattoo, and we learned she had already been imprisoned. He did everything he could to help her including recommending LifeStream, but as he told me when we got back into the car, “You can’t force someone who is not in immediate danger to help themselves.” She would walk off – with everything she owned in a backpack and duffel bag – in search of a place to stay, and by all reasonable assumptions would do whatever it took to survive another night.

tension in their home… over a cell phone.

And my six-hour shift ended with a heartbreaking and disturbing call to a run-down “motel apartment” in Fruitland Park, where two females in their 20s were arrested on charges of possession of Meth, prescription pills and delinquency of two minors – a two-year-old and a four-yearold. “What are these cops doing here?

Where’s my mommy?” asked the sweet, calm and unfazed four-year-old girl. I was so impressed by the professionalism and compassion displayed by all the LCSO deputies (as well as a Fruitland Park officer who responded), both for the suspects and the kids caught in the proverbial crossfire, who would ride off with a DCF agent at 11pm when most kids their age should be safe in bed.

I’m not naïve enough to think this didn’t exist here in Lake County. I had heard about it and heck, we’ve even reported on it here in FOCUS. It was just that I had never experienced any of it firsthand.

The night has stuck with me and I still wonder about what happened to those small children. I wonder if the woman who wound up in an ambulance instead of her nightshift lost her job… over a cell phone.

Or whether the first young lady we met will ever turn her life around.

But most importantly, what I learned was that every member of our Sheriff’s office that I came into contact with that night clearly exemplified the Mission. I am grateful for the sobering opportunity and wish all the men and women in the Lake County Sheriff’s Office continued safety, success, and appreciation.

“Let’s be careful out there.”

Marc Robertz-Schwartz Publisher, FOCUS Lake County

Our night also included a domestic dispute call between two mature adults (probably in their late 50s) that turned bloody… over a cell phone. This appeared to be a nice, middle-class family with a teenage son (who was in his room playing video games while it all unfolded). I wondered what drove them to the point of a physical altercation – the stress in their lives, the

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March of Dimes, March for Babies & Miss Leesburg Golf

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READER FEEDBACK

FOCUS Magazine Staff,

I just wanted to say how much I appreciate what your magazine is doing.

I especially like that you are trying to bring attention to relevant things in our community. Two of these things close to my heart are our robotics program and the homelessness issue. They both deserve to have our focus and you brought them to light.

Keep up the good work!

Best Regards, Denise Burry Forward Paths Foundation, Inc.

May 2016

Philanthropy

Organization: Lake Sumter Children’s Advocacy Center Year Established: 1997 What is Your Not-For-Profit Status: Private, non-profit, 501(c)3 Address: 300 S. Canal Street, Leesburg, FL 34748 Phone: 352-323-8303 Web Address: cac4kids.org Email for Information: diane@cac4kids.org Contact Name: Diane L. Pisczek Description of Organization: The Lake Sumter Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) provides services to children between the ages of 0-17 who are victims of physical and/or sexual abuse. The purpose of the CAC is to provide all the services a child victim or their family members might need following a disclosure of abuse.

Services include counseling, medical exams, forensic interviews, and victim advocacy. All services are provided free of charge.

Who do you serve and how: The CAC serves child victims of abuse and their non-offending family members.

What are you most in need of and why: The CAC has established a volunteer Victim Advocate Program and seeks volunteers who will participate in the training, and work with assigned families to provide needed services and referrals. Financial contributions are also needed to maintain our policy of providing services to families at no charge.

Inspiring words: The CAC works with our most vulnerable population - child victims of abuse. Although we can’t change what has already happened, we can change what happens next!

May 2016

FocusLake.com

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TWO SIDES What Higher Education Could Mean for You The age-old tradition of a master and his apprentice is on the block for this month’s two sides. With a modern twist, two educators face off to give their opinions on whether you should plan for an Associate of Arts, or an Associate of Science degree. Let us know what you think. Email Info@RedApplesMedia.com

The Next Level

The most popular associate’s degree at Lake-Sumter State College is the Associate of Arts degree, otherwise known as the transfer AA degree. This degree prepares students for transfer to another college or university, either in Florida or across the nation. If a student chooses to transfer to a Florida public institution, he or she is guaranteed admission to one of Florida’s state universities.

An added bonus is that LakeSumter students who complete the AA degree are guaranteed admission to the University of Central Florida under the DirectConnect to UCF program.

Ready, Set, Go!

around them. Students also will complete at least 24 hours of elective courses which give them a chance to explore special topics or to begin to focus on areas that will become their degree major when they transfer on to another college or university.

An Associate of Science degree is a wonderful opportunity for anyone who is interested in getting the education necessary to obtain an entry-level position that leads to career growth opportunities and can be completed within a relatively short period of time.

To hit home on this, I recall a recent graduate of ours by the name of Morgan Keaton.

Morgan is a high-functioning autistic who graduated in fall of 2015. Because of his sheer determination to succeed and learn, not only did Morgan walk away with his AA, but he also started this spring at UCF The AA degree prepares college because of the DirectConnect students for a variety of majors program. He’s now studying to and careers in higher education. become a librarian.

Students are required to complete 36 hours of general We have many students like education courses which expose Morgan who come from all them to all the major areas of walks of life and from all study in a college curriculum: different circumstances, and Communications, Humanities, who all face unique challenges.

Social and Behavioral Sciences, Some are straight out of high Mathematics, and the Natural school, others are young adults Sciences. Students master looking to make a change in important competency in their life, and still others are writing, speaking, thinking those who are older and are critically, using research and juggling a family and a career. technology, Because the AA is a gateway and in degree to greater success in understanding education, it is a right fit for any the diversity of our students who plan to go of the world further on in their studies.

Many students aren’t able to go to a four year university for financial or personal reasons.

Or they may be in a position where they prefer a more traditional route, as I have seen over my years spent as an educator.

Gary Lee Sligh, PhD Assoc. VP of General Education and Transfer Programs Lake-Sumter State College slighg@LSSC.edu

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At Lake-Sumter State College I have the opportunity to work in a program that offers a nationally accredited associate of science (AS) degree in Health Information Technology (HIT). Students take courses in the medical sciences, computer applications, medical billing, medical coding, medical-legal aspects of HIT, healthcare statistics, quality improvement, management, electronic health records and more. Graduates are eligible to become Registered Health Information Technicians (RHIT).

This AS degree program in Health Information Technology also has two technical certificates that can be earned part way through the degree, so someone can start working in the field while they finish the degree. One is in medical information coding and billing and the other in healthcare informatics.

The informatics certificate is even more valuable if a person already has healthcare experience or any type of computer information technology experience. After completion of the certificates, there are nationally recognized coding certifications and also a health IT certification, CompTIA-HIT. Best of all, if a student who may not have thought they wanted a bachelor’s degree or had a change in situation, completes the AS degree and gets really excited by the additional growth potential a bachelor’s in that field provides, many of the course credits earned in the AS degree count toward the bachelor’s degree in that discipline at any Florida public university.

Brandy Ziesemer, RHIA, CCS Health Information Program Manager/Professor Lake-Sumter State College ziesemeb@LSSC.edu

May 2016

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13 LAKE SCHOOLS EARN STATE’S FIVE STAR SCHOOL AWARD FOR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Thirteen Lake County schools have received the state’s Five Star School Award and were recognized by the Lake County School Board at its meeting on March 14.

The winning schools are Clermont, Cypress Ridge, Eustis Heights, Fruitland Park, Grassy Lake, Groveland, Lost Lake, Pine Ridge, Round Lake, Sawgrass Bay, Seminole Springs, and Sorrento

elementary schools and Imagine South Lake Charter School.

Involvement Council to highlight the importance of community involvement to student success.

The award was created by the Florida Education Commissioner’s Community

It is presented annually to schools that have shown evidence of exemplary community involvement. The Educational Foundation of Lake County serves as the liaison to the state Department of Education for this award.

To qualify, a school must show documentation that it has achieved 100 percent of the established criteria in the following categories: -

May 2016

Business partnerships Family involvement Volunteerism Student Community Service School Advisory Councils

FocusLake.com

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A QUESTION

“

OF DEGREE

DOES FINANCIAL SUCCESS DEPEND ON A COLLEGE DEGREE?

WRITTEN BY TERESA GIBSON

M

ommy, why do I have to go to school?!”

How many times has that question been asked? Perhaps millions. And no matter how many answers are given (including the standard, “Because I said so!”), there really is only one accurate answer – “because an education is the foundation you need to get a well-paying job.”

The bottom line is — we become educated in order to make money so we can purchase the possessions we believe will bring us comfort and happiness. We learn — to earn.

degrees are designed to prepare students to enter the workforce fully-trained for their specific field after two years of study.

Public and private universities offer fouryear Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees, plus Master’s and Doctorate degrees. The actual time it takes to complete each degree is dependent on many factors but should take from three to eight years. The Bachelor’s degree is by far the most common and has become the minimal educational requirement for many jobs today.

complete. These programs provide career opportunities in fields like air conditioning and heating, digital design, accounting operations, practical nursing, EMT and paramedic, pharmacy technician, commercial foods and culinary arts, cosmetology, computer systems and information technology, law enforcement, corrections, firefighting, welding, automotive repair, and others. Tuition, books, fees and licensing can cost anywhere from several hundred dollars to more than $6,500 depending on which program is chosen.

By far, the cheapest and quickest way into the workforce is on-the-job training.

