Kindness Matters: no act of kindness is too small

MOUNT DORA, TAVARES & EUSTIS CHALLENGED TO COLORFULLY SUPPORT GRADUATING SENIORS

5/12/2020

It’s a time-honored tradition -- with a twist. Every year Lake County’s high schools have 'Color Wars' during Spirit Week in the lead-up to their Homecoming. Freshmen, sophomore, junior and senior classes each are assigned a different color and compete to see which class can show the most spirit with their color.

Due to COVID-19, seniors in all local schools are foregoing their traditional graduation festivities, so the communities of Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis are being asked to ratchet up Color Wars a notch or two. During what would have been the week of graduation, May 18 through May 23, Mount Dora Buzz is encouraging residents, business owners, students, civic clubs and city governments to show their support of their local Class of 2020 by proudly displaying their colors. Mount Dora will use orange, Eustis blue, and Tavares red.

The sky's the limit for creativity. People can splash their community’s color on mailboxes with bows and cars with ribbons or they can opt to go big with colored outdoor lights, colorful store displays, posters and yard signs. Restaurants can use colored tablecloths or banners. It’s the perfect time to “go big or go home.” Residents, business owners, students and government leaders are encouraged to send photos of their colorful community spirit in support of their seniors to Mount Dora Buzz, so it can be posted and shared.

Congratulations, Class of 2020, we're so proud of you!

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here and download the area's free mobile app.

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MOUNT DORA CITY COUNCILWOMAN HOSTS VIRTUAL PE CLASSES FOR KIDS

4/26/2020

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ABOVE: Crissy Stile, Mount Dora City Councilmember and small business owner. (Photo courtesy of Crissy Stile)

Schools have been closed for weeks and many parents, busy with their own daily work schedules, have found themselves thrown into a different kind of frontline: education.

Now a Mount Dora City Councilwoman has jumped in to provide a short reprieve to exhausted parents. Crissy Stile has created a free, Virtual Physical Education (PE) Class for kids of all ages that she will host on Zoom beginning April 27. To join in the virtual class, participants need to email stilec@cityofmountdora.com in advance so they can be sent the required Zoom link.

Stile, who works out regularly, will conduct the fun class from the deck at Donnelly Park in the heart of downtown Mount Dora. The 45-minute class will begin at 3 p.m. Up to nine socially-distanced kids can join Stile in the park while others can join in via Zoom. The outdoor exercise falls under essential activities identified by Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis. Guardians of the kids at the park are also required to remain a minimum of six feet from others.

Stile isn’t just an elected official in this small Central Florida town, she’s also a hard-hit small business owner with a book store located in Mount Dora’s quaint historic district. Since Florida’s shutdown, Stile’s store, Barrel of Books & Games, has been forced to rely on remote orders and delivery. Stile will continue the class every other day at 3 p.m. until she can resume her full-time job at the bookstore.

Imagining what present-day life is like for parents is what inspired Stile to help out in a way she’s all too familiar with. As the “fun” aunt, she is very active in her nine nieces’ and nephews’ lives and is quite happy entertaining other people’s kids to give parents a respite.

“If I can virtually occupy your kids for 45 minutes every other day, so you can catch your breath and recharge your own mind and emotions and keep your family together, happily, then I will have accomplished exactly what I set out to do,” said Stile.

To participate at home, kids just need some floor space in front of their computer, tablet or smartphone and a blanket or mat for floor exercises. Kids are encouraged to take a break whenever they need and to have drinking water nearby. Participants can exit the class sessions at any time.

Stile stressed that social distancing is of the utmost importance, so kids and their parents should respect the guidelines set forth by the CDC and remain safe.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, this month, click here. Also download the area's free mobile app.

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LOCAL COMMUNITIES TO RING BELLS ON APRIL 15 IN SUPPORT OF FRONTLINE WORKERS

4/13/2020

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As most of the community stays home to abide by the social distancing guidelines, others are serving tirelessly to fight against COVID-19. On Wednesday, April 15, 2020, at 4:15 p.m., local churches, businesses, and the public are asked to show their appreciation for these individuals by ringing bells of thanks.

The City of Eustis originally had the idea and then partnered with other Central Florida municipalities like Mount Dora, Tavares, Leesburg, DeLand and Orange City to spread the word. The areas' Chambers of Commerce have also gotten involved. People are asked to share their support on social media using the hashtag #BellsofThanks.

After a resident gave her the idea, Eustis City Commissioner Karen LeHeup-Smith suggested the supportive effort at a recent City Commission meeting.
“This is a small way for each of us to say thank you to the front-line essential workers. From medical professionals to first responders, government employees, retail workers, farmers, and so many more …thank you,” said LeHeup-Smith.

