Life can feel like a holein-one when your heart’s in the right place
V I S I T U S O N L I N E TO L E A R N M O R E A B O U T O U R P H YS I C I A N S A N D M E D I C A L P RO F E S S I O N A L S
The Right Place is Village Heart & Vein Center Our physicians and medical professionals have been treating Central Floridians for years with a level of exemplary cardiac and vascular care that comes straight from the heart. The Oaks Professional Center, 8575 NE 138th Lane | 352.674.2080 | villageheartandvein.com
C O M M E R C I A L
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Health starts with people. AFTER 20 YEARS OF CARE, our expert approach has grown to consider far more than just your medical needs. We’ve developed a seamless healthcare network of technicians, specialists, physicians and nurses, each dedicated to wellness, convenience and peace-of-mind.
Primary Care Cardiology Vascular Surgery Nephrology Lab Services Urgent Care The Villages 1560 Santa Barbara Blvd 1950 Laurel Manor Dr, Suite 142 8485 SE 165th Mulberry Ln Dr. Glick 1501 N US Hwy 441, Suite 1102 201 La Grande Blvd, Lady Lake 4669 East SR 44, Suite 103, Wildwood Leesburg 511 Medical Plaza Drive, Suite 101 Dr. Bello 25010 US Hwy 27, Units G & H 601 E Dixie Avenue, Suite 805 802 E. Dixie Ave 27637 US Hwy 27
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*See optician for details. Discount applies to complete set of glasses, lens and frame, excludes all contact lenses. Discount is not available with insurance or vision plans. Discount does not apply for Maui Jim, Costa Del Mar and Fitovers. Sale ends 4/30/19.
DO YOU KNOW YOUR BEST
OPTIONS? FACELIFT, TEMPORARY FILLERS, OR PERMANENT FACIAL FILLERS
Liz had ImageLift, Laser, and filler treatments. Results are typical and do vary.
Kathy had a Laser ImageLift. Results are typical and do vary.
YOU’RE INVITED TO FIND OUT! Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
Free ImageLift seminars are being held at the following locations in April and May. Meet the doctor and enjoy free food, books, *drawings and door prizes. Raffle drawings for free filler, a $995-$1200 value
UPCOMING FACIAL BEAUTY SOCIAL MIXER APR 17 WATERFRONT INN, THE VILLAGES MAY 14 WATERFRONT INN, THE VILLAGES CALL NOW TO RSVP - LIMITED SEATING
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Easter HAPPY
from the staff at TB Financial!
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ANNUITIES 101 SEMINARS FOR APRIL CALL TO REGISTER!
April 2nd | 9:30 a.m. April 12th | 9 a.m. April 24th | 9:30 a.m.
April 4th | 10 a.m.
THE WATERFRONT INN, THE VILLAGES
Seating is very limited and by RSVP only.
MISSION INN, HOWEY-IN-THE-HILLS
TB Financial Group Inc. is a licensed insurance agency for life, health, and annuities. We are not securities licensed. We are not tax advisors. Our seminars are very general in nature and not meant to replace the advice of your CPA, Tax Preparer, Investment Advisor or Attorney. We will not provide tax or legal advice. Please consult your tax or legal professional for these matters.
APRIL 2019 // VOL.15 NO. 6 // F e a t u r e s
38 Hidden gems A TREASURE TROVE
Hidden in the beautiful corners and scenic places of Lake and Sumter counties are some true gems.
PASSION IN THE BONES An attorney with a talent for finding bones.
I DON’T LIKE TO COMPLAIN…BUT
April 2019
VILLAGE EDITION
Among the more than 1,000 lakes in the area are the places where people can enjoy a day of fun and activities, a quiet hike, playing with their kids, a bit of history, and the joys of nature. You may discover something new or be reminded of a place you haven’t visited in a while.
A word from the complaint department.
STORIES: LEIGH NEELY, JAMES COMBS, THERESA CAMPBELL, AND CHRIS GERBASI MESOS PLASTIC SURGERY AND LASER CENTER UNVEILS
VILLAGE INSTITUTE OF PLASTIC SURGERY State-of-the-art facility with the same state-of-the-heart care
70 They make their own kind of music They love singing a cappella barbershop-style songs. With members ages 7-25, they have a great range of voices and a specific style. They’re Unaccompanied Minors! STORY: THERESA CAMPBELL
On the covers LAKE & SUMTER STYLE PHOTOGRAPHY: BERNARD BRZEZINSKI PHOTOSHOP: JASON FUGATE VILLAGES EDITION VILLAGE INSTITUTE OF PLASTIC SURGERY PHOTO: ANTHONY RAO PHOTOSHOP: JASON FUGATE
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Hit List Person of Interest Outstanding Student My First Time This ‘N That
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The To-Do List Local Talent In Concert Social Spotlight Hi, Society!
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In the Kitchen Fork on the Road Dining Guide
COLUM NS
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From the Publisher Final Thought
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30th Anniversary Sale!
50% OFF
Everything is a minimum of 50% off, even the owners private collection.
Beautiful Hand-Woven Rugs Cyrus Rug Gallery brings you a selection of old-world artistry with fashion forward patterns, fresh color palettes, and elegant designs to create stunning works of art. These stunning, exceptionally unique pieces of art are ideal for the contemporary home. Whether you are looking to add subtle texture to your rooms or want to make a deďŹ ned statement, our gallery of hand-knotted rugs is sure to provide you with the perfect artistic edge for your space.
352.629.3200 | 20 SE Broadway St., Downtown Ocala | Cyrus-Rug.com
Cyrus Rug Gallery
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www.AmericanFamilyHomesInc.com
DESIGN | BUILD | RESULTS MORE OPTIONS. PERSONAL SERVICE. BETTER RESULTS.
CUSTOM HOME ON YOUR LOT FROM THE $200s MOUNT DORA / EUSTIS / TAVARES / CLERMONT / LEESBURG / UMATILLA / ALTOONA / OCALA / DELAND / DEBARY / SANFORD
1st Contact: Mike Neace 2nd Generation, Award Winning Builder Owner / Licensed Contractor
FOR A FREE CONSULTATION
Call: 352-589-6004
mike@AmericanFamilyHomesInc.com State License Number - CBC058306 Broker friendly. Call Mike regarding co-broke commission policies.
“I can honestly say that by far, working with American Family Homes has been the best experience I have had with a builder.” Homeowner - Clermont
“Committed to Quality & Satisfaction” OFFICE / DESIGN STUDIO 312 South Bay St., Eustis FL 32726 www.AmericanFamilyHomesInc.com Phone: 352-589-6004 “We love our American Family Home! We recommend Mike Neace to anyone looking for that personalized design and home building experience.” Homeowner - Tavares
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Up Front Paleontology: It’s in Elaine Howard’s bones. SEE STORY on PG 24
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CUPPA: One of the newest additions to Lake Square Mall is OMG Coffee Excellence, which is owned by Philip Brown and Mark Hyland. The business may look temporary in its truck parked just outside the entrance to the Café Court, but that is a permanent location. Among its unique offerings are coffee shakes and delightful mini donuts. 10401 U.S. Highway 441 at Lake Square Mall; open 9am-7pm daily.
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FLY ME TO THE MOON: Lovey-dovey couples are already floating on air, but they can feel it for real with sky-high marriage proposals and weddings. Jones Brothers & Co. Air and Seaplane Adventures, of Tavares, offers a variety of packages so people can pop the question midair, or brides and grooms can arrive at lakefront weddings or receptions in style. Call 352.508.1800.
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MORE BBQ? YES, PLEASE: Residential growth in The Villages means more mouths to feed. Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is answering the call with a new location at Grand Traverse Plaza on State Road 44 near Brownwood. Dickey’s, which has 16 other Florida locations, is known for its smoked-on-site, slow-cooked Texas barbecue—makes your mouth water, doesn’t it?
STEPS TO KNOWLEDGE: Locals can enjoy the spectacular weather that April ushers in by taking a guided evening hike at Palatlakaha Environmental and Agricultural Reserve (PEAR) Park in Leesburg. Visitors will learn about the area’s native plants and wildlife. Animals commonly seen at the park include gopher tortoises, bobcats, and hawks. The hike is at 5pm April 14. Call 352.516.7011.
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A FEW GHOSTLY VISITS: There are several places in Lake County that are designated haunted or at least creepy. Many people believe the historic courthouse in Tavares is haunted. Some people report seeing a woman who is believed to have jumped to her death from the fifth-floor window in the 1930s.
CALLING SHUTTERBUGS: The Basics of Photography is a free class offered at 1pm April 20 at Leesburg Public Library, 100 E. Main St. The class is a great opportunity for participants to learn more about their cameras’ capabilities. “We will cover all the basics of photography from the exposure triangle to composition to lenses and gear,” according to Tim Hocker, who leads the class. To learn more, contact Tim at 352.250.2508, extension 714, or tim.hocker@leesburgflorida.gov.
IT’S COUNTY FAIR TIME!: Midway rides, funnel cakes, candy apples, corn dogs, and other carnival foods, along with free entertainment, a talent show, livestock, and 4-H exhibits will highlight the 2019 Lake County Fair. The popular fair runs April 4-13 from 5-10pm weekdays and 1-10pm weekends, with rides staying open until 11pm, at the County Fairgrounds, 2101 N. County Road 452 in Eustis. Admission is $9 for adults; $3 for children ages 6-11; and free for children under 5.
PURE BRA-RTISTRY: Kicking cancer’s butt is in fashion at the Greater Clermont Cancer Foundation’s annual Bras for a Cause and Boxers Too! fundraiser. During the event, scheduled for April 13 at the Clermont Performing Arts Center, 3700 U.S. Highway 27, attendees will enjoy a runway show and auction where models display custom-decorated bras and boxers. Money raised will provide financial assistance to cancer patients, their family members, and their caregivers. Call 352.435.3202.
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nt * PUEpR S FO Nr o OF INTEREST
Elaine Howard Lawyer and paleontologist
What do I enjoy most about paleontology? I enjoy meeting interesting people with whom I share a common passion for prehistoric life. At the Wyoming Dinosaur Center, I have met people of all ages— from college students pursuing a career in the field to individuals who discovered their passion for dinosaur bones only after they retired. What do I want people to take away from my book, “Passion in the Bones”? To understand the power and importance of having a passion and that it is never too late to pursue what you love—regardless of whether you turn it into a career.
My current project: I continue to pursue my love of paleontology, but I’m also on a mission to help others find and sustain their own life-changing passion. My motto: Keep moving forward in a positive direction.
One word that describes me: Adventurous. My hero: My father, who not only served our country in the Marine Corps but also achieved his goal of becoming a pilot even after many people told him he should give up on his dream.
Best advice I ever received: Always put forth S TAT
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On my bucket list: Fossil hunting on the Whitby
Born on military base at Cherry Point, North Carolina, where her father was a Marine. Lives in Leesburg.
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An attorney by day, her passion is paleontology.
coast in the United Kingdom with award-winning paleontologist Dean Lomax, who wrote the foreword to my book.
Digs with the Wyoming Dinosaur Center in Thermopolis, Wyoming.
Favorite quote: “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” – Zig Ziglar.
Photo: Nicole Hamel
V I TA L
your best effort and do not worry about things you cannot control.
LAKE COUNTY’S #1 CUSTOM HOMEBUILDER
Thank you for attending our most successful Parade of Homes.
Weren’t able to make it? Follow us on Facebook for our upcoming Open Houses.
KevcoBuilders.com CBC #1262458
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Facebook.com/KevcoBuilders
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352.742.3398
* OUUpT SFTrA NoDnI NtG S T U D E N T
Ivey Young Junior at Leesburg High School
You belong to the Triad and Beta clubs. What do they do? Triad is somewhat similar to a girls’ sorority. We each have big and little sisters, and we conduct an “initiation week” each year where new members get to dress up in silly outfits for the week. Beta is a club focused on service. Some of our favorite projects are visiting the Avanté nursing home with crafts and decorated cookies and attending beach cleanups in Daytona Beach.
Favorite sport? Baton twirling. This sport teaches me to have goals, how to have grit and passion, and how to manage my time with a busy competition schedule.
Other interests? I love to do anything if it involves boating! My family and I love to go scalloping every year at Crystal River, and I also go paddleboarding as well. I love watching sports, especially the Atlanta Braves and the Florida Gators. S TAT
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Born in Orlando. Student Government treasurer; has 4.7 GPA. Plays softball and golf for LHS. Competes in baton twirling with Epic Twirl in Leesburg.
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Goals? I would love to attend the University of Florida and major in veterinary science, minoring in political science. One of my dreams since I started baton was to twirl for UF and be part of the Gatorette team as well. I want to follow in my grandfather’s footsteps and own my own vet clinic.
True or false, “I can’t live a day without social media”: False. I love social media like any other teenager, but I prefer speaking with others face to face, not behind a screen. I wish future generations had the same childhood as I did, where they could make real relationships without the use of a phone.
Photo: Nicole Hamel
V I TA L
Dr. Dave and Dr. Chris will see you now! Why your child should get an orthodontic checkup by no later than age 7. PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
W Wollenschlaeger Orthodontics 33050 Professional Drive, Leesburg, FL 34788 352.787.6800 drdaveortho.com
hen many people think of orthodontics, they think their teenage years. However there are many good reasons for your child to receive an orthodontic evaluation much sooner. Dr. Dave and Dr. Chris Wollenschlaeger, a father-son duo practicing in Leesburg, recommend receiving a complimentary check up with our orthodontic specialist no later than the age of 7. Dr. Dave and Dr. Chris are devoted to the highest standards of care for patients of all ages. The doctors, along with a team of highly trained and skilled clinicians, utilize state-of-the-art procedures and comprehensive treatment planning to achieve optimal dental health while enhancing and maintaining the natural beauty of their patients’ smiles.
Here are the reasons why an early orthodontic checkup with Dr. Dave or Dr. Chris at Wollenschlaeger Orthodontics may be important for your child: • Orthodontists can spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present. • While your child’s teeth may appear to be straight, there could be problems that only an orthodontist can detect. • The check-up may reveal that your child’s bite is fine. Or, the orthodontist may identify a developing problem but recommend monitoring the child’s growth and development, and then if indicated, begin treatment at the appropriate time for the child. • Early treatment may prevent more serious problems from developing and may make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated.
• In some cases, the orthodontist will be able to achieve results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing. • Early treatment may give them the chance to: guide jaw growth; lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth; correct harmful oral habits; improve appearance; guide permanent teeth into a more favorable position; and improve the way the lips meet. Because patients differ in both physiological development and treatment needs, Dr. Dave and Dr. Chris’ goals are to provide each patient with the most appropriate treatment at the most appropriate time. Through a complimentary orthodontic evaluation at Wollenschlaeger Orthodontics, you’ll be giving your child the best opportunity for a healthy beautiful smile.
