the connection - march 2015
DESCRIPTION
A Lake Eustis Chamber of Commerce MagazineTRANSCRIPT
Cover Story
Tis’ TheSeason -
Tax Season! - - - - - - - - - - - - -
InSIde MAr. 2015Who Was Ol’ Saint Patrick? - - - - - - - - -
Colonoscopies Save Liveswww.bestversionmedia.com
Serving The Lake Eustis Area Chamber of Commerce - March 2015
TheConnectionYour chamber of choice.
2 [ TheConnection
Active
G4808087 504 Hill St., eustis 1095 sq. ft. 3/2 $65,288
G4808340 1304 orange Ave., tavares 988 sq. ft. 2/2 $109,900
G4808350 8240 Bridgeport Bay Cir., Mt dora 1594 sq. ft. 3/2 $219, 900
G48008304 33240 Little Hampton Ct., Sorrento 3063 sq. ft. 4/3.5 $499,900
Pending
G4807681 30016 Magnolia Ave., Sorrento 1113 sq. ft. 3/2 $98,500 *doM 8
G4807897 1005Jasmine St., eustis 1540 sq. ft. 3/2 $119,900 *doM 5
G4808108 33632 Wesley rd., eustis 1859 sq. ft. 3/2 $200,000 *doM 4
G4807490 7100 Lake ola dr., Mt dora 3305 sq. ft. $569,900 *doM 9
Sold
G4806794 655 vincent dr., Mount dora 1269 sq. ft. 3/2 $55,500 *doM 8
G4807277 2100 Sheridan rd., Mount dora 1347 sq. ft. 2/1 $139,000 *doM 3
G4806499 5265 Indian ocean Loop, tavares - 2464 sq. ft. $224,900 *doM 18
G4806226 29836 State road 46, Sorrento 4300 sq. ft. 4/3/2 $685,000 *doM 20
*DOM - Days On Market **MH - Manufactured Home
Tyre & Taylor Realty, Inc.
Sue HooperGRI, ASP, ACSABroker-Associate
I want to be your new home specialist! Builders now have homes that are move-in ready or you can build your dream home on your lot or theirs!
I offer my customers a unique service...• 32 years real estate experience• 19 years interior design experience
My wish is to make your new house your home!Call my cell at 352-636-5221
[ SponSored By: CoLdWeLL BAnker ] Sue Hooper, realtor
REAL ESTATE UpdATE
Information is supplied by seller and other third parties and has not been verified. Homes listed on this page are not necessarily listed by the agent sponsoring this section.
March 2015 ] 3
“Don’t wish it were easier. Wish you were better.” - Jim Rohn
Wow! February is over and the 113th celebration of GeorgeFest has come to a close. Each year it always seems to be is something of a miracle that the festival actually happens. It’s not easy by any stretch and without the volume of sponsors and force or the volunteers, it would never happen. But it’s OK that it’s not easy, if it were easy everyone would do it and it’s pretty special that while the festival celebrates our founding father, it has also become an enduring testament to our community cohesiveness.
It’s hard to explain the feeling of seeing the parade route lined
with people, or the steady stream of families and couples strolling through the downtown and Ferran Park area.
There are many things that define a great community - the
vitality of the downtown, the health of the business sector, the strength of neighborhoods. And, in the case of GeorgeFest, the partnership between the City, the Chamber, other community organizations and the area businesses who sponsor the event.
GeorgeFest is hard work but when you sit back and take in
the whole of the event, it makes us want to work even harder for on GeorgeFest 2016, work harder and be even better!
ExECUTivE CoMMiTTEEJerry Cobb - PresidentCobb’s Triangle Tractor
Robin Austin - President ElectTD Bank
Karen Sartele - TreasurerRe/Max Premier
Jodie McEwen - Past President Hillcrest Insurance Agency, Inc.
BoARd of diRECToRSStephanie Carder - The Village Framer
Emanuele Fano - Fano Insurance ServicesBill Gay - Straight Line Communications, Inc.
Jordan Hawkins - United Southern BankRachel Holtzclaw - Rachel Holtzclaw, CPA, P.A.
Kathy Judkins - Sumter Electric Cooperative (SECO)Joanne Keller - Joanne M. Keller, ARNP
Tom Miranda - Conger Miranda Financial Consulting GroupTom Popieski - Seacoast BankJessica Quinones - Individual
Fernando Ramirez - Florida Hospital WatermanCraig Regan - Bronson Ace Hardware
Mary Rhodes - The Mortgage Firm, Inc.Kevin Robson - BusinessMasters.Net
Jeff Stephan - Stephan Financial ServicesJudy Stewart - The Law Office of Judy A. Stewart, P.A.
Jeanne Sutton - Tyre and Taylor Realty
YoUR ChAMBER STAffChristie Bobbitt - Executive Director
Katie Brett - Communications and Events DirectorBonnie Mayo - Special Events Staff
Chelsea Emery - Receptionist
YoUR ChAMBER AMBASSAdoRSColleen Campagnari - Pro Auto Care
Nicki Coyle - IndividualEmanuele Fano - Fano Insurance Services
Ellen Jordan - Tupperware ContractorKellie Keith- Home Companions Senior Care
Jessica Quinones - IndividualMary Rhodes - The Mortgage Firm, Inc.
Gary and Jennifer Slater - Best Version MediaJeannie Sutton - Tyre and Taylor Realty
Sue Hooper- Inspired DesignsLaurie MacKillip – Star SecurityBarb Yaussy -CenterState Bank
chAmber truStee PArtnerS
What is a Trustee Partner: this innovative membership category has evolved with the growth of the Chamber and is designed to meet the Chamber’s short and longer term financial needs by supporting current operations, while building resources for the future.
this support allows Chamber staff and volunteers to focus their efforts on a broader range of programs that make a real difference to our members and the community.
2014 Trustee Partners
for more information on the Community Trustee partner program contact us at [email protected] or call (352) 357-3434.
deAr MeMBerS,
Any content, member submissions, guest columns, advertisements and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best version Media (BvM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses or organizations that this publication serves. BvM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability or timeliness of any content submitted. All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. © 2014 Best version Media. All rights reserved.
Christie BobbittExecutive Director
Your chamber of choice.
4 [ TheConnection
flash” or sudden knowing in St. Augustine, Florida, that she would become a chiropractor and practice in Florida.
At her father’s clinic, where she worked for over 15 years, she gained valuable knowledge about health care and the needs of patients. In 2004 Ramah moved towards her vision, she took one of the most difficult board exams in the United States. She passed with high scores and began working for other doctors. In 2005, patients stumbled through moving boxes in order to seek her care at her own clinic, Wagner Chiropractic in Eustis, Florida. Her practice rapidly grew and, for over a decade, she has been seeing thousands of patients each year.
Ramah Wagner was born in into a family working in natural healthcare: Her grandfather, father, and eldest brother all graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic, which is called “The Fountainhead.” At 13 years old, Ramah had a “thought
CHAMBer BreAkfASt GueSt SpeAker
Ramah Wagner Wagner ChiropracticMarch Breakfast Sponsored by Wagner Chiropractic
Ramah also wrote a book on natural health entitled, “The Health of Business,” which became an Amazon Best-Seller She lectures to people of all ages who want to have healthier and more fulfilled lives. Ramah also spent two years as a columnist for the award-winning, “Healthy Living Magazine,” and was the Health Editor of “Velocity Magazine” for over 4 years.
Publication Team:publication Team:
publishers: Jennifer and Gary Slater
Content Coordinator: Renee Garrisonphotographer:
1000 Words Gallerydesigners: Rachel Zaborowski
& Suzanne WittmanChamber Communications:
Katie Brett
Expert ContributorsA special thank you to our
expert Contributors. Several of our contributors have stepped up to the expert status in their
prospective field. Please look for the e+ sticker.
Betty Ainslie - Skin CareEric Blamick - financial Advisor
Karen Carroll - AflacCountry Club of Mount doraflorida hospital Waterman
pastor Alan hoden - Midway Baptist Church
Jodie McEwen - insuranceJennifer Slater - photographyKathy Thomas - Acupuncture
dr. Tracie Wilson - veterinariandr. Wade Winker - dentist
Advertise in The ConnectionContact: Gary Slaterphone: 352-409-4020
email: [email protected]: Jennifer Slater
phone: 352-409-2686email: [email protected]
Feedback/Ideas/Submissions: Have feedback, ideas, or submissions?
We are always happy to hear from you! deadlines for submissions are
the 25th of each month. Go to www.bestversionmedia.com and click
“Submit Content.” you may also email your thoughts, ideas, and photos to: [email protected].
Your chamber of choice.
Jennifer and Gary Slater - your publishers
WE NoTiCEd
on January 30th, “We noticed” the City of eustis’ public Works department for all they do to keep eustis beautiful and running smoothly.
ChAMBER BREAKFASTJoin us for Breakfast March 12, 2015 at 7:15 a.m. Breakfast will be held at the Eustis Community Center, 601 Northshore Drive, Eustis.
To RSVP Call - 352-357-3434 or email [email protected]
March 2015 ] 5
Your chamber of choice.
Chamber members enjoy the monthly breakfast on January 8th sponsored by Lake-Sumter Metropolitan planning organization.
It was standing room only on January 15th for Joanne keller, Arnp’s paleo night.
New Members:Band Boosters Association
of Eustis, inc. Bay Street plaza (vivian Bruns)
Watson Realty Group
Renewing Members:
ASK Cleaning ServicesBlack Bear Smokehouse
Bowen Radson Schroth, p.ACobb’s Triangle Tractor, inc
duke EnergyEustis Little League
first National Bank/Mt.doraflorida fairTax Educational
Association, inchamlin & hilbish funeral directors
harden/pauli funeral homehillcrest Agency, inc.
Jeanne SuttonKaren Sartele
Kimberly BesudenLake County fair Association
Lake County School BoardLake Emergency Medical Services
Lake Eustis health and Rehabilitation Center
Lake Eustis Sailing ClubLaw Office of Judy A. Stewart, P.AMedallion homes Gulf Coast LC
Roberts, John RealtySumter Electric Coop., inc
Swigert, Brett L. pATom Russ
U.S. pak-N-Shipvann Gannaway Chevrolet
Welke, p. A., Brian J.
6 [ TheConnection
www.lisa.origamiowl.com
LISA VINING 425-879-7076
What is yours?
Every locket tells a story...
Karen Carroll352-385-7536
[ BuSIneSS feAture ] By Renee Garrison
Karen Carroll enjoys the “revolving realm“of the insurance industry.
“I can help people,” she says. “If someone calls me to say that their husband was just diagnosed with cancer or their spouse was in a horrific car accident, I provide the cash to get them over that hump. Over and over, I hear
how grateful people are - that’s what keeps me going.” An insurance agent with AFLAC, Karen opened her
business seven years ago and provides supplemental health benefits under 11 different plans, including cancer, accident, dental and vision.
How does she deal with the sadness and traumatic events that are a constant in her business?
“I have a very strong faith and I’m a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Eustis,” Karen explains.
Though she moved to Lake County from Wisconsin 25 years ago, Karen remains an avid Green Bay Packers fan. Indeed, she follows all Wisconsin sports - football, basketball and golf.
Her husband, Bob, a maintenance mechanic at Wolverine Gasket, enjoys hunting and saltwater fishing. Their 19-year-old son, Christopher, “is a terrific bowler” when he’s not studying at Lake Sumter State College.
During the Christmas holidays, the family took their 31-foot camper to Washington, D.C. and toured the city.
“My son had never been there, so it was really wonderful for him to see it,” Karen says. “It was overwhelming to see all those names on the wall at the Vietnam War Memorial. Someone put up a Christmas tree, where families hung photos of their deceased loved ones.”
When she’s not working, Karen enjoys spending time with friends and family but she’s also looking forward to an upcoming trip to Aruba that she won from AFLAC.
“My husband’s coming, too,” she says with a laugh. “I’m excited to go, but I really love just being at home.”
For more information, contact Karen at 352-455-1556 or [email protected].
iNSURANCEAGENT
KARENCARRoLL
March 2015 ] 7
Submitted by: Florida Waterman Hospital [ HeALtH ]
CoLoNoSCopiESSAvE LivES
Colorectal cancer, cancer of the rectum or colon, is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. But it is also one of the most treatable, when it’s detected early. “This is one of the few cancers where the test we have can prevent the disease,” says Harsh Duphare, MD, gastroenterologist. “Simply put, colonoscopies save lives.”
According to the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, colorectal cancer can be cured in up to 90 percent of people when it’s discovered in its early stages. It is estimated that approximately 40,000 lives a year could be saved through widespread adoption of colorectal cancer screenings and early treatment in men and women.
March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. The American Cancer Society recommends colonoscopy
screenings every 10 years for people 50 and older, and more frequently for people with a family history of colon disease or at an increased risk for developing colon cancer.
“Many people put off getting colonoscopies because of the stigma associated with the screening,” Dr. Duphare says. “But in reality, the procedure is relatively simple, painless and fast. During the screening, the surgeon looks for and removes polyps in the colon that, over time, can develop into cancer. Removal of the polyps reduces the risk of developing cancer by nearly 80 percent.”
To learn more from the health experts at Florida Hospital Waterman visit www.WatermanWellness.com.
At Florida Hospital Waterman, our patients’ health and well being is our top priority. We know patients turn to us trusting we will do our best to get them back to their best. We’re committed to providing advanced, safe, compassionate care to each and every patient. And we’re proud to be recognized as Lake County’s safest hospital with the county’s only “A” Hospital Safety Score based on how well we protect patients from accidents, errors, injuries and infections. Visit FHWaterman.com to learn more about our commitment to safety and improving care in our community.
www.hospitalsafetyscore.org
HOSPITALSAFETYSCORE
SMAFall 2014
SAFE CAREStill Lake County’s leader in
8 [ TheConnection
[ MeMBer of tHe MontH ] By Renee Garrison
RELATioNShipS MATTER To RAChEL hoLTZSCLAW, CpA
www.vorrh.org
V.O.R.R.H
Cell: (352) 702-8245
Cell: (352) 552-3899
Lloyd ThorneExecutive Director
Helen ShautAssistant Executive Director
The Veterans Organizationof Resource and Recovery
for the Homeless
Facebook vorrh
P.O. Box 1754, Eustis, FL 32726
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
Visitors to Rachel Holtzclaw, CPA, P.A. are usually greeted by Sophie the Shih Tzu.
“My goal as a CPA is to help people succeed,” Rachel says. “If I can help a small business get started and be successful, then I will be successful.”
Rachel sees an average of 400 income tax returns each year and admits, “I have people who have been with me for 23
years. “Those personal relationships are very, very important to me.”
Her clients know that when they call her, Holtzclaw will pick up the phone.
“I will talk to them and I try real hard to get back to them in the same day. Most of my business comes from word-of-mouth.”
352.735.4059www.ccofmtdora.com
1900 Country Club Blvd., Mount Dora
TheCountryClub of Mount Dora
Golf course is Open to the Public
Serving Lunch 7 days a week – open to all
Banquet facilities available.
March 2015 ] 9
Rachel realizes that her firm is one of many CPA firms located in Eustis.
“There are a lot of us and we’re all, essentially, doing the same thing. What differentiates us is personality and relationships.”
Relationships are important to Rachel - on both a personal and professional level. Every Friday, she goes to dinner with a group of friends who range in age from 30 to 80-ish.
“We may have four or up to 24 people show up,” she says. “There’s a financial advisor, insurance executive, bank director and retirees - not another accountant in the group! It continues to grow because all of us have brought a guest at one time or another.”
Some in the group even took a 10-day Caribbean cruise together. “It was a really fun thing to do.”
Rachel, who was born in Maine, returns to visit family there. But her biggest travel itinerary involves eight trips to Seattle (in the past three-and-a-half years) to visit her daughter Jamie, son-in-law Jonathan and her 3-year-old granddaughter, Caroline.
“I was my daughter’s birth coach when Caroline was born, because Jonathan was deployed at sea,” Rachel recalls. “It was the first time in 28 years that I took two weeks off during tax season.”
Her older daughter, Elan, is an attorney and graphic
artist who lives in Ormond Beach with her husband, Lester and their 9-year-old son, Dylan.
“My children are, by far, the best thing I ever did,” she says.
Though Rachel is new to the Eustis Area Chamber of Commerce Board, she has been a member of Kiwanis since 1994, serves as treasurer of the board of “Hand In Hand” of Lake County (a 501©(3) organization working with addicted men) attends The Cross Mt. Dora Church and is on an Advisory Committee at Eustis High School.
“I’m a big believer in education,” says Rachel, who received her undergraduate degree from the University of Florida and her M.S. in accounting from the University of Central Florida.
“I lived in Gainesville for 10 years and never went to a single football game,” she adds, laughing.
In her spare time, Rachel enjoys reading mystery/fiction novels, sewing and going to quilt shows with her friend, Cindy Glienke.
“Actually, I love a day at home with my head in a book,” Rachel says. “And Sophie beside me, of course.”
If you have a tax or bookkeeping question, contact Rachel at (352) 357-7770 or [email protected].
Wade Winker, DDS, PA
Wink
Smile...
Away
and a
Family and Cosmetic Dentistry • On time appointments • Positive attitude • Clean, modern technology • Caring and highly skilled staff
• Most insurance accepted • Serving Lake County for over 21 years • Convenient parking
You’re a
Special Pricing For New Patients Experienced in challenging dental problems
Single Visit Crowns // Cosmetic Bleaching // Dentures // Snore Guards Veneers // Tooth Colored Fillings // Laser Tooth Shaping
Monday and Wednesday: 7:30 am – 5:00 pm | Tuesday and Thursday: 7:30 am – 2:00 pm15 West Atwater Avenue, Eustis, FL 32726 | wadewinker.com | 352.357.2564
Map data ©2014 Google
10 [ TheConnection
[ HeALtH ] Submitted by: Joanne Keller
“What is going on with my hormones?”
Have you asked yourself that question when you one day wake up to notice that you are feeling “not quite right” or a bit “off”? We become more tired than usual, gain weight without explanation, our moods are all over the place, become overly anxious, and
sleep is but a distant memory.
Hormone fluctuation and depletion wreaks havoc in the body. Research shows a relationship between hormonal imbalance and an increased risk for developing cancer, osteoporosis, stroke, thyroid disorders, diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s dementia and other age-related disease processes.
During pre-menopause, menopause and andropause (the male version of hormone depletion), many people believe that it is normal for men and women to begin to have symptoms of aging such as depression, anxiety, memory loss, hot flashes, sleep disturbances, libido issues, and sexual dysfunction. These symptoms are NOT normal, but a sign of something out of balance. Ladies take note: Hormone imbalance begins 10-15 YEARS before hot flashes, so please do not use that as an indicator of your hormone balance.
We all know that estrogen is a woman’s most important hormone but did you know that Testosterone (the most common male hormone) is what gives a woman mental clarity, sex drive, muscle tone and the ability to burn fat? The brain needs normal amounts of Testosterone in balance with
estrogen to produce serotonin, which supports emotional balance. When lacking in these hormones, men and women will experience emotional instability which results in anxiety, irritability, sleep disturbances, anger, sadness and depression.
Bio-identical hormones mean that the structure of the hormone is perfectly matched to the hormone produced in the man or woman’s body. They are plant-based, natural substances that our bodies metabolize to minimize side effects. Synthetic hormones are either a horse’s hormone or artificially formulated intentionally to be slightly different from human hormone in order to patent it.
Most bio-identical hormone delivery methods: creams, pills, injections, capsules do not provide the balanced hormones we need. Creams are messy, have to be applied daily and if you travel, what a pain that is. Patches are a bit better, but the absorption of any skin-based method is variable, and we often lose sensitivity over time and need to search for a new spot to rub the cream or stick the patch.
Hormone pellets on the other hand, are placed under the skin, deliver a constant stream of hormones into the bloodstream 24 hours a day, seven days a week in a way that mimics our bodies natural release of hormones. Having been researched and developed since the 1930’s, pellet therapy is the most widely studied form or bio-identical hormone replacement therapy for men and women. To learn more, visit www.BioTEmedical.com or watch the videos on www.BHRTvideos.com and decide if Bio-Identical Hormone Pellet Therapy is for you.
Bio-idENTiCAL hoRMoNE pELLETS hELp ThE BodY
• Thyroid Management • Nutritional Counseling • Functional Medicine Evaluation • Probiotics & “Gut” Health • Infrared Sauna for Detoxification • Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging
• Breast & Full Body Imaging • Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy for Men & Women • Gluten Sensitivity & Food Allergy Testing
Invest In Your Wellness!
352.385.2631 • www.JoanneMKellerARNP.com
March 2015 ] 11
If you have the blessing of being caretaker for a beloved canine, then you have probably heard the diagnosis of “Otitis Externa”; an ear infection. It is important to perform routine ear maintenance, and to be comfortable to clean and treat the ear. You
should be able to recognize the signs of otitis, and know when to get help from your veterinarian. To clean effectively, you first need the right rinse. I do not approve of straight rubbing alcohol, vinegar, and especially not hydrogen peroxide in the ear. Any pet supply has a good pH balanced canine ear rinse. Under certain conditions your veterinarian will prescribe a medicated rinse to use prior to medicating the ear. In order to be comfortable to clean the ear, it would be nice to know what’s down in there!
Rest assured, a gentle cleaning is not going to hurt the ear drum at all. You can appreciate that any vigorous q-tip technique may actually pack the horizontal ear canal. Instead, simply grasp the ear flap and lift slightly, and then FILL the entire canal with your rinse. (Oh, did I forget to mention to put on your protective eye wear?!) Massage the base of the ear to help dislodge any wax or debris, let go, and stand back. The object is let the dog use centrifugal force to empty out that horizontal canal.
After a good shake is done, then use a soft wipe, such as a
Kleenex or cotton ball to wipe away any visible debris from the canal and flap. Be careful of your own eyes as well as the dog’s!
When should you not clean the ear? If you sense a foul odor, pain, or discharge that implies infection. That ear should be examined by your veterinarian before anything is applied down that ear canal. The rinse, medication, and duration of treatment are handled on an individual basis. Often, a severe infection, or a very sensitive ear require sedation in the vet clinic to get the initial ear cleaning done. We are often faced with a resistant, or recurrent infection, in that case – we need more diagnostics in order to tailor the treatment plan. A “culture and sensitivity” test can be performed to identify the particular elements of an ear infection and also identify what specific medication that infection is sensitive to. We often have “compliance” issues that interfere with healing. Meaning either the pet is difficult to medicate or the owner has difficulty being effective with the treatment plan. In those cases, we can order
meds to apply that will be effective for up to two weeks. This is a gel that is warmed and applied by the veterinarian; it “packs” the ear canal with medication. The gel is allowed to dry to a wax like consistency, and left for 10-14 days. The veterinarian then removes the gel and evaluates effectiveness.
In any case, it takes a team to keep all of those ears healthy. The owner, or foster family, along with your veterinarian will develop a custom treatment plan to keep those ears GOLDEN!
dR.TRACiE WiLSoN, d.v.M. Submitted by Dr.Tracie Wilson, D.V.M. [ pet HeALtH ]
It’S ALL In tHe eArS
12 [ TheConnection
[ CoMMunIty ] Submitted by: Lake Eustis Area Chamber of Commerce
What is a Trustee Partner? This innovative membership category has evolved with growth of the Chamber and is designed to meet the Chamber’s short and longer-term financial needs by supporting current operations while building resources for the future. This support allows Chamber staff and volunteers to focus their efforts on a broader range of programs that make a real difference to our members and the community.
A.S.K Cleaning is a fully insured and licensed, professional cleaning company, family owned and operated, servicing commercial and residential buildings throughout Lake County Florida. Whether you need cleaning for your home of office, their team of reliable
efficient cleaners will make your building, office or home sparkle. The company also provides a wide variety of related services.
Hillcrest Offers Choice. Flexibility. Economy. Superior Protection for your car, home, and business. Hillcrest Insurance Agency has it all for you in one place - from their offices in Mount Dora, Florida and Winter Garden,
Florida they serve the insurance needs of individual families, healthcare, and businesses all over Florida. As an independent insurance agent, they represent many top-rated insurance companies.
Duke Energy and Progress Energy have merged to create the new Duke Energy, the nation’s largest utility. Their combined assets and expertise will help them achieve more efficiency
to deliver affordable, reliable and clean energy to approximately seven million customers, both today and in the future.
Sumter Electric, commonly known as SECO Energy, was founded in 1938. It is one of the largest electric distribution cooperatives in the nation, serving homes and businesses in seven counties of Central Florida.
Owned by the people they serve, SECO’s conservative approach to doing business pays dividends the members and keeps the focus on providing excellent service to all.
Karen Sartele has been serving the Central Florida Area for 13 years. During that time her real estate business has evolved as she searched to find
better ways to take care of her clients, protect their rights, be their advocate and negotiate to their advantage. Her allegiance is to her clients and she believes that people make the best decisions when they are well-informed of options and have a calm, confident and efficient professional on their side. That’s what makes being a REALTOR such an exciting career for her.
For more information on the Community Trustee Partner program contact us at [email protected] or call (352) 357-3434.
Welcome 2015 Chamber trustee partners
Don't Just Medicate . . .Eliminate!
We work to get to the root cause of your ailments,allowing you to greatly reduce or even eliminate theneed for prescription drugs. No more side e�ects!
Lake Premier WellnessAcupuncture and Oriental Medicine
2430 S. Bay StreetEustis, FL 32726
352-323-0795
March 2015 ] 13
SAVE THE DATE!
March 6– Eustis LIVE! Vintage Motorcycle Ride-In
March 10– Food Truck Rally
March 12– Chamber Breakfast
March 20– Bay Street Players
40th Anniversary Celebration
March 24– Home-Based Business Expo,
Business after Hours
April 3– Eustis LIVE! Rock Around the Clock
April 9– Chamber Breakfast
April 14– Food Truck Rally
May 1– Eustis LIVE! Cinco de Mayo
May 14– Chamber Breakfast
May 14– Camelot Realty Business after Hours
June 5– Eustis LIVE! School’s Out Beach Bash
June 9– Food Truck Rally
June 11– Chamber Breakfast
July 4– Eustis LIVE! Independence Day
July 9– Chamber Breakfast
August 7– Eustis LIVE! Panther Spirit
August 11– Food Truck Rally
August 13– Chamber Breakfast
September 2– Eustis LIVE!
September 10– Chamber Breakfast
October 2– Eustis LIVE!
October 8– Chamber Breakfast
October 13– Food Truck Rally
October 30– Eustis LIVE! Halloween Bash
November 10– Food Truck Rally
November 12– Chamber Breakfast
November 13– Annual Service Awards & Gala
November 27– Eustis LIVE! Light Up Eustis
December 4– Chamber Holiday Open House
December 8– Food Truck Rally
December 10– Chamber Breakfast
December 10– Seacoast Bank
Holiday Business After Hours
Mark your calendars for these upcoming events in 2015! As each event gets closer, we will release more details.
14 [ TheConnection
[ CALendAr of eventS // MArCH ]Sponsored by eSportsPhoto
Sunday, March 1 georgeFeSt Historic Downtown Eustis and Ferran Park Events and entertainment until 5 p.m. Please see our website for detailed schedule of event. www.eustischamber.org
tuesday, March 3 12-1 p.m. leads group Lake Technical Center 2001 Kurt Street, Eustis
friday, March 6 7:30-8:30 a.m. leads group Olivia’s Coffeehouse 113 North Bay Street, Eustis
friday, March 6 6-9 p.m. eustis live! *live music only Entertainment featuring Jerico Vintage Motorcycle Ride-In Joined by Vintage Motorcycle Alliance and Gator Harley Davidson
tuesday, March 10 12–1 p.m. leads group Lake Technical Center, 2001 Kurt Street, Eustis
tuesday, March 10 5-8 p.m. Food truck rally Downtown Eustis
thursday, March 12 7-8 a.m. chamber breakfast Eustis Community Center, 601 Northshore Drive, Eustis
thursday, March 12 5:30-7 p.m. home companions Senior care business After hours 1520 S. Bay Street, Eustis.
friday, March 13 7:30-8:30 a.m. leads group Olivia’s Coffeehouse, 113 North Bay Street, Eustis
tuesday, March 17 12-1 p.m. leads group Lake Technical Center 2001 Kurt Street, Eustis
thursday, March 19 5:30- 7 p.m. chamber home based business expo Lake Eustis Area Chamber of Commerce Office
520 S. Bay St, Eustis
friday, March 20 7:30-8:30 a.m. leads group Olivia’s Coffeehouse 113 North Bay Street, Eustis
friday, March 20 5:30 p.m. bay Street Players 40th Anniversary business After hours Bay Street Theater
109 N. Bay Street, Eustis
tuesday, March 24 12-1 p.m. leads group Lake Technical Center, 2001 Kurt Street, Eustis
friday, March 27 7:30-8:30 a.m. leads group Olivia’s Coffeehouse, 113 North Bay Street, Eustis
tuesday, March 31 12-1 p.m. leads group Lake Technical Center, 2001 Kurt Street, Eustis
1950 Classique Lane, Tavares352.343.5333 • www.breakpointalley.com
THE LARGEST BOWLING CENTER IN LAKE COUNTY40 Lanes of Fun – Bumpers for the kids
Tip of the Burg LoungeFull Liquor, Pool Tables, Darts ■ Nanaw’s Kitchen
Arcade !! ■ The best food in town!
Hours: Mon-Thur 10am - 11pm or later • Fri 10am - MidnightSat 9am - Midnight • Sun 9am - 10pm or later
Scan Forfree game
MoreDetails
March 2015 ] 15
Was Patrick really the saint of drunk, pipe-smoking Irishmen and green beer?
Saint Patrick was born Patricius in Roman Britain to a wealthy family. When he was a teenager, Patrick was kidnapped and sold as a slave to an Irish warlord where suffered frequent
beatings and indignity. Six years later, he escaped.After he returned home, Patrick started studying
for the priesthood. But his six years of slavery put him permanently behind his peers in school. During his studies, Patrick received God’s call to evangelize the Irish, who still practiced human sacrifice and slavery.
Patrick obeyed God’s call and preached the Gospel for thirty years in Ireland. By the end of his ministry, the Irish abandoned human sacrifice and
slavery, and became Christian.Patrick became the saint of the downtrodden
and the excluded. Patrick preached against slavery when the Pope refused to condemn slavery. While his contemporary, St. Augustine spoke of women as the personification of temptation, Patrick honored women as persons of great worth to the Kingdom of Christ. Thomas Cahill said, “Patrick is the first male Christian since Jesus to speak well of women.”
Patrick first gave himself to Christ. Then Patrick followed Christ by giving himself to those who enslaved him. Through his love and life example, Patrick led the Irish to Christ.
We celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day to honor a Christian who gave his life to improve a pagan country. It’s not an excuse to pinch someone who is not wearing green. This Saint Patrick’s Day let’s follow Patrick’s example: forgive those who mistreated us and change our community for the better.
Submitted by: Alan Holden (Midway Baptist Church)
Who WAS oL’ SAiNT pATRiCK?Written By Alan holden
Law Office of Judy A. StewartCriminal Law and Family Law
(352) 742-4777
311 E. Main St.Tavares, FL 32778
www.AttorneyJudyStewart.com
16 [ TheConnection
Karen Sartele, SFR, FSP,ABR, CIPS, TRC, CPDE, CIASREALTOR®
352-223-3799 cellFax: 866-311-2947
Premier Realty
Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated
1213 W. Miller Street (Hwy 466A), Unit 3The Villages, FL 34731
1050 N. Bay Street ◆ Eustis, FL 32726
352.602.4729Rough Country Dealer
4x4 Parts & Accessories Car Wash & Detail
[ CoMMunIty ] Submitted by: Lake Eustis Area Chamber of Commerce
March 2015 ] 17
GeorgeFesT 2015 SPONSORS
Washington Sponsors
Freedom Sponsors
LibertySponsors
Cherry TreeSponsors
Presidental Sponsors
Additional Sponsors1000 Words Gallery
1st LandSeair Travel Service
A & C Pest Control LLC
AFLAC - Karen Carroll
Alexander & Doran Apts
Allan Boress CPA
American Family HomesAmerican Family Homes
Awesome Home Theatre & Car Stereo
B. E. Thompson
Barnwood BBQ
Bayse Janitorial & Paper Supply, Co.
BESCO Electric - Eustis
Besuden Chiropractic
Brett Swigert, P.A.Brett Swigert, P.A.
Bronson Ace Hardware
Brookdale of Tavares
CARA- MAR Motor Lodge
Carolyn MaimoneCentral Florida Hydro Dipping
BMO Harris Bank
Best Verson Media
Burke Industries
Center State Bank
Ford Press
Harden/Pauli Funeral Home
Hillcrest Agency, Inc.
Seacoast Bank (formerly BankFIRST)
TECO
The Oyster Troff
Tom & Dolores Russ
United Southern Bank
Waste Management Inc. of FL
Clayton Blanchard, Attorney At Law
Coldwell Banker Camelot Realty
Coldwell Banker Tyre & Taylor
Counter Impressions - EustisCountry Club of Mt. DoraDelong Equestrian CenterDunstan PlumbingDunstan PlumbingEisenbrandt's AutomotiveEustis High School Fairwinds Credit Union Florida Food ProductsFlorida Hospital WatermanFurnas & Bharosay LLCGaylord & Rogers, LLCGaylord & Rogers, LLCGolden Corral Granger ConstructionGriffey Engineering, Inc.Hamlin & Hilbish Funeral Directors
Harris Oil & Air ConditioningHarry Glass State Farm InsuranceHenn House PrintingJaDee Construction - John MurphyJoanne M. Keller ARNP John Roberts RealtyKEVCO Builders Inc.KEVCO Builders Inc.Kyleen Fisher Lake Eustis Health & RehabLake Eustis Sailing ClubLake Medical HearingLake Pest ControlLake Technical CollegeLaw office of Judy A. Stewart PALaw office of Judy A. Stewart PALogan, Bowyer & McCullough PAM & H Awards & Screen PrintingM & S Auto Center, LLC.Metz Law Firm, P.A.
Michael HollandMid Florida Blue Cross Blue ShieldNeito Whittaker Surveying, LLCNorth Lake Tea Party Publix Area Grocery StoresRachel Holtzclaw CPA, PAServpro of Lake County Servpro of Lake County Sons of Amvets Squadron #1992Southern Palms RV ResortSt. Louis Air Conditioning, Inc.Sumter Electric Coop, Inc.The Crazy GatorThe Mortgage FirmThe Upholstery Shop - EustisThe Upholstery Shop - EustisTip Tops Of AmericaTrask ConstructionWade Winker, DDS, PAWeiss Retirement StrategiesWestgate Jones - Eustis
Red White and Blue Sponsors
18 [ TheConnection
[ CHArIty SpotLIGHt ] Sponsored by Lake Eustis Area Chamber of Commerce
call her newly-formed ministry.“I sat on the side of a mountain and my Bible fell open to
the Book of Ruth,“ she says. “The 4:14 passage burned itself into my heart: ‘Blessed be the Lord for he has not left us without a kinsman redeemer.’ The story of Ruth is about redemption. Every woman who comes to us has been wounded, beaten or broken in some way.”
The average length of their stay is six to 12 months and Ruth House accommodates 10 women with their children. In 2014, the annual budget was more than $72,000.
“We’ve helped women from age 17 to 63,” Randall says. “Once they have a job and some income, they pay $100-a-week program fee to help with expenses. Three days a week, some of our clients work at ‘The House of Treasures,’ a thrift store on Highway 19 where we partner with two other ministries.
For more information and volunteer opportunities, contact Rebecca Randall at 352-455-3021 or [email protected] or www.ruthhouse.wordpress.com.
For a woman in crisis, Ruth House is the first stop for help, hope and healing.
Founded by Executive Director Rebecca Randall in 2007, Ruth House is a 501-C3 non-profit organization supported solely by contributions. It provides transitional housing for women and children in crisis.
Ruth House offers temporary shelter, counseling and referral services to women. Clients find the help, support and encouragement they need to solve their problems and make tomorrow a better day.
According to Rebecca Randall, a number of problems may constitute a crisis: divorce, domestic violence, homelessness, substance abuse, mental health issues or alcoholism.
“We are a ministry,” explains Randall, who raised seven children in Umatilla and retired from the United States Air Force after 21 years of service. “We treat women, regardless of their religious beliefs. We provide the information and God does the rest.”
During a trip to Israel in 2006, Randall asked the Lord what to
Ruth HouseoffERS
SUppoRT,ENCoURAGEMENT
March 2015 ] 19
HONEYBAKED HAM
AND CAFE
421 Plaza Drive Eustis, FL 32726www.myhoneybakedstore.com/eustis/1906
Mention This Ad For
10% OFF
Tents • Tableware • Centerpieces • Skirting • Napkins • Table Linens • Chair Covers
Classic Tents . . . Classic Linens . . . The Classic Choice
www.ClassicTentsEvents.com [email protected]
lassic Tents&Events, LLC
352-357-7920
Your chamber of choice.
[ March 2015
HILLCRESTI N S U R A N C E A G E N C Y
Mount Dora Office18500 US Hwy 441
Mount Dora, Florida 32757
Phone: (352) 383-8164Toll Free: 800-227-4380
www.HillcrestInsurance.com
As an independent insurance agent, we represent many top rated insurance
companies. We're here for you locally!
Focused on the Protection of Individuals and Businesses
