Style Magazine, Village Edition, November 2025

UF HEALTH’S SPINE TEAM HELPS PATIENTS GET RELIEF FROM PAIN THAT’S BEEN

R

Back pain have you off your game?

Ali Zarezadeh, MD

Stand tall with spine care you can trust.

From chronic back pain to complex spinal conditions, UF Health spine team delivers expert, compassionate treatment tailored to your needs. We specialize in degenerative spine disorders, spinal deformities, trauma, fractures and tumors — offering advanced, motion-preserving solutions get back to living.

Led by fellowship-trained spine surgeon Dr. Ali Zarezadeh, our program combines the latest surgical techniques with personalized care plans designed for lasting results.

With a focus on faster recovery, less pain and fewer complications — we’re here to help you be at your best.

Same-day and next-day appointment available.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Zarezadeh, please call 352.323.5665 or scan the QR code for more information.

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE & WEIGHT LOSS

OXYGEN THERAPY

GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE

Our leading health clinic is located in Leesburg, Florida. Our treatments will introduce you to the healing, innovative world of Immunity Health, where we will help you REbalance, REstore, and REclaim your health and wellbeing. Whether you are looking to revitalize, focus on specific health challenges, slow down the aging process, or just relax and unwind, our team of wellness experts is here for you.

At Advanced Orthopedics

Institute we specialize in hips, knees, shoulders, ankles, wrists... and tennis players.

We’re national leaders in reverse shoulder replacements for those whose rotator cuffs are no longer functioning, performing more in a year than most surgeons perform in a lifetime. We also have a full range of non-invasive procedures to help relieve shoulder pain and improve function.

Return to the activities you enjoy most.

For all of our advanced technologies and leading edge breakthroughs in joint repair and replacement, the advancements we at AOI are most proud of are those that our patients make in reclaiming their quality of life. If you are experiencing pain or weakness in a knee, shoulder, or hip and feel it’s time to do something about it, there’s no time like right now.

COME SEE US, WE’RE HERE FOR YOU.

Concern-targeted facials tailored to skin needs

Botox & dermal fillers for smoothing and facial sculpting

Laser treatments for skin resurfacing and rejuvenation

Medical-grade chemical peels & non-surgical skin tightening

Professional-grade skincare for lasting results

Medical Weight Loss Programs

IV Vitamin Drips & Nutrient Therapy

Hormone & Nutritional Testing

Peptide Therapy

rTMS (mental health & brain performance)

Joint and Pain Management

Athletic Recovery & Injury Therapy

Emsculpt Neo:

Build muscle, burn fat and improve functional core strength.

Emsella Chair: Non-invasive solution for incontinence and intimate wellness.

Stretch Mark & Cellulite Treatments

Skin Tightening for Loose Skin AESTHETIC & SKIN SERVICES

Sexual Wellness for Women & Men

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TO-DO LIST 066 LOCAL TALENT 070 HI, SOCIETY 072

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menu 089 IN THE KITCHEN 090 FORK ON THE ROAD 094 DINING GUIDE 096 BEHIND THE BAR 101

columns FROM THE PUBLISHER FINAL THOUGHT

ENROLLMENT

Join our patient-centered care network with ease. FIRST APPOINTMENT

Your comprehensive hour-long visit gets your health on track. SPECIALTY CARE

Access to Seamless referrals to our trusted specialists. EZ CARE

Convenient same-day services for minor injuries and urgent needs

CONTINUED RELATIONSHIP

Ongoing care and guidance with the same physician you know and trust.

WhereHeart MeetsHumanity

Here’s to the extraordinary among us!

ach November, I’m reminded just how special our community truly is. This month marks 11 years since we rst introduced our “Extraordinary Issue,” and it continues to be one of my favorite editions to produce. It’s a chance to shine a light on the remarkable people who make Lake and Sumter counties such a vibrant and inspiring place to live, work and play.

Over the years, we’ve met business owners who turned bold ideas into thriving ventures, educators who change lives one student at a time, rst responders who serve with courage and everyday residents whose quiet acts of kindness ripple far beyond what they’ll ever know. Their stories remind us that “extraordinary” isn’t always about fame or fortune—it’s about heart, determination and making a di erence right where you are.

This issue celebrates those individuals—the dreamers, the doers and the people who give

our community its personality and purpose. As you ip through these pages, I hope you feel the same pride we do in sharing their journeys.

At Style, we’ve always believed in the power of connection. For more than two decades, our mission has been to tell the stories that unite us—to celebrate the faces and places that de ne our hometown spirit. Whether you’ve been a reader from the very beginning or are discovering us for the rst time, thank you for allowing us to continue doing what we love: capturing the extraordinary in the everyday.

Here’s to 11 incredible years of celebrating local greatness—and to the many more stories still waiting to be told.

Until next month,

Kendra

Have a story to tell?

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

Kendra Akers OWNER/PUBLISHER kendra@akersmediagroup.com

Doug Akers PRESIDENT doug@akersmediagroup.com

DESIGN / EDITORIAL / PHOTOGRAPHY

Michael Gaulin CREATIVE DIRECTOR michael@akersmediagroup.com

Shawnee Coppola ART DIRECTOR shawnee@akersmediagroup.com

Roxanne Brown MANAGING EDITOR roxanne@akersmediagroup.com

Gina Horan STAFF WRITER & PODCAST HOST gina@akersmediagroup.com

Nicole Hamel CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER nicole@akersmediagroup.com

DIGITAL MEDIA

Cindy Peterson DIGITAL MEDIA EDITOR STAFF WRITER & PHOTOGRAPHER cindy@akersmediagroup.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Cynthia McFarland Kyle Coppola

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Gary Corsair

SALES / MARKETING

Tim McRae VICE PRESIDENT, SALES tim@akersmediagroup.com

Shaena Long ADVERTISING COORDINATOR shaena@akersmediagroup.com

Melanie Melvin ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE melanie@akersmediagroup.com

ADMINISTRATION

Emily Gaulin OFFICE MANAGER emily@akersmediagroup.com

Aubrey Akers Simmons ACCOUNT & CLIENT SERVICES aubrey@akersmediagroup.com

DISTRIBUTION

Frank Suarez DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

Cool Comfort meets Clean Air

Affordable A/C solutions for garages, lanais and homes from Leesburg to The Villages and beyond.

PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

or lifelong friends Jesus Morfa, a mechanical engineer and licensed HVAC contractor and Dallas Newman, opening their own business was about doing what they know best — bringing comfort and clean air to people’s homes. When they saw how well mini-split systems performed, they knew it was time to go all in.

“At rst we were just going to do it on the weekends because we both had jobs,” Jesus says. “But it started to grow, and we said, look, let’s just do this 100% or not at all.”

In April, the two opened Kings of Mini Splits, their Main Street storefront in downtown Leesburg, designed not just as an HVAC shop, but as a fresh-air destination. Alongside mini-splits, their wives Noelia and Linda introduced Lampe Berger French air-purifying lamps — a perfect match for cleaner, healthier air.

“A lot of customers come to us from The Villages,” Jesus explains. “They have nice cars or golf carts in their garages, and they want to keep them in near perfect condition. It can get to 100 degrees in there and leather cracks.

With a mini-split, you can keep it cool to avoid damage — and it’s fast and cost-e ective.”

Stop by the Leesburg shop to see the systems in action and feel the di erence for yourself.

Mini-Split Advantages

• No ductwork needed — means cleaner air

• Quick, easy installation

• Cost-effective cooling and heating

• Customizable to fit any space

• Perfect for garages, lanais and additions

• Highly energy efficient

Benefits of Lampe

Berger Lamps

• Clears household odors in minutes

• Kills airborne bacteria

• Scented or fragrancefree options

• Helps allergy sufferers breathe easier

• Adds a stylish French touch to any room

FIRST

PEOPLE COMMENTARY

PERSON OF INTEREST

From pain relief to wholebody healing, this local expert proves natural

FREEDOM’S DEFENDERS:

Celebrate Veterans Day, Nov. 11, by honoring all who have served our country – men and women, young and old, from every walk of life. While many think of husbands or fathers, countless wives, mothers, sisters, and daughters have proudly worn the uniform, too. Fly a ag, wear a red poppy, pause for a moment of silence, or simply thank every veteran you come across for their service. Small gestures carry lasting meaning.

TAKE YOUR BEST SHOT FOR HEART HEALTH: Mark your calendar for the 2025 UF Health Bourbon, BBQ & Bustin’ Clays on Thursday, Nov. 20, from 9am to 1:30pm at Tampa Bay Sporting Clays & Archery. Enjoy sporting clays, bourbon tastings, BBQ from Florida Cracker, lawn games, vendors, and more—all supporting the UF Health Leesburg Hospital Heart and Vascular Program.

• Tickets: $250 individual, $1,000 foursome, $75 guest pass.

• Register now: classy.org/event/2025bourbon-bbq-and-bustin-clays/e677508

BAKER BOYS:

Join a lively 1943 USO show lled with music, suspense, and a twist of espionage at Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy: A Baker House Murder Mystery on Nov. 3, 6, 7, 10, 13 and 14 at 6106 CR 44A, Wildwood. Performances begin with a pre-show at 4pm, dinner at 4:30pm and the mystery at 5pm. Costumes encouraged!

MINNEOLA OPENS ITS NEW LIBRARY:

Although it’s quaint and modest, Minneola Schoolhouse Library has served the city for many years. Local o cials and residents recently celebrated the grand opening of it’s new 5,800-squarefoot public library at 302 W. Pearl Street. Designed by Powell Studio Architecture and budgeted at $1.6 million, the modern space features meeting rooms, a teen zone and inviting reading areas. City o cials hailed it as “a vibrant space where stories begin and the community comes together,” marking a proud new chapter for residents eager to learn, connect and grow together.

PLANTING

SENSATION:

Green thumbs will gather in downtown Mount Dora Nov. 1 & 2 for the 31st Annual Plant & Garden Fair. This free two-day event showcases Florida-native and exotic plants alongside garden décor, experts o ering gardening advice, volunteer help for

THERE’S NO DEBATING SUCCESS:

The Wildwood Middle High School debate team is earning top recognition across Florida and beyond. Oscar Rubio-Flores is ranked #1 in the state for Extemporaneous Debate and #6 nationally, Joseph Wise is #13 in Florida (#57 nationally), and Jacob Clayton is #18 in the state (#71 nationally). Clayton also placed #3 in Big Questions Debate, with top 10–40 nishes for Rubio-Flores, Wise and Jordan Miranda Juarez. Nashaly Soto, Gerardo Cardoso and the entire team added strong state placements in storytelling, commentary, expository, declamation and poetry.

with Autumn spreads throughout November. Keep it simple with a few ingredients or o er toppings on the side.

SIMPLE DIRECTIONS:

• Halve and core pears, place cutside up in a baking dish.

• Brush with melted butter, sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon, then roast at 375°F for 25–30 minutes.

• Serve warm with a dollop of mascarpone and a splash of lightly whipped cream.

*PEARS BAKED WITHOUT CINNAMON ARE GREAT WITH A VARIETY OF CHEESES LIKE GORGONZOLA, MANCHEGO OR BRIE. YOU CAN ALSO POUR ON A BIT OF BRANDY OR SPICED RUM DURING BAKING, THEN ADD VANILLA GELATO.

HISTORY COMES ALIVE:

Historical Society presents its 8th Annual Heritage Day Festival from 10am to 4pm on Nov. 22 at the Clermont Historic Village, 490 West Ave., Clermont. Volunteers wearing period costumes will demonstrate butter churning, ice cream making, canning and more alongside WWII reenactors. Model T cars will be on display and children can try hands-on activities like rug beating, washboard laundry, hanging clothes on the line, wooden tools and oldfashioned games. Museums will be open for tours, with lunches for sale. For more information, visit clermonthistoricvillage. org or call 352.432.3496.

DR. KASSIE SOROKACH

Compassionate practitioner inspired by natural alternatives offers effective solutions.

STORY: CYNTHIA MCFARLAND ≈ PHOTO: NICOLE HAMEL

Recognition & awards: Best

Acupuncturist - Lake & Sumter Style

Best of the Best 2024 and 2025 Best Sumter County Acupuncture Practice

• AP: Acupuncture Physician

Dipl OM: Diplomate of Oriental Medicine

DAcCHM: Doctor of Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine

CFMP: Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner

• Born & raised: Sumter County

• Lives in Webster

• Married to Jarrod, mom of 2

• 2010 graduate of South Sumter High School

• Earned master’s degree from Dragon Rises College of Oriental Medicine in Bradenton (now teaches there)

• Earned doctorate from Pacific College of Health Sciences

be given multiple medications. When those didn’t work, they’d come back and be given di erent medications. It was just masking the pain, not solving the actual problem. I wanted to be able to provide people with another option and give them a natural alternative to medication. Owner of Divine Acupuncture & Wellness in Bushnell, the acupuncture practice she opened in May 2023— www.divine-acupuncture.com

Most common misconception about acupuncture: That it’s only for pain relief. It’s good for so many things. It helps with hormone imbalances, digestive issues, autoimmune conditions, allergies and much more.

I get the most satisfaction in my career: When people come back for follow-up visits and say acupuncture is the only thing that’s given them relief.

I’d most like to be known for: People having a personal experience when they’re here and know that I’m

listening to them. I also love teaching students pursuing their acupuncture degree and my online followers about how to work on their health naturally.

Motto I live by: Warm feet = happy qi. Wear the socks.*

Memorable life moment:

Marrying the love of my life in a Renaissance-themed wedding, complete with table jousting games for guests. I wore a regal dress, but it de nitely wasn’t your traditional wedding dress.

When I’m not working: I’m spending time with my kids aged 20 months and 7 years. We like going to the Florida Children’s Museum in Lakeland.

Four-legged family members: We have four cats at home and an o ce cat.

People would be surprised to know: I’ve been a wedding coordinator for eight years.

Fun fact: I can say my ABCs backwards.

Know a person of interest? Tell us! Email your recommendation to editorial@akersmediagroup.com.

OLIVIA ROBERSON

Leesburg sophomore makes the grade as a well-rounded student.

STORY: CINDY PETERSON ≈ PHOTO: NICOLE HAMEL

• Class Secretary

My favorite class: I really like my biology class. I like the teacher and the subject is really interesting to me.

Future goals: I don’t know exactly what university I want to go to, but I do want to major in political science and family sciences and go to law school.

Greatest accomplishment: I won “Most Improved” for my tennis team last year. I just started playing as a freshman, so that was exciting.

I look up to: My mom and my sister. My mom is a really strong person. She was a single mom for a while and raised my sister and me with help from my grandparents. She just really inspires me. My sister is very outgoing and says what’s on her mind and I really admire that about her. She always pushes me out of my comfort zone.

My message to the world: Always be empathetic towards people because you never know what’s going on behind closed doors and what they’re really going through.

As a hobby: I really like to read. My favorite book is Twilight.

Everyone should know: I’m pretty funny, like once you get to know me. I have to get more comfortable, but I would say I’m funny and witty.

Topping my music playlist: Definitely Noah Kahan. I love all of his songs.

My go-to food spot: I do love Chick-fil-A. I usually get the cool wraps and fries.

If I could have a superpower: I’d definitely would want to stop time so I could just stop at school and take a nap.

Know an outstanding student? Fill us in! Email your recommendations to cindy@akersmediagroup.com.

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Bobby Roesch, Vice President

Is lung screeningcancer right for you?

ow-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening can reduce lung cancer deaths by up to 20% compared to standard chest X-rays, by detecting tumors at early stages when they are more likely to be curable.

