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SEPTEMBER 2015 FocusLakeCounty.com “A CATALYST FOR CONVERSATION”
Lake’s Economy: Healthy or Hanging On?
ALSO INSIDE
SIX HANDS: CHAPTER VII AUTHOR CHRISTINE BENJAMIN 2ND STORY
MEDICAL MARIJUANA IN LAKE A GROWING DEBATE MORE
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September 2015 | Volume 8 Issue 8 | FocusLakeCounty.com
Got a story idea? Looking to advertise in FOCUS? Contact us for more information: Red Apples Media 734 N. 3rd St., Suite 119 Leesburg, FL 34748
9 Lake’s Economy: Healthy or Hanging On? What do local economic indicators say about the health of Lake County’s economy? Is it on the rise or is it still in a fragile recovery mode? Local businesses and those in the know weigh in on the trends they are seeing.
Office 352.801.7106 Email info@RedApplesMedia.com FocusLakeCounty.com
12 Medical Marijuana in Lake... A Growing Debate
Standards of accuracy: The goal of the writers at
Lawmakers recently allowed for limited use of medical marijuana in Florida and now nurseries in Lake County are competing for a license to grow. Learn more about what could be a new cash crop in our county.
FOCUS Magazine is to provide heartwarming stories that are accurate from the start. Being human however, we sometimes make mistakes. Please forgive us.
16 Jewish High Holidays
So 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.
From Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur, find out where and when you can observe these Jewish holidays during September at Synagogues around Lake County.
FOCUS Magazine is published monthly and is available at local Lake County businesses, restaurants and venues. 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.
Publisher Marc Robertz-Schwartz Marc@RedApplesMedia.com Managing Editor Anthony Rao Anthony@RedApplesMedia.com Editor/Proofreader Stephanie Sherman SSherman@RedApplesMedia.com Writers Vance Jochim; Bruce Brown Photography Bonnie Whicher Photography; Ashton Bracciodieta Contributors Dennis McGee | Darla Miller | Dr. T.J. Valente | Robert Chandler IV | Debi MacIntyre
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Publisher: Marc’s Remarks
Marc Robertz-Schwartz channels the Fab Four to take a nostalgic look at how money affects more than just the local economy.
Profiles: Q&A with Dr. Anudh Jain of Florida Hospital Waterman
Dr Jain talks one-on-one with Lake Sumter TV’s Profiles about world-class cancer care offered at Florida Hospital Waterman and the extensive collaboration between Waterman’s doctors and support staff.
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Lake’s Legacies: Selling Lake County
You’ve seen the name around town: Grizzard. Now meet the family and learn a little-known fact about their connection to Leesburg’s original airport.
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Six Hands: Chapter VII
Sparks fly this month when local author Christina Benjamin brings Michael Green face to face with his brother and sister-inlaw. Siblings seek common ground and forgiveness over harsh words, an unplanned pregnancy and a life-altering accident.
FOCUS On Philanthropy: Goodwill Industries
Looking for a job? Goodwill’s efforts to help in the community go far beyond just providing low-cost clothing and secondhand “stuff.”
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FOCUS On the Issues: Medical Marijuana in Lake
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FOCUS On Mind: The Economy and Your Mental Health
On one hand marijuana is described as a gateway drug that can endanger area youth. But what about those who could benefit from its medicinal qualities? Two sides light it up in this emotional debate.
Money can affect your state of mind and even your overall mental health. Find out how to put mind over money. Look online at FocusLakeCounty.com for location distribution listings.
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FOCUS On Events: Calendar
Can you spell calendar? Wait… we just did it for you! This month, everything from a Low Boil event to benefit Habitat for Humanity to the annual Take Stock in Children Corporate Spelling Bee. Two pages make up a cornucopia of September events.
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FOCUS In Focus: Red for Ed, Stepping Out, GoZone & Lake Wellness
From the Red for Ed collection to the dancers featured in Stepping Out for Education, the pages are filled with pictures of faces you’ll recognize.
Scan the code to watch September’s FOCUS TV.
What’s a QR code and why would I use it?
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.
September 2015
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FOCUS On the Arts: Clermont Performing Arts Center
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FOCUS Foodie: Cheeser’s Palace
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FOCUS On Home: Managing Your Home’s Resources
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The curtain is soon to rise on the newest Central Florida theater. Get an inside look at its shows, events and origins in our FOCUS On the Arts. FOCUS Foodie visits Cheeser’s in historic downtown Clermont. Find out if they were treated like royalty. Ha! Couldn’t resist the cheesy pun! It might be your biggest investment, so how do you manage your home’s resources? Tips and tricks to save you money and keep your home in shape.
FOCUS On Better Living: Investing in Your Health
Why do we spend so much time researching investment opportunities but so little time investing in our own health? Some tips and suggestions for a greater return on investing in ourselves.
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FOCUS On Lake County: Prosperity of the Tourism Economy
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FOCUS Flashback: The Money Shot
Tourism accounts for a fifth of the Lake County economy. Robert Chandler IV suggests some critical elements to ensure it remains prosperous.
This month, to finish up our spotlight on the economy, a look back at the origins of the First National Bank of Mount Dora.
FocusLakeCounty.com
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PUBLISHER: MARC’S REMARKS “I don’t care too much for money. Money can’t buy me love.” Wonderfully nostalgic (and ironic) lyrics penned by Sir Paul McCartney and brought to us by the shaggy young men from across the pond who would later go on to make gobs of cash.
I’ve wrestled with the concept of money and the role it plays in our lives. There have certainly been some amazing and heartwarming examples of people down-and-out, without a thing to their name except the love that binds them together. On the flip side, there are those who have more money than they know what to do with, yet can’t seem to find or keep the loveof-their-life to share the wealth. As a matter of fact, it is estimated that 70% of all million dollar-plus lottery winners will eventually go broke and file for bankruptcy. So, apparently winning the lottery isn’t the solution… Damn. Here locally, many feel that our economy is back on track. Others strongly disagree and are still scraping to make ends meet. All you had to do was attend one of the Lake County Education Foundation backpack giveaways to be reminded that more than 60% of Lake County public school students are eligible for free or reduced lunch, while it is estimated that there are more than 2600 homeless students.
It has been my observation that a community as relatively small as ours, tends to accentuate the “haves” from the “have-nots.” While the unemployment rate has continued to improve over the past several years – closing in on pre-recession rates – sometimes those numbers can be deceiving. Under-employed is certainly better than unemployed but under-employed may not pay the bills. As you will read in this month’s issue of FOCUS, money and our local economy have a profound and sweeping impact on our community, education, health, financial and mental well-being, our relationships, and the domino effect continues from there. Can money buy you love? Probably not. But it can certainly buy some degree of happiness. Few things weigh more on a person, a family, a couple, than the weight of money or lack thereof. On the other hand, if you’re fortunate enough to have a little extra, you’ll be amazed by how easily you can spread some proverbial financial love with an act of cash-kindness to someone in greater need than you.
Incidentally, according to a story in US News and World Report, the four men who made up “The Beatles” collectively married nine women. So much for love. McCartney’s divorce from Heather Mills cost him a whopping $48 million. Discuss…
Wings & Wildflowers Wins Award Lake County’s Wings & Wildflowers Festival won first place in social media during the Florida Festivals & Events Association Convention & Tradeshow in Orlando recently.
The Lake County Economic Development and Tourism Division and Lake County Communications Department, accepted the “Sunsational” award for their work on the festival’s Facebook and Twitter pages. The 4th Annual Wings & Wildflowers Festival, to be held Oct 2-4 at Leesburg’s Venetian Gardens, shines a spotlight on Lake County’s growing reputation as Florida’s premier birding destination. The goal of the festival is to increase awareness and appreciation of Lake County’s ecotourism, natural resources and quality of life. The festival features field trips to birding hotspots and wildflower havens and brings
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some of the nation’s top birding, wildflower and nature experts to the area. Keynote speakers include James Currie, a native of South Africa, conservationist, lifelong birder and host of Nikon’s Birding Adventures TV; Dr. Ken Meyer, associate professor with the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation at the University of Florida; Gallus Quigley, expert birder, biologist and Trails Specialist with the Lake County Parks & Trails Division, and Melinda Myers, contributing editor for “Birds & Blooms” magazine and host of “Melinda’s Garden Moment” TV and radio show.
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Adopt-a-Lake Looking for Photos
The above photo of Lake Eustis by Beverly Abdenour won first place in the 2015 calendar photo contest.
The Lake County Adopt-a-Lake Program is seeking original photographs of Lake County waterways for its popular Adopta-Lake calendar, now in its seventh year of production. The top 14 photographs, as chosen by a panel of volunteers, will be featured in the 2016 edition. Once the semi-finalists are selected, online voting will be opened to the public. The top-scoring photograph will be featured on the calendar’s cover. All photos submitted must be of a Lake County named body of water, and must be shot in landscape (horizontal) mode. Entries limited to five photos per person and should include the name of the photographer and the body of water pictured. A photo release form will be required. To submit a photo, e-mail CCatasus@ LakeCountyFL.gov, bring a CD to the Water Resource Management Laboratory at 12923 County Landfill Road, Tavares, or mail a CD to Adopt-a-Lake Program, Attn: Cathie Catasus, POB 7800, Tavares, FL 32778. The deadline to submit entries is Friday, Oct. 2.
September 2015
On Philanthropy Organization: Goodwill Industries of Central Florida Year Established: 1959
these items support Goodwill’s vocational and youth programs.
What is your not-for-profit status: 501(c)3 non-profit corporation
Who do you serve and how: Goodwill primarily serves Lake County Residents with barriers to employment. Including people who have disabilities, those with limited work history, military veterans transitioning to civilian jobs, people overcoming a criminal history and those who have been trying to get a job for a long time without success.
Address: Leesburg Job Connection Center 10600 Highway 441 352.323.1847 Clermont Job Connection Center 1855 S. Grand Highway 352.404.7799 Web Address: GoodwillCFL.org Description of Organization: Many people know Goodwill by its thrift stores. What they don’t realize is that shopping and donating at Goodwill supports job training and placement programs for Lake Countians. Since its founding in 1959, Goodwill Industries of Central Florida has grown to 28 retail stores and 23 Donation Xpress Centers across Central Florida counties. At the Lake County locations, Goodwill accepts clothes, shoes, accessories, books, household items and electronics. Proceeds from selling
What are you most in need of and why: Community members can support Goodwill’s mission by donating at any of its retail stores or Donation Xpress Centers. Residents can sponsor a donation drive at their workplace, house of worship or civic group. In addition, Goodwill can pick up items left over from a community garage sale. Please call 407.857.0659 or visit GoodwillCFL.org for details. Inspiring words: At Goodwill, donations = jobs. Donating and shopping supports life-changing job training and placement programs for Lake County residents in need.
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Call 352.801.7106
LSSC Appoints Presidential Search Committee liaison to the Presidential Search Committee.
Tim Morris, Chair of the District Board of Trustees, after receiving recommendation from fellow trustee members, has appointed individuals to the Presidential Search Committee. The 13-member group made up of community members, trustees and college representatives, will work with nationally recognized search consultant, Myers McRae, to identify candidates to be LSSC’s sixth president.
significant investment of their time and I am thankful for their enthusiasm and willingness to help find LSSC’s next president.”
Tim Morris, Chair of the Presidential Search Committee, says the appointments were carefully selected to reflect the College’s service district. “My purpose is to ensure that the committee represents all areas and constituents across Lake and Sumter Counties and includes members of the college community,” said Mr. Morris. “This process involves a
The Presidential Search Committee and Myers McRae start candidate screening this month and campus interviews are scheduled for mid-October. For more details on the process and to view the search timeline, visit LSSC.edu and click on the Presidential Search icon. Dick Scott, Senior Vice President of Business Affairs, serves as the College’s staff
September 2015
In January, Dr. Charles Mojock announced his intention to retire on December 31, 2015 after serving for more than thirteen years as president. During his tenure, LSSC experienced tremendous growth in enrollment, programs, community partnerships and the transition from a community college to a state college. With just a few months remaining, Dr. Mojock is committed to making great strides on major projects such as establishing the Health Sciences Collegiate Academy, initiating construction of a Science Lab Facility on the South Lake Campus and launching the new Engineering Technology degree with a specialization in Relay Substation Technology at the Sumter Campus.
FocusLakeCounty.com
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On the Issues
Spinning Charlotte’s Web and the Future of Medical Marijuana
The Florida Legislature and Governor Rick Scott approved Senate Bill 1020, allowing for the medication nicknamed Charlotte’s Web. The purpose was to increase access to cannabidiol (CBD) for children suffering from seizure disorders. This bill legalizes strains of marijuana that are high in CBD but low in tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the ingredient that produces a high. Access to the drug is through oil or vapor form only. While there are many good points to the legislation, we encourage caution. CBD is not an approved drug with an approved dosage or structure. Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF) and Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) have pointed out concerns:
1. The need for the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to ensure that any CBD being distributed isn’t contaminated. For example, “high CBD” products may be contaminated by pesticides, synthetic fertilizers and dangerous microbes. Pesticides are neurotoxic which could be dangerous to children with epilepsy. A number of physicians have reported instances of bacterial infections, allegedly resulting from the use of these products.
2. The need for the FDA and DEA to ensure that any CBD being distributed isn’t dangerous. For example, “high CBD” plant products also contain varying levels of THC, sometimes significant amounts. Most simple extraction processes cannot reliably extract CBD solely or primarily. Extremely complex and expensive equipment is required to remove the THC from a “high CBD” extract. The situation is made more hazardous by the fact that existing research demonstrates that, in many cases, large doses of CBD are needed to achieve a specific therapeutic effect. Accordingly, a child taking a therapeutic dose of CBD (100-1000 milligrams per day) would potentially also be exposed to a large amount of THC. 3. Recent internet comments by parents complain batches of “artisanal” CBD products do not have a consistent or anticipated effect and/ or they are horrified that their children become “high.” Pre-clinical research suggests that THC can be pro-convulsant in sensitive brains; other research indicated THC can impair IQ if taken chronically by children or teens. Physicians are beginning to report instances of THC toxicity in children taking “high CBD” preparations, such as high anxiety, increased seizures and insomnia. We need to ensure the FDA has approved and
signed off on pure CBD products. For the safety of our children, it is important to make sure that CBD is developed through a safe delivery system in a form that is stable, and where dosing is known and controllable. At the very least, ensuring that these products have medicinal value and are shown to be more beneficial than harmful is extremely important. We owe our children that much. Be Free Lake/Safe Climate Coalition is a community effort focused on youth substance abuse, and violence reduction and prevention, while maximizing resources and providing opportunities for health and wellness in order for children and families to be self-sufficient, productive contributors in Lake County and society. For more information, please visit BeFreeLake.org
Debi MacIntyre, M.Ed., Ed.S. Executive Director Be Free Lake Safe Climate Coalition of Lake County, Inc.
A Patient’s View: One Last Dance with “Mary Jane”
After having read and studied on it, it seems that medical marijuana may be the answer to many patients’ prayers. Having been diagnosed with and suffering the effects of primary progressive multiple sclerosis for the past two years, it has definitely been an answer to mine.
As opposed to many of the other medications I’ve been prescribed, its side effects aren’t any worse than the symptoms of MS I regularly experience, such as tremors, headaches and twitches. Eight out of ten of the medicines doctors have given me I would gladly give back for medical marijuana in any of its forms. It’s hard for those who don’t suffer from cancer or aren’t debilitated, to understand the need for this drug. Many uninformed
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people have spoken out against its legalization but thankfully cooler heads have won out. Even law enforcement is becoming more understanding. I was once warned by a state trooper to keep my “pot” at home, but he didn’t arrest me for my supposed infraction. The cost factor alone is enough for most to jump on the bandwagon, as many of the pharmaceutical medications can run into the thousands of dollars per month. This has the capacity to replace many of those scary ads on television warning about the list of side effects from consuming the other drugs out there. In comparison, medical marijuana may cause you to want to eat or even just go to sleep. At 45 I didn’t expect my life to go this way and I am sure other patients feel similarly whether they are young or old.
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In its many forms, everything from gummy bears for children to the more conventional “joint,” marijuana as a medicine is something that needs to be seriously considered as a legal source of relief in many cases. I for one know which way I will vote if the ballot in Florida’s 2016 elections include full legalization of the substance. And those who are against it should look deeper and make sure that enough research is done to ensure they are making the right decision in their own stand.
Danielle The Villages Resident Multiple Sclerosis Patient
September 2015
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On the Mind
The Economy and Your Mental Health Bob Dylan famously sang, “The Times They Are A-Changin’,” and for no greater aspect of society is this the case than regarding the economy. Even on a local level the financial concepts of 30 years ago, our parents’ generation, are different. It is typical today to, “buy now, pay later.” Even cash, which used to be king, has gone the way of the dinosaur. There is no shortage of clichès that can be applied to today’s economic landscape. The question though is, “How does the economy affect the mental state of the public, both individually and as a community?” During the economic downturn of the past decade, we saw a spike in depression due to loss of employment and income in a portion of society that had not shown symptoms before. Money, often a motivating factor, is not necessarily to blame but it’s really the view of money that many people take. Whereas money used to be used strictly for survival, people nowadays often have substantial disposable incomes yet some still live well beyond their means. Historically, Lake County has been underdeveloped or poor, with low income taxation. The economy is heavily dependent on the service and medical industries, and after the real estate drop-off the County saw some companies leave the area for greener pastures. Unfortunately, the population growth locally wasn’t followed by industry growth. While once Lake County was known for its bass fishing and citrus crops, its identity is no longer concrete. Of course, this affects the mindset of its residents. Money frequently impacts decisions, and many times the risks people take financially lead them into trouble, even heavy debt. Debt can negatively affect a person’s mind so much that they lose sleep and often see a decline in their overall health and well-being. Longer hours, in lower-paying jobs lead to lack of rest and needed periods of recuperation, which are necessary for our minds to properly function. Money always has strings attached. In the non-profit world, organizations apply for grants, however these are limited and include restrictions as to how that capital can be used. Even the problems caused by a
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sudden influx of money can be aplenty. Take for example a family who is left with an estate to divide when a parent dies. Oftentimes issues in probate lead to dysfunction and the breakdown of relationships, again affecting the mental health of the individuals involved. We all cringe at stories about how people lose their life savings or when someone is ripped off. But what about when a company fails or has to declare bankruptcy? Trust can be lost and security can vanish.
have to repeat their previous mistakes, or even our own. There are many educational tools to help us with our finances. The real question to ask ourselves when considering a purchase, should be the necessity of the item rather than just the fact that we desire it. Imagine yourself in financial crisis with no retirement, savings, or plan for the future. Do you really need a new car if you are upside down in your mortgage and have no equity in your home?
The real answer is finding happiness with or without money. After all, some rich people are terribly unhappy, while in contrast some poor people are very happy. Money addiction can be as pervasive and damaging as alcohol or drug problems, even leading to the breakdown of marriage. As in all aspects of life, moderation is key. Putting our mind before money can lead to many benefits. Simply put, just as we need exercise and a strict diet to successfully lose weight, we need a plan that we can stick to if we want to be successful and in control of our finances rather than the other way around.
Some people even put their health at risk by overly concerning themselves with money; neglecting visits to the doctor, the dentist, or even not having health insurance, in an attempt to save money. Medical bills by the way, are a leading cause for bankruptcy in America. It is often stated that the USA is the “Land of the Free,” but what does that mean to you? Are you ready to simplify your financial life to keep your mind right? If you are, and you start to take the needed steps, then you may be in line to break the chains of enslavement to the almighty dollar.
Education is another way to arm ourselves against the negative influences money can have on our psyche. Remember, desperate people sometimes do desperate things. While most of our training regarding money may have come from our parents, we don’t
Dr. Thomas J. Valente is Medical Director of Lifestream Behavioral Center in Lake and Sumter Counties LSBC.net
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September 2015
WRITTEN BY VANCE JOCHIM
Is the Lake County economy growing or failing, or a mixture of the two? Indicators are that the Lake County Economy is pulling out of the negative growth of several years. But are local indicators or national surveys describing the entire story? Is the growth of the economy sustainable and secure, or barely teetering on a risky precipice? Business Owners Talk About the Local Economy Numerous glowing reports exist telling how unemployment is down or sales are up. We wanted a more direct opinion so we called several Lake County business owners to ask their perception of the economy. These folks are survivors of the sluggish economy of the past several years. Each of them has a business where they are in direct contact with customers and have an idea how the economy is REALLY doing. Comments from Various Sources Who Wanted to Remain Confidential
“There is a patient uproar with insurance firms. Because of the [Affordable Care Act], health insurance costs have tripled to $700/month for one person. Patients who signed up for specific coverages are finding they are perhaps receiving reimbursement for only 25% of the services, and after much higher documentation requirements.”
“There is some growth, but we may be in a soft bubble,” he says. Much of the growth in South Lake County is “retail supporting residential growth,” and not from many new business formations. Residential construction is driving the economy, with new residents who are people working in Orange County. “If there is a residential bubble, prices won’t go back up. The problem is that prices of existing homes are not lower than new homes. That means the inventory of existing homes is not filled since buyers can get good financing and terms on new homes.”
“One factor for growth is to watch what the large chains are doing. Are they adding locations in Lake County? Publix is good at forecasting growth areas, and notice they are building two new stores in North Lake County.”
“Construction is growing fairly well, but many national tract builders in South Lake are using non-local workers, delaying local employment gains. Clermont is having problems due to the $1 million shortfall from the new recreation center, so will either increase tax- es or fire fees to offset the shortfall.”
“Many cities are trying to emulate the Tavares reputation of good city management, but that depends on the quality of elected officials and how well they select their management.” Curt Binney – Sines, Blakeslee & Madyda CPAs – Winter Garden Curt works in Winter Garden, but he lives in Clermont. Curt is the current Chair of the Lake County School District Audit Committee and is active in South Lake County Chamber events.
“Main Street stores can’t compete with Walmart or online purchases, so they won’t grow much. I don’t see anyone looking to expand their business, i.e. more space or employees. They are looking for joint ventures or mergers. Healthcare costs are going up 25-35% per year, thus hours are cut or pay raises are postponed,” he says. (Unlike local government which raises taxes to pay for wages and higher health insurance costs.)
We talked to some other business owners who shared opinions but did not want to be quoted. “The Federal government seems to be using [Affordable Care Act] to increase service and documentation requirements, while reducing payment coverage in order to “thin the herd” of independent doctors.” “Doctors are being forced out of business due to the overwhelming Obamacare requirements, including detailed HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) demands related to health record privacy. Doctors who try to sell their practices are finding the appraised value is half what it was five years ago due to reduced earnings and cash flow.”
September 2015
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That said, Binney is still optimistic that the economy will grow in South Lake County, but he cautions residents to actively manage their budget to handle increased taxes, insurance and other rising costs. Dr. Ramah Wagner – Wagner Chiropractic – Eustis Dr. Wagner is well-known in the Eustis Chamber of Commerce for her organized marketing of her business, and “healthy living” tips. The chiropractic business is a subset of the healthcare industry, and sometimes clients only have limited coverage for chiropractic services. Before the [Affordable Care Act], customers might have insurance that would cover 26 visits to the chiropractor for services, but that has changed, especially in the last year. More restrictions and documentation and equipment is needed just to get visits approved for compensation by insurance agencies. “Our County has been economically sick, but it is coming back. We had a disease, but it is worth fighting for, and we need to learn how to recover by fighting back. The downturn made us humble, and I now have a great amount of optimism,” Wagner continued. Due to the decline in the economy and insurance reimbursements, Wagner’s “survival method” is to educate patients on their personal responsibility to take charge of their health, and sign up for preventive care and wellness care, even if they have to pay out of their own pocket. She focuses on raising patient awareness in order to reduce lifestyle illnesses.
12/hour. She can’t qualify for Medicaid since she earns more than the qualifying rate, and she also makes too much for Obamacare health plan subsidies. Additionally, these employees may not be getting any wage increases. During the past few years, employees also had cuts in their hours, but now work is more steady and hours are increasing to closer to 35-40 hours/week. Thus it seems that under-insured employees are slowly seeing increased hours and better chances that small employers will subsidize their healthcare. Jim Miller – Commercial Real Estate – Broker Associate at Grizzard Commercial Real Estate Group – Leesburg Jim Miller is also a former Lake County School District Board member. The ever-optimistic Miller says, “The economy is starting to come back. But not as much as ten years ago when commercial values increased 10% per year.” South Lake is currently more robust but the Golden Triangle will “pop” soon.” Business wants a well-educated workforce but Miller says, “When 60% of kids in one area can’t read, it is a problem. And when 40% of students in all of Lake County cannot read at graduation,” Miller questions whether reading scores are improving. “If the reading scores were up, we would hear about it.” Miller does expect Leesburg to grow, and one reason is because Leesburg has a good city manager, which is important in all 14 cities in Lake County.
It must be working because Wagner says she is busier than ever.
Tod Howard – South Lake Spine & Injury – Groveland and Former School Board member
Karen L. Carroll, Insurance Agent – AFLAC – Supplemental Health Insurance – Leesburg
“Groveland and Mascotte got hit badly in the downturn, but we are starting to see a turnaround, ” says Howard.
Small employers many times cannot afford health insurance for their employees. So they sign up with AFLAC (the guys with the duck in the ads) which offers different self-paid plans to employees.
Unfortunately, the Affordable Care Act is hitting individuals hard and they cannot afford the high deductibles. For chiropractors, many clients now have $1000-$5000 deductibles, so they cannot afford to pay them to obtain Chiropractic services. Many can barely pay for insurance period, and it is not adequate. There are also increased mandates for “substantial” HIPAA electronic medical record regulations. Thus patients used to having insurance coverage for Chiropractic services may either have to pay the deductibles, do without, or pay out of pocket.
Carroll says insurance premiums are going up and employers may cancel any health supplement subsidy or drop health insurance altogether. For many employees in the $1015/hour wage range, AFLAC may be their only method to get some catastrophic coverage for major illnesses like cancer. She cites the example of a single mother making $11-
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One positive note is that Florida has reduced the number of mandated licenses needed to be in business. “I previously had eleven licenses, and now that requirement is reduced.” Howard’s “survival method” to cope with those changes has been to move into other services related to industrial medicine, FDOT tests, etc. Ralph Smith – Owner of Lake Tire & Auto – Tavares Smith is also known as a conservative political activist and he hosts a local talk radio show on WLBE my790AM in Leesburg. Smith’s Tire store is not just retail. Years ago he implemented a “survival strategy” of also acting as a wholesale tire distributor for local auto dealers. Every afternoon you can see his white pickup at the store, filled with new tires ready for a delivery run to local auto dealers. He says that car dealers are buying lower cost tires for customers. Their auto sales are doing well except higher-end models are slow. Buyers are focusing on more intermediate and economical cars. Car owners are deciding to pay for repairs to their cars rather than buying new replacement cars. “Right now it is a lot tougher for average people,” Smith laments. “There is not much of a middle class.” Smith sees it when customers want to use tire manufacturer credit cards to finance new sets of tires, rather than pay cash. “Many even want to finance fixing tires. This is not like it was 10 years ago. I don’t see working people like masons, drywallers, etc. coming in for tires.”
September
Smith expects there to be a market correction by the end of the year, and it could affect fixed-income retirees and their ability to spend. “We are still on thin ice. It may only take one event like a terrorist attack, a Congressional decision, or a [presidential] decision and the economy may fall through the thin ice.” Smith concludes that elected government officials should spend taxpayer funds in a manner they would use with their own funds. Tom Popieski – Banking – Sr. Vice President of Seacoast Bank – Eustis Popieski is primarily an upbeat business banker and says, “Things are improving a lot. We are well past stabilization, but businesses are not yet borrowing to expand. They are funding growth with internal cash flow. Many have shrunk their companies into a “lean and mean” mode. This positions companies well for the next growth spurt.” Much of the growth in South Lake County is “rooftop” growth where businesses related to residential housing are feeling the positive effects. “If you were in business prior to the real estate recession, and are still in business, your company is a survivor. I am expecting these companies to experience stable growth rates over the next three to five years.” Much of the Florida economy is based on service industries. We can still place a high value on sunshine, now that property prices have once again become affordable. So, let’s welcome the growing population of retirees to our state to enjoy our year-round sunshine. Historically, this demographic tends to have both higher annual incomes and higher net worth. And they are spenders, which works well in a service economy. As for bringing in large technology firms, Popieski supports the idea. However, “There isn’t a county in the country that’s not looking for the large 500+ employee company to relocate in their backyard.” Instead, he recommends focusing on cultivating our existing companies for growth, and attracting ten 30-employee firms that have the ability to grow and prosper at a much more stable, long-term pace. “I highly support the high-tech, manufacturing initiative that is being developed here in North Lake County, through the joint efforts of local manufacturing companies and Lake Technical College.”
September 2015
During the past few years, employees also had cuts in their hours, but now work is more steady and hours are increasing to closer to 35-40 hours/week. Thus it seems that under-insured employees are slowly seeing increased hours and better chances that small employers will subsidize their healthcare. He also looks for the new interchange in Minneola and the new Wekiva Parkway to drive growth in those areas. These two projects provide additional incentives for economic growth in Lake County. “Growth is coming in the next 3-5 years, but Florida is a service economy and still fragile.” Popieski concludes by saying we should be advertising that the State of Florida is once again “open for business.” “There’s no better place than Lake County. We have the best of everything; small-town feel, close to both coasts, access to a larger city with a world class airport. It’s our turn...it’s time for good things to happen here in Lake County.” Conclusion: 1. It appears that sales-oriented business owners are optimistic, while some others preach caution about whether the economy will continue improving. The idea of “cautious optimism” may have merit. 2. Local voters have to EDUCATE themselves to decide if they want elected officials who spend like they do now, or run schools like they do now, or to use their vote to make changes during future elections. Our opinion is you cannot rely on local newspapers, but must attend some public meetings, join local blogs or Facebook pages, or join political groups or business groups, to monitor what elected officials are really doing. 3. Numerous sources cite the effect of good schools and education on Lake County’s ability to attract more businesses which would grow the economy. Residents, retirees, local business owners, parents and grandparents, should schedule time and get actively involved working with local schools and community groups as mentors and help improve the education capabilities of Lake County Schools.
KEVCOBUILDERS Innovation. Integrity. Excellence.
Makes Inc. 5000 List Kevco Builders, Central Florida’s most award-winning custom home builder and remodeler, has been ranked number 1908 on the 2015 Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies. While this is Inc.’s 34th annual ranking, it marks Kevco’s inaugural appearance on this prestigious list which has previously included best-in-class businesses such as Yelp, Pandora, Timberland, and Dell. In a letter to Kevco Builders President, Joe Ziler, Inc. Magazine President and Editor in Chief, Eric Schurenberg, described the Inc. 5000 as “…a very exclusive club. On average, the companies on the list have grown almost six-fold over the past three years.” According to Inc.’s ranking, Kevco’s threeyear growth rate of 207% out-paced the average 143% growth rate of the construction category as a whole. Also of note, of the 5000 companies named, 336 were Florida-based companies which ranked Florida fourth among states with companies on the list. Kevco Builders is no stranger to peer and industry recognition on regional and national levels. “At the end of the day our business is less about building homes than it is about building relationships,” said Ziler. “You don’t grow your business without first growing your relationships whether that means staff, vendors, partners, or most importantly, our customers. We’re honored that Inc. Magazine recognized how our commitment to relationships translated into a level of growth worthy of this national distinction.” In addition to being named in the top 2000 of the 2015 Inc. 5000, Kevco Builders has also won numerous Parade of Homes honors for custom home construction, remodels and was named the 2015 Dream Home Builder during the 2015 Parade of Homes held by the Home Builders Association of Lake & Sumter Counties. Kevco has also been recognized by the Orlando Business Journal as a “Fast 50: Fastest Growing Companies” in Central Florida.
FocusLakeCounty.com
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WRITTEN BY ANTHONY RAO Recently, four different Lake County businesses filed applications for regional licenses allowing them to grow, process, and sell medical marijuana products. The application pool demonstrates there is a clear business interest in Florida’s newlylegalized and highly regulated, limited medical-marijuana program. Governor Rick Scott signed the bill in June 2014 legalizing the drug. For the second half of 2014 and the first five months of 2015, the Department of Health held public hearings, drafted rules, faced court challenges to the proposals, and rewrote the rules, getting the go-ahead just this past May. The legislation passed by a vote of 20 to 14, and allows for the production of low-potency strains of marijuana, such as Charlotte’s Web. It could be available as soon as year’s end to treat epilepsy in children, multiple sclerosis, ALS, and patients with advanced cancers.
say there is not enough time to build after licensing. “We have had just unbelievable testimonials from different people who have approached us and told us their story,” says Sharon Treadwell. “You always hear the negative side, but we believe it’s a good medicine that can help people. Our main thing is, people need hope. And if you have one of these debilitating diseases you have to have hope that there’s something there to help you.”
Some lawmakers were not happy with how the legislation was handled. But understand the benefits of having the drug available to patients who are suffering in the state. While others are not sold on the idea of allowing the drug to become available to the public. “I believe it opens up the state to bad things. To me it’s still a gateway drug; it opens the door to a life that you really don’t want to live. And I think it’s going to be hard to police it if they squeeze it down and say it’s only for medical purposes, but really it’s hard to enforce,” says Congressman Daniel Webster. Many believe it should not be an amendment but needs to be voted on by the people. They may have that chance again in November of 2016 when voters can decide whether or not to fully legalize all forms of medical marijuana. That would make the licenses to grow even more appealing for local businesses. To qualify, growers must have been in business for at least 30 years, registered to grow at least 400,000 plants, and demonstrate the financial means to start the business under the new rules. Some of these businesses have already started planning even if they are not awarded the license. Treadwell Nursery in Eustis has drawn up plans and started construction on a medical marijuana greenhouse and processing center. That may be a financial risk if Treadwell does not win the license. But they
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Medical Marijuana in Lake... A Growing Debate
Only one of the eight Central Florida-owned nurseries will be awarded. Plus, Florida will award a license to one grower each in the southeast, southwest, northeast and northwest regions of the state. Licenses won’t be awarded till sometime in the fall. Then growers have only 75 days to get medical marijuana ready for sale. Eventually, the expectation is that the state will expand its medical marijuana program to include more forms of marijuana and take away limitations on tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as low-THC, which is set at no more than 0.8 percent. Currently, the law allows for no more than 10 percent cannabidiol, or highCBD, and can only be manufactured into oils, capsules, sprays, and topical creams, but does not permit smoking or edibles. It is estimated that the market of potential patients is in the hundreds of thousands, with an industry price tag of up to $780 million annually if Florida were to completely legalize pot for medical use. Despite many vocal naysayers, the industry appears to be strongly supported in the community as even more conservative people, such as the Treadwells, have seen the benefits the drug can bring to patients with devastating illnesses. Upon researching the risks and rewards, some have found their once passing interest in the subject has grown as they learn more about the effectiveness of the drug. “It forced us to do research, and the more we researched we realized it’s a good medicine,” comments Treadwell on the decision to apply for the license to grow. A recent survey by St. Pete Polls, found that there is majority support for medical marijuana in nearly every market throughout Florida. Of the nearly 3,000 registered voters asked the question, “If the new medical marijuana law is on the ballot this year, will you vote for it?” 68.2 percent stated “yes.” The proposal, which would fully legalize medical marijuana in the state, drew a 58 percent vote (falling short of the 60 percent voter support needed to pass the law) when it reached the ballot in 2015, and may be included in voting next fall if there are enough people in the community who are on board with the legislation. Other Lake County businesses in the running include DeLeon’s Bromeliads of Mount Dora,
September 2015
McCrory’s Sunny Hill Nursery of Eustis and Spring Oaks Greenhouse Inc. in Umatilla. They too have similar reasons for throwing their names into the hat and agree, despite the challenging application process, the benefits are worth it. Many residents also support the legislation. “I have been on narcotics now for six months. I cannot imagine the damage that is going to do to my organs long-term. My doctor added long-term steroids also. So now, I am gaining weight and have a loopy feeling. This is not the life I want. I am fully pro-medical marijuana, specifically the kind that does not make you high. This is finally a valid option for people with serious medical conditions and it needs to be legalized. The non-high marijuana is no different from any pain med on the market, except that it does not have severe side effects and does not cause long-term damage. I wish no one ever has to feel the desperation of being in pain with no relief,” says Fruitland Park resident Christina Hoffmann Armstrong, of the personal benefit the drug would have for her. This is just the type of sentiment that may get medical marijuana completely legalized throughout the state. It is now only partially
September 2015
allowed to be prescribed for certain medical conditions in 23 states and Washington, D.C. Trials cited in a recent MedScape Medical News story indicate that for sufferers of chronic and neuropathic pain, as well as multiple sclerosis, positive results are being gained with its use. But many still warn that since these trials are not government-supported they lack high-quality results and it may be wise to take a wait and see attitude before adopting the use of medical marijuana. Until these issues are settled, debates will wage on about possible legal implications for physicians prescribing marijuana since there are differences in state vs. federal law. Currently it is illegal under federal law to prescribe, supply, or sell marijuana and it is unknown whether a doctor could be liable or even be covered by malpractice insurance. “It is essential that everyone is educated about medical marijuana use – not just our youth. Adults and youth need an understanding of what medical marijuana is and how it is used. This means explaining that there are no efficacy studies for many of the conditions that marijuana is routinely used to treat in areas where it has been legalized. It is also important that they understand the potential harm of use, such as how the drug may affect their developing brain and how it
can affect performance in both adolescence and adulthood,” comments Debi MacIntyre, Executive Director of Be Free Lake/Safe Climate Coalition of Lake County. Another concern raised by the psychiatric community is people who have known mental health conditions or addictive behaviors, being prescribed the substance by their doctor. Any form of marijuana could cause adverse affects in such patients as they are less likely to take psychotropic drugs prescribed to them by their doctors. Yes, Florida may soon be joining other states in tackling these issues. We certainly haven’t heard the last from both sides on this matter. But one thing is for certain, society has come a long way in starting conversation on the path to a change in mindset that few could have predicted less than 100 years ago.
Scan the code to see Congressman Daniel Webster’s exclusive comments on FOCUS TV.
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rofiles
Q&A with Dr. Anudh Jain
In the September episode of Profiles on LSTV, Dr. Anudh Jain of Florida Hospital Waterman talks about world-class cancer care offered at the hospital and the extensive collaboration between Waterman’s doctors and support staff. FOCUS has highlights from that interview, plus you can scan the code in the corner to watch Profiles in its entirety.
Florida Hospital Waterman
DR. JAIN: I’ve always remembered that experience, how much the physicians made a difference, in the relationship they had with her and how they were able to help her decisions and how much that went beyond just delivering the treatment.
PROFILES: We’ve talked a lot about technology but there’s actually a lot of very unique, more personal resources that Florida Hospital Waterman offers their cancer patients. Share with us some of those resources.
PROFILES: You’ve been here for a relatively short period of time, catch us up on your background, what brought you here? DR. JAIN: I’m originally from up north, the New York-New Jersey area. I trained at Mayo [Clinic] in Jacksonville and I’ve always loved Florida. When I found out about the new radiation oncology group at Florida Hospital, it was an exciting opportunity to return. PROFILES: What exactly is a radiation oncologist?
Dr. Anudh Jain, with Florida Hospital Waterman, during his interview with Marc Robertz-Schwartz on LSTV’s Profiles.
DR. JAIN: A radiation oncologist specializes in delivering radiation therapy for treatment of many diseases, but primarily for cancer. We work with other physicians to help design a radiation treatment plan to appropriately treat the disease, in conjunction with other treatments. PROFILES: What made you go into oncology? Was there a personal moment where you decided you were going to join the fight against cancer? DR. JAIN: When I was in medical school my mother was diagnosed with an early stage breast cancer and she’s over 10 years out now. Her oncology physicians helped her tremendously and by attending some of her consultations, through this experience I found that those physicians just made a difference in her care, and in her life. PROFILES: What have you learned from that experience as far as how you interact with your patients?
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PROFILES: What are some examples of “big-city” technology available at Florida Hospital Waterman? DR. JAIN: We’ve got some specialized procedures that deliver radiation to very small areas and can give very high doses, sometimes referred to as stereotactic radiosurgery because the treatments can be almost as effective as surgery. Radiation beams can come in from different angles and the beams meet right at the tumor site to give the site a very high dose but the surrounding tissues get a very low dose of. PROFILES: How have those types of technologies and treatments improved the results for patients? DR. JAIN: Patients generally have to come for fewer visits, over a shorter duration of time. For patient convenience, that’s an improvement. And the outcomes of the treatments have improved. Side effects have also decreased significantly. The treatments have become much more tolerable for the patients.
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DR. JAIN: In addition to the medical team we have extensive support services including nurse navigators, social work services, and a dietitian. The nurse navigators are specifically designed to help navigate patients through cancer treatment. From diagnosis to treatment they’re often seeing multiple physicians, having multiple tests, which may depend on the results of other tests and this can get confusing for the patient so our nurse navigators help coordinate, and that helps to reduce some of the anxiety for the patient. It also helps to get their work-ups done in a timely manner so we can get them the treatment they need and they can get back to their regular lifestyle.
PROFILES: Punctuate for me the importance of early detection. Being proactive as an individual, what are some of the key milestones that we need to be aware of and when might those change based on our family history? DR. JAIN: Screening is extremely important when patients have family history. They’ll typically start at an earlier age particularly with a strong family history of breast cancer. You’d want to get mammograms at an even earlier age. The importance is the early detection because when cancers come in with people with a strong family history, they can be even more aggressive. So if we find them early, success rates of treatments are much higher and there’s generally less treatment required. For more information visit FHWatermanCancer.com
Scan the code to watch this month’s episode of Profiles featuring Dr. Anudh Jain.
September 2015
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Watch the one-on-one interview with Dr. Anudh Jain on the Award-Winning Profiles
Mon • Wed • Fri 7a & 7p Tue • Thu • Sat 10:30a & 10:30p Comcast 13 • Bright House 498 • FL Cable 4 LakeSumterTV.com
September 2015
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Jewish High Holidays
Synagogues throughout Lake County and The Villages welcome area Jews to observe the Jewish High Holidays. Called the “Days of Awe,” the ten-day period begins with Rosh Hashanah or Jewish New Year observance at sundown on Sunday, September 13. The holiday is observed by many Jews for two days.
The High Holidays end with Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement which begins at sundown on Tuesday, September 22. Considered the holiest day of the year, Jews focus on atonement for past misdeeds and, if physically able, adults are required to fast for the entire day. The following synagogues invite interested observers to call for the schedule of services or visit their respective websites for a list.
Traditional Congregation of Mount Dora 848 N. Donnelly St, Mount Dora, FL 32757 For information: call 352.735.4774, email info@tcomd.org or visit tcomd.org Chabad of Ocala and The Villages The Chabad Jewish Center 3509 SW 34th Avenue Cir, Ocala, FL 34474 For information: call 352.291.2218, email info@JewishMarion.org or visit JewishMarion.org Temple L’Chayim 620 W. Montrose Street, Clermont, FL 34711
Save the Date
For information: call 352.242.6135, email: NAxel@cfl.rr.com or visit TempleLChayim.com Congregation Beth Sholom 311 North 13th Street, Leesburg, FL 34748 For information: call 352.326.3692, email President@BethSholomFlorida.org or visit BethSholomFlorida.org Congregation Sinai 303A North Hwy 27, Minneola, FL 34715 For Information: Call 352.243.5353 or visit Congregation-Sinai.org
Join us for a weekend of fun at Mission Inn Resort & Club!
Saturday, January 30, 2016 | 7:00 p.m.
The Westin Lake Mary | Red Tie Optional
NOV 7TH
NOV 8TH
Tickets on Sale Now! www.habitatls.org/events
Sponsored By:
Proceeds benefit the Veteran’s Housing Initiative For details email danielle@habitatls.org or call (352) 483-0434 ext. 133
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September 2015
OCT. 2-4, 2015
Venetian Gardens in Leesburg, FL www.WingsAndWildflowers.com/Focus
352-742-3918
@WingsWildflower
K E Y N O T E S
WingsAndWildflowers
Mark these species off your bird checklist by sighting them in Lake County: • Bachman’s Sparrow
• Florida Scrub-jay
• Brown-headed Nuthatch
• Red-cockaded Woodpecker
• Burrowing Owl
• Short-tail Hawk
HOST HOTELS For reservations, visit www.lakeside-inn.com; use booking code “bird” or call +1 800 556-5016.
James Currie
A native of South Africa, conservationist, lifelong birder and host of Nikon’s Birding Adventures TV.
Dr. Ken Meyer Gallus Quigley Melinda Myers Associate Professor with the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation at the University of Florida
Expert birder and Trails Specialist with the Lake County Parks & Trails Division
Contributing editor for “Birds & Blooms” magazine and host of “Melinda’s Garden Moment” TV and radio program
Special thanks to our event sponsors!
For reservations, visit www.microtelinn.com/ hotels/florida/leesburg; use booking code “bird” or call +1 352 315-1234.
Additional accommodations available at www.VisitLakeFL.com.
IN Grizzard: Selling Lake County WRITTEN BY BRUCE O. BROWN
Most everyone knows about ERA Grizzard Real Estate, and how they are very active within the community, supporting many charities and non-profit organizations, among them being the Leesburg Area Chamber of Commerce, the Leesburg Partnership, the Leesburg Center for the Arts, and Angel Flight Southeast. A firm that now has six offices in Central Florida, approximately 150 agents and 10 employees. Did you know the family’s history includes the beginnings of what is now Lakeshore Mobile Home Park, home of Christmas Tree Lane and Beverly Shores Marina? And that Tom’s father was part of a group that started what was planned to be an exciting housing development with Frank Lloyd Wright as the architect? Beginnings of the Grizzards in Leesburg The beginnings of the Grizzard impact in Leesburg and in Central Florida begins with Tom’s father, Beverly (Thomas Beverly Grizzard). He moved from Tennessee to Lakeland around 1929 and worked for his brother in a gas station. He married his wife Dora in 1934, and moved to Leesburg in 1935 to run Sinclair Refining Co. In 1944 he bought the Palm Villa Hotel when Tom was about five years old. It was used by its previous owner as a winter haven for many who lived in the Chicago area. It had 24 rooms, and a coal/wood steam heating system. The kitchen was actually in a separate building initially, because of the heat. Being in the oil business, he later converted the heating system into one using fuel oil. Here they lived for 26 years. (You may have read that the building burned down December 7 of last year.) Tom remembers that his father would say, “The best way to make money in real estate in Florida is to buy land to grow hogs on.” He would buy land in the area when he could, and as a result did just what he said he would do…raise hogs. He accumulated several hundred acres along what is now Lee Road, Griffin Road and 441.
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Lee Street was a Runway
Beverly Grizzard (pictured on the right) with Florida Governor Fuller Warren. Grizzard was appointed as the State’s Advertising Commission director. He also served as the director of the Lake County Chamber of Commerce and served as a Fruitland Park city council member.
Much of the land Beverly would purchase had been used as an airfield in the late 30s to early 40s. What is now the north end of Lee Street was actually the north/south runway, and where Beverly Shores Elementary School is was the east/ west runway. According to Tom, a temporary runway was also built on swamp land, made out of sheets of metal. The Works Progress Administration started a project in 1937 that would have become Leesburg’s municipal airport.
Beverly built a hog farm in the area, making a deal with the city of Leesburg where it would dump garbage nearby to be used to feed the hogs. Eventually the hogs went away. The land was divided into what is now Beverly Shores, Grizzard Boat Basin (now Beverly Marina), and what was to become Lakeshore Mobile Home Park. Land was later donated and became Beverly Shores Elementary School. The boat basin was also a destination for seaplanes, a predecessor to what we now see in Tavares and Mount Dora. Lakeshore Mobile and Christmas Tree Lane Beverly became a Studebaker dealer in 1947 and sold trucks to farmers. That same year he created what is now Lakeshore Mobile Home Park. Tom remembers driving with his father around the park when he was seven or eight, and back then there were only seven trailers. “For the first couple of years, my father didn’t have an official name for the park, so after some discussions with the managers, Ralph and Elaine Whitaker, they called it Ralph’s Lakeshore Trailer Park.” In 1954 Ralph and Elaine started what is now one of the most popular holiday destinations, Christmas Tree Lane. Tom’s sister Sally took over management and made sure the tradition would continue. Floating Islands Development This is one of those stories of what might have been. On land that is part of where Beall’s and Tractor
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Supply now sit, was to be a housing subdivision called Floating Islands Development. Beverly partnered with some investors from New York. They contracted Frank Lloyd Wright to design the development, and according to Tom, the designs were drawn and ready to go (they are now part of a museum in Madison, Wisconsin.) Unfortunately, the two investors died and their wives fired Mr. Wright because they didn’t like his designs; then eventually pulled out of the project because they no longer wanted to fund it. Grizzard Real Estate is Born Beverly used land in Astatula and established Lake Harris Estates. Tom eventually managed this property for his father and discovered you couldn’t make money selling real estate unless you were licensed. So Tom did just that. In 1968, he started a real estate office, and in 1970 they occupied a small building on the lot of what was then a Holiday Inn. There were three agents, plus Tom, and his sister Sally, who handled property management for the business. In 1976 they joined ERA and became its first franchise in Lake County. His wife-to-be, Linda, joined the firm as an agent, and in 1980 they were married. Tom and Linda worked side-by-side to build the business into the success it is today. In July 2007, Gus and his wife Lauri bought the firm, and in his parents’ stead, they work side-by-side to continue building the agency, with recent expansions into Clermont and Orlando. Civic Involvement The entire family has long been involved in Leesburg and the surrounding communities, actively supporting many of the activities. Linda Grizzard and Kathy Cook were instrumental in creating the Leesburg Center for the Arts, and Linda is a member of its Advisory Board. Tom and Linda volunteer for the annual Art Festival in Leesburg, and the Fish Fry. Come on by you might catch them making hush puppies.
September 2015
LUXURY & ELEGANCE
with ocean views from every window.
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Picture yourself surrounded by open ocean, romance, adventure, and elegance.
352.748.ROCK (7625)
Indulge in fine dining, high teas, and traditional on-island lobster bakes for a perfect Maine island Lighthouse experience.
4144 E. CR 462, Wildwood, FL 34785
Come see what the Triangle area of Lake County has to offer…
Each suite pampers guests with separate si ing and sleeping chambers, king sized beds, and luxury private bath.
Photos by Darren Setlow
Wednesday, September 16th 2:00pm – 6:00pm
Resident Inn Keepers, Mark Zinkiewicz and Heather Graham
Surround yourself with sweeping panoramic views of Maine’s Atlantic Coastline and bask in contemporary luxury and design. The custom millwork, beautiful moldings, coffered ceilings and marble bathrooms are the ultimate in cra smanship. The Cuckolds is a unique experience, receiving each guest in contemporary luxury through layers of bespoke cra smanship and design. All honoring the sense of place and Cuckolds history. Your island adventure begins with an ocean cruise to this rocky island. The sounds of the ocean waves lull you to sleep each night.
Reservations: 855.212.5252 www.InnAtCuckoldsLighthouse.com
September 2015
FREE ADMISSION Open to the Public
Preview some of Lake County’s Premier Businesses Food & Drinks Available
“Business After Hours” with the Mount Dora & Tavares Chambers 4:30 - 6:30 PM
Come and stay...
InnAtCuckolds_HalfVert_2015_2.indd 1
Lake Receptions’ 2nd Annual Business Expo
1/8/15 11:42 AM
Lake Receptions 352.357.8223 FocusLakeCounty.com
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Your amazing heart. Our amazing care.
NACCREDITED W YOUR AMAZING HEART deserves the best, and Florida Hospital Waterman
continues to set new standards for heart care in our community. We’re proud to be north Lake County’s first and only Accredited Chest Pain Center, demonstrating national standards of care and expertise in the treatment of heart attacks.
Learn more about our accreditation and amazing heart care at
FHWATERMANHEART.COM
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8/11/15 12:50
Local Business. Local Customers. Local Results. National Honors.
Kevco Builders thanks its custom home and remodel customers for their ongoing support and referrals which helped us achieve the prestigious recognition on the 2015 Inc. Magazine list of 5000 Fastest Growing Companies.
352.742.3398 • KevcoBuilders.com
KEVCOBUILDERS Innovation. Integrity. Excellence.
CBC #1259012
PM
On Events Every Saturday; 8 AM - 1 PM Leesburg Saturday Morning Market LeesburgSaturdayMorningMarket.com September 12; 5 PM - 9:30 PM Leesburg Food Truck-n-Flick Night Towne Square FoodTrucknFlick.LeesburgPartnership.com September 19; 6 PM 31st Anniversary Celebration Starlight Ballroom and Dance Center For more info 352.326.3833
September 13; 7:15 PM Rosh Hashanah Services Temple L’Chayim For more info 352.242.6135
September 3 Spirit of Halloween Store ViaPort Mall ViaPortFlorida.com
September 14; 10 AM - 12 PM Rosh Hashanah Services Temple L’Chayim
September 8; 6 PM - 7 PM Advanced Couponing Class Leesburg Public Library For more info 352.728.9790
September 19; 8:30 AM - 1 PM Poochapalooza Lake Louisa State Park For more info 352.242.4714 September 22; 7:15 PM Yom Kippur Services Temple L’Chayim September 23; 10 AM Yom Kippur Services Temple L’Chayim September 23; Sundown Yom Kippur Break The Fast Meal Temple L’Chayim Pre-registration required September 26; 6 PM Darlene Love Red Carpet Gala Clermont Performing Arts Center For more info 352.394.4800 September 30; 3 PM - 7 PM First Annual Cultural Day - Caribbean Day Cooper Memorial Library
September 11-13, 18-20, 25-27 Play On! Melon Patch Theatre For more info 352.787.3013 September 19; 10 AM - 4 PM Lake County Minecraft Championships Leesburg Public Library Registration required For more info 352.728.9790 September 19; 2 PM - 3 PM Pirate Day Leesburg Public Library For more info 352.728.9790 September 25; 6 PM - 9 PM A Taste of St. James Samplings from St. James’ Finest Chefs St. James Episcopal Church For more info 352.787.1981 September 28; 11 AM - 12 PM FL Flavor: 500 Years of Eating Locally Leesburg Public Library For more info 352.728.9790
Every Sunday; 9 AM - 2 PM Farmer’s Market Historic Downtown Clermont For more info 352.247.4640 September 4; 5:30 PM Family Food Truck Night Historic Downtown Clermont For more info 352.247.4640 September 10; 5 PM - 7 PM Pastfinders Genealogy Group Cooper Memorial Library For more info 352.536.2275
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September 10; 9:30 AM Lake County Ladies Chorus First United Methodist Church For more info 352.394.7029 September 1; 6 PM - 8 PM The Clever Chef Demo and Dine Class Venetian Gardens Community Room For more info 352.728.9885
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September 12; 6:30 AM - 7:45 AM 5th Annual Camp Boggy Creek Challenge Ride Camp Boggy Creek CampBoggyCreek.org/ChallengeRide
September 2015
September 19; 7:30 AM - 11:00 AM North American Bird Migration Count Lake May Reserve For more info 352.253.4950
September 16; 2 PM - 6:30 PM Lake Receptions 2nd Annual Business Expo Lake Receptions For more info 352.357.8223
September 20; 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM Low-Country Boil Habitat’s Domestic Global Village For more info 407.416.2503
September 17; 5 PM - 8:30 PM Mount Dora Food Truck Night Sunset Park
September 26; 5 PM - 8 PM Classic Car Cruise-In Historic Downtown Eustis For more info 352.360.3712
September 2; 2 PM - 3:30 PM Wii & Board Games Tavares Public Library For more info 352.742.6473
September 18; 7 PM Country Music Legend Neal McCoy Mount Dora Community Building For more info 352.383.2165 September 19; 6:30 PM Remembering Red - A Tribute to Red Skelton Mount Dora Community Building For more info 352.383.2165 September 20; 2 PM Mark Steven Schmidt Mount Dora Community Building For more info 352.383.2165
September 3, 10, 17, 24; 4:00 PM 5:30 PM Conversational Spanish Tavares Public Library For more info 352.742.6203 September 8; 2 PM - 3 PM Quilters’ Club Tavares Public Library For more info 352.742.6203
September 2; 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Preschool Story Time Fruitland Park Library For more info 352.360.6561
September 15; 9 AM Board of County Commissioners Meeting Administration Building, Commission Chambers
September 3, 10, 17; 11AM - 12 PM LEGO Club Fruitland Park Library For more info 352.360.6561
September 22; 2 PM - 4 PM Roots & Branches Genealogy Group Tavares Public Library For more info 352.742.6204
September 11; 6 PM - 8 PM Mount Dora Art Stroll Downtown Mount Dora For more info 352.383.0880 September 12; 8:30 AM Birdies and Burgers Charity Golf Benefits Lake Cares Pantry The Country Club of Mount Dora For more info 352.383.0100 September 12, 13; 6:30 PM Little River Band & Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra Mount Dora Community Building For more info 352.383.2165
September 2015
September 4-6; 4:15 PM Twist of Lemmon Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center TheSharon.com September 26; 2 PM Chiromission Classic Charity Golf Tournament Tierra Del Sol Golf Course For more info 352.259.0024 September 29; 7 PM VHS Band “Prism” Concert Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center TheSharon.com
September 1, 8, 15, 22; 5 PM - 7 PM Family Story Time Astor County Library For more info 352.759.9913 September 19; 8 AM - 12 PM Book Fair, Bake Sale, Yard Sale Astor County Library For more info 352.759.9913 September 27; 9 AM - 11 AM Wildlife Bike Ride The Pasture Reserve, Groveland For more info 352.253.4950
September 8; 12 PM Eye Opener Tour with New Vision LSSC - Leesburg - Lake Hall RSVP to Shelly at SGerig@NewVisionFL.org September 10; 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM Steps to Business Ownership LSSC - Foundation Bldg For more info 352.365.3579 September 18; 8:30 AM 17th Annual Athletics Golf Classic Benefits LSSC Athletes Harbor Hills Country Club, Lady Lake For more info 352.323.3645
September 17; 5 - 8:30 PM Take Stock in Children Corporate Spelling Bee Lake Receptions, Mount Dora For more info WeidnerG@Lake.K12.FL.us
FOCUS Magazine Lake County
Go to FocusLakeCounty.com and Like the FOCUS Lake County Facebook page to find more events information.
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IN FOCUS STEPPING OUT FOR EDUCATION
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September 2015
The Educational Foundation of Lake County recently held its 10th Annual Stepping Out for Education recently at Lake Receptions. The event raised upwards of $80,000 to go towards scholarships for students throughout Lake County. The winner for both nights was Gus Grizzard. This year was unique due to the fact that the ten previous winners all competed with other competitors instead of professional dancers. PHOTOS BY BONNIE WHICHER
LAKE WELLNESS FOR WOMEN Lake Wellness for Women OB/GYN recently held its ribbon-cutting to unveil its new location on the campus of Florida Hospital Waterman. They also introduced a new physician to their team, Joel Hallam, DO, who is a native Floridian with a special interest in obstetrics, advanced gynecologic surgery and women’s health through all stages of adult life. The other physicians on staff include doctors Mamie Rogers and Marilyn Mayne, DO. PHOTOS BY ANTHONY RAO
September 2015
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IN FOCUS RED FOR ED COLLECTION
The Education Foundation of Lake County’s Red for Ed campaign culminated at the end of July with a collection at Tavares’ Wooton Park. The Education Foundation brought in approximately 4600 pounds of supplies (a 10% increase over last year’s efforts) and just over $2800 cash to go towards the purchase of additional supplies. PHOTOS BY MARC ROBERTZSCHWARTZ
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September 2015
IN FOCUS
GO ZONE AT COOPER MEMORIAL The grand opening of the Cooper Memorial Library’s Go Zone is making it possible for training to be done on advanced computer technologies for both business owners and children. Training is being offered on the equipment during regular library hours. Once a patron is trained on a particular makerspace station, they will then be able to “check out” that item and use it in-house. PHOTOS BY LAKE COUNTY
Why weren’t you in this issue? Do you have an event, a story, or information you want to get out into the community? We can’t read your mind. We need to hear from you.
Email us at Anthony@RedApplesMedia.com
or call 352.801.7106
September 2015
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A
On the Arts from Stardom and as the perennial Christmas guest on Late Night with David Letterman.
CPAC is quickly gaining a reputation beyond Lake County, with ambitious initiatives that include restaging “In the Mood,” for touring and a new partnership with the Orlando Philharmonic that will bring the orchestra’s four-program series to Clermont. “Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash,” conceived Darlene Love will perform September 26 at the Clermont Performing and produced on Arts Center. Broadway by Tony award-winner RichWRITTEN BY DORIS BLOODSWORTH ard Maltby Jr., and “The Buddy Holly Story” have the box office phones ringing. The Clermont Performing Arts Center, which includes a 1,200-seat main stage, 250-seat The festival grounds will host Randy’s Pickin’ black-box theater, and festival grounds, is Parlor, an all-day bluegrass festival liveelectric with activity as the City prepares to streamed around the world, and all-day Gosdebut its inaugural entertainment season. CPAC, as it’s quickly becoming known, dazzles pelMania, headlining The Blind Boys of Alawith renovations and an unrivaled schedule of bama and The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, along performances that will leave no doubt that the with the Florida A&M Gospel Choir. newcomer on Central Florida’s theater scene A special edition of “Menopause The Musical® is ready for the curtain to rise on the 2015The Survivor Tour®” will feature actresses 2016 entertainment season. who survived breast cancer. The wildly popular show has been seen by over 11 million E&M Theatrical, led by Jeanie Linders, who people. wrote and produced “Menopause The Musical®,” is partnering with the City to bring In all, CPAC will host 23 shows, including “The an outstanding smorgasbord of performancBest of Broadway: The Music of Andrew Lloyd es. The season will open on Sep 26 with a Webber;” “In The Mood,” a tribute to the Big red-carpet gala and performance by RockBand and Swing Era that includes a 13-piece and-Roll Hall-of-Fame legend Darlene Love, band and six singing, dancing couples; “Celtic whom Rolling Stone magazine called “one Nights: Spirit of Freedom,” direct from Ireof the greatest singers of all time.” The lead land and “New Shanghai Circus,” a stunning singer on “He’s a Rebel,” who backed many hits of the 1960s and for decades sang beside acrobatic show complete with spectacular sets and costumes. All will be shown on the main Mick Jagger, has a new generation of fans stage. who loved her in the documentary 20 Feet
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CPAC’s holiday offerings include “Kenny Rogers Presents The Toy Shoppe Starring Alan Thicke.” The show features classic holiday songs as well as originals by Rogers. Thicke is a fan-favorite from his days on the hit TV show Growing Pains. “The Second City’s Holidazed and Confused” performance will bring the country’s most famous improv troupe to CPAC audiences. Tickets are selling briskly for “Motortown All-Star Christmas Spectacular,” featuring Motown superstars The Temptations, The Miracles and the Capitols. On Valentine’s Eve, the performance hall will be magically transformed into the world-famous Rainbow Room atop Rockefeller Center. The romantic evening includes champagne, roses, and entertainment by Michael Andrew, who was the Rainbow Room’s headline singer and bandleader for many years. He and his popular band, Swingerhead, will perform classics, such as “Unforgettable” and “As Time Goes By.” There are family-friendly shows galore, such as “Mutts Gone Nuts,” a delightful comedy-thrill show featuring nine amazing canines that were rescued from shelters. Proceeds will benefit the South Lake Animal League. The Black-Box Theater will host “Defending The Caveman,” a comedy that is the longest-running solo show on Broadway. In honor of the 50th anniversary of the Super Bowl, the Theater will turn into a locker room for “Vince: The Life and Times of Vince Lombardi,” a critically-acclaimed, one-man show about the legendary coach from the first Super Bowl. Rounding out the season is a presentation by “Marathon Woman: Kathrine Switzer,” the first woman to run the Boston Marathon; Clermont Comic-Con, a pop-culture conference featuring well-known comic book artists and stars from the world of anime and video games, and “The Singing Tree: Acoustic Music with a Classical Twist.” For more details, including dates and times, or to purchase tickets online, go to ClermontPAC.com or call 352.394.4800.
September 2015
THE ROTARY CLUB OF THE VILLAGES presents
The 11th Annual Taste of Class
Le Diner en Blanc
Sunday, October 11th • 6pm • Savannah Center, The Villages WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK OUR ROTARY PARTNERS! WITHOUT YOU, THIS EVENT WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE!
now s t e tick ble at .org la i s a s v a l a eofc t s a aryt
T&D Companies KB Landscape & Supply City Furniture Fross & Fross Villages Hospital Foundation & Auxiliary PSL Travel Premier Vein Center Honey Baked Ham Edward Jones Publix Markets Fairwinds Credit Union Citizens First Bank & Mortgage Company The Fresh Market Properties of the Villages Sabal Trust Sumter Tire & Auto Lake Ear Nose Throat & Facial Plastic Surgery Red Apples Media
rot
Entertainment by The Paul Vesco Band Wine provided by The Fresh Market • Tasting from 20 area restaurants $100 donation per person • rotarytasteofclass.org
or The Villages Box Office to reserve a table 305.484.2370. Cash Bar. No additional solicitation. Dress in all white attire.
Designed By
We arrived for lunch at Cheeser’s Palace Cafe in Clermont around 12:30pm and about half the tables were filled. Having heard about their burgers I ordered one, but the server said they were all out of burgers. Really? When you have five different burger options on a very small menu? So I opted for the Thousand Lakes Reuben on Challah bread and added the cup of soup for $3. The soup (tomato) was good but the sandwich came on rye bread. I told the server that I ordered it on Challah bread so she took it back, but it came back like it was ‘slopped’ onto the other bread. The sandwich was probably the worst Reuben I’ve ever had. A small sandwich, served alone in a basket with no pickle, etc., and it was dry, as they neglected to put their ‘famous’ homemade Thousand Lakes dressing on it!
My dining companion ordered the Clermont Salad with the dressing on the side, a simple request. Instead of our server, the ‘cook’ delivered the salad as she poured the dressing on it, and asked my guest if she minded eating it that way because she was trying to keep her food costs down! Who would even say that to a patron? She said it did have quite a lot of dressing on it, so my guest asked if she minded making her another one as she only dips her greens. The salad finally arrived as ordered but it was nothing more than a basic salad with tiny scallops on top. The dressing was pretty good, but again it was nothing special. Our server was very nice and kept apologizing for all the mistakes, and we were told that their Apple Strudel was the best. We ordered it warm as she suggested. It was so horribly mushy that you couldn’t eat the pastry because it was so wet and chewy. Unfortunately not a good dining experience overall.
Real critiques of your favorite Lake County restaurants. FOCUS sends an anonymous Foodie to review one each month and then gives the local owner a chance to respond to the good and not-as-positive experiences they’ve had in the restaurant. Enjoy and bon appétit.
Response: Get Treated Like Royalty at Cheeser’s Palace Thank you for giving us the opportunity to respond to this Foodie’s review. It is never a good feeling to know that you have failed a guest in so many ways. It hurts my heart to know that we have let down someone in such a profound manner. There are many points in this review that are hard for us to read. We certainly do not go out of our way to goof up so epically, particularly considering it is our guests who ultimately put food in our children’s mouths. This is not typical of our normal reviews, neither in the quality of food nor service. We are proud of our Café that has served our com-
munity for 10 years. I could offer a retort for each flaw, however a simple response is best… We failed and we can only grow from here. We hope that we have the opportunity to serve these guests again.
Cheeser’s is located at 707 West Montrose St. in historic downtown Clermont.
Cheeser’s serves breakfast and lunch while also providing catering services.
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September 2015
FOUNDATION FOUNDATION FOUNDATION
AnnualGala GalaofofHope Hope Annual Annual Gala of Hope
ththth 2015 Friday October 16 Friday October 16 2015 Friday October 16 2015 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM 6:30 6:30 PM PMto to10:00 10:00PM PM LakeReceptions Receptions Lake Lake Receptions 4425 Highway 19-A, Mt. Dora
4425 4425 Highway Highway19-A, 19-A,Mt. Mt.Dora Dora Join usfor for anamazing amazing eveningofof Join Join us us foran an amazingevening evening of Eighties Flashback Festivities! Eighties Flashback Eighties FlashbackFestivities! Festivities! No time machine needed!
E EE
No Notime timemachine machineneeded! needed!
Live &&& Silent SilentAuction Auction~~~Retrolicious RetroliciousCuisine Cuisine Live Live Silent Auction Retrolicious Cuisine Costume Contest Contest~~~DJDJDJ~~~Dancing Dancing~~~Entertainment Entertainment Costume Costume Contest Dancing Entertainment
To reserveyour your ticketsororforformore more information, call: To Toreserve reserve yourtickets tickets or for moreinformation, information,call: call: 352.315.7527 or 352.315.7509 352.315.7527 352.315.7527oror352.315.7509 352.315.7509 All proceeds benefit LifeStream’s All Allproceeds proceedsbenefit benefitLifeStream’s LifeStream’s Children&& &Family FamilyServices Services Children Children Family Services
Tickets$100 $100each each~~~Table TableSponsor Sponsor(8) (8) $1,000 Tickets $1,000 Tickets $100 each Table Sponsor (8) $1,000
Presenting Sponsor Presenting Sponsor Presenting Sponsor
KEVCOBUILDERS KEVCOBUILDERS KEVCOBUILDERS Innovation.Integrity. Integrity.Excellence. Excellence. Innovation. Integrity. Excellence. Innovation.
Century21 21John JohnC.C. C.Thomas/Claire Thomas/ClaireHedgcock~Converged Hedgcock~Converged Services Inc.~CenturyLink 21 John Thomas/Claire Hedgcock~Converged Services Inc.~CenturyLink Century Services Inc.~CenturyLink J. Smith Lanier& Co.~ReunionBank BankofofofFlorida~Summit Florida~Summit Broadband~South Lake Hospital~Brown Brown Lanier&Co.~Reunion Co.~Reunion Bank Florida~Summit Broadband~South Lake Hospital~Brown && Brown Broadband~South Lake Hospital~Brown & Brown College~The Conger-Miranda Financial Consulting Group Fargo Advisors~Genoa BeaconCollege~The College~TheConger-Miranda Conger-MirandaFinancial Financial Consulting Group ofWells Wells Fargo Advisors~Genoa Beacon Consulting Group ofofWells Fargo Advisors~Genoa DukeEnergy Energy ~McLin Burnsed United Southern Bank Financial Advisors Energy~McLin ~McLinBurnsed Burnsed~~~United United Southern Bank ~VALIC VALIC Financial Advisors Duke Southern Bank ~~VALIC Financial Advisors
Chapter VII
Haven’t read the first six chapters of 6 Hands? Go to FocusLakeCounty.com to find them and the continuing serialized story. WRITTEN BY CHRISTINA BENJAMIN Michael ignored the light elevator music on his way back down to the lobby. By the time he hit the stifling midday heat of Downtown Orlando he knew where he needed to go next. It was time he go back home and handle the bridges he’d burned with his ex-fiancées; all three of them. After negotiating the maddening I-4 traffic, Michael finally made it back to Orlando International. He turned in his rental keys at the automated kiosk and found himself back at the Delta counter trying to book a flight home, but he didn’t have any luck. His card had been flagged for purchasing six one-way flights in a 48-hour period. TSA apparently frowned on that type of behavior. Centurion card or not, they weren’t going to bend the rules for him.
David and Michael had been inseparable up until college. David was three years younger, so when it came time for college, Michael had been forced to leave him behind. Something Michael still felt guilty about. They talked all the time, but it wasn’t the same as sharing a room in their house in the suburbs of Long Island. Michael still remembers the day David called to tell him the ‘good news.’ He and his high school sweetheart Gina were getting married. Michael’s initial reaction had been, “Holy crap! Why?” He didn’t know Gina was on the line too, so that didn’t start their relationship out on a good note. After she called him a few choice words and hung up, David called back and explained it was because Gina was pregnant and Ma said it was the ‘right thing to do.’
“You think money fixes everything, don’t you?” Gina exploded. “We don’t need your money, Michael! What we need is for David to walk again. Can you make that happen with all your money?”
“Do you have anyone you can call, Mr. Green?” the TSA agent had asked. Michael smirked. Had Richard gotten everyone in on his game or was it simply written on his face? ‘I have no one in my life?’ “Yeah,” he grumbled. “My brother.” That had been a fun conversation. Luckily David had picked up the phone. If it had been Gina, she would have hung up on Michael right away. It had been almost ten years since David and his family had picked up and moved to Florida in search of warmer weather and an easier lifestyle. Michael hadn’t seen his brother since, and they barely spoke as the years crept by, deepening their estrangement. David had a forgiving heart and Michael was sure that if it weren’t for Gina, they’d be past the incident already. But Gina seemed to make it her life’s goal to remind David what a ‘selfish bastard’ Michael was on a daily basis. She loved to tell him that he was the reason David’s life was ruined. Like he needed reminding, Michael thought dismally.
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focus back to school. Despite everything, he had a successful sophomore year. He’d lucked out with a great roommate who’d turned into a best friend and he’d even started working on a plan to get his brother David to join him at Columbia next year. But that all ended when he got the news about Gina and the baby. BEEP, BEEP. The blare of a car horn interrupted Michael’s memories. He stood up and squinted out into the rain. A blue Aerostar minivan with one mismatched brown door panel was blaring its horn, wipers flying. Michael caught a glimpse of Gina’s red frizzy hair and knew his ride had arrived. He tossed his jacket back on and put his briefcase over his head to block the rain as he ran outside. Gina didn’t even look at him when Michael got into the car. She stomped on the gas before he could even buckle his seatbelt. “Thanks for picking me up,” Michael mumbled. “Don’t thank me. This is all your brother’s charity. If it were up to me, I’d have left you stranded.” “Gina, for the hundredth time, I’m sorry! You know I love Davey and would never do anything to hurt him on purpose.”
Michael had been secretly heartbroken for David. He knew a baby at 18 meant David wouldn’t get to join him at college like they’d always planned. He’d be trapped in Long Island like so many of the boys he’d known in high school who’d decided to stick around and ‘do the right thing.’
Gina said nothing. She just gripped the steering wheel tighter.
Things were already hard enough for David without an unexpected pregnancy added to the mix. The year Michael had gone away to college, their old man had a sudden heart attack and dropped dead at his office one night. It devastated their mother and David was the only one left to help console her. Michael promptly left Chicago University to be closer to home and help out. An old friend of his dad’s on the board at Columbia pulled some strings to get Michael in mid-semester.
“You think money fixes everything, don’t you?” Gina exploded. “We don’t need your money, Michael! What we need is for David to walk again. Can you make that happen with all your money?”
That had been a tough year for them all and it brought Michael and David even closer. Once things at home calmed down, Michael shifted his
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“What can I do to help? I’ve tried to pay for his medical expenses but his doctor keeps sending my checks back.”
Michael swallowed hard as he shook his head, unable to look at Gina, tears now streaming down her freckled cheeks. “Then what good is it?” she asked. “All that money and it can’t fix the things that really matter.” Gina had no idea how right she was, Michael thought. He hadn’t planned to come see his brother
September 2015
wheeled himself down the ramp attached to the entrance. “Mikey! It’s really you! It’s about time, brother!” David was all smiles. His brown hair was shaggy and haphazard just as it had always been. His keen green eyes sparkled with joy. Michael sunk to his knees in the soggy grass and cried. ***** Michael collected himself after a hot shower and found a cup of coffee waiting for him at an antique kitchen table. It looked just like the one from their parents’ house. He slipped his hand underneath the tooled wooden lip at the head of the table and his fingers found what he’d been looking for. The spot where they’d carved their initials. Michael’s heart wrenched. It was their parents’ table. “Mikey?” Michael had been lost in thought and didn’t hear his brother wheel up to join him at the table. “You doing alright?” and Gina on his redemption trip. He knew their relationship was too far gone. The damage he’d unintentionally inflicted was irreversible and he knew it. Perhaps it’s why he’d never thought to ask for forgiveness. David had given it anyway, but Gina never would. ***** Michael thought he was doing the right thing convincing David to come to the city and celebrate. He’d said, “You can’t get married without your big brother throwing you a bachelor party.” But Michael’s real plan was to show his brother how great life outside their tiny suburb of Long Island could be, so that his brother would fall in love with college life and decide not to throw it all away because he knocked up his high school girlfriend. During their bachelor’s weekend of fun and debauchery in the city, Michael spoke a little too freely with his brother about the mistake he was making getting married during his senior year of high school. It was probably the fourth gin and tonic that loosened his lips, but David was having none of it. He’d had a bit too much to drink himself and threw a punch at Michael, which prompted the bouncers of the swanky Upper East Side bar to toss him out. David stormed off saying, ‘He was going back to Gina, where he belonged.’ But David never made it. He sideswiped a semi on the Long Island Expressway and lost control of his car. Michael could still hear the officer’s words echoing in his mind on sleepless nights. ‘Driving While Intoxicated - Pinned beneath the rig - Paralyzed from the waist down – Never walk again.’ ***** Gina screeched the van to a halt in front of a modest two bedroom, ranch-style house. She was halfway up the lawn when the front door opened and David
September 2015
“Yeah, Davey. I’m fine,” Michael said forcing a sad smile. “It’s not that I’m not glad to see ya, but it’s been ten years. What are you doing here?” “I don’t know, Davey. I really don’t know.” Michael proceeded to fill his brother in about what Richard had opened his eyes to, and the chaotic journey it had spawned. He had to pause to fight back tears many times during the conversation and each time, David would put a comforting hand on his brother’s shoulder.
“But she always told me she blamed me.” “Yeah, it makes her feel better to take her anger out on somebody else. Her shrink told her to focus the negative energy in one place or some nonsense… Turns out she chose you as her punching bag,” David said with a shrug. “The one she’s really mad at is herself.” “But it’s not her fault,” Michael argued. He couldn’t believe he was defending Gina. Hell must be frozen over. “It ain’t your fault either,” David said. “It’s nobody’s fault. It seems like you all need someone to blame and if that’s the case fine, but you can’t control the universe, Mikey. I know you think you’ve got enough money to do it, but you can’t, brother. That’s up to God. The only thing you can control is you. And if you aren’t happy with the life you’re livin’ then you gotta change it.” Michael sat in stunned silence staring at his brother. “You’re right,” he finally said. “And I want to start now. I want to be your brother again. I want to be part of yours and Gina’s life.” David smiled his familiar crooked smile and Michael’s heart warmed with nostalgia. “You’ve never stopped being my brother, Mikey. And nothing would make me happier than to have you be a part of our lives.” “Do you think Gina will agree?”
“Davey, I’ve made so many bad choices in my life. But none worse then what I’ve done to you.”
“You can ask me to my face,” Gina said from the doorway of the kitchen, startling Michael. She walked over to the table and sat down.
“What’d ya do to me, Mikey? You don’t mean this, do ya?” David asked pointing to his wheelchair.
“It’s about time we start letting old wounds heal,” she said.
“Because this isn’t your fault. You know that, right?”
“Do you mean that?” Michael asked.
“But if I hadn’t been so against you getting married, if I hadn’t taken you out drinking, if – ”
“It’s not gonna happen overnight, but I’m willing to give it a try if you are.”
“Mikey, it takes two ta tango. You didn’t force those drinks down my throat. You didn’t tell me to act like a fool and get kicked out of that bar. You didn’t put me behind the wheel of that car when I shouldn’t have been driving. I did those things all on my own.”
Michael nodded.
“But, Gina – ” “Ah, Gina feels just as guilty as you do,” Patrick said waving his hands dismissively. “What do you mean?” “She blames herself for getting knocked up. She thinks the whole thing led to the accident.”
“Look, we’ve all made mistakes, but it’s what we learn from them that matter.”
Christina Benjamin is the Award-Winning Author of the series The Geneva Project. Her debut novel, Truth, won 2014’s FAPA Gold Medal for YA fiction. ChristinaBenjaminAuthor.com
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Managing Your Home’s Resources Owning a home is the dream of many Americans. Achieving that dream produces a sense of accomplishment and security. We quickly learn however, that the achievement is only the start. Owning a home is a responsibility that requires our attention and our diligence. This month’s FOCUS is on the economy. One of the definitions of economy is: “The careful management of available resources.” So, after we purchase a home, how do we manage this valuable resource? One step at a time. 1. Pay attention Look around your home. Get to know what is normal and what is not normal. You may see a stain that was not there yesterday. Find out why. It could be the result of an unruly boiling pot of sauce or the beginning of a major leak. Walk through every room in your home.
2. Do routine maintenance clean Yep, run the vacuum. Clean the counters, wipe off the dust around the house. A routine cleaning schedule is the best way to know and detect issues in the house.
Hundreds of resources for managing your home are right in the local library.
Change the filters in the heating/AC system monthly, depending on the system. Caulk around windows and doors. Check under sinks (bathroom and kitchen) for moisture/leaks. Check and clear obstructions from the A/C compressor. Check & clean downspouts/gutters. Doing routine maintenance can uncover issues you did not know were there. 3. If you see a problem act right away Letting a seemingly small issue go (like that stain on the ceiling) can eventually lead to a major repair that possibly could have been avoided. If you are not the “handy” type, contact a well-respected service. Find out if the problem is serious or not. 4. Get help in managing your home Ask friends and family for advice. Read a book or magazine.
4. Watch TV Okay, let’s be clear, you can’t rebuild an entire house in less than an hour (minus commercials) but the home improvement shows do offer some great insights and ideas. Contact a reliable home repair and maintenance service. Keep their number handy for repairs and advice. Your home is your largest investment. These “management” strategies can let you enjoy your realized dream and keep this resource in good condition for many, many years. Remember – your home is only as good to you as you are to your home. Love it, and it will love you back.
Dennis McGee Mr. Handyman MrHandyMan.com FL Lic. #CGC1513681 352.259.6566
Serving The Villages & Lake County
352.414.6556 Se Habla Español AireMasters1.com
CALL TO WE M DAY ATC OR BE H AT ANY E STIM ATE
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September 2015
On Better Living Investing in Your Health
What were your thoughts when you read this article’s title? How recent falls in the stock market impact your investments? The state of the housing market? I would be willing to bet you didn’t think of your own health, did you? Why is that? Why are we so focused on things we can do little or nothing about, yet we ignore the one thing we actually have control over – our health.
als and Supplements, or VMS. Producing about $32 billion in revenue for just nutritional supplements alone in 2012, it is projected to double that by topping $60 billion in 2021 according to the Nutritional Business Journal.” (Forbes.com/sites/ davidlariviere/2013/04/18/ nutritional-supplements-flexing-their-muscles-as-growth-industry/)
Many of us ignore the warning signs of dis-ease then “all of a sudden” we are ill. Maybe it’s the joint pain that we attribute to growing older, or that old football injury. Maybe it’s the bloating and gas after we eat – if we just take one of those chalky tablets, it’ll all go away. Maybe it’s the fatigue and listlessness we attribute to running after the kids or grandkids. Then we start looking at ways to “fix” our problems.
Obviously, both are huge industries and your ability to make decisions about your choices can be wrought with misinformation, confusing literature, large lists of side effects, and result in more stress. So how do you decide on what is the best choice to improve your health?
According to the World Health Organization: “The global pharmaceuticals market is worth $300 billion a year, a figure expected to rise to $400 billion within three years. The 10 largest drug companies control over one-third of this market, several with sales of more than $10 billion a year and have profit margins of about 30%. Six are based in the United States and four in Europe.” (Who.int/ trade/glossary/story073/ en/) According to David Lariviere, contributor to Forbes, “One of the fastest growing industries in the world is the nutritional supplement group, or more broadly known as Vitamins, Miner-
September 2015
1. It is YOUR health, take ownership and do your own research. 2. Talk to your doctor about natural alternatives. Before you pursue prescriptive or natural alternatives, do your own research. 3. Find a local herbalist. But before you take supplements, do your own research. You research what stocks are worth investing your money into. You research where you want to live and the history of a house you are looking to purchase. You owe it to yourself to invest in your health – without it what do you have?
Darla Miller is the owner of the Leesburg Herb Shoppe LeesburgHerbShoppe.com 352.315.4372
FocusLakeCounty.com
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On Lake County:
Prosperity of the Tourism Economy
In 2014, Florida welcomed almost 100 million visitors to the state, who spent an estimated $73 billion during their visits. More than 62 million visitors traveled to Orlando, making Orlando the most-visited tourist destination in the U.S. The Orange County Tourist Development Tax, a tax levied on all overnight stays in the County, generated over $200 million in revenue from these visits. These statistics are quite mind-boggling. The recent success of not just Orange County but also the entire state, has been historically remarkable, especially given the recent lows in visitation experienced during the Great Recession. Simply put, the state of Florida, and Central Florida in particular, are in the midst of the single greatest tourism boom in the state’s long and fruitful history of welcoming visitors.
We estimate that tourism accounts for roughly 20% of Lake County’s total economy. So, while our total volume of tourism activity is significantly less than Orange County’s, it is no less important to our economic prosperity. Fortunately, the positive impacts of the tourism explosion have not been limited to the theme parks and beaches. Lake County’s tourism industry is thriving as well. In 2009, in the depths of the Great Recession, Lake County’s Tourist Development Tax generated a total of $1.78 million in revenue. In just five short years, that number increased almost 40% to a record $2.44 million in 2014. Tourism is without question a major, albeit typically underappreciated, economic driver for Lake County. We estimate that tourism accounts for roughly 20% of Lake County’s total economy. So, while our total volume
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of tourism activity is significantly less than Orange County’s, it is no less important to our economic prosperity.
Although Lake County certainly cannot compete when it comes to the major theme parks, we have a vast and diverse array of tourism assets that are becoming increasingly more desirable to today’s traveler. The growing national trend of nature-oriented vacations, both for young adults and families, aligns extremely well with Lake County’s many eco-tourism related offerings. From hiking in the Ocala National Forest or biking the rolling hills of South Lake, to swimming and diving in one of our many springs, to kayaking or paddle boarding the state’s second largest blueway system, Lake County is becoming a well-known destination for eco-enthusiasts. Even Lake County’s recently devastated bass fishing industry has returned in record fashion. In fact, a recent survey showed that 7 of the top 11 bass fishing lakes in Florida are located in Lake County. Bass fishing means big money for the local economy, the average angler spends twice as much as your typical visitor, so the return of some of the country’s largest and most prominent bass fishing tournaments to Lake County has been a welcome development for our hoteliers, gas stations, restaurants, and merchants.
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With the increasingly important role that tourism has played and will continue to play in the advancement of Lake County’s economy, it is imperative that Lake County leaders remain dedicated to the promotion of Lake County as a premier destination for tourists interested in nature-oriented travel. This includes generating exposure for those who may consider Lake County as a final destination, but also a concerted effort needs to be made to target those tourists visiting the nearby theme parks who may enjoy an additional day or two in the “real” Florida. In my next article, I will provide my thoughts on the other major tourism driver in Lake County: sports tourism.
Robert L. Chandler IV Director Lake County Board of County Commissioners Economic Growth Department LakeCountyFL. gov
September 2015
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FLASHBACK
MOUNT DORA First National Bank Circa 1941 The First National Bank of Mount Dora was established in 1925. The bank was originally located in a small building on Donnelly Street, south of Fifth Avenue. Soon thereafter, in 1926, the brick building commonly remembered as “the old bank building” – now the Shamrock Building – was constructed, and occupied the corner of Fifth and Donnelly. In 1990 it opened a new three-story addition to the Donnelly Street location to facilitate the growing demand for trust and investment services. In 1992 they added a facility at the corner of Highway 19-A and Eudora Road to house bookkeeping and accounting functions for both the commercial bank and the trust department. The bank expanded again in 2005 with the opening of an office for trust and investment services as well as commercial banking, in downtown Leesburg on Market Street. Then added a full-service banking office in south Leesburg at the intersection of Highway 27 and 48 in 2007. Amazing to see how much the Lake County economy has grown, and the financial institutions helping meet its residents’ needs have responded to that growth.
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September 2015
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