The real question every child should ask For many high school graduates, seeking is, “Mommy, why do I have to go to school immediate employment may be the only in order to be successful when it comes to choice. As can be seen by the numbers earning money?” The answer suddenly provided with this article, many jobs isn’t quite as clear… because the truth requiring only a high school diploma pay is there are many thousands of highApproximate Median Salaries for Young very well. But even the highest paying paying jobs that don’t require a great jobs in this category only measure up Adults by Completed Education Level1 deal of education. to the lowest paying jobs available to college or trade school graduates. The $60,000 – Master’s degree or Higher The Options more education or specialized training a $50,000 – Bachelor’s degree Whatever age you are, whatever state person attains, the greater the chance $38,000 – Associate’s degree you live in, no matter how much money for advancement in their career field. On you have available, we all have basically the surface it may seem the cheapest $30,000 – High School diploma the same options when it comes to and quickest way would be best, but $24,000 – Less than HS diploma getting a job in America. lifetime earnings vary greatly depending on which educational choice a person •Attend a community college or university into the University of Central Florida (UCF) makes. Median lifetime earnings numbers: •Attend a vocational or technical school where they can pursue a higher degree. In $2.8 million – Bachelor’s degree; $1.7 million •Perform on-the-job training addition, LSSC offers 18 technical certificates - Associate’s degree; $1.3 million – High in the areas of business, early childhood school diploma; $973,000 – Less than high Community or state colleges offer two-year education, computer information technology, school diploma.

Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science electrical distribution, health information (AS), and Associate of Applied Science technology and engineering technology.

Decisions, Decisions (AAS) degrees, sometimes different types LSSC charges $105.73 per credit hour for “We are a college, but we also offer technical of Bachelor’s degrees, as well as various in-state students and $442.54 per credit certificates — some that can be completed diplomas and certificates associated with hour for out-of-state students, for both in about a year,” says Lake-Sumter State trade programs. regular college classes and trade or technical College Director of Marketing and College classes.

Relations, Sasheika Tomlinson. “Some AA degrees are usually associated with the students come to us with a clear plan for liberal arts fields of business, social science Vocational or technical schools offer a more their future career and many others are or humanities, and are designed to prepare direct approach, allowing a student to unsure. Our advisors help them see the students to attend a four-year college to take only classes that teach them the skills bigger picture and identify which program attain a Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctorate necessary to perform a specific trade. or path will prepare them for their future degree. AS degrees are associated with career.” technical or scientific fields such as math, Lake Technical College in Eustis offers 28 physics, chemistry, etc. and also prepare career certificate programs with many There are two factors that are vitally students for more advanced degrees. AAS of them taking only one year or less to important when choosing which path is best:

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As an example, Lake-Sumter State College (LSSC) offers AA, AS, AAS and BAS degrees.

Through their DirectConnect Program, the college offers graduates assured acceptance

print • digital • television • radio

May 2016

Time – how quickly a student wants to enter the workforce; Money – how much money he or she is willing to spend in order to get a certificate or degree.

in the workforce.” Williams plans on working MEDIAN SALARIES BY PROGRAM part-time and attending SSC part-time so she HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA 2 can pay for her education without accruing $58,280 – Postal Carrier excessive debt.

Time considerations are fairly simple. A Bachelor’s degree will take about four years to attain, an Associate’s degree, two years, and vocational or trade certifications can take from several weeks to two years.

If a person decides to attend college, costs vary widely according to the level of education the student seeks. The not-forprofit organization, College Board, estimates average annual tuition and fees to be: $3,347 – two-year public college; $9,139 – in-state four-year university; $22,958 – out-of-state four-year university; $31,231 – private four-year college.

Crunching the Numbers – Which is Best for You? The bottom line is time and money. Are you willing to spend two to four years and anywhere from $15,000 to $125,000 to get a degree? Are you willing to borrow money to finance an education that may take 10 to 20 years to repay? If so, the return could pay off big over the years if you are able to find a job in your field of study. Or are you willing to spend several weeks to two years, and anywhere from hundreds to possibly $33,000, to attend a vocational or trade school and possibly settle for less income?

Or are you ready to enter the workforce right now and take your chances with on-the-job training and all it provides?

Other costs to be considered are books, supplies, housing, food, transportation, daily living needs, etc. College Board estimates the average total costs then rise to: $24,061 per year for an in-state four-year university and $47,831 for a private college.

Most extraneous costs are fixed, but Tomlinson points out that by utilizing financial aid (grants, scholarships, loans and possible work-study programs) tuition and fee costs can be reduced substantially.

College Board statistics show tuition costs can possibly be cut by nearly two-thirds for some students. At LSSC, 79 percent of full-time students receive financial aid. More than one-third of college students help pay for their education via federal or private loans. According to the Federal Reserve, student loans in the U.S. total more than $1.3 trillion and this amount increases by more than $2,726.27 every second.

“Both my parents went to college and it has just sort of always been understood that college would be a part of my future,” says Leesburg resident and LSSC student Francita Williams. “I received an AS degree in graphic design from Seminole State College and then came to LSSC to get my AA. I plan to return to SSC and get a Bachelor’s in either Information Systems Technology or Business and Information Management. The two-year programs or certificates are good to have and give you career options, but my goal has always been to attain a four-year degree. I do feel it definitely will make me more competitive

May 2016

“I pursued basically all routes,” says former LSSC student James Gibson (writer’s spouse). “I attended both LSSC and the University of Florida, took an EMT certificate course at Lake Tech and then ended my education with a two-year degree course in Radiation Protection Technology at the College of Central Florida. When I was a teenager, I walked onto a construction site before sun-up, asked the superintendent for a job and spent the next four years as an ironworker, so I really have tried virtually every road to employment. Individually, everyone can look at different options when choosing their career path and weigh out the pros and cons for each. I believe it isn’t a one-size-fits-all world when it comes to career pathways… they can be as individual as we are.”

$51,880 – Electrician** $50,620 – Plumber** $47,950 – Masonry Worker $46,870 – Firefighter***

TRADE OR CERTIFICATE PROGRAM 2

$122,950 – Air Traffic Controller* $72,330 – Dental Hygienist $43,370 – Real Estate Sales Agent $37,850 – Car Mechanic $31,980 – Emergency Medical Technician

2-YEAR COLLEGE DEGREE 2

$80,220 – Radiation Therapist $68,970 – Diagnostic Sonographer $67,490 – Registered Nurse $62,500 – Web Developer $48,810 – Paralegal

4-YEAR BACHELOR’S DEGREE3

$65,500 – Computer & Information Sciences $62,000 – Engineering $50,000 – Business $45,000 – Liberal Arts and Sciences $40,000 – History *some employers require AA degree ** license testing may require documented apprenticeship work hours ***may require EMT certification and specialized fire academy training

Right now there are between five and six million jobs currently available in the U.S. Many require degrees or certificates but many don’t.

but

Experts say it is the “middle skills” jobs, ones that require more than a high school diploma less than a four-year degree, that are most available… which makes it a great time to learn to earn.

Sources: Income of Young Adults; https:// nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=77; www.collegeboard.org; The College Payoff; https://www2.ed.gov/policy/highered/ reg/hearulemaking/2011/collegepayoff.pdf; (Accessed April 2, 2016) 1 Source: National Center for Education Statistics 2 Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 3 Source: www.naceweb.org

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9

Living with

R WRITTEN BY LORI FARFAGLIA

Rebecca Freeman

In the fall of 2015, Rebecca Freeman was by all accounts a normal 16-year-old.

She attended South Lake High School in Groveland and was an active member of the school wrestling team and ROTC. Rebecca had no health issues or unusual symptoms. The only issue she had been complaining about was back pain from a fall off a horse she took during the summer.

With it now being October, Rebecca’s mom, Mandy, decided to take her to an orthopedic doctor to have her back pain checked out. The MRI showed no issues with Rebecca’s back, but it did show a large mass in her neck. Her doctors did some blood work to see if they could detect anything abnormal and the tests came back fine so the doctors gave her a choice – take the mass out now or keep an eye on it. Her family decided to keep an eye on it and let Rebecca finish out the wrestling season.

as a precaution. On March 21, Rebecca’s doctors called to say the mass in her neck was thyroid cancer.

According to the National Cancer Institute, thyroid cancer is cancer affecting the thyroid gland, which is a butterfly-shaped structure located at the base of the neck.

The thyroid is part of the endocrine system, the network of glands that secrete hormones that regulate the chemical processes (metabolism) that influence the body’s activities, as well as regulating heart rate, body temperature, and blood pressure.

was overwhelmed and from that moment on, she’s had nothing but support from her wrestling family.

Rebecca had been a newcomer to the team

Rebecca was overwhelmed and from that moment on, she’s had nothing but support from her wrestling family.

On the evening of March 21 shortly after Rebecca received her diagnosis, she decided to go to the local bowling alley to take her mind off of everything. In the meantime, Rebecca’s mom sent Monica Clark, the wrestling team’s “team mom,” an email about the diagnosis they had just received. Monica immediately went into action and sent out a mass communication to the team. Within a few minutes, the entire wrestling team gathered at the bowling alley to support Rebecca. Rebecca

up until that point. She had only been a part of the wrestling team for about six months at the time of the diagnosis, and the co-ed wrestling team had only existed at South Lake High school for two years.

That didn’t stop the team from rallying behind their teammate. According to Clark, “They were a family now.”

After surgery, Rebecca was unable to return to school on a full-time basis. She was concerned about missing her workouts with the team, so the team made a

After wrestling season, the family decided the best course of action would be to go ahead and remove the mass. On March 18, Rebecca went in for surgery and had it removed. Doctors told the family the mass had less than a 15 percent chance of being cancer but they wanted to have it biopsied

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May 2016

Rebecca’s cancer diagnosis was devastating but the South Lake co-ed wrestling team turned a tragic event into an amazing bonding experience that has taught everyone a lesson on life and love. schedule and signed up to go to Rebecca’s home and work out with her. “They actually came to our home and worked out with her so she wouldn’t get behind,” said Mandy.