The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends lung cancer screening for anyone age 50 to 80 who has smoked for 20 pack years or more, and who currently smokes or has quit within the past 15 years. A pack year is equal to smoking 20 cigarettes (1 pack) a day each year. A pack year is different from a calendar year. Smoking a pack a day for 20 years equals 20 pack years, but so does smoking two packs a day for 10 years.

Lung cancer screening is approved by Medicare to age 77, is covered by most insurance, and is for people in good health who do not have symptoms of the disease. Talk to your doctor if you think you are eligible for testing.

How is Lung Cancer Treated with Radiation?

Radiation may be used to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), small cell lung cancer (SCLC), and lung carcinoid tumors. It is usually delivered from outside the body, but sometimes radioactive pellets are placed internally to shrink NSCLC tumors.

Radiation can be the main treatment if a tumor can’t be removed because of its size or location, or if a person doesn’t want or isn’t healthy enough for surgery. It can also be used, sometimes with chemotherapy, to shrink a tumor before surgery or to remove small tumors that surgery might have missed. Radiation can also relieve pain, bleeding,

trouble swallowing, cough, or other problems in cases of advanced lung cancer. Call us to learn more about radiation treatment options.

Quitters can be Winners

Smoking is the single most important risk factor for lung cancer. Tobacco Free Florida provides free tools and services to help you become smokefree. Go to TobaccoFreeFlorida. com or call 850-245-4144. For more resources, go to Smokefree.gov or call 877-44U-QUIT. You can find more quit lines at the American Lung Association (800-LUNGUSA) and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (800-QUIT-NOW).

RBOI can also help. Wendy Hall, LCSW, is certified in tobacco cessation. Our counseling services are available to the community at no charge. Give us a call.

Non-Smokers are Also at Risk

Invisible, odorless, and tasteless, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers. The Florida Department of Health provides free radon test kits. Call 800-543-8279 or fill out an order form at http://www.floridahealth. gov/environmental-health/radon/ Outreach/testkitrequest.html.

by

the numbers

1

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for men and women worldwide

Help for Veterans

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers these resources to help veterans quit tobacco:

· The VA national Quitline at 1-855-QUIT-VET (1-855-784-8838) connects callers with a tobacco cessation counselor for free telephone counseling in English or Spanish.

· SmokefreeVET delivers text message tips and support to your cellphone, even if you use smokeless tobacco. Text VET to 47848 (or VETesp to 47848 for Spanish) or visit smokefree.gov/VET.

226,650

Estimated lung cancer diagnoses in U.S. adults in 2025

· Other resources include the Stay Quit Coach (https://mobile.va.gov/app/ stay-quit-coach), Quit Tobacco (https:// mentalhealth.va.gov/quit-tobacco/), and Veterans Smoke Free (https://veterans. smokefree.gov/) websites.

The VA also makes lung cancer screening accessible to eligible veterans at no cost, with no copay. Visit cancer. va.gov to learn more.

4.2%

Annual decrease in lung cancer death rates in the U.S. from 2014-2023

RBOI’s support services are available to the community free of charge, from before diagnosis through treatment and afterward, regardless of where you are being treated. Give us a call.

About

7,700

Veterans diagnosed with lung cancer every year at the VA23

Patient-centered radiation oncology close to home

The Villages 352.259.2200

Ocala 352.732.0277

Timber Ridge 352.861.2400

Inverness 352.726.3400

Lecanto 352.527.0106

RBOI.com

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EXTRA ORDINARY People

Extraordinary people among us are making life better for others, not to gain for praise or attention, but because they care deeply about others. In this special feature, you’ll meet seemingly ordinary people doing remarkable things: a 93-year-old who inspires fellow seniors to stay active; a record-breaking athlete with a missing limb, selfless advocates for veterans, a Civil Rights trailblazer; advocates for the homeless; beacons of light for our youth; brilliant people who unite our community through the arts; inspirational examples of triumph over personal challenges with strength and grace. Read on and be inspired by stories of the power of compassion and courage.

He was studying clinical nutrition at Georgia State University when he happened upon an audition for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College, a circus school that trained hundreds of clowns from

That audition changed everything. Banks dropped out of school and literally ran o to join the circus seven months before earning his

“I ended up on the Ringling Brothers show for two years in the late ’80s, spending one year touring in the U.S and one year in Japan,” Banks says.

Following his circus adventure, Banks worked at Universal Studios for nine years as a Harpo Marx

That inspired him to create Jiggleman, a one-of-a-kind performer who entertained from coast to coast.

In 2022, the divorced dad of two adult sons opened his seven-acre Clermont farm for “Here on the Farm” tours and harvest events.

For an entry fee of $10, guests are inspired to develop their own green thumbs and take home something to grow.

“I love teaching farming and sustainability,” says the 62-year-old Banks.

In 2018, he won a seat on the Lake County Soil and Water Conservation District and was chairman for several years. He’s currently running for representative for State House District 25 and will be on the ballot in South

“I’ve been a performer the majority of my life. Now it’s more about the people and showing up for the community. That’s what drives me every day. I like the feeling of leaving ripples in people’s lives in a good way,” says Banks, vowing that if he’s elected, Jiggleman will head to Tallahassee.

GABE

Mount Dora High School’s Gabe Lewis has turned what some view as a limitation into a source of determination and strength on the cross country course.

The 17-year-old, who was born with one arm, has already carved his name into the record books as one of the fastest runners in school history.

Gabe started running in sixth grade and has steadily risen through the ranks.

“I got more serious my junior year,” he says. “I really want that top spot.”

That dedication paid off. He now holds the school record in the 3200-meter run with a time of 10:17 and and ranks first in the 5K with a time of 16:12

“I’ve really overcome anything I’ve tried,” Gabe says. “I’m a very determined person. Any challenges and I won’t stop until I figure out how to do it.”

Running with one arm presents unique challenges since cross country requires balance and symmetry. Gabe had to adapt his stride to avoid favoring one side of his body, but rather than hold him back, his uniqueness fueled his relentless work ethic.

“All summer long, he will get up and run,” his mom says. “He’s very dedicated and will overcome anything that gets in his way. He won’t let anything stop him and always figure out a way.”

Gabe faced challenges from the start. He was born prematurely, so small that he could fit in the palm of your hand. He had to be airlifted from Daytona to Jacksonville.

The umbilical cord had cut off blood flow to his arm, which had to be amputated.

Despite health complications from fetal alcohol syndrome, he

“I’M A VERY DETERMINED PERSON. ANY CHALLENGES AND I WON’T STOP UNTIL I FIGURE OUT HOW TO DO IT.”

DENISEBURRY

Forward Paths Foundation President and CEO Denise Burry has dedicated her life to helping Lake County’s most vulnerable youth, homeless teens and those aging out of foster care.

Her experience as an adoptive parent with eight kids – two through adoption – led her to become a guardian ad litem, which gave her a clear view of how unprepared foster children are when they turn 18.

“When kids turn 18 in foster care, they often don’t have a driver’s license, no money and when you’re put out, it means literally you’ve aged out and are now on your own,” she says. “They are told to just gure it out.”

Stunned by the lack of support, Denise helped launch Forward Paths in 2013 with the mission of creating “a path that leads to independence.” At that time, there were 323 homeless unaccompanied youth in Lake County schools.

“Ninety percent of them had had a stint in foster care,” she explained. Forward Paths now provides housing, mentoring, education and job training. In 2024, the organization partnered with HomeAid Orlando to build Cottages on Grove in Eustis, a micro-community of 10 tiny homes, along with additional donated houses.

“It’s breaking a cycle,” Denise says. “The kids are better o for it and they’re becoming homeowners, being responsible adults and becoming taxpayers.”

Denise’s sel ess attitude, which prompts her to not accept a salary, comes from her faith and sense of responsibility.

“We were given a directive to watch out for the widows and the orphans,” she says. “And I think that if you’re

McCormack

going to talk about faith you have to recognize that you have a responsibility and actually do something.”

She chooses to lead by example. “If I’m going to go out into my community and ask somebody to support something, I better be willing to be knee deep in it myself,” she says. www.forwardpaths.org

Women’s Air Force with encouragement from her mentor Miss Laurie, Tess learned communication, discipline and skills that carried her all the way to the Pentagon during the Truman administration. Determined to prove her worth and impress her parents, she carried herself with con dence and grit.

“On my very rst day I was lost and tried to hide my tears,” she recalls. “I looked up and there was someone with a few stars on their uniform, and I thought I was in trouble.” It turned out to be General Dwight Eisenhower, the future president, who kindly showed her to her new o ces.

Tess went on to marry, raise a family and reinvent herself

many times. She became a society editor, a writer and the host of Lifeline to the 90’s, a television show that ran for nine years. She authored The Epic Journey of the Flag, telling the remarkable story of her husband’s World War II relic – a Japanese ag she helped return to its rightful family decades later. She also wrote the novel Shopping List for Murder.

At 93, Tess is still a spit re. She dances at the town squares in The Villages where she now lives, practices Pilates, is active in several veterans’ groups and even applied to travel on the SpaceX shuttle. Her advice is simple: “Don’t stop moving. Keep your body t, and the rest will follow.”

BOB Peters

Bob Peters has been honoring veterans for the last 15 years through a series of television shows and most recently, his YouTube channel.

The Vietnam veteran who served in the United States Air Force from 1966 to 1971 has spent years preserving veterans’ stories and educating future generations.

Straight out of high school, with no job prospects, Bob followed his uncle’s advice.

“He said you better enlist,” Bob recalls. “So, I went in the Air Force because I couldn’t swim. I enjoyed it.”

He was deployed to Thailand, twice for short-term temporary duty and once for a longer deployment.

After returning home, Bob built a career as a lineman,

retiring as chief after 31 years with the power company. During his career, volunteering was a big part of his life. He helped start the Special Olympics in Connecticut in the 1960s and continued that spirit of service after moving to Lake County in 2005.

By 2010, Bob was behind the camera, rst with Lakefront TV, then highlighting veterans on his own YouTube channel. With help from Sue Cameron of Wild Zebra Media, he built a nonpro t around what he calls “service, sacri ce, honor and educate.”

He has interviewed Holocaust survivors, prisoners of war and even a 1936 Olympian.

He is also a familiar voice on Leesburg radio station WQBQ during its veterans hour program, and most recently moved his video production studio to the AMVET Post 2006 in Leesburg.

He also works closely with local charities, including Ashley’s House and SOS, lending his time and skills to support their missions and amplify their impact in the community.

“It’s not about me, it’s about them,” he says. “This country isn’t great because of one person. It’s great because of our military men and women and they deserve to be recognized.”

DANIELLE

Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter

President and CEO Danielle Stroud has a gift for leaving things better than she found them and for helping people grow along the way.

This year marks her 10th anniversary with Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter, a milestone that re ects just how much she has poured into the mission.

First and foremost, she has grown philanthropic support by 280 percent, turning Habitat into a stronger community anchor and expanding its reach to more families than ever. In doing so, she has built relationships across the community and brought partners together to support lasting housing solutions.

“I think about my own family, and I’m driven by the idea that everyone deserves

Stroud

the opportunity to succeed,” she says. “We’re not always dealt the same hand, so it takes intentional investment to give people the chance to better themselves.”

Danielle carried more than a decade of nonpro t experience with her when she stepped into the role of President and CEO in 2021.

Under her leadership, Habitat doubled new home production and expanded its repair program, directly changing lives across Lake and Sumter counties.

“The families in our program are hardworking and determined,” she says.

“Resiliency is what I see demonstrated over and over again.”

For Danielle, it’s not just about building homes but building futures. She believes safe, stable housing is the foundation for education, health and opportunity.

“On the hardest days, when I get to spend time with my husband and sons, I’m reminded of why I do this and it keeps me going.”

www.habitatls.org

TERRI SILIPO

The calm of a yoga studio is worlds away from the chaos of a battle eld . . . which is why Terri Silipo embraced the practice that connects body, breath, and mind through physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation.

Two decades of military service gave Terri a raw understanding of how pain can live in the body long after combat ends. Taking o the uniform and transitioning back into civilian life didn’t end her battle within.

Terri has learned that healing meant more than endurance – it meant stillness. Yoga helped her reclaim her breath, balance and purpose.

She shares that lifeline with others, blending Yin yoga, Yoga Nidra, traumainformed movement and guided meditation at her Leesburg practice, R & R Yoga with Terri.

Her studio is a space where people rediscover control of body and mind.

Veterans nd peace in her classes. Fellow vet Mike Corso calls her teaching “captivating and soothing.”

She also serves through the national Veterans Yoga Project, which helps thousands of veterans across the country self-regulate and reconnect.

Vets aren’t the only ones who bene t. Hospice families nd comfort in her grief-informed sessions. Community members discover resilience in her inclusive and welcoming approach. She even volunteers at libraries and shelters, showing that yoga belongs wherever people need healing.

“It’s not about being bendy or doing handstands,” Terri says. “It’s about reconnecting with yourself in a safe and steady way. So many people don’t feel at home in their bodies and I want to help change that.”

HARRIS

Lifelong Eustis resident Gessner Harris didn’t think of herself as a trailblazer when she walked into Eustis High School on a rainy day in September of 1965 with three classmates, the first Black students to integrate the all-white campus.

She just wanted to learn.

“It’s a time that was very painful,” Gessner says, recalling a lonely year with students refusing to sit near or talk to her, teachers not wanting to teach them and anxious moments walking home.

“I was just 12 years old and that was a lot to be put on what I feel is

“I WANT TO BE REMEMBERED AS A KIND, GIVING PERSON WHO WORKED TO MAKE THE WORLD BETTER THROUGH SERVICE AND COMPASSION.”

a member of the Lake County Association of Educational Office Professionals (LCAEOP) and of the Silhouettes of Criterion, teaching teenage girls old-school basics—home, finances, etiquette, speaking, résumés, job and interview skills—before presenting them at a debutante ball that raises money for scholarships. She also spends time serving food to and calling bingo for the Eustis Golden Seniors, aiding the city with preparing gift boxes for troops overseas and working with veterans’ organizations alongside her husband of 54 years and in honor of her son—both veterans.

Gessner also spoke up when the City of Eustis published a book on the history of its schools and failed to acknowledge the first black students who integrated Eustis High.

Thanks to her persistence, the record was amended and today their names appear in “Through Schoolhouse Doors: A History of Lake County Schools.”

“I was given the proclamation from the city for working to correct

Recognition has followed, but Harris stays humble and simply hopes she’s made a difference.

“One of my (white) classmates recently did a recap of that time period and apologized. The city’s Chamber of Commerce was touched, and from that I was the first black Grand Marshall for the GeorgeFest in Eustis, a full circle.”

And although Gessner didn’t set out to be extraordinary, her life, work and heart for uplifting and inspiring others to be the best they can be despite obstacles have made

“I want to be remembered as a kind, giving person who worked to make the world better through service and compassion,” she says. “And if I can help someone along the way, then my life was

Expert colorist Verónica Ortega has built her life around resilience by turning setbacks into the spark for Hair N’ Bloom, her thriving Leesburg salon.

Verónica opened Hair N’ Bloom after the space she worked in was stalled due to an accident that damaged the entrance to the building. The disruption forced a hard reset, and instead of giving up, Verónica chose to move forward with a simple promise: help clients leave with more con dence than they arrived.

“I think it’s important to keep going no matter what,” says the expert colorist of 17 years. “Like my daughter says, ‘There’s going to be a rainbow at the end of every storm.’”

