The Connection - January 2015

COVER STORY

Olivia’s Coffee House

and Bistro- - - - - - - - - - - - -

INSIDE JAN. 2015The History of GeorgeFest

- - - - - - - - - - - - - Bay Street Players

www.bestversionmedia.com

Serving The Lake Eustis Area Chamber of Commerce - January 2015

TheConnectionYour chamber of choice.

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ACTIVE

G4805989 31321 2909 Myakka River Rd., Tavares 1144 sq. ft. 2/2 **MH $60,900

G4806133 440 E.11th Ave., Mt. Dora 1048 sq .ft. 2/2 $150,000

G4806030 19944 Eldorado Dr., Eustis 3100 sq. ft. 3/3 $334,900

G4806125 1111 Old Eustis Rd., Mt. Dora 3121 sq. ft. 3/2 $499,000

PENDING

G4805509 31846 Blanton Ln., Tavares 1061 sq. ft. 2/2 $64,900

G4805785 6038 Spring Creek Ct., Mt. Dora 1618 sq. ft. 3/2 $187,400

G4803494 207E. 8th Ave., Mt. Dora 2045 sq. ft. 3/4 $359,000

G4706029 171 Shorewood Dr., Tavares 3284 sq. ft. 3/2 $559,900

SOLD

G4804761 221 W. Dicie Ave., Eustis 1072 sq. ft. 2/2 $62,000 *DOM 4

G4803441 400 Pinecrest Rd., Mount Dora 2148 sq. ft. 3/3 $185,500 *DOM 5

G4803203 100 S. Tremain St., Mount Dora 2036 sq. ft. 3/2 $325,000 *DOM 79

G4803753 34317 Winderly Cir., Eustis 4145 sq. ft. 5/4 $468,000 *51 DOM

*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.

January 2015 ] 3

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” - Eleanor Roosevelt

Welcome to 2015 and all the new possibilities it holds!

It’s always a magical feeling to see a fresh slate of opportunities hanging in front of you at the beginning of the year. From personal to business to community, the chances to bring new and exciting dreams to life are right before you.

2015 holds so much for the Chamber and its members! We will be continuing our preparations for the 113th year of GeorgeFest that include fresh new ideas because of our partnerships with groups the Historical Museum and the Lake Eustis Museum of Art, and the continued generosity of our sponsors is allowing us to include new activities at GeorgeFest like the Sunday afternoon ice cream social!

We will continue to partner with the City of Eustis on the newly revamped EustisLIVE! Events, and host our new old favorites like the July 4th celebration and the Halloween celebration.

We have also added the monthly food truck rallies to our schedule. Held from 5-8 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month, it is a chance to come and enjoy dinner and entertainment in downtown Eustis. We were so pleased the various music groups from the Eustis schools could perform for our inaugural event on December 9!

Of course our great favorites, the Monthly Chamber Breakfast and Business After Hours, will continue and we look forward to seeing new hosts and new faces at each of these popular events.

The future of the Lake Eustis Chamber of Commerce is bright for 2015. We hope you will believe in your beautiful dreams and have a bright 2015!

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 GroupJessica Quinones - Seacoast National Bank

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 - BankFIRSTMary Rhodes - The Mortgage Firm, Inc.

Gary and Jennifer Slater - Best Version MediaJeannie Sutton - Tyre and Taylor Realty

Sue Hooper- Inspired DesignsBarb Yaussy -Center State Bank

Laurie 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

Hired in 2005 as the first executive director of the Lake~Sumter Metropolitan Planning Organization

(MPO), T.J. heads a federally-funded regional transportation planning agency covering all public modes of moving people and goods. An urban and regional

CHAMBER BREAKFAST GUEST SPEAKER T.J. Fish, the Executive Director Lake-Sumter Metropolitan Planning OrganizationJanuary Breakfast Sponsored by Metropolitan Planning Organization

Publication Team:Publishers:

Jennifer and Gary SlaterEditor: Mike Ratrie

Content Coordinator: Cathy (Bernish) Jone

Photographer: 1000 Words Gallery

Designer: Rachel ZaborowskiChamber 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.

Pastor Alan Holden - Midway Baptist Church

Kathy Thomas - Acupuncture Betty Ainslie - Skin Care

Dr. Tracie Wilson - VeterinarianKaren Carroll - Aflac

Jennifer Slater - PhotographyJodie McEwen - InsuranceDr. Wade Winker - Dentist

Eric Blamick - Financial Advisor Maranatha Tax - Tax ServicesCountry Club of Mount DoraFlorida Hospital Waterman

Advertise in The ConnectionGary Slater {352-409-4020}

[email protected] Slater {352-409-2686} [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].


[ COMMUNITY ] Submitted by: Eustis Chamber

The Inaugural Taste of Golden Triangle took place on Thursday, November 13, 2014 at the Eustis Elks Lodge. The Lake Eustis Area Chamber of Commerce partnered with the Tavares Chamber to bring this unique restaurant and business marketing opportunity to our Chamber members. Thirty-eight of the restaurants and businesses that participated are Lake Eustis Area Chamber of Commerce members. More than 300 people came through the event and cast their votes for awards. In addition to the general public, Ze’ Carter (writer for the Daily Commercial), Mary Ryder (food columnist for the Daily Commercial), and Shemir Wiles (senior staff writer for Healthy Living and Lake & Sumter Style) served as food judges. Due to the overwhelming success of the event, we can’t wait to bring it to you again next year. The winners were:

THE TASTE OF GOLDEN TRIANGLE

Jennifer and Gary Slater - Your publishers

planner certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), his current duties include the coordination of regional transportation planning for the two counties and 19 municipalities in the Lake-Sumter region.

Working for a regional board of elected officials, T.J. and his six-member staff coordinate with local governments and state and federal agencies in planning transportation projects. He sees his primary role as working with his board to build consensus on funding priorities. He has helped guide 10 years of transportation projects in the two-county region, leading him to see himself more as an implementer of projects than a planner of projects. He places a strong emphasis on the connection between economic

development and the investment of transportation dollars.

Prior to the MPO, he provided planning consulting services to the four Lake County municipalities of Lady Lake, Minneola, Montverde and Astatula, and he spent two years as the staff planner for Tavares. Born in Johnson City, TN, he completed undergraduate and graduate work at East Tennessee State University. After college, he gained governmental experience in roles including previous MPO work for two Tennessee counties, for the State of Tennessee planning for multiple communities and as economic development director for Martin, TN.

JUDGE’S CHOICEBest Appetizer: Country Club of Mount Dora*

Best Entrée: Barnwood BBQ*

Best Dessert: Dolce Mattina*

PEOPLE’S CHOICEBest Appetizer: Olivia’s Coffehouse & Bistro*

Best Entrée: Oyster Troff*

Best Dessert: Dahler’s Delicious Southern Sweets*

Best Booth: Classic Tents & Events,LLC*

Chambers’ Choice: Pressed for Time

*denotes Lake Eustis Area Chamber of Commerce member

January 2015 ] 5

New Members:Chik-Fil-A

M&H Awards & ScreenprintingRegency Park Assisted Living and

Memory Care Center

Renewing Members:1000 Word Gallery

Central Florida Health AllianceChiropractic Center

Epiphany Anglican ChurchJim Miller


WE

NO

TICE

D

The Village Framer was

the November recipient

of the Lake Eustis Area

Chamber of Commerce’s

“We Noticed”

Campaign for their

contributions to the

Eustis community.

November 28th marked another successful Light Up Eustis. The City was lit with over 200,000 lights and over 260 families enjoyed visiting with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

Brookdale Tavares celebrated their name change with a Ribbon Cutting andBusiness After Hours on November 3rd.

Chamber members enjoy the November 13th Chamber Breakfast sponsored byRachel Holtzclaw CPA, PA.

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[ BEAUTY ] Submitted by: Betty Ainsley

www.lisa.origamiowl.com

LISA VINING 425-879-7076

What is yours?

Every locket tells a story...

SKIN CAREDid you know that skin is

your body’s largest organ? In fact, your skin is the underlying key to looking beautiful and healthy. Here are a few simple steps you can take to make skincare a priority and to enhance the natural look of your skin that you see in the mirror every morning. Remember that we age a little every day, but these steps can help your skin age gracefully.

The first step is to keep that refreshed and moisturized look. Start by doing the healthiest and easiest thing imaginable – drink water. Drinking water will help to rejuvenate your skin and give you a natural glow that others will envy. Protect the moisture you add during the day by applying a high-quality moisturizer every night.

In order for our healthy skin to be seen, we have to go outdoors into the light, and oh, can that sunlight with its UV rays be damaging! The healthy outdoor life can introduce unhealthy age spots and wrinkles all over our skin, so take the next step and apply sunscreen beforehand. Always choose a sunscreen that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 and take some with you to reapply during the day. A nice hat can be a welcome addition to your wardrobe while protecting your skin at the same time.

Now we will all have unsightly blemishes and breakouts, but you can take action to reduce them. Using mild cleansers and exfoliating products (high-quality, of course) will remove dirt and that top, damaged layer while leaving your underlying skin intact and ready to shine. Gentle is the key.

So if you want youthful, healthy and glowing skin follow these easy steps every day. It may seem like a difficult regimen at first, but it will become a regular habit in no time. Moisturize, screen out UV, and gently exfoliate and clean. Invest in your skin and enjoy the rewards.

Karen Carroll352-385-7536

[email protected]

January 2015 ] 7

[ BEAUTY ] Submitted by: Betty Ainsley Submitted by: Eric Blamick [ FINANCE ]

In many areas of your life, you’re probably aware that it’s useful to keep emotions out of your decision-making — and that’s certainly the case with investing. However, it can be difficult to keep your feelings from influencing your investment decisions. But you may find it easier to invest with your head, rather than your heart, if you know a little something about two different cycles: the market cycle and your emotional cycle.

Let’s start with the market cycle. If you’ve been investing for a while, you’re aware (probably highly aware) that the financial markets are rarely static — they are always moving up and down, at least in the short term. (Over the very long term, a period of many decades, the markets have trended up.) But these short-term movements, while perhaps appearing as “zigs” and “zags” on a daily basis, actually form a pattern, or a cycle, that can last for months or years. These cycles are known as bull (up) or bear (down) markets. Going back to the Great Depression, the average bear market has lasted 21 months, while the average bull market has extended for 57 months, according to research from Standard and Poor’s Index Services.

These market cycles greatly influence investors’ attitudes and behavior. In fact, they lead to the formation of investors’ emotional cycles. During bull markets, investors tend to feel optimism, excitement and even euphoria. But once a bull market ends and a bear market begins, investors start getting nervous. And the longer and deeper the bear market, the greater the depth of emotion felt by investors. These emotions can begin as anxiety and then progress to denial, fear, desperation and panic.

Furthermore, market cycles and emotional cycles don’t really align. For example, investors may well experience euphoria when the market has reached its high point and a bear market has just begun. For a while, then, these investors, fueled by their euphoric feelings over the big gains they’ve achieved, may continue pouring money into the market, even as it’s declining. This type of behavior, though, is probably better suited for when the market is already at a low, when investors’ dollars will buy more shares. Conversely, investors may reach the peak of their fearfulness at the end of a bear market, just when things are about to turn around. At this point, their fear may hold them back from investing — even though, with prices low, it can be a good time to invest. Clearly, basing investment decisions on emotions can lead to poor choices.

So don’t get caught up in this pattern. Instead, strive to follow a disciplined approach to investing. Build an investment portfolio that reflects your objectives, risk

tolerance and time horizon, and seek to hold appropriate investments for the long term. Of course, you may well need to make adjustments along the way, but do it for the right reasons — such as a change in your goals or in the investments themselves — rather than as a reaction to the current market cycle.

Our emotions are powerful, and their power can increase when applied to such a meaningful aspect of our life as our finances. But if you can detach yourself, as much as possible, from the emotional cycle of investing, you can avoid considerable angst — while helping clear the path to pursue your goals.

For more information, please contact Eric V. Blamick, Financial Advisor with Edward Jones, 352-357-2204 or email him at [email protected]. Edward Jones is located in downtown Eustis at 128 North Eustis Street, Suite 103.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by Eric V. Blamick, Financial Advisor with Edward Jones.

FREE YOURSELF FROM CYCLE OF EMOTIONAL INVESTING

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[ MEMBER OF THE MONTH ] by Cathy Jones

AN OUT OF THE ORDINARY PLACE TO BE

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]

Olivia Spilotros has always been passionate about music. She grew up attending a church that sponsored a folk music coffee house in their basement. The Florida Native moved from South Florida to Lake County ten years ago to be closer to her aging parents. She attended the Folk Festival in Eustis her first year in the area and upon visiting the Art Gallery located on Bay Street (next to Bay Street Players Theater) she was drawn to a small room where John French was playing. As she walked into the room she immediately thought, “This would be a great

location for a coffee house.”Her career path up to that point included executive

and administrative positions, including Human Resource Administration for the State of Florida. She had never worked in a restaurant of any type. The following year she revisited the Folk Festival and again found herself in the same room with the same vision as the previous year.

She was constantly dreaming of the décor, music and design of a little coffee house in that space. When the art

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January 2015 ] 9

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gallery vacated the building she decided that she needed to follow her dream. Initially, she wanted to just play and hear music while selling coffee. She kept the atmosphere very cozy and relaxed with chairs, couches and window seating to appeal to the meditating needs of her customers.

The popularity of her little coffee house created the need to move to a larger location. When Formally Yours moved out of the Grand Magnolia building, she moved in. She kept the décor eclectic and relaxed while increasing her menu to become a full scale restaurant. Music is still very much a part of Olivia’s Coffee House, with weekly open mic nights, featured artists and other musical events. She often can be found playing guitar or the ukulele alongside her customers and musicians.

Olivia has kept the menu on the lighter, healthier side by vowing to never serve fried foods. She has soups, a large assortment of gourmet salads, wraps (hot and cold) and beverages, including beer and wine. Her coffee selection exceeds that of most of the well-known chain coffee establishments. Anyone with a sweet tooth will love the homemade desserts made by her mother, Pat Rives (everybody calls her Mom). She is known for her breakfasts and Sunday brunch buffets. On Sundays you can also enjoy the live music during brunch.

Her appetizers are also excellent; she recently won the People’s Choice Award for her Artichoke and Spinach dip at the Inaugural Taste of Golden Triangle. If you are looking for some of the best chili in town, you have to go to Olivia’s to get it.

Presentation is everything to Olivia; she caters events with personal flair and customization for the event. She prides herself in the minute details and unique needs for the events. A catering menu does not exist for the simple reason that each event has a different personality and she wants to make each one perfect. Her ultimate goal with her catering and restaurant customers is to have the coffee or sandwich placed in front of them and the first thing said is “Mmmmm” before a bite is even tasted. To her, that is success.

Olivia attributes her success to the wisdom passed down by her parents. They taught her that “if you trip and fall down, get up, brush off your shoulders and get back to work.” She never knew how much was involved with owning a restaurant; the encouragement from her parents and her work ethic got her through the learning phase of the restaurant business. She never forgets to mention her great staff for her success.

She has always believed in belonging to the local Chamber. She was active in South Florida when she was in Real Estate and Development, so being part of the Eustis Lake Chamber was not a difficult choice. Olivia says, “The greatest marketing and networking is accomplished through the local chamber. Whenever someone asks me who I recommend for a service of any type, I first think of my fellow chamber members. I always recommend one of them first.”

Olivia’s Coffee House is located at 108 North Bay Street, Eustis. If you would like to see what she has planned with guest musicians go to www.oliviascoffeehouse.com.

10 [ TheConnection

[ HEALTH ] Submitted by: Hillcrest Insurance Agency

Despite being told for years how important it is to get a good night’s sleep, most of us in Florida still consider it a suggestion we can afford to ignore. Let’s face it: most of us would still choose finishing that critical report or watching another episode over getting enough quality rest. But mounting evidence of how significant sufficient sleep is to mood, productivity, and physical health might inspire you to start finally making it a real priority. Due to the depth and breadth of its impacts, the Centers for Disease Control went so far as to call sleep deprivation “an epidemic” earlier this year. Read on to learn more about the serious consequences of poor sleep.

• Difficulty with memory and learning: Our ability to acquire and retain information is diminished when we don’t get enough quality sleep. During deep sleep, our brains process the things we learned or practiced during the day and “strengthens” those memories, so that we can access them more easily tomorrow.

• Unstable mood: Those who get an insufficient amount of

sleep experience greater incidences of depression, anxiety and other mood disorders, not to mention more stress and irritability. Studies show that even a small amount of sleep deprivation can greatly impact your mood.

• Compromised health: Both under sleeping and oversleeping are related to a multitude of health issues and increase your risk of chronic illness and disease. Lack of sleep is linked to an increase in blood pressure, stress, and blood sugar, and a decrease in immune system function.

• Decreased productivity: Thinking and perception are greatly impacted by lack of sleep, resulting in poor performance and productivity at work and school. A student with a crucial test in the morning would be better prepared by getting enough sleep than spending her time cramming.

• Risk of accident and error: Not surprisingly, lack of sleep can result in increased errors and accidents, and some of these can be life threatening. Studies have shown that medical professionals make more errors when they have not gotten enough sleep. “Drowsy driving” can be just as dangerous as drunk driving, and accounts for one in six deadly traffic accidents.

SO, WHAT CONSTITUTES GOOD SLEEP?

Most people are familiar with the guideline that children and teenagers need approximately 9-10 hours of sleep per night, and adults should aim for 7-8 hours. But there’s a little more to it than that. Pregnancy, aging, and physical health can all influence how much sleep a person needs. Healthy sleep also encompasses quality as well as quantity, meaning more time spent in deep (REM) sleep, which is the most restorative in terms of physical health and repair.

Committing to good “sleep hygiene” will ensure that you get the most out of your rest. Simple ways to improve the quality of your sleep include keeping your bedroom device and television-free, avoiding caffeine, nicotine, alcohol and large meals before bed, and maintaining a regular sleep schedule. Recent research has shown that the “blue light” emitted from cell phones, computers and televisions is particularly disruptive to quality sleep, so avoiding these devices for an hour before bed, and using them wisely during the day, may improve the caliber of your sleep.

For any questions about health insurance, contact Hillcrest Insurance Agency today (352) 383-8164.

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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

January 2015 ] 11

Kathy Thomas is an Acupuncturist and Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner located in Eustis. A graduate of Florida College of Integrative Medicine, Kathy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Professional Health Studies and a Master’s degree in Oriental Medicine. She established her own practice three years ago to offer safe, effective, and all-natural health

and wellness care to those in the Central Florida area.

With a particular interest in women’s health and fertility, as well as digestive, sleep, and mood disorders, Kathy specializes in custom herbal prescriptions. In addition, her acupuncture treatments work towards reaching the root cause of your symptoms, as well as the symptoms themselves.

Her recommendations for success are to find a good mentor in your field that has already made the common mistakes that a newcomer would make.

She is currently a sole practitioner, sharing a space at Bay Street Wellness with Drs. Besuden and Cooper, an esthetician, and two massage therapists. Her future hopes are to expand the office as her client base grows by adding a full time office manager. The day to day office demands are manageable so far, but she can see that in the future she will need to hand those responsibilities over so that she can devote her time to her patients.

When not seeing patients or helping to educate the public about Chinese medicine and how it helps the body heal itself, Kathy enjoys the performing arts as both spectator and performer, camping and other outdoor activities, and spending quality time with her husband James and her “furry kids”. She is active on Facebook at Lake Premier Wellness - Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, and you can also find more information about her practice at www.LakePremierWellness.com or contact her at Lake Premier Wellness Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, 2430 South Bay Street, Eustis, FL 32726, 352-323-0795.

KATHY THOMAS Submitted by Kathy Thomas [ BUSINESS FEATURE ]

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

12 [ TheConnection

• 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

[ COMMUNITY ] Submitted by: Lake Eustis Area Chamber of Commerce

EUSTIS, Florida – 2015 marks the 113th consecutive annual celebration of GeorgeFest, the 2nd oldest festival celebrating George Washington’s Birthday in the nation and the longest running festival of any kind in Florida. Sponsored by the Lake Eustis Chamber of Commerce and our proud partner, the City of Eustis, the festival is an important piece of living, local history. The theme of this year’s festival is “From Sea to Shining Sea” and is scheduled for February 27 – March 1, 2015.

History of GeorgeFestGeorgeFest is the longest

running festival celebrating George Washington’s birthday in the state of Florida and the second longest running festival in the country, second only to Laredo, TX. 2015 marks the 113th consecutive annual celebration in Eustis. No other city in Florida has as long-standing a tradition of a patriotic celebration in honor of America’s founding Father.

It all began rather inconspicuously: It centered around the Ocklawaha House, the oldest hotel in the area, on which construction began in 1876. When the hotel built by A.S. Pendry, a major attraction to tourists, was enlarged between 1902 and 1907, something other than the additional east wing was added. Residents decided to show their appreciation for their visitors by hosting a holiday on Feb 22, 1902 (some dressed as early

pioneers, while others as local native tribesman, to produce a pageant of the state’s early history).

While the format for the annual celebration, held on the day of George Washington’s birthday in 1732, changed constantly, several things remained the same. First, the festival

always attracted a crowd, and not just from those staying at the hotel. People from neighboring villages and towns would make the trip into town for the festivities. From a simple parade of bicycles and Model T’s, decorated with red, white and blue bunting, and a few other units on unpaved roads, the festival has grown in size and scope.

Over the years, GeorgeFest has gone from a one-day event to one that has spanned several weeks in the recent past. Attendance has grown from the original handful of locals to thousands of eager and patriotic fun seekers. The main theme has never changed over the 113 years since its inception - simply to have fun.

What is GeorgeFest?Sponsored by the Lake Eustis Chamber of Commerce

and our proud partner, the City of Eustis, the festival is an important piece of living, local history. The theme of this year’s festival will be “From Sea to Shining Sea.”

GeorgeFest 2015 promises to be full of fun and family entertainment, as it has been for the last 112 years! Come out

Lake Eustis Area Chamber of Commerce pleased to present GEORGEFEST 2015 – “FROM SEA TO SHINING SEA”

January 2015 ] 13

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and take part with pride in a triumphant celebration of our heroes, America’s founding Father, George Washington, and all that America stands for.

Why GeorgeFest?In the late 1870s, Senator Steven Wallace Dorsey

(R-Arkansas) proposed the unprecedented idea of adding “citizen” Washington’s birth date, February 22, to the four existing bank holidays previously approved in 1870.

In 1879, the Forty-fifth Congress deemed George Washington’s birth date, February 22, a historic date worthy of holiday recognition.

Washington was a man of his time: a farmer, and a soldier. Named commander-in-chief of the American Continental army, he led the colonies to victory over England, securing independence for an infant nation. His political leadership led to his election as president of the 1787 Constitutional Convention. Once the states ratified the Constitution, he was elected the first President of the United States, completing two terms.

Everything about George Washington was entwined with the evolution of a young nation. His name was associated with virtue, honesty, strength, courage, and patriarchal leadership. Schools, bridges, towns, the national capital, and even a state were named in his honor.

The federal holiday, Washington’s Birthday, honors the accomplishments of the man who has been referred to, for over two centuries, as “The Father of his Country”. Celebrated for his leadership in the founding of the nation, he was the Electoral College’s unanimous choice to become the first President; he was seen as a unifying force for the new republic and set an example for future holders of the office.

The holiday also pays tribute to the general who created the first military badge of merit for the common soldier.

Revived on Washington’s 200th birthday in 1932, the Purple Heart recognizes injuries received in battle. Like Memorial Day and Veterans Day, Washington’s Birthday weekend offers another opportunity to honor the country’s veterans.

ActivitiesIn the weeks leading to the festival, several activities will

be offered, including: February 7, 2015- Dueling Pianos and February 21, 2015- Inaugural GeorgeFest 5k. Activities of the festival include:

• Carnival

• Parade

• Fireworks

• Food, and craft vendors

• Live entertainment

• Annual Georgefest Chamber Breakfast

• Queen and King Coronation

• Patriotic storefront contest

• Button drawing

Please contact Christie Bobbitt at (352) 357-3434 or [email protected] for more information.

14 [ TheConnection

[ CALENDAR OF EVENTS // JANUARY ]Sponsored by eSportsPhoto

Thursday, January 1, 2015 New Year’s Day Chamber ClosedFriday, January 2, 2015 Chamber ClosedFriday, January 2, 2015 7:30-8:30am Leads Group Olivia’s Coffeehouse, 113 North Bay Street, Eustis

Monday, January 5, 2015 12-1pm GeorgeFest Committee Meeting Chamber Office

Tuesday, January 6, 2015 12 – 1pm Leads Group Lake Technical Center, 2001 Kurt Street, Eustis

Thursday, January 8, 2015 7:15-8:30am Chamber Breakfast Eustis Community Center, 601 Northshore Drive, Eustis

Friday, January 9, 2015 7:30-8:30am Leads Group (C) Olivia’s Coffeehouse, 113 North Bay Street, Eustis

Friday, January 9, 2015 6-10pm Eustis LIVE! Happy New Year Downtown Eustis


Tuesday, January 13, 2015 12-1pm Leads Group Lake Technical Center, 2001 Kurt Street, Eustis

Tuesday, January 13, 2015 5-8pm Food Truck Rally Downtown Eustis

Thursday, January 15, 2015 4:30-6:30pm Florida Hospital Waterman Business After Hours Florida Hospital Waterman, 1000 Waterman Way, Tavares

Thursday, January 15th 2015 5:30-7:30pm After Hours Event, New Year, New You: How Paleo Lifestyle Changes Lives & Your Waistline: The Nan Cobb Story Lake Eustis Chamber of Commerce Building

Friday, January 16, 2015 7:30-8:30am Leads Group Olivia’s Coffeehouse, 113 North Bay Street, Eustis

Tuesday, January 20, 2015 12-1pm Leads Group Lake Technical Center, 2001 Kurt Street, Eustis

Thursday, January 22, 2015 5:30-7pm Crossfit CIC/Greater Events Business After Hours 2750 Dillard Road, Eustis



Tuesday, January 27, 2015 12-1pm • Leads Group Lake Technical Center, 2001 Kurt Street, Eustis


Tired? Achy? Bloated? Sinuses stuffy? Skin itch? Frequent heartburn or headaches? Weight keeps going up despite exercise and watching your diet? Allergic reactions can manifest as any of these symptoms along with a host of more. Hidden food allergies and side effects from medications have been known to create a slow, steady war inside of our bodies, like a wildfire smoldering underground that no one can see. Let us show you how following a Paleo Lifestyle and an Elimination/Reintroduction program can help you achieve your optimal wellness.

Join us for an After Hours Event, New Year, New You: How Paleo Lifestyle Changes Lives & Your Waistline, Thursday, January 15th 2015 from 5:30-7:30pm at Lake Eustis Chamber of Commerce Building, Bay Street, Eustis for a “real life story” of how one woman’s life is changed forever. The Nan Cobb Story.

“It’s time for a change, a lifestyle change. It’s time for you to be in control of how you feel.

It will be the best investment in your life. The only thing you have to lose is fear, doubt and the waistline! I’ve lost 115 lbs. It’s the best I’ve felt in my entire life. It works, I promise!”

-Nan Cobb

January 2015 ] 15

Happy New Year! New Year’s Day often brings sighs of relief that the old year is gone, and a gasp of hope that the new year will be happy and prosperous. Yet the scars and traumas of the old year leaves lasting impressions that are not soon forgotten. We may have a new calendar with new goals and

aspirations, but our habits and memories are stuck in the old.

The Apostle Paul advises what to do: “This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize” (Philippians 3:13-14). We have to decide to forget the bad memories and habits, and constantly reach forward toward God’s goals for us. This is not a flippant New Year’s resolution.

This takes a daily commitment to reach forward and press toward God’s will for us.

Where does God want you to be at the end of 2015? God wants you to be a whole person: body, soul, and mind. We do a good job with the physical, material stuff, but not so well on the spiritual, soul stuff. God wants you to be a healthy spiritual being, as well as a healthy physical and emotional being. We cannot be our best if we neglect the eternal part of ourselves.

Jesus promised that if we pay attention to our spiritual relationship with God, everything else in life will fall in place: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).

Reach forward and press toward God’s will, and you will have a Happy New Year!

Submitted by: Alan Holden (Midway Baptist Church)

NEW YEAR BLESSINGSWritten 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

On Friday, November 21st, the Lake Eustis Area Chamber of Commerce took its members back to the Roaring 20s with the 2014 Annual Service Awards and Gala - Puttin’ on the Ritz. The red carpet was rolled out by Classic Tents & Events for all who entered the Eustis Community Center, where the evening began with cocktails and a casino hour. The Eustis Historical Museum provided the dealers for our casino and all guests were treated to a take-home portrait by eSportsPhoto, as well as some fun with 20s props in the selfie station. Wine glasses, courtesy of Karen Sartele, were the other gift to guests.

The evening was made possible by our sponsors:

Presenting Sponsors: Classic Tents & Events, LLC

Hillcrest Insurance Agency, Inc. Karen Sartele, ReMax Premier

Top Hat Sponsors:

ASK Cleaning Services City of Eustis

Lake County Department of Economic Development & Tourism United Southern Bank

Black Tie Sponsors:

Bronson Ace Hardware BusinessMasters.Net

CenterState Bank Cobb’s Triangle Tractor

Conger-Miranda Financial Consulting Group Florida Hospital Waterman Harden Pauli Funeral Home

Joanne Keller, ARNP Seacoast Bank

SECO Promotions to read: Striking Effects Promotions

TD Bank Ultimate Leads Connection Group

This year marked a change to our process in that all Chamber members were given the opportunity to vote for the winners of the 2014 Service Awards. All of our nominees were stellar representatives of serving the Eustis community. The winners will be forwarded onto the County for consideration for the next level of Service Awards.

GALA REWIND

January 2015 ] 17

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

Karen Sartele, SFR, FSP,ABR, CIPS, TRC, CPDE, CIASREALTOR®

352-223-3799 cellFax: 866-311-2947

[email protected]

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

Arts/Culture: Eustis Historical Museum & Preservation Society Public Service: Emogene Stegall

Education: Kyleen Fischer Leadership: Dianne Kramer

Humanitarian: Rachel Holtzclaw and B.E. Thompson Public Safety: Lt. Dave Hubbard

Entrepreneur: Lance Pauli Sports/Athletics: Pat Burke

Small Business Achievement: Village Framer & Art Gallery Medium Business Achievement: Cobb’s Tractor

Large Business Achievement: Beef O’Brady’s President’s Choice: Michael Holland

Hall of Fame Award: Nan Cobb, Classic Tents & Events,LLC

Two awards were presented at the November 13th Chamber Breakfast. They were:

Volunteer of the Year: Karen Sartele Ambassador of the Year: Jessica Quinones

18 [ TheConnection

Construction of the State Theatre in Eustis began in 1916. In addition to serving as a vaudeville theatre, it was also designed as a venue for the latest craze in mass entertainment, “moving pictures,” hence the presence of one of the largest “photo play” pipe organs in the Southeast. In fact, the first sound motion picture, The Jazz Singer starring Al Jolson, had its southern premier at the State before theaters in Tampa and Miami. In addition to its regular fare, the State also presented chorales and orchestral music programs throughout the Depression. Above the theater proper, the second story housed professional offices until the 1950’s. In later decades, with vaudeville dying out, live performances at the State died with them, and the building became solely a movie theater. Many Eustis residents of a certain age remember Saturday afternoons at the State, viewing such cinematic classics as The African Queen and The Blob. In 1974 however, even the movies were gone, and the building sat empty.

In 1975 a small group of theater aficionados re-discovered the vacant State Theatre building, and with visions of bringing live performances back to Eustis, promptly moved in and began the arduous task of renovation. Crammed with decades of trash, broken furniture, and mountains of dirt, the theater was a fascinating, if daunting, history of downtown. The founding members of the Bay Street Players, Deborah Carpenter, Dale Carpenter, Charlene Smith, and Lou Tally, had to empty and haul and scrub and paint for months to make the building even minimally useful. In July of that year, they opened a successful run of Hello, Dolly, and finished only marginally in the red. The following year they mounted eight shows, and the Bay Street Players became permanently established. By 1986, BSP owned the building outright.

Since 1976, BSP has been improving the lives of children through the experience, educational training, and performance of theatrical arts.

Young People’s Theatre is the oldest continually running children’s theatre program in Central Florida. Students ages 7 – 18

[ CHARITY SPOTLIGHT ] Sponsored by Lake Eustis Area Chamber of Commerce

BAY STREET PLAYERSlearn and create in year-round performance classes that end with full scale productions. Teamwork is emphasized as they learn dance routines, music and lines.

The YPT school tour consists of advanced students, ages 12 to 18, who tour yearly with a free production presented to more than 6,000 Lake County elementary students.

The State Theatre has undergone two major renovations since the Bay Street Players took it over. The first, in the early 80’s, pushed the auditorium wall back to allow more room for seating, and modernized the lobby and restrooms. The second, done in 2005 with the help of a state grant, restored the building’s facade to its original 1922 appearance. Future renovation dreams include a new roof, electrical system, and expanded lobby.

The Bay Street Players are honored to have made the State Theatre their home. They have a thriving main stage schedule of five plays yearly; the Young People’s Theatre, the longest continual theater program of its kind in Central Florida, is growing and the recently added second stage series, The Bay Street Project continues to gain in popularity. Soon BSP will celebrate 40 years at the State, and we are looking forward joyfully to the next 40!

The Bay Street Players is a volunteer organization. In fact, the success of Bay Street Players is largely owed to the loving spirit of our many volunteers. Our volunteers are the heart and soul of Bay Street Players, as well as the builders of sets and costumes; the stagehands and actors who combine their talents and provide wonderful performances.

BSP has a vast number of volunteer opportunities from acting to ushering, and sewing to building. We have needs which can take up as little or as much of your time as you wish. So fill your leisure time with fun - and treat yourself to a new experience!

Call the box office at 352-357-7777 for more information about how you can share your time and talents with Bay Street Players - your community theatre!

January 2015 ] 19

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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.

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[ January 2015

The Connection - January 2015

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