“They hold her accountable and they help her. They don’t let her sit around and get sad. They keep her moving and motivated and that keeps her active and happy. They really are amazing,” Mandy said.

According to Freeman, the team moms have been wonderful as well. They have pitched in and taken Rebecca to followup appointments, school events and even shopping for prom. “Rebecca had lost quite a bit of weight after surgery and the dress she had for prom and the ROTC ball didn’t fit anymore. One of the team moms brought over dresses for her to try on to wear to the events and even altered a dress for Rebecca when they couldn’t get a perfect fit. It was amazing,” said Mandy.

The team seems to be covering every need for Rebecca. According to Clark, the kids even signed up and supplied dinner to Rebecca’s entire family every day for ten days after surgery. “I have never met such an amazing group of kids. They have taken an awful, scary thing and turned it into a positive thing.” says Freeman.

Rebecca’s prognosis is good and she is expected to make a complete recovery. She will have to receive radiation treatment and is waiting to hear when and where it will take place. After radiation, she’ll have to have regular tests and scans to ensure the cancer has not spread to other areas of her body. Rebecca will have to be on a low-iodine diet for two weeks before the radiation treatment and the entire team is already researching recipes and meals that they can prepare for her that contain low levels of iodine, according to Mandy.

Rebecca’s cancer diagnosis was devastating but the South Lake co-ed wrestling team turned a tragic event into an amazing bonding experience that has taught everyone a lesson on life and love.

Freeman says the experience has shown her that the parents of the South Lake wrestling team have a lot to be proud of. “They are amazing people raising extraordinary kids and for that I will always be grateful,” says Mandy.

May 2016

J Jay Ryon In January 2014, Jay Ryon was by all accounts a normal 7-year-old boy. His mom, Maggie Denk Ryon, says one day she noticed that Jay had a bruise on the back of his knee that just didn’t seem right.

Despite Maggie’s mom and husband both reassuring her that little boys always get bruises, Maggie decided to take him in to have it checked out. Jay’s pediatrician felt that everything was fine, but in order to put Maggie’s worries to rest, the doctor ordered some tests.

The next morning, Maggie and Jay returned to the pediatrician’s office and discovered things were anything but fine. The blood work had revealed that Jay had leukemia.

“Jay’s blood had so much cancer in it that he was considered high risk and was

immediately admitted to Florida Hospital for Children. He received three blood transfusions and began chemotherapy immediately,” said Maggie.

According to Maggie, approximately 95% of children are in remission after the first 28 days of chemo.

Through it all, Jay and his parents continue to be hopeful.

Jay’s family found out in March of 2014 that he was not in remission.

He was moved from high risk to very high risk and his treatment road map was immediately changed to a more aggressive plan. Jay is currently receiving chemo into his port every 28 days and into his spine every three months.

He’s had several setbacks, including a brain infection and a fire ant bite that were nearly fatal because his immune system is in a weakened state from chemo. Jay’s current cycle of treatment will continue for the next two years. He received his most recent round of chemo on April 5, 2016 and is due for chemo through his port and spine and a round of steroids on May 3.

Through it all, Jay and his parents continue to be hopeful.

FocusLake.com

11

Lake Legacies

I

DAVID WALKER DRIVE: A ROAD TO THE STARS

WRITTEN BY LORI FARFAGLIA

I

f you have ever traveled down Highway 441 between Tavares and Eustis, you may have noticed the large street sign near Waterman noticed Hospital that reads David Walker Drive. Ever Hospital wondered just who is David Walker and why does he have a street named after him? Well, we decided to find out.

Turns out, David M. Walker was a pretty impressive guy. He was a Captain in the United States Navy as well as an American astronaut with NASA. He was born in Georgia in 1944, raised at his family’s home in the Eustis area and graduated from Eustis High School in 1962.

After graduation he attended the United States Naval Academy where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1966.

In 1978, NASA selected Walker to become an astronaut. He was among the first pool of astronauts chosen specifically to fly shuttle missions. Among Walker’s technical assignments, he served as Astronaut Office Safety Officer, Deputy Chief of Aircraft Operations, Assistant to the Director, Flight Crew Operations; Leader of the astronaut support crew, Kennedy Space Center; Branch

duration was 127 Earth orbits, in 7 days, 23 hours, 44 minutes, and 56 seconds.

Walker’s second space flight was aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis, launched from Kennedy Space Center May 4, 1989. Walker served as shuttle commander during this flight. During the fourday mission, the crew successfully deployed the Magellan Venus exploration spacecraft.

According to NASA records, the mission was complete after 64 orbits of Earth.

The third space flight for Walker was again aboard Space Shuttle Discovery.

It was launched from Kennedy Space Center December 2, 1992. Walker served as space shuttle commander on this flight. NASA records indicate the five-man crew deployed a classified Department of Defense payload and performed several Military-Man-in-Space and NASA experiments.

Walker flew his fourth and final mission After graduating from Annapolis, as a shuttle commander aboard Space Walker received flight training Shuttle Endeavor, which launched from from the Naval Aviation Training the Kennedy Space Center September Command at several bases in Florida, 7, 1995. During this mission, the crew Mississippi, and Texas. He became Left to right - Seated: Cockrell, Walker successfully deployed and retrieved a a naval aviator in December 1967.

Left to right - Standing: Gernhardt, Newman, Voss Immediately after becoming a pilot, Image public domain in the US because it was solely created by NASA SPARTAN satellite. NASA records indicate this flight was 10 days, 20 hours, and 28 he proceeded to the Naval Air Station minutes. in California for an assignment to fly F-4 Chief, Space Station Design and Development; Phantoms aboard the USS Enterprise and the and Special Manager for Assembly, Space Walker retired from NASA in April 1996. He USS America. In 1970, Walker attended the Station Project Office - just to mention a few passed away from cancer on April 23, 2001 United States Air Force Aerospace Research of his positions. and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base in He was 56 years old.

California. In 1972, he was assigned as an Walker was a veteran of four space flights experimental engineering test pilot in the flight and logged over 724 hours in space. His David Walker still has family living in the Lake test division at the Naval Air Test Center in first space flight was aboard Space Shuttle County area. David’s brother, Will Walker, Maryland.

Discovery in November 1984, when it was currently lives in Howey-in-the-Hills, and launched from Kennedy Space Center. Walker another brother, Robert Gamble, lives in Walker was deployed to the Mediterranean Sea served as pilot on the mission, during which Eustis. David’s niece, Kimberly Walker-Updike, twice and served aboard the USS America as a the crew deployed two satellites. He was is an Assistant Principal for the Lake County fighter pilot with the Fighter Squadron 142. He also part of the first space salvage mission in School Board. According to Walker-Updike, logged more than 7500 hours flying time, with history, as a member of the crew. The crew David loved the Eustis area. She says he often over 6500 hours in jet aircraft. retrieved two satellites and returned them to NASA Experience earth. According to NASA records, the mission flew down just to pick up BBQ sauce from Kings BBQ. Walker-Updike says David even took Kings BBQ sauce into space with him on one of his space shuttle missions.

WALKER WAS A VETERAN OF FOUR SPACE FLIGHTS

AND LOGGED OVER 724 HOURS IN SPACE.

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May 2016

THE MIND

STIMULATING BRAIN GROWTH THROUGH EDUCATION

C C

ontract. Expand. That’s part of what scientific and medical research say leads to mental health and creativity in thought.

shrink. Some with mental illnesses have their first mental break in between high school and college.

A Ass our minds expand so does the capacity of our brain. We only use a certain percentage of our brain’s power at a time, but that doesn’t mean it has limitations. As education has proven, whether it be the higher education of college or a more traditional route like on-the-job or technical training, we are constantly looking to further our mind’s capacity. Or should be.

Whether you decide to go to college or take some other road, as this magazine examines in its other articles, the true goal, the ultimate path to utopia in human society is for each of us to be self-taught. College or skill training helps expand the mind beyond the capacity it had before, but that’s just a

As a psychiatrist, I trained in both psychology and biology at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, trained and worked at St. Vincent’s in Manhattan (now closed) and did my residency at the University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa.

At St. Vincent’s Hospital in New York and at USF, I have personally seen the expansion and contraction of my own mind. As an example, medical school for me didn’t seem to increase my brain’s capacity as much as I believed it would, but during my time there I noticed that I experienced a lot more growth.

So it is with patients exhibiting depression and mental illness. The brain capacity of someone in those states may not grow, or could even shrink. However, the pathways in the brain make it possible to recover from times of stress. Even stroke victims can relearn how to do many of the things they lost during their trauma. I believe that the day you die is the day you stop learning.

first step in the road to teaching yourself.

These are tools that act as think tanks for many; however they can also lead to failure if the student doesn’t complete what they set out to do – learn.

Education can be a treatment for mental illness. I have to take courses that make my job a lifelong learning experience and it’s my belief that mine as well as everyone else’s brain can constantly expand through the edifying of our brains. Just like exercise

Just like exercise and sleep can be keys to combating mental problems, so are activities that educate. and sleep can be keys to combating mental problems, so are activities that educate. You just have to light the match and get started or continue on the course of your life that leads you to further learning. If you keep on testing yourself, even without advanced schooling, you will expand your own brain and actually make a practice of learning.

We respect intelligence and put on pedestals many of those who have it. Reading and critical thinking are what get us to it.

Television is not going to do it alone but the tools we are discussing and hands-on training, which you can do in college or on your own, bring us closer to that ultimate goal. As the Dean’s lists and Honor Societies prove, we respect such intelligence even within the systems of learning that are in place.

