Style Magazine, Village Edition, November 2022

made inheaven

ARTMAN COUNTRY SMOKEHOUSE RUBS YOU THE RIGHT WAY.

ONE WOMAN HAS A CASE OF CLAY FEVER.

FANS ARE CROWING ABOUT RED ROOSTER COOKIE JAR.

covered.

Putting the extra in extraordinary

This month, we highlight special people.

t could be your quiet neighbor.

It could be your unassuming coworker. It could be a close friend who remains humble about his or her accomplishments. Yes, among us are remarkable, innovative, and inspiring people who make their mark on our communities in amazing ways. Here at Lake and Sumter Style, we refer to them as extraordinary.

Our “Extraordinary People” issue is one of my favorites. I love learning about the amazing stories of extra special people, digging inside their charitable hearts, and exploring their passion to serve others. Fortunately, we live in an area lled with people of many diverse backgrounds and talents. Our sta has no problem coming up with a list of people who t the bill as truly extraordinary. This year was no exception. We found people whose careers run the gamut: an award-winning orist, a former NFL football playerturned-pastor, a

pastor-turned- lmmaker, a 93-yearold who trains stuntmen, a 99-yearold World War II veteran, a 16-yearold musical artist who has released 15 original songs, a double-amputee long-distance runner. We’re even featuring the rst African American Miss Sumter County!

While their accomplishments di er, all of our “Extraordinary People” energize others with their wisdom, empathy, and can-do attitudes. Simply put, they inspire and command respect. And they possess speci c qualities that allow them to thrive in everchanging conditions.

In closing, I would like to wish our faithful advertisers and loyal readers a very Happy Thanksgiving. I truly hope each of you are blessed to spend precious time with family and friends. Celebrate by practicing gratitude not only on this day, but every day of your life.

After all, we have many reasons to be thankful.

Sincerely,

Kendra

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

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Lake & Sumter Style Published monthly by Akers Media, 108 South Fifth Street, Leesburg, FL 34748. All editorial contents copyright 2022 by Akers Media. All rights reserved. Lake & Sumter Style is a registered trademark of Akers Media. Nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. For back issues or billing information, call 352.787.4112. Return postage must accompany all unsolicited manuscripts and artwork if they are to be returned. Manuscripts are welcomed, but no responsibility can be assumed for unsolicited materials. “Paid Promotional Feature” denotes a paid advertising feature. Publisher is not responsible for claims or contents of advertisements. The ideas and opinions contained in this publication do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of Akers Media.

Who should get

Lung Cancer Screening

PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

ased on new research, last year the United States Preventative Service Task Force expanded its recommendation for annual lung cancer screening to include a larger age range and more current and former smokers.

Screening is now recommended for anyone age 50 to 80 who has smoked for 20 years or more, and who currently smokes or has quit within the past 15 years. A pack year is equal to smoking 20 cigarettes (1 pack) a day each year. A pack year is different from a calendar year. Smoking a pack a day for 20 years equals 20 pack years, but so does smoking two packs a day for 10 years.

The new guidelines dramatically increase the number of women and Black Americans considered at high risk for lung caner. In Florida, only 3% of people at high risk

were screened last year, which was significantly lower than the national rate of 6%, even though Florida has improved across to screening by covering it through its fee-for-service Medicaid program.

A low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan takes X-rays and combines them into a detailed, 3-dimensional image. LDCT screening can reduce lung cancer deaths by up to 20% compared to standard chest X-rays, by detecting tumors at early stages when they are more likely to be curable.

Lung cancer screening is approved by Medicare and is for people in good health who do not have symptoms of the disease. However, some insurance companies do not yet use the new age guidelines. Talk to your doctor if you think you are eligible for testing.

Quitters can be Winners

Smoking is the single most important risk factor for lung cancer. Tobacco Free Florida provides free tools and services to help you become smoke-free. Go to TobaccoFreeFlorida.com or call 850-245-4144. For more resources, go to Smokefree. gov or call 800-44U-QUIT. You can find more quit lines at the American Cancer Society (866-QUIT-4LIFE), American Lung Association (800-LUNGUSA), and US Department of Health and Human Services (800-QUIT-NOW).

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

by the numbers #1

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

6%

Proportion of US men and women expected to be diagnosed with lung and bronchus cancer at some point during their lifetime

Non-Smokers are Also at Risk

Invisible, odorless, and tasteless, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers. To know whether or not you are being exposed to radon in your home, you can order free testing kits from the Florida Department of Health. Call 800-543-8279, or fill out the order form on their website at http://www.floridahealth. gov/environmental-health/radon/ Outreach/testkitrequest.html.

Additional risk factors for nonsmokers include HIV infection; family history of lung cancer; and exposure to secondhand smoke, air pollution, arsenic, asbestos, chromium, nickel, radiation, radon, soot, or tar.

236,740

Estimated new lung and bronchus cancer cases in the US in 2022

Air is Life

As of February 5, 2022, commercial tobacco vanished from casinos, other businesses, and public buildings and lands throughout the Navajo Nation. It was the culmination of the Niłch’ Éí Bee Ííná – Air is Life Act of 2021, enacted three months earlier. This Act marks the first comprehensive ban on commercial tobacco products on American Indian tribal lands, and covers conventional cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, and similar products. It excludes tobacco used for ceremonial purposes and use of any tobacco product in a person’s home.

3.8%

Average decrease in US death rates per year from lung and bronchus cancer from 2010-2019

Patient-centered radiation oncology close to home

The Villages 352.259.2200 Ocala 352.732.0277 Timber Ridge 352.861.2400 Inverness 352.726.3400 Lecanto 352.527.0106

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PLAZA CADILLAC

I have been a Plaza fan for almost 25 years. The service team of Harry, Steve and Glen are stellar! Just purchased my second Cadillac- Jesse, Mark, the sales and finance team were fabulous. If you believe in doing business with people you can trust and treat you like family, your search is over.

Plaza Cadillac is the place to go!

— PATTI GATES

JesseKnapp,Salesperson

Patti Gates

Mike Killngsworth

SherritaSmith,Salesperson(left) Tony Pagano,GeneralSalesManager(right)

David Smith

A NEW CHAPTER: After more than 11 years serving the community, Barrel of Books and Games—a bookstore in Mount Dora owned by Crissy Stile—has moved. The bigger, better, and very beautiful 4,000-square-foot store is now located at 403 W. Donnelly St., Mount Dora. The newly acquired space features thousands of new and used books, a children’s room, an adults-only room lled with rst edition collectibles, a comic book room, plenty of reading spots, a huge selection of Funko Pops, board games, puzzles, and much, much more. For hours and additional information, visit the shop on Facebook, Instagram, at www.barrelofbooksandgames.com, or call 352.735.1950.

FIG-TASTIC

Did you know that November 1-7 is National Fig Week? And did you know that gs are not fruits? A g is, in fact, an inverted ower that blooms inside pods on the Ficus tree. The owers then mature into fruit. Additionally, there are over 700 types of g trees, but humans can only consume a few types. Satisfy your craving for gs in downtown Leesburg the Florida Porch Café, which sells homemade g preserves.

TIS THE SEASON OF GIVING

The perfect gift can’t be found at retail stores or on the internet. The best gift you can give this holiday season is your time. You may not x the world by volunteering, but you will make your corner of it better. The choices are endless. A few of our favorites: volunteer at a soup kitchen, read to children at a library, donate blood, or spend a few hours at a local animal shelter.

A FUR-EVER HOME

Puppies and kittens may be adorable, but there’s a lot to be said for older pets. For one, there’s no potty training or couch chewing with older canines and felines. That’s something to think about in November, which is Adopt a Senior Pet Month. Fortunately, you can bring a furry friend into your life thanks to several shelters.

Lake County Animal Shelter: 352.343.9688. Cat Protection Society: 352.589.6228. The Animal League: 352.429.6334. Humane Society of Lake County: 352.589.7400.

TRUE HEROISM

As you salute all who fought for their country this Veterans Day, Nov. 11, take a moment to re ect on Lake County’s Robert McTureous, Jr., a private in the Marines during World War II. During the Battle of Okinawa, he ran up a hill by himself and lobbed grenades at the enemy to thwart machine gun re and allow wounded American soldiers to be evacuated. He was fatally injured and died on June 11, 1945, but his heroism did not go unrecognized. He received the Medal of Honor, and the City of Altoona converted his boyhood home into the McTureous Homestead and Museum.

MUSIC LOVERS DELIGHT

If you like music, then JAMBURG ’22, a one-day music festival at historic Pat Thomas Stadium (240 Ball Park Road, Leesburg) on Nov. 19, may get your toes tapping. The inaugural festival will feature local bands jamming, and vendors selling food, drinks, and more. Doors open at 3pm. All proceeds will bene t the Leesburg Center for the Arts. Tickets can be purchased at www.leesburgarts.com/jamburg-22.

SAVE THE DATE

American country and gospel singer

Josh Turner is set to perform on Saturday, Dec. 3 at 7 pm at The Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center in The Villages. The concert, presented by Get O The Bus Concerts, is part of Josh’s ‘King Size Manger Tour,’ and is in support of the Mount Dora Center for the Arts. Songs to be featured are o his album of the same name, made up of a collection of traditional country versions of classic Christmas songs with some original tunes, as well as some Hawaiian, bluegrass and swing. Tickets can be purchased at GetO TheBusConcerts.com, TheSharon.com or by phone at 352.753.3229.

HOMAGE TO HERITAGE

Dade Battle eld Historic State Park in Bushnell is hosting Florida Heritage Day on Nov. 12. Attendees will enjoy Florida music, folk crafts, living history demonstrations, pioneer games for kids, hands-on activities, and food vendors. For more information, call 352.793.4781.

JUST RUNNING AROUND

Looking for a Lake County running event to help keep you slim and trim ahead of Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts? Hurry to: https://runningintheusa.com/ race/list/lake-county- / upcoming for a list of November and December races. The list includes two Turkey Trots on Thanksgiving morning, and a park run on Christmas Eve.

WHERE BEAUTY COMES NATURALLY

Writing your bucket list? We highly recommend visiting the picturesque Dora Canal, where you can immerse yourself in a subtropical wonderland of towering, 200-year-old cypress trees draped in Spanish moss, alligators, blue herons, and turtles. Several companies o er tours down this half-mile canal, including Premier Boat Tours (doracanaltour.com) and Rusty Anchor (rustyanchormountdora.com).

Kimberly Rose Grogan

Clermont Main Street president and owner of Dash Sports shows entrepreneurial passion for motivating local businesses.

INTERVIEWER: CINDY PETERSON

STATS

• Runs the non-profit South Lake Multisport Events

• Single mom of Gavin and Nora

• Competed in Ironman Hawaii and more than 30 half Ironmans

My passion for retail began: job at the Gap when I was 16, then I worked at a locally-owned maternity store in college. I didn’t know then, but retail was a passion of mine. When the opportunity presented itself to buy Gear for Multisport at the National Training Center in Clermont, I jumped at the chance.

A top priority for me is: running community and downtown Clermont. I understand the importance of being good neighbors and giving back through sponsorships, race directing for nonpro ts to help them fundraise, and by providing funding for endurance venues throughout Lake County through our nonpro t, South Lake Multisport Events.

A saying I live by: “Live Actively” is our business mantra and what I live by daily. Whether you work out every day or once a week, we want people to be able to live their most active lifestyle. Our name, Dash Sports, represents the “dash” between your birth and your death. How we take care of our bodies in our youth and midlife will determine how active we can be in our senior years.

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Capturing the hearts

of our patients

“Village Heart and Vein Center is the only and the best Heart & Vein Center you will ever need. The staff is thorough, compassionate, friendly and attentive to your every need, from the front desk help, to the PA’s, to the Doctors.”

— JOE T.

“This place is amazing. The people that work in the office and the doctors are wonderful. They seem to really care about you as a person. A world of difference to what I was used to from my doctor in PA.”

— CHRISTINE S.

“Linda and Fernando took care of me on the day of my visit and they are the dynamic duo. They put me at ease because I was extremely nervous at my appointment. Erica is my PA and I just love her. she is a wealth of information! The entire staff is on point. I have no complaints. 2 thumbs up!”

— TONI M.

“I had an ultrasound of my legs. I was taken back to the testing room in a timely manner and I was talked through the process so I was aware of what was happening. All in all a good experience!”

— JOHN F.

BRYLEE MOORE

Villages High School dance captain on track to graduate with associates degree while sharing her faith.

INTERVIEWER: CINDY PETERSON PHOTO: NICOLE HAMEL

My greatest accomplishment:

I made the Principal’s List from the Villages High School, and Dean’s List from Lake-Sumter State College. I have also received certi cations in QuickBooks Accounting Software and Entrepreneurship and Small Business. I have been dual enrolled for three years now and am on track to graduate with my AA degree when I graduate high school.

I want everyone to know that: God is the most important part of my life. I live to glorify God in everything I do, be a light in this world, and love others just as Jesus did.

A saying I live by: the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.”

Topping my playlist: Benson Boone’s new album, “Walk Me Home.”

to the absolute best of my ability.

Public relations officer of the Captain of the Golden Girls

Member of Future Business

career as a sales representative in the

Love your neighbor as you would love yourself. A little bit of kindness can go a long way.

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

Helping families find home since 1947.

For over 75 years, Baird Homes has been helping families pursue independence and live life on their own terms. Offering a wide selection of modern modular and manufactured homes, our commitment to quality service and customer satisfaction makes Baird Homes an easy choice for any homebuyer.

Terry Vece

Rocking chair to runway.

INTERVIEWER: CYNTHIA MCFARLAND ≈ PHOTO: NICOLE HAMEL

ometimes life throws delightfully unexpected curveballs.

Just ask Terry Vece, who happily worked as a certified medical assistant in an OB-GYN office for almost 40 years and never imagined leaving her home state.

She and husband Joseph raised their family and lived in Branford, Connecticut, for 46 years before their “big change” took place.

The Veces would probably still be in Connecticut if a good friend hadn’t moved to The Villages and regularly told Joe about all the great golf he was playing.

“My husband said, ‘I’ll never live in Florida. Don’t even think about it,’” recalls Terry, who was shocked when Joe ordered an information packet The Villages advertised on the Golf Channel.

In the end, the great weather and endless golf opportunities won him over.

“We came down to visit in 2006, bought a place, and moved to The Villages in 2007. We had friends in Connecticut, but we were tired of snow and ice,” Terry admits.

Although the couple initially planned on being snowbirds, the cost of owning two homes eventually convinced them to become

permanent citizens of the Sunshine State.

“I like the lifestyle and being able to do whatever makes me happy,” says Terry. “Between the two of us, we’re in about five clubs.”

Of course, they both golf regularly.

Terry also discovered the Ms. Senior Florida Pageant, a non-profit, tax-deductible organization offering pageant opportunities for women over 60. Pageant criteria include evening gown, talent, interview with the judges, and philosophy of life.

Terry competed in two pageants, and at the age of 69, was crowned Ms. Florida Senior America in 2011.

“From the rocking chair to the runway” became her motto.

“It’s a sisterhood. You meet so many wonderful women from all over the country. You step out of your comfort zone; it boosts your energy level and confidence,” says Terry, 80.

Now state administrator, Terry is running the 2023 pageant in The Villages and currently recruiting contestants. She’s proud that the pageant “shows the younger generation we’re not just old ladies!”

an interesting Villager? Fill us in!

LIFESTYLE AND BEING ABLE TO DO WHATEVER MAKES

recommendations

cynthia@akersmediagroup.com.

EXTRAORDINARY

PEOPLE

You don’t have to be rich or famous to be extraordinary. You just need to be filled with purpose, passion, and joy. Meet this year’s group of ordinary people who are accomplishing extraordinary feats.

PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL ≈ DESIGN: MICHAEL GAULIN

MARKO CHESETO

The power within.

STORY: ROXANNE BROWN

Record-breaking All-American marathoner Marko Cheseto has it all.

It just took some twists and turns for the Kenyan-born athlete, who has been running since seventh grade, to realize it.

In his 20s, while running for a teaching college he attended in Kenya, Marko was recruited to Texas Tech by a visiting coach.

A few changes to the original plan later, in 2008, Marko became a member of the University of Alaska-Anchorage’s crosscountry team. Two years later, Marko persuaded his cousin William Ritekwiang to join him.

Fast forward to Feb. 2011, and everything changed.

“My cousin called me one afternoon wanting to talk, but I was working and studying, so I told him, ‘Ok, but we’ll talk later. It’s Friday, anyway, we can talk tomorrow,’” Marko recalls.

The conversation never happened. That night, William took his life.

“I didn’t get to talk with him and know what he really wanted. Before I knew it, the guilt I was feeling and the constant replaying in my head of what I could have done differently threw me into a major depression,” Marko says.

Over the next few months, Marko grappled with despair and lingering guilt. He eventually sought professional help, but on Nov. 6, he took a handful of anti-depressants and went out for a night run, not dressed for freezing cold temperatures.

Marko was missing for three days, then someone spotted him in a hotel lobby; dazed, confused, and with no recollection of how he got there or where he’d been.

Marko, with excruciating pain in his hands, and unable to feel his feet, was taken to a nearby hospital.

Less than a week later, with gangrene setting in, doctors told Marko that both

legs would have to be amputated, up to his knees, due to frostbite.

“The news was so heavy I couldn’t even process it,” Marko says. “Then, after the amputation, I was sitting at the hospital by myself, wondering how I ended up where I was. I thought, ‘Sometimes in life there are things you can control, and some that you have absolutely no control over.’”

Marko suddenly felt like living.

“That moment gave me the sense of, ‘You know what? I think I’ll attempt to build myself up,’” he adds, explaining that while recovering and going through the process of being fitted for prosthetics, people began talking to him about the Paralympics.

He was put in contact with the Challenged Athletes Foundation, and in 2013, he was presented with his first set of running feet—prostheses equipped with special flexible blades for that.

He began training and tried sprinting, but went back to long-distance running, his passion.

In 2019, Marko ran marathons in

New York, Chicago and Boston, and has been running them ever since.

Since his amputation, Marko has seen many blessings.

He met, fell in love, and married Amanda. Today, the two live in Groveland with their children Aspen, 10, Kaamilah, 7, and Jaelyen, 6.

Marko also works at Prosthetics and Orthotic Associates in Orlando, the same company that fitted him for prosthetics, and who with Nike and Ossur, now sponsor him. And after partnering with Spartan Race Founder/CEO Joe De Sena, they opened Alaskana, a school in Kenya that educates thousands of children.

“I wanted to give kids back home in my village an opportunity that they wouldn’t otherwise get,” Marko says, adding that donations are always accepted at www.markocheseto.com.

Looking forward to his next chapter, Marko, 39, wants to travel the world and share his story. He hopes to motivate and inspire others into overcoming whatever challenges they may be facing. He will also advocate for mental health awareness.

“I want people to realize that the power they need to get through hard times is within them. I want to be the concrete example that makes them think, ‘Hey, if a guy without feet can run, I’ve got this.’”

Personally, when reflecting back on the first 28 years of his life before losing his feet, he wonders whether life was happier then or now.

“I see now that there were times, even when I had my feet that life was hard, but what I’ve realized is that overall, life is a hustle in itself and the only people who cannot change their destiny are the dead people,” Marko continues.

“If you’re still alive, regardless of what state you are in or how challenging life seems, you can change anything. You just have to fight for it.”

BOB TUCKER Flower power.

STORY: JAMES COMBS

Bob Tucker has a special talent. He turns field-fresh blooms into stunning floral arrangements that create treasured memories.

Bob is a florist and owner of Miss Daisy’s Flowers and Gifts, which he opened in 2004 in downtown Leesburg.

Since then, his career has blossomed. He earned the prestigious “Designer of the Year” award at a competition held during the Florida State Florist Association’s (FSFA) annual convention. He is also a two-time winner of the BloomNet Florist Design competition. On a local level, he received the “Innovative Business of the Year” award from the Sumter County Chamber of Commerce, and the “Small Business of the Year” award from the Leesburg Area Chamber of Commerce.

While awards are nice, Bob is best known for being a detail-oriented and passionate floral designer.

“The floral industry is an emotional industry,” he says. “You celebrate life from birth to death, and all celebrations in-between. Over the years, I’ve done floral arrangements for newborns, first communions, birthday parties, anniversaries, weddings, and funerals.”

For Bob, success stems from ongoing education. He is accredited by the American Institute of Florida Designers (AIFD) and earned the designations of Florida State Master Designer (FSMD), Certified Floral Designer (CFD), and Certified Evaluator/Judge (CEJ).

“Education helps me maintain the highest standards of professional floral design,” he says.

STORY: ROXANNE BROWN

give it your all, and just have fun with it.’”

Now a Tavares High School freshman, Aaron is intent on giving

of like my body doing it for me,” Aaron explains. “I guess you can say I’m in the zone.”

FRANK KLUM

Proud warrior.

STORY: JAMES COMBS

At age 99, Frank Klum relies on a strong memory to enthusiastically share vivid details of his World War II experiences after enlisting in the Army AirCorps two days following the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

“I remember on the day of Pearl Harbor my friends brought a radio to me and said, ‘We’re at war! The Japanese are bombing us.’ I had already planned to join the military, and they asked me if I was still going into the service. I said, ‘Nothing will stop me.’”

Nothing stopped Frank when he served in the 97th Bomb Squad of the 47th Bombardment Group. He walked away from a train wreck while traveling to a base in Oklahoma, survived intense bombing from German planes while stationed in North

Africa, and returned from his first and only bombing mission – aboard a B-25 Mitchell Bomber that took out a bridge in Valence, France.

Highlights of his service included seeing General George S. Patton while stationed in Tunisia and watching comedian Bob Hope perform in southern Italy.

After the war, Frank reenlisted and remained in the military until 1962. He earned numerous medals, including the Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal, and the Presidential Unit Citation.

Frank, who later spent 22 years with the U.S. Postal Service, turns 100 in January.

“I don’t really know how I lived so long,” says Frank, who has resided in Clermont since 1998. “I guess it’s because I’ve been active my entire life.”

STORY: ROXANNE BROWN

Mention the name Kim Kahana, Sr. to movie industry insiders and they’ll likely respond with awe and excitement.

That’s because Kim, one of Hollywood’s most sought after and gutsiest stuntmen of all time, is still going strong after more than 70 years in the business and appearing in more than 300 movies and television series.

At age 93, Kim considers his current role one of the most rewarding of his career.

“At this age of mine, I don’t need the money. I need to teach somebody who really wants to learn something,” adds Kim, who with his lovely wife Sandra, run Kahana’s Stunt and Film School on 100 acres in the deep woods of Groveland, where they live.

Overall, Kim, born and raised in Hawaii, has lived a tremendous life even though he dropped out of school after third grade before mastering reading.

As a U.S. Army paratrooper during the Korean War, he was captured, shot, and left for dead, but survived because the bullet hit a penny in his pocket.

After leaving the service, Kim, a fire dancer, martial arts grandmaster, and entertainer, turned to the movie industry—riding and falling off a horse for one of his first gigs—after discovering stunt work paid much more than being an extra.

Kim, who was trained by stunt-business greats like Johnny Eppers, worked alongside dozens and dozens of the biggest and most iconic names in Hollywood: John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, Elvis Presley, Chuck Norris, James Garner, Lee Meriwether, and Sylvester Stallone, to name a few.

Kim focused on perfecting daring stunts, as well directing, producing, and acting in many classic movies and TV shows. Most notably, he doubled for Charles Bronson for 30 years.

In 1968, he landed the role of ‘Chongo’ on the TV show Danger Island even though he couldn’t read the script. When handed a script at the audition, instead of trying to sound out the words, Kim tossed the script into the air, jumped onto a table, did a back flip onto the floor, rolled to his feet and began doing bird calls. He then walked out. He was hired the next day. Smart casting people. Kim still receives mail from fans of the show.

After retiring to Florida 35 years ago, Kim gave in to requests and began training potential stuntpeople from all over the world.

This year, a documentary about his life began filming on-site. It is scheduled to debut next year.

Meanwhile, Kim remains humble and grateful.

“The motion picture business is one of the greatest things I know, and it’s taught me so much about people, about life and everything else,” Kim says. “The business has also given me a very good life, and it’s paved the way for everything I ever wanted.”

TIMMONS

Crowning moments.

STORY: ROXANNE BROWN

After five years vying for the title, Jianna Timmons made history by being the first African American woman crowned Miss Sumter County in the scholarship program’s 44-year run.

“I was a little nervous about how people would receive me, but I felt nothing but love come back to me, so that’s been amazing,” Miss Sumter County 2022 says. “I also feel that what me winning this title can convey to others is: ‘Don’t be afraid to try for something you really want, even if it doesn’t work out the first time.’”

Since her win, Jianna, 21, has graduated from Santa Fe College and is now enrolled at the University of Florida and working toward a Bachelor of Arts with a major in dance.

Jianna, a competitive dancer for the past 16 years, is also a professional choreographer and owner of Artistry in Motion Dance Company.

Her future plans include continuing to serve her community to the best of her ability and opening a dance studio where she will focus on mental health issues by showing how dance can be used as therapy.

Jianna says she’s grateful to God for: trusting her with the title of Miss Sumter County; for the people she’s met and friends she’s made along the way; and for the confidence, personal growth, and opportunities pageantry has afforded her.

“Being a titleholder is about so much more than a crown and a sash, it’s about getting out into the community and using what you have been given to help and inspire others,” she adds.

TONY MCCOY

A greater glory.

STORY: JAMES COMBS

As a defensive tackle for the Indianapolis Colts, Tony McCoy started 79 games and made 330 tackles and 23 sacks during a 9-year NFL career. What he accomplished off the field was more meaningful.

Tony started We As One Ministry, an outreach program designed to help Indianapolis’ struggling inner-city families. He’d repair abandoned homes and put families in them, teach basic life skills, and encourage involvement in local churches.

On Monday nights, Tony invited inner-city families and his teammates to his home for Bible study.

“We held the Bible study class in my basement one hour before Monday Night Football,” Tony recalls. “Then we’d watch the football game. By doing that, I grew in faith because when you bring together — black people, white people, Hispanics, males, and females — there is a spiritual explosion in our midst.”

In 1996, Tony earned a minister’s license through the United Christian Church and Ministerial Association. Four years later, Tony went from the gridiron to the pulpit. He started Hope International Church in Groveland, where he continues serving as senior pastor. Under his leadership, the

church’s congregation has grown to 600 members.

Tony remains a gentle giant with a servant’s heart. His church has several ministries that serve a diverse group of people, including special needs children and their parents. His church also has a men’s ministry, a women’s ministry, a youth ministry, a couple’s ministry, and a senior’s ministry.

Football made him a star. Faith made him the man he is today.

“To give God your whole life is humbling,” Tony says. “I wouldn’t be who I am in life without Him. He’s my mentor, my director, my flashlight.”

JOSEPH BOSTWICK

STORY: CYNTHIA MCFARLAND

Not many seniors can say they had a book signing just after high school graduation. Joseph Bostwick can.

Inspired by his beloved grandmother Jessie’s battle with Alzheimer’s, the 18-year-old Sorrento resident wrote “A Rotten Mind,” a firsthand account and published his book through Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing.

On June 4, Barrel of Books in Mount Dora hosted a book signing featuring the teen author.

“All props to my grandmother for being tough and resilient,” Joseph says of Jessie, who is now in a nursing home.

Joseph credits his mother Cynthia Bostwick, a teacher at Mount Dora Middle School, for his literary passion.

A self-professed “arts kid,” Joseph is also into poetry, abstract impressionist painting,

and music. He plays bass guitar, tuba and trombone, and was in high school band.

After COVID hit at the end of his sophomore year, Joseph essentially completed all his core academic work online. “

Honestly, I was one of the few people who enjoyed online school because I’m really good at keeping a schedule,” he admits.

Joseph is attending UCF, studying creative writing and philosophy. His ambition is a career in academia.

“Eventually I want to be a research professor, teaching and writing at a university,” notes Joseph.

He’s currently working on a poetry book about how the state of the world can affect mental health. His immediate goals are finding galleries for his artwork and a publisher for his writing.

MARK HOUGHTON

Karaoke DJ to country music artist.

Mark Houghton was organizing karaoke nights throughout Central Florida for years before discovering his vocal talents were meant for something bigger.

The realization occurred during the pandemic when his karaoke business died down and he began creating music videos and posting them on social media.

He soon developed a following.

“I didn’t have any work last year and now I’m having to turn away gigs,” Mark says. “I put myself out there and now I get to perform for a living.”

Mark grew up in upstate New York before moving to Florida to work in hotel management. After a

few years, he changed careers and became an event DJ.

Today, Mark entertains at local restaurants and events as a Renegade Fusion Country Cover Artist. He regularly performs in Tavares, Leesburg, Clermont, and Winter Garden, and was recently invited to entertain at the Orange Blossom Opry in Weirsdale.

Mark enjoys getting to know his audience, often walking around and chatting before hitting the stage.

“I like meeting people, and then I’ll find ways of including them in the show,” Mark says. “I truly appreciate everyone who supports me and hopefully more people will come out and have a good time.”

Published writer

STORY: CINDY PETERSON

CHRISTINA VUKEL

A name to remember.

STORY: ROXANNE BROWN

Talented. Inspiring. Rising Star. All those words describe Christina Vukel, a singer/ songwriter and accomplished musician from Sorrento, who at the age of 16, is on an upward track with no end in sight.

Already, Christina has released 15 original singles, and in September she dropped her first album, “They Say.”

Her songs have more than 150,000 Spotify streams and are available on any online platform where music can be found, on her YouTube channel, and at christinavukel.com.

“I started singing words, rhyming, coming up with my own music and dabbling with the guitar when I was about 2, and it’s just something that never left me,” says Christina, a quiet, reserved Mount Dora High School honor student, who plays guitar, piano, drums and ukulele.

With inspiration from patterns and happenings in the world around her, Christina says she uses music to express herself. Her lyrics are relatable, and her voice is soothing, yet soulful.

Locally, Christina has performed onstage at venues including the Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center, Hard Rock Café Orlando, The Orange Blossom Opry, the Breakfast Club Radio Show, and Lake Square Mall, where she was featured on the marquee.

She’s also taught music for Shaping Hearts, a non-profit organization affiliated with Round Lake Elementary School (where Christina attended) that gives students there an opportunity to experience the arts.

“It makes me feel amazing when people connect with one of my songs, or when a song touches them in some way,” she says.

From pulpit to the big screen.

STORY: JAMES COMBS

Few people can claim the titles of both pastor and filmmaker.

Art Ayris is an exception.

Art is executive pastor of First Baptist Church of Leesburg and founder and CEO of Kingstone Studios, a Christianbased media company that produces movies, comics, and animations.

His debut as a filmmaker occurred in 2005 when he served as writer and producer of “The Touch,” a movie about an abused woman who seeks help at First Baptist Church’s Women’s Care Center. Art learned a valuable lesson in filmmaking.

“That movie was very successful creatively because it won awards at several film festivals, got licensed for television, and was translated in several

languages,” he says. “However, it was not commercially successful because I didn’t have any stars in it. In Hollywood there’s something called the three-star formula. Distributors want movies to have three bankable stars.”

Fortunately for Art, the stars aligned when he decided to write and produce a second film, “No Vacancy.” He hired actor Dean Cain, who played Superman in the television series Lois and Clark, actress Sean Young, who starred in the 1982 movie “Blade Runner,” and actor T.C. Stallings, who appeared in the 2015 movie “War Room.”

The movie was filmed during a threeweek period in September 2021.

“All three were so professional,” Art says. “They would come to the set,

THOMAS WARE

More than an entertainer.

Groveland native Thomas Ware wears multiple hats equally well: singer/songwriter, actor, pastor, husband, and father.

Pastor of The Uncommon Faith Center in Clermont, Thomas is a national Gospel artist whose current Billboard hit, “Love Me to Death,” reached No. 24 on the Billboard Gospel Indicator Chart in September.

He was inspired to promote mental health after seeing a void in the faith community.

“I saw people who went to church, but never turned the page from the trauma they’d suffered in childhood,” says Thomas, who has three sons and a daughter with wife Tiffany. “God is not just concerned about the spirit, but about your total being. Life has a way of reminding us of what we’ve packed away and hidden.”

Helping people access the tools to deal with that hidden pain is what Thomas strives to do with “Music & Conversations,” the faith and mental health tour he launched in April 2022.

The small group meetings that take place in multiple cities combine Thomas’ music and a local mental health professional.

“It’s not a therapy session. It’s opening a door, allowing people to ask questions, and providing them with mental health resources in their city,” he explains. “I want to be more than an entertainer. I want to help people and impact the community.”

have their lines memorized, and were ready to go.”

“No Vacancy” tells the true story of how First Baptist Church of Leesburg and the community joined forces to purchase a blighted motel and transform it into a place for homeless families to live and rebuild their lives. In May 2022, the movie was released in 608 theaters throughout the country. It is currently streaming on Apple, Google, Amazon, SalemNOW, and Vudu.

“Ninety-five percent of what you see in this movie really happened, and therefore it speaks to a general audience and also a faith audience,” Art says. “I’m hoping it will encourage other communities to address homelessness and addiction in their areas.”

STORY: CYNTHIA MCFARLAND

JIM KEEGAN

A higher calling.

STORY: CINDY PETERSON

Pastor Jim Keegan tragically passed away in July, leaving behind a legacy of service. He began pastoring at New Life Presbyterian Church in Fruitland Park in 2012 and was involved with the Bless

Sharing his faith and loving people seemed to come natural to Jim, who always made it a point to reach out to others in any situation.

Jim loved riding bikes, swimming, woodworking and playing

AL CARDIELLO

Flexing his faith.

STORY: JAMES COMBS

Even men with bulging biceps and rock-hard abs can have soft hearts. That’s true of Al Cardiello, a health guru who owns Infinity Fitness in Fruitland Park. Two years ago, Al agreed to serve as project manager of Project Generosity, a grassroots effort started by Heritage Community Church to raise money for Fruitland Park Elementary. Since then, Al organized two Zumbathon events at the Fruitland Park Community Center that raised a combined $46,000 through sponsorships, donations, and participation fees.

The money allows the school to purchase unbudgeted items such as musical instruments and equipment for physical education classes, as well as upgrade school grounds.

“The Zumbathon is an annual event that draws up to 60 teachers, students, and community members who participate in Zumba,” Al says. “It’s important for me as a businessowner to give back to the community and help our youth in any way I can.”

Al, who has lived in Lake County since 1997, has supported other charities and agencies throughout the years, including Beyond the Walls Food Pantry, Haven of Lake & Sumter Counties, and the Fruitland Park Police Department.

“I love Lake County and I enjoy doing my part to make it a better place to work, live, and play,” he says.

ask the e pert

Style has brought together a number of experts to answer questions about various issues. Find your answers here from the dedicated professionals in our area.

PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

LAWN & OUTDOOR

ZACH CARTER

We are into the season for fertilizing because we’ve hit the time of year that the weather starts to drop. There are two times of the year to fertilize—in the fall when it starts to get cooler and in the spring. You want to put your weed and feed out on the lawn, and put the fertilizer on your bushes, shrubs, and owers. When doing that, you also want to take care of your insect prevention. We have insect control that can be put on a spreader or hooked onto the

but now is a good time to rejuvenate and refresh what you already have and get that nice green lawn back.

If you do want to add a little something new, people are really getting into and having good success with succulents, and we have a nice selection of them at our Tavares location.

Cooler weather also means the perfect setting for barbecuing, and at Ace, we carry all the premium barbecue brands. That includes The Big Green Egg, a charcoal grill, Traeger, a wood pellet grill, and Weber, which uses gas. We also carry a wide variety of accessories to go along with our grills and turkey fryers just in time for Thanksgiving, although people love preparing their turkeys right on their grills too.

If you’re into Hibachi, we carry Blackstone griddles people are excited

about. Anything you can make on a at, you can make on a griddle, and you can cook multiple things on them at once.

As for outdoor living, look no further than Ace for things like premium sunglasses by Costa, Native and Oakley, Yeti coolers in all the limitededition colors, and re pits—the perfect item for transforming your yard into an oasis to enjoy with friends and family for outside gatherings, fresh air, and fun.

Altogether, we have 10 Carter’s Ace Hardware stores people can shop at and by the end of the year, we will be celebrating the opening of our 11th location in north Eustis. And just in case people are wondering, our downtown Eustis location will also remain open.

Anything we can do to help our community, we’re happy to do it.

Carter’s Ace Hardware

Tavares - N. Eustis - Eustis - Umatilla - Mt. Dora - S. Leesburg Sorrento - Apopka - Beverly Hills - Crystal River - Hunt Club 352.383.2101 / cartersacehardware.com

With the fall season in full swing, what tips and specialty items does Carter’s Ace Hardware offer?

Chief Merchandising O cer at Carter’s Ace Hardware

SOLAR

Why should I choose to have a solar roof?

There are several reasons. First, you’re helping the environment. Using energy from the sun is one of the cleanest forms of energy. In homes without solar, much of the electricity running through the house comes from fossil fuels, which create lots of pollutants. With solar, homeowners reduce the dependence on fossil fuels and as a result it

sure we’re leaving a cleaner world for our kids and grandkids.

Second, switching to solar will increase your property values and save you thousands of dollars. Solar panels create a natural source of energy that has the powers your home. By cutting down on the amount of energy you use, your electric bill will be less, allowing you to save money. Homeowners will enjoy a return on their investment in no time.

Third, homeowners can protect themselves from a power outage by adding a home solar battery bank. These battery systems store solar energy and o er emergency backup power when the grid goes down. This o ers peace of mind for homeowners, especially in

JAZMIN FELIX

Owner of Kenkay Solar

Kenkay Solar

Emily Gaulin, Office Manager

the event of a hurricane or other natural disaster, when power may be out for days or weeks. We partner with well-known manufacturers to be able to o er a customized solar battery based on a homeowner’s speci c needs. As a result of these partnerships, we can provide backup systems to power the entire home, including the air conditioner, which would have been impossible 10 years ago. This has become extremely important for homeowners, especially

Arleen Aquilino, Administrative Assistant

MOTORCYCLES

At Lucky-U Cycles, we stock the largest selection of pre-owned motorcycles in the state. We carry bikes from all the leading manufacturers, including HarleyDavidson, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Indian, Can-Am and Yamaha, among others. We sell 2-wheels, 3-wheels and even some 4-wheel, open air options. We have more than 300 motorcycles in stock at prices ranging from $2,000$50,000. We strive to maintain a low overhead with no prep or dealer fees like big franchise dealerships. This allows us to sell bikes at prices that

make owning a motorcycle a ordable for almost anyone.

At Lucky-U Cycles, we aim to o er personalized service. I enjoy the one-on-one interaction and hearing customers’ stories. I’ve met some of the coolest people and made some of the best friends throughout my years in the motorcycle business. I really enjoy getting to meet people from all walks of life, whether it’s a Villager, riding o on their new trike or a young person looking for a motorcycle to save on gas. And, I especially love to see the excitement when they purchase their rst bike or, like many of our customers, their 3rd, 4th, or even 10th bike. Helping customers make their motorcycle dreams come true, watching them ride o with a huge grin on their face – that’s what it’s all about for me!

We are a family at Lucky-U Cycles. Many of our employees

JEREMY COON

have been with us for more than a decade and several have been with us since the very beginning, over 15 years ago. We treat our employees like family and our customers like friends.

As a 2001 graduate of Leesburg High School, I opened the dealership when I was just 23 years old with 7 years’ experience in the motorcycle business. In the beginning, I was just hoping to sell 5 or 10 motorcycles a month. Now, we sell over 100 motorcycles a month. Today, we are the number 1 independent motorcycle dealership in Florida, selling more motorcycles than any other! For anyone looking to buy a motorcycle, we will go above and beyond to make the motorcycle buying experience a pleasant one –from sales and nancing to service and parts. We are here to make your dreams come true.

Lucky-U-Cycles

What are the benefits of working with an independent motorcycle dealership versus a big franchise dealership?

Owner of Lucky-U-Cycles

ROOFING

We use an Owens Corning Duration Shingle. What that means is you’re going to have the highest wind mph rating for shingles. Owens is a leader in the industry. Inlaid in their shingles is a SureNail strip, which is a wide, highly visible engineered fabric strip in the nailing area that ensures quality installation, as well as strength and durability for your roof. The grip of the SureNail strip provides exceptional wind resistance during storms and hurricanes. The

product also comes with a full labor and material warranty on the system that we install. Ours is a quality-grade shingle, and we know it will stand the test of time for sure.

Q What sets your company apart?

AWe use our own employees for each job rather than hire subcontractors. There are a lot of start-up companies and storm chasers that do roofs, but they hire

TYLER SCOTT

others to do their work. Many of these companies are not licensed and have no liability insurance.

We’re also a family-owned company that has been in business in Tavares for 50 years. I’m third generation in this business. One of the reasons we’ve stayed in business so long is that we’re always there for our customers, and they know they can call us anytime and we’ll be there for them. That’s hard to nd anymore. We value all customers whether we did a job for them yesterday or 10 years ago. And we provide expertise in every job—from repairs and replacements to new installations. We want customers to get the most out of their roo ng investments.

We serve Lake County, where our reputation for providing high-quality

We survived Hurricane Ian. How can your company ensure that my roof will be protected for the next hurricane that occurs?

Supervisor & Lead Estimator at Scott’s Roo ng

INSURANCE

What makes The Villages Insurance unique in its approach to personal lines insurance?

The first thing that makes us unique is that we take a very consultative approach when working with clients. We like to discover their risk needs and try to see which coverage and carrier will provide them the best product for what they are looking to insure.

We consult them very honestly on the insurance market, what’s happening out in the community, and what to be aware of in the event of a claim. Basically, we try offering the best advice possible on what to do, and what the best option would be in their specific situation.

Another thing that makes us unique is that we have a team of claim advocates who are not

adjusters, but a team of colleagues available to help clients in filing the first notice of loss with the insurance carrier.

They assist the client throughout the claim process, beginning with a time frame in which an adjuster will be assigned to the claim, what the response from that claim adjuster should be, and what that claim process looks like. We then follow up with them throughout the process to make sure things are progressing as they should.

We also have an emergency response team so, if a client has an after-hours claim, they can opt to leave a voice message and someone from our emergency response team will call them back, help them with the claims process,

ERIN NATALINO

Director of Operations at The Villages Insurance

and get the claim initiated right then and there.

Additionally, if a client has a large re loss, we’ll actually go out to assist them in reserving a hotel room and getting the claim led. We also have a kit we bring them with supplies they may need.

Overall, our uniqueness lies in our dedicated team at The Villages Insurance whose main focus is making sure that at the time of a loss, the insured’s claim is handled properly with the insurance carrier and adjuster.

The Villages Insurance team feels honored to be a helping hand to our clients. Claims can be a little scary and overwhelming, so we make sure to let them know we are with them every step of the way.

ANNUITIES

Are annuities a smart idea for your retirement portfolio?

If you’re looking for protection of principal, a modest return, and guaranteed “pension-like” income during retirement, then yes, an annuity can be a smart idea.

An annuity, in its simplest form, is a lump sum of money that provides income. During retirement, basically, every investment you have is an “annuity.” Each account is a lump sum of money that will ultimately be distributed (income) to someone. A “true” annuity o ered by a life insurance company adds additional guarantees to your objective and time horizon. For example, principal protection guarantee, interest guarantee, income guarantee, and/or death bene t guarantee.

Annuities are insurance products designed to insure against the risk of outliving your money, known as

of your retirement and having an annuity can add considerable value to your overall plan. The key to retirement is getting your xed income in place to live comfortably. That’s exactly what annuities do best. The advantages of annuities can include tax-deferred growth, guaranteed income, better interest opportunities than CD’s, and principal protection. Many people believe having an annuity means you can’t touch your money. Not so! That is the opposite of what they are designed to do. The products have changed a great deal during the last 20 years. They are more exible than before and provide an amazing number of choices for earnings potential and withdrawal options.

LIZ CORNELL

Certi ed Annuity Specialist® CEO TB Financial Group

But you don’t want to purchase just any annuity! There are di erent types of annuities o ered by multiple carriers each with a variety of products. Accordingly, it’s important to work with someone who specializes in annuities. I’ve been doing this for 14 years have built my career educating people on how annuity products work. As an added bonus, I’m a Certi ed Annuities Specialist©.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

It’s important to become well informed. Our Annuities 101 workshops are offered free of charge to explain annuities and how they work. We invite you to attend!

TB FINANCIAL GROUP SPECIALIZES IN:

> Planning with fixed annuities, index annuities, and life insurance

> Wealth preservation

> Income maximization strategies

> IRA, inherited IRA, and 401K distribution strategies

> Legacy planning

TB Financial Group Fruitland Park 352.350.1161 / tbfinancialgroup.com

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. Investment advisory services offered by duly registered individuals through ChangePath, LLC a Registered Investment Adviser. ChangePath, LLC and TB Wealth Management, LLC are unaffiliated entities.

OFFICE EQUIPMENT

Why do you need a local office equipment service provider?

There is nothing worse than the inconvenience of waiting days or weeks without the equipment you need to run your business e ciently and better serve your own customers.

We understand that, so when we, as your equipment service provider, receive a call from one of our service contract customers, we guarantee a four-hour turnaround time for quick, friendly, quality service, and on most

deal with impersonal phone systems, or waiting hours, days, and even weeks for a tech to come out, when meanwhile, their machine is sitting there not working properly or at all.

BEAU FRANKLIN

Owner, Business Techs

Congratulations to Mark Costa, our Senior Tech for 20 years of excellent service to our customers!

you just call us, and your worry is over. All it takes is that 20-second phone call or email and your problem is solved.

Also, a lot of the newer machines allow us remote access, so we can identify and x the problem even quicker, especially if it has to do with a networking issue. In those instances, instead of waiting for a tech, you can be back up and running in about 11-minutes, which is the average time for a remote service call.

ANowadays, customers can be hooked into our multi-function units, which can perform certain functions remotely. It’s kind of exciting because people can print right from their smartphones or tablets. They can air print, print remotely from their email, or even cloud print.

Additionally, with one of our multifunction machines, you can have the fax function set to redirect junk faxes, or those suspected as being junk, to a designated folder so you can come back later, go to that folder, and just scroll through it from the machine or a computer, delete the ones you don’t need, and print the ones you want.

QHow long has Business Techs been servicing our local area and what are the company’s goals going forward?

ABusiness Techs has been in the area for 31 years. We are locally owned, and we service the Central Florida area, including Lake, Sumter, Marion, and Citrus counties. We specialize in sales, supplies, repair, maintenance, and services for digital

imagers (commonly known as copy machines), fax machines, printers, scanners, wide format printers, and multi-function units.

We strive to do what is right in every possible situation to earn the trust and business of our customers. For example, the industry average is one to three months with a purchase warranty. At Business Techs, we proudly go above and beyond expectations, o ering a one-year warranty or a ve-year warranty with a service agreement on any machine purchased from us. If you are not happy with any service, then you do not pay for it.

We also make sure that all our service techs are trained in the latest technologies and multi-function machines. Service techs attend educational training school for a week in Atlanta, with ongoing training online to become Sharp Gold Certi ed. Additional training is also required as new models come to market. Passing an online course is a requirement for authorization to buy and resell them.

When we hire a new tech, the rst thing we do is have them take one of our machines apart down to the frame and put it back together. This takes hours and ensures they get to know the machine from inside out and the tech becomes much more con dent.

Business Techs

Leesburg 352.326.3418 / BusinessTechsInc.com

Additionally, since we are the local presence in our community, we make sure all our employees are crosstrained in various areas to better service our customers. No matter what they need, we can help them as quickly as possible.

Our goal at Business Tech’s is to be here for another 30 years and beyond, making us an integral and valued member of our local community and of every company we service. We plan on doing that by continuing to provide the best customer service possible.

“The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is proud to do business with Business Techs, Inc. Their customer service is exceptional, and they are always very attentive to our needs. Even better, they are locally owned and operated!”

—Sheriff Peyton C. Grinnell Lake County Sheriff’s Office

Q What’s new in the office technology world of today?

Welcoming our newest team associates! Leah Holmes & Hoddy “Trey” DeJarlais

LOCAL TALENT Groveland woman finds peace and success in creating beautiful works of art.

SOLEMN SALUTE

Brave men and women who served their country will be recognized at Salute to Veterans, which will feature live music, a parade, an honor ceremony, and a display of military vehicles.

November 12 / Ferran Park / 250 Ferran Park Dr., Eustis / 352.483.5491

nov.

ON STAGE

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

BADGE OF HONOR

11/9

Charlie Grinker, who served as a dispatcher with the 712th Transportation Battalion during the Korean War, presents “A Salute to Veterans.” He will share his war experiences, as well as memories of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, actress Bea Arthur, and baseball superstar Ted Williams.

Clermont Performing Arts Center

3700 S. U.S. Hwy 27, Clermont / 352.394.4800

LABOR OF LOVE

11/18 - 12/11

The Sonnentag Theatre at the IceHouse presents “Five Golden Rings: A Greeting Card Channel Holiday Musical,” a story about Holly, a business executive snowed in at a quaint Vermont bed and breakfast inn who falls for its rugged owner.

Sonnentag Theatre at the IceHouse

1100 N. Unser St., Mount Dora / 352.383.4616

MAKE YOUR DAY BLOSSOM

The 28th Annual Mount Dora Plant and Garden Fair features Central Florida’s top growers showcasing a variety of flowers and plants. Attendees can view and purchase butterfly-attracting perennials, herbs, roses, camelias, begonias, and tropical plants. Garden antiques, festive flags, and unusual containers will also be prominently featured.

November 12-13 / Downtown Mount Dora 530 N. Donnelly St., Mount Dora / 352.217.8390

HOW ABOUT SOME LAUGHS?

11/26

The SAK Comedy Lab, a fixture in Central Florida for 25 years, makes its third appearance at the Clermont Performing Arts Center. Cast members include Aaron Shure, writer and executive producer of “Everybody Loves Raymond,” and Clare Sera and Karey Kilpatrick, writers of the hit animated musical “Smallfoot.”

Clermont Performing Arts Center

3700 S. U.S. Hwy 27, Clermont / 352.394.4800

ONGOING

Events are subject to

cancellation.

Clermont Farmers’ Market 9am-2pm Downtown Clermont

Downtown Mount Dora Village Market 9am-2pm Mount Dora

Sumter County Farmers’ Market 6am-2pm 524 N. Market Blvd., Webster

Lady Lake Farmers’ Market

9am-2pm

250 Rolling Acres Rd., Lady Lake

Lake County Farmers & Flea Market

8am-noon

2101 N. County Rd. 452, Eustis

RACE

Run for your life

Sumter

Calendar,

Leesburg, FL 34749

Eustis First Friday 6-9pm Downtown Eustis

Clermont First Friday Food Trucks 5:30-9pm 685 W. Montrose St., Clermont

Groveland Farmers’ Market 5-9pm Lake David Park, Groveland

nov.JAMS

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

11/4 @ 5pm

C.O.D. FLORIDA Hurricane Dockside Grill, Tavares

11/5 @ noon

CARL ADCOX Yalaha Bootlegging Company, Yalaha 11/5 @ 7pm

ROB CAUDILL Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale 11/6 @ 1pm

JIMMY HUNTER Lake Harris Hideaway, Tavares 11/6 @ 2pm R.J. Gator’s Florida Sea Grill and Bar, The Villages 11/10 @ 4pm

TIME MACHINE Gator Harley-Davidson, Leesburg 11/11 @ 3pm

ANDY SHREEVE Lazy Mac’s Taco Shack, The Villages 11/12 @ noon

CARL AND KAT Yalaha Bootlegging Company, Yalaha 11/12 @ 4pm

MICHELLE INGRHAM The Sunny Pint, Wildwood 11/12 @ 7pm

TIME MACHINE Lake Square Mall, Leesburg 11/12 @ 7pm

CRUSH!

Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale 11/13 @ 11am

MICHELLE INGRHAM Flying Boat Tap Room, Belleview

Plaid in the Park 5-9pm 230 W. 4th Ave., Mount Dora

11/13 @ noon

DENNIE AND THE JETS

The Dog House, Tavares 11/16 @ 4pm

MICHELLE INGRHAM

Tierra Del Sol Country Club, The Villagest 11/19 @ 7pm

DOUG SPEARS

Trout Lake Nature Center, Eustis 11/19 @ 7pm

LIVE AND LET DIE

Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale 11/20 @ 11am

KENNADEE Flying Boat Tap Room, Belleview 11/20 @ 4:30pm

C.O.D. FLORIDA Hurricane Dockside Grill, Tavares 11/23 @ 3pm

ANDY SHREEVE McGrady’s Pub, The Villages 11/26 @ noon

ACE SUGGS

Lakeridge Winery, Clermont 11/26 @ noon

CARL ADCOX

Yalaha Bootlegging Company, Yalaha 11/26 @ 2:30pm & 7pm

LET’S HANG ON Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale 11/29 @ 7pm

THE VILLAGES

PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

The Sharon, The Villages

2ND

Main Street Classic Car Show 5-9pm 510 W. Main St., Leesburg

Eustis Classic Car Cruise-In 4-8pm Downtown Eustis

The Natural

Groveland woman expresses herself by turning clay into beautiful ceramic art.

STORY: ROXANNE BROWN ≈ PHOTO: NICOLE HAMEL

ne look at Xiubo “Pearl” Cui Pearce’s ceramic pieces—many adorned with intricate handdrawn detail and vibrant crystalline glaze colors—and you’d think they were created by someone with decades of experience.

Amazingly, Pearl never touched a lump of clay before 2015. She’s obviously a natural.

“I took a ceramics class in college and it didn’t take long for me to gure out I love working with clay. I like how it feels and I like all I can do with it,” Pearl says.

Pearl, born in Northern China in 1982, has always been eager about learning new things. She taught elementary school straight out of technical/high school, and in 2006 was accepted into the prestigious Luxun Academy of Fine Arts in Shenyang, China before becoming a high school art teacher.

in 2012, she moved to the United States, married, and enrolled at Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s Art Education undergraduate program. A few years later, she added Studio Art as a second degree, and took a ceramics class. The rest is history.

“I began selling my pieces, and in the rst semester I made $100,” Pearl says. “Before I graduated in 2017, I had sold $6,000 worth, which allowed me to pay for all my schooling.”

In 2018, Pearl and husband William Pearce moved to Florida. Once settled in Groveland, she began working as a teacher assistant for special needs children at Lake Hills Elementary School in Howey-in-the-Hills.

She also continued sculpting functional ceramic masterpieces from her home studio, including mugs, bowls, teapots, trinket boxes, vases, platters, oil decanters, and much more.

Do you know of a talented person in our community?

Email their story to roxanne@akersmediagroup.com.

‘‘The Dictionary of Lost Words’’

STORY: KATHY PORTER

he Bookworm Book Club chose a very appropriate novel to celebrate its 20th anniversary, The Dictionary of Lost Words, by Australian author Pip Williams. In 1879, Dr. James Murray was appointed editor of the Oxford English Dictionary to succeed Samuel Johnson’s Dictionary of the English Language. Dr. Murray moves his family to Oxford and sets up his work place in a garden shed called the Scriptorium. The walls are surrounded by alphabetized pigeonholes that rise from oor to ceiling, and old dictionaries and history books are piled on every surface. It is here that we meet our young heroine, Esme, the

5-year-old daughter of one of Dr. Murray’s most-trusted lexicographers. Esme’s mother has died so she is allowed to be in the Scriptorium with her dad. She helps her dad open the mail and sort the “slips” that come from volunteers from all over the world who submit words and their de nitions for the new dictionary. The slips are placed in the correct pigeonhole, except for the slip with the word bondmaid on it, which will be discarded because it does not seem to have enough information.

But Esme has another idea about this rejected word. She takes the slip and hides it in a trunk, then scratches the words “dictionary of lost words” into the side with a hatpin. Thus begins her quest to save unwanted words, as well as search for spoken words that may not ever be recorded.

As Esme grows up, we become anxious about the choices she makes in her life, cry with her heartaches, and cheer for her victories. The story is further enhanced by Esme’s involvement in world events, such as the su rage movement and World War I.

The brilliance of this novel is that it weaves Esme’s ctional story through the accurate history of the development of the Oxford English Dictionary, including the actual people who worked on it, and the processes of compositing and printing leading up to its publication in 1928.

This is a masterful piece of writing by Pip Williams, who not only o ers us a captivating story, but explores the linguistic inequality of the men composing the dictionary. Anyone who loves words will love this book.

Want to read more about the development of the Oxford English Dictionary?

“The Dictionary of Lost Words,” can be found at Target, Books-A-Million, Barnes and Noble, or on Amazon.

By Pip Williams. A young girl’s quest to save a collection of unwanted words from being lost forever.

DESIGNING HIPPIE

@ LEESBURG ≈ PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL. Members of the community joined the Leesburg Partnership, Lakefront TV, and other supporters at the Aug. 13 grand opening/ribbon cutting of The Rich Hippie, a unique boutique on Main Street in downtown Leesburg. Mount Dora’s Pisces Rising catered the celebration while guests browsed new and resale upscale designer clothes, accessories, and décor.

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WHERE'S MY PIC?!

Ceanna Pope, Pure International North American Jr Teen

Chris Marsha

Judy Blundell, Mary Baker, and Marj Graham

Allison Braton

Emery Carn, and Chelsea Whited

Gail Baker, Madison Baker, Patrick Horan, Mary Baker, Josh Delezenne, Gerrett Baganz, Danielle Baker, and Randall Baganz

ELEVATE YOUR LIVING

Retire in style. Whether it’s fine dining and luxury spa experiences or endless events and personalized care you’re seeking, our communities have you covered. Discover how luxury senior living allows you to thrive in an engaging and vibrant community like our HarborChase communities of Villages Crossing and Wildwood. This is HarborChase. Come celebrate with us.

Explore Living at HarborChase

BLESSED EFFORTS

@ FRUITLAND PARK ≈ PHOTOS: ALEJNADRA D’JERMANOS.

Operation Bless Fruitland Park presented a check for $24,167 to Fruitland Park Elementary School on Aug. 24. The e ort, dubbed “Project Generosity” in honor of beloved Pastor Jim Keegan, who passed away this year, unites local civic groups and churches to make a di erence within the community. The gift will bene t students at Fruitland Park Elementary.

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Al Cardiello and Kim Nuechterlein

Lauren Otten, Carol Bloom, Marybeth Harvey, Molly Harvey, and Lynne Beasley

Wanda Keegan, Betty Ranson, Robin Johnson, and Sue Hobbs

Allison Turner and Jena Sullivan

Chris Cheshire, Al Cardiello, Dawn Brown, Sidney Brock, and Chris Bell

A PLASTIC SURGERY SPECIALTY BOUTIQUE

CENTRAL

In a younger face, we typically see the heart-shape or V-shape look of youth. With age, gravity, and loss of skin elasticity, we can observe the stigmata of old age: nasolabial and marionette lines, jowl formation, and a turkey gobbler neck.

A PLASTIC SURGERY SPECIALTY BOUTIQUE

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We can reestablish that heartshaped look of youth with Face and Neck Lift with Smartlipo. This procedure combines a face and neck lift with laser liposuction along the jawline and neck using Smartlipo technology.

In a younger face, we typically see the heart-shape or V-shape look of youth. With age, gravity, and loss of skin elasticity, we can observe the stigmata of old age:

and marionette lines, jowl formation, and a turkey gobbler neck.

With today’s modern technology, you can truly look on the outside the way you feel on the inside. Call for your free consultation with Dr. Serra to find out if Face and Neck Lift with Smartlipo is right for A New You!

We can reestablish that heart-shaped look of youth with Face and Neck Lift with Smartlipo. This procedure combines a face and neck lift with laser liposuction along the jawline and neck using Smartlipo technology.

With today’s modern technology, you can truly look on the outside the way you feel on the inside. Call for your free consultation with Dr. Serra to find out if Face and Neck Lift with Smartlipo is right for A New You!

Sumter Landing

FUN FOR A CAUSE

@ CLERMONT ≈ PHOTOS: ROXANNE BROWN. The Bridlewood Ranch in Clermont hosted “A Night Under the Stars,” the 2nd Annual Boots & Bling Event for Autism Awareness, on Sept. 10. Wolf 103.1 Morning Show host Susie served as emcee while guests enjoyed dinner, cocktails, a silent auction, music, and dancing. All proceeds bene t Collaborative Corner for Exceptional Children, a non-pro t organization dedicated to providing the exceptional education community with information, resources, and services.

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Tiffany Gerrity, Alex Deleon, and Jess Hand

Amber Clark, Brad Clark and Madden Clark

Megan Hartman, Leslie Haynes, Sidney Hutcherson, and Nikki Waitt

Read to Sydney’s Thomas Battisto and Sunny the therapy dog

Collaborative Corner Executive Director Dr. Destiny Pacha, President Eric Werrenrath, VP Courtney Walter, and Bob Walter

Anita and Tom Tucker

Anna Barone-Jaryszak, Eric Jaryszak, Beau and Megan Hartman

HEALTHY GIVING AnnMarie Roberts takes unwanted animals under her wing and gives them a home complete with a lifetime of love.

PEOPLE

Road to Rebirth

Guided hypnosis helps people heal in the present by visiting the past.

STORY: JAMES COMBS ≈ PHOTO: NICOLE HAMEL

any people desire a glimpse into the future.

But one resident of The Villages helps her clients delve into the past—a past not restricted to just one lifetime.

Karol Mroczek uses past life regression therapy to put clients into a state of hypnosis to experience memories from a time their soul inhabited another body. She believes this form of therapy allows people to nd happiness and understand why they are enduring di cult times.

“It’s basically a recognition or experience that we’re multidimensional beings, and as such we carry a lot of memories with us in our consciousness,” Karol says. “When the mind is relaxed in a trance state, we can more easily access those memories.”

Past life regression therapy assumes reincarnation, the belief that

one’s soul lives on through multiple lifetimes. While reincarnation is a central tenet in religions such as Buddhism and Hinduism, Christianity does not endorse reincarnation.

People seek the treatment for a variety of reasons. Some want to know what was behind a strange experience they had. Others wish to better understand why they’re in a rocky relationship. Some hope to treat addictions and depression.

“Most people who undergo this therapy are amazed,” Karol says. “It’s like they got so much information that they have to unpack it a little at a time. Over the years, I have found that the answers they receive from undergoing this therapy might not have been the speci c answers they asked for that day, but the answers are exactly what they needed that day.”

In 2014, Karol traveled to Arkansas to be trained by Dolores Cannon, an

acclaimed regressive hypnotherapist who has authored numerous books on the subject. Since then, Karol has been practicing past life regression therapy from her home.

One session costs $175 and lasts approximately three hours.

“In preparing for a session, I ask clients to come up with six or eight themes or questions beforehand that are important to them at this point in their life,” Karol says. “Once I get them into a trance state, they become more in touch with their highest expression, their highest consciousness, and their true authentic self. In that state I can dialogue with the client, ask questions, and get pure answers.”

The conversation is recorded so clients can replay it after the session.

“When you’re in a trance state you typically don’t remember what you say,” Karol says.

Do you know someone who is a healthy inspiration? Email your recommendations to james@akersmediagroup.com.

The best biopsy for melanoma

Save your skin and possibly your life.

STORY: RICHARD T. BOSSHARDT, MD, FACS

kin cancers are the most common cancers, and even though only about 1% of skin cancers are melanoma, it is the one that concerns physicians—and should concern most patients— because it can be lethal.

Melanomas do not always appear as the classic large, irregular, very dark to black mole. They can be brown, blue, red, and even non-pigmented, thus evading detection until very advanced. With appearance sometimes a bit equivocal, often the only way to make this diagnosis for sure is by taking a biopsy (a piece) of the mole to be examined microscopically for cancer cells.

There are several ways a biopsy can be taken. If the mole or lesion is very small, an excisional biopsy can be performed and entails the removal of the entire mole. Even if the examination proves that the entire melanoma was removed, this is rarely su cient. Melanomas need

to be taken with a generous margin of skin, but that isn’t done until the diagnosis justifying extensive surgery is de nitively made.

An incisional biopsy takes only a portion of the mole, so once the

diagnosis is con rmed, further surgery is needed for a proper excision with good margins.

A core biopsy, however, is taken with a small device called a “punch,” which is a circular blade that takes a cylindrical core of skin ranging from

All of the above remove full thickness skin. The incisional and core biopsy should both include the border of the mole so the pathologist can compare normal

There is one more biopsy technique which must be mentioned: a shave biopsy, in which the surgeon takes a tangential cut through the mole. One serious shortcoming of shave biopsies is that often the blade cuts across the melanoma and its true depth and thickness cannot

This crucial information is provided to help you precisely plan surgery or provide a prognosis.

I feel that when melanoma is a possibility, a full thickness biopsy of the skin is critical. I avoid shave biopsies if melanoma is even a consideration.

CHANGING THE WORLD ONE GENEROUS HEART AT A TIME

STORY: CYNTHIA MCFARLAND PHOTO: NICOLE HAMEL

ne decade ago, GivingTuesday debuted as a day for people to show generosity.

Today, 80 countries boast o cial GivingTuesdays, and every country in the world has participated at some level. What began as a noble idea in 2012 has grown into a global movement.

This year, GivingTuesday falls on Nov. 29, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, so you should start thinking now about which worthy charities will use your donation to make a di erence locally.

Don’t know where to start? Here are some suggestions:

SUGARLOAF MOUNTAIN RANCH

Passionate animal advocate AnnMarie Roberts has come a long way from her early years in New York’s fashion industry when she didn’t have a single pet.

Everything changed when her husband Keith bought her a potbellied pig in 2006. Determined to help animals in

need, the couple bought a small farm in Clermont on Sugarloaf Mountain, Florida’s highest viewpoint at 312 feet. Since 2007, AnnMarie and her 501(c) (3) nonpro t Sugarloaf Mountain Ranch, Inc. has saved hundreds of animals –from pigs and cattle to emus, alpacas, donkeys, turkeys, geese, chickens, ducks, tortoises and more.

“We’re a sanctuary; we take the animals nobody else will. Every single animal here has a story to tell,” says AnnMarie, noting that each one now has a safe, happy, forever home.

With expenses running $2,000 a week, the sanctuary’s greatest need is donations to help care for 300-plus animals. Donate on their website or contribute to their accounts at Tractor Supply Company in Groveland or Irish Trails Feed Store in Clermont.

SUGARLOAF MOUNTAIN RANCH, INC. 813.766.0379 / sugarloafmountainrescue.org

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF LAKE & SUMTER COUNTY

Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida’s four Lake County branches o er an entertaining, safe, inspiring environment for children ages 6-18 after every school day and all summer long.

With nearly two dozen programs—in music, arts, dance, STEM and much more—there are endless opportunities to learn and excel.

“We serve the children who are most in need of support at little to no cost to their families,” explains Betsy Owens, vice president of marketing and community relations for Boys & Girls Clubs.

The goal is to help kids achieve academic excellence, healthy lifestyles, good character and citizenship, all in a fun way.

In 2021, the programs helped just over 10,000 children in Lake County. PreCOVID involvement was about 16,000, and

Betsy says the organization continues to inch closer to that number.

To keep your donation dollars local, go to the website’s donate page and click on “Lake County Support.”

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF LAKE & SUMTER COUNTY 352.348.3656 / bgccf.org/donate

CORNERSTONE HOSPICE

November is not only the month of GivingTuesday; it is also Hospice Month.

“Hospice provides a place of comfort at the most critical time in their lives –settings to share stories, laugh, cry, and celebrate a life well-lived. Our loving team of professionals provide quality care that respects the sanctity, dignity, and spiritual welfare of all,” says Raquel McCormick, executive director of Cornerstone Hospice Foundation.

Hospice houses allow patients with limited life expectancy to live their nal days in a private room while receiving compassionate, individualized care in a comfortable, family-friendly environment.

There are ve Cornerstone Hospice houses in Lake and Sumter counties, which exist speci cally because of donations.

Many donations are made as memorial gifts in honor of loved ones.

“It is up to all of us in the community to open our arms, and our hearts to our neighbors,” says McCormick.

CORNERSTONE HOSPICE 888.411.5472 / cornerstonehospice.org

Make a Difference

Whether or not you connect with a local GivingTuesday initiative this November, you can make a difference in your community all year.

• Identify a local charity that aligns with your interests and pledge to donate monthly. Or volunteer. Or both.

• For 30 days, set aside the money you normally spend on one nonessential activity (eating lunch out, movie, special coffee, etc.) and donate to a charity at the end of the month.

• Write letters of gratitude to members of the community, such as law enforcement personnel, teachers, etc. Whenever possible, deliver letters in person.

• Donate pet food or other supplies to a local animal shelter/rescue.

• Put together “gift bags” of toiletry essentials for a local women’s or homeless shelter.

• Donate to a local food pantry.

Visit GivingTuesday.org to learn more!

SET YOUR WORRIES ASIDE

eople are usually so busy with the hustle and bustle of living, that imagining, let alone planning for end of life is a topic oftentimes, and easily forgotten.

That’s where the Cornerstone Hospice Foundation comes in. Volunteers with the non-pro t organization volunteer their time and talent to raising money for people not prepared for the expenses and time that go along with ensuring they get the hospice care they deserve.

Raquel “Rocky” McCormick, the executive director of the Cornerstone Hospice Foundation in Lake County, says that while Medicare covers some of the costs of hospice care, there are services that go above and beyond the basics.

If not for the Foundation, those services would be the responsibility of patients and their families.

“The philanthropy aspect of the work we do through the foundation, is assuring that our families can focus on providing their loved one who is in our care, the time, quality, and comfort they need without having to worry about

all those other things we have to take care of in our day-to-day lives,” Raquel says. “We can lift that weight o their shoulders by giving them a system of support, and end of life experience that involves taking care of patients regardless of their ability to pay.”

Raquel says money raised by the foundation goes towards many things from honoring our veterans, to support for our families who have experienced a loss but more importantly our Hospice houses.

Our hospice houses are places where loving words, respectful listening, shared remembrances, touch or embrace can bring peace and closeness during the precious time that remains for those nearing the end of life.

These extraordinary facilities provide a high level of care in a comfortable, compassionate environment that retains much of the feel of home.

“Whether it’s a terminal illness or an unexpected change of health, it’s di cult knowing where to begin, so we want people to know that Cornerstone Hospice is not only there to provide support to the patient but to their families as well,” Raquel says. “It’s

about taking them from a place of not being curable to a space of comfort and peace through their transition.”

People interested in helping are always encouraged to donate funds.

Additionally, Raquel says the donation of time and resources by way of volunteering or connecting the Foundation to community leaders who can help ful ll its mission, is priceless.

“Think about investing your wealth and changing the lives and stories of families who otherwise wouldn’t have that opportunity,” Raquel says. “To see that happen is incredibly rewarding.”

The Cornerstone Hospice Foundation o ers support so that patients and families waste no time living life to the fullest.

Raquel McCormick Executive Director, Cornerstone Hospice Foundation

rmccormi@cornerstonehospicefoundation.org

GIVING HEARTS

hen Sidney Brock got wind of a local family with multiple children all wanting to play sports, but whose parents couldn’t a ord to fund their dreams, he immediately stepped up. But he didn’t do it alone.

As pastor of Heritage Community Church, Sidney organized an e ort between his congregation, local businesses, civic groups, and other locals, and together, they raised enough money to make it happen.

Little did he know that helping that one family would lead to what is now Project Legacy. The funding agency, over the course of 12 years, has raised more than $110,000 to secure nances and other resources that assisted in meeting the needs of various ongoing community projects bene ting area children and youth.

“There are a lot of people who love children, but sometimes, they may not know how to help or where its’s needed,” says Sidney, a Project Legacy advocate and past president. “It’s been a blessing to be able to interact

and partner with local schools and organizations who are working with kids and o er our help through them.”

Current Project Legacy President Michael (Mike) Hux, says he too, nds great joy in making a di erence for students and children in Lake and Sumter Counties.

“It brings some of the greatest joy to my heart knowing that money didn’t hold a child in our community back from doing something they were gifted to do, or from reaching their highest potential,” he says.

To be considered for funding, schools/groups should visit Project Legacy’s website to ll out an application.

Some of the organizations they’ve helped include: Lady Lake Soccer Club, Wildwood Baseball League, Sumter County Youth Center, The Villages Elementary, Fruitland Park Elementary, Carver Middle School Robotics, Leesburg High School Bass Fishing Team, Take Stock in Children, and more.

Going Forward, Project Legacy is looking to expand its reach.

“We have a lot of growth happening in our community and with that growth comes special needs that we want to be there to meet,” Mike says.

Businesses, churches, civic organizations and individuals interested in donating should reach out to Project Legacy or visit its website to give. Mike says they also appreciate people spreading the word.

“We’re basically trying to leverage the resources we have and what people are capable of giving so we can support this next generation, understanding that they are our future,” Mike says.

To apply for funding, to donate, or for more information about Project Legacy, visit www.projectlegacy.net.

Project Legacy aims at impacting future generations, one child, one dream, and one dollar at a time.

SOUTH LAKE HOSPITAL FOUNDATION

hilanthropy is what established South Lake Hospital in 1939. A group of women saw the need for health and emergency services in Clermont and raised funds to open a nine-bed medical clinic -- and for the last 75 years that giving spirit has continued. Generous donations to the South Lake Hospital Foundation from individuals and local organizations make life-saving and life-changing programs possible – such as free mammograms for uninsured women, youth scholarships and enhancing and adding services so residents can stay close to home for their medical and wellness needs. Our current expansion projects include the renovation and expansion of

our Orlando Health South Lake Hospital Center for Women and Babies and the addition of a 95-bed patient tower, which will bring new healthcare o erings to our community, including a Level II NICU, advanced surgical services and expanded cardiovascular services.

We invite you to partner with us to continue to provide excellent, leading-edge medical care now and for generations to come. Our donors engage with us by honoring a caregiver with a charitable gift for the excellent care they received, attending one of our special events, such as our annual gala on February 3, 2023, or making an online donation at SouthLakeHospital. com/Foundation

For more information, call Sheri Olson at 352.536.8771

Philanthropy empowers healthcare to be truly exceptional

CYCLING TO GIVE BACK

rab your helmets, oil up your chains, and enjoy a weekend of health and tness with the UF Health The Villages® Hospital Auxiliary Foundation’s Hearts for Our Hospital Challenge Ride and Expo on November 11-12. This two-day event begins with a Cycling & Health Expo at La Hacienda Regional Recreation Center near the Spanish Springs Town Square in The Villages, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“We are going to have various cycling shops and health booths with free screenings,” event ride director Nat Haytcher says. “It’s a great way to get prepared for Saturday which is the big event.”

Saturday will draw in hundreds of cyclists for the big charity ride, choosing from ve route options: 10-mile, 20-mile, 32-mile, 64-mile and a whopping 100mile ride. All rides are fully supported with rest stops stocked with drinks

and snacks, and with support and gear vehicles assisting along the routes.

“This year it is a pretty at route, with most climb at only 1,500 feet,” Nat says. “This year, we have the Sumter County Law Enforcement Group that has committed 20 deputies to monitor our routes at high-tra c intersections. This is a very safe ride.”

Registration is $65 per rider in advance or $70 the day of. Entry includes a t-shirt and lunch. Register at heartsforourhospital.raceroster.com.

Raising Funds for Heart and Vascular Program

Proceeds from the charity ride will go towards the new Heart and Vascular Program at UF Health The Villages® Hospital.

“The Foundation continues in its e ort to raise over $1.4 million dollars to contribute to the construction of a very much-needed local cardiac program,” Auxiliary Foundation Board Chair Andre Nacaxe says. “Thus far, we are half-

way there. The new heart and vascular program will introduce comprehensive cardiovascular services that will deliver important bene ts to many in our local community by providing a full spectrum of cardiovascular medicine, all under one roof and close to home.”

Celebrity Rider in Attendance

Former NFL New York Giant Ron Dixon, who currently holds the record for the most kicko returns for a touchdown in a postseason campaign, will be joining the cause.

“Who doesn’t want to be a part of something bigger?” Ron says. “I am very involved in cycling, and I want to be a part of it and give back.”

Ron says he hopes to inspire others with his story. From growing up in Wildwood, unking out of school, working as a janitor to playing in the Super Bowl, his persistence and drive has kept him going.

“I’m happy to be a part of something amazing,” Ron adds.

y Foundation

UF Health Auxiliary Foundation hosting Hearts for Our Hospital Charity Ride

Leading the way for heart & lung health

UF Health Cardiothoracic Surgery–Leesburg specializes in leading-edge surgical care with less recovery time, so patients don’t miss a beat.

PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

Theteam at UF Health Cardiothoracic Surgery–Leesburg is composed of three board-certified, fellowship-trained thoracic and cardiovascular surgeons who take pride in working collaboratively to care for patients in Leesburg, The Villages and Ocala with simple and complex heart and lung conditions.

Drs. R. Duane Cook, Robert J. Richardson and Karen S. Thompson specialize in thoracic and cardiovascular surgery, a specialty that focuses on surgeries of the heart, blood vessels of the chest and lungs. Additionally, they treat arrhythmias and atrial fibrillation.

Over the more than 20 years the practice has served Central Florida, the physicians have sought to use the best possible treatments and the newest minimally invasive options available to help patients recover more quickly.

“There are a number of exciting developments in minimally invasive cardiovascular surgery, including transcatheter aortic valve replacement, or TAVR. With TAVR, we are able to replace heart valves by inserting them through the femoral artery and the vessel in the groin, eliminating the need to open the chest. This translates into significantly less recovery time for most patients,” says Dr. Cook. “Another minimally invasive procedure we now have access to is MitraClip™. This technology allows us to place a tiny clothespin on a faulty heart valve to discontinue leaking.

“Although these procedures are not brand new to the market, they are relatively new in our area,” he adds.

Dr. Thompson says patients appreciate the combined experience the entire cardiothoracic surgical team brings to the table. They also work closely with UF Health cardiologists, who share the same outpatient practice to care for patients with heart failure and offer the latest in treatment options.

“We’re a pretty well-oiled machine and have been doing this together for more than 20 years combined, so we have a lot of the kinks worked out. We take pride in offering our patients a seamless experience from their office visit to the operating room and throughout their postoperative and postdischarge process,” Dr. Thompson says. “Our team is also very accommodating, with a keen focus on prioritizing the unique needs of each patient. We have the positive outcomes of a big practice but still have a small practice feel.”

The surgeons have performed more than 16,000 lifesaving open-heart surgery procedures since 1998 and proudly joined UF Health Physicians in 2021.

With that, Dr. Richardson says the practice not only offers great benefits to area residents in need of superb care to treat any heart or lung problems they may be experiencing, but to the team as well.

“We serve a lot of the senior population in The Villages and we’re able to help them maintain their quality of life throughout their retirement,” says Dr. Richardson. “Serving the community and helping our patients is extremely gratifying.”

MEET THE TEAM at UF Cardiothoracic Surgery Leesburg

R. DUANE COOK, MD, MMA

Dr. Cook attended medical school at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas. He then entered the U.S. Army, where he completed his general surgery residency at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. Dr. Cook served as a general surgeon in Landstuhl, Germany, later deploying to Saudi Arabia with the 31st Combat Support Hospital during Operation Desert Storm. He completed his cardiovascular and thoracic surgery residency in 1994 at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., and later earned an MBA from Carnegie Mellon University in 2018.

Prior to joining UF Health, Dr. Cook was part of the team that established a state-of-the-art heart surgery program to serve the residents of Lake, Sumter and Marion counties.

ROBERT J. RICHARDSON, MD

Dr. Richardson attended medical school at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. He completed a general surgery residency at Kaiser Foundation Hospitals in Oakland, California, and received his training in cardiovascular and thoracic surgery at Baylor College of Medicine Affiliated Hospitals, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, and Denver Children’s Hospital in Denver.

Prior to joining UF Health, Dr. Richardson was a faculty member at Baylor University in Houston, where he taught and practiced general, cardiovascular and trauma surgery at Ben Taub General Hospital and Methodist Hospital until he entered private practice.

KAREN S. THOMPSON, DO

Dr. Thompson graduated with honors, earning her osteopathic medical degree from Midwestern University of Chicago, and was the recipient of the Dean’s Commendation Award. After medical school, Dr. Thompson completed her osteopathic internship at Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago. Dr. Thompson’s postdoctoral training included a five-year general surgery residency at Jewish Hospital Kenwood in Cincinnati. She then completed her residency in cardiothoracic surgery at the University Hospital of Mississippi and continued to pursue a two-year adult cardiothoracic surgery fellowship at Emory University in Atlanta, finishing in 2008.

In addition to her clinical and surgical expertise, Dr. Thompson has spent time as a clinical faculty member at Northwestern University in Chicago. There she received specialty training in mitral valve surgery, working with nationally renowned valve experts. 352.630.6250 | 701 Medical Plaza Drive | Leesburg, FL 34748 | UFHealth.org

Protect Yourself from Identity Theft

When your personal identification information (name, social security number, driver license number, etc.) has been used fraudulently to open credit accounts, bank accounts, obtain loans, utilities, telephone services, etc., without your knowledge or permission, you are the victim of the crime of “Identity Theft.”

If you believe that your identity has been stolen, you need to take the following steps:

• Immediately contact the company or financial institution’s Fraud Department where your information was used to alert them of this fraudulent account and have the account closed or cancelled.

• File a police report with the law enforcement agency holding jurisdiction where the Identity Theft occurred and obtain a case number.

• Contact the three credit reporting companies to confirm that a “Fraud Alert” is placed on your personal credit file.

• Log on to www.lcso.org/fraud/ to download our “Protect Yourself” brochure and our “Identity Theft and Fraud Packet”. You will find more advice to secure your personal information and what to do if your information gets stolen.

FORK ON THE ROAD

A visit to Artman Country Smokehouse will leave you feeling high on the hog.

Schooling the cookie business

Retired teacher finds new passion in baking and creates local cookie craze.

STORY AND PHOTOS: CINDY PETERSON

vonne Conti-

O’Brien retired as a middle school Spanish teacher and moved to The Villages in 2017. To say she accidentally discovered baking is an understatement. It literally fell into her lap. “I’m not a cook,” Yvonne says. “My husband is actually the cook in the family, and one day, I was moving his cookbooks around and a recipe for chocolate chip cookies fell out and laid perfectly on the counter.”

It was a sign from heaven. The problem was, Yvonne had tried baking those cookies before and they turned out, well, less than appetizing.

“Seriously, they were bad,” Yvonne says. “But something inside me told me to try again.”

This time, they were fantastic.

Dumbfounded, Yvonne made the cookies again to make sure it wasn’t a uke. It wasn’t. She was pleasantly surprised that they were amazing and her family couldn’t get enough of them.

“I told my husband that I wanted to make cookies, even though I hadn’t had cookies in over 15 years,” Yvonne says.

Yvonne battled Lyme disease in early years and developed neuropathy in her legs that leaves her in pain most of the time. In an e ort to become healthier, she lost more than 160 pounds. Baking has become a place of solace for her to keep her mind o the pain and on to something she loves.

Sharing the Love

That Christmas, Yvonne made boxes of cookies for her friends and family members and all were thrilled. On a trip home to Connecticut, she made a huge batch of chocolate chip cookies, which seemed to disappear in an instant.

“My boys were two- sting these cookies, eating a dozen at a time,” Yvonne says. “Then they went out and bought all the ingredients I needed to have me make more. We were only there three days and still had cookies in the oven when we left.”

When Yvonne returned home, she decided to try her hand at a

di erent avor. She wanted to make oatmeal raisin cookies, and her son’s girlfriend told her to put chocolate chips in them.

“I said, ‘Why bother?,’” Yvonne recalls. “Why not just use chocolate covered raisins? And that’s how I came up with my oatmeal Raisinette cookie.”

Yvonne kept giving her cookies away to everyone she met, even the FedEx guy who then dubbed her the cookie lady.

“He told me I should sell these,” Yvonne says. “That stuck with me, and I kept thinking about it, but I wasn’t sure I could do it.”

In Honor of Her Late Father

Yvonne teamed up with her youngest son, who designed a logo and encouraged mom to nd a local market and see if people would be interested in buying her cookies. So Yvonne had to come up with a name.

As she walked into her kitchen and saw her red rooster cookie jar, she knew at that moment the

name that would carry her into the cookie business.

“My son got to work on marketing material, and we got everything ready,” Yvonne says.

The business came to fruition on February 8, the day before a solemn anniversary.

“On February 9, 2005, my father passed away at the age of 57,” Yvonne says. “Every February was a very hard time for me as I was an only child and daddy’s girl. I feel like

it was like my dad’s way of saying you need to be happy now.”

Creating the Cookie Craze

Today, Yvonne has created more than 100 di erent cookie recipes, including some popular adult avors. Some of the most-popular include her classic chocolate chip, glazed golden apple, Mexican wedding cookie, snickerdoodle, lemon crinkle, salted caramel cashew, chunky

peanut butter, a sugar-free chocolate chip, and a gluten-free chocolate coconut cluster.

She set up her shop at local markets in The Villages and quickly started a cookie craze.

What’s her secret?

“One thing we do is mix everything by hand,” Yvonne says. “I use what’s called a Danish whisk and I mix everything thoroughly to the right consistency. That’s imperative to the outcome of the cookie.”

Krissi Stahler, Yvonne Conti-O’Brien, Lisa Blackburn

Yields approximately 27

INGREDIENTS :

5 cups sugar

1 cup unsalted butter

1 box lemon pudding

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

2 tbsp. fresh lemon zest

1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice

1 large egg

1 cup of white chocolate chips

2 3/4 cups of flour

DIRECTIONS:

Cream together butter, sugar and pudding mix using a wooden spoon or whisk. Add baking soda and baking powder until combined. Add lemon juice, egg, zest and white chocolate chips. Mix until wet. Add flour and mix together until combined. Chill overnight. Form dough into 1-inch balls and roll in sugar before placing on baking sheet. Bake at 375 for 10 minutes. Let cool before serving.

IF YOU GO

RED ROOSTER COOKIE JAR AT BROWN'S COUNTRY MARKET 13940 N. US 301, Oxford

Hours: Mon.–Sat. 10am–5pm 352.204.0201 www.rrcookiejar.com

MEXICAN WEDDING COOKIES

cup of unsalted butter, soft but not melted.

1 /4 cups chopped pecans

1/4 tsp. salt

1/3 cup white sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

2 1/4 cup flour

Powdered sugar to cover

DIRECTIONS:

Place all ingredients except for powdered sugar into a bowl and use a wooden spoon to mix thoroughly. Make sure the butter is very soft. balls and place on cookie sheet. them in powdered sugar and serve.

SNICKERDOODLE COOKIES

Prep: 10 minutes

Cook: 9 minutes Temperature: 400 Yields 27-30 cookies

INGREDIENTS :

1 1/3 cup of white sugar

1 cup of unsalted butter at room temperature

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking soda

2 tsp. cream of tartar

2.5 tsp. cinnamon

2 tsp. vanilla

1 large egg

2 3/4 cup flour

DIRECTIONS:

Cream together butter and sugar. Add salt, baking soda, cream of tartar and cinnamon until combined. Add vanilla and egg. Mix thoroughly. Add flour and mix, but do not overmix or they will be flat. Make into balls and bake at 400 for 9 minutes.

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

RIGHT ON ‘CUE’

Grandpa’s quest for perfect Bar-B-Q celebrated at must-visit Summerfield restaurant.

mouth-watering aroma coming from the kitchen, and you’ll immediately know why.

“We’re a southern kitchen with barbeque and comfort food,” says Valerie Crenshaw, the family restaurant’s CEO and catering manager.

With her son Logan Crenshaw, Artman’s VP and pitmaster, the two strive to make every customer feel at home.

“At our smokehouse, we pride ourselves on creating a friendly, southern-home environment through our stellar customer service. Each of our employees is friendly, outgoing, and treats our customers like family. We do everything possible to make sure our customers have the best

local students during sports games and practices, and still do.

One of the events they host— The Villages Charter School’s annual BBQ Bash—attracts thousands.

“We were winning a lot of competitions and people were asking for more food because they liked it so much,” says Logan, Clark’s grandson. “My grandparents happened to own this lot, so they built a restaurant.”

Today, Valerie and Logan— following in Clark’s footsteps— operate the family business.

Valerie, formerly a nurse, helps with cooking and smoking as needed, but her primary focus is customer satisfaction, catering and visuals, and behind the scenes chores.

“AT OUR SMOKEHOUSE, WE PRIDE OURSELVES ON CREATING A FRIENDLY, SOUTHERN-HOME ENVIRONMENT THROUGH OUR STELLAR CUSTOMER SERVICE.”

“I always joke about how I went from working as a nurse for The Villages Health to being a butcher/ pitmaster/restaurateur,” Valerie says. “I like to watch the people enjoy the food and then, since I’m a people person, I like to come out, talk to our customers, and gather feedback.”

Logan, at age 22, may very well be the youngest pitmaster in the area.

“My mom is the picture behind the food and I’m the taste,” says Logan, who smokes all the meats using the techniques his grandfather taught him.

Other entrees come from his grandmother’s recipes, and some go back to the 1920s and 30s.

“My mom worked long hours, so I’d stay with my grandparents a lot. I’d spend time with my grandmother in the kitchen, baking and cooking di erent things,” Logan explains. “My grandfather spent years trying to perfect his smoking and barbeque technique by getting on cooking forums and learning all he could about it.”

Recently, Style Photographer Nicole Hamel and I visited Artman’s. Before even stepping inside, I was taken with the rustic charm. Inside, the smoky barbeque scent increased my hunger gauge a couple of notches, and I immediately saw

that the establishment’s promise to make every customer feel welcome was sincere, by way of the smiles and cheery attitudes of sta .

The menu features all types of barbeque selections, along with burgers, chicken fried steak, salads, and liver and onions. Atman’s also o ers daily specials.

Additionally, our server explained that most menu items can be tweaked and made to our liking, and that vegetarian options are available.

Taking that to heart, we ordered a combo platter to sample several smoked meats Artman’s is known for.

My favorites were beef brisket and ribs. Both were tender and delicious. Nicole liked the chicken for the same reasons.

After we inquired about avor pro le, Logan explained that he uses live oak for smoking, deeming it ‘Texas-style.’

“If you don’t know what you’re doing with live oak and you add too much, it will be heavy and you’ll kill the meat,” he says. “Do it right and you get this nice, gentle smoke avor. Then I add salt and pepper—my main two ingredients on everything—a couple other secret additions, and for the most part, that’s it.”

Of all the sides, my favorite was the collard greens—some of the best I’ve ever tasted—followed closely by the broccoli rice casserole and mac and cheese.

However, we couldn’t nish our meal or think about any of the scrumptious-sounding desserts because we ate way too many of the appetizers: fried green tomatoes

Let’s do lunch or dinner

jalapeno poppers with the perfect amount of heat and creaminess to them, and “moinks,” little southern meatball delicacies Clark and Logan created.

The moinks, a combination of the words, ‘moo’ and ‘oink,’ are made from pork sausage and beef, stu ed with pepper jack cheese, wrapped with bacon, and topped with a tangy mustard barbeque sauce.

They are a must-have, but beware: you can’t have just one. I personally learned that and refuse to reveal just how many I ate!

ARTMAN COUNTRY SMOKEHOUSE

6900 SE Highway 42, Summerfield 352.307.6240

Wed-Sat: 11am-7pm Sun: 11am-5pm Mon-Tues: Closed

For more information, visit artmancountrysmokehouse.com

Tell us about a great restaurant by emailing roxanne@akersmediagroup.com.

ROXANNE BROWN

YOU GO

Valerie and Logan Crenshaw

eats

From classic diners and lakeside restaurants to fine dining and everything in-between, Lake County’s culinary scene is booming. Your favorite meal is sure to be served with a side of hospitality. You can find a copy of Lake & Sumter Style at all listed dining locations!

BUSHNELL

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s 2586 W CR 48 352.568.7000

Darrell’s Diner 2237 W CR 48 352.444.2318

CLERMONT

Akina Sushi Bar & Asian Fusion Bistro 4300 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.243.8988

Ay Jalisco 580 Hwy 50 352.243.1360

Cheeser’s Palace Café 707 W. Montrose St. 352.404.9431

Crooked Spoon Gastropub 200 Citrus Tower Blvd. 352.404.7808

Gator’s Dockside 1200 Oakley Seaver Dr. 352.242.1825

Goomba’s Pizzeria 2395 S. Hwy 27 352.989.4403

Green Mountain Pizza 303 Hwy. 50 352.432.3380

Lilly’s on the Lake 846 W. Osceola St. 352.708.6565

Oakwood Smokehouse & Grill 230 Citrus Tower Blvd. 352.394.0036

Robata Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar 1500 Oakley Seaver Dr. 352.404.9688

Sarah’s Greek Cuisine & More 16640 Cagan Crossings Blvd., Ste. 305 352.404.8031

EUSTIS

Gators Dockside 15241 US Hwy 441 352.357.1255

Stavro’s & Sons of Eustis 2100 W. CR 44 352.589.9100

Taki’s Pizza House 2824 S. Bay St. 352.357.0022

The Oyster Tro 936 N. Bay St. 352.357.9939

Tony’s Pizza & Subs 2760 E. Orange Ave. 352.589.9001

FRUITLAND PARK

NY Deli N Diner 3325 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.365.0051

Rae Rae’s Restaurant 2468 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.323.1595

Stavro’s 3223 US Hwy. 441 352.315.0028

GROVELAND

Red Wing Restaurant 12500 S. SR 33 352.429.2997

HOWEY-IN-THE-HILLS

JB Boondocks Bar & Grill 704 S. Lakeshore Blvd. 352.324.3600

Mission Inn’s La Hacienda Restaurant 10400 CR 48 352.324.3910

Mission Inn’s Nicker’s Clubhouse Restaurant 10400 CR 48 352.324.2718

LADY LAKE

Bamboo Bistro 700 Hwy. 441 352.750.9998

El Ranchito 1 Lagrande Blvd. 352.750.3335

Harbor Hills Country Club 6538 Lake Griffin Rd. 352.753.7000

Marco’s Pizza 13721 US Hwy 441 352.775.1500

Great Chicago Fire Brewery & Tap Room 311 W. Magnolia St. 352.474.2739

Ichiban Bu et 10301 Hwy. 441 352.728.6669

Mom & Dad’s Italian Restaurant 504 S. U.S. Hwy. 441/27 352.753.2722

OakWood Smokehouse & Grill 860 S. Hwy 27/441 352.751.5640

Takis Greek and Italian Restaurant 13761 U.S. Hwy. 441 N. 352.430.3630

LEESBURG

Brooklyn’s Pizzeria 27405 US Highway 27 352.728.2020

Mammoth Oak Brewing Company 1107 W. North Blvd. 352.326.0100

Mystic Ice Cream 314 W. Main St. 352.812.1366

Cousin Vinnie’s Family Sports Restaurant 10700 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.253.2442

Donut King 708 S. 14th St. 352.805.4888

Naples Italian Restaurant 1107 W. North Blvd. 352.323.1616

Oakwood Smokehouse & Grill 2775 U.S. 27 352.435.4633

Rodello’s Italian Restaurant 26736 US Hwy. 27 352.319.8093

El Ranchito Mexican Cuban Restaurant 911 W. North Blvd. 352.314.9339

Fire Rock Pizza 712 W Main St., Ste. 5 352.605.6123

San Jose’s Original Mexican Restaurant 1337 S. 14th St. 352.805.4174

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

The Rose

La Palma Mexican Grill

traditions from Mexico combined with inspirations

Add a little spice to your life

The Co ee Snob 1101 W North Blvd 352.460.4570

The Old Time Diner 1350 W. North Blvd. 352.805.4250

Wolfy’s 918 N. 14th St. 352.787.6777

Water Gypsy 201 W. Main St. 352.435.7937

MOUNT DORA

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

Fiesta Grande 421 N. Baker St. 352.385.3540

Magical Meat Boutique 322 N. Alexander St. 352.729.6911

Vincent’s Italian Restaurant 5914 Orange Blossom Trl. 352.735.4578

OXFORD

Pho Saigon 11707 N. US Hwy. 301 352.492.9423

TAVARES

Bella Nona Pizzeria 280 Silverado St. 352.508.9370

BTW (Burgers, Tacos & Wa es) 115 E. Main St. 352.508.9287

Fish Camp Lake Eustis 901 Lake Shore Blvd. 352.742.4400

Hurricane Dockside Grill 3351 W. Burleigh Blvd. 352.508.5137

Puddle Jumpers 111 W. Ruby St. 352.508.5862

Tiki West Raw Bar and Grill 118 W. Ruby St. 352.508.5783

THE VILLAGES

Cody’s Roadhouse Brownwood 3731 Meggison Rd 352.430.2926

Cody’s Roadhouse Lake Sumter Landing 1041 Lakeshore Dr 352.259.8500

Giovanni’s 3439 Wedgewood Lane 352.751.6674

Haagen-Dazs Ice Cream 1001 Lake Shore Dr 352.751.0261

Legacy Restaurant 17135 Buena Vista Blvd. 352.753.1475

Marco’s Pizza

Everything is made daily, even the dough and sauce!

5806 Seven Mile Dr., Ste. 101 352.571.2400

NYPD Pizzeria

4046 Wedgwood Ln 352.750.1994

Peachwave 249 Colony Blvd 352.750.2238

Peterbrooke Chocolatier 1087 Canal St 352.391.5877

Roberto’s Ristorante & Pizzeria 2468 Burnsed Blvd. 352.626.1059

Sakura 265 Colony Blvd. 352.205.7393

Too Jays Brownwood 2835 Brownwood Blvd 352.350.2122

Too Jays Lake Sumter Landing 1129 Canal Street 352.430.0410

VKI Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar 1004 Old Mill Run 352.259.9887

UMATILLA

The Mason Jar 37534 State Rd. 19 352.589.2535

Brooklyn’s Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant

27405 U.S. HWY 27, LEESBURG | 352.728.2020 & 352.365.9004 MYBROOKLYNPIZZERIA.COM

When hit with a craving for authentic New York style pizza, there’s no need to catch the next flight to the Big Apple. Simply visit Brooklyn’s Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant in Leesburg and Owners James and Shawna Pancari will make you feel right at home with New York inspired vibes, décor, and flavors. Not only have they perfected the New York style thin crust people swear by, but they take pride in ensuring everything they serve is made fresh and from-scratch daily; including their pizza dough and sauces, strombolis, calzones, subs, salads, wings, specialty Italian and pasta dinners. Additionally, the restaurant is family-run and Veteran-owned, with James having served in the Coast Guard for 31 years. In honor of that, the dining room features a military wall, plus a 10 percent discount for veterans, active members of the military, police, fire, and first responders. Brooklyn’s Pizzeria also offers gluten-free pizza and pasta options, and accepts door-dash, online-ordering, catering, and curbside pickup.

El Ranchito Mexican Cuban Restaurant

911 W. NORTH BLVD., LEESBURG | 352.460.0123

ELRANCHITOMEXICANCUBAN.COM

Since opening in 1997, El Ranchito has been the go-to place for Lake Countians who desire delicious Mexican food. Although the restaurant was closed for nearly two years due to the coronavirus, El Ranchito’s Leesburg location officially reopened in December 2021. The restaurant is now named El Ranchito Mexican Cuban and serves genuine Mexican cuisine and a variety of Cuban entrees with entertainment on Tuesdays and Saturdays! The menu features many of the favorite dishes diners have grown to love over the years, as well as new dishes. Consider the Molcajete Caliente featuring your choice of meats grilled with onion, potato, and bell pepper, topped with cheese and salsa verde. Or try the Bistec de Palomilla with thin-sliced steak with onions and parsley that comes with a signature steak sauce. El Ranchito fans will appreciate the remodeled restaurant, which now includes a 50-seat outside patio. Despite the changes, the food remains as scrumptious as ever. Enjoy amigos!

Guru Restaurant

CLERMONT HILLSIDE TERRACE, 2400 S. U.S. 27, SUITE 101, CLERMONT 352.241.9884 | GURURESTAURANTCLERMONT.COM

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

Mon, Wed & Thu

11:00am – 8:00pm

Closed Tuesdays

Friday 11:00am – 9:00pm

Saturday 12:00pm – 9:00pm

Sunday 12:00pm – 7:00pm

Sun – Sat 11:00am – 10:00pm

Follow us on Facebook for daily specials and entertainment!

Visit our Villages location!

El Ranchito Restaurant 1 La Grande Blvd, The Villages 352.750.3335

Mon – Sat Noon – 9:00pm

Sunday Noon – 6:00pm

Open Daily

11:00am – 9:00pm

Lunch Specials 11:00am – 3:00pm

Margarita Mondays!

Enjoy $5 margaritas all day every Monday.

La Palma Mexican Grill

The entire staff invites you to a delicious dining experience at La Palma Mexican Grill. The recipes used for the restaurant’s unique dishes are a blend of old-school traditions from Mexico, combined with culinary inspirations from California and Louisiana. Homemade Mexican entrees such as Tacos Azteca, carnitas, fajitas, Chori Pollo, tamales and more, are flavorful and prepared with only the freshest of ingredients. Sit comfortably in the beautiful dining room, the festive bar, or outside on the patio deck with a serene view of the grounds and of the fun wild animals that can be spotted in the trees. Enjoy fast and friendly service, reasonable prices, three-for-one margaritas all day, every day, and a party room, available by reservation, for large parties or meetings. Full menu at lapalmagrill.com. Call for daily specials.

BWWAAAK!

It’s five o’clock somewhere!

Wed – Sun 4:00pm – 9:00pm

Closed Monday & Tuesday

Full Gluten-Free Menu

Mom & Dad’s Italian Restaurant

352.753.2722 | 304 US-441, LADY LAKE

Mom and Dad’s Italian Restaurant in Lady Lake has the distinct honor of calling itself a true family-owned restaurant. In fact, five generations of family members have represented the restaurant since its humble beginnings in May 1962. As many generations of customers have dined there throughout the years thanks to the outstanding service and scrumptious dishes such as Spaghetti a la Bruzzi, Delmonico steak, and lasagna. This food savvy family prepares everything from scratch, crafting everything with love to satisfy your taste buds.

Open Daily 11:00am – 9:00pm

Rodello’s Italian Restaurant

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

Subway SUBWAY.COM

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

TooJay’s

LAKE SUMTER LANDING 1129 CANAL ST., THE VILLAGES | 352.430.0410

BROWNWOOD PADDOCK SQUARE 2835 BROWNWOOD BLVD., THE VILLAGES | 352.350.2122

TOOJAYS.COM

Serving your favorite New York Style Deli Food since 1981, we offer hearty portions of homemade comfort foods like Shepherd’s Pie and Beef Brisket, handcrafted sandwiches such as our classic Hot Pastrami and Corned Beef, made-from-scratch soups like our famous Matzo Ball and Chicken Noodle, handmade, award-winning cakes including our Banana Dream and Chocolate Killer, just to name a few. Our extensive menu includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with options for everyone. We have an incredible over the counter offering of deli meats and cheeses, as well as made fresh-daily breads. Our catering menu is one of the best in town, with options for both social gatherings and corporate functions.

Custom-made, fresh sandwiches, salads, and flatbreads made right before your eyes.

The “healthy” alternative to fast food.

Mon – Sun 8:00am – 8:00pm

No Matter How Big or Small We Cater it All! And, We Deliver!

800-GO4-DELI

Would you like to see your restaurant in our dining section?

CALL US AT 352.787.4112

A TOAST TO FRIENDSHIPS

here is rarely an empty seat on weekdays at City Fire American Oven and Bar in Brownwood, so I avoid it like the plague. One day I managed to nd a rare barstool and asked a neighbor, “Why is this place so nuts all the time?”

Answer: “Corky.”

“What is a Corky?” I wondered.

John “Corky” McCarthy has been described as the “Mayor of Brownwood” by several residents of The Villages I spoke to. He has such a loyal following that people get worried when he takes a rare night o .

Originally from Virginia, McCarthy started as a barback in 1997 and quickly ascended to bartender for

Kincaid’s, part of the Restaurants Unlimited Group. After he was voted Bartender of the Year, he went on to become the national bar trainer for Palomino’s, which had locations from coast to coast.

Corky relocated to Florida in 2011 to help his mom. A year later, he answered an open call to bartend at City Fire and hasn’t looked back.

He loves working there for many reasons, but it’s the atmosphere he loves best. “We are one big happy family,” says the man who strives to treat people the way he would treat a mom.

But it’s also painful at times.

“The Villages is unique because you must accept that people will pass away,” he says. “If people don’t show up, I worry and call them.”

As luck would have it, the job also brought him Sandy Reed, his ancé and love of his life. “We were working across the street from one another and when we met, it clicked.”

They spent COVID-19 together and are planning a wedding for next year. The elaborate Niagara Falls proposal was known by all, except Sandy. Two of his regulars, Les and Rob, who split their time between here and Bu alo, planned the whole thing.

“The entire Villages community knew but me,” she says. “He was showing the ring to everyone, and if you can believe it, I never knew.”

“Maybe I’ll slow down one day,” he says. “But I honestly love bartending and don’t plan to leave any time soon.”

His intent to stick around for a while is just ne with his fans.

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

SPIRITS

STORY: GINA HORAN ≈ PHOTO: NICOLE HAMEL

John McCarthy is a bartender for the people.

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Your voice. Your future.

The midterm elections are this month. Have you voted?

STORY: JAMES COMBS

he dust has settled from Florida’s primary elections held in August. I must say Lake County’s results were disappointing.

Forget about which candidates won or lost. I’m alluding to voter turnout.

Of the county’s 271,802 registered voters, only 24.42 percent bothered to vote, according to data from the Lake County Supervisor of Elections website. When you ask people why they refuse to vote, one of the most common responses is: “My one vote doesn’t matter.”

Wow. Certainly, Floridians shouldn’t need a stern lecture on why every vote matters. Twenty-two years ago, George W. Bush won the Sunshine State by a meager 537 votes. That razor-thin margin was enough for him to gain the electoral votes needed to become president.

On the state and local level, there have been elections decided by a single vote or ending in a tie.

In 2004, a city council race in Groveland—after an election and two recounts ended in a 689-689 tie—was decided by a coin toss.

In 2017, a Virginia House of Delegates race ended in a tie with 23,000 votes cast. The tie was settled by drawing a name out of a bowl.

In 2016, a Democratic Senate race in Vermont was decided by one vote out of more than 7,400 cast.

In 1998, a House GOP race in Massachusetts ended in a tie with 1,700 ballots cast. A judge determined the winner.

In 1994, a House seat in Wyoming ended in a 1,941-1,941 tie. To break the deadlock, Wyoming’s secretary of state pulled a pingpong ball bearing the winning candidate’s name.

Admittedly, the examples cited here are few and far between. Most elections do not end in a tie or are decided by a single vote. However, it does tell us voter

turnout–particularly at the state and local level—can make a difference.

That brings me to another point. Many voters skip local elections and only participate once every four years when the hoopla of a presidential election rolls around. Why is beyond me. Local elections influence everything from education and parks to public safety and affordable housing — issues that have an impact on our everyday lives. Simply put, you can make a difference in your community by simply casting a ballot.

If we want to preserve a government “of the people, by the people, for the people,” then “the people” need to participate in elections of that government.

Voting is a precious right granted to U.S. citizens. It’s more than just electing a candidate; it’s choosing the right policies that have a profound impact on our community, state, and nation.

That’s why your vote matters.

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

JAMES COMBS

COMMENTARY

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