Her chair is a place of transformation. While she specializes in color, her passion is helping women with hair loss. She trained in mesh integration, hair toppers and extensions so clients with alopecia can see themselves again.

“It is a tremendous con dence booster for women because our hair is everything,” she says. “To give that back is beautiful.”

Verónica is also a devoted Christian who sings and produces videos in English and Spanish and often leads worship. You can nd and watch snippets of her music and worship videos on her Instagram pro le @veronicaortegamusic or fully on her YouTube channel by searching Veronica Ortega Music. One of her o cial videos—titled “Por Amor”—was lmed in downtown Clermont.

“In all I do, I give glory and honor to my Savior Jesus Christ,” she says.

Veronica is proud of her Puerto Rican heritage and treasures the gift of being bilingual. She also stands on her belief that beauty is more than style, but a renewal of faith, determination and love.

“As a native Spanish speaker, being bilingual not only allows me to serve diverse clients but also to grow a rich community inside the salon.”

LINDA Watts

For nearly four decades, Linda Watts has been shaping young lives in Lake County through the Miss Leesburg Scholarship Program and Florida’s Hometown USA.

Linda was born in Umatilla, moved to Leesburg and has lived in Lake County her entire life. She worked as a kindergarten and preschool teacher for 20 years before retiring. But her passion for mentoring youth wasn’t over. In 1986, she noticed that Leesburg didn’t have a pageant of its own.

“Why don’t we have a Miss Leesburg?” Linda says she asked herself. “And as always, if you want something done, you do it yourself.

Linda launched the Miss Leesburg Scholarship Program 39 years ago and has been a pivotal part of it ever since.

Linda emphasizes that she doesn’t even like to call it a pageant, because it’s so much more than just a beauty contest.

“The whole goal is to teach them to help others and learn to give back,” Linda says. “These girls start young and their entire life changes because they focus on serving others.”

Her vision expanded statewide with the creation of Florida’s Hometown USA, which selects ve young women each year from across the state to serve their communities through volunteer projects. From food drives to nursing home visits, participants learn the importance of service and leadership.

Over the years, the programs have awarded thousands of dollars in scholarships, including $15,000 this year alone. She credits the

A few years ago, Latisha Anderson was diagnosed with a brain tumor. After two surgeries in 2023, she is—by her own account—a walking miracle. That resilience runs through everything she does as an empowerment coach, author, minister and speaker. She is also an inspiration to many in her community.

“I believe we should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger. Because when you get a diagnosis like I did, you tend not to listen because your world starts to spin. Hang on and then you can make clear choices.”

Latisha’s life hasn’t been easy. She grew up in an abusive and unstable environment, experiencing pain that could have silenced her forever. Instead, she turned hurt into fuel for her mission: to help others nd

generosity of local businesses and community supporters.

Although she never competed in a pageant, Linda has utilized the industry to mentor young women into

LEWIN

When Sheri Lewin’s 13-year-old stepdaughter came to live with her full time in 2008, Sheri realized something important was missing in Clermont—resources for teens. Years later, with her own two children entering adolescence, she still couldn’t nd the programs she knew existed in other places like Jacksonville where

children, grow and that got me thinking…” Sheri says.

That decision led to the creation of Thrive Clermont, a nonpro t she founded in 2015 to help teens ages 13–18 gain life skills, explore careers and grow as leaders. Thrive’s rst big event in 2016, a Teen Summit in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club,

of growing up,” like personal nance, job interviews, college planning, public speaking and more.

At the heart of it all are community leaders and businesses who volunteer time, money or goods toward the initiative and the Teen Advisory Council, a student-led group that helps design and run programs.

“If you treat them like adults, they rise to the occasion,” Sheri says, adding that her former career as an awardwinning consultant in the trading sector of the environmental industry prepared her for this venture.

To this day, the feedback from students and parents has been

Hunt

including “For the Love of Country,” a show she produced for the Villagers for Veterans in 2022.

Realizing the demand for more interactive entertainment options, Annie and Jim launched Stellar Stage Shows, featuring a dinner theatre at Grand Oaks Resort, the majestic 400-acre equestrian property in Weirsdale.

“The dinner theatre experience is different from a regular show. There’s a buffet dinner with a different menu for every show. Grand Oaks has a world-class chef, and we get rave reviews,” Annie says.

They’ve produced eight shows this summer and plan to bring plays and supper clubs to the venue.

“I’m not happy if I’m not creating,” Annie says. “I have a passion to serve the community with art and music that brings them together with friends and family so they can make memories.”

UPCOMING COOKING SHOWS:

• November 14

Johnny Rogers

– Legends of Country Tribute

• December 13

Linda Ronstadt Tribute

• January 10

Country Music Legend

Jim Stafford

www.stellarstageshows.com

SCOTT CHEVALIER

The younger generation weighs heavily on Scott Chevalier’s heart.

Scott has been a youth pastor, youth evangelist and lead pastor who has spoken all over the United States.

At most speaking engagements, he opens with Herbert Hoovers’s quote, “Our youth are the nation’s most priceless national asset.”

Since founding Powerhouse Youth Project in 1994, he’s served on the front lines as executive director, providing practical tools and guidance to help students discover their purpose.

Originally from Ohio, Scott attended

a “pathway to purpose” through practical workshops, guidance from mentors and networking opportunities.

“It’s not enough to say what you want to do. Students need a plan and a pathway to accomplish it. They’re creating habits for a lifestyle and if you don’t learn to change them now, those habits will transfer to after graduation,” Scott says.

“In Florida, there are 274,000 16- to 24-year-olds who are not employed and not in school. When we ask what they’re doing, they’re living in their parents’ homes and playing video games. Many juniors and seniors don’t have a driver license and think it’s normal that they don’t. Kids have lost motivation about the identity and value of work,” he notes.

raising themselves with little or no parental support.

Despite grim statistics, success stories give Scott hope. For example, Powerhouse Youth Project recently helped a 16-year-old Leesburg student start his own mobile auto detailing business.

The program emphasizes core truths such as “Every choice will cost you something.”

Scott is committed to helping young people form wise habits so they can realize their potential and pursue it.

“I want them to have direction, to know their next step after getting that diploma,” he says.

www.powerhouse.org

AMADO VALENTIN

Sales Representative JESSE KNAPP

General Sales Manager TONY PAGANO

I just want to say thank you Jesse Knapp and Plaza Cadillac again for making my purchase of this beautiful Escalade. You guys were great, thanks again!

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Sales Representative ALEX GARCIA

General Sales Manager TONY PAGANO

To celebrate Wanda’s retirement, we set out to purchase a luxury car to enjoy. Our search led us to various dealerships, but Plaza Lincoln outshined themselves from all the others. From our salesman Alex to the general manager Tony, Plaza Lincoln understood our needs and displayed a culture of commitment. We eagerly joined the Plaza family rea rming that outstanding customer service remains the key to earning consumer business, trust, and loyalty.

“It’s a way to relax and really get conversation going. We need more of that in today’s society.”

JEFF BORYSIEWICZ

TURNING OVER A New Leaf

How a Lake County farm brought cigar tobacco back to Florida.

STORY: CINDY PETERSON ≈ PHOTOS: CINDY PETERSON AND PROVIDED

lorida cultivated some of the world’s nest cigar tobacco for nearly 175 years, but production dropped over four decades ago as rising costs and urban sprawl began taking over farmland.

But the cigar tobacco industry didn’t go up in smoke. Today, a Clermont farm is aiming to restore that legacy.

Florida Sun Grown, a 20-acre operation in Clermont, is the rst Florida farm since 1977 to produce long- ller cigar tobacco.

Je Borysiewicz, whose path to farming premium cigar tobacco runs through the retail side of the industry, is on a mission is to revive a uniquely Florida tradition on a modern, small-batch scale and deliver distinctive, high-quality leaf that can stand proudly in premium blends.

“I own Corona Cigar Company, which I started in 1996 out of an extra bedroom in my house. It was originally a mail order company that ended up taking o ,” says Borysiewicz, Corona’s president and founder.

He grew the catalog business into a network of destination cigar stores and bars, and now has six locations across Central Florida and the Gulf Coast.

By 2013, Je decided to test grow long- ller cigar tobacco in Florida again, but on a scale that matches today’s economics.

“In 2013, we purchased this farm and it was a test crop of growing cigar tobacco,” he says. “It’s not that it couldn’t be done, but could it be pro table? It takes a lot of work and many hands to go from seed to cigar.”

The idea wasn’t to replace the vast Central American supply chain, but rather to add a distinctive Florida note to select premium blends and

rekindle a nearly lost chapter of American agriculture.

FROM SEED TO CIGAR

At Florida Sun Grown, the life of a tobacco leaf begins in the nursery with tobacco seeds are the size of a grain of pepper that must be cultivated into a healthy starter with lots of roots to be chosen for planting.

“We start with a little tiny tobacco seed that we literally send to California to have it pelletized rst,” Je says.

Pelletizing makes the speck-size seeds big enough for greenhouse trays and automated seeders. Healthy seedlings develop in a tightly controlled environment before being transplanted to the eld.

Once established in the eld, the plants hit “knee high” in roughly 30–45 days. Then the growth explodes.

“It’ll grow sometimes six inches overnight,” Je says.

The crew then tops the plants, removing the ower, and applies a growth regulator so the plant pushes energy into bigger leaves rather than of September for a November

possible and we normally do another round then as well.”

Though the farm totals about 20 acres, the labor is anything but small. Je estimates that a single tobacco leaf will go through about 300 hands, from eld work, curing, sorting, fermentation, rolling, banding, and boxing, all across multiple countries and years.

Florida Sun Grown, as the name suggests, uses “sun grown” methods with no shade tents. This mirrors similar operations in Cuba and Central America.

AFTER THE HARVEST

Fresh-cut leaves arrive at FSG’s curing barn, which houses midcentury sewing rigs salvaged from a Connecticut shade farm. Here the freshly harvested tobacco leaves are stitched onto lath sticks and hung to yellow and then fully brown as chlorophyll dissipates.

“Sixty days later, they’re fully cured, meaning all the green is out of them,” Je says. From there, the cured leaf is packed into 100-lb. cartons, placed in a shipping container, inspected, fully

fumigated and exported. Most FSG tobacco heads to partner factories in Nicaragua for the long, hands-on steps of fermentation, sorting, destemming and aging.

Fermentation turns stacks of moistened leaf, meticulously layered by hand, into aromatically clean, smoke-ready tobacco as ammonia and harsh nitrates dissipate.

“That process is repeated over and over and over for over a year,” he says.

Temperatures are monitored and teams break down the piles and rebuild them before heat spikes turn fermentation into compost. After fermentation, the leaf is packed and goes into aging for two years.

“Three years later, the tobacco is going to get sorted again,” Je says.

Then the center vein, or stem, is removed. A fun historical fact about the people doing that work is that they were called “strippers” in cigar factories.

HAND-ROLLING PERFECTION

All leaves don’t become the glamorous outer wrapper. Only the most

cosmetically perfect and elastic sheets earn that job. Others serve as binder, holding the cigar’s bunch – or ller – together.

“The wrapper on a cigar must be perfect because it’s the most visual part,” Je says.

After wrapping, the avors begin to come alive. Blending combines leaves of di erent textures and strengths from di erent seed varieties and growing positions on

the plant, plus di erent countries of origin. Tobacco from the bottom of the plant is thinner and milder; the top leaves are thicker and more potent but rarely supple enough to serve as wrapper. Every variable shapes how a nished cigar smells, tastes and burns.

FSG tobacco appears in several nished lines. FSG by Drew Estate Cigars is their signature brand. The widely distributed “20 Acre Farm”

is made by Drew Estate with FSG in the blend—one of several factory partners the brand works with—and “The American,” rolled by the J.C. Newman family in Tampa’s historic El Reloj factory, uses FSG wrapper, which is re-imported from Nicaragua after processing. As Je noted, di erent factories possess di erent libraries of aged leaf. The same FSG tobacco can express di erently depending on a partner’s house inventory and technique.

Not every Florida leaf leaves Florida. In Orlando, a small team hand rolls “FSG Farm Roll” cigars made from FSG wrapper, binder and ller—100% Florida tobacco— that’s been aging in single-barrel bourbon casks. The brand’s limitedproduction philosophy mirrors craft spirits with distinctive, small runs that emphasize place and process over mass volume.

INSIDE THE LOUNGE

Today, you’ll nd the nished product in premium cigar lounges, paired with whiskey and bourbon. Corona Cigar’s rooms are designed for conversation as much as commerce, something Je says he really takes pride in.

“If you go to Corona Cigar right now, you’ll see a hundred people in there smoking cigars, talking with each other, creating mentoring relationships between old and young,” he says. “It’s a way to relax and really get conversation going. We need more of that in today’s society.”

Corona Cigar Company

Locations in Orlando, Lake Mary, Tampa and Sarasota Coronacigar.com

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rom nagging pain to lifealtering, back pain impacts a global population— not just seniors. Back pain is one of the most common reasons for medical appointments, as those struggling with acute and chronic conditions seek relief. Until this year, many patients with spine problems in our community traveled to larger cities in surrounding counties to get the care they desperately needed.

Thanks to the dedicated spine program that opened earlier this year at UF Health Medical Group,

world class spine care is now available close to home.

Heading the spine care team at UF Health is skilled spine surgeon Ali Zarezadeh, MD, who has extensive expertise in treating both common and complex conditions.

“Using a comprehensive, yet personalized, approach allows us to provide non-surgical and surgical treatment options locally and eliminates the need for patients to travel for care,” says Dr. Zarezadeh, noting that clinical consultations and advanced spine surgery are now available at UF Health Medical Group in Lake, Sumter, Marion and surrounding counties.

A team approach is key to providing e ective spine care that changes lives.

“We are a well-trained team composed of di erent members, from schedulers, nurses and radiology techs to physical therapists, pain management doctors and spine surgeons. All of us work together to provide a comprehensive approach to personalized care, including surgical and non-surgical options, for patients’ spine problems,” says Dr. Zarezadeh, whom patients often refer to as Dr. Z.

A University of Florida graduate, Dr. Zarezadeh did his orthopaedic surgery residency at UF from 2015 to 2020, and completed an orthopaedic oncology fellowship at UF from 2020 to 2021. This was followed by a spine surgery fellowship at the University of Colorado in Denver from 2021 to 2022.

Taking advantage of technology

Many people aren’t aware of how important artificial intelligence has become in the operating room. Utilizing the latest technology has been crucial as UF Health creates a spine center of excellence.

Among the most common spine procedures being performed are spinal decompressions, spinal fusions, lumbar and cervical procedures, and microdiscectomies, which is surgery to treat herniated lumbar discs.

AI assistance in surgery planning continues to evolve and has progressed significantly in just the last few years. The use of AI has increased successful outcomes and in spine fusion surgery, it allows for highly accurate alignment according to each individual patient’s anatomy.

“We employ top-of-the-line technology called the O-arm™ surgical imaging system to execute the preplanned surgery with a high level of precision. The O-arm™ creates 3-dimensional images using a CT scan and with the help of AI. It helps us perform the surgery with more accuracy and to place hardware—including cages, screws and rods—in a very precise manner, which increases the odds of successful surgery, reduces complications and improves patient outcomes,” explains Dr. Zarezadeh.

Not only does this technology shorten time in the operating room, it also enables surgeons to safely perform more complex procedures with a reduced risk of complications. The precision of placement of hardware directly contributes to better outcomes for patients.

As with all technology, advancements are

ongoing. In the recent past, some spine surgeries were not even possible or were much riskier before navigation technology became available.

“We are now using the 8th generation of the O-arm™ and stealth navigation, so it’s been evolving. The current version is the most advanced and up to date,” says Dr. Zarezadeh.

“This technology has been used across the nation in top notch spine surgery programs. We are moving shoulder to shoulder with these programs with all the technology we have available in our operating rooms at the UF Health Spanish

Plaines Hospital in the Villages,” he notes.

In addition to the O-arm™, UF Health has the latest CT scans and MRI machines. This provides the ability to take full length spine x-rays from neck to pelvis, which is very important when evaluating alignment of the spine.

When back or neck pain is so debilitating that it impacts quality of life, surgery may be the answer, but of course, not everyone who makes an appointment at the spine center will require surgery. For many patients, advanced medical, interventional, minimally invasive options and addressing risk

strategies to successfully address the pain at its source starts with a correct diagnosis.

factors can drastically improve or eliminate pain without surgery.

“We provide comprehensive spine care, surgical and nonsurgical treatments based on a patient’s needs. If all the nonoperative measures fail, then surgery becomes an option, but most of the time we have good success treating back and neck pain without surgery by using therapy, epidural injections, and lifestyle modifications,” says Dr. Zarezadeh, adding that the UF Health team is well-versed in the

latest and most effective methods currently available.

He points out that a major benefit of coming to a UF Health facility is that patients can be connected to providers across the entire UF Health system when interdisciplinary care is needed.

Common issues

Spine-related back or neck pain may be caused by a single incident or a complex condition. Determining the best treatment

“We’ve all heard horror stories about patients who have had spine surgery and still have pain, but when we can successfully identify the source of the pain and use an appropriate treatment plan to address that, the patient will have a successful outcome,” says Dr. Zarezadeh.

Patients come to UF Health for a variety of chronic and complex spine disorders, including:

• Degenerative conditions

• Spinal stenosis

• Spinal deformities

• Spinal fractures

• Spinal tumors and oncology

Among the most common spine problems Dr. Zarezadeh treats are cervical and lumbar degeneration, and compression fractures.

“Overall spine degenerative conditions are from normal wear-and-tear that happen when you live long enough.

Some people are genetically predisposed to cervical and lumbar degeneration so we can’t control that, but other factors can be controlled,” says Dr. Zarezadeh.

Certain risk factors can deteriorate the condition of the spine and may cause pain and instability. Whenever possible, patients should modify those risk factors.

For example, smoking and excess weight impact the progression of spine degeneration.

“It’s always beneficial to stop smoking and address body weight. The sooner you do, the sooner you will experience benefits,” says Dr. Zarezadeh. “If you wait until your 70s or 80s to address these risk factors, you can’t really expect big changes, but if you make lifestyle changes early on, this can be a big help to spine health.”

Compression fractures in the older patient population are often associated with osteoporosis and low-energy trauma, such as falls.

Osteoporosis is more common in women because of hormonal changes after menopause, but men also experience changes in bone health as they age. Many men don’t realize this is a risk factor.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for osteoporosis to prevent osteoporotic fractures in women 65 years or older. In younger women with pre-existing risk factors, this should be done at an earlier age.

Appropriate medical treatment should follow based on test results. The current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for osteoporosis to prevent osteoporotic fractures in men.

“If someone has advanced osteoporosis, appropriate treatment should be used. For lowgrade osteoporosis, like osteopenia, it’s important to take vitamins, calcium and make sure to include a good level of non-contact activity exercise. Vitamin D is very helpful for bone health. Even spending 15 to 30 minutes a day outside getting sun exposure will help increase your Vitamin D levels,” says Dr. Zarezadeh.

Advice to patients

Concerned about your spine health? It’s wise to take a proactive approach.

As Dr. Zarezadeh points out, we have no control over some conditions, such as infections, tumors, or accidents. That’s why it’s important to control the things we can to help preserve spine health.

• Keep moving – Maintain a level of healthy activity that promotes core strength, flexibility and proper alignment. Make daily exercise a routine. It can be as simple as walking 15 -20 minutes or swimming.

• Strengthen and stretch –Incorporate routine stretching and strengthening exercises, focusing on the legs and back, to significantly reduce the frequency and intensity of back and neck pain. A good stretching program can help prevent worsening of degenerative spine conditions.

• Maintain a healthy weight –Excess body weight causes strain on the spine and accelerates degenerative conditions, so strive to maintain a healthy weight for your height and age.

• Pay attention to posture and ergonomics –When sitting, your back should be straight not leaning forward or with shoulders hunched. Sit tall and relax your shoulders. If you work at a desk, your monitor should be at eye level. Arms and knees should be at a 90-degree level.

“I’ve had patients with advanced degenerative conditions of the cervical and lumbar spine who experienced signi cant improvement by having a simple routine of neck and back strengthening and stretching exercises,” says Dr. Zarezadeh. “It’s never too late to start, but obviously, the sooner you start, the more e ective and preventative these measures can be.”

Book your appointment

Dealing with back or neck pain? Call the CareConnect Center to speak with patient navigators who can answer your questions and book an appointment. Same day or next day appointments are usually available.

—ALI ZAREZADEH,

THE HOLIDAY

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is committed to protecting everyone travelling on our roadways and providing the best information to travel safely.

Follow these tips to help ensure safe traveling this Thanksgiving:

BUCKLE UP! Every time you get in a vehicle, no matter where you are sitting, buckle up. That click reduces your risk of being injured or killed in a crash by almost 50 percent.

OBSERVE AND OBEY ALL SPEED LIMITS. Speed limits may change as you drive through different types of roadways, so make sure you adjust your speed accordingly.

NEVER DRIVE DROWSY. Do not drive when you are tired. It is risky to drive drowsy because fatigue can significantly slow down your thought process and reaction time.

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Dedicated team leaders help make Business Techs, Inc. Central Florida’s trusted equipment service provider.

Your business depends on all office equipment running smoothly and efficiently. From printers to copiers and scanners, Business Techs, Inc. has been the leading equipment service provider in Central Florida since 1991.

Whether you lease or purchase equipment, when problems arise, you need reliable service and you need it fast. With a guaranteed response time of 4 hours, Business Tech’s average response time is just 1.5 hours. Owner Beau Franklin has assembled an expert team that goes above and beyond to exceed customer expectations. Business Techs Inc. is proud to feature five of their stand-out leaders, who help make the company the best local provider for office equipment service.

“WE DEVELOP RELATIONSHIPS WITH OUR CUSTOMERS, AND THE BUSINESS

ADAM THOMAS TECHNICIAN / 8.5 YEARS

Adam started as a dispatcher and has grown with the company to become not only a quality technician but a natural leader. “This is the first job I stayed with long-term because I really love the company,” he says. “I love who I work with and the comradery; it’s just a great place to work.” He enjoys being out in the community and tries to keep a positive attitude because when a piece of equipment breaks down it can be

stressful. “I try to ease the situation so when I leave it’s a lot better than when I got there.” He also goes the extra mile and stayed on-site to help with 350 payroll checks right before Hurricane Milton. “If it helps just to ease their stress and I don’t mind because it’s what we do.” Adam lives in Fruitland Park and when he isn’t solving local printer issues, he travels to state parks with his wife and three young boys.

JACOB FRANKLIN SERVICE TECHNICIAN / 6.5 YEARS

Service tech Jacob worked at Business Techs Inc. during his high school summers and came aboard full-time in 2019. Since then, he has been focused on the service side of things, fixing

equipment for all types of businesses. Trained in Atlanta and Sharp Gold certified, Jacob not only has the expertise but the experience to know that adding the monthly contract is crucial to keeping the machines in the best condition. “Parts and labor can get expensive if you aren’t covered and because we care, that’s what makes us different,” he says. “Our customer

LEAH

LEE

SERVICE DISPATCHER / 3 YEARS

A transplant from Daytona Beach, Leah’s official title is “service dispatcher” but her strength is the ability to jump in where needed. She is the friendly voice on the other end of the line who is there to help. Her bubbly personality is often a lifeline

where I can be helpful,” she says. “People will call me with a machine down and I will do whatever it takes to get somebody there quickly.”

ANGIE BOLIEK ACCOUNT MANAGER & SYSTEMS SUPPORT 20 YEARS

For the past two decades, Angie Boliek has used her skill sets to handle sales, installation, tech support and customer service. Her ability to troubleshoot and fix many problems remotely is vital.

“Having worked in a large corporate office before, it’s really been a blessing to be part of a small, locally owned business. We develop relationships with our customers, and the business feels more personal,” says Angie. “When customers call, they know someone local is answering the phone. They know they can rely on us and that we’ll be there the same day to handle their issues. Other tech companies aren’t from the area, so customers can wait days for service.”

She adds that there are times where people are stressed and it’s as easy as a toner change

and she is happy she can help.“When they hang up I know I have made their day.” Leah lives in Fruitland Park and when she isn’t on the phone or dispatching, she loves to find bargains or browse the local farmer’s markets with her 2-year-old daughter Ivory.

JENNIFER RAYSIN OFFICE MANAGER / 17 YEARS

When someone calls Business Techs, Jennifer is often their first point of contact. In addition to communicating with customers on a daily basis, she handles all billing and accounts. She values being a key part of the family-oriented business that puts customers first.

“Some issues can be fixed remotely, but we also have service technicians working in the field to replace parts or make repairs. When a customer needs service on their machine, we plan to be there within a 4-hour response time, so they’re back up and running in a timely manner,” says Jennifer, noting that repeat customers are a big part of their business.

Customers can either buy or lease equipment, but leasing is common

A Volusia County native, Angie and her husband Chad have four children, aged 9 to 27. “When we’re not working, you’ll find us doing football and baseball with our younger kids,” says Angie.

because this allows them to have the most updated technology.

Originally from Maine, Jennifer has lived in Central Florida since childhood. She and her husband Michael call Fruitland Park home.

TAX STRATEGY

QUESTIONS WITH:

Nathan Workman

Director of Legal and Tax Strategy for Chandler Wealth, which provides estate planning, tax strategy, investment management and more. A licensed attorney with two decades of tax experience, Nathan incorporates his legal insight and investment expertise when advising clients.

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON TAX MISTAKES RETIREES MAKE?

A: #1 Going to the wrong source for advice.

Tax preparers and tax planners have different focuses. Most tax preparers focus on your current tax year, while a tax planner looks at how your investment decisions will impact your future. A tax preparer might advise you on the tax impact of converting a traditional IRA to a Roth but might not have the tools to calculate the optimal path of how much to convert each year over the next decade to maximize potential tax savings.

At Chandler Wealth Management, we do both tax planning and

preparation, which makes us unique. Using our expertise and specialized software, we can run the math on different strategies to see what results in the best outcome for your situation. Our tools model what your net worth and tax obligations are likely to be in future years, allowing us to make changes today to avoid problems before they occur.

A: #2 Misunderstanding benefits and consequences.

All financial decisions involve a balancing act. The more money you make, the more taxes you generally

“GOOD TAX PLANNING REQUIRES CRUNCHING THE NUMBERS AND BUILDING A CUSTOMIZED STRATEGY FOR YOUR UNIQUE CIRCUMSTANCES.”

owe. However, hyperfocusing on minimizing taxes can lead to bad decisions that negatively impact investment performance. Everyone’s goal should be to pay the least amount of tax on the most amount of gain. Would you rather pay a 5% tax rate on $500,000 of income or a 10% tax rate on $1,000,000 of income? The tax efficiency of planning strategies is measured in how they impact the client’s net return after taxes, not just how they reduce marginal or effective tax rate.

A: #3 Thinking a strategy that worked for someone else will work for you.

People read articles online and conclude that the information applies to their tax situation, but there’s very little tax advice applicable to the general population. Strategies change as frequently as the tax code. What was true in 2020 may not be in 2025. Sometimes the same strategy causes one client to pay more in taxes and another to pay less in taxes due to differences in the types of assets and eligibility for deductions. Good tax planning requires crunching the numbers and building a customized strategy for your unique circumstances.

855.667.4752 www.chandlerwm.com

BEING LOCAL, HOW DOES SAVAGE ENGAGE WITH THE COMMUNITY?

A: Next time you’re at a local youth sporting event, take look around at the banners on the fence, the sponsor names on the jerseys and the businesses on the score cards. You’re not going to see the names of national corporate businesses. The names you see are the local businesses making it happen and pouring back into the community. We’re helping build future generations by supporting the same people who trust and hire us to perform work at their homes.

There are only a handful of locally-owned roofing companies left in this area. We’ve ganged up together to fight the good fight, such as contributing as a group to the Lake Cares Food Pantry Summer Children’s Feeding Program. We’ve even donated free roofs to local residents in need.

This area is our home. It’s not just business. This is personal to us, and we genuinely care about the health of this community.

“SAVAGE ROOFING IS LOCALLY OWNED, AND WE BUILD LOCAL RELATIONSHIPS.”

Patrick Scheidler ROOFING

QUESTIONS WITH:

Patrick has worked in the roofing industry for 20 years and started Savage Roofing in 2023. The veteran-owned company specializes in every aspect of residential and commercial roofing and serves all of Central Florida.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO HIRE A LOCALLY-OWNED COMPANY LIKE SAVAGE ROOFING?

A: There’s a myriad of reasons why buying local is important to the consumer and the local economy. Not only are you supporting locally-owned businesses that are here to stay for the long haul, but you’re giving that business the ability to keep serving you today and in the future.

The roofing industry in central Florida is rapidly being taken over by out-of-state private equity companies. They’re buying up local roofing businesses and corporatizing them, which takes the focus off customer service, craftsmanship and community engagement and makes it purely about the bottom line. Customers see

the same name and don’t realize it’s no longer a locally-owned company. These equity companies don’t have to see their customers at the grocery store or run into you at the gas station. They don’t have a personal reputation to uphold with their customers; they get to hide behind a corporate veil.

Savage Roofing is locally owned, and we build local relationships. I was raised here, live here and plan to retire here. We’re not going anywhere. Our goal with every customer is to be their roofer for life. Many of our customers have become close friends.

KITCHEN AND BATH REMODELING QUESTIONS WITH:

Todd Wood

Owner of Wood Kitchen and Bath LLC, which specializes in kitchen and bathroom renovations using only the highest quality products and outstanding craftsmanship. Todd and his wife Monica, who is office manager, are proud of their secondgeneration family business that has served homeowners in Lake, Sumter, Citrus and Marion counties since 2018.

WHAT SETS WOOD KITCHEN AND BATH LLC APART FROM THE COMPETITION?

A: We have five design professionals that have a combined 90 years of experience in the field. We have years of straight 5-star business reviews because we set high standards and adhere to them. In addition to selling hand-selected, high-quality product lines, we show up on time and keep our customers informed throughout the entire remodel process.

We’re a one-stop shop for kitchen and bathroom remodeling. We cover the design, ordering and installation of all tile, cabinetry, counter tops, drywall, and painting. Legally, we can’t do plumbing or electric, but for these aspects of the job we work with trusted trade

partners, all of which are vetted, licensed and insured.

We handle everything from start to finish and assign a project coordinator for every job. Our full-time project coordinator is in the field every day double checking that the tradesmen are doing what needs to be done and inspecting that work is completed to our standards to keep things moving on schedule.

Word of mouth from previous customers and our 5-star Google reviews are how we get 85 percent of our work. The other 15 percent are repeat customers coming back to have another project done.

WHAT SHOULD I CONSIDER WHEN LOOKING INTO A KITCHEN OR BATHROOM REMODEL?

A: #1 What is your budget? #2 What do you not like about your current kitchen or bathroom? #3 What conveniences are you missing now that you’d like to incorporate in a remodel?

We recommend people come into the showroom, which is set up with many features so we can show customers the function and convenience of different items. Each wood species has a different finish, and different colors are also available. There are literally thousands of choices when it comes to colors, wood species and cabinet door styles.

When you come into our showroom and talk with our design experts, we provide a free design. You can view the 20/20 CAD design on our showroom’s big screen TV, so you’ll see every feature of what your new kitchen or bathroom can look like. This design and estimate are free, making it easy to choose a design that fits your lifestyle.

We encourage people to visit our website to look at projects and our 5-star reviews. Then call to schedule an appointment to see us at the showroom where you’ll have our undivided attention.

“WE’RE A ONE-STOP SHOP FOR KITCHEN AND BATHROOM REMODELING.”

WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR KITCHEN DESIGN TRENDS HOMEOWNERS ARE ASKING FOR RIGHT NOW?

A: In The Villages specifically, homeowners are getting rid of raised bar tops and batwing walls to have a more open concept and spacious feel. They’re putting in larger rectangular islands to add functionality and storage space.

Mixing paint and wood finishes is also popular, such as combining wood cabinets with a painted island. Kitchens aren’t just one color anymore. Lighttoned woods are making a big comeback. White kitchens aren’t going away, but instead of bright whites, we’re seeing softer, more creamy “antique” whites. Blues are also big now.

HOW DO YOU PROTECT A SHOWER LONG-TERM AGAINST WATER AND MOLD ISSUES?

A: About 35 percent of the bathrooms we remodel are due to mold and water penetration due to improper installation. We’ve done hundreds of bathrooms that are water damaged because of improperly installed showers. The bathroom is the fastest-deteriorating room in any home, which is why it’s so important to use the right products.

We only use Schluter®-KERDI Shower System, which eliminates the potential for leakage, efflorescence, and mold growth in your showers, and can give up to a lifetime warranty when installed by a licensed professional.

“ALL CABINETS ARE CUSTOM ORDERED TO YOUR SPACE AND NEEDS.”

WHAT TIMELINES SHOULD HOMEOWNERS EXPECT?

A: For kitchen remodels, it’s typically 5 to 6 weeks from signing the contract to the start of the job. All cabinets are custom orders, which allows us to customize the cabinets to your space and give you exactly what you’re looking for. We do not carry stock cabinets. Your cabinets have to be ordered, manufactured and shipped to us. We don’t start a job until we have your cabinet order in stock. Once we start on a kitchen job, it’s usually 4 to 5 weeks until the remodel is complete. For bathroom remodels, it’s typically just 4 to 6 days from start to completion, depending on the scale of the job.

Wood Kitchen and Bath, LLC

469 S. Croft Ave. Inverness 8590 E. County Rd. 466 Suite A, The Villages 352.566.3210 www.woodkitchenandbath.com

HOME HEALTH CARE QUESTIONS WITH:

Kathy Harrison, RN, BSN

Regional Director of Business Development, Visiting Nurse Association of Florida

WHY CHOOSE VNA OF FLORIDA FOR HOME HEALTH CARE?

A: As a licensed home health agency, we deliver compassionate, high-quality care with hands-on oversight of our caregivers. Our team members are carefully hired, trained, and managed to meet the rigorous professional standards set by Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). Families can trust that their loved ones are in expert hands.

WHAT SETS VNA OF FLORIDA CAREGIVERS APART FROM OTHERS IN THE INDUSTRY?

A: Our caregivers undergo rigorous tests, interviews, fingerprinting, and background checks at the local, state, and federal levels. They also receive ongoing competency evaluations and work closely with each patient’s physician to deliver personalized, professional care tailored to each individual’s needs.

HOW DOES VNA OF FLORIDA SUPPORT PATIENTS WHO WANT TO STAY INDEPENDENT AT HOME?

A: VNA of Florida helps patients maintain their independence with a comprehensive range of personalized home health services, including skilled nursing, therapy, care management, and specialized programs. Our private duty care offers compassionate, one-on-one support such as companionship, personal care, meal assistance, and memory care monitoring—tailored to each individual’s unique needs. By combining professional medical care with everyday assistance, we empower patients to live safely and comfortably in their own homes.

HOW DOES VNA OF FLORIDA GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY?

A: Since 1987, our Visiting Nurse Foundation has been dedicated to improving community health. The Foundation has provided over $3 million in free healthcare, including free care through our mobile medical clinic, which has served the community for more than 18 years. We also donate medical supplies and essential items to those in need, fund scholarships for students pursuing nursing careers, and lead education and outreach programs that promote wellness and improve health outcomes.

HOW DOES VNA OF FLORIDA ENSURE SAFETY AND RELIABILITY?

A: Safety and reliability come first for us. Every employee completes thorough Level 2 state and federal background checks before joining our team. Ongoing supervision and training make sure our caregivers consistently deliver the highest quality care. Our hands-on skills lab gives caregivers practical preparation before they start working in homes. As a licensed agency, our caregivers are employees—not independent contractors. They work directly under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) and follow strict professional and ethical standards.

WHY TRUST VNA OF FLORIDA FOR YOUR LOVED ONE’S CARE?

A: Choosing a home care provider is a big decision. With RN-managed, fully insured caregivers and a strong commitment to quality and safety, we offer care that families and physicians trust. To find out how our locally managed team can support you or your loved one, contact us today.

WHY DOES LOCAL DECISION-MAKING MATTER IN BANKING?

A: When it comes to banking, the term community bank gets used a lot. Some larger institutions adopt the label because they’re based in Florida or maintain a concentration of branches here. But for United Southern Bank (USB), community banking goes much deeper; it means decisions are made by people who live, work, and invest in the same neighborhoods as their customers. And that can have a huge impact on customer experience and outcomes.

At USB, lending and business decisions are guided by leaders and board members who have spent most of their lives in Lake, Sumter,

Jason McCray

and Marion Counties. They know the challenges and opportunities unique to this region because they experience them firsthand. That local knowledge allows USB to tailor solutions to fit individual customers’ needs. Customers can expect more flexibility and creative problem solving from USB bankers and lenders because they are not under the same generic policy constraints dictated by a broader market possibly hundreds of miles away.

I believe understanding the needs of local businesses and residents is essential to serving them appropriately. I’m a graduate of

Leesburg High School, and I’ve lived in the area for nearly 40 years. I have worked in the banking industry here locally since 2004, and most of that time I have been involved in commercial lending. I’ve seen the area grow substantially over the years, and I like to think I have a good handle on what is going on in the market. This perspective helps me respond faster and offer more customize solutions while building meaningful relationships with my clients.

I enjoy building relationships that help local individuals and businesses succeed. It is rewarding to ride down the road and see projects that I have been involved in, or to run into customers at the grocery store, local events or church. Some of the people I work with I’ve known since middle school. It is incredibly fulfilling to be a small part of their success.

Local decision-making matters because it keeps banking personal, responsive, and invested in the same future as its customers. At USB, our commitment to community isn’t just a slogan, it’s a way of doing business.

(352) 771-2421

nov. 2025

Lake County

Sat. 11/8: Leesburg

Veterans Day Parade

Downtown Leesburg, Main Street / 11am

Sat. 11/8: Clermont

Veterans Day Parade

Downtown Clermont, Montrose St. / 10am

CELEBRATE VETERANS AT EVENTS THROUGHOUT LAKE AND SUMTER COUNTIES.

Sat. 11/8: Clermont

Veterans Day Tribute Ceremony and Car Show Highlander Building and Pavilion Complex, Waterfront Park / 12pm

Mon. 11/10: Tavares

Veterans Wall Dedication at the Lake County Courthouse / 9am

Mon. 11/10: Altoona

American Legion Post 21 Ceremony McTureous Memorial / 10am

Mon. 11/10:

Salute to Veterans Festival

Downtown Eustis Ferran Park / Fun Run at 8:30am / Sky jump at 9am / Parade at 1pm / Ceremony at 2pm

Fri. 11/14: Groveland 2nd Friday Block Party and Veterans Day Ceremony

Downtown Groveland, Lake David Park / 5pm Sumter County

Mon. 11/10: Webster Elementary

Veterans Performance Webster Elementary School / 9am

Tues. 11/11: The Villages

Veterans Ceremony Veterans Memorial Park, Spanish Springs, Lady Lake / 10am

FESTIVAL

FaireTheeWell

Jousting knights, lively music, roaming jesters, artisan markets and hearty feasts bring the 1600’s to life at the Lady of the Lakes Renaissance Faire Step into a world of pageantry, laughter and adventure with performers, storytellers and interactive games for all ages. This immersive festival unfolds in a wooded “shire” filled with costumes, comedy and merriment. Proceeds benefit the Educational Foundation of Lake County.

28598 Lady of the Lakes Avenue, Tavares / lakerenfaire.com / 10am-5pm daily

CARBS & HYDRATE

Pancake Palooza comes to Leesburg Towne Square once again! Saturday kicks off with the Flapjack 5K, a 3.1-mile run/walk starting at 9am after onsite check-in at 8am. Next, indulge in pancakes, brunch favorites, food trucks and festive drinks while you enjoy live music.

Leesburg Towne Square / Leesburg Special Events 352.365.0053 / SpecialEvents@leesburgflorida.gov / 8am-1pm

ONGOING EVENTS

Events

NOV 22

LIGHTEN UP

Light Up Mount Dora takes place Saturday from 5:30 to 9pm in downtown Mount Dora, where Donnelly Park, Elizabeth Evans Park and Sunset Park will be transformed by thousands of sparkling holiday lights. The evening features live entertainment, food vendors and a dazzling drone show to mark the start of the holiday season. Families can stroll the parks, enjoy music and meet Santa while taking in the illuminated townscape.

530 North Donnelly St., Mount Dora / 352.735.7174 / visitmountdora.com

nov. ONSTAGE

Enjoy quality entertainment on the many stages of Lake and Sumter counties.

BEDFORD CALLS

November 14-December 14

George Bailey’s story comes alive in this heartwarming stage adaptation of the beloved holiday classic in a joyful tradition the whole family will cherish. It’s a Wonderful Life: The Musical presents soaring songs and a timeless message to remind us that every life touches countless others. From Bedford Falls to the bridge on Christmas Eve, audiences join George, Mary, Clarence and the townspeople in rediscovering the true meaning of friendship, hope and second chances.

The Sonnentag Theatre at the Ice House 1100 North Unser St., Mount Dora / 352.383.4616 / icehousetheatre.com

ONGOING EVENTS

GETTING THE SAK

November 29

Get ready to laugh until it hurts when the quick-witted performers of Orlando’s legendary SAK Comedy Lab take the stage at Clermont Performing Arts Center. The troupe known for high-energy, fully improvised shows, creates scenes, characters and songs on the spot, all inspired by audience suggestions. No two shows are ever the same, but every single one is packed with sharp humor, wild creativity and plenty of surprises.

Clermont Performing Arts Theatre 3700 S. Hwy. 27, Clermont / 352.394.4800 / clermontperformingarts.com / 7pm

nov.JAMS

Move to the beat of your favorite performers at these great concerts or local venues!

11/3 @ 3pm

JERSEY FRANK, EDNAS’ ON THE GREEN

The Villages, Wildwood

11/5 @ 11am

SANDRA & ALEX LEKID

Ednas’ on the Green, The Villages, Wildwood

11/6 @ 7pm

CENTER STAGE

The Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale

11/7 @ 7pm

FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE

The Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale

11/8 @ 7pm

CRUSH-BON JOVI TRIBUTE

The Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale

11/9 @ 3pm

ORLANDO CONCERT

BAND’S SALUTE TO AMERICA’S VETERANS

Clermont Performing Arts Center

11/9 @ 7pm

CLASSIC COUNTRY

Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale

11/10 @ 11am

THE MUDDS

Ednas’ on the Green, The Villages, Wildwood

11/12 @ 3pm

BIG BAD DUO

Ednas’ on the Green, The Villages, Wildwood 11/13 @ 4pm

DALE STUMBO

Ednas’ on the Green, The Villages, Wildwood 11/14 @ 7pm

PIANO MEN: GENERATIONS

The Sharon, The Villages

11/15 @ 7pm

PIANO MEN: GENERATIONS

Clermont Performing Arts Center, Clermont

11/15 @ 7pm

A MAN NAMED CASH-

TRIBUTE TO JOHNNY CASH

The Sharon, The Villages 11/15 @ 7pm

SOUL SACRIFICESANTANA TRIBUTE

The Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale 11/16 @ 7pm

TRIBUTE TO BOB SEGER

Whispering Oaks Winery, Oxford

11/17 @ 12pm

HE SAID, SHE SAID

Ednas’ on the Green, The Villages, Wildwood

11/18 @ 3p

TIM HARGIS

Ednas’ on the Green, The Villages, Wildwood

11/19 @ 3pm

BLUE STONE CIRCLE

Ednas’ on the Green, The Villages, Wildwood 11/21 @ 7pm

COMPLETELY UNCHAINED, THE ULTIMATE VAN HALEN TRIBUTE

Clermont Performing Arts Center, Clermont

11/21 @ 7pm

VILLAGES PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA: HANDEL’S THE MESSIAHS

The Sharon, The Villages 11/22 @ 2:30 & 7pm

THE ROCKET MAN SHOW

The Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale

11/23 @ 12pm

NICOLE EQUERME

Ednas’ on the Green, The Villages, Wildwood

11/28 @ 12pm

SHELBY LAUREN

Ednas’ on the Green, The Villages, Wildwood

11/29 @ 2:30 & 7pm

JOHNNY WILD CHRISTMAS

EXTRAVAGANZA

The Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale

11/30 @ 2:30pm

THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS SHOW

The Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale

ONGOING EVENTS

Events are subject to change and cancellation.

SpinningMagic

Fiber arts spun from whimsical imagination.

STORY: CYNTHIA MCFARLAND ≈ PHOTO: NICOLE HAMEL

usan Cossette spins her own yarn and creates wearable art from natural bers in a studio named for her hometown. In her talented hands,

with teaching her to knit and do crewelwork as a child.

She graduated from the Bridgeport Hospital School of Nursing in 1978 and became a nurse at age 21.

Gardening, canning, sewing and creating were part of everyday life after Susan married and had two children. She also opened a

“THERE’S SOMETHING VERY SATISFYING ABOUT CREATING SOMETHING WITH YOUR HANDS OUT OF RAW MATERIALS.”

—SUSAN

In 2007, she found her dream job working at Women to Women Health Care Center in Yarmouth, Maine. Susan was introduced to the magic of ber creations while living in Maine.

“In 2008, my friend Sharon and I went to Common Ground Fair, which is where I discovered

the spinning tent. There I met a woman making crocheted hats from ber she had processed and dyed herself,” Susan recalls.

She left the fair with an armload of alpaca eece. Within weeks, she bought a spinning wheel on Craigslist and taught herself to spin after watching YouTube videos. She learned to dye wool through trial and error, rst using Kool Aid because the citric acid helps the dye adhere to the wool.

Susan moved to Florida in 2015 and has lived in The Villages since 2017. Of course, she brought all her eeces and bers with her and soon connected with like-minded crafters.

In her Pine Rock Park Studio, she spins and processes her own wool to incorporate into her ber creations.

“I made my rst felted scarves and hats after moving here, and also began Nuno felting, which is a combination of wool and silk,” she explains. “I love the three-dimensional aspect of felt projects.”

Susan has been a vendor at craft fairs in The Villages since 2018. She has a display booth at Gary Lee Sligh Fabric Studio in Leesburg and also teaches felting.

“There’s something very satisfying about creating something with your hands out of raw materials,” says Susan.

https://www.facebook.com/ blendingboardSusan (Reach out on Facebook if you’re interested in felting classes.)

Know of a talented person in our community? Email their story to editorial@akersmediagroup.com.

GEARED UP FOR SCHOOL

@ LEESBURG ≈ PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL

Lake County families gathered at Gator Harley-Davidson in Leesburg last August for a day of fun, food and back-to-school support. The event hosted in partnership with Next Level MC Tampa Chapter drew crowds of kids eager for free book bags (to the rst 250), fresh haircuts and school physicals o ered on-site. DJ K-Dogg kept the energy high while food trucks, games and a bike show judged by kids rounded out the afternoon. Volunteers, school sta and the biker community worked side by side, proving how powerful it can be when local groups link arms to support families.

Who do you

TRUST?

Taking charge of your financial future can be daunting, but the Trust & Investment team at First National Bank of Mount Dora can help give you the confidence and advice to succeed. Whether you need to plan for retirement, roll over an existing retirement account, develop an investment or savings program, or protect wealth through trusts or estate planning, we can help

PETS, PRIZES AND PUPPY LOVE

@ LEESBURG ≈ PHOTOS: GINA HORAN

Professional Drive in Leesburg was brimming with fur, fun and community spirit as Purrfect Paws & Claws Animal Hospital celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting hosted by the Leesburg Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Anne Valdes, owner and medical director, welcomed guests alongside her team, many of whom relocated from Miami to join her. Attendees enjoyed bites from food trucks including Chikiz Empanadaditas and Simple Eats and Treat, browsed vendor tables and lined up for ra es sponsored by Hill’s Science Diet and Orlando Cat Café. Pets posed for sel es at the photo booth while rescue groups and community partners shared the spotlight during a true celebration of care, compassion and connection.

A FIRM FOUNDATION

@ MOUNT DORA ≈ PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL

The Sabatini Law Firm marked the opening of its new Mount Dora o ce with a reception catered by Pisces Rising in which local leaders were among 85 guests who welcomed Sabatini to the neighborhood. Anthony and Francheska Sabatini hosted the event in the restored E. 1st Ave. space. Attendees included Astatula Mayor Zane Teeters, Howey-in-the-Hills

Councilman Jon Arnold, Groveland Councilwoman Judith Fike, Edgewater Mayor Diezel Depew, Lake County Water Authority member Gavin Rollins and Rick Rojas of the Home Builders Association of Lake County and former state Senator Carey Baker.

SelectingtheRight HealthPlanGoesBeyond ComparingBenefits

Aging well starts with small, thoughtful decisions, and everything from meal choices to medical care can make a difference. But selecting a health plan is not always straightforward.

f you’re struggling to understand your options, you’re not alone. In fact, studies show that 70% of Medicare eligible individuals don’t compare their plans during annual enrollment period (AEP). Without accurate information, it’s easy to end up with unexpected expenses, coverage gaps, and unfortunate surprises.

CONFIRM PROVIDER ACCEPTANCE & AVOID UNNECESSARY CHALLENGES & DISRUPTIONS

An important but often overlooked step in the decision-making process is con rming you have the right doctors. If you’re unsure of your options, call your physician’s o ce or seek help from a bene ts consultant.

GET TO KNOW YOUR COVERAGE

The insurance world is laden with acronyms, from HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) to PPO (Preferred Provider Organization). While you may not always know the di erence, understanding how health plans work can help you choose the right one for your needs.

MEDICARE ADVANTAGE VS. MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT PLANS

If you’re 65 or older and Medicare eligible, it’s essential to understand the di erences between Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans.

Medicare Advantage (MA) is an allin-one alternative to Original Medicare o ered by private insurers. These plans often include prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, hearing, and wellness bene ts. They operate more like traditional managed care plans (like HMOs or PPOs), and you typically must use the plan’s network of doctors and hospitals. If you go out-of-network, your care may not be fully covered, or you’ll pay more.

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans work alongside Original Medicare (Parts A and B). These plans may allow you to see any provider who accepts Medicare nationwide, with no network restrictions. They may also help pay for out-of-pocket costs like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. But unlike Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement plans often don’t include extras such as vision, hearing, dental or drug coverage. You’ll need to purchase a standalone Part D plan for prescriptions.

QUALITY CARE FOR A QUALITY LIFE

Although there are pros and cons to weigh, think about your priorities when making your healthcare decisions. Consider coverage and any medication you need. Compare total costs, not just premiums, and research the plan’s reputation. Patients of The Villages Health enjoy the ease of comprehensive care and the convenience of onsite lab work and X-rays, in-house specialists, less wait time and longer visits with providers. Thousands of patients have shared their experiences online to help others understand how the unique care model complements their lifestyle and

exceeds their expectations. We invite you to read Google reviews, schedule a tour, or visit our website to explore our services at TheVillagesHealth.com.

The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) takes place each year from October 15 to December 7. If you’re Medicare eligible, this is the time to review your options and choose the insurance plan and provider that best supports your health and lifestyle. If you’re already enrolled in Medicare and have an established provider, AEP gives you a chance to re-evaluate your current coverage and make sure it still meets your needs. Life changes, and your coverage should re ect that. To learn more, register for a free Medicare Simpli ed class at: thevillageshealth.com/medclass.

As you consider your options, please double-check that any plan changes will continue to include your current primary care provider (PCP) and the care team you trust. Maintaining continuity of care is key to staying healthy and feeling supported. If you have any questions, give us a call or schedule a tour to see how The Villages Health ts your needs.

TheVillagesHealth.com 352-706-5022

SPORTS HUB

STUDENTS COACHES TEAMS

MIKAH ROACH

Umatilla High Senior Champions Hard Work and Teamwork.

STORY: KYLE COPPOLA ≈ PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL

matilla High School senior Mikah Roach has made a name for herself as one of the school’s brightest stars (5.12 GPA), cheering on the sidelines, cutting through the water at swim meets and leading student ministries at church.

Mikah, who serves on the student leadership team at First Baptist Church of Umatilla, recently returned from a two-week leadership conference tour through Europe.

Mikah embraces opportunities to grow. That’s why she enrolled in Umatilla High’s rigorous Cambridge Advanced International Certi cate of Education (AICE) Diploma program, an international curriculum and examination program that prepares students to enter college and provides them with skills required to be successful once there. It also o ers students the opportunity to tailor their needs to their individual interests, abilities and future plans within an international curriculum framework.

“I love the teachers at Umatilla High School,” Mikah says. “They take great pride in us as students and don’t

just view us as numbers. That’s due to the leadership of Principal Brent

triplets Seth, Nate, and Gracelyn, all born prematurely and now thriving time, I did it because I love it and always will.

HERLY BRUTUS

Leading The Villages with quiet confidence and big goals.

STORY: KYLE COPPOLA ≈ PHOTO: NICOLE HAMEL

something that helped him through a di cult time.

“I remember rst coming to The Villages. I was struggling, the schoolwork was piling up and my grades were slipping,” Herly says. “One day in the locker room during a team meeting, I just broke down and started crying. Just then, I felt my brothers, my teammates put their arms around me and embrace me. That moment really helped me get back on track. Now I have a 3.9 GPA and I am in very good academic standing.”

Herly also has advice to young players: “Believe in yourself and, above all, believe in God. He has a plan for you and will show you the right path.”

Looking forward, Herly’s dream is to play in the NBA but his sights are also set on studying sports medicine at Louisiana State University where Herly has committed to play SEC basketball in 2026.

“I want to stay around sports and getting to the NBA is a primary focus, but I have plans for the future aside from sports, as well,” Herly adds.

As far as his goals this season, they are clear.

“Win the battle at The Villages Tournament, a District Championship, Regional Championship and an FHSAA State Championship. No team in VHS history has won a state championship. We want to be the rst,” Herly says.

BU LT WIN to

Wildwood coach builds champions one game at a time.

or Vincent Brown Sr., few experiences can match the adrenaline of walking through the tunnel at a college football national championship game.

As a member of the 2008 University of Florida football team, Brown remembers the surreal feeling of being part of history.

“There’s no way to describe it,” Brown says. “Walking out of that tunnel, seeing the lights ashing, playing in that game it’s something I’ll never forget.”

Brown grew up immersed in sports in Gainesville, where he competed at both Gainesville High and Eastside High. He developed a erce competitive streak early, one that carried him to the Gators’ 2008 championship season under Urban Meyer.

While many remember him as an athlete, Brown has been making his mark as a coach, mentor, and teacher at Wildwood Middle High School since arriving in 2020.

Brown has become one of the most in uential gures, shaping the culture of multiple athletic programs and helping rede ne what it means to compete at Wildwood.

Brown rst joined the school as a junior high basketball coach while also serving as a P.E. and weightlifting teacher. It didn’t take long for him to realize that changing the program meant starting with the players’ mentality.

“When I rst started here, the biggest thing was changing kids’ mindsets,” Brown says. “They might get down a touchdown and you’d think the game was already over. I wanted them to believe that being down didn’t mean you were out. You could ght back. You could come back. That was the biggest hurdle.”

He drew on lessons from his own upbringing. His father Vernell Brown remains one of his greatest in uences. “My father is still one of the hardestworking people I know,”

Brown says. “I’ve always tried to take that same mentality and pass it down to the kids I coach.”

Brown’s rst opportunity at Wildwood came with the junior varsity basketball team, but when the varsity girls’ basketball coach Ryan Harrison left, Brown was promoted to take over the program.

Last season, the Lady Wildcats went undefeated, posting a 25-0 record and winning the FHSAA girls’ rural basketball state championship. Brown says the title run was fueled by one of the most cohesive teams he has ever coached.

“It was one of the most close-knit teams I’ve ever had,” Brown says. “The kids were special, and they bought into everything we preached. Trinidy Harris stepped up as a leader, and she was one of the big reasons we were

“MY PHILOSOPHY IS SIMPLE: BE TOUGH, DOMINATE AND COMPETE. THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR HARD WORK. IF YOU WORK HARD, YOU CAN

able to do what we did. That girl is special and will do great things.”

Basketball success wasn’t the only mark Brown made at Wildwood. Three years ago, he helped launch a girls’ ag football program after seeing the enthusiasm students showed during a powder pu football game.

“The girls had so much fun with that game that we decided to start the team,” Brown says. “From there, it just took o .”

The program quickly gained traction, and in 2024 the Wildcats made it all the way to the state championship game, nishing as runner-up after falling just one play short of the title. Combined with the girls’ basketball season, Brown’s teams compiled a staggering 38-1 record in the 2024-’25 school year.

Brown often credits his time at Florida — particularly under Urban Meyer — for shaping his his approach. “My philosophy is simple: be tough, dominate and compete,” Brown says. “That’s what I learned at UF, and I’ve taken it with me to Sumter County. There is no substitute for hard work. If you work hard, you can expect greatness.”

For Brown, the real mission goes beyond wins and losses. He sees Wildwood Middle High School as a place where character is shaped

“This school has a great culture,” Brown says. “It’s a place where kids can compete in all aspects, whether on the eld or in the classroom. We have people here who care about these young people and want them to be the

Away from coaching, Brown values time with his family. He enjoys working out, watching his kids compete and staying involved

championships are great,” Brown says. “But the biggest thing is helping these kids understand what they’re capable of. That’s what

Rodello’s quality

is the first

ingredient.

odello’s Italian Restaurant in Leesburg is built on two promises: use only the best ingredients and take the time to prepare every dish the right way.

Executive Chef Amadeo Avila sources his our, pasta and tomatoes from Italy along with fresh meats and produce from Florida suppliers. Nothing is rushed because at Rodello’s, patience is part of the avor.

“We never compromise on the high quality of our ingredients,” Chef Amadeo says. “The preparation is everything and we don’t rush.” That same philosophy shapes how the sta collaborates with guests and with one another.

The menu opens with classic appetizers such as calamari, which is hand cut and breaded, arriving crisp and light. Chef Amadeo recommends the sampler platter so you can share and try a bit of everything.

Main courses showcase Chef Amadeo’s thoughtful twists on Italian classics. The Salmon Saltimbocca is tangy and sweet, the Chicken Marsala is marinated and nished with a silky

mushroom wine glaze, and the chef’s favorite Pistachio-crusted Lamb is cooked to perfection. Guests love the Mignon & Fiocchi as it blends pasta, cheese and tender let cooked to order.

Portions are generous and always come with a side salad or soup of the day..

The hand-tossed pizza is also a fan favorite, available for takeout and delivery through DoorDash. With more than 30 fresh toppings in two sizes, there are no limits to how you can personalize your pie. The Roasted Pear & Bleu Cheese pizza began as a creative experiment, quickly became a hit and serves as proof of how the team listens to guests.

Rodello’s catering program carries these standards into weddings, corporate events and neighborhood gatherings, and you can expect food that is consistent, plentiful and memorable.

They also have a full bar and excellent wine options with happy hour Monday-Thursday from 2pm-6pm & o ered in the lounge area only.

What keeps people returning as much as the food is the service, which GM Lina Avila takes pride in. “Our team is known for their warmth, attentiveness and knowledge of the menu,” she says. “We encourage our guests to tell us their preferences and always try to remember to honor them.”

The next time you’re driving by Rodello’s in Leesburg, stop in to taste the beautiful dishes and experience the care that de nes both the kitchen and the service.

352.319.8093 / rodellos.com 26736 U.S. Hwy. 27, Leesburg

MENU FOOD DRINKS REVIEWS

FORK ON THE ROAD

Bring your appetite— flaming flavors, vibrant cocktails and family flair make every meal feel like a fiesta.

mma Ostmann was already hooked on the art of baking when most kids were just learning how to make boxed brownies.

She was 10 years old, sitting at her grandma’s table, when her dad leaned over her shoulder as she watched a YouTube tutorial by cake artist Yolanda Gampp, who Emma says makes “hyper realistic, beautiful” cakes.

“He said, ‘You know what? I think you could do that,’ and I was like, ‘You know what? I think I could,’” Emma recalls. “So I took her online summer camp for baking and they sent me the pans, spatulas and recipe books. That’s just kind of how I started and I fell in love with it. It became my favorite thing to do and I just never stopped.”

By high school, she had started her own business: The Tiny Baker.

“When I was about 13, I started with just small orders for friends and family,” she says. “I used to put up yers around the school and take orders for Valentine’s Day and stu like that. Then I moved on to some

of the luxury homes in Clermont and took bigger orders for them.”

Some orders were for mini cupcakes, but the name of her business has nothing to do with the size of her baked goods. It’s actually about her.

“I’m only 5 feet tall. I’ve always been the smallest in my class and very petite. I was bullied a lot for being small,” Emma says. “So I took that name as a way to nd con dence in myself and who I was as a person. Being small doesn’t mean I don’t have a big personality or abilities.”

From High School to Pastry School

After high school, Emma decided to continue with her baking. She enrolled in the pastry program at Lake Technical College in Eustis, where she and other students received the opportunity to work with local chefs.

At one point, Lake Tech was invited to participate at the Taste of Lake, a local event where attendees sample items from di erent restaurants and shops.

Mount Dora Chef Gabriel Maisonet accompanied the students and Emma says she really enjoyed showcasing her skills and her cupcakes to the people in attendance.

That enjoyment helped Emma stay the course during the six months she juggled schoolwork and a job as a cake decorator at a Disney Springs bakery.

“I was waking up at 3am to get to work by 5am, then I drove an hour and a half to school and stayed until 10:30pm,” she says. “I didn’t get home until after 11pm, then had to wake up at 3am to do it all over again.”

The schedule was brutal, but the discipline paid o . After graduating, Emma was hired at KKO Chocolate Shop in downtown Mount Dora, where she still works under Chef Gabriel.

“Oh, I love it,” she says. “Chef Gabriel and his whole family really make working there so wonderful. Him and his wife run everything and I love every second that I’m there.”

“He’s really taken me on as kind of a mentee, and I’ve learned so much—not just about chocolate, but about business, life and discipline; just everything you need to know about the pastry world and he’s so kind and generous.”

Emma, with a playful tone in her voice, adds: “He’s not one of those Gordon Ramsay style chefs.”

The Science of Sweetness

For Emma, baking is more than mixing our and sugar; its like science you can eat.

“Right now, I work at the chocolate shop and I’m really enjoying it. I love creating the bonbons and candy bars and the process of tempering chocolate is really enjoyable for me,” Emma says. “I love the scienti c reasoning behind all of my baking, you know, like the reasons why cakes rise and fall, why cookies spread and cocoa butter crystal formation.”

berry oral. That’s something I’d love to incorporate into my own shop one day.”

Family Ties and Flavor Experiments

“I really like bold avors but I also like to bring some familiarity,” she says.

One of her favorite cakes to make — especially in the fall — is pumpkin spice latte cake soaked in maple simple syrup, layered with espresso buttercream and topped with Swiss meringue buttercream.

At home in Clermont, Emma’s family members often have special requests for their favorite baked goods.

“I really look forward to being able to develop more as my creativity evolves,” Emma says.

Hard Work, Big Dreams

Emma’s just 22, but she already has a

“My goal is to have my own shop,” she says. “I want to be able to bring that ne dining feel to traditional cakes, cookies and cupcakes and create my own brand.”

She clearly knows what she wants. When asked what her favorite piece of advice is, she says, “Don’t let other

“You’ll always nd people who try to bring you down,” she continues. “But you also nd the ones who will stand behind you no matter what. Focus on those people. Don’t ever settle, don’t give up because something gets hard. If you nd something you truly love, there’s nothing that should get in your way.”

Emma says her love for baking is what makes her job so rewarding. And she sees herself doing it for a long, long time.

“I’ve had a very complicated relationship with food throughout my whole life. I’m very picky so being able to create food I like has been kind of di cult at times,” Emma says. “What’s really rewarding though, is being able to make things for other people and see the joy on their faces when they taste them.”

“Seeing a product you made and put so much e ort into disappear because people love it is the main force behind being a baker or chef. That’s truly the biggest compliment and there’s no better feeling.”

MAPLE SIMPLE SYRUP

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup real maple syrup

PUMPKIN CAKE

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups AP flour

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

1 cup (packed) brown sugar

1 cup white sugar

1 1/2 tsp cinnamon

2 tsp pumpkin spice

3/4 cup vegetable oil

3 Tbsp vegetable oil

4 eggs

1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1 can pumpkin puree (15 oz.)

DIRECTIONS:

Combine all wet ingredients (pumpkin puree, extract, vegetable oil and eggs). Mix dries together. Combine wets and dries. Portion into 6-inch cake pans and bake at 350F for 50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 200F. Cool completely in their pans.

1/2 cup water

DIRECTIONS:

Combine ingredients in a pot and bring to a boil on medium heat. Let cool completely before using. After leveling your cakes, use a squeeze bottle or pastry brush to lightly soak your cakes.

ESPRESSO BUTTERCREAM

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup salted butter

4 cups powdered sugar, sifted

1 Tbsp espresso powder

1 tsp vanilla extract

4 Tbsp milk

DIRECTIONS:

Beat softened butter in a mixer with a paddle attachment until pale and creamy. Add powdered sugar and mix until incorporated. Mix your espresso powder into your milk to prevent grittiness. Add espresso, milk and vanilla and beat for 5-7 minutes until completely smooth. Using the espresso buttercream, stack and crumb coat your cakes.

SWISS MERINGUE BUTTERCREAM

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup egg whites (roughly 8 large eggs)

2 cups granulated sugar

3 cups or six sticks unsalted butter

1 tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS:

Over a double boiler, whisk together your egg whites and sugar until you feel no grittiness between your fingers. Whip in a mixer with a whisk attachment until the bowl feels like room temperature and you’ve reached stiff glossy peak. Switch to a paddle attachment to add your butter in tablespoon sized chunks until fully incorporated. It is normal for it to be soupy or curdled sometimes, but keep whipping for 5-10 minutes. If it is still too soupy, you can refrigerate for 20-30 minutes and rewhip and if it is curdled, put it over a double boiler and heat until the edges become soft, and re whip. Use this to final coat and pipe your cake decor!

Hey, readers! Do you have favorite recipes or know a chef we should profile? Comment on this article or send story ideas to roxanne@akersmediagroup.com.

ROXANNE BROWN

FeedingHot,Hot,Hot!

Fresh Jalapeño creates a cuisine and a vision as bold as its namesake.

he average jalapeño may weigh only half an ounce, but it packs a punch with a reputation for heat that both scares and seduces diners. It’s also the spark behind one of Lady Lake’s most popular cantinas. At Fresh Jalapeño, Manuel Tovar and his family built a restaurant around this ery little symbol of avor.

“Growing up in a Mexican family, everything we eat revolves around spice—it’s in our DNA. Even our candy is spicy,” Manuel says. “So, it just made sense that we would integrate the jalapeño into the brand.”

STORY: GINA HORAN ≈ PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL

They opened in April 2024 when the right property came along.

“We seized the opportunity, and at last, my mom, Maria Corona, saw her dream come true of owning her own restaurant.”

Originally from Puerto Vallarta, the close-knit Tovar/Corona family has worked in the restaurant industry for decades. Now Maria builds on recipes passed down from her mother, Guadalupe, giving every dish a direct line back to the family kitchen.

Maria provides the culinary backbone while Manny’s sister Lupita plays a key role in daily service. Together they keep the restaurant

grounded in authenticity while Manny drives its modern edge.

He manages the social media presence, and his strategy has paid o . Word of mouth spread quickly. Facebook groups and local chatter praise the generous portions, attentive service and welcoming family feel.

What started as simple outreach has turned into in uencers and YouTubers contacting them to participate in his most provocative promotion yet: the “Burrito Challenge.”

Didyouknow?

THE JALAPENO PEPPER IS LOADED WITH FIBER, POTASSIUM AND VITAMINS C, K & B. IT’S ALSO LOW IN CALORIES AND TIED TO IMPROVED METABOLISM, BETTER CIRCULATION AND

“This is a timed contest where the contestant must eat a ten-pound, 24-inch burrito loaded with beef, chicken, rice, beans, guacamole, pico, sour cream, lettuce and cheese dip,” he says. “It must be nished within 60 minutes with no bathroom breaks, no outside help, no hiding food and no mercy for acute nausea.”

Winners get the $49.99 meal free, a T-shirt and their photo on the Wall of Fame.

Fresh Jalapeño’s menu covers the staples like street tacos, fajitas, queso dip, taco salad and a full burrito lineup from supreme to chile to fajitas. Chile mango, pozole, enchiladas and tamales round out the menu. It’s all fresh and prepped daily. There’s enough variety for people like me, (I’m allergic to capsaicin) and for Manuel, who was raised on the hottest peppers from the Scoville scale.

Normally when Nicole starts taking photos at our Fork on the Road excursions, we are blessed to get a few dishes and drinks for tasting. Here, the team began by setting out multiple cocktails in beautiful ceramic dishes. Thirty minutes later there was a feast so big she had to climb a ladder to shoot it.

We dug right in.

My allergy didn’t keep me from hoarding the fresh, chilled guacamole Jalisco with bits of chopped jalapeño, cooled down with queso fresco.

The street tacos with carne asada were also amazing, but the birria tacos were our favorite. They dip the tortilla into guajillo sauce before grilling, turning it reddish in color, and serve barbacoa drippings on the side for dipping.

The Montezuma is a generous portion of savory pork al pastor with small, diced pineapple, cheese, onion and cilantro for a build-your-own taco. I built three, and the sweetness of the pineapple stole the show. They also served the signature molcajete and mojarra frita, at which point I begged for takeout containers.

Lurking throughout the meal was a giant fried Oreo ice cream that Manuel tucked back into the freezer before bringing it out again as we were nishing. Sweet-tooth Nicole usually enjoys the desserts with me, but she was so busy sipping on the cucumber jalapeño margarita that I happily managed most of it myself. Her take on the margarita? “Yummy cucumber with a slight kick and smoke from the dried jalapeño garnish.”

I will go back for the cheesecake chimichanga.

The full bar is colorful and impressive and features margaritas of the week like prickly pear or watermelon. They also serve margarita ights, sangria, micheladas, Palomas, a lavender margarita, plus a full range of wines and Mexican beers.

Of course, Taco Tuesday is a hit, with a lineup of $2 tacos in many styles.

While there are quite a few Mexican restaurants in the area, Manuel embraces them all and is proud of how much the community loves this vibrant cuisine.

“There is something for everyone, and as long as we give our best, everyone will have a seat at our table,” he says.

IF YOU GO FRESH JALAPEÑO

60 S. US Hwy. 441, Lady Lake 352.775.9051

@freshjalapeño24

Open daily from 11am–9pm

Delivery Available

Live Menus on DoorDash, Postmates, Grubhub.

Let’s do lunch or dinner! Tell us about a great restaurant by emailing gina@akersmediagroup.com.

eats

From classic diners and lakeside restaurants to fine dining and everything in between, Lake and Sumter counties’ culinary scene is booming. Your favorite meal is sure to be served with a side of hospitality.

You can find a copy of Lake & Sumter Style at all listed dining locations!

BUSHNELL

Amor & Agave

2082 W. CR 48

352.569.4221

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s

2586 W. CR 48

352.568.7000

Darrell’s Diner

2237 W. CR 48

352.444.2318

CLERMONT

Akina Sushi Bar & Asian Fusion Bistro

4300 S. US Hwy. 27, Ste. 101

352.243.8988

Cheeser’s Palace Café

707 W. Montrose St.

352.404.9431

Crooked Spoon

Gastropub

200 Citrus Tower Blvd.

352.404.7808

Gator’s Dockside

1200 Oakley Seaver Dr.

352.242.1825

Goomba’s Pizzeria

2395 S. Hwy. 27

352.989.4403

Guru Indian Restaurant

2400 S. Hwy. 27, Ste. 101

352.241.9884

Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards 19239 US Hwy. 27

352.394.8627

OakWood Smokehouse & Grill

230 Citrus Tower Blvd.

352.394.0036

YUMMI’S Frozen Yogurt and Café

650 8th St.

352.243.4529

EUSTIS

Gators Dockside 15241 US Hwy. 441

352.357.1255

Magnolia Breeze

110 N. Bay St. 352.357.0162

OakWood Smokehouse & Grill

2911 David Walker Dr. 352.483.0137

Stavro’s & Sons of Eustis 2100 W. CR 44

352.589.9100

Subway 1930 N. Hwy. 19 352.589.8887

Subway 469 Plaza Dr, 352.357.7827

Taki’s Pizza House 1600 S. Bay St. 352.357.0022

THAT Place 925 N. Bay St. #7

352.308.8676

The Tro 936 N. Bay St. 352.357.9939

Tony’s Pizza & Subs 2760 E. Orange Ave.

352.589.9001

FRUITLAND PARK

Mystic Ice Cream 1217 W. Miller St.

352.812.1366

Stavro’s & Sons

3223 US Hwy. 441

352.315.0028

The Rose Plantation 200 Rose Ave.

352.805.4340

GROVELAND

Red Wing Restaurant

12500 S. SR 33

352.429.2997

Barrels & Boards

7965 SR 50 A500

352.557.5007

Chefing It UP

Pizza Cafe

115 S. Lake Ave.

352.557.8092

HOWEY-IN-THE-HILLS

JB Boondocks

Bar & Grill

704 S. Lakeshore Blvd.

352.324.3600

Mission Inn’s La Hacienda Restaurant 10400 CR 48

352.324.3910

Mission Inn’s Nicker’s Clubhouse Restaurant 10400 CR 48

352.324.2718

LADY LAKE

Bamboo Bistro

700 US Hwy. 441

352.750.9998

Blu Spoon Frozen Yogurt

704 US Hwy. 441

352.775.4078

El Ranchito

Mexican Restaurant

1 Lagrande Blvd.

352.750.3335

Harbor Hills Country Club

6538 Lake Griffin Rd.

352.753.7000

Latin Flavors

Bar & Grill

13769 US Hwy. 441

352.561.4002

Marco’s Pizza 13721 US Hwy. 441

352.775.1500

OakWood Smokehouse & Grill

860 US Hwy. 441

352.751.5640

Takis Greek and Italian Restaurant 13761 N. US Hwy. 441

352.430.3630

LEESBURG

Brooklyn’s Pizzeria 27405 US Hwy. 27

352.728.2020

Cousin Vinnie’s Family Sports Restaurant 10700 US Hwy. 441, Ste. 101 352.253.2442

Donut King 708 S. 14th St. 352.805.4888

Fire House Subs 709 N. 14th St. 352.323.3473

HP Grill 1403 S. 14th St. 352.314.0006

Ichiban Chinese & Japanese Bu et 10301 US Hwy. 441

352.728.6669

Kawachi Sushi & Bar 10601 US Hwy. 441, Ste. C12 352.431.3449

La Palma Mexican Grill 1690 Citrus Blvd.

352.323.1444

Luna Azul Authentic Mexican 1341 S. 14th St. 352.805.4174

Marmadukes Brewery & Eatery

215 W. Main St. 352.460.0421

McCracken’s Irish Pub 719 W. Main St. 352.460.0659

Mystic Ice Cream 314 W. Main St. 352.812.1366

OakWood

Prime 3 on Main 610 W. Main St. 352.314.0015

Rodello’s Italian Restaurant 26736 US Hwy. 27 352.319.8093

Ski Beach Bar & Grill 21 Dozier Cir. 352.973.0793

The Brick & Barrel Public House 209 W. Main St. 352.431.3069

The Co ee Snob 1101 W. North Blvd., Ste. 1 352.460.4570

The Sipping Garden and Bistro 605 W. Magnolia St. 352.460.0716

Wolfy’s 918 N. 14th St. 352.787.6777 MOUNTORA

MOUNT DORA

Barnwood Country Kitchen & Smokehouse 3725 W. Old US Hwy. 441 352.630.4903

Fiesta Grande Mexican Grill 421 N. Baker St. 352.385.3540

Magical Meat Boutique

322 N. Alexander St. 352.729.6911

Devoted crew serves old-fashioned smoky goodness perfectly paired with Southern sides.

Oakwood Express Smokehouse & Grill in Wildwood has earned its reputation as a local favorite for classic Southern barbecue. The award-winning baby back ribs fall off the bone, and pulled pork, smoked turkey, brisket and chicken are mouth-wateringly good, especially when paired with hearty sides of mac and cheese, collard greens, baked beans and roasted corn salad. Corn fritters, onion rings and sweet potato fries start things off with a bang. Lighter choices like fresh salads and grilled mahi sandwiches are also offered. Full-rack specials run Tuesday-Thursday, combo platters fill the daily lineup and sweet tea never leaves the table. Most of the staff have stayed from five to more than 20 years, proof of the restaurant’s consistency and community ties. Generous portions and fair prices keep Oakwood Express packed with loyal locals.

Fish

Haagen-Dazs

Marco’s

Amor & Agave Mexican Cuisine

2082 CR 48, BUSHNELL | 352.569.4221

At Amor & Agave in Bushnell, everything starts with family—and with love. Owners Dinora “Elizabeth” Zepeda and Roberto Ramos moved from Florida’s Panhandle with a mission: to bring their community the rich, homemade flavors of true Mexican cuisine, just like it’s made back home. Every dish at Amor & Agave is prepared in-house with fresh ingredients and generations of passion. Local favorites include handmade corn tortillas, the cheesy, savory quesabirrias served with consommé (au jus), the mouthwatering Ramos Favorite—a 12 oz. ribeye topped with shrimp—and the showstopping Aloha Fajitas, served sizzling inside a halved, grilled pineapple with steak, shrimp, chicken and ham. More than just great food, Amor & Agave offers live music on the first and third Wednesdays of each month from 6–9pm, along with food specials and two-for-one house margaritas every day, all day. With a full liquor license, a commitment to community support and plans for even more offerings, this family-run restaurant is quickly becoming a local favorite. Here, it’s not just about dining—it’s about feeling welcome, tasting love in every bite and knowing you’re supporting a family that gives back.

Guru Indian Restaurant

CLERMONT HILLSIDE TERRACE,

Owned by Chef Uday Kadam, Guru has a following of fans who savor the delicious, award-winning Indian cuisine inside the restaurant’s beautiful dining room filled with Indian décor and tables with linen tablecloths. Guru earned the prestigious Best Entrée award at the 2021 Taste of South Lake & Business Expo for its Chicken Tikka Masala, featuring boneless chicken pieces cooked in a Tandoor oven with tomato sauce, onion, aromatic herbs, spices, and served with Basmati rice. Guru also has tasty appetizers, Naan breads, vegan dishes, and a wide array of entrees, including Palak Paneer, a dish of homemade cubes of cheese cooked with spinach and fresh spices; Lamb Vindaloo of choice lamb cubes marinated in vinegar with potato and a blend of spices; and Tandoori Chicken Tikka, where the chicken is marinated in mild spices and yogurt. Additionally, Indian alcoholic beverages of Taj Mahal and Kingfisher are served at Guru, and the restaurant caters private functions, parties, and provides many delivery options for orders made online at mygurutogo.com.

La Palma Mexican Grill

La Palma Mexican Grill in Leesburg serves up bold Mexican flavors, big portions and a festive vibe that feels like Cinco de Mayo all year. Owner Ildefonso Hernandez’s menu covers everything from crispy mojarra and hearty siete mares soup to enchiladas, fajitas and arroz con pollo. The 15-inch burrito Tejano and the sizzling Molcajete loaded with steak, chicken, shrimp, chorizo and veggies are must-tries. Weekly specials include $5 margaritas on Mondays and Taco Tuesdays with $1.99 tacos and 3-for-1 margaritas. The bar stays lively with beer, wine, spirits and colorful margaritas served in Patron bottles, Ildefonso’s own twist. La Palma also excels at catering, trusted by companies like Walmart and Premier Pools, and offers a private party room for up to 50 guests. Open seven days a week, it is the spot for authentic dishes, fun drinks and a lively atmosphere that turns any meal into a celebration.

– Thu 11:00am – 9:00pm Fri – Sat 11:00am – 11:00pm

Mon – Sat 11:30am – 10:00pm Sunday 11:30am – 7:00pm

Tuesdays

+ tax & 3-for-1 Margaritas

Catering available year-round.

Luna Azul

1341 S. 14TH ST., LEESBURG | 352.805.4174

LUNAAZULAUTHENTICMEXICANRESTAURANTFL.COM

Luna Azul in Leesburg is where family, flavor and community come together. Named after the owners’ daughter and rooted in tradition, this neighborhood favorite serves authentic Mexican dishes made fresh daily from scratch with no shortcuts. Signature plates like Pollo a la Crema, Aguacate Relleno and carne asada are packed with bold, satisfying flavor, while lighter options like Luna’s Bowl offer variety for every appetite. The menu evolves with local tastes, but guest favorites like the Burrito Loco and handcrafted margaritas always stay. House-made desserts and kid’s menu also available. Whether dining with friends, feeding the family or celebrating something special, Luna Azul brings the charm of a true hometown restaurant; warm, welcoming and full of flavor.

Magnolia Breeze

110 N. BAY ST. EUSTIS | 352.357.0162 MAGNOLIABREEZERESTAURANTLLC

Magnolia Breeze in downtown Eustis offers a full-service experience from weekday breakfasts to weekend brunch, lunch and dinner. The Southern and Latin fusion menu includes standout dishes like shrimp and grits, red velvet chicken and waffles, pork belly tomahawk and a whole fried seabass. Guests also love the fruit-stuffed pancake “tacos,” avocado jalapeño burger, mac bites with chili sauce and teriyaki filet served over rice in a carved pineapple.

The bar offers an ever-changing list of cocktails, espresso drinks and rotating mocktails. Magnolia Breeze is known for its curated cocktails including mimosa, mojito, margarita, coffee and espresso martini flights. Happy hour and brunch are both busy and lively boasting plenty of shareable options for groups. With three dining rooms, a covered outdoor patio and views of Ferran Park and Lake Eustis, Magnolia Breeze delivers bold flavor, creative drinks and fresh variety all day long.

Prime 3 on Main Steakhouse

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN LEESBURG, 610 W MAIN ST, LEESBURG 352.314.0015 | PRIME3ONMAIN.COM | FACEBOOK: @PRIME3ONMAIN

The dream and concept of three lifelong physicians, Prime 3 on Main is a confluence of American, Asian, and Latin influences in one world-class restaurant. Prime meats, prime rib, skirt steak, and seafood are our specialties. Our filet with black cherry port wine reduction sauce, or the Grouper Fromage, is unique and found nowhere else. Our Casa de Rosado Churrasco is a personal family recipe. Homemade Creme Brûlée and ice cream will complement your meal. Recently given the Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator Magazine as among the world’s top wine and food restaurants, Prime 3 on Main has an extensive wine list and caters to small and large groups.

Ask us about our Wine Pairing Event Dinners!

Mon – Thu 11:00am - 10:00pm Fri – Sat 11:00am - 10:30pm Sundays 11:00am - 9:00pm

Open Daily 7:30am - 10:00pm

Happy Hour 2 for 1 3:00pm - 7:00pm

Live Music Full Bar Events & Catering

Lunch Mon – Fri 11:00am – 3:00pm No Reservations Needed

Dinner Mon – Fri 4:00pm - 9:00pm Saturday 2:00pm - 9:00pm Reservations Strongly Encouraged

Closed Sundays Thursday is Ladies Night with $7.00 drink specials!

26736 U.S

Chef Amadeo Avila invites you to enjoy authentic and fresh Italian cuisine in a friendly, comfortable dining environment at Rodello’s Italian Restaurant. The recipes used for his dishes are a blend of old-school traditions from Italy—the restaurant is named for a city in the old country—with new culinary inspirations that Chef Amadeo has learned during many years in the restaurant business. Flavorful, homemade Italian entrees such as Pistachio Crusted Lamb, Salmon Saltimbocca, Lobster Ravioli, Shrimp Risotto, and many others are classics and prepared with only the freshest ingredients. The lunch menu features personal pizzas, calzones, subs, and pasta. Sit in the spacious dining room or enjoy drinks or desserts like delicious gelato in the cozy lounge, which features a full bar, wine menu, and an array of specialty cocktails. Always look for new features on Chef Amadeo’s menu, available on the restaurant’s website, Rodellos.com.

IN THE MIX

Singing bartender Raneé Kelly mixes cocktails and choruses at Post #219.

lenty of part-time bartenders work to support hobbies or extracurricular activities, but few spend their shift hitting the high notes.

Raneé (pronounced “Rainey,”) Kelly’s time behind the bar is an excuse to sing and entertain the veterans at American Legion Post #219 in Fruitland Park.

“I started just singing and everyone thought I was crazy at rst. But now they’re just used to it,” said Raneé, who’s been bartending for 20 years and singing at the Legion for the past three.

Raneé is strictly a volunteer who works for tips. Her payo is having a stage.

She sings behind the bar, she sings with karaoke, she sings whenever the mood strikes.

During our photo session, she suddenly burst into “Mercedes Benz” by Janis Joplin. At one point I said, “So, you aren’t shy?” and the entire room erupted with laughter, especially post member Dudley Eddington. Raneé grinned and said, “No, I’m de nitely not shy. I just love

RANEÉ IS BEHIND THE BAR AND THE MIC RANDOMLY, SO CALL AHEAD IF YOU WANT A SONG WITH YOUR DRINK.

“I STARTED JUST SINGING AND EVERYONE THOUGHT I WAS CRAZY

AT

FIRST. BUT NOW THEY’RE JUST USED TO IT.”

making people happy. They say that I have energy.”

Her playlist proves it: “I Love Rock ’n’ Roll” by Joan Jett, “Some Kind of Wonderful” by Grand Funk Railroad, “Have Mercy” by the Judds, “Soul” by Lee Brice, “What’s Love Got to Do With It” by Tina Turner, “Proud Mary” by Creedence Clearwater Revival and just about anything by Janis Joplin. She even teams up for duets with Post #219 member Phil Manly.

American Legion Post #219, also known as the John Gella Memorial Post, is a gathering place for veterans, families and the wider community. Beyond live music, bingo and karaoke, Raneé also cleans houses for vets and volunteers on projects like delivering supplies to Fruitland Park Elementary.

RANEÉ’S P.B. KISS

Swirl chocolate syrup into glass and fill with ice. Then pour:

1 oz. peanut butter whiskey

1 oz. Kahlua

Fill with cream or milk and enjoy!

YOU GO

Have a favorite mixologist? Email me at gina@akersmediagroup.com and tell us which bartender stirs your drinks.

Who We Are

Since 1985, AdventHealth Waterman Foundation has partnered with individuals, families, and organizations to advance health and wholeness in Lake County. Together, we create opportunities for transformative giving that support innovations, compassion, and care for every neighbor.

This Giving Tuesday

Join the global day of generosity and make a local impact. Your gift of any size helps provide hope, healing, and health for our community. Scan the QR code to be part of something greater.

BEYONDTHESMILE

Eustis Lakeside Dental has been a small private practice serving the community since 1964, providing generations of families with compassionate care.

octor Summer Young carries that legacy forward with a philosophy that blends science, education and strong patient relationships. She knows that dentistry is not only about xing problems but is also about prevention, diagnosis and individualized patient care.

Her journey began more than 25 years ago as a dental assistant, where she felt there was a need for more compassion and improved communication with patients. She believes patients deserve clear guidance and realistic expectations about how long treatments last and the upkeep required to protect their investment. Her years of experience and education at the University of Florida college of dentistry shape her practice today.

“Your oral health can a ect your systemic health, it’s all connected,” she says. She points to evidence linking chronic in ammation in the mouth to cardiovascular disease, hypertension and even contributing factors for Alzheimer’s. For her, these connections

are not abstract theories but daily realities that guide how she diagnoses and treats.

She also recognizes the role of modern medicine in complicating dental care. With more patients on hypertensive, diabetic, asthmatic, antidepressant, anti-anxiety medications and other prescriptions, conditions like dry mouth are increasingly common. “Polypharmacy is one of the biggest things negatively a ecting people today. In my opinion dry mouth is the worst chronic oral condition patients can have. Dry mouth can cause patients to get multiple cavities in a short period of time, this can lead to tooth loss”. Identifying and treating these challenges early is central to her longterm, science-based approach.

Managing comfort is another area where Dr. Young refuses to take a onesize- ts-all approach. “Some patients require more anesthetic or anxiety management to be comfortable while others don’t. Dentistry is a team sport, with my patient being the MVP,” she

says. By considering each patient’s body chemistry, health history and lifestyle, she helps reduce anxiety and provide care that is both safe and e ective.

Eustis Lakeside Dental is also home to an award-winning team of hygienists who are committed to individualized care. Dr Young’s hygienists have a combined 60+ years of experience and they strive each day to help patients improve their oral health.

Dr. Young extends her reach beyond the o ce through volunteer work with local charities and programs that help low-income families access dental treatment. This re ects Dr. Young’s dedication to ensuring that the average person, can receive the care they need.

352.357.2564 15 W. Atwater Ave., Eustis EustisLakesideDental.com

By Arthur Miller

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We know that every single customer is unique—Building Unique Pools is our company motto—and so every project we undertake is delivered to a client’s signature set of personal tastes and, where necessary, solves any challenges their property may present.

“Our family could not be happier with the way our pool turned out. Our design was very unique with features that Wiseman Pools incorporated without issue. It was a pleasure doing business with an honest company and our family and friends look forward to more wonderful memories at our beautiful Ocala Oasis.”

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Discover Lake and Sumter Counties Like Never Before!

COMMUNITY LEADERS:

From elected officials to grassroots organizers, we bring you face-to-face with the leaders shaping the future of Lake and Sumter Counties.

PERSONS OF INTEREST:

Hear from the individuals whose stories are as fascinating as they are impactful. Learn about their journeys, challenges, and triumphs.

LOCAL LANDSCAPE:

Stay updated on upcoming developments, community initiatives, and the latest news affecting our region.

With 20 years of experience covering the best of Lake and Sumter Counties, Style magazine brings its trusted voice and community focus to the world of podcasts.

HOSTED BY

Gina is a seasoned media professional who brings a wealth of experience and a dynamic perspective to The Healthy Living Podcast and the Style team. Passionate about connecting with local experts and sharing their insights, she engages Central Florida audiences with an educated and holistic approach to body, mind, spirit, and finance.

FoodforThought

Treasured dishes open doors to memory lane.

f ever there was a time of year when food is tied to memory, it’s November and December.

It’s comforting to walk through the door and experience that sensory overload of familiar aromas. It’s the very de nition of “coming home.”

As the holidays approach, we pull out recipes, plan menus and compile grocery lists.

Many of the dishes we make for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners are predictable . . . and there’s nothing wrong with that.

As an adult, I’ve always lived out of state from family, which means spending holiday meals with friends. Over the years, those friends became family and we’ve built our own traditions—including special dishes that are expected.

I wouldn’t dream of showing up for Thanksgiving dinner at my friends’ home without bringing corn pudding. Only in the South can a side dish that is nearly all carbs be considered a veggie.

STORY AND PHOTO: CYNTHIA MCFARLAND

Research shows that avor is closely linked to sense of smell, and that memories associated with smell are weighted with more emotion than visual memories. This explains why particular scents can instantly revive decades-old memories.

Speci c foods fall into the category of “favorites” because of memories and associations. I’ve realized that many of the dishes I cherish aren’t simply favorites because they taste good (although they do), but because they bring to mind special moments and people.

I distinctly remember being in the kitchen alongside my grandmother as she made her delicious cinnamon rolls. Being only 6 or 7 years old, I wasn’t much actual “help,” but I’ll never forget those memories and avors.

I still make cheese enchiladas from the family recipe of an old friend in Tucson. I left Arizona decades ago but when I pull out that stained recipe card and see her handwriting, and later taste that perfect combination

of Southwestern avors, all the years melt away.

Corn pudding aside, I’m often the one asked to make dessert for a get-together. It always makes me smile when a friend exclaims, “Your lemon bars are the best!”

I’ve been making these tart-sweetbuttery treats for nearly 40 years. The recipe card is so worn and faded, the printing is nearly illegible. Whenever I bite into one of these bars, I’m ooded with memories of friends, old and current, and past celebrations—all

Hey, readers! Is there a particular subject that you would like me to write a commentary about? Tell me, via email, at editorial@akersmediagroup.com.