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* MUYpFFI RrS ToTnI Mt E
Running for office The quest to serve is an adrenaline rush. STORY: PEYTON GRINNELL // PHOTO: ANTHONY RAO
n 2016, I filed to run for public office, sheriff of Lake County. It felt like a natural progression after serving in the Marine Corps and, at that time, for more than 20 years in law enforcement. I felt confident I knew what this position entailed because I had served as the chief deputy for 10 years. However, this first time running for office taught me a great deal. I had the opportunity to make impactful personal connections and learn first-hand the needs
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of those living in our great county. I was asking voters to trust in my ability to address their concerns. I made friends on the campaign trail and worked harder than ever. The passion to serve our community was like an adrenaline rush. Our campaign was full of energy and excitement. I wanted to do my best to take this agency to the next level. Doing anything for the first time can be intimidating, but I watched as an incredible team assembled to support me. Seeing people believe in you makes you step up your game to not let them down. With each campaign event, I was inspired. Some of the
best advice given to me was “Just be myself.� I take that to heart, even today, as I serve the people. I believe a servant leader should be caring, trustworthy, and humble, and I strive to exude these qualities. Being born and raised in Lake County, I wanted the opportunity to give back to the county that provided so much for me and my family. That first campaign gave me the opportunity to share my beliefs and vision with the citizens. In the blink of an eye, a second campaign is on the horizon, and I am excited to see what the future holds. After all, election time is my report card.
people. commitment. dependability. growth. “Commitment isn’t just a word for the people at PCDG Construction. It’s part of our name—people, commitment, dependability, growth. When we commit to a project, it comes from every employee and is reflected in the quality of everything we do. Excellence at every level is our goal and complete satisfaction is the key. PCDG Construction is wholly committed to any project every step of the way. We make it happen.” —J.J. Cunningham, GM
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Multi-Family
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* TUHpI S F‘ Nr’ oT HnAtT
The national pastime If you’ve got a complaint, take a number. STORY: CHRIS GERBASI // ILLUSTRATION: MEGAN MERICLE
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veryone probably has gone through this at one time or another: You find yourself trapped in a situation with someone who complains about everything— every last occurrence and incident and detail in their life. It’s too hot. It’s too cold. It’s too loud. It’s too quiet. My wife is leaving me. My wife won’t leave me. You know, the kind of person who starts every sentence with “I don’t want to complain, but….” Well,
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I don’t want to complain, but I recently came to the unsettling realization that I’m “that guy.” I didn’t set out to be that guy. I don’t really want to be that guy. And yet…there’s just so much stuff to complain about every day. It’s like our national pastime. But the worst part is, I realized I come from an entire family of “that guys.” So I did a little Googling—I didn’t break my back, like I don’t have enough to do already?—and I found that
some behavioral traits are genetic. Maybe complaining is just in my blood, and the complaint gene can be traced back to early man. “Oh, sure, they invent fire, but they don’t tell you not to put your hand in it. Fire should come with an instruction manual. How do I know what temperature is right for cooking woolly mammoth? And when are they going to get around to making a decent wheel? They can put a man in a cave, but they can’t make a decent wheel!” The world of psychology explores different types of complainers. Chronic complainers are never satisfied with anything. That could be stated better, but I’ll let it go. Venters have an agenda, are focused on themselves, and want attention and validation
from a confidant. Surely, you agree with what I’m saying. Instrumental complainers pose solutions to their complaints, like kindly telling someone where they can go, informing them that their head is currently stuck in an unusual location, or suggesting that they should try a new physical position. One theory of complaining states that the “Law of Attraction” brings more things to complain about into our realities. In other words, complaining breeds complaining. It becomes a never-ending cycle and commonplace complaints become a negative daily mantra. That’s true. Think of the many topics that almost all of us complain about on a daily basis: traffic, bad drivers, the news, customer service, rude and inconsiderate
people, and on and on. And who doesn’t complain about their bosses? Don’t get me started… (Editor’s note: A large section of this column has been redacted due to offensive language.) Those behavioral researcher types suggest a solution: if we stop complaining, the cycle can be broken. Well, isn’t that sugar and spice and everything nice, all wrapped up in a bow with a cherry on top (don’t complain about the mixed metaphors). We’ll just stop complaining. It’s so easy. I won’t ever again complain about drivers who don’t signal, or people in fast cars who drive too slow, or fans at concerts who won’t shut their yaps, or my neighbor’s yapping dog, or always needing to make three calls to correct errors on my TV bill, or how people overuse words like “icon,” “legend,” “amazing,” and “awesome,” or the fact that humans spend an average of 26.3 years of their lives waiting in lines (I made it up, but who’s complaining?), or that the world is going to heck in a handbasket. Yes, I said heck. That’s just the absolute, perfect solution. And the sun will shine down on us every day and we’ll all live in Rainbowland, and yes, I know there would have to be rain amid the sunshine to create the rainbow, and I can’t even end on a good rant. Damn, this column sucks. Not that I’m complaining.
MESOS PLASTIC SURGERY GETS A FACELIFT Board-certified plastic surgeons eager to announce new VIP name and new, larger location. PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
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nveiling a beautiful new face always brings a sense of new beginnings, optimism reborn anew, and an excitement for what the future holds. For the providers and staff of Lake County’s newest Plastic Surgery Center, aptly named the Village Institute of Plastic Surgery, or VIP Surgery for short, the enthusiasm is palpable. “Our wonderful patients have made us the largest plastic surgery office and outpatient surgical facility catering to residents of The Villages and surrounding areas” says Dr. Mendez, “and we are thrilled to bring the ultimate VIP experience in plastic surgery with a brand new surgical facility that will bring all that is best in this field into one place.” Transforming the lives of thousands of patients by helping them achieve their desired look has been a routine endeavor for Dr. Danny Soares, Dr. Roberto Mendez, Mr. Larry Blevins, PA and their first-class team; but the opportunity to launch their own brand new facility has added an additional optimism into the already thriving practice. Formerly known as Mesos Plastic Surgery and Laser Center, the new re-branded VIP facility will soon serve patients in their newly constructed, beautifully designed, Mediterraneanstyle office building located at 607 County Road 466A in Fruitland Park. Expected to open in early May, the new center will boast two fully accredited, state of the
art surgical suites, along with over 6000 square feet of meticulously crafted space. Available services will encompass all types of plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures, both surgical and nonsurgical, along with an extensive list of therapeutic spa services in one place. The new name VIP is no coincidence, since the practice has always held their patients with high esteem, says Larry Blevins, PA-C, “I really think we go out of our way to give each patient the VIP experience. You may come in as a patient, but I believe most people leave as part of our family.” The team considers Villages residents and their consistent positive word of mouth to be the reason for the Center’s blossoming success since 2005. However, it is also the practice’s unique approach to cosmetic surgery that has allowed them to succeed in attaining the highest-quality results that they are proud to boast nationally. The practice offers “super-specialists” in each providers’ respective field of plastic surgery. “Many surgeons attempt to perform all conceivable plastic surgery procedures; however, you can run the risk of being a “jack of all trades and master of none” as the saying goes,” says Dr. Soares, a triple board-certified facial plastic surgeon with a well-established reputation as a facelift expert. Dr. Soares concentrates solely on surgical and non-surgical procedures from the neck up. Dr. Men-
dez, Board-certified plastic surgeon, and the practices’ “body expert,” has dedicated his career to mastering surgical techniques for body contouring and reconstructive surgery to produce dramatic life changing results for his patients. Mr. Blevins, PA, Laser Specialist and master Injector trainer, has spent years honing his skills in non-surgical, minimally invasive options that offer maximal results
name”, says Carrie Blevins, MS, RD the practice manager and director of nutritional services. “Our clinicians are often sought after for their expertise by medical professionals and patients alike”. We have started offering training programs to other practitioners,” she says, “so that our providers who have spent years perfecting their craft can share their hardearned knowledge, allowing others to mimic the great
“we are thrilled to bring the ultimate VIP experience in plastic surgery with a brand new surgical facility that will bring all that is best in this field into one place.” —DR. ROBERTO MENDEZ with minimal downtime for the face and body. The Village Institute of Plastic Surgery will be more than just your average plastic surgery facility; the practice has set its sights on becoming an educational and training hub for new aspiring cosmetic providers in central Florida. “That is one reason why we chose the term “institute” to become part of our new VIP
results that we get to see day in and day out.” The new facility will have a second floor entirely dedicated to training and education programs for both practitioners and patients. Ashley, the practice care coordinator and marketing director says, “We conduct monthly seminars to help patients gain a better understanding of the surgical and non-surgical
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modalities available to them and it will be nice to have our own venue to host our own conferences where patients can directly witness everything that our beautifully-designed facility has to offer.” The three clinicians keep abreast of the latest developments in their respective fields, consistently incorporating new approved devices and technology, and they remain passionate about
their work. “I can vouch for how excited each one of them gets about what they do,” Carrie Blevins says, adding the staff and providers love reviewing “before” and “after” pictures of their patients’ transformations. “It’s always amazing and exciting to see how happy patients are when they return and get a chance to compare their pre- and post-procedure photos. To be part of such a positive
“It is so incredibly rewarding to see a patient at a follow up and hear how thrilled they are to look in the mirror and actually see themselves again.” —DR. DANNY SOARES transformation is a unique and rare privilege that we find quite rewarding.” Dr. Soares compares his work on the face and neck to
art restoration on a painting or sculpture, bringing it back to its original quality. “Patients don’t typically come in wanting to look like
ABOUT THE VIP CLINICIANS
DR. DANNY SOARES
LARRY BLEVINS, PA
Danny Soares, MD is an ABFPRS board-certified facial plastic surgeon specializing in facial rejuvenation. Dr. Soares received his medical degree from the University of Connecticut and subsequently completed a residency in Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. He completed a facial cosmetic and reconstructive surgical fellowship, awarded by the American Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. He serves as Assistant Professor of Head & Neck Surgery at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine. Dr. Soares is a soughtafter facelift expert, with specialization in advanced facial aging in The Villages. His self-published textbook “Tailored Rhytidectomy – A complete Approach to Facelifting” has helped educate surgeons on the complexities and pitfalls of facelifting. Dr. Soares routinely lectures nationally on facial plastic surgery and has published numerous original studies in the fields of cosmetic and therapeutic head and neck surgery.
With over 20 years’ experience, Mr. Blevins is a highly trained physician assistant, specializing in cosmetic procedures and laser skin rejuvenation. He is the highest volume cosmetic injector in Central Florida and received his training at the University of Nebraska while serving as a medical officer in the U.S. Army. He deployed twice to Iraq and worked inside the trauma unit at Ibn Sina Hospital in Baghdad. “Through seeing soldiers with injuries and scars, I became obsessed with learning how to do rejuvenation, whether it was a burn on the face or a big laceration,” he says. “It was exciting to help someone get their lives back to where they were before; it became my passion.” Blevins performs nonsurgical procedures of facial rejuvenation, laser skin tightening, laser pigment and spot removal, Botox injections and cosmetic injectables along with many more of the latest cutting-edge treatments for non-invasive wrinkle reduction and fat removal. “A lot of patients are not surgical candidates, so you do not have to go big or go home,” Blevins says. “You can do a lot of small things. Just a little Botox can make a huge difference in erasing frown lines. I love my career choice and I love helping people,” says Larry Blevins. “They’re not sick, they’re not injured. The things that bother them are things you can fix.” He recently earned the title “Master Injector Trainer” from MERZ Aesthetics becoming a national trainer for cosmetic injectables and will soon begin training for Galderma under their GAIN program to share his refined injection techniques with other cosmetic providers.
DOUBLE BOARD-CERTIFIED FACIAL PLASTIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGEON
INJECTABLES AND LASER TREATMENTS
someone else but rather just want to soften the damage time has done to their appearance, so they can once again reclaim their facial features. It is so incredibly rewarding to see a patient at a follow up and hear how thrilled they are to look in the mirror and actually see themselves again.” Dr. Soares recalls his interest in facial plastic surgery began in medical school when he served as both a
student and professional illustrator of the school’s head & neck anatomy atlas. “I fell in love with the anatomy of the head and neck. It’s a beautiful, phenomenally complex piece of engineering,” he says. “To me, facial plastic surgery embodies the perfect combination of both medicine and art; no other field merges these two components together quite like this.”
DR. ROBERTO MENDEZ BOARD-CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON
Roberto J. Mendez M.D., F.A.C.S. is a board certified plastic surgeon who brings over 20 years of experience to central Florida. Board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Mendez is also a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (A.S.P.S.) and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (A.S.A.P.S.). In addition, he is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Mendez specializes in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery including transaxillary breast augmentation (performed without scars in the breasts), mommy makeovers, as well as body contouring procedures such as liposuction and tummy tucks. He completed his accredited and formal residency in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, where he served as Chief Resident. Dr. Mendez completed his general surgery training at Sinai Hospital in Detroit. During his residency, he trained among leading experts in aesthetic plastic surgery and a worldrenowned plastic surgeon for breast surgical procedures. “I love what I do,” says Dr. Mendez. “The reason I went into surgery is that I like to see results, and I have the ability, with my training in plastic surgery, to change lives for the better, be it cosmetic or reconstructive, such as reconstructing a breast after a mastectomy.”
Village Institute of Plastic Surgery will have its grand opening this summer and invites residents of The Villages and surrounding communities to join them in celebrating this new chapter for the practice. Call 352.259.8599 for updates on this event and to be added to their email list for ongoing specials and seminar dates.
352.259.8599 607 CR 466A, Fruitland Park www.PlasticSurgeryVIP.com
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Living in this area may mean you accept everything around you without looking further. Enjoy a staycation and discover what you can do on the many lakes in the area or what you can learn by touring a historical home. These destinations and activities aren’t new; you may have just forgotten what’s hiding in plain sight. Take a look at the hidden gems in Lake and Sumter counties.
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Dive right in
Recreational opportunities await visitors to Alexander Springs. STORY: JAMES COMBS // PHOTOS: BERNARD BRZEZINSKI
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f you’re an avid diving enthusiast, forget about traveling to the Cayman Islands, Cozumel, or the Great Barrier Reef to enjoy an underwater adrenaline rush. Alexander Springs Recreation Area, located in the Ocala National Forest near Astor, offers yearround diving opportunities in its crystalline waters. Think of it as Mother Nature’s version of an outdoor swimming pool. Bluegill, catfish, turtles, kelp-like vegetation, and rock outcroppings are some of the beautiful sights that await novice and experienced divers alike. “The water is crystal clear, so visibility is unlimited,” says Judy Holdrem, who serves as the state park’s area manager. Alexander Springs isn’t known only to locals. Divers from as far away as Belgium, France, and Germany have visited to enjoy its peaceful and serene underwater world. Because there are no complex cave systems to navigate, the spring is an ideal destination
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Rat&R a
VRBO
Lake Louisa Events & Resort is no Mickey Mouse operation. STORY: CHRIS GERBASI
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hen David and Sherri Canther scouted properties
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for beginners looking to descend to new depths. In fact, Alexander Springs is a popular site for dive training. “People who dive first thing in the morning say it’s one of the most peaceful feelings they’ve ever experienced,” Judy says. “And many love diving down to the spring itself, where water bubbles form beneath the sand floor.” Divers who visit Alexander Springs must be certified and show proof of certification. Alexander Springs is one of only 27 first-magnitude springs in Florida, meaning it gushes 100 gallons of water per cubic second from under the ground. Water temperature remains 72 degrees year-round. In addition to diving, visitors can hike the Timucuan Trail, a 0.9mile loop featuring two observation decks offering beautiful views of the spring. Other attractions include a 68-site campground, a large picnic area, and a sand-beach shoreline where sunbathers can work on the perfect tan.
to start a vacation rentals by owner (VRBO) business, they wanted a spot that was centrally located yet private, away from the Disney crowds. They found a mansion in foreclosure on Lake Louisa and gave it a complete renovation. The result is Lake Louisa Events & Resort, a 54-acre site in Clermont that opened in 2018. “It had the right setting and the potential because it was laid out really beautifully,” David
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says. “I wanted to create something that was more unique than Reunion Resort (near Disney).” The couple formerly lived in Lake County before moving to Tennessee, where Sherri works as a health-care professional while David, a longtime pastor, runs the business. The resort, which adjoins Lake Louisa State Park, provides beautiful views and glittering sunsets in a unique locale offering both activities and
Florida’s oldest
flea market Sumter County Farmers’ Market in Webster is a unique ‘go-to’ place. STORY: THERESA CAMPBELL // PHOTOS: ANTHONY RAO
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assive crowds flock to Sumter County Farmers’ Market in Webster from 6am-2pm Mondays to buy everything imaginable, including a wide array of fresh produce, jewelry, sunglasses, crafts, leather goods, tools, cigars, windchimes, toys, collectibles, antiques, plants, and more on the market’s 40-acre grounds. The small city of Webster proudly takes claim to being home to the oldest and largest flea market in the Sunshine State. “I enjoy everything here,” says shopper Andrea Badal of Center Hill. “I really enjoy the fresh fruits and vegetables and that is what I come for every Monday. There’s a great variety.” Vendor David Rowley, of Mount Dora, enjoys interacting with the market crowd as he demonstrates his cleaning solution, Incredible Suds, on a heavily soiled carpet. THE SECRETS “People say they love this market, that it’s a one-stop
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privacy, homey amenities and the great outdoors. The resort also hosts weddings, conferences, corporate events, and family gatherings. An 11,000-squarefoot villa contains eight bedrooms, living and dining rooms, and four kitchens. In the game room, guests can play pool, ping-pong, and air hockey, or watch the 55-inch TV. The property has multiple areas for relaxation, a boardwalk for nature lovers, and an Olympic-size, screened-in sport pool with a pool house. Guests can ride an all-terrain vehicle or Swamp Buggy, practice at a private shooting range, rent bikes at the park, or go fishing, boating, kayaking, and JetSkiing on the lake. David sees a varied clientele, but most visitors have one thing in common: the need to relax. “People want their batteries recharged, they want to get the peace and tranquility away from others, and feel you’re in your own world,” he says.
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shop, and they buy most of their stuff here,” David says. “They like that they can walk around and exercise.” The market has been a popular attraction for more than eight decades. It was established and chartered
in 1937 by local farmers to sell vegetables and cattle, according to the market’s website. Initially, farm families sold and traded “junk” items that they no longer needed. In the early 1950s, the market expanded
farm Uncle Donald has a
You’ll find cows, chickens, and goats…and also a cougar and a Patagonian mara.
to include new merchandise. An antique mall on the grounds has more than 80 stalls, along with a beer garden and concessions area. Visitors will find some of the best country-style, Southern home cooking that
is served buffet-style at the Farmers’ Market Restaurant on the grounds. The restaurant truly is a hidden gem, and is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A reminder: the flea market is open only on Mondays.
“We have buff geese and heritage breed turkeys that were raised 50 to 100 years ago,” Donna says. “We’ve had this farm in our family since 1951. It was owned by my grandparents, and we did 4H Club growing up.” The sisters now have second- and thirdgeneration visitors
bringing children and grandchildren. “The funny thing is, adults are the ones who don’t know what chickens look like,” Donna says with a laugh. Among the amazing animals residing on the beautiful farm are a redtailed hawk, a peacock that isn’t shy about displaying its glorious feathers, and
STORY: LEIGH NEELY // PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL
to the farm. Owned by Donna and her two sisters, Jeanette and Beth Morris, the farm is a great place for a family adventure. “Most of my animals are used to people,” Donna says. “Since no one can abuse them, they like people.” Something the sisters are proud of is their part in the Livestock Conservancy, which protects endangered breeds of livestock and poultry.
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here’s a big farm tucked away on a country road, well, maybe not fully country, but a backroad. Uncle Donald’s Farm is a place where schoolkids and tourists can see a chicken that isn’t wrapped in plastic at a supermarket. Instead of an alarm, Donna Morris has guard dogs, but she also has a guard goose that honks loudly when people approach the entrance
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though a sign reads, “Don’t feed animals fingers.” Admission is $11.75 for adults; $10.75 for children and seniors, which includes a farmtour hayride. The farm is open from 10am-4pm Tuesday-Saturday, and noon-4pm Sunday at 2713 Griffin Ave., Lady Lake. A picnic area is available (no alcohol allowed).
Webster takes claim as the only city in Florida with a Bee City USA designation. STORY: THERESA CAMPBELL
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ebster is building condos—not for people, but to attract bees. Seriously. Small drilled holes in untreated wood blocks SECRETS O serve as “condos,” a nesting F THE habitat for bees. City officials and residents have been making the condos and placing them in their yards as part of efforts to be a KE pollinator-friendly city. NT & SU U O C “Bees can go in there MTER and build their little hotel rooms. The hole has to be a certain size, and the bees know it’s their condos,” says Pam Arnold, assistant city clerk, who is proud that Webster became the first Florida
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silkie chickens, which look like furry little birds. The animals provide safety, too. The llamas keep stray dogs and coyotes from bothering the small animals. There are also sheep and lambs that are native to Florida because they came with the Spaniards. Guests can buy feed for many of the animals,
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Silver Glen Springs is a cool destination.
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community pollinator habitat plantings. “We’ve had Congressman Daniel Webster’s staff come and help build bee condos,” says Pam, while Michael adds that he hopes more cities become part of the Bee City USA movement.
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residents to plant pollinator flowers, shrubs, trees, and to set up bee condos. I’ve felt very strongly about keeping bees here.” Webster takes part in observing National Pollinator Week the third week of June, and the city will host a “Bee Day” this spring filled with educational activities, bee vendors, a parade, and
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honey bees, native bees, birds, bats, and butterflies are essential partners of farmers in producing food, and vital in keeping fruits, nuts, and vegetables in our diets. “Bees are dying at an alarming rate; we need to try to save them,” Michael says. “One way was to become a Bee City and to encourage all of the
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city to receive a Bee City USA designation. Former Webster Councilman Michael Harris became concerned over the decline of bees and other pollinators due to habitat losses and the use of pesticides. “I was interested because the need is so important,” Michael says, noting the pollinator species of
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f the tiny community of Astor is known as “The Jewel of the St. Johns River,” then Silver Glen Springs is the gem within the gem. Silver Glen Springs Recreation Area is a short drive or boat ride from Astor, tucked away in the northeast corner of Lake County about six miles north of State Road 40 in the Ocala National Forest. Visitors rave about the springs’ crystal-clear blue water and beautiful scenery. The water is one of the best in ecological quality among Florida’s 600 springs, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service. Silver Glen Springs stays 72 degrees year-round, which makes it the occasional resting spot of manatees in winter, and a cool refuge for striped bass in summer, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website states. The springs attract out-of-state travelers and locals alike. “On a hot day, I like going to the springs and just relaxing,” says Sarah Moore, general manager of Castaways on the River fishing camp in Astor.
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Visitors can make a day out of a trip to Silver Glen by participating in swimming, snorkeling, hiking, canoeing, and kayaking. The springs run out into Lake George, a popular fishing hole to reel in largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, black crappie, and brown bullhead, the FWC says. Outdoors lovers can stay in the area long-term and explore Ocala National Forest, Lake George State Forest, and Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge. Castaways on the River, Astor Landing RV Resort & Marina, and St. Johns River Campground are ideal spots for parking a recreational vehicle or docking a boat. Silver Glen Springs attracts snowbirds and vacationers from January through April, and it’s also especially busy on summer weekends, so plan accordingly.
KERN HOUSE
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CLERMONT H I VILLAGESTORIC COOPER MEMORIAL LIBRARY AND HERRING HOOKS SCHOOLHOUSE
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The Clermont Historic Village Museum shares the lives of area pioneers. STORY: CHRIS GERBASI // PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ
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mid the bustling development in Clermont is a reminder of the origins of the city and what life used to be like. The Clermont Historic Village Museum, at 490 West Ave. on the shores of Lake Minneola, provides a glimpse into the area’s rich history. Walking tours and guided tours cover the several historical buildings on campus. “It’s a good cross-section of the beginnings of the city and the rest of the area,” says Jim Briggs, president of the South Lake County Historical Society, a nonprofit organization that operates the village.
The buildings include many “firsts,” such as an original Quonset hut that houses a World War II Museum; the area’s first library, Cooper Memorial, built in 1914; a Train Depot built around 1925 that still stands in its original location; and Herring Hooks Schoolhouse, a replica of an 1881 one-room school that Momma Hooks transformed from a hunting cabin, Jim says. The Kern House was built around 1885 on Montrose Street by Alexander Kern, a New Jersey farmer and one of the founders of Clermont who constructed his house in a northeastern style, Jim says.
The Townsend house, built around 1895 on State Road 50, was home to the first African-American family to settle in the area. “It’s very unique,” Jim says of the collection. “We get a lot of comments from people from all over the country who like antique villages, and they say that we have one of the best setups. We’re very proud of that.” The village is open to the public from 1-3pm Friday and 1-4pm Saturday-Sunday. Group and children’s tours can be arranged at other times. Admission is free; a $2 donation is requested for guided tours. Visit clermontvillage.org.
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A
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from the top
Scenic Sugarloaf Mountain is a natural high. STORY: CHRIS GERBASI // PHOTO: ANTHONY RAO
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sightseeing. Sugarloaf attracts hundreds of cyclists each weekend, and many races, triathlons, and group rides include the mountain road on the routes. The steep climb up a 14-percent grade poses a stiff challenge, says Tim Molyneaux, a cyclist and former Clermont resident who promotes races in Lake County and across the Southeast for TopView Sports, based in Georgia. He also belongs to the Atlantic Shores Velo USA Cycling club, which has members from Clermont who regularly ride Sugarloaf. The “joy of cycling,” Tim says, is that cyclists can ride Sugarloaf with any type of bike they have: road, mountain, gravel, hybrid. Cyclists from all over the country come to Sugarloaf, he says. And while it’s a “molehill” compared to say, the countryside along the Tour de France, the difficulty is relative depending on the speed and intensity with which a cyclist ETS SECR OF attacks the hill. HE “It’s probably the toughest climb in the state of Florida. It’s rather unique,” Tim says. “It’s an amazing place to ride.”
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ountaintop views, roller-coaster hills, and rugged terrain are not topographical features commonly associated with Lake County, but they’re out there. OK, no one’s going to need oxygen while driving up the road, but Sugarloaf Mountain near Ferndale is the highest point in peninsular Florida at 312 feet above sea level, according to greenmountainbyway.org. Sugarloaf Mountain Road, part of the Green Mountain Scenic Byway, can be accessed heading east off County Road 561 or north from County Road 561A. At the peak, residents and motorists get panoramic views of the wooded landscape and Lake Apopka. The rural area includes horse farms and residences, and just to the east on County Road 455 is the Green Mountain Scenic Overlook and Trailhead and the Ferndale nature preserve. Recreational opportunities include biking, hiking, and
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Under the
oaks A house built in 1895 takes you back in time. STORY: LEIGH NEELY
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hen David Hume Baker and his wife, Mary, moved from Kentucky to Sumter County, they lived in a small Cracker house until their majestic home was built. Today, the Baker House, 6106 County Road 44A in Wildwood, still stands and is open for a variety of activities. Dennis Andrews, manager of parks and recreation for Wildwood, oversees the work of the dedicated
volunteers who not only conduct tours, but also help with repairs and painting when possible. “Our goal is to put on different functions and events to acquire funds to keep the house going,” he says. David and Laurie Bailey have been volunteers for about four years. They lead historical tours dressed in period clothing. “All the volunteers make the decisions concerning the house, functions, and things to do with money,” David says. Donations and tours keep the repairs and renovations ongoing in the old house, but it’s obviously all done with a love of history. David Baker had successful businesses in Kentucky and Illinois before moving to Florida to raise citrus. He also
was a politician—a state senator in Kentucky and then a state senator and representative in Florida. “Mrs. Baker was postmistress of Orange Home, which is what the town was called,” Laurie says. “Everyone picked up their mail here.” After several freezes destroyed the citrus crop, the Bakers opted for raising cattle, buying land from those who left after the freezes. They were a wealthy family until the stock market crash of 1929. Five generations of Bakers lived in the beautiful home, and some original furniture and other items that belonged to the family are still there. The last Baker born in the house was Carolyn Baker Moore, who is 85 and loves to come by the house to speak with tours.
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Nature is calling Lake Griffin State Park is waiting to be explored. STORY: JAMES COMBS // PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL
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ake Griffin State Park is the epitome of a hidden gem. “I’ve talked to people born in Lake County who have never been through our gates,” says Kim Higgins, administrative assistant of the park. Perhaps that’s because the park is located at 3089 U.S. Highway 441 in Fruitland Park. Few may realize one turn off a bustling highway leads to natural wonders. For starters, Lake Griffin State Park is home to Florida’s second-oldest
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oak tree, estimated to be between 300 and 500 years old. The tree is home to several species of birds, and historians speculate the tree may have been a landmark for Timucua Native Americans who frequented the area before settlement. Two trails give hikers an up-close view of Florida’s natural habitats, including swamp and sandhill terrain. Along the way, visitors may see racoons, bobcats, squirrels, opossum, and hawks. Don’t worry about the sizzling summertime heat. Spanish moss-draped oak trees provide adequate shade. Other popular attractions include a guided pontoon boat tour of Dead River Marsh, a tributary of Lake Griffin. It’s as educational as it is fun because guides share interesting facts about Florida’s flora and fauna. The pontoon boat tour lasts a little over
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an hour and costs $15 per person. Kayak and canoe rentals also are available. Single kayaks cost $10 per hour, and canoes and double kayaks cost $12 per hour. A 40-site campground allows visitors to stay a few nights, while picnic tables and a playground entertain families who come for a day. “The park offers an escape right in the middle of town,” Kim says. “It’s very peaceful out here, and it’s a place locals and tourists alike should experience.”
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STANLEY PON ADVENTURE D FARM
Making
memories Stanley Pond Adventure Farm in Astatula is family fun. STORY: THERESA CAMPBELL // PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL
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tanley Pond Adventure Farm is hopping this month as the 23-acre site at 15426 County Road 48 in Astatula has its Easter Extravaganza with colorful toy-filled Easter eggs for children to find. “We have over 10,000 Easter eggs. It’s a very nice, controlled atmosphere, and we have a hayride that goes along with this. It’s fun for the kids,” says Tricia Merrill, operations manager of the farm that has been open to families and school field trips since 2011. The Easter Extravaganza begins April 6 and is held the first two weekends of the month and also April 20, the day before Easter. “Our mission is to be a safe place for families to come to where everybody can interact and have fun together,” she says. “It’s not just the parents sitting there watching their kids.”
A swan boat ride, along with a fun zone including a jumping pad, slide, tricycles, corn hole, and barnyard ball, are some of the farm’s popular activities. One recent new addition is the farm being open from 1-5pm every Sunday (except holidays). “It’s our Sunday Funday for kids to come and play in the fun zone area,” Tricia says. “It’s something that has been added for the rest of the year.” The farm has been a popular site for children’s birthday parties, and it’s also a sunflower U-pick farm with sunflowers available about seven months of the year. “We’ve had engagements done in our sunflowers, and we’ve had graduation photos, family photos, so there are lots of photo opportunities in the sunflowers,” Tricia says, adding that corporate events and weddings also can be hosted at the farm’s 300-person facility, which features a classic rustic setting.
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Bunny Kisses
Easter Wishes
from Edible Arrangements.
352.391.1334
3509 Wedgewood Lane, The Villages (in the Southern Trace Plaza)
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THE TO-DO LIST //
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SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT //
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HI , SOCIETY
51 On the Scene
The band Justin Heet is a local tradition. SEE STORY on PG 54
* TOHnE TTOh- DeO SL cI S eT n e
April APRIL 1
A dancing spectacular Murphy’s Celtic Legacy will perform traditional Irish dances with dancers and musicians from Riverdance, Lord of the Dance, and Celtic Woman. Showtime is 7pm at The Sharon in Spanish Springs Town Square in The Villages. See thesharon.com for ticket info. APRIL 1-7
Gotta get loose! The classic “Footloose” comes to the stage at Melon Patch Theatre, 311 N. 13th St., Leesburg. You’ll have a hard time staying in your seat when the dancing begins. Contact office@melonpatchplayers.org for showtimes and ticket information. APRIL 3
Sing me a song Enjoy the best of musical theater with The World of Musicals. Hear songs from “Evita,” “Les Miserables,” and “Phantom of the Opera,” along with other great hits. Showtime is 7pm at The Sharon in Spanish Springs APRIL 13-14
Sing the blues Hear great music and enjoy great wine when Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards presents Blues at the Winery from 10am-5pm both days. Admission is $10; children 12 and younger free. 19239 U.S. Highway 27 N., Clermont.
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Town Square in The Villages. See thesharon.com for ticket info.
APRIL 15
An evening of music Don’t Tell Nonnie is back, hosted by Rebecca Morse with accompaniment by Gary Powell. Showtime is 7pm at The Sharon in Spanish Springs Town Square in The Villages. See thesharon.com for ticket info.
Classical favorites The Villages Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance of Johannes Brahms’ “Symphony No. 4 in E Minor, Op. 98” and Tchaikovsky’s “Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 35” featuring guest violinist Fabrizio Falasca. Showtime is 7pm at The Sharon in Spanish Springs Town Square in The Villages. See thesharon.com for ticket info.
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APRIL 18
APRIL 4
Cole Porter at his best Enjoy an evening of unforgettable Cole Porter music with “Kiss Me Kate,” presented by Sonnentag Theatre at the IceHouse, 1100 N. Unser St., Mount Dora. See icehousetheatre.com for showtimes and ticket sales.
On the keyboard Renowned pianist Phyllis Morgan is performing her own arrangements on the beautiful grand piano at the Plantation Manor, 25201 U.S. Highway 27, Leesburg. Tickets: $10. Showtime: 7pm. Cash or checks payable to Phyllis Morgan.
APRIL 5-28
Yee haw! “Greater Tuna” is a great place to visit, but you may not want to live there. You’ll meet Arles Stuvie, Thurston Wheelis, Aunt Pear, and other colorful characters and learn the truth about small towns. See it at Bay Street Players, 109 N. Bay St., Eustis. For tickets and showtimes, email boxoffice@baystreetplayers.org.
APRIL 18-19
Rent’s due! Celebrate the 20th anniversary of the amazing musical “Rent,” which was not only a Tony Award winner but also won a Pulitzer Prize. Showtime is 7pm at The Sharon in Spanish Springs Town Square in The Villages. See thesharon.com for ticket info.
APRIL 20
Hug a tree Celebrate Earth Day in Mount Dora in Donnelly Park, 530 N. Donnelly St., with free music, exhibits, a raffle, and lots more fun. See mountdoraenvironment.org for more information.
APRIL 25-26
Season finale
APRIL 20-21
Arts and crafts It’s time for the 23rd annual Brownwood Paddock Square Arts & Crafts Festival, 2705 W. Torch Lake Drive in Wildwood. Hours are 10am5pm both days. Free admission. APRIL 23
A big belly laugh! The Irish Comedy Tour brings Dublin to town with its band of hooligans. Showtime is 7pm at The Sharon in Spanish Springs Town Square in The Villages. See thesharon.com for ticket info.
The Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra ends its season with “Ballade in Blue,” a tribute to founder Guy Saint-Clair that includes fiery dances and features pianist Sten-Heinoja. Buy tickets at floridalakessymphonyorchestra.com for the April 25 performance at Epiphany Celebration Anglican Church, 1725 South Bay St., Eustis; and the April 26 performance at Family Christian Center, 2500 S. U.S. Highway 27, Clermont. Showtime is 7:30pm both nights.
APRIL 26-28
The first time First dates are almost always difficult. In “First Date,” Aaron is a “blind-date virgin,” but Casey has
had more than she should have. Enjoy this hilarious comedy at the Moonlight Players Theater, 735 W. Minneola Ave., Clermont. See moonlightplayers.com for ticket info.
Ongoing Events Farmer’s Markets: The Saturday Morning Market Saturday, 8am-1pm Leesburg Towne Square
Webster’s Farmer’s Market Monday, 6am-2pm 524 North Market Blvd. Webster
Brownwood Farmer’s Market Saturday, 9am-1pm 2726 Brownwood Blvd., Wildwood
2nd Friday: Wine Tasting Stroll Starts at Maggie’s Attic at Alexander Street and 4th Avenue. 6-8pm
Lady Lake Farmer’s Market Tuesday, 9am-1pm Lady Lake Log Cabin 106 S. U.S. Highway 27/441
2nd Friday: Art in the Alley Features artists and performers on the
Th e re ’ s more !
sidewalks of downtown Mount Dora, 6-8pm Acoustic music Hear local musicians free from 7-9pm at Leesburg Center for the Arts, 429 W. Magnolia St. Movie in the Park Free family movie starts at dusk in Donnelly Park, downtown Mount Dora.
3rd Wednesday: PAWS Reading Dogs W.T. Bland Library, Mount Dora. 3rd Thursday: Mount Dora Food Trucks Downtown Mount Dora. 4th Saturday: Classic Car Cruise-In Downtown Eustis.
2nd Saturday: Food Truck N Flick Night Leesburg Towne Square.
All seasonal events and celebrations are listed on lakeandsumterstyle.com.
To have an event considered for the calendar, send a short text description along with a color photo (if available) 45 days in advance of event to: calendar@akersmediagroup.com or Lake & Sumter Style Calendar, P.O. Box 490088, Leesburg, FL 34749
April 2019
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* LOOnC ATL hT AeL ESNcTe n e
Bring it home Justin Heet is a musical tradition in Central Florida. STORY: CHRIS GERBASI // PHOTO: NICOLE HAMEL
* Justin Heet shares what Bobby calls a “common musical ethic” of rock, blues, soul, jazz, and country, proved by covers of Muddy Waters, Santana, Van Morrison, Wilson Pickett, and Georgia Satellites.
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‘I know what you’re going to do next,’” Ric says. “We have our own kind of sound. If I get in another band, it’s not like that (sound),” Kenny adds. “It’s hard to fit in with other guys.” Bob joined Justin Heet periodically to “spice something up” and eventually stayed: “Two or three years ago, they said, ‘Well, just put your stuff on the truck.’” Matt, educated in jazz and improvisation, became
a fan after seeing the band live: “I couldn’t believe the great sound they got in this little club.” And who’s Justin Heet? Not a person. The name’s origin involves Daytona Beach, spring break, and hormones. For more, read the Q&A at lakeandsumterstyle.com. Justin Heet performs at Leesburg Bikefest from 3:30-8pm April 26 at Towne Square Stage.
Front: Ric Stott, Bobby Croft. Back: Matt Kent, Kenny Hicks, Bob Merrell.
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s the band begins to play, the heavy bass of “Low Rider” is instantly recognizable. Drums and congas create a calypso vibe. A melodic guitar and boisterous keyboards complete the perfect blending of five musicians in tune with each other. The jam band Justin Heet is a little trippy but stays close to its roots by never tripping outside Central Florida. Three original members—guitarist Bobby Croft, bassist Kenny Hicks, and keyboardist Ric Stott—attended Leesburg High School, and the band has rocked on and off since 1980. Longtime friend and percussionist Bob Merrell spent his childhood in Leesburg, and drummer Matt Kent, who joined in 2017, lives in Mount Dora. They share what Bobby calls a “common musical ethic” of rock, blues, soul, jazz, and country, proved by covers of Muddy Waters, Santana, Van Morrison, Wilson Pickett, and Georgia Satellites. “We have this theory: everybody wants to hear whatever they were listening to the last day you walk out of a classroom,” Bobby says. The friends can finish each other’s sentences and read thoughts on stage. “We’ve played together so long, there’s a lot of mental
On The Scene IN CONCERT
DATE
TIME
ARTIST
VENUE
4/6
2:30/7:30pm
Rhonda Vincent
Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale
4/6
9pm
Lonie Carter
JJ’s Lounge and Package, Sorrento
4/7
2:30/7:30pm
Cornell Gunter’s Coasters
Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale
4/8
8pm
Greater Vision
Lake Yale Conference Baptist Center, Leesburg
4/8
8pm
Russ Taff
Lake Yale Conference Baptist Center, Leesburg
4/10
7:30pm
Jeff Whitfield
Ruby Street Grille, Tavares
4/11
7pm
Greg Pando
Mojo Grill and Catering, Belleview
4/12
7:30pm
Riders in the Sky
Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale
4/12
9pm
Lonie Carter
McGregor’s Bar, Mount Dora
4/13
9pm
Lonie Carter
McGregor’s Bar, Mount Dora
4/15
8pm
Triumphant Quartet
Lake Yale Conference Baptist Center, Leesburg
4/16
8pm
Summer Brooke
Lake Yale Conference Baptist Center, Leesburg
4/17
7:30pm
Jeff Whitfield
Ruby Street Grille, Tavares
4/18
7pm
Greg Pando
Mojo Grill and Catering, Belleview
4/20
8pm
Justin Heet
Ruby Street Grille, Tavares
4/21
7:30pm
Defenders of Daisies
Ruby Street Grille, Tavares
4/24
9pm
Trackside Band
Margarita Republic Caribbean Grill and Bar, The Villages
4/25
7pm
Greg Pando
Mojo Grill and Catering, Belleview
4/25
9pm
Dan Rodz
Oasis Saloon, Sorrento
4/25
9pm
Mad Hadder Band
Frank’s Place, Leesburg
4/26
7:30pm
Charlie Rich Jr.
Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale
4/26
8pm
Kings County
Ruby Street Grille, Tavares
4/26
9pm
Bar Fly
Oasis Saloon, Sorrento
4/27
1pm
Jimmy Hunter Drums
Lake Harris Hideaway, Tavares
4/27
2:30/7:30pm
Crystal Gayle
Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale
4/27
8pm
Da Boys
Ruby Street Grille, Tavares
4/27
8pm
Lonie Carter
Crossroads 44, Eustis
4/27
9pm
Bar Fly
Oasis Saloon, Sorrento
4/27
10pm
Vince Neil
Leesburg Bikefest, Leesburg
5/1
7:30pm
Jeff Whitfield
Ruby Street Grille, Tavares
Bands subject to change. Email inconcert@akersmediagroup.com to submit an event. Submissions must be received by the ninth of the month prior to month of the event (example: Oct. 9 for Nov. issue).
April 2019
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* SOOnC I ATLhSeP OST LcI eG HnTe
A symphony tribute ‘Ballade in Blue’ is a special performance for the Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra and its co-founder, Audrey Sanders. STORY: LEIGH NEELY
G *
“He was the most modest man you can ever meet, just gentle and sweet.” —AUDREY SANDERS
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uy Saint-Clair and his wife, Audrey Sanders, had a vision for an orchestra in Lake County, and now the Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra is ending its 14th season with a tribute to Guy, whose untimely death in 2010 was an incalculable loss. However, Audrey has continued as the executive director and plans all the performances each season. “I am an artist, and Guy was a concert pianist, and we started the orchestra
together, and next year (the orchestra) is going into our 15th year,” Audrey says. “Since I had worked with the orchestra from the beginning, I decided to stay on as executive director.” The orchestra’s first season was in 2005, and since it was the first professional symphony orchestra in the area, the reception from residents was warm and welcoming. Musicians come from Tampa, Jacksonville, Orlando, and all over the world to play with the
orchestra. Guy’s career as an international classical concert pianist took him to many venues and created a circle of friends worldwide. The couple made their home in Lake County after living in Europe for years and established the Florida Lake Orchestra the first year they were in Lake. “We did so much together,” Audrey says. “I love music, and he loved art, and it was wonderful.” “Ballade in Blue” will be presented April 25, which is
Guy and Audrey
Guy’s birthday, at Epiphany Celebration Anglican Church in Eustis and the next night at Family Christian Center in Clermont. Performances have always been at two locations to cover Lake County’s size. “The Epiphany Celebration Anglican Church is such a lovely place,” Audrey says. “It’s so beautiful and peaceful.” Maestro Michael J. Garasi was principal conductor from 2006-2014. The orchestra’s second decade has featured a series of guest conductors from around the world. Since 2006, the orchestra has been anchored by virtuoso Bulgarian violinist Konstantin Dimitrov, who is concert master and violin soloist. A child prodigy, Guy began composing and playing at the age of 3 and performed with an orchestra using a pseudonym at the age of 5.
Guy Saint-Clair
A consummate musician, he eventually earned three doctorates in France, Germany, and Switzerland. “He was the most modest man you can ever meet, just gentle and sweet,” Audrey says. Guy, 65, died on the eve of a performance, his “Indigo Dreaming” concert. The orchestra still performed though the piano was silent and adorned with a spray of flowers. That attention to detail and need to keep classical concerts in the area were behind Audrey’s drive to use her husband’s music and arrangements for this special concert. He was a classical piano soloist for many of the orchestra’s great concerts, and as part of the tribute to him, “Ballade in Blue” will feature his original compositions and
arrangements: “Mysterious Isles,” “Onedin Line,” “Aquarium,” “Phoenix Rising,” which was composed to aid cancer research, and the fiery “Slavic Dances.” “Everyone who knew Guy loved him,” Audrey says. “Some of the arrangements are the ones he played when he was with the London Symphony. We will have Sten-Heinoja at the piano, who has worked with the Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra since he was 18 years old, and conductor Aldert Vermeulen, a personal friend of Guy’s from the Netherlands.” Audrey says the tribute to her late husband is very special. “It’s so nice to have his friends come and share this experience, making it even more special,” she says.
If you go What: The Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra will perform “Ballade in Blue,” the gala season finale and a tribute to co-founder Guy Saint-Clair. When and Where: April 25 at Epiphany Celebration Anglican Church, 1724 S. Bay St., Eustis, and April 26 at Family Christian Center, 2500 S. U.S. Highway 27. Tickets: See floridalakessymphonyorchestra.com for tickets and information.
April 2019
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* HOIn, S OTChI EeT YS! c e n e
Russ D’Emideo, Lindsey Blaise, Ed Jimenez, and Jim Kelly
Richard Campbell, George Counselman, and Steve Autry
Joshua Fleming, David Steele, and Mark Starcher
Andrea Sellers and Lynn Winker
Ted Williams, Don Henderson, Mackie McCabe, and Russ D’Emidio Steve Knowles, Greg Lewis, Bill Wonus Nick D’Antico, John Miller, and George Manganaro
New ER for The Villages in Brownwood An official groundbreaking ceremony was held at the future site of the coming 24-hour emergency department at Wildwood. It’s across the highway from Brownwood Paddock Square in The Villages. In a new venture for the area, the $15 million project is a joint venture with Central Florida Health and the University of Florida Health Shands. Expected completion is early 2020, offering an immediate-care facility to meet the growth in The Villages and Wildwood. PHOTOS: MELANIE MELVIN
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* HOIn, S OTChI EeT YS! c e n e
Leesburg Area Chamber of Commerce Gala It was a magical evening for the Leesburg Area Chamber of Commerce as new officers were installed along with awards presented. Celebrated under the stars at the Mote-Morris House, it featured dinner and was presented by Events by Miss Daisy with Gourmet Today catering the meal. The awards highlighted member’s contributions to the community and to Leesburg businesses, and the installation of new officers cleared the slate for a brand-new year for LACC. Officers include Mike Rankin, president; Dr. Jeffrey Glover, president-elect; Jessy Flinn, treasurer; Byron Holton, secretary; and Phyllis Baum III, past president. PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL
Jessy Flinn Amy Painter and Jennifer Grinnell
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Randy Simpson
Larry & Nancy Humes and Teresa & Byron Holton Walter and Suzanne Zielinski
Amanda Allen, Kevin Flinn, Laura Merritt, and Amanda Gibson Amanda Allen and Amanda Gibson
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* HOIn, S OTChI EeT YS! c e n e
Ronda and Mark Paltan
Maggie Hornkohl
Gerry and Nancy Gilman Lake County Sheriff ’s Department
The Enforcers
Jacqueline Speed, Terry Ashbaugh, and Rebecca Arredondo Laveda and Shawn McNeil
It’s chili, but it’s hot! The Lake County Firefighters Charity held its sixth annual Charity Chili Cookoff and BBQ Competition at Gator Harley-Davidson. The event included live music, lots of cold drinks and a cash bar, vendors, raffles, prizes, and a lot more. Fire trucks were on display and, of course, T-shirts were available. The money raised during the cookoff went to Florian Foundation Fun, which helps local firefighters facing cancer, PTSD, and other medical issues. People say it was a tasty event! PHOTOS: BROOKE AKERS
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Mike Hall, Rick and Christine Hall
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Call today! (352) 259-0666 Mid Florida Agencies LOCAL office in Lake, Sumter & Marion Counties!! *Not all benefits are available in all BlueMedicare plans. Florida Blue HMO is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Florida Blue HMO depends on contract renewal. HMO coverage is offered by Health Options, Inc., DBA Florida Blue HMO, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Tivity Health, SilverSneakers and SilverSneakers FLEX are registered trademarks or trademarks of Tivity Health, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. Every year, Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system. Applicable to 2019 BlueMedicare HMO plans on contract H1035. We comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or gender. ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-800-352-2583 (TTY: 1-877-955-8773). ATANSYON: Si w pale Kreyòl Ayisyen, gen sèvis èd pou lang ki disponib gratis pou ou. Rele 1-800-352-2583 (TTY: 1-800-955-8770). © 2019 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc., DBA Florida Blue. All rights reserved. Y0011_95238_M 0219 CMS Accepted
* HOIn, S OTChI EeT YS! c e n e
Jane Roberts and Glenna Clark Nick Blum, Lilian Strouk, and Jennie Blum
Ted and Lorraine Beck
Anne Reilly, Rajdy Lofrumento, and Dale Lofrumento
Allen Osterhoudt and Gail Goldberg Roy Hamlin and Louise Thompson Chuck Sawicki and Dee Borwegen
Fun, food, and frivolity Theater lovers came out in droves for the Tavares Theater Gala at the Eustis Elks Lodge #1578. The event was held to raise funds for continuing renovations on the 140-seat community theater in downtown Tavares. The Cruising Broadway Gala included an array of exciting dishes from 15 different restaurants, door prizes for guests, raffles, and a silent auction. With more than $3,000 in prizes, the theater group was ready give to guests, too! Guests were encouraged to dress in the styles of the 1930s and enjoy the nonstop entertainment to make the evening a delightful event. PHOTOS: PARKER MARTIN
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Rick and Becky Fitzgerald
Chris McCain and Kirsten Mabry
BUILDING UNIQUE POOLS “They built the pool to perfection, and the finished design was better than we ever imagined. The superintendent was willing to answer all our questions before, during, and after the project. Although we have been swimming in the pool for three months, we can still call him with any questions. Wiseman Pools went above and beyond, and the pool is functional and works like we want it to.” —SCOTT STEPHENS, LAKE PANASOFFKEE
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. 352-431-3766 | www.WisemanPools.com | 1517 W Main St., Leesburg Wiseman Pools is a family-owned-and-operated, licensed residential and commercial swimming pool builder with an extensive portfolio of projects. From the small—fountains and in-ground spas. To the large—million dollar installations with multiple pools and spas. Our customers, large and small, demand a quality swimming pool for a fair price. And we deliver.
* HOIn, S OTChI EeT YS! c e n e
Greg and Jenni Parady
Mary Sadrack, Ron Brunner, and Karen Brunner
Gary and Barbara Kadow Nick Getty and Cindy Read
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Campbell
Thom Fross, Jenny Fross, and Don Waggoner.
Terry and Rick Meisner
You gotta have heart! The Hearts for Our Hospital Gala was presented by the Villages Regional Hospital Auxiliary Foundation. Held at the majestic Savannah Center, the event featured photos with SimMan, the new vascular manikin, a realistic, full-body “patient” to aid in teaching critical skills. Johnny Wild performed alone and then it was Johnny with the band. The theme “Serengeti Sunset” also gave guests an opportunity to get “safari” photos during the fun-filled evening. PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL & DOUGLAS TYLER
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John and Gayle Ersrine
Lori Gillis and Holly Dates
F e at u r i n g
Plus
Villagers love to travel.
Dr. Phyllis Walters serves as a life coach.
6 Adventure
2 Meet a Villager
4 Handiwork
Quilting is big in The Villages.
* MVESEtT yAlVeI L L A G E R
Handling life’s trials Forensic psychologist teaches balanced living and stress relief. STORY: PAULA F. HOWARD // PHOTO: ANTHONY RAO
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“All we have is our sense of integrity. So, release any guilt about your past, whether you did something or it was done to you. Forgive yourself and others, and move forward” — PHYLLIS WALTERS
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s a forensic psychologist, Dr. Phyllis Walters determined whether someone was mentally fit to stand trial. Her specialty was women who were charged with murder. It was stressful for 30 years and through hundreds of cases. Now, her practice with two partners and 15 therapists is part of her past. Today, a resident of the Village of Springhill, she is a life coach and teaches people how to balance life and relieve stress, something she learned in her old job. “Ultimately, prosecutors wanted findings to be that the accused understood what they were doing at the time of the alleged crime,” Phyllis says. “Defense attorneys, on the other hand, want you to present evidence that supports either they were not able to comprehend their alleged crime or are unable to assist in their own defense because of mental illness or some other incapacity.” As part of her preparation, she reviewed all materials available in what’s called “discovery.”
It includes witness statements, arrest reports, school and medical records, including mental health reports, and criminal records. “I would talk to collateral witnesses, and intensely interview the defendant for several hours. At times, formal testing was in order,” she says. While most of her cases were in family court rather than criminal or civil court, the lessons she learned were the same:
“All we have is our sense of integrity. So, release any guilt about your past, whether you did something or it was done to you. Forgive yourself and others, and move forward,” Phyllis says. “Try creating balance and purpose in your life and find joy in the moment.” She teaches at the Enrichment Academy in The Villages and Casa Hope for former prisoners and has several books on amazon.com.
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* IVNSTtHyE lV eI L L A G E S
A big medium Villages quilters create exciting art in cloth. STORY: JOE ANGIONE // PHOTO: DOUGLAS TYLER
O
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Of the 3,000 clubs in The Villages, the Quilting Guild of The Villages, with its 23 chapters and more than 1,200 members, is one of the two or three largest.
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f the 3,000 clubs in The Villages, the Quilting Guild of The Villages, with its 23 chapters and more than 1,200 members, is one of the two or three largest. Additionally, hundreds more Villagers quilt but aren’t affiliated with the guild. That’s testament to how exciting and satisfying quilting is as an art form. My wife, Dale, a master quilter with more than 75 awards from quilting shows in Florida, explains that quilting began thousands of years ago in the colder regions of the Far East, where people discovered that clothing could be made much warmer by sandwiching insulation—cotton, wool, even paper—between two layers of cloth and stitching them together. From that humble beginning, quilting spread across the world to include creating blankets, pillow covers, wall hangings, table runners, place mats, and an elegant application called wearable art, involving jackets, tunics, vests, skirts, dresses, and other fashion accessories. In America, quilting began by making warm bedcovers we now call “quilts.” Early examples were simply random scraps of any cloth, in odd shapes and colors, pieced together and sewn to a layer of insulation and backing. Through the years, distinctive period styles emerged in these patchwork quilts. But it wasn’t until the
20th century that true quilting creativity became widespread. In the early 1900s, quilt patterns showed up, first printed in newspapers. In the latter half of the century, new technology and equipment arrived to permit the edges and points of pieces to meet with more intricate precision and beauty. Also, new dyes, inks, paints, and textiles were introduced, allowing advanced quilters to use cloth to tell a story the way a painter does on a canvas. They were able to take photos of trees, flowers, sculpture, and designs from other art forms and convert them to hand-cut pieces that, when sewn together, became as beautiful and representational as anything painted on canvas. Villagers can learn basic quilting skills through classes offered at nearby quilt shops. Advanced skills can be achieved by joining a chapter of The Villages Quilting Guild (qgotv.org) and taking classes at modest cost. Dale, who is a past president of the guild, is among many teachers who gives classes at guild chapter meetings. They can help anyone who knows the basics of quilting to experience the excitement of creating beautiful art in cloth.
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888.820.7878 MIDFLORIDAEYE.COM C ATA R AC T
Dr. Charles ADJACENT TO THE VILLAGES ® COMMUNITY:
MOUNT DORA | LEESBURG |
RETINA
|
CO S M E T I C
STONECREST & WILDWOOD ® |
G L AU CO M A
|
L A SE R S
U T N E V D A
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WARD F. HO AUL A P : Y STOR
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Motorcycles
Since the early 2000s, the Village Nomads Club take three motorcycle rides a week. A Ride Committee selects destinations and posts them on the group’s website, thevillagenomads.com. Rides leave in groups of eight, including a leader and a “sweep” bringing up the rear. A Safety Committee actively maintains good motorcycle procedures. “I wear one. She doesn’t,” club President Bob Kerfin says, referring to helmets and fellow member Pam Townsend. “Florida doesn’t have a helmet law, so it’s your choice, but the club supports safety when riding motorcycles.” Originally from Canada, Pam started riding dirt bikes while growing up. “I’m one of about nine women in the group,” says Pam, of the Village of Pine Ridge. “Everyone is very friendly and treats you just like one of them.” The club meets at 7pm the first Monday each month at Allamanda Recreation Center,
1515 St. Charles Place. Every Wednesday and Saturday, bikers leave at 8:30am and ride to breakfast. On Thursdays, they leave at 10:30am and ride to lunch. Each destination is around 100 miles round trip. After breakfast, the group often takes an additional two-hour ride. “Everyone is welcome to join,” says Bob, of the Village of Pine Hills. “We ask that they own their own motorcycle, have a license and insurance, and are a resident of The Villages.” The group has about 300 members and charges $15 per year for single riders and $20 for couples. For more information, call Bob at 847.366.7888.
Scuba diving The real “down under” is in The Villages (no disrespect to Australia). The Villages Scuba Club books several trips monthly for its 180 members to such diverse locations as the Devil’s Den and Key West, Grand Cayman’s Cobalt Cove, and, in 2020, the Philippines. They also frequently
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dive closer to home in places like Jupiter and the Epcot Aquarium. “The underwater world is quiet, serene, and beautiful,” says Don Nelson, copresident with Madeline Helbock. Several dives are scheduled each month with consideration for members of all levels. “If someone wants to learn how to scuba dive, they can contact me,” says Heath Davenport, a longtime club member who also teaches at the Enrichment Academy. “Sometimes, people learn better with private lessons and I can do that.” Contact her at heathdavenport99@ yahoo.com or 571.641.9057 for a fourday course including books, dives, and equipment. “Here in Florida, we do warmwater dives with wet suits,” Don says. “Equipment rentals of wetsuits of all sizes are usually available at places we go to dive. Our diving can take us 40 or 50 feet down, sometimes to even 100 feet.” That’s where many beautiful sights are found, sometimes even shark’s teeth, which can be gathered to make into a necklace. The club meets at 7pm the first Wednesday of each month at Laurel Manor Recreation Center, 1985 Laurel Manor Drive. Future trips can be researched at thevillagesscubaclub.com or call Don at 352.750.3149.
Canoeing and kayaking How to restore peace and serenity amid today’s hustle? The answer is a canoe or kayak trip on one of Florida’s beautiful rivers and waterways. The Villages Canoe and Kayak Club members are drawn to their adventures because of what it gives them: sounds
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of nature, calls of birds in trees, and ripples of solitude as their craft silently moves through the waters. Come float on liquid paths with names such as Suwannee, Ichetucknee, Withlacoochee, or Weeki Wachee and you’ll feel as if you are back in time and speaking another language all at once. “On the water is where you can see the ‘real Florida,’” club President Pati Deland says. But be prepared. If you’re not sure of your paddling skills, you are asked to take an introductory kayaking course at either Aardvark (352.795.5650) or Discovery Kayak Tours (352.789.4959). That’s to get your feet wet (no pun intended). The club meets at 2:15pm the third Tuesday each month at Colony Cottage Recreation Center, 510 Colony Blvd., except June, July, and August. However, members’ paddles are never still as they continue to schedule tours every month throughout the year. Dues are $15 annually, but you need to sign up before you can log into their website in order to schedule a trip. For more information, contact Pati at 352.219.1491, or membership Chairwoman Gloria Schriner at 352.751.5620. Visit vckc.net for more information.
Worldwide Foreign Travel Club Even if you can’t travel, you can still see the world. The motto of the Worldwide Foreign Travel Club is “We travel not to escape life, but to not let life escape us.” The club meets at 4pm the first and third Thursdays each month at Laurel Manor Recreation Center, 1985 Laurel Manor Drive. See slides, photos, and videos of places where other members have visited. Visit wwftc.com.
Running Most members run six miles or more in groups measuring pace and distance. Runs are scheduled Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays beginning at 6:30am at Lake Sumter Landing, across from Panera Bread. For more information, call or text Sue Christopoulos at 480.329.5380 or Craig Szydlowski at 480.452.7732.
Hiking Members of The Villages Hiking Club carpool to state parks, state and national forests, and other public places of interests. For more information, email dlamanna829@gmail. com to request an invitation or visit villageshikingclub.blogspot.com
In-line skating The Village Rollers visit various locations throughout The Villages every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Photography The Villages Photography Club takes field trips and focuses on educational aspects. They meet at noon the second and fourth Wednesdays at Rohan Recreation Center, 850 Kristine Way. For information, visit thevillagesphotoclub.org.
Segway riding Everyone must attend “boot camp” before going on an outing with the Segway Riders Club of The Villages. But training is fun and open to all. Once you become a member, the trip schedule can be viewed after log-in. Day trips are
planned and Segways are brought to the destination. An introductory video is at srctv.org/boot-camp.
Sailing The group plans a monthly sail on local lakes. No sailing experience or boat are needed. Meetings are held at 10am the second Thursday each month from September to May at Lake Miona Recreation Center, 1526 Buena Vista Blvd. Visit sailthevillages.org.
Scooters NoRules Club This social club is for members who like to socialize and ride with a group but don’t like a lot of rules. Rides begin at 9am each Wednesday from the parking lot of Mulberry Grove Recreation Center, 8445 SE 165th Mulberry Lane. On the first Wednesday of each month, a short meeting is held inside the center before the ride to discuss club issues. Visit sccooternorules.weebly.com.
Traveling Villagers Club
The Villages Scuba Club books several trips monthly for its 180 members to such diverse locations as the Devil’s Den and Key West, Grand Cayman’s Cobalt Cove, and, in 2020, the Philippines.
This social club meets at 6:30pm the second Monday of each month at Moyer Recreation Center, 3000 Moyer Loop. Visit travelingvillagers@ wildapricot.org.
Walking Villagers Members takes fun walks and have Volkssport events in and around The Villages. Visit thewalkingvillagers.com.
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* LVI VSItNyG lHeE A L T H Y
Keep exercising despite chronic pain It sounds counterintuitive, but working out is an essential treatment. STORY: DR. VICTOR ROMANO
Stretching, cardio exercise, and weightlifting are the three types of exercise most people should include in every workout.
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P
ain is a great excuse if you don’t like to exercise, which is certainly something many people with chronic pain would just as soon avoid. At the same time, exercise is one of the things that can help make that pain go away. It can become a Catch-22 situation: we don’t want to exercise because we have pain, and yet exercise will usually help reduce the pain over the long run. Research shows that exercise is an essential aspect in the treatment of chronic pain. Lack of exercise can cause a downward cycle of deconditioning and worsening pain. But exercise can help those with chronic pain engage in enjoyable and essential activities of daily living with greater ease. Stretching, cardio exercise,
THESE ARE FIVE COMMON PHYSICAL AILMENTS THAT PRODUCE CHRONIC PAIN:
Tennis elbow: If you’re
and weightlifting are the three types of exercise most people should include in every workout. Doctors generally ask patients to rate their pain on a scale of one to 10. The average intensity of pain experienced for 12 or more hours over a 24-hour period is considered their baseline pain. If, during exercise, pain levels increase by more than two points from the baseline, you should stop immediately and modify that exercise to ensure you do not cause a flareup of your pain. Of course, a good diet is also important. A variety of foods can create inflammation and pain in the body or cause pain to worsen. Be aware of what you eat. For people who suffer chronic pain, try these exercise tips:
Try shorter exercise periods. It is better to exercise in short bursts than in one long workout. Even five minutes is better than nothing. Everything counts. Weight training also is important for seniors and women. Research has proved that weight training is
using more force on the elbow, it may be due to a carpal tunnel problem. Find the true source of the pain.
Neck and back pain: Slumping shoulder and shoulder weakness are associated with neck or back problems and even obstructive breathing disorder.
Runner’s knee: The medical term is patellofemoral pain syndrome, a vague pain around the kneecap for prolonged periods.
good for everyone, regardless of sex or age. Make sure to incorporate it into your exercise program.
Stretching is important. Go online and find some
Sciatica: Affecting
good stretching exercises and incorporate them into your daily routine, even if you don’t exercise that day.
Try yoga or tai chi. These programs have shown success with people with chronic pain.
about 40 percent of the population at some point, this is characterized by lower back pain going down the leg.
Mind over matter. If you need to do an exercise that you know is going to be painful, start by taking some deep breaths and focus your energy. Take your time.
Achilles tendinitis:
Even though exercise for those with chronic pain sounds counterintuitive, it is very important as part of recovery therapy. You will, most likely, continue to have pain, but keeping muscles and joints moving will make it better.
Sometimes the source can be foot maladies in the same or opposite foot, such as peroneal neuropathy and Morton’s neuroma.
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* BVOSOtK yR lE VeI E W
Is saying, “I don’t see color” an actual form of racism? Picoult notes that within the word “ignorance” is the word “ignore.”
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Book club delves into national problems ‘Dopesick’ and ‘Small Great Things’ look at health hazards from different angles. STORY: DIANE DEAN
T
he Bookworm Book Club recently discussed two books dealing with topics in the news. “Dopesick,” by Beth Macy, has information from experts and stories of family tragedies due to addiction. Who gets hooked on drugs with so much awareness of the dangers? Teenagers prescribed two months’ worth of painkillers for wisdom teeth extractions. Middle-age people and seniors who don’t follow directions and continue to use drugs long after symptoms are gone. Who’s to blame? Big pharmaceutical companies made lots of money by continuing to push drugs that
were potentially harmful without proper warnings to professionals and patients, according to the book. Doctors received favors from pharmaceutical companies and were deceived when told there was only a 1 percent chance of addiction. Awareness, honesty, and discipline are needed by all to combat this prevalent problem in medical care. “Small Great Things” is Jodi Picoult’s thought-provoking novel set in a hospital nursery and courtroom. The characters of an African-American nurse and the white supremacist parents of an infant become embattled in a murder trial. Picoult is skilled at presenting both sides of ethical and legal issues. This story entwines the dichotomy of opposing views way past simple differences of opinions. Neither is perfect; neither has been in the other’s shoes. Racism still exists in so many arenas of life. Discussion of these books addressed the times we shut our eyes and refuse to see a health hazard. Is saying, “I don’t see color” an actual form of racism? Picoult notes that within the word “ignorance” is the word “ignore.” Reading these books brought attention to the need to acknowledge these serious issues. It’s time to discuss drug addiction and racism with our families and friends.
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Dr. John Ligeon lakeandsumter
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the penis. The procedure is completely noninvasive, non-surgical, requires no down time, and is conveniently performed at Alpha Wave Health Centers in just under 20 minutes or so. Dr. Hollington says the device is like a vibrator, but much more powerful. The device produces acoustic pressure waves that penetrate beneath the skin, breaking up plaque and rejuvenating tissue cells. “The success rate is over 80 percent,” Dr. Hollington says. “Success is defined as any improvement at all, with most men being able to perform again for their partner”. Most importantly, APWT restores confidence and significantly improves relationships that have been strained by this disorder. Just ask Collin M., who is one of Alpha Wave Health Centers’ satisfied patients. “I don’t usually discuss my personal life. But this treatment is so amazing, I’m going to tell all my friends about it. Visiting your clinic is the best choice I’ve ever made. I only wish I had known about it years ago.” The treatment also worked wonders for 70-yearold Gerald F. “It has been nine years since I could get and maintain an erection. I couldn’t take Viagra because I couldn’t stand the side effects. I heard about APWT and decided to give it a try. I’m glad I did. The staff never made me feel uncomfortable or embarrassed. Thank you for giving me my life back.” Another patient, 62-year-old J.K, got back in the game in no time. “One treatment and sex with the wife four times! This is better than I expected.” Alpha Wave Health Centers is located at 4120 Corley Island Road in Leesburg. For more information, call 352.816.1901.
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T C E F R E P R A H SINGING
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Y N O M Unaccompanied Minors relish a cappella singing in barbershop style. STORY: THERESA CAMPBELL
U
naccompanied Minors, a new a cappella chorus made up of girls and women ages 7 to 25, wowed the judges and the crowd last fall when they sang “If I Ruled the World� at an international competition in Orlando. Now, the talented singers are eager to compete this month at an area contest in Jacksonville against more mature singing groups from Florida and Georgia. They hope that performance qualifies them to sing at the 2019 internationals in November in Sandusky, Ohio. The Unaccompanied Minors group rehearses in Clermont and is the only female youth barbershop chorus under the patronage
April 2019
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Photo: Nicole Hamel
that the members were going to be welcoming, loving, and just be amazed that this group existed. But we didn’t expect to win the couple of awards that we won, and the reception was the best part.” Her group received a standing ovation after performing its first song. “I remember thinking that if they’re standing for the first song, they don’t know what they are in for,”
Tiana says. “By the time we got to the second song, “If I Ruled the World,” some 2,000 people were standing, crying, and bawling hard. The song was really important to us. We were told by many judges that it needs to be our theme song.” The song relates to youths making a difference and “how much better of a place would it be if we actually let kids have a say Photo: Nicole Hamel
of Harmony Inc., an international, nonprofit organization of women who enjoy a cappella singing in the barbershop style. The young singers, most of whom are from the Clermont area, already have generated attention. They placed 14th at the 2018 international competition, an unheard-of ranking for a first-year chorus and a group of singers under the age of 25. They were awarded the G. Ruth Geils Memorial Award for the highest-scoring novice chorus. “It was overwhelming and amazing,” Unaccompanied Minors Director Tiana Sandh says. “I knew that we were going to make a noise being the first all-youth group ever for Harmony Inc., and I knew
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in how their world is going to look,” Tiana says. The young singers say the positive feedback they received was thrilling. “Everyone was very excited to see us because the members in the organization are much older than we are, since the average age is around 50,” says Vincenza Como, 16. “Everyone was very excited to see such a young chorus singing barbershop and singing it well.” “I love that this group is full of people who are really young,” adds Sydney Bruenen, 19. “I love that I have people who can teach me new things, and people that I can teach things to, and I love the community and friendship that we have. I don’t have little sisters, but in this choir it’s like I have 80! It’s great and I love that.” Tommie Tracy, 12, cherishes rehearsals and performing with her chorus sisters. “It helps me feel better,” she says. “We all walk out happy all the time. I have younger sisters and older sisters, and they are all so fun, and it just makes me very happy. I just love singing with them.” The Unaccompanied Minors enjoy the fun of a cappella singing, and several have been asked by friends: “Do you sing at a haircutting place, like in a barbershop?” “Barbershop music is very different,” the director says. “It causes your ears to hear differently, it creates a phenomenal style of music.
N I W O T T T C A E P H X T E S T D ’ R N A D I W D “ WE OUPLE OF A RECEPTION T H E C O N , A N D T H E T.” W E W H E B E S T PA R WA S T —T I A N A
If you’re really good at it, you can hear five notes being created while only four parts are being sung. It’s enjoyable, and you feel the emotions.” Tiana cherishes the passion and drive of her young singers, many of whom were new to a cappella singing before joining Unaccompanied Minors. “They have taught me that I don’t have to set any boundaries on them,” she says. “I don’t have to put up any walls, and they do everything that I ask them to do and are prepared to do everything possible that I expect them to do. Every rehearsal, I get to go past where I think in my brain where I am going to be able to go because they are just so good at what they do.” The group was formed a little more than 18 months ago with the encouragement of Kristin Gunasekera, a member of Sisters of Sound, a local
women’s barbershop group that’s also a chapter of Harmony Inc. She’s the mother of Daphne and Scarlett, both members of Unaccompanied Minors. “Kristin always wanted to put together a kids’ group, so she said, ‘Let’s do this! They can do it,’ and I completely agreed,” Tiana says. However, one of the challenges was working around the young group’s busy schedules since many of the singers are busy with school, dance, theater, and other activities. Rehearsals last seven hours on the first Saturday of each month. “The amount of work that they do outside of rehearsals to come in prepared with the music learned and lyrics memorized allows us to make the seven hours incredibly productive,” Tiana says. “We get a lot done. We walk out of every rehearsal happy with what we have done and feeling
accomplished for what we have created.” Lindsay Fontana believes Unaccompanied Minors has been a great confidence booster and team-building opportunity for her twin daughters, Sophia and Olivia, 9. “Singing in a chorus is kind of the ultimate team sport,” Lindsay says. “You can’t sing harmony alone; you have to do it in a group. It really encourages teamwork and it encourages listening to everyone around you and adjusting what you do, and isn’t that kind of what life is all about? This is a tremendous confidence builder, and it’s teaching the self-discipline of learning the music, being judged, having someone watching you and scoring you.” At the April 5-7 area contest in Jacksonville, the group will be judged on performance, singing, and music, based on a rubric, and the score will
SANDH
determine whether or not they qualify for the 2019 international competition. “Just because we have made it once before doesn’t mean we’re going to make it every time,” Tiana says of qualifying for internationals. “There is work that goes into preparing and being ready, and it has to be just as much this year as it was last year. They know they have to work. I love these kids and they are extremely hard workers.” The chorus is open to new voices. Females ages 7-25 throughout Central Florida are invited to audition for Unaccompanied Minors. Previous singing experience is desirable but not mandatory. After an audition process through an online submission, chorus hopefuls will receive two barbershop songs to learn on their own.
To learn more, contact the group at unaccompaniedminors.org or facebook.com/unaccompaniedminorschorus
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Food & Drink
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Pasta Perfecto! Sammy's Italian Restaurant. SEE MORE on PG 84
& Drink * IFNoToH d E KITCHEN
Cooking with Ze’ Local chef teaches new, healthier twists on African heritage dishes. STORY: THERESA CAMPBELL
I
n a recent four-night, hands-on cooking class, Ze’ Carter, a private chef, food columnist, and culinary instructor, inspired students of all ages with new ways to prepare leafy greens, black-eyed peas, beans and rice, vegetables, and other plant-based dishes with deep African roots. “These are foods we are used to, but this is a new way to prepare them with a new flavor,” she says, sharing educational materials and recipes from her Oldways African Heritage and Health program at Leesburg Public Library. She won the class over on the first night with a quicker, healthier, and tastier way to enjoy cooked greens—all with a little sweet creaminess of coconut milk and lime juice. “Greens used to be a wild crop where they were grown for longer periods, so they were tough and they needed to be cooked longer, but greens have evolved. There are other healthier, more nutritious, and tasty ways to enjoy them. They don’t have to be cooked to death,” she says. Coconut milk also was used to give a red beans and rice dish a creamy, flavorful finish. “I really like the texture and the taste of it,” says Aaron Johnson, who took the class with his wife, Marci, and son, Alvan, 14. Student Charlene Laird raved over the butternut squash soup and a sweeter dish of mango and papaya with coconut milk, honey, and peanuts. “I love learning about a whole different combination of spices,” student Wanda
Butter bean hummus Ingredients
1
2
13-15-oz. can butter beans, drained and rinsed
1
garlic cloves, minced
1
Juice from half of a medium to large lemon
tablespoon olive oil Salt to taste tablespoon dried parsley or curry powder
Directions
Mix all ingredients except parsley in a blender or food processer, or mash by hand. Blend into a thick, creamy consistency. Stir in dried parsley or curry powder. Enjoy as a spread on sandwiches or as a dip for bread, crackers, or vegetables.
Rudd says. “These are different from what I would normally do because my heritage is Italian.” Ze’ also revealed how to make a simple whipped hummus with butter beans rather than chickpeas for a fresh, new twist. She advises to boost the flavor of food with spices and different herbs, which can be a low-sodium way to enhance grains, beans, vegetables, and seafood. “Make vegetables the star of your plate,” says Ze’, who encourages no-meat meals, lean meats in smaller amounts, and making rice and beans a staple. The former bakery/café owner relishes her role of teaching culinary tips to others. “Knowing that I inspire someone to go home and cook,” Ze’ says is the thrill of it all. “I love hearing people have changed their eating habits because I have introduced them to something new.”
Mango & papaya after-chop Ingredients
¼
of a papaya or 1 peach, chopped into cubes
1
mango, skin peeled and chopped into cubes
1
tablespoon coconut milk
½
teaspoon honey or maple syrup
1
tablespoon chopped peanuts
Directions
Cut open the papaya. Scoop out the black seeds in the center. Slice the skin off with a serrated knife. Slice lengthwise into quarters and chop into bite-size cubes. Peel the mango with knife or peeler. Slice the fruit from the pit and chop the mango chunks into bite-size cubes. Place the fruit in a bowl. Drizzle the coconut milk, honey, and peanuts over the fruit. Stir to coat. Serve immediately or chill.
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& Drink * IFNoToH d E KITCHEN
Oldways Ethiopian cabbage Ingredients
½
cup olive oil
½
1
medium onion, chopped
teaspoon ground black pepper
¼
2
15-oz. cans diced potatoes, drained and rinsed
teaspoon ground turmeric
¼
teaspoon paprika
4
carrots chopped into medium-size cubes
¼
teaspoon mace
¼
teaspoon allspice
½
head cabbage, sliced
⅛
teaspoon cardamom Salt to taste
Directions
About Ze’ She grew up learning cooking skills from her late father, Zebb Brown, a military chef. “I was in culinary school all of my life.” She graduated from the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts. Most challenging time in the kitchen: Baking 80 sweet potato pie orders for customers’ Easter meals. She teaches at Leesburg Public Library every second Monday. To learn of other classes, visit getcookingwithze.com.
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Brown rice and red beans in light cconut milk Ingredients
2
cups frozen brown rice
4
cups water
1
tablespoon extravirgin olive oil
1
medium onion, diced
3
cloves garlic, minced
2
16-oz. cans red beans
1
13-oz. can light coconut milk
½
teaspoon dried thyme Salt Pepper
Directions
Heat oil in a pot. Add the onion and sauté over mediumlow heat until translucent. Add the garlic and sauté until golden. Combine rice to the sautéed onions and garlic, beans, coconut milk, and thyme. Cover and cook over low heat for 10 minutes, or until most of coconut milk is absorbed. The mixture should be moist but not liquid. Season with salt and pepper and serve.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until warm. Sauté potatoes and onions in medium heat for 5 minutes or until onions are translucent. Add carrots and cabbage and allow to cook for another 15 minutes or until cabbage shrinks and carrots become softer. Slightly increase the heat and then cook for another 5 minutes. Stir in spices and turn down to low heat; warm through for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Black-eyed peas and walnut lettuce wraps Ingredients
1
red pepper, seeded and chopped
½
cup chopped walnuts
¼
cup sherry vinegar or wine vinegar
¼
cup chopped fresh parsley
2
15-oz. cans black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
Salt
1
15-oz. can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
Pepper
1
onion, chopped
16
leaves iceberg or butter lettuce
Heat a large non-stick skillet with non-stick cooking spray and place on medium-high heat. Add the onion, pepper, black-eyed peas and chickpeas, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Stir in the walnuts. Add vinegar and parsley. Stir and toss to combine, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Let cool slightly. Spoon about ¼ cup of the pea and walnut mixture into each lettuce leaf. Fold the leaves in half and eat them “taco style.”
Butternut squash soup with coconut milk and ginger Ingredients
tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2
medium butternut squash, cut in half vertically, seeds removed
1
medium acorn squash, cut in half vertically, seeds removed Salt
1
medium red onion, or 2 shallots, chopped
1
teaspoon fresh, grated ginger
Pepper
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Reserve half of the olive oil and rub the rest on the flesh sides of the cut squash; sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt and black pepper. Place the squash flesh side down on a baking sheet and roast until fork tender, about 40 to 50 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large pan or Dutch oven, heat the remainder of the olive oil and sauté the onions or shallots with the grated ginger until the onions are soft and translucent. When the squash is cool enough to handle, scoop out flesh and add to the pan with the onions, along with 3-4 cups of vegetable broth. Bring the broth to a simmer for about 15 minutes. Carefully puree the squash mixture in a blender along with the cinnamon and coconut milk. Serve warm.
“I love hearing people have changed their eating habits because I have introduced them to something new.” —ZE’ CARTER
Directions
2
*
3-4 cups vegetable broth (depending on desired thickness) ½
teaspoon cinnamon
1
cup coconut milk
d & drink * FfOoR o K ON THE ROA D
5
S A M M Y ’ S I TA L I A N R E S TA U R A N T
Meraviglioso—that’s Italian for ‘wonderful’
Forks
(Out of a possible 5)
Sammy’s Italian Restaurant 9668 N. U.S. Highway 301, Suite 800, Wildwood 352.748.1293 Hours: 11am-9pm Monday-Thursday; 11am-10pm FridaySaturday; closed Sundays
Pasta specialties, stromboli, and cannoli are delicious delights. STORY: THERESA CAMPBELL
W
hen Villages residents pack an Italian restaurant, it’s a strong indication the place is a big hit. Sammy’s Italian Restaurant in Pepper Tree Plaza on U.S. Highway 301 in Wildwood has become such a popular dining destination that an expansion is in the works. During a weekday lunch at Sammy’s, Leigh Neely and I were joined by Italian colleague Anthony Rao as we enjoyed a wonderful meal that began with
Fork Report:
Casual dining $$ // Seated immediately (lunch hour) SPECIALTIES: Chicken marsala, veal Francese, variety of pasta dishes, pizzas, calzones.
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six scrumptious, warm garlic knots, followed by our entrées. Anthony chose calamari fra diavolo, fresh calamari tossed in a spicy tomato sauce served over linguini. He immediately raved over the perfection of his dish’s al dente pasta with tasty calamari and “sauce that is flavorful, so good, and spiced perfectly.” Leigh loved the delicate flavors of her pasta, Chicken a la Sam, featuring sautéed chicken strips with spinach,
oven-roasted peppers, artichokes, and angel hair pasta tossed in a light garlic butter wine sauce. My Stromboli was baked to perfection, filled with Italian sausage, pepperoni, red sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese, and served with fresh marinara sauce. We finished our meal with scrumptious desserts of homemade cannoli and powdered-sugar Zeppolis, and we will definitely return for more of Sammy’s tasty Italian specialties.
P L A N TAT I O N D I N E R
Nothing’s finer than Plantation Diner An old-fashioned diner the locals love. STORY: LEIGH NEELY
4 Forks
P
lantation Diner is a great place for a truly good breakfast or lunch. The menu is small but varied, and everything is fresh and tasty! I had a steak salad, and my friend had a cheeseburger with crisp, lightly seasoned french fries. I was thinking lots of salad with bits of chopped steak. Wrong! My salad came out covered with shaved steak and grilled onions and underneath all that was
(Out of a possible 5)
a Greek salad with feta cheese, tomatoes, pepperoncinis, and black olives. I covered it with the orange sesame dressing, and it was delicious. By the way, all the fruits and vegetables are organic. Theresa pronounced the burger one of the best she’d had in a while, and I know the french fries were crisp and hot because I stole a few! We ended our meal with warm apple pie and ice cream and key lime pie, divided equally, which both of us enjoyed immensely. This is a great place for late breakfast, brunch, or lunch and it’s open 7am-3pm daily. On Cruz Night, the restaurant features hamburgers and hot dogs and stays open until 8pm. Call 352.805.4054 for more information. You’ll find casual dining at its finest, with generous portions and you seat yourself. Service is immediate and courteous!
Plantation Diner 25327 U.S. Highway 27, Suite 201-B Leesburg 352.805.4054 Hours: 7am-3pm
Fork Report:
Casual dining $$ Seated immediately (lunch hour) Wait for meal: 5 minutes SPECIALTIES: American burgers, sandwiches, wraps. Salad and a daily soup. Variety of breakfast plates. Desserts.
How Fork On The Road Works Our reviewers are objective and unbiased. This is not a paid feature. Our reviewer makes one unannounced visit and we pay for our meals.
April 2019
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Food & Drink DINING GUIDE
Dining in your city Astatula Race Car Diner 25641 Monroe St. 352.253.6940 Astor Blackwater Inn Williams Landing 55716 Front St. 352.759.3802 Castaways Restaurant 23525 US State Road 40 352.759.2213 Sparky’s Place Restaurant 24646 State Road 40 352.759.3551 William’s Landing 55716 Front St. 352.759.2802 Bushnell Chuck’s Odd Cuples Café 117 W Belt Ave 352.568.0408 Hong Kong Restaurant 2229 W CR 48 (352) 568-8888 Howie’s Family Restaurant 840 N. Main St. 352.793.8582 TJ’s Family Restaurant 412 W. Belt Ave 352.793.8877 Clermont 801 City Grille 801 Montrose St. 352.394.6911 Akina Sushi Bar & Asian Fusion Bistro 4300 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.243.8988 Calabria Ristorante 13900 County Road 455 407.656.5144 Cheeser’s Palace Café 707 W. Montrose St. 352.404.9431 Corelli Italian Restaurant 1042 E. Hwy. 50 352.989.5924 Devenney’s Irish Pub 16909 High Grove Blvd. 352.432.3925 El Cerro Restaurant 811 W. Hwy. 50 352.241.9884 Flippers Pizzeria 2523 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.242.2214
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Friar Tuck 16640 Cagan Crossings Blvd. 352.404.6818 G’s NY Pizza 12346 Roper Blvd. 352.243.8900 Green Garden 1790 E. Hwy. 50 352.243.2077 Guru Restaurant 2400 S. Hwy. 27 352.241.9884 Lilly’s on the Lake 846 W. Osceola St. 352.708.6565 Napolis Pizzeria 556 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.243.7500 Robata Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar 1500 Oakley Seaver Dr. 352.404.9688 Root and Branch Bistro and Bar 1200 Seaver Dr. 352.708.4529 Sarah’s Greek Cuisine & More 16640 Cagan Crossings Blvd., Ste. 305 352.404.8031 The Crooked Spoon Gastropub 200 Citrus Tower Blvd. 352.404.4808 Troy’s Cuban & Deli 1200 Oakley Seaver Dr. 352.241.4295 Uncle Kenny’s BBQ 157 Hwy. 27 352.394.1225 Eustis 1884 Restaurant & Bar 12 East Magnolia Ave. 1.800.856.1884 Combat Café 1602 N. Hwy. 19 352.483.0250 Haystax Restaurant 15439 Hwy. 441 352.489.0510 Jeannie’s Place 209 E. Gottsche Ave. 352.359.0027 Kiku Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar 15211 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.483.8288
King’s Taste Bar-B-Que 503 Palmetto St. 352.589.0404 LaCabana Mexican Bar and Grill 2060 S. Bay St. 352.357.4600 Nalan Sultan Mediterranean Grill 1 N. Eustis St. 352.357.4444 NightOwl Caribbean Restaurant 929 S. Bay St. 352.589.0256 Stavro’s & Sons of Eustis 2100 W. County Road 44 352.589.9100 Taki’s Pizza House 2824 S. Bay St. 352.357.0022 Thai Sushi America 925 N. Bay St. 352.357.1949 The Crazy Gator 402 N. Bay St. 352.589.5885 The Great Pizza Company 23 E. Magnolia Ave. 352.357.7377 The Oyster Troff 936 N. Bay St. 352.357.9939 Tillie’s Tavern & Grill 31 E. Magnolia Ave. 352.602.7929 Tony’s Pizza & Subs 2760 E. Orange Ave. 352.589.9001 Fruitland Park Fruitland Park Café 3180 US Hwy. 441/27 352.435.4575 ibar-be-que Express 3170 Hwy. 27 352.315.4227 Legends Cafe 2468 U.S. Hwy. 441/27 352.728.0006 Rae Rae’s Restaurant 2468 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.323.1595 The Rose Plantation 200 Rose Ave., Fruitland Park 352.805.4340 Groveland Coyote Rojo 214 W. Broad St. 352.557.8999
Ikaho Sushi Japanese 7965 SR 50, #900 352.557.8988 James Barbeque 262 W. Orange St. 352.557.4050 Lil Anthony’s Pizza 7965 State Road 50 352.429.7499 Red Wing Restaurant 12500 S. State Road 33 352.429.2997 Howey-inthe-Hills JB Boondocks Bar & Grill 704 S. Lakeshore Blvd. 352.324.3600 La Hacienda Restaurant 10400 CR 48 352.324.3910 Lady Lake Bamboo Bistro 700 Hwy. 441 352.750.9998 Lady Lake Harbor Hills Country Club 6538 Lake Griffin Rd. 352.753.7000 Mom & Dad’s Italian Restaurant 504 S. U.S. Hwy. 441/27 352.753.2722 The Original Brooklyn Water Bagel Co. 514 Hwy. 441 352.614.9000 Leesburg Cafe Ola 400 N. 14th St. 352.365.0089 Cedar River Seafood 8609 S. U.S. Hwy. 441 352.728.3377 Chesapeake Bay Grill 4467 Arlington Ridge Blvd. 352.315.0066 Cousin Vinnie’s Family Sports Restaurant 10700 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.253.2442 Dance’s BBQ 1707 South Street 352.801.8885 Frank’s Place 201 N. 1st St. 352.323.1989 Gator Bay Bar & Grill 10320 County Road 44 352.365.2177
God Café 300 W. Main St. 352.801.7447 Great Chicago Fire Brewery & Tap Room 311 W. Magnolia St. 352.474.2739 HP Grill 1403 S. 14th St. 352.314.0006 Ichiban Buffet 10301 Hwy. 441 352.728.6669 Johnson’s Pizza Place 4120 Corley Island Rd., Ste. 300 352.801.7250 Kountry Kitchen 1008 W. Dixie Ave. 352.323.0852 La Palma Mexican Grill 1690 Citrus Blvd. 352.323.1444 Lilly’s Super Subs 2339 County Road 473 352.343.4663 Magnolia’s Oyster Bar 201 W. Magnolia St. 352.323.0093 Mrs. T’s Place, Southern Restaurant 305 Pine St. 352.431.3217 Naples Italian Restaurant 1107 W. North Blvd. 352.323.1616 Osaka 1401 Citrus Blvd. 352.728.0788 Pine Street Bar-B-Que 408 Pine St. 352.728.1293 Plantation Oaks Restaurant 4720 Plantation Blvd. 352.530.2680 Ramshackle Café 1317 N. 14th St. 352.365.6565 Rodello’s Italian Restaurant 26736 US Hwy. 27 352.319.8093 San Jose Mexican 1337 S. 14th St. 352.805.4174 Sip Restaurant and Wine Bar 707 W. Main St. 352.435.7840 Southern Gourmet 314 W. Main St. 352.409.7512
Stavros Pizza 755 N. 14th St. 352.326.4202 Stokes Seafood Market and More 719 W. Main St. 352.787.3474 Sully’s Smokehouse 10820 CR 44 352.483.7427 Takis Pizza Restaurant 1205 N. 14th St. 352.787.2344 The 24 Tap Room 1107 W. North Blvd. 352.315.0198 The Florida Porch Café 706 W. Main St. 352.365.1717 The Old Time Diner 1350 W. North Blvd. 352.805.4250 Turners 114 S. 5th St. 352.530.2274 Two 09 West Main 209 W. Main St. 352.801.7966 Two Old Hags Wine Shoppe 410 W Main St 352.435.9107 Vic’s Catering 352.728.8989 Wolfy’s 918 N. 14th St. 352.787.6777 Wrapsody 712 W. Main St. 352.801.7239 Mascotte Rainbow Restaurant 704 E. Myers Blvd. 352.429.2093 Minneola Jack’s Barbecue 100 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.394.2673 Lil Anthony’s Pizza 205 N. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.394.1516 Minneola Grill 117 W. Washington St. 352.394.2555 Napoli’s Pizzeria 556 Hwy. 27 352.243.7500 The Surf Bar and Grill 650 N. Hwy. 27 202.527.0100
Tiki Bar & Grill 508 S. Main Ave. 352.394.2232 Mount Dora 1921 Mount Dora 142 E. Fourth Ave. 352.385.1921 Anthony’s Pizza 17195 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.357.6668 Barnwood Country Kitchen and Smokehouse 3725 W. Old US Hwy 441 352.630.4903 Beauclaire Restaurant at Lakeside Inn 100 N. Alexander St. 352.383.4101 Bocce Pizzeria 925 E. First Ave. 352.385.0067 Café Gianni 425 N. Alexander St. 352.735.3327 Cody’s on 4th Cafe 111 E. 4th Ave. 352.735.8426 Copacabana Cuban Cafe 320 Dora Drawdy Way 352.385.9000 Frog & Monkey English Pub 411 N. Donnelly St. 352. 383.1936 Highland Street Café 185 S. Highland St. 352.383.1446 Jeremiah’s 500 N. Highland St. 352.383.7444 J.K. Thai & Sushi 116 E. 5th Ave. 352.385.5470 Let’s Do Lunch 426 N. Donnelly St. 352.735.4577 Magical Meat Boutique 112 W. Third Ave. 352.729.6911 Mount Dora Pizza & Subs 2718 W. Old U.S. Hwy. 441 352.383.5303 Olive Branch MediterraneanItalian Grille 115 W. 3rd St. 352.729.6734
One Flight Up - Coffee, Dessert & Wine Bar 440 N. Donnelly St., Ste. 100 352.758.9818 Pisces Rising 239 W. 4th Ave. 352.385.2669 PizzAmore’ 722 E. 5th Ave. 352.383.0092 Shiva Indian Restaurant 140A W. 5th Ave. 352.735.4555 Sidelines Sport Eatery 315 N. Highland St. 352.735.7433 Sugarboo’s Bar-B-Que 1305 N. Grandview St. 352.735.7675 The Bavarian Haus 433 N. Alexander St. 352.735.8387 The Goblin Market 331-B Donnely St. 352.735.0059 Whale’s Tale Fish House 2720 W. Old U.S. Hwy 441 352.385.1500 Zellie’s Pub 4025 N. U.S. Hwy. 19A 352.483.3855 Sorrento Del Franco Pizza Place 31436 CR 437 352.383.8882 Lisa’s Kountry Cafe 23911 CR 46 352.735.3380 Tavares Angelo’s Italian Restaurant 2270 Vindale Rd. 352.343.2757 Hurricane Dockside Grill 3351 W. Burleigh Blvd. 352.508.5137 Kalua Hale Sand Bar 111 W. Ruby St. 352.609.5910 Lake Dora Sushi & Sake 227 E. Main St. 352.343.6313 Mary’s Kountry Kitchen 15945 County Road 448 352.343.6823
O’Keefe’s Irish Pub and Restaurant 115 S Rockingham Ave. 352.343.2157 Palm Gardens Restaurant 1661 Palm Garden St. 352.431.3217 Ruby Street Grille 221 E. Ruby St. 352.742.7829 Sunrise Grill 462 E. Burleigh Blvd. 352.343.7744 The Hideaway 11912 Lane Park Rd. 352.343.3585 The Villages Amerikano’s Grill 998 Del Mar Dr. 352.633.8027 Bravo Pizza 1080 Lake Sumter Landing 352.430.2394 Chengs Chinese and Sushi Restaurant 4050 Wedgewood Ln. 352.391.9678 China Gourmet III 343 Colony Blvd 352.750.4965 City Fire Brownwood & Paddock Square 352.561.2078 Fiesta Grande Mexican Grill 297 Colony Blvd 352.751.0400 Giovanni’s 3439 Wedgewood Lane 352.751.6674 Margarita Republic 1102 Main St. 352.753.4600 Mezza Luna Italian Restaurant and Bar 320 Colony Blvd. 352.753.3824 NYPD Pizzeria 4046 Wedgwood Ln 352.750.1994 RedSauce 1000 Canal St. 352.750.2930 Ricciardi’s Italian Table 3660 Kiessel Rd. 352.391.9939 Sakura 265 Colony Blvd 352.205.7393
Takis Greek and Italian Restaurant 13761 U.S. Hwy. 441 N. 352.430.3630 The Lighthouse Point Bar and Grille 925 Lakeshore Dr. 352.753.7800 VKI Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar 1004 Old Mill Run 352.259.9887 Umatilla Fish & Chix 100 N. Central Ave. 352.669.7145 Gator’s 9 N. Central Ave. 352.669.6969 Greg’s Haystax 526 Umatilla Blvd. 352.669.1555 Old Crow Real Pit Bar-B-Q 41100 State Road 19 352.669.3922 Shanghai 531 N. Central Ave. 352.669.2004 The Mason Jar 37534 State Rd. 19 352.589.2535 Wildwood China Jade 420 W. CR 44 352.330.5913 Cotillion Southern Café 101 N. Main St. 352.748.1223 Los Magueyes Mexican Restaurant 346 Shopping Center Dr. 352.461.0577 O’Shucks! Oyster Bar and Grill 1016 S Main St. 352.399.2200 Traditions Café 3107 Hwy. 44 352.748.1077 Woody’s Bar-B-Q 1220 S. Main St. 352.748.1109 Yalaha Yalaha Bakery 8210 County Road 48 352.324.3366
Country Club Restaurants Clermont Sanctuary Ridge Bar & Grille 2601 Diamond Club Road 352.243.0411 Legends Grille & Tavern 1700 Legendary Blvd. 352.243.1118 Howey-in-the-Hills Mission Inn Resort El Conquistador Nicker’s Clubhouse Restaurant 10400 CR 48 352.324.3101 Mount Dora The Country Club 1900 Country Club Blvd. 352.735.2263 The Villages Belle Glade Country Club 446 Moyer Loop 352.205.8208 Cane Garden Country Club 1726 Bailey Trail 352.750.0627 Evans Prairie Country Club 1825 Evan’s Prairie Trail 352.750.2225 Glenview County Club 3914 Glenview Rd. 352.753.0077 Hemingway’s at Havana Country Club 2484 Odell Circle 352.430.3200 Legacy Restaurant Nancy Lopez Country Club 17135 Buena Vista Blvd. 352.753.1475 Orange Blossom Country Club 1542 Water Tower Circle 352.751.4501 Palmer Legends Country Club 1635 Palmer Way 352.750.4499 Tierra Del Sol Country Club 806 San Marino Dr. 352.753.8005 Wildwood Continental Country Club 50 Continental Blvd. 352.748.3293
April 2019
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Food & Drink DINING GUIDE
Cousin Vinnie’s Family Sports Restaurant Open seven days a week: 11am–9pm // Food, Spirits, Music, Sports 10700 U.S. Hwy. 441, Leesburg // 352.253.2442 // CVinnies.com Cousin Vinnie’s is located on U.S. Hwy. 441 across from Home Depot. Owner “Cousin” Vinnie Vittoria and his family have created a unique atmosphere by combining a “Sports Bar” with a “Family Restaurant”. As soon as you walk into Vinnie’s you will immediately notice why they are famous for outstanding comfort food and service! Their 30+ wing sauces have awarded them voted BEST WINGS in Lake & Sumter County every year since opening in 2008. In 2017 & 2018, Vinnie’s was also voted BEST SPORTS BAR! Tuesday night is “Family Night” from 5–8p.m. when kids 12-and-under eat free. Wednesday night is “Trivia Night” when the fun starts at 6:30p.m. with prizes given to the top 3 teams. There is no better place on the weekends to see who hoists the trophy or takes home the checkered flag. A few menu items offered are (never frozen – 80/20) ½ lb. burgers, personal pan pizzas, amazing rib-eye Philly cheese steaks, healthy wheat wraps, fresh homemade chicken salad and 15 awesome appetizers, including Cousin Vinnie’s Signature Secret Shrimp! Central Florida’s families simply can’t get enough of their deep-fried Ice Cream! Cousin Vinnie’s also offers, a small arcade for the kids, free Wi-Fi, great music, and an enthusiastic staff ready to exceed your expectations. “I absolutely look forward to serving you and your family very soon!” says owner Cousin Vinnie. To learn more, go to www.CVinnies.com.
Fish Camp on Lake Eustis 901 Lakeshore Blvd., Tavares // 352.742.4400 // fishcamponlakeeustis.com The Fish Camp on Lake Eustis is your spot for sampling the best locally sourced foods, liquors, craft beers, and wines of Central Florida. In addition to the local fare, Fish Camp serves up Southern classics like Gullah-style shrimp & grits and signature favorites like our blackened grouper Reuben. Our Central Florida dishes include swamp cabbage ceviche, Florida grass-fed burgers, Cedar Key clams, kale Caesar and farm salad from Aquaponic Lynx Farm in Yalaha, and Zellwood sweet corn from Long & Scott Farms. Come enjoy the view with our full bar featuring local moonshines from Yalaha Bootlegging Company, local craft beers, and our fresh-squeezed margaritas. Voted Best Seafood in the Lake & Sumter Style magazine and Daily Commercial newspaper contests in 2018.
Hurricane Dockside Grill 3351 W. Burleigh Blvd., Tavares // hurricanewings.com // 352.508.5137 Open 11am-10pm Sun-Thu, 11am-midnight Fri-Sat // facebook.com/hurricanedocksidegrill Hurricane Dockside Grill in Tavares provides an inviting, laid-back atmosphere to chill and enjoy tasty fare on a spacious outdoor deck overlooking Dead River, or inside where colorful, beachy decor covers the walls and gives the feeling of dining on the coast. Guests may arrive not only by car and motorcycle but also by boat or seaplane, pulling up to a large dock. Hurricane Dockside is best-known for its great seafood, such as shrimp, swordfish, salmon, and mahi mahi; burgers, including build-your-own versions; and wings in orders numbering from five up to 100 for large parties—and on Monday nights, enjoy all-you-can-eat wings. All the menu items are inexpensive and served by a friendly staff. Happy Hour specials are Monday-Friday, and live entertainment is presented Friday-Sunday. Sunday brunches from 10am-2pm are expected to start in May. Sports fans can pull up a seat in front of a big-screen TV or more than 20 other TVs that show the NFL package and other pro and college sports. Great food, great service, and great scenery make Hurricane Dockside Grill a fun Florida fish house.
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89
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Food & Drink DINING GUIDE
Stokes Seafood Market and More 719 W. Main St., Leesburg // 352.787.3474 Facebook.com/StokesSeafoodMarketandMore The freshest seafood available, custom-made party platters, and many delicious “grab and go” meals are available from Stokes Seafood Market and More every day, and we now have outdoor seating so you can enjoy a delicious lunch at the market! We also serve freshly made lunches every Wed.-Fri. from 11-2pm…check out our scrumptious lunch menu! We are located at 719 W. Main Street at the corner of 9th Street in historic downtown Leesburg. Come try our wonderful house-made seafood dishes at the market, including lobster rolls, fish tacos, sesame-seared Ahi tuna, salad with blackened salmon or Ahi tuna, the best seafood gumbo, New England clam chowder, shrimp and lobster bisque around, and so much more. When you pick up your fresh seafood you can sample some of the wonderful house-made seafood salads, spreads, and dips, and wine and beer, and take some home to go with your dinner. We specialize in hard to find Northern fish and shellfish, live Maine Lobster and Blue Crab, Salmon, Tuna, Snapper, Grouper, Mahi, Ipswich Clams, Oysters, Mussels, Mullet, Catfish, Tilapia, Swordfish, Crab, and so much more! Every day there’s something new to pick up for lunch and “grab and go” home to enjoy. We are your one stop seafood shop…we carry everything to make your seafood meal and appetizers perfect! In addition to the fish brought in fresh from the boats daily, there’s also a great selection of shellfish and frozen fish. Ask about our fun and informative cooking demonstrations…just call or check the schedule in the store for times and dates.
Subway Subway.com Custom-made, fresh sandwiches, salads, and flatbreads made right before your eyes. The “healthy” alternative to fast food. Lady Lake // 208 W. Guava St. // 352.750.4929 Eustis // 469 Plaza Dr. // 352.357.7827 Mount Dora // 18870 U.S. Hwy. 441 // 352.735.4376 Leesburg // 2013 Citrus Blvd. // 352.787.6442 10135 U.S. Hwy. 441, Suite 4 // 352.326.3234 27405 U.S. Hwy. 27, Suite 4 // 352.314.8847 The Villages // 1580 Bella Cruz Drive // 352.750.9600 8796 S.E. 165th Mulberry Lane // 352.750.9991 1070 Lake Sumter Landing Drive // 352.205.8535 349 Colony Blvd. // 352.391.1657 Wildwood // 480 W. Gulf to Alantic Hwy. // 352.748.8800
Yalaha Bakery 8210 State Road 48, Yalaha // Open daily 8am-7pm // 352.324.3366 The family owned German Bakery since 1995, is an award-winning Bakery that offers to customers high-quality German products made with the highest culinary standards. Fine European pastries and breads are made with organic flours, chocolates, and spices, butter, and imported European ingredients. Take home tortes, tarts, and wonderful pretzels, but before you go home, enjoy something from our delicious deli menu. We serve breakfast from 8-11am and lunch and dinner are served 11am-7pm. Enjoy German specialties like Nurnberger breakfast, Hunterschnitzel with Spätzle, Bratwurst, Reuben, Quiche, typical German soups, and maybe Semelknoedel (bread dumplings with mushroom sauce) for lunch or dinner. We offer a fine selection of German beers and wines. Whatever time of day, you’ll find something you love at Yalaha Bakery. On the weekends you can come and enjoy various events and music concerts on Saturdays and Sundays at our Beer Garden. You can follow us on Facebook, Twitter or via our website www.yalahabakery.com A German Bakery Like No Other!
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Back by Popular Demand For Women that Play Golf and Women that Don’t
2020
Congratulations to the
2020 Lake County Teacher of the Year
Friday, June 7, 2019 Continental Country Club
Proceeds benefit the Educational Foundation and the Linda Kohlmeyer Scholarship Fund
Kamille “Kammy” Chapman Mount Dora Middle School
www.edfoundationlake.com
352-326-1265 // cullen-battc@lake.k12.fl.us
Dr. Maen Hussein & Michelle Viveiros April 2019
91
Now in 7 locations throughout Central Florida For locations and online scheduling, visit ArnoldPalmerHospital.com/ER.
Now in 7 locations throughout Central Florida
For locations and online scheduling, visit:
ArnoldPalmerHospital.com/ER
COLD, ALLERGY & SINUS
NASAL RELIEF
Michael A. Freedman, DO Board Certified, Otolaryngology
Dino Madonna, MD Board Certified, Facial Plastic Surgery, Otolaryngology
Judith Milstead, MD
Board Certified, Otolaryngology
S. Dwight Vaught, MD Board Certified, Otolaryngology
Chronic Sinus Conditions | Allergies Pain | Pressure | Nasal Obstruction
352.728.2404 LakeENT.net LEESBURG THE VILLAGES TAVARES
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dedicated to your good taste
Visit Florida’s largest Premium Winery
Complimentary Tours & Wine Tastings Daily Enjoy Themed Festivals Every Month
Blues at the
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Live Blues Music, Wine, Food, Free Winery Tours & Wine Tasting, and Our Wine & Cheese Bar!
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WWW.lakeridgeWinery.com 19239 US 27 North • ClermoNt, Fl 34715 352-394-8627 • 1-800-768-WINe
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Live entertainment!
SATURDAY April 13th • 5:00pm
STAR POWERED
*
F i na l T h oug h t
I say, that’s lovely country! A visit to England reminds me of how much I love history. STORY: LEIGH NEELY
I *
Then a castle would pop up on the horizon, and I’d realize I wasn’t in the States anymore.
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recently visited my son and his family in Weybridge, England. I love going over there, mostly because of the two little people living in his house. My granddaughter and grandson make every visit memorable, and I enjoy their parents, too. One of their parents is my son. This time, he had a special trip planned for me: a visit to Bath, the home of so much Roman architecture and, of course, the famous Roman baths. Since the town is only two hours from Weybridge, we took the family car and had a nice trip. As we drove along, I realized the countryside reminded me a great deal of my beloved rolling hills of East Tennessee. Then a castle would pop up on the horizon,
and I’d realize I wasn’t in the States anymore. The beauty of the historical structures in the small towns and villages in England, Scotland, and Ireland (where he has lived and I have visited) always fills me with awe. I have walked through a bedroom in Stirling Castle, where the queen slept in the 1200s. We stopped at an abbey that a wife built to honor her late husband in a small town in Scotland. She kept his heart in a small box and always had it with her, including when she was buried. Just outside that abbey was a centuries-old cemetery, and the one item that has stuck with me in the years since I’ve been there is an enormous headstone. It
included the family lineage traced back to the 1500s as I recall, and it was amazing to read it all in a simple graveyard in a small village. I also love the history we have in America. I used to drive down a road where Washington marched with his troops in the Revolutionary War. I lived at the foot of Lookout Mountain, where one of the greatest battles of the Civil War raged. I also stood on the floor of the bedroom of Carton, a mansion in Franklin, Tennessee, where at one time, four Civil War generals lay dead on the front porch. I love history, both here and in other countries, and nothing pleases me more than walking through it and thinking of all those who walked before me.
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