It’s been sung in songs and touted by Lots of people start to learn but not politicians, even learned men have held it everyone completes, especially in the case of high – everyone wants world peace, which higher education. You can be derailed from dates back well beyond the 60s, and global your objective if you don’t continue learning knowledge leads to that outcome. It’s or if you exhibit signs of mental illness. not just watching the news or increasing The type of knowledge, but using what we gain in failure here practical ways and continuing to teach f you keep on testing yourself, even without advanced is the kind ourselves, that can bring society to it. schooling, you will expand your own brain and actually that can be make a practice of learning. caused by mental illness People with lower IQs have higher rates of or just different people taking different diseases like dementia, and even though pathways toward the same goal – selfit happens in cases of higher functioning learning. The point is, it’s possible to recover DR. THOMAS J. VALENTE Medical Director persons, if you stop challenging your brain, and continue brain expansion even in cases LifeStream Behavioral Center whether it’s your doing or not, it starts to where a person “bombs out.”

I

LSBC.net

May 2016

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March for Babies Aims to Give Every Baby a Fighting Chance SATURDAY, MAY 7

NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER, SOUTH LAKE HOSPITAL

H

undreds of energized Lake and Sumter County residents dedicated to giving more babies a healthy start in life, will gather at the National Training Center, South Lake Hospital Campus in Clermont on May 7 to take part in March for Babies. The 3-mile walk brings together families, companies, and volunteers to raise money for stronger, healthier babies.

March for Babies is the March of Dimes premier fundraising event.

It funds research on preterm birth, birth defects and infant mortality, and programs nationwide and in our community that help more babies be born healthy and support those who need help to survive and thrive. March of Dimes is committed to funding research to find the answers to problems that continue to threaten the lives and health of babies.

Ambassador for the 2016 March for Babies Krystle Lynch and her family, including her 10 year old son Gabe who was born at 1 pound, 8 ounces at a gestation period of 24 weeks.

Images courtesy of March of Dimes

March for Babies will take place on Saturday, May 7 at the National Training Center, South Lake Hospital Campus.

Registration begins at 7:00am, with the walk kicking off at 8:00am.

Featuring entertainment, family fun and games, and refreshments, this year’s March for Babies will be a fun-packed gathering, providing a memorable experience to all walkers. Participants can still sign up and raise funds at MarchForBabies.org.

Every week in Florida, 561 babies are born too soon and 25 do not live to see their first birthday. Premature babies often spend their first weeks in the newborn intensive care unit (NICU), fighting for their life.

“In Florida, one in ten babies is born prematurely and that’s not acceptable,” said Paul Johns, Lake-Sumter March for Babies Chair, and COO of South Lake Hospital. “It takes leaders in our community working together to ensure more moms have healthier and full-term pregnancies.”

“We invite you to visit MarchForBabies.org, where you can easily join a team or start your own,” added Johns. Individual walkers are also welcome to take part in the event. March of Dimes offers several fundraising tools and tips – online campaigns net substantially more funds and require less effort than traditional methods – and motivates teams and walkers through incentives such as gift cards, giveaways and recognition by key constituents.

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March for Babies is sponsored locally by Top Corporate Partner, Publix Super Markets, Inc.; Pacesetter Silver Sponsors, Leesburg Regional Medical Center and South Lake Hospital; Silver Sponsor, ERA Grizzard Real Estate; and Bronze Sponsors, Bright House Networks and Insight Credit Union, with media support by the Daily Commercial, Healthy Living Magazine and Red Apples Media. March for Babies is sponsored nationally by Kmart, Famous Footwear, Macy’s, Cigna, United Airlines and Mission Pharmacal.

For more than 75 years, the March of Dimes has worked to help babies get a healthy start in life. About 4 million babies were born in the United States last year, and the March of Dimes helped each and every one through research, education, vaccines, and breakthroughs.

May 2016

Official

Media Partners

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Community Support Starts at the Core 16

print •of digital television • radio 10% the• ad revenue from this section was donated to the March of Dimes

May 2016

WELLNESS & FITNESS HS , HEALTH, S W HEALTH, E& L L NF WELLNESS EI ST S N & F EI& T SN FITNESS S ESS IN LAKE L IN AS K OE UT IN HSOUTH SOUTH L A K E LAKE

alth and wellness are at the heart of our community. South Lake Hospital motes personal health with fitness and lifestyle activities, health education Health and wellness are at theadvanced heart of ourmedical community.

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May 2016

The Lighter Side of Ray WRITTEN BY ANTHONY RAO

M

any don’t know that the Johnny Cash classic “Sunday Morning Coming Down,” written by Kris Kristofferson, was originally recorded by Ray Stevens in 1969.

“My record was very different than the hit. But Cash had a hit with it. I figured it out later why, he had the image that was believable. He could wake up Sunday morning stoned when I didn’t. You know I’m a cleancut guy. But my record was good and I am still proud of it,” says Ray of an experience he is glad to have had early in his career.

But that wasn’t the beginning. The other thing that may not be well-known is that Ray Stevens, born Harold Ray Ragsdale in Clarkdale, Georgia January 24, 1939, seems to be a little more comedian than the country/pop artist he started out as. Originally, his influences included a diverse selection of music played on the jukebox and radio at the village swimming pool in the small Georgia cotton town he grew up in.

His first love though was baseball. After some time, Ray says he realized he just wasn’t big enough to join his father’s team in town. So when he was seven his mother signed him up for piano lessons and then, he said, “It all made sense.” That’s when music started to click in Ray’s mind and his talent began to be realized.

His journey continued when he moved to Albany, Georgia at age 10 and then again to Atlanta at 17 with his family, including one younger brother. It was there that he met Bill Lowery, a radio personality and at the time, Georgia Tech football broadcaster. From there, with Bill’s encouragement, in 1957 he traveled on his first outing to Nashville, where he now resides, to record his first track “Silver Bracelet” in RCA “B” studio; he and a friend had written the song.

in 1975 for his remake of an Erroll Gardner/Johnny Burke song called “Misty.” This would be one of his last hits with Barnaby Records before he joined RCA in 1979. Then he was with MCA Records and in 1990 Curb Records, which was right before he opened his own theatre in 1991 in Branson, Missouri.

It can certainly be said that Stevens has accomplished a lot in his career as an artist, spanning almost 60 years.

“I do it because I enjoy it. I write (and record) songs that I think people will like. And usually the subject is a hot topic. I do it for me as much as everybody else,” Ray says. “It’s my life and it’s identified me to the rest of the people. I believe I have a tendency to be pretty good at music.”

Over time Stevens has recorded many comedic songs, the first of the big ones was in 1962 called “Ahab the Arab.” Now dubbed politically incorrect by some, it was originally inspired by a story of Arabian Nights that Ray read as a child. Other songs like “Bad Little Boy” and “Little Drummer Boy Next Door” made light of real life in the form of a holiday album.

Because of those songs and his current projects like a weekly variety show on RFD-TV, Ray Stevens Nashville, people know him predominantly for his comedic turns. During his upcoming visit to The Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center in The Villages on May 20, people will have a chance to experience this eclectic humor for themselves.

The 40 million plus album-selling artist continues his love of all things music. And the proof is on the piano keyboard. While on the phone during this interview, Ray had a white grand piano delivered to him. There’s really not much more that can be said here... you may just have to see and hear him with your very own eyes and ears.

“I was very fortunate I was able to meet Bill at that point in my life because it opened up a lot of doors,” says Stevens of the opportunity he believes he was given.

This catapulted him into the local Atlanta limelight and eventually led to his relationship with Capitol Records. Then he went with Lowery to his smaller studio, the National Recording Corporation.

All this happened before he graduated high school in 1958. Around that time he formed a band with Jerry Reed, known for hits like “East Bound and Down” from the movie Smokey and the Bandit.

Since then Ray has had hits such as “Everything is Beautiful,” his first number one hit on the pop charts, that earned him the Male Vocalist of the Year Grammy in 1970. Others included “The Streak” in 1974, which was inspired by the craze of streaking by college students in the 1970s. Next, Stevens received another Grammy

May 2016

Stevens has broken ground on CabaRay, a 27,000 square foot music venue scheduled to make its Nashville debut in early 2017.

Image Courtesy of Absolute Publicity, Inc.

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EVENTS Every Saturday; 8 AM - 1 PM Leesburg Saturday Morning Market Downtown Leesburg LeesburgSaturdayMorningMarket.com

May 13; 7 PM - 9:30 PM Movies Under The Stars City Hall Park For more info 352.394.3500

May 5; 7:30 PM Tavares Civil War & WWII Roundtable Tavares Civic Center For more info 352.357.8476

May 14; 4 PM The Lake Concert Band Clermont Performing Arts Center ClermontPerformingArts.com

May 6, 13, 20, 27; 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM After School Crafts (All Ages) Tavares Public Library For more info 352.742.6473

May 18; 6:30 PM - 9 PM Annual Ride of Silence Clermont Waterfront Park For more info sara7411@hotmail.com

May 14; 9 AM - 12 PM Lake Harris Run Beginner Paddling Adventure Hickory Point Recreational Facility For more info 352.324.6141 May 22; 6:30 AM Big Bass Fishing Tournament Benefit for Boys and Girls Clubs Tavares Recreation Park For more info 352.787.5258

May 14; 5 PM - 10 PM Leesburg Food Truck-n-Flick Night Towne Square FoodTrucknFlick.LeesburgPartnership.com May 6-8; 13-15; 20-22; Brigadoon Melon Patch Players Theatre MelonPatchPlayers.com May 7; 7 AM Miss Leesburg Scholarship Golf Scramble Arlington Ridge Golf Course For more info 352.326.4217

Every Sunday; 9 AM - 2 PM Farmers’ Market Historic Downtown Clermont For more info 352.247.4640 May 6; 5:30 PM - 9 PM Family Food Truck Night Historic Downtown Clermont For more info 352.247.4640 May 10; 9 AM - 3:30 PM 2016 Child Protection Conference Clermont Arts & Recreation Center For more info 352.742.6941 May 12; 5 PM - 7 PM Pastfinders Genealogy Society Boy Scouts & Scottish Dancers Cooper Memorial Library For more info 352.242.9805

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May 12; 11 AM - 12:30 PM The Roaming Gourmet: Paleo Diet Leesburg Public Library For more info 352.728.9790 May 21; 11:30 AM - 3:30 PM All American Veterans Tribute AMVETS Post 2006 Viaport Mall For more info 352.323.8750 May 24; 2 PM - 3:30 PM Personal Safety Class - Leesburg Police Dept Leesburg Public Library For more info 352.728.9790

May 3, 17; 9 AM Board of County Commissioners Meeting Admin. Building, Commission Chambers For more info 352.343.9888

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Every Sunday; 9 AM - 2 PM The Mount Dora Village Market Elizabeth Evans Park MountDoraMarket.com May 1; 10 AM - 2 PM Mount Dora Lawn Bowling Club Open House - 125 Edgerton Court For more info 352.254.0478 May 13; 6 PM - 8 PM Lost Footprint Exhibit Opening Mount Dora Center for the Arts For more info 352.383.3830 May 13; 8 PM - 10 PM 2nd Friday Movie in the Park Donnelly Park WhatToDoInMtDora.com May 19; 5 PM - 8:30 PM Family Food Truck Night Sunset Park, Downtown For more info 352.735.7100 May 19; 5:30 PM Dr. Donna Beegle, Guest Speaker Lake Cares Food Pantry Lake Receptions For more info 352.383.0100

May 2016

May 20 & 21; 6 PM - 11 PM Blues & Groove Weekend Lakefront Elizabeth Evans Park BluesAndGroove.com

May 5; 4 PM Cinco de Mayo Celebration Fruitland Park Library For more info 352.360.6561

May 20-29; Becky’s New Car The IceHouse Theatre IceHouseTheatre.com

Every Tuesday; 9 AM - 1 PM Lady Lake Farmers’ Market Log Cabin Park For more info 352.552.1266 Every Thursday; 8:15 AM - 1:30 PM Lake County Farmers’ & Flea Market Lake County Fairgrounds For more info 352.357.9692 May 3-31; 10 AM - 4 PM Potter vs. Painter Exhibit Lake Eustis Museum of Art For more info 352.483.2900

May 10; 7 PM DIAVOLO - Architecture in Motion The Sharon Performing Arts Center TheSharon.com May 20; 7 PM Ray Stevens The Sharon Performing Arts Center TheSharon.com

May 14; 12 PM - 3 PM “Unbroken: The Dorothy Lewis Story” Author Presentation & Lunch Eustis Community Center For more info 352.602.8447 May 14; 9 AM - 9 PM Eustis Busker Festival Downtown Eustis & Ferran Park For more info buskers@eustis.org

May 6; 10:30 AM Ladies Fore Education Golf Event Continental Country Club For more info 352.326.1265

MAY is

Water Safety Month These events offer free swimming & CPR demonstrations, life vest education, mock drowning exercises, swimming lesson registration, open swimming, exhibits and more!

May 6; 6 PM - 10 PM First Friday Street Party Downtown Eustis For more info 352.357.3434 May 6; 7 PM Golden Triangle Relay for Life Carnival Ferran Park For more info 352.729.6394

May 25; 6 PM - 8 PM Painting with a Twist Alumni Association Fundraiser Clermont Landing Shopping Plaza For more info 352.365.3539

May 7; 10am – 1pm May 7; 9 AM - 11 AM Bird’s Nests for Kids Ellis Acres Reserve, Paisley For more info 352.516.7011 May 17; 1 PM - 2 PM Top Shelf Book Club “Brooklyn” by Colm Tóibín Marianne Beck Library, Howey For more info 352.324.0254 May 21; 9 AM - 3 PM East Lake Heritage History Festival East Lake County Library, Sorrento For more info 352.223.8574

Umatilla City Pool 16 Lone Star Street, Umatilla

May 7; 11am – 2pm Golden Triangle YMCA 1465 David Walker Drive, Tavares

May 14; 10am – 1pm Waterfront Park 100 3rd Street, Clermont

May 21; 10am – 1pm Venetian Gardens Dozier Circle, Leesburg

May 21; 11am – 2pm Gardenia Park 201 W. Berckman Street, Fruitland Park May 4; 11 AM “May the 4th Be With You” Day Fruitland Park Library For more info 352.360.6561 May 4, 11, 18, 25; 3 PM - 5 PM Chess Club (All Ages) Fruitland Park Library For more info 352.360.6561

May 2016

May 6; 6 PM LSSC Graduation Ceremony Everett Kelly Convocation Center, Leesburg For more info 352.365.3506 May 16; 5 PM - 6:30 PM Alumni Nursing Tea Health Sciences Building, Leesburg For more info 352.365.3506

FOCUS Magazine Lake County Go to FocusLake.com and Like the FOCUS Lake County Facebook page to find more events information.

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PHOTOS AMAZING RACE FOR CHARITY Racing wildly in Eustis is what these Amazing Racers do every year. For the third time in as many years, the Amazing Race for Charity, presented by Florida Cancer Specialists, took place throughout the downtown area of Eustis.

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May 2016

PHOTOS LEESBURG FISH FRY

The 20th Annual Leesburg Fish Fry at the Mote Morris House celebrated Spring and continued a popular Leesburg tradition. As you can see in the pictures, “fryers� had a chance to hang out with their friends, families, and other members of the community while enjoying food, drink and live entertainment.

May 2016

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PHOTOS

MOUNT DORA BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL The 2nd Annual Mount Dora Blueberry Festival hit the shores of Lake Dora at Elizabeth Evans Park. This festival is quickly becoming an important one to boost the local economy in Central Florida and particularly Lake County, while celebrating the growing and benefits of, blueberries.

KIDS CENTRAL GRAND OPENING

Kids Central’s Lake County Healthy Start opened its new Leesburg location in the most unique way. A Pinwheels for Prevention Garden was opened in observance of Child Abuse Prevention Month in April. Kids Central is a non-profit that serves Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion and Sumter Counties. It develops and manages a community-based system of care for abused, neglected and abandoned children and their families.

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PHOTOS LAKE COUNTY FAIR

This year’s Lake County Fair continued a nearly one hundred-year-old tradition. Starting in 1921 as the Florida Sportsman Exposition, it has always been meant as an entertaining event that highlights education while promoting agriculture. Many compete with their crafts, cooking, and livestock. The Lake County Fair Association is a 501(c)3 non-proďŹ t.

Photos by Bonnie Whicher

May 2016

FocusLake.com

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ARTS

MUAY THAI - THE ART OF EIGHT LIMBS

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WRITTEN BY MICHAEL STATON

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f you ask friends, family, teammates, teachers, or coaches to describe Kai Staton they will all reply that he is a respectful, athletic, and warmhearted young man. If you ask Kai “The Hammer” Staton, he will tell you he was born to be a fighter. Kai earned his nickname “The Hammer” from his incredibly effective jab and has won many fights utilizing this powerful move. Kai is as athletic as they come and has several sports interests. His first two loves are fighting and baseball. When he has extra time, he loves soccer and running track.

From the age of six, Kai has spent countless hours in the gym learning technical boxing skills. It was apparent right away that Kai had a talent for the fighting arts. His speed, agility, and overall understanding of boxing was exceptional. At the age of nine, Kai became a competitive amateur boxer and has already had an extraordinary amateur boxing career.

At age ten, Kai showed an interest in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and wanted to try something outside the boxing ring. After much research, he believed that the most successful MMA fighters had a background in boxing, Muay Thai, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ). So, Kai decided his next goal was to learn the art of Muay Thai. He was very fortunate to find Stefan Butin Bik and Doug Berry, of Butin Bik Combat Sports out of Crystal River, Florida. Kai spent many hours learning the art of Muay Thai and although different than boxing, Muay Thai still uses the stand-up striking that Kai excels at. Muay Thai is known as “the art of eight limbs” because it uses a combination of fists, elbows, knees, and shins. Now his jab was not the only tool to fear – Kai’s kicks could end a fight just as fast.

His jab was not the only tool to fear – Kai’s kicks could end a fight just as fast.

After continued dual training in both boxing and Muay Thai, Kai decided it was time to accomplish another goal and learn a new fighting skill. In his opinion, a champion Mixed Martial Artist must know and be successful in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Once again Kai did his research, and found one of the most technical Brazilian Jiu Jitsu instructors right here in Mount Dora. At age 12, Kai began training in BJJ with Professor Brian Ruscio of Grappling Mastery.

Grappling Mastery has a curriculum that allows Kai to train in all three of his skills almost every day of the week. Recently, Grappling Mastery brought in

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the Bang Muay Thai program, developed by Duane “Bang” Ludwig. This fighting program allows Kai to elevate his level of training to that of what professional MMA fighters learn and use to develop their talents.

Under Professor Ruscio, Kai advanced very quickly and has won numerous local, regional, and state amateur BJJ tournaments. In the fall of 2015, he won the State Light Featherweight Florida BJJ title.

Images courtesy of Michael Staton Kai is now a green belt in BJJ and is a very active competitor. Last month he competed in three separate tournaments, bringing home first place from each one. He has earned the respect of his peers and the fighting community and currently has four national corporate sponsors to help him advance his success.

He continues to train in Muay Thai under one of the most respected trainers in Florida, Coach Mike Sgroi, of Grappling Mastery. Mike Sgroi has taught Kai for three years now and together with Brian Ruscio, they are combining Kai’s skills and teaching him to utilize each art together. By learning to combine striking with his Jiu Jitsu, he will be one of the most well-rounded Mixed Martial Arts fighters of the future.

Kai is now 14-years-old and very diverse in his fighting talents. He has developed solid skills and is considered advanced in boxing, Muay Thai, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and has earned the right to be called a true MMA fighter. He spends six days a week training and splits his workouts, allowing no less than two days a week of training for each specific art.

He’s an eighth-grade student at Eustis Middle School and respecting the importance of education, he has never missed earning Honor Roll. He has also been recognized for the Presidential Mathematics Achievement Award, National Fitness Award, and the Presidential Fitness Award.

As a fighter, Kai is a very quick, athletic, and intelligent competitor. He is well-rounded in the sense that he can stand and bang, or grapple you into submission. Kai is the future of MMA - keep your eye out for “The Hammer”… you just might see him on the big stage someday.

May 2016

RAY STEVENS ONE NIGHT ONE SHOW ONLY FRIDAY MAY 20, 2016

Get Tickets www.MountDoraLive.com or call (407) 603-9215

Ray sings his Grammy winning recordings “Everything is Beautiful” and “Misty” as well as his comedic hits such as “Gitarzan” and “The Streak”!

Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center 1051 Main St. The Villages, FL

Current Program Schedule MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

Office: 352.787.7900 Studio Line: 352.787.WLBE (9523) Streaming Live at

My790AM.com Now on My790AM

Tune in every Saturday and Sunday afternoon for live broadcasts of Tampa Bay Rays Baseball!

SATURDAY HEART TALK

7:00am 8:00am

BISSON IN THE MORNING

9:00am

THE ROB NEWTON RESOURCE HOUR

Music 50’s 60’s 70’s

10:00am

THE PARTY LINE BUY-SELL-TRADE

11:00am

THE MY790AM AUCTION SHOW

PULL MY FINGER THE LAKE COUNTY SPORTS SHOW Music 50’s 60’s 70’s

12:00pm 1:00pm 2:00pm 3:00pm

Around Ace Solves the House it All In Your Around the House Backyard The Line The Line Up Up Music 50’s Radio 60’s 70’s Theater Hr

Masters of Real Estate Lake County Round Table The Line Up Music 50’s 60’s 70’s

Ace Solves it All Focus Live The Line Up Music 50’s 60’s 70’s

4:00pm 5:00pm 6:00pm THE MY790AM AUCTION SHOW 7:00pm 8:00pm THE NIGHT TRAIN WITH MIKE IN THE 9:00pm 10:00pm 12mMusic 50’s Music 50’s Music 50’s Music 50’s 7am 60’s 70’s 60’s 70’s 60’s 70’s 60’s 70’s

Sunbelt Resale Ballard Financial The Line Up Music 50’s 60’s 70’s

SUNDAY Music 50’s 60’s 70’s BELIEVERS FAITH WW CHURCH OF CHRIST INTERNATIONAL GOSPEL HOUR GRACE BIBLE BAPTIST MORRISON METHODIST Music 50’s 60’s 70’s Music 50’s 60’s 70’s

THE UNCLE RUSSIE SHOW Ro-Mac Request Hr

NIGHT Music50’s 60’s 70’S

Music50’s 60’s 70’s

Music 50’s 60’s 70’s

LIVE! Radio every first & third Thursday at 1:30pm, plus watch us on LSTV & on the web!

May 2016

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Better Living

Gardening Smart

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n the Florida gardening world, May equals “magnificence.” Plants are growing, the sun is shining, and temperatures are tolerable. It’s a great time to be outside, and where better to be than strolling between the beds of a garden?

Some vegetables are winding down after the cool winter months, like broccoli and sweet peas, carrots and cabbage, but others are only now beginning to produce. I’m talking potatoes and sweet onions, and that savory garlic we’ve longed to harvest since our fall planting. Beans, tomatoes and peppers are erupting from blossoms as are blueberries.

Corn is knee high, watermelon and cantaloupe are sprawling, much like squash and zucchini. Other veggies are just getting started, now that it’s warm. Think peanuts, okra and sweet potatoes. It’s so busy this time of year, it seems a gardener hasn’t a second to waste.

As narrowly as possible. Use what you need, drink what you need, then water your garden with only what it needs. No spraying water willy-nilly through the air via your sprinkler. Not only is much of it lost to evaporation in the breeze, it can cause fungal disease in your plants. Tomatoes, potatoes, squash—none of them want water sitting on their leaves.

Solution? Use a drip line or soaker hose.

It’s easy to install and can be run from any spigot. If your gardening space is small, consider an old-fashioned watering can.

They work! If you must resort to a sprinkler system, be sure to water in the early morning or evening hours. This will reduce

Drip irrigation system

you. From pine bark and needles, to dead leaves and grass clippings, used newspapers and discarded cardboard boxes, you have a variety of mulch on hand to choose from. Even wood chips and shredded branches can be used to mulch your garden.

Caution: Make sure grass clippings are weed and seed free or else you introduce a slew of problems into your garden.

Speaking of waste, it’s a definite In Florida, water that once was no-no when it comes to gardening. abundant and free-flowing through Our natural resources are simply too precious to waste. In Florida, our state has been stressed by water that once was abundant continuous population growth.

Weeds are amazingly agile and can and free-flowing through our state grow anywhere—even on top of has been stressed by continuous landscape paper! Ugh. population growth. Usage restrictions are in the amount of water lost to evaporation. place, but we’re still reaching crisis levels.

In the spirit of beauty sleep and busy schedules, utilize a timer. It’s convenient and And for you farm folks, grab a bale of hay and spread it around your garden. Not What does that mean for our gardens? consistent and never forgets. Unlike some only will it keep your plants happy, it will Plants certainly need a fair amount of water gardeners I know. eventually decompose into a wonderful to thrive, yet where do we draw the line between our needs and theirs?

But smart watering doesn’t stop there. Mulch organic amendment for soil. While you’re is an integral piece of the equation and does at it, check with Mabel the cow to see if she minds you borrowing some old poop wonders when it comes to preserving our of hers—key word “old.” Composted cow aquifers. By applying a thick layer of mulch around your plants, you’ll keep the soil moist manure is wonderful for producing lovely green leaves. And staying green is the goal! and cool, perfect for most any plant you’re growing.

But “knowing what you grow” counts here.

Don’t overwater plants that prefer low levels.

It’s more than wasteful, it’s harmful.

Hay mulch around corn stalks

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What is mulch and where does one find it? That’s the best part. Mulch is all around

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Dianne Venetta Author/ Organic Gardener DSVenetta.com

May 2016

FOODIE

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Texas Roadhouse, The Villages

REVIEWED BY THE GINGER GOURMAND

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exas Roadhouse is an All-American style restaurant located in front of Sam’s Club on Highway 441/27 in The Villages. It’s the newest restaurant to open in The Villages and is a pretty busy place.

Upon arriving on a Tuesday at 5:00pm the place was already packed. Every day is a weekend in The Villages, right? We were told there would be a 40 minute wait but the actual time wasn’t quite that long. When our pager finally buzzed, it was like winning the lottery. A group of very enthusiastic hosts greeted us and one host escorted us through the party-like atmosphere to our table. We

and then quickly took our order for drinks and appetizers. When she returned with our drinks, she had a basket of fresh baked rolls.

For this carbohydrate lover, the rolls were one of the best parts of the meal. They were hot, fresh and had just a touch of butter and possibly honey on top.

The recommended Cactus Blossom was our starter. It was a large onion cut into petals, battered and deep-fried. You can’t go wrong with the Cactus Blossom. It had a great flavor, the breading was fried to perfection, and it was served with a slightly spicy dipping sauce.

The restaurant itself was large and spacious with plenty of room. It was very clean with the exception of peanut shells all over the floor. At Texas Roadhouse, peanut shells on the floor are a way of life. Patrons are given a bucket of roasted peanuts to snack on while waiting for their food. Although the restaurant provides an empty bucket for the shells, they still manage to get scattered on the floor. That’s ok, the shells add to the whole experience.

The menu was a mix of steaks, seafood, chicken, country-style Cactus Blossom® plates, plus salads and burgers.

They boast homemade sides and even got to say hello to a very large stuffed fall-off-the-bone ribs. There was something armadillo that was roaming around greeting on the menu to please just about every guests. palate and budget, with reasonable prices and the plates were large portions.

On the way to our seats we had to dodge several fast-moving members of the wait My table ordered the bone-in ribeye, staff. It was a little like a maze. As we grilled shrimp and a cheeseburger. The were seated the first thing I noticed was ribeye was one of the most expensive the noise level. The patrons were enjoying cuts of meat on the menu and didn’t themselves with loud conversation and even disappoint. It tasted like it had been louder music. At one point the staff turned grilled on a backyard barbecue. We up the music and did the Watermelon Crawl, ordered it medium rare, which means a where the noise level reached new heights. warm red center. The ribeye came out We were seated in the back under a large closer to medium with a brown center, mural of The Villages, which was a nice but it still had a good flavor and was personal touch. The waitress greeted us served with a salad and broccoli. The right away, made a few recommendations salad was a typical salad served with

May 2016

Bone-in ribeye

homemade thousand island dressing. The shrimp was grilled shrimp with lemon butter sauce and you can’t really mess up grilled shrimp. It had a good flavor and was served on a bed of seasoned rice with a salad and green beans. The green beans were seasoned country-style with bacon and onion. The cheeseburger seemed to be the star of the table - it was simply a good oldfashioned cheeseburger.

The desserts looked great, however we were just too stuffed from the rest of the meal to try one. Overall, I would say the Texas Roadhouse in The Villages is a good place to go if you want a fun atmosphere and reasonably priced food.

Focus Magazine makes every effort to have restraunt responses included in an effort to remain partial to all reviews. At the time of publiblication, Texas Roadhouse representives had not responded to inquiries for a response on this article.

Grilled Shrimp

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WRITTEN BY DEREK LOCKE

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his is a story that sticks with me. It has helped to shape my view of the Universe and I have to believe, based on the story that I am about to tell, that there is something greater and more powerful outside of our physical view here on our home we call planet Earth. It’s a story that involves my mom and orange groves.

If you’ve been in Florida for a long enough period of time, you’ll remember a very different-looking landscape from what we

roads in the state; it was flanked on both sides by row upon row of orange trees. Early spring was my favorite time of the year because that’s when the orange blossoms would appear, delicate white flowers that gave off such a sweet aroma. You could smell them everywhere! I grew up on this road, about two miles from downtown Umatilla, which is where my mother worked for United Southern Bank (Umatilla State Bank, back then).

My mother recounts, “For 35 years I worked

If you’ve been in Florida for a long enough period of time, you’ll remember a very different looking landscape from what we see around us today. see around us today. Orange groves. Miles and miles of them along practically every road in central Florida. That was back before the hard freezes of 1983 and then again in 1985. Those freezes decimated the citrus industry, killing hundreds of thousands, if not millions of trees, and the landscape has never been the same. This is important to the context of this story.

two miles from my home. Three or four days a week I would go home for lunch.

Sometimes I would lay down for a short nap before I went back to work.” Usually this was due to migraine headaches that she dealt with all through my childhood, and this incident was on such an occasion. Back then, County Road 450 on the east side of town was lined by citrus groves all the way out to our house, on both sides of the road.

She continues, “One day I lay down for my nap and had what I thought was a dream, although it was very vivid and I couldn’t shake it off like most dreams.” She has told me before that she wasn’t fully asleep but in a state between wakefulness and sleep.

Dozing would probably be the best way to describe it.

“In this dream I was driving into town and as I got down the hill and closer to the corner that goes to the high school, I noticed activity in the grove on my right. There were crews working in the orange grove so I was watching that activity. Watching grove

I was ten years old in 1982 and the road we lived on was no different than most

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May 2016

Vision or dream? I believe it was God’s way of keeping me here for whatever purpose he needed or needs me to accomplish. pickers was quite a sight back then. You would see wooden ladders lining the rows of trees and dozens of grove pickers pulling the gorged fruit from the trees, tossing them into large wooden baskets below them. When these were full, they would be dumped into the open-topped trailers that would then be pulled by a semi truck to wherever they were going.”

Now this is where the Universe comes into play. She goes on to say, “When I returned my attention to the road, there was a midsized, flatbed truck stopped in the road in front of me! It was waiting its turn to make the left toward the high school and it was too late for me to stop, and in the dream I slammed into the back of the truck!”

“It was a very vivid dream and it upset me quite a bit,” she recalls. “After about a week though, I had put it behind me and wasn’t dwelling on it anymore. One morning soon after, I was driving to work and as I got down the hill and was on the straightaway, I saw activity in the orange grove to my right.

I turned my head to see what was going on and saw that a crew was picking oranges. It was a Déjà vu moment and as I watched, it suddenly occurred to me that I was living the dream! I snapped my head around to look forward and sure enough, there was a red mid-sized flatbed truck getting ready to turn

For me personally, it was the point in my life that gave credence to everything I had been taught on Sunday mornings. Until this incredible event that happened so close to me - God, Jesus, the Ten Commandments, Daniel in the lions’ den, Noah and the flood, the Resurrection - they were all just in my mind, in the same place I stored all of the other bedtime stories I was told growing up.

It was my mother’s experience that set these stories apart and now I truly believed.

What does my mother say about it? “Vision or dream? I believe it was God’s way of keeping me here for whatever purpose he needed or needs me to accomplish. Because I also believe that if I hadn’t had the dream, I would have hit the truck and been seriously injured or even killed.”

“One day I lay down for my nap and had what I thought was a dream, although it was very vivid and I couldn’t shake it off like most dreams.”

At that point she woke from the dream. Now, I’ve had dreams before that woke me in a similar horrifying fashion. I’ve had a dream where I was shot in the chest and when I hit the ground I woke up. I’ve had a dream where I was trapped underwater and the moment I gave in and opened my lungs to the water I woke up gasping for air. None of my personal experiences had the follow up that my mother’s dream had, however.

left at the corner! I had just time enough to slam on my brakes to avoid hitting it. As it was, I only missed it by inches.”

What do you call that? A vision? A coincidence? A message? It was certainly more than a dream in my mind. There aren’t coincidences that big, if you ask me!

What purpose could she have been meant for here that she needed to accomplish?

I have my own thoughts. My family has had some tremendous personal tragedy in the last few years and I don’t know if we would have pushed through it like we have without my mother here to lean on, particularly my brother and his youngest son and daughter.

My mother has been central to their healing process.

What do you think? Vision? Dream? Godwink? An angel whispering in her ear?

Precognition? Déjà vu? For me, it is proof positive that there is a greater, intelligent power at work. The Universe is vast. Think as big as you can, and the Universe is so much bigger than that! We know a lot about it, but we also know virtually nothing about it in the grand scheme of things. We never will in our own lifetimes here on earth. No matter what belief system you have, it is the height of arrogance to disbelieve out of hand any outside-of-the-box theory. We simply will not know this side of things. So until we cross over to the other side of this reality, all we can do is hold on to our faith in whatever makes the most sense to us. I know what my mother and I believe. How would this experience fit in your own personal universe?

May 2016

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Home

H H

ere’s to those brave homeowners and residents who love to tinker and repair or build projects on their own. The folks who faithfully watch the home improvement shows on TV and think, “I can do that.”

The DIY’ers. (Do-It-Yourself)

As a home repair and maintenance service, you’d think we would avoid DIY’ers.

Well, you’d be wrong.

built in 22 minutes (with commercials), we applaud the DIY spirit. That’s how most of us in the “fixin’ business” got started.

We enjoy talking shop and comparing notes about your project. When we are called in to help, you understand the task at hand and can communicate what is needed.

Very often, we’ll get a call from a homeowner who wants to do it herself but is not sure how. We have no problem talking her through it.

With the exception of the unenlightened, who believe that a whole house can be

GO PRO

DIY Or

WHY NOT?

If you are undecided about whether you can do a project yourself, do some research.

Don’t be afraid to ask a professional for advice, and if needed, read the directions (I know, this is against the “guy code”).

Doing it yourself can be rewarding as well as educational. Knowing how things are put together and how they work will only enhance your appreciation of your home and your relationship with it.

Dennis McGee Mr. Handyman FL Lic # CGC1513681 MrHandyMan.com

AVERAGE JOE

Some projects that appear to be easy but can be difficult, and sometimes downright dangerous, are better done by a pro.

On the other hand, with spring upon us, you can save some money and feel good about yourself with these projects:

Plumbing A drippy faucet, a new washer, or even changing out a faucet are reasonable projects. But we’re talking about pipes here. If you want to move pipes, disconnect or reconnect them – get a licensed plumber. We can talk all day about “flow dynamics” and leaks – just play it smart and let the pro do it.

Painting There is nothing like a coat of paint to brighten up a room or make old things look new again. Be sure to use good paint – the cheap stuff will only frustrate you with the need for multiple coats.

A/C Clean the duct grates, the filter, even flush out the condenser overflow, but that’s it. DON’T even think about changing or charging the Freon – it’s not even Freon anymore.

Electrical Just like plumbing, changing a light bulb or fixing a damaged cord is fine (if you know how) but stay out of the breaker box (“fuse box” for us older folks).

Line currents and loads are best dealt with by a pro.

The consequences can be devastating.

Roofing Or any task involving a high ladder – a pro is prepared (insurance, safety devices) to handle this potentially dangerous activity.

Shelving and Storage Along with spring cleaning, it’s good to get organized. Solutions are available at your local home improvement store and the possibilities are endless.

Flooring Laminate flooring and small tile jobs can be fun and rewarding – let the pros do the carpeting and large flooring jobs.

Furniture Yep, furniture. It is amazing what they are doing with “flat box” assembly furniture these days. It’s like a puzzle, but with a little patience it can be fun.

Decorating Here’s where the home shows and the web (think “Pinterest”) really come in handy. Wake up your own creative spirit and have fun with it.

Garage Doors They are heavy, bulky and the spring can be deadly.

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May 2016

growth for the economy. Local rental and fishing charters, as well as bait and tackle shops all thrive on the area’s booming fishing industry.

Just like real estate, deciding where to fish is all about location, location, location. Granted, you could go out to a small pond near home, take your rod and reel and enjoy a quiet, relaxing afternoon sitting on the dock or shore. With any luck, you’ll catch something.

However, for any avid angler, there are certain lakes and rivers that bring with them the prospects of the next “big-catch.”

Harris Chain of Lakes Bass, Crappie, Catfish, Shellcracker, Sunshine Bass, Gar, Bluegilll

WRITTEN BY DEVIN COLLINS With more than 1,000 lakes and rivers, it’s no surprise how Lake County earned its name. What may surprise you, however, is what’s hiding just beneath the surface of those lakes and rivers and the impact it has on the local economy. Resident or visitor, it may not come as a revelation that this area is often regarded as one of the premier destinations in the state of Florida for a little activity called fishing.

Whether it be largemouth bass, channel catfish, or black crappie, Lake County’s waterways offer some of the most diverse and abundant fishing opportunities in the state.

“Florida is the fishing capital of the world, but Lake County is quickly becoming known as a premier destination for trophy largemouth bass,” said Adam Sumner, Lake County Economic Development & Tourism Division Manager. “That’s why popular tournaments such as the Bass Pro Shop’s Big Bass Tour, the Bassmaster Elite Series, the Bassmaster Southern Open, the Fishers of Men National Championship and countless others have been held in Lake County.”

Throughout its long history, Lake County is known for great fishing.

It’s partly why this area was settled. Historically, the fish in these waters have provided a source of food and income for those hoping to carve out a future for themselves. Today, you will find an entire economy that has developed around the sport. For example, few areas in the state produce so many “big-catch” prospects as Lake County. With seven of the top 11 lakes for bass in Florida, Lake County’s waterways have been recognized in nationallytelevised programs, such as Jack Link’s Major League Fishing, as well as the Bass Pro Shop Big Bass Tour, which was recently held in February. The Big Bass Tour event brought pro and amateur anglers from all across the Southeast of the United States to compete in catching the biggest fish. Complementing these events, local yearround businesses have developed to provide a steady source of

Clermont Chain Bass, Crappie, Catfish, Shellcracker, Sunshine Bass, Bluegill Lake Dorr Bass, Crappie, Catfish, Shellcracker, Sunshine Bass, Gar Johns Lake Bass, Crappie, Catfish, Bluegill, Shellcracker Lake George Bass, Crappie, Bluegill

Odds are, if you’re a resident, you’re real close to one of these bodies of water. It doesn’t take a long road trip to find any of these places. Each one provides terrific fishing for anyone, whether you’re a professional or amateur. Lake County is fortunate to have such a variety of fresh waterways with a diverse, abundant fish population.

Many tourists and visiting anglers to the Sunshine State choose coastal locations to drop a line, unaware of what Lake County has to offer. That perception is changing, though. The fish around these parts have attracted many new residents over the years, some permanent, and provide a steady, growing source of income to those who are up to the challenge of tackling the bait. It’s expected that this trend is only going to expand further as more tourists and competitors discover what is Lake County’s most obvious hidden gem and get away from the coastline to experience Real Florida, Real Close. For more information on planning your next fishing trip in Lake County, visit LakeBigBass.com or call 352-742-3918.

TAKE AN ADVENTURE THROUGH NATURE Experience ‘Real Florida. Real Close.’

www. R eal F lorida R eal C lose.com/FOCUS May 2016

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Lake County, One of the Healthiest

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WRITTEN BY TOM KUBALA

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oving on up - from 19th to 14th in one year! The assessment of the health of residents, and the healthcare services that are provided in Lake County, has resulted in an improvement of five ranking positions.

This makes it one of the healthiest counties out of the 67 in the state of Florida, as determined by an outside agency.

The study was conducted by a team from the Population Health Institute of the University of Wisconsin. The university collaborates on projects of this type with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. This new ranking found favor with many in the county.

“The county is in a partnership with the Florida Health Department to improve the health of its citizens, and we are pleased with the increased ranking.”

DOTTIE KEEDY

LAKE COUNTY COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR

The four main goals of the county health assessments, as stated in the literature from the Population Health Institute are: to build awareness of the multiple factors that influence the health of citizens; to provide local data to help identify opportunities to improve health; to engage leaders to create positive change; and to empower community leaders who are working to improve health.

The model that was used by the Institute included numerous factors to determine Lake County’s health status. The general categories were: Premature Death, Quality of Life, Health Behaviors, Clinical Care, Social and Economic Factors, and Physical Environment. Some of the data elements within these categories included adult

smoking, adult obesity, teen births, diabetic monitoring, children in poverty, violent crime, and air pollution.

stated, “We are very excited about the improved ranking of healthcare in our county.

Each county in Florida has a health department, but it is not part of county government. It is a state agency.

According to the state’s website, the health departments in each county improve the health status by preventing epidemics, protecting against environmental hazards, encouraging healthy behaviors, preparing for and responding to disasters, and assuring the quality and accessibility of health services. The legislative mandate is as follows: “It is the intent of the legislature to promote, protect, maintain and improve the health and safety of all citizens and visitors to our state through a system of coordinated county health department services.”

One of the main reasons for the increase was due to the access to clinical care for residents.

The Florida Department of Health in Lake County is the driving force behind improved health for residents. Its stated mission is found in the legislative mandate.

To carry out this mission, the department works in concert with local governments, businesses, school districts, healthcare agencies, faith-based organizations, and non-profit entities, according to a recent department news release.

Aaron Kissler, Department Administrator,

One of the positive elements in the overall assessment was a decrease in adult smoking. We also noted that there was an increase in the breastfeeding of infants.

Adult obesity, however, is an area that continues to require attention.

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Since we are part of the Lake Health Partnership, we work closely with the hospitals in our area, and the physicians that serve the county are top-notch.

One of the positive elements in the overall assessment was a decrease in adult smoking. We also noted that there was an increase in the breastfeeding of infants. Adult obesity, however, is an area that continues to require attention.

Because of our ongoing efforts to improve health, we recently achieved national accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board.

We are proud of that.”

A healthy county has a positive impact on economic development, according to Robert Chandler, Director of Economic Growth for Lake County. “Quality of life and a healthy environment are important elements for companies to consider when thought is being given to relocation. It is gratifying to know that quality healthcare will be available to their employees.”

According to the published rankings from the Population Health Institute, the county at the top of the list of 67 was St. John’s County. The rankings of other counties in Central Florida showed Seminole at #5, Sumter at #17, Orange at #21, Osceola at #32, Volusia at #40, and Marion at #49.

May 2016

EDUCATION

A

Take Stock in Children Contract Signing

WRITTEN BY NANCI SCHWARTZ

A

recent celebration at the Everett Kelly Convocation Center in Leesburg was not for Lake-Sumter State College students, but for 43 eighth graders. The middle school students and their adult for cheerleaders met on April 21st to officially kick off their future. cheerleaders The students, from middle schools across Lake and Sumter counties, are the incoming class of Take Stock in Children (TSIC) students.

The program helps ensure that participants graduate from high school with the knowledge and skills they need to complete their post-secondary education and to successfully enter the work force.

For the students, many from at-risk families, a college scholarship is the “golden ticket” to a good-paying career and the reason for applying to be in the program.

Lake Sumter TSIC offers two year scholarships through the Florida Prepaid Foundation.

Valued at $9,100, a TSIC recipient could have his or her first two years of tuition at a Florida state college underwritten.

for-dollar by the Florida Prepaid Foundation through its Stanley Tate Project STARS program,” said Gail Weidner, Lake Sumter TSIC Program Manager. “Of the 43 new students, 91 percent have a sponsor that provided funding for their entire scholarship. That’s indicative of the community’s support for this program.”

To date, more than 800 students throughout Lake and Sumter counties have been served by TSIC. Of these, 189 are in high school, 205 are enrolled in college and 218 have received a post-secondary degree.

GRADUATE HIGH SCHOOL

98% TSIC students VS. 79% Lake County students ENROLL IN COLLEGE

96% TSIC students VS. 41% Lake County students There’s good reason for the Lake and Sumter community to support TSIC. The program gets results.

This return on investment may be why local organizations and businesses are sponsoring scholarships for students in the community.

The program takes it a step further to ensure its participants’ success. Each “The Take Stock in Children student is assigned an adult Program is a fundamental 43 Lake and Sumter middle school students make up the 2016 class mentor who will meet with partner of the Community of Take Stock In Children scholarship recipients him or her on a regular basis Foundation of South Lake. We Image Courtesy of TSIC throughout 9th – 12th grades. have a common goal of serving Additionally, the students have access to college coaching, college the youth in Lake County through scholarships and supportive readiness workshops and timely intervention to make sure he or she services,” said Brittany Timmons, BSW, Dream Coordinator at the stays on track to graduate.

Community Foundation of South Lake. “It is our belief that it is our due diligence to the South Lake Community that we uplift it with The program has high expectations for the students and their loving support. Our goal is to assist our students with their desired success adults. At the April 21st event, the latest scholarship recipients and and in return hope that they will return to their community and their families – many dressed in their Sunday best – signed contracts invest with time and resources.” affirming their intent to meet the criteria to stay in the program.

Students must maintain a minimum 2.5 grade point average, have “Take Stock in Children is fortunate to have such a supportive minimal absences and disciplinary issues, and meet with their community but we can help many more students,” said Weidner. mentors. Adults throughout the Lake and Sumter community who “Each year, we receive approximately two-thirds more applications volunteer to keep a student on track to graduation. than scholarships that are available.”

“The number of scholarships available is dependent on community fundraising and grants. Donor contributions are matched dollarTo date, more than 8 0 0 students throughout Lake and Sumter counties have been served by Take Stock in Children.

May 2016

The organization relies on donations, grants and fundraisers to raise money for the scholarships. Additionally, the program needs adult mentors who can commit to spending about 30 minutes a week to meeting with a Take Stock in Children student.

For information, to make a donation or to become a mentor, please call 352-787-6576 or visit EdFoundationLake.com/take-stock-in-children

FocusLake.com

37

FLASHBACK

Johnson Junior College This photograph is of Johnson Junior College in 1964, and it shows Mrs. J.L. Prince who taught commercial studies. This image was published in The Eagle, the Johnson Junior College Yearbook.

Johnson Junior College was housed on the grounds of Lake-Sumter State College.

It was operated by president Perman E. Williams from 1962–1965 when it de-segregated and became a part of Lake-Sumter Junior College. The former Johnson center is still part of the campus, having been renamed the Williams-Johnson Building after two black educators in Lake and Sumter Counties, Mr. P.E. Williams and Mr. John Wesley Johnson, the latter of whom was a former educator and principal at the first all-black high school in Leesburg.

38

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