The Connection December 2014

COVER STORY

The Dolce Mattina Life- - - - - - - - - - - - -

INSIDE DEC. 2014Hearts and Hands

Ministries - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Dr. Alan HoldenMidway Baptist Church

www.bestversionmedia.com

Serving The Lake Eustis Area Chamber of Commerce - December 2014

TheConnectionYour chamber of choice.

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ACTIVE

G4805197 31321 707 Coach N Four Dr., Leesburg 1008 sq. ft. 2/2 $49,900

G4805187 19201 Twin Ponds Rd., Umatilla 1404 sq .ft. 3/2 $119,900

G4805207 37215 Mill Stream Ct., Eustis 1673 sq. ft. 3/2 $259,900

G4804756 2601 Shoemaker Ln., Mt. Dora 2534 sq. ft. 3/3 $375,000

PENDING

G 4707287 301 Redwood Ct., Tavares 1379 sq. ft. 2/1.5 $69,900

G4802216 41300 Dixie Ave., Umatilla 2088 sq. ft. 3/2 $165,000

G4804633 2708 Grand Island Rd., Eustis 2292 sq. ft. 3/2 $275,000

G4801142 2477 Lakeshore Dr., Mt. Dora 3856 sq. ft. 5/3.5 $549,900

SOLD

G4804521 17033 Pine Ridge Dr., Umatilla 1146 sq. ft. 2/1.5 $68,000 *DOM 4

G4802120 5580 Freeport Dr., Tavares 1512 sq. ft. 2/2 $152,500 *DOM 6

G4801526 659 George Ct., Mount Dora 1667 sq. ft. 3/2.5 $203,000 *DOM 62

G4802955 37145 Apiary Rd., Grand Island 33811 sq. ft. 4/3.5 $484,777 *DOM 34

*DOM (Days on Market)

Sue has 31 years experience in real estate.Sue has a real estate broker’s license and following designations.

Tyre & Taylor Realty, Inc.

Sue Hooperjoins

• GRI (Graduate Realtor Institute) • ASP (Accredited Staging Professional)• CSA (Certified Site Agent) • ACSA (Advanced Certified Agent II)

In addition, Sue has a degree in Interior Design Technology andis the owner of Inspired Designs an interior design company.

Call Sue at352 636-5221

Sue would love to help you with all your real estate needs!

[ SPONSORED BY: COLDWELL BANKER ] Sue Hooper, Realtor

REAL ESTATE UPDATE

December 2014 ] 3

“Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with your marketing.” - Mike Volpe, Chief Marketing Officer of Hubspot

As we close out 2014 and welcome 2015, The Chamber would like to remind you of the opportunities we provide to promote your business. The three most popular opportunities are sponsoring a monthly breakfast, holding a ribbon cutting, and hosting a business after hours.

When you sponsor a breakfast your business is highlighted in all event promotion including The Connection Magazine, The Chamber Chatter, and social media. In addition, your business will be on all breakfast materials. This is a popular choice, and we only have 4 open sponsorships dates left for 2015.

We also offer ribbon cuttings, and you don’t have to be a new business to take advantage of this great event. You only need to be new to the Chamber, celebrating a key milestone or a new location. A ribbon cutting can take place at either 9:00 a.m. or 5:30 p.m. during the week. It is an excellent opportunity to get your business recognized. If you are a home-based business, we will happily perform the ribbon cutting at the Chamber Office. All ribbon cuttings are promoted on social media and printed in The Connection Magazine. Ribbon cuttings can be a solo event or combined with a business after hours.

Many businesses like to host a business after hours. This event is where you open your location to Chamber members and the public to be able to showcase your products and services. Often refreshments are served and door prizes are offered. Some businesses will work together on a business after hour’s event to share the expenses. Your business after hours does not have to be coordinated through the Chamber, however if you would like it to be a Chamber event, we will be designating the second Thursday and the fourth Tuesday of each month for business after hours events. If you would like to do an independent event, the Chamber will send a complimentary eBlast, list the event on our calendar, and include it in our Chamber Chatter. If you would like it to be a Chamber event, we will send the eBlast, feature it in the Chamber Chatter and The Connection Magazine, and collect RSVPs for you.

If you have not tried one of these great marketing options (or even if you have tried them all), make 2015 a great year by including one of these events on your calendar.

If you would like to take advantage of any of these three promotional opportunities for your business, please contact the Chamber office at (352) 357-3434 or [email protected]. We will be happy to get your sponsorship or event scheduled.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEJodie McEwen - President

Hillcrest Insurance Agency, IncJerry Cobb - President Elect

Cobb’s TractorJ. Fernando Ramirez - Past President

Florida Hospital WatermanRobin Austin - Treasurer

TD Bank

BOARD OF DIRECTORSEmanuele Fano - New York Life

Bill Gay - Straight Line Communications, Inc.Jordan Hawkins - United Southern Bank

Kathy Judkins - Sumter Electric Cooperative (SECO)Joanne Keller - Joanne M. Keller, ARNP

Tom Miranda - Wells Fargo AdvisorsJessica Quinones - Seacoast National Bank

Craig Regan - Bronson Ace HardwareMary Rhodes - The Mortgage Firm, Inc

Kevin Robson - BusinessMasters.NetJeff Stephan - Stephan Financial ServicesJeanne Sutton - Tyre and Taylor Realty

Karen Sartele - Realtor

YOUR CHAMBER STAFFChristie Bobbitt - Executive Director

Katie Brett - Communications and Events DirectorBonnie Mayo - Special Events Staff

YOUR CHAMBER AMBASSADORSColleen Campagnari - Pro Auto Care

Nicki Coyle - Individual Emanuele Fano - Fano Insurance Services

Ellen Jordan - Tupperware ContractorKellie Keith - Home Companions Senior CareJessica Quinones - Seacoast National Bank

Mary Rhodes - The Mortgage Firm, Inc. Gary and Jennifer Slater - Best Version Media

Jeannie Sutton - Tyre and Taylor RealtySue Hooper - Inspired Designs

Barb Yaussy - CenterState BankLaurie MacKillip - Star Security

CHAMBER TRUSTEE PARTNERS

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.

2014 Trustee PartnersHillcrest Insurance CompanyKaren Sartele - Realtor

For more information on the Community Trustee Partner program contact us at [email protected] or call (352) 357-3434.

DEAR MEMBERS,

Any content, resident 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.

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• The Village Framer covered the cost of admission for all visitors to the Lake Eustis Museum of Art for September and October.

• Sterling House Tavares has changed its name to Brookdale Tavares.• BankFIRST has merged with and changed its name to Seacoast

National Bank.

Do you have any news you want people to hear about your business? Contact the Chamber at [email protected] or (352) 357-3434 so we can get you added to our newest magazine section.

Did You Hear...?

The Rev. Dr. W. H. Volland (“Woody”) is the Senior Minister at Epiphany Celebration Anglican

Church on Bay St., one block south of the Chamber building.

Woody has lived in various places along the east coast, depending on his career at the time. He has worked for the State of Florida as a training consultant, was a Presidential Man-agement Intern in the Executive Office of the President, ran a non-profit ministry in the New England states, and was Director of Human Resource Strategic Planning for Ciba-Geigy Corp. in New York.

Woody has both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Public Administration, a Master’s in Divinity and a Doctorate in Ministry (Preaching). He has been an

ordained minister since 1990 and has lived in Mount Dora since 2002. His wife, Nancy, is a pharmaceutical rep. They have five children and a Golden Retriever named Chancey.

CHAMBER BREAKFAST GUEST SPEAKER

EPIPHANY CELEBRATION ANGLICAN CHURCHDecember Breakfast Sponsored by Epiphany Celebration Anglican Church

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 Contributors

A 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 - PastorKathy Thomas - Acupuncture

Betty Ainslie - Skin CareDr. Tracie Wilson - Veterinarian

Karen Carroll - AflacJennifer Slater - Photography

Jodie McEwen - InsuranceDr. Wade Winker - Dentist

Eric Blamick - Financial AdvisorCountry Club of Mt Dora

- Country ClubFlorida Hospital Waterman

- Hospital

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].


DECEMBER BREAKFAST ANNOUNCEMENT:The Chamber will be hosting a School Supply Drive to benefit the Eustis area schools during the December Breakfast. Please bring pencils, pens, notebook paper, spiral notebooks, crayons, and markers.

RSVP: To the Chamber office at [email protected]

[ COMMUNITY ] Submitted by: Eustis Chamber

On Thursday, October 23rd, the Lake Eustis Area Chamber of Commerce proudly sponsored a Community Hob Nob. The event was a true partnership with Eustis High School. The Chamber had the opportunity to work with numerous students and student organizations to teach them how to put together an event. The students worked on many skills necessary to being successful in the business world, including delegation, communications, and time management. In addition to these skills, students were able to learn about the political process. The product of the students’ hard work was an event giving Eustis residents the opportunity to support local schools and meet the candidates for Eustis City Commission and Lake County School Board. Through the generous support of the Lake County Supervisor of Elections Office, a straw poll was also completed.

Since Eustis High received a $1,000 donation from the City of Eustis and Lake Eustis Area Chamber of Commerce in August, the students paid the Hob Nob proceeds forward. The result was a donation of $1,154 to Eustis Heights Elementary for their classroom book project.

COMMUNITY HOB NOB

Jennifer and Gary Slater - Your publishers

December 2014 ] 5

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

The October 9th Breakfast was sponsored by Best Version Media with guest speakers, Jennifer and Gary Slater.

On October 3rd, Eustis turned downtown pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Lisa Vining- Origami Owl, hosted a Business After Hours to introduce the new line on October 16th.

Hand in Hand Lake County celebrated the Grand Opening of their first facility in Eustis on October 28th.

LEMA helps local children decorate pumpkins at the Halloween Bash in Ferran Park on October 31st.

WE NOTICED

New Members:Adventure Sports

ManagementBob Evans Restaurant

Dahler’s Delicious Southern Sweets

Lake Premier Wellness Acupuncture and

Oriental MedicineNerium

Oakwood Smokehouse & Grill

Samantha’s Spices & Tinkle Box

The Computer DoctorThe Salty Mare

Renewing Members:Akers Media/Healthy

Living MagazineAll County Collision & Repair

BB & TBMO Harris Bank

Boulevard TireEustis Business Alliance

Eustis Heights ElementaryEustis High School

Eustis Veterinary HospitalHome Companions

Senior CareKevco Builders, Inc.

MidFlorida Agencies- BCBSThe Great Pizza Company

My Favorite ThingsRoy Baker Band

St. Luke’s Free Dental & Medical Clinic

Massey Services, Inc.New Vision for

Independence, Inc.Pro Auto Care

Trout Lake Nature Center, Inc.

Vangie Berry SignatuAre RealtyWells Fargo


Tom Popieski and Jessica Quinones from Seacoast (formerly BankFIRST) accept the October “We Noticed” award. The bank was selected for their community involvement and support.

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Contributed by: Florida Hospital Waterman

www.lisa.origamiowl.com

LISA VINING 425-879-7076

What is yours?

Every locket tells a story...

Karen Carroll352-385-7536

[email protected]

NEW YEAR. NEW YOU. NOW IS THE TIME.Florida Hospital Waterman can help you on the road to a healthier you.

Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s … the holiday season is a busy time of the year but once complete, it is the perfect time to do something for you. No more worrying about things like where to go shopping, who to invite for dinner, how much food to buy or how to find the perfect gift. Now it’s time to focus on you in the New Year.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one third of U.S. adults (37.5 percent), and almost 17 percent of children between ages 2 and 9 years old are obese.

“Florida is number 10 on the list of most obese states, with 25.2 percent of residents self-reporting obesity, “says Anielka Rodriguez, MD, family medicine. “It doesn’t have to be drastic, but people need to start making some changes.”

What’s best for You? The American Heart Association recommends at least 150

minutes per week of moderate exercise, or 75 minutes per week of vigorous activity. “An easy way to remember is 30 minutes per day, five times a week,” Dr. Rodriguez says. “But people shouldn’t freak out. No one expects you to go from zero to ‘I’ve changed my address to the local gym.” Dr. Rodriguez suggests you divide the time into several 10- to 15-minute segments per day, or if you already have an exercise-oriented lifestyle, you can bulk it into 25

minutes or more of vigorous aerobic activity at least three times a week. “Using the extra free time some of us experience after the holidays is a perfect time to start,” she says.

Jumpstart Your EngineThe benefits of engaging in an exercise routine are enormous,

not only from a physical and medical standpoint, but also spiritually. “It can improve your quality of life,” Dr. Rodriguez says. “You will feel refreshed, have more energy, will be able to concentrate better and will sleep better. Consider it the jumpstart for your engine.” Russell Pate, PhD, professor in the Department of Exercise at the University of South Carolina agrees. “Our bodies were designed to be physically active, and they don’t do well with long-term exposure to sedentary living, “he says. “Getting active helps combat depression, anxiety and more.”

Get help to start your exercise routine, visit FH Waterman.com for a complete listing of Florida Hospital Waterman physicians.

December 2014 ] 7

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]

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.

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

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[ MEMBER OF THE MONTH ] by Cathy Jones

DOLCE MATTINA

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

French macarons have arrived here in Lake County. Light of texture yet heavy with flavor, French macarons are elegant little treats filled with an assortment of flavors between two slightly crisp outer shells with mildly moist centers. Traditionally filled with ganache, buttercreams, or jams - they are limited only by imagination in their versatility. Each one is unique and handmade with the freshest ingredients by Rosann Evans at Dolce Mattina in Eustis.

Rosann Evans spent 20 years as a stay-at-home mom homeschooling to her nine adopted children. Once they were older, she began working for Deaf and Hearing Services. Her inspirations in the kitchen were blossomed with her desire to learn the origins and history of different food cultures. She has always enjoyed traveling and incorporates food learning with each location she visits.

She began making French macarons as a personal challenge. She had learned from an episode of Gordon Ramsey’s “MasterChef” that macarons were extremely difficult to master. She took the challenge to heart and mastered the art of macarons. She found that she had a knack for making them and loves creating new flavors. Her very favorite thing is watching someone taste their first one. Usually there is a little pause, then a sigh, then “Oh, my! I didn’t expect them to be this good!”

With her children grown and a low-maintenance financial lifestyle, she felt it was time to go full time. Her desire at this time is to remain small and without a storefront, this allows her to work with people and businesses whose events can be elevated from special to spectacular with the addition of her tasty treats, homemade ravioli and sauces.

When Rosann decided to leave her job and take Dolce Mattina full time, she attended a volunteer meeting for the Amazing Race for Charity and heard race director Tim Totten talk about the fundraising event. She thought, “Hmmmm, this guy knows everyone around here.” She emailed him and asked if he would be willing to help launch her business when the Amazing Race was done. He said, “Sure.” He has been ridiculously helpful. His advice and direction has been spot on. Rosann states, “He has taken tons of time with me and introduced me to fabulous, interesting people. His goal for me is that when people meet me, they say, ‘Oh, you’re the macaron lady.’ And it’s working.”

“Dolce Mattina” means “sweet morning” in Italian, and Mattina

is also her maiden name. Rosann has visited Italy and is in awe of the customer service when making purchases of any type. She loves that in Italy when you go into a shop and buy the smallest item, it’s handled with respect and even wrapped. If you go into a large pastry shop and buy 2 little cookies, they put them on a tray and wrap them. If you get a piece of fruit in a restaurant, it comes in a little wrapped package on a plate with silverware. There is so much respect for food and customers. She brings that mindset to her business.

She has been faced with a few challenges; the biggest is education. Many people don’t know what a French macaron is. They think they are macaroons (with two o’s) aka coconut cookies. A macaroon may be all right, but a French macaron is fabulous! They can be colored and flavored to fit any occasion.

If you order macarons from Dolce Mattina, they will be in a pretty box lined with tissue paper and tied with ribbon or bakers twine. She

always tries to include an extra macaron with each order. Rosann wants every transaction to be about more than money exchanging hands. Rosann says, “I respect the products that go into my macarons (and the ravioli and sauces) and I so appreciate the privilege to being invited to be part of my customer’s lives. I don’t buy the puree for my fruit fillings – I make my own. I don’t buy the limoncello for the limoncello macarons – I make my own. I make my own rose syrup for the rose macarons, etc. Whenever I can make an ingredient myself I take the time and effort to do so because then I know the quality of my product is all that it

can be.” She is passionate about her food and about customer service.Rosann resides in Eustis with her 1-year-old cat Hank, whom she says

is a hoot and a holler. She loves being part of a small town and the vibe in Eustis is exhilarating. Since becoming a full-timer with her business she has started to become more involved with the community and the Chamber. Rosann says, “I didn’t expect how much I’m enjoying being a part of Eustis community. I hadn’t had the opportunity before to get involved and I’ve found everyone not only welcoming but also very helpful. That’s been a bonus for me.”

Contact Rosann for your holiday and sweet treat needs today by phone 352-978-1088. Email [email protected]. And don’t forget to check out her website www.dolcemattina.com for specials and online ordering.

Law Office of Judy A. StewartCriminal Law and Family Law

(352) 742-4777

311 E. Main St.Tavares, FL 32778

www.AttorneyJudyStewart.com

Product is naturally gluten free

December 2014 ] 9

1050 N. Bay Street ◆ Eustis, FL 32726

352.602.4729Rough Country Dealer

4x4 Parts & Accessories Car Wash & Detail

Dr. Alan Holden has been in the ministry for more than 30 years. He grew up in South Carolina and attended a small church with his family. At the age of 12 he was saved and was immediately given various jobs and responsibilities within the church. When he was 16, two ladies from the congregation thought he should begin preaching, and he did. He had been the pastor in several churches across South Carolina and New York prior to landing in Lake County. After serving five years as Lake County Hospice Chaplain, he took on the role of pastor at Midway Baptist Church.

When he arrived at the doors of Midway Baptist, the church had fallen on hard times with a new building and hefty mortgage. He presented a plan to the congregation that they would be debt free within four years. They were skeptical, but gave him the chance to prove himself. He was successful in many ways; with a paid off mortgage earlier than planned, the congregation decided he knew what he was doing and has given him their full respect and support.

Dr. Holden offers many services to his congregation and community that include counseling and the use of the premises for weddings and memorials. He feels strongly in his desire to help people change their lives for the better. With the growing needs of the community, he has begun to offer more ministry points in an effort to reach more people. His vision for the future is large and he is well on his way to achieving goals that will bring the vision to fruition.

Dr. Holden said, “A personal relationship with God will open more opportunities than you can ever imagine. “ He is definitely proving that with the good works that he is accomplishing within his congregation.

He has started the process of creating a school and daycare, and hopes to someday acquire property adjacent to the church to assist Florida children who have aged out of the foster system. He has already started the Lake-Sumter Bible College and has a growing student attendance. With his small congregation, they are banding together to achieve great things with teachers, caregivers and shared passions to help those who need it. Dr. Holden strongly believes that in both personal and business pursuits “we all need resources and the most untapped resource is spirituality.” If you dream it, you can achieve it with the strength and power of the God Almighty.

Dr. Holden and Cathy,

his wife, live in Lake County with their 4 cats. Their desires to keep Midway Baptist small in size assists in maintain a personal approach to the pastor. Dr. Holden enjoys that fact that there is no guessing if he is satisfying the members; they are very forward in telling him where he stands. He is also enlightened by the overly generous, friendly and helpful people that are in and around Lake County. They have maintained the traditional nature of the church by singing hymns from the hymnal and southern gospel songs by the choir. Sunday School classes begin at 9:30 with classes for children grades 1-6 , youth grades 7-12, Ladies only and coed (with more on the horizon) and worship begins at 10:30am and 6pm on Sundays. They are located at 32707 Blossom Lane in Leesburg or call Dr. Holden at 352-314-3080 if you need assistance or desire further information regarding Midway Baptist Church.

A CHURCH HELPING THE COMMUNITY Submitted by: Alan Holden (Midway Baptist Church) [ BUSINESS FEATURE ]

10 [ TheConnection

[ HEALTH ] Contributed by: Joanne Keller

• 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

Waiting for Proof approval

JOANNE KELLER, ARNP

The Paleo diet is based upon the idea of eating the foods our bodies were designed for through thousands of years of evolution. These foods were available to early people through hunting and gathering [meat and fish, nuts and seeds, fruits and vegetables]. During modern times, advances in technology have made other forms of food available for consumption [grains, dairy, and processed foods], which are not as easy for our bodies to digest. The foods recommended in the Paleo diet generally provide our bodies with more efficient, long-lasting energy that also aid in burning fat. The Paleo Diet is considered to be optimal for digestion, blood sugar regulation, metabolism, and sleep.

The menu includes a wide variety of meats, Poultry, Fish, Eggs, Colorful Fruits and Vegetables, Healthy fats from coconut, avocado, pastured fatty cuts of meat, grass fed butter, olive oil, and some nuts and seeds.

Foods to AVOID are All Grains, Pasteurized dairy, Soy, Legumes (especially peanuts/peanut butter, Refined Sugar, and Alcohol. Leaky Gut is a not-so-fancy way of talking about “increased intestinal permeability”. Typically, people that eat or have eaten grains and legumes for a long time are prone to getting Leaky Gut. When you have Leaky Gut, small perforations in your small intestinal lining allow larger-than-desired food particles to pass through and enter the bloodstream. This leads not only to malabsorption, but it also triggers an ongoing immune response in your body. When the food gets through the lining in that manner, the body perceives it as invasive and initiates an immune response. This is problematic, because being on “high alert” all the time lessens the effectiveness of your immune system.

Leaky gut may result in digestive symptoms like bloating, gas, constipation or diarrhea, but often presents itself as more complex symptoms like food allergies, eczema and rashes, migraines, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, weight gain, blood sugar issues including Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, Hashimoto’s thyroid syndrome, mood issues including depression, anxiety and even schizophrenia, infertility and a whole range of autoimmune conditions.

Dietary intervention is extremely helpful in healing leaky gut and there are several gut healing protocols like the GAPS diet, the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD), Body Ecology Diet (BED) and the Autoimmune Paleo Protocol. What all of these diets have in common is the removal of problematic foods, like gluten, hard-to-digest grains, legumes, sugars and starches, and the inclusion of healing foods like bone broths, pasture-raised meats, organically grown vegetables, healing fats and naturally cultured or fermented foods.

Avoid these foods on a gut healing protocol: • Grains• Legumes• Dairy

PALEO LIFESTYLE: A HEALTHIER YOU• Sugars• Unhealthy oils (corn, vegetable, soybean, cottonseed)• Alcohol and caffeine• Excessive carbohydrate consumption• Individuals with autoimmune disease may want to limit or omit: • Nightshades (potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants, peppers)• Nuts and Seeds• Eggs (eggs whites in particular)Individuals with autoimmune disease may want to limit or omit: • Nightshades (potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants, peppers)• Nuts and Seeds• Eggs (eggs whites in particular)By removing the foods outlined above, you should be able to reduce

overall body inflammation and assist in restoring gut health. Certain foods, however, should be incorporated into your Paleo Diet to accelerate the healing process. Probiotic rich foods are essential. The gut is home to roughly 100 trillion organisms, and many gut related problems stem from loss of gut flora diversity. These foods are tremendously rich in probiotics and should be consumed regularly:

• Fermented vegetables (sauerkraut, kimchi)• Kombucha• A multi-species dairy-free probiotic supplement can also be equally

beneficial• Bone Broth, rich in glycine, gelatin, and glutamine which is essential

for intestinal repair• Fermentable fibers, like sweet potatoes• Healthy fats sources including pasture raised animals, avocado, coconut

oil, pure olive oil• Omega-3 rich foods like seafood and salmonIn our practice, we work extensively with clients who are addressing

leaky gut and other gut issues (like Candida overgrowth, parasites and IBS) and in addition to a healing diet, we may recommend supplements or other measures to improve digestion, balance blood sugar handling, replenish deficient minerals and support hormonal balance. However, even if you aren’t working with a practitioner, you can begin to support your gut health today by removing the problematic foods and including gut-healing foods.

While these dietary changes may seem overwhelming, it is important to remember that making them will keep you healthy, put many diseases into remission, and prevent dozens of other diseases from developing. For the vast majority of people, using diet to prioritize gut health will mean a lifetime of good health.

December 2014 ] 11

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

12 [ TheConnection

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December 2014 ] 13

Hearts & Hands Ministries was founded in Jan. 2005, with Hugh and Vivien Russell giving baskets of food to needy families in Eustis. Along with other community leaders, Hugh remains on our Board of Directors. We moved to our current, larger location in September 2011. With the additional space, were able to grow our Variety Store. The Variety Store is responsible for funding the vast majority of our operations. We accept donations throughout the Golden Triangle, either through customer drop offs, or through a pick-up/delivery system with our own truck. These donations are then reasonably priced & resold at our Variety Store, providing funds to enable the purchase of food for over 850 North Lake County families, twice a month. We are truly a homespun, local ministry, serving the families of our communities.

Hearts & Hands is a Mobile Food Pantry with 9 sites throughout Lake County. We have distribution sites in Altoona, Umatilla, Groveland, Mt. Dora, Leesburg, Paisley and Tavares, with three additional senior centers in Eustis. Our warehouse is adjacent to the Variety Store. With the help of over 100 volunteers, we provide non-perishables, meats, breads, desserts and produce to eligible families the first and third Friday of every month. Hearts & Hands makes a weekly trip to Second Harvest in Orlando to acquire the food for distribution. Locally, businesses such as Save-A-Lot, Publix, Winn Dixie and Bayse Janitorial, provide essential items for preparation & distribution to our recipient families. Lastly, we also work with various local churches, other food pantries and non-profits to provide families with additional services for the betterment of their overall wellbeing.

Please feel free to visit us at our Grove St. location, or visit us on our website at www.heartsandhandsministres.com. We welcome visitors, and we are always looking for volunteers to share in our efforts. Lastly, if you would care to make a donation, please feel free to call us at 352-589-4011. As mentioned, we would be happy to pick up your donations to our Variety Store, just give us a call. Finally, we are extremely grateful for the efforts of all of our communities and their continued support of our ministry. We would not be able to reach the people we do, without them.

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

In the last installment we skimmed the surface on the topic of allergies in our canine friends. Allergies have been described as an over reactive immune response. Sources of allergies were identified as bacterial, contact, fleas, food, and inhalant, which seems to be the most frustrating not only to diagnose, but also to treat successfully. Just like people, canines can be allergic or sensitive to just about any substance or combination of substances. In this installment we can but touch on the diagnosis and treatment of the different types of allergies. (We will not address the treatment of flea allergy or contact allergy in this brief overview.)

Diagnosis of an allergy is often complicated, because every single pet is very different. Different environments, foods, grasses, trees, shampoos … the list goes on. It takes a rather long series of detective questions and sometimes some testing to be accurate. Allergy testing can be done in different ways. Skin testing is still done and can be very accurate and specific, although not inexpensive. Serum allergy testing, while also not inexpensive, can be a bit simpler to perform. A blood sample is sent off to the lab where certain types of food ingredients and environmental indicators are tested to detect an immune response. The sample is then measured and quantified so that your veterinarian can help interpret the results for you. We often use a food trial as a diagnostic tool. The dog gets to try a new, hypoallergenic food for 6-8 weeks … if the symptoms resolve, then you have a diagnosis and treatment at the same time!

Please take note: I did not say the word “cure”. Treatment is aimed at relieving the symptoms of an allergy, sometimes with great success and sometimes with great frustration, by all parties involved. The dog, the owner, and yes, your veterinarian also feels disappointed and frustrated when the pet does not respond well to therapy.

Treatments must be customized for every patient! From anti-inflammatory doses of steroids and antihistamines, to special shampoos and topical treatments, to hypo sensitization therapy … all of these are customized to the needs and responses of the individual patient. The steroids and antihistamines are aimed at suppressing the symptoms of the immune response to the allergens. While the hypo sensitization therapy is aimed decreasing the immune response itself.

Keep in mind that allergies are additive, and so are the treatment plans. We often use a lower steroid dose in combination with anti-histamines and shampoos. We can add up the positive aspects without using the higher doses that cause the unwanted side effects, such as lethargy and increased thirst.

Response to treatment is, again, different for every individual pet. We may not see a good response for weeks! Testing and treatment can be expensive, making it prohibitive for some pets and their families. Unfortunately, allergy treatment is not an exact science due to the unique nature of every single case. Also, our success rate is not 100 percent … more like 50 – 60 percent … (which is just about the same as our human counterparts!)

So, don’t blame the dog (or the vet) if the dog is itchy! Veterinarians and owners need to work together to coordinate the treatment plan just for your dog. Our success rate goes up when we work together!

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

Contributed by: Dr. Tracie Wilson [ CANINE ALLERGIES ]

14 [ TheConnection

[ CALENDAR OF EVENTS // DECEMBER ]Sponsored by eSportsPhoto

Tuesday, December 2 12-1pm Leads Group Lake Technical Center, 2001 Kurt Street, Eustis

Tuesday, December 2 5:30-7pm Oyster Troff BAH Lake Technical Center, 936 N. Bay Street, Eustis

Thursday, December 4 Starts at 5:30pm Chamber Holiday Open House 1520 S. Bay Street, Eustis

Friday, December 5 7:30-8:30am Leads Group Olivia’s Coffeehouse 113 N. Bay Street, Eustis

Tuesday, December 9 12-1 pm Leads Group Lake Technical Center 2001 Kurt Street, Eustis

Tuesday, December 9 5-8pm Food Truck Rally Downtown, Eustis

Thursday, December 11 7-8:30am Chamber Breakfast Eustis Community Center 601 Northshore Drive, Eustis

Thursday, December 11 5:30-7pm Seacoast National Bank Business After Hours 15119 U.S. 441, Eustis


Tuesday, December 16 12-1pm Leads Group Lake Technical Center 2001 Kurt Street, Eustis


Monday, December 22 12-1pm GeorgeFest Committee Meeting 1520 S. Bay Street, Eustis


Tuesday, December 23 Country Club of Mount Dora Bingo Night $16 (Includes Buffet, Tax, and Gratuity). $5 For Bingo Call 352-735-4059 For Reservations



The Chamber will be closed Tuesday, December 24 - January 5. Happy Holidays!

The Lake Eustis Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce we are bringing a Food Truck Rally to Eustis. The inaugural event will take place on December 9th in Downtown Eustis from 5-8pm and will become a monthly staple in Eustis’ events line-up. The event is made possible through partnering with Chamber Member, Dan Backhaus of Barnwood Bar-B-Que, and local business owners, Ricardo To, and Christina Lopez. If you are interested in being a Food Truck vendor at our rally, please contact the Chamber office at (352) 357-3434 for more information.

December 2014 ] 15

The legend of Santa Claus began with a person named Nicholas of Myra. He was born to wealthy parents in AD 280 in the small town of Patara in Asia Minor. At an early age, both his parents died of an epidemic, but not before they had instilled in him the gift of faith in Christ. After his parents’ death, Nicholas lived in Myra. He lived a life of sacrifice and love that when the town needed a bishop, they elected Nicholas.

In AD 303 Nicholas was imprisoned because he refused to confess Caesar as Lord. Two years later, Diocletian abdicated and Constantine, a recent Christian

convert, became Emperor. Nicholas was released from prison in AD 305.

Nicholas was generous and compassionate. He went door-to-door, begging for food for the homeless and hungry. In those days the only Social Security women had was the security of marriage. If a young girl did not have a dowry to pay the man’s parents, she could not get married. She would be condemned to live as a prostitute. Nicholas gave his family fortune to these unfortunate girls to save them from a life of prostitution. Each year on the night of December 6th, Nicholas

would disguise himself and give warm clothing and food to poor children

Modern stories about Saint Nick portray him as a fat man in a red suit with a red, whiskey nose and eight tiny reindeer. They left out the most important fact: Saint Nicholas was a Christian. Because of his sacrificial love, Nicholas touched the whole world.

“For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich,” (2 Corinthians 8:9).

Submitted by: Alan Holden (Midway Baptist Church)

SAINT NICHOLASWritten By Alan Holden

At Florida Hospital Waterman, our patients’ health andwell 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, compassionatecare to each and every patient. And we’re proud to berecognized as Lake County’s safest hospital with the county’sonly “A” Hospital Safety Score based on how well we protectpatients from accidents, errors, injuries and infections. VisitFHWaterman.org to learn more about our commitment to safety and improving patient care. www.hospitalsafetyscore.org


[ December 2014

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2430 S. Bay StreetEustis, FL 32726

352-323-0795

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The Connection December 2014