The City of Eustis is encouraging residents to show additional appreciation by continuing to practice social distancing, follow CDC guidelines, and abide by all executive orders issued by the State of Florida that will help slow the spread of COVID-19.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, this month, click here. Discover the area's online entertainment calendar here. Also download the area's free mobile app.

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LOCAL STUDENTS SEEK BUYERS FOR LIVESTOCK AFTER CANCELLATION OF FAIR

3/23/2020

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ABOVE: Mount Dora High School student Rylee Grazulis and her 1111 pound steer.

Small businesses aren’t the only ones feeling the economic squeeze from the coronavirus. After the Lake County Fair was cancelled for public safety concerns, high school students from Mount Dora and Tavares were also left in a financial lurch. The cancellation left hardworking FFA and agriculture students scrabbling to find buyers for their market steers, pigs, layer hens and a meat goat.

As part of an annual educational project, the students work hard to raise the livestock, and also spend significant financial resources caring for them in preparation for the fair’s market auction. The event is typically the students’ only opportunity to recoup their sizable investments in the animals.

Now Mount Dora High School (MDHS) and Tavares High School (THS) students are hoping individuals, businesses and groups will consider buying the animals. People can also split the cost with others if they don't need all of the meat. To make the purchase even more convenient, the FFA clubs will provide transportation to the meat processor which will consult with the buyer to select their preferred cuts of meat. The purchaser pays for the processing.

MDHS students have five market steers, four market pigs, three sets of layer hens (3 chickens each) as well as one meat goat for sale. Tavares High School has seven students seeking private buyers for their market animals, which include two steers and five pigs (see below photos, descriptions and prices).

Anyone interested in more details and prices on the livestock available can contact:
Mount Dora High School: bellamyc@lake.k12.fl.us
Tavares High School: HollandJ@lake.k12.fl.us

Some of the livestock animals available for purchase:

MDHS Student: Rylee Grazulis

THS Student: Cody Richardson's Hampshire/Yorkshire cross gilt, Fiona. Weight: 225 (3/23). Cody needs $2.60 per pound to break even.

THS Student: Logan Cates Duroc/Yorkshire/Hampshire cross pig named Ol’ Red. Weight: 230 lbs. (3/23) Logan needs $3.50/pound to break even.

THS Student: Julie Gibbs' steer Mojo. Age: 1 year and 5 months. Weight: approx. 1000 lbs.

THS Student: Grace Vanzant's Hampshire cross pig is named ChewBacon. Age: 6 months Weight: 189 lbs. (3/23). Grace needs $2.39 per pound to break even.

Student: Tora Kersey's Charolais steer, Gus. Age: 1 year and 7 months Weight: 1280 lbs on March 7. Tora needs $2.30 per pound to break even.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, this month, click here. Discover the area's online entertainment calendar here. Also download the area's free mobile app.

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ADOPTION FEES WAVED VALENTINE'S WEEKEND AT LAKE COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER

2/14/2020

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ABOVE: Trey Bear is currently available for adoption at Lake County Animal Shelter

The caring staff at Lake County Animal Hospital is spreading the love to canine valentines this weekend during their Adopt Love event.

During the adoption event all animals at the shelter will have their adoption fees waived during normal business hours on February 14,15 and 16. Some of the dogs currently available for adoption are pictured below. The shelter also has a variety of cats available.

“Nobody wants to be alone for Valentine’s Day, and that includes our homeless pets,” said Whitney Boylston, director of the Lake County Animal Shelter. “We are encouraging residents to meet their perfect match this weekend and hope that our pets will find a lifetime of love through this promotion.”

The Lake County Animal Shelter is located at 28123 County Road 561 in Tavares. It’s open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The shelter is closed Wednesdays and holidays. For more information about the shelter, visit https://lakecountyfl.gov/offices/animal_services .

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, this month, click here. Discover the area's online entertainment calendar here. Also download the area's free mobile app.

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MOUNT DORA POLICE TAKE 30 KIDS HOLIDAY SHOPPING

12/14/2019

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Every year a group of lucky local kids get a free Christmas shopping spree. This year is no different. This morning Mount Dora Police Department (MDPD) and Target of Mount Dora will hosted the annual "Shop with a Cop" event.

Officers accompanied 30 excited students from Mount Dora schools to the local Target for a one-on-one shopping experience with a MDPD officer. Each child received a $100 gift card they can use to buy the toys, clothing or shoes of their choice. The students were pre-selected by the School Resource Officer of their school. The children's families also received a large Christmas box of food donated by Lake Cares Food Pantry.

"Shop with a Cop" is a program funded by the generosity of Target, Mount Dora citizens, local churches, businesses and Mount Dora Heroes Foundation.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here. Free subscriptions to the monthly issue of Mount Dora Buzz are available here.

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ELVES PUT OFFICIAL MAILBOX FOR SANTA IN MOUNT DORA

11/21/2019

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It seems even Santa has taken note that historic Mount Dora is arguably the best little Christmas town in Florida.

Last year, Santa approached a Mount Dora couple to ask their assistance gathering letters from local children to forward on to him at the North Pole. The community-minded residents, Linda and Jeanette Bokland, jumped at the chance. Fast forward to this week and the couple discovered elves had quietly delivered an official mailbox just for Santa in front of their cheerfully-painted historic home.

RELATED: Holiday Event Guide for Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis

Kids can now drop their letters in the bright red mailbox until Dec. 22 and receive a reply from Mrs. Claus (since Santa's busy supervising the elves before Christmas). The box is located at 201 W. 11th Avenue and no postage is necessary.

Mount Dora will show off another reason why it's the best little Christmas town in the state during its annual Light Up Mount Dora celebration on November 30.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here. Download the free Mount Dora Buzz mobile app here and follow the Mount Dora Buzz Facebook page .

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THE KIND 'MYSTERY TEEN' WAS FINALLY FOUND AT MOUNT DORA HIGH

9/17/2019

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ABOVE: "Mystery Teen' Román Newkirk and Elaine Lobato. (Photo by Mount Dora Buzz)

To say teenagers often get a bad rap is an understatement. One Mount Dora teen unwittingly debunked naysayers last week by his kind actions when no one was watching.

Last week, Elaine Lobato found herself stranded away from her car after Lake Square Mall closed without notice. To make matters worse, it was dark, her car was on the other side of the mall and she had a painful knee injury.

A teen who was also leaving Bealls, caught up to Lobato and offered his help to navigate a difficult construction area in the dark and drive her to her car. Once he did that, he waited until she was safe before driving away. During their conversation in the car, Lobato, a Umatilla resident, learned the young man was a Mount Dora High School student, but forgot to ask him his name. Eager to locate him to thank him again, she reached out to the high school for help, but privacy laws prevented them from giving out information.

Lobato, a registered nurse, wasn’t going to give up. She took to social media and described the student and her experience on Mount Dora Word of Mouth, a large local Facebook group, and asked for assistance in finding him. Mount Dora Buzz saw the post and expanded the search with its wider reach and offered a gift card for the mystery student’s kindness. Before long Barrel of Books and Games saw that post and quickly offered up a gift card of their own. As the good deed resonated within the small town of 13,000 residents, the post reached over 30,000 people after being shared 370 times.

The power of social media paid off when Laurie Bryant saw the post and contacted Mount Dora Buzz. Bryant knew the mystery teen well--it was her son, standout MDHS senior Román Newkirk.

Her 17-year-old son told his mom about the experience with Lobato the evening it happened. “He started the story about the incident by saying that some people help others and do things for show and recognition, but it’s the things you do when no one is watching that shows your heart and who you really are, and then he told me the story,” said Bryant who lightheartedly describes Román as a “gentleman in training” and raised him as a single parent for fourteen years until Román’s stepfather, AJ, entered their lives in 2016.

“I told him that there was something about him that made her (Lobato) comfortable getting in his car, and it spoke highly about his character,” continued Bryant. “He said he was thinking the same thing. He said that he’s Black, he was dressed in black, and he has dreads. He was so happy to know that someone would overlook the stereotypes about young, Black men, see him for who he is, and trust him.”

ABOVE: Newkirk (#8) making plays during Mount Dora High's homecoming game on Sept. 13. (Photo by Joe Ott)

Román was completely unaware of the viral local effort to find him because it was a full day for him -- classes at school, appearing in the Homecoming Parade, being in the Homecoming Court followed by playing in the big varsity football game. It wasn’t until after the homecoming game that Bryant informed the star- player about the intense social media search for him.

Román and Bryant agreed meet with Mount Dora Buzz yesterday at the school for what they thought was just a photo, but they didn’t know surprises were planned for both of them. The most emotional surprise was that Lobato was also there. The good Samaritan and Lobato immediately shared a few heartwarming hugs as Lobato thanked him again for his kindness and handed him a card.

Next up, Román was presented with the gift card from Mount Dora Buzz, as well as a swag bag with gift cards from six different downtown Mount Dora business (Barrel of Books & Games, Las Palmas, Olive Branch Mediterranean Grill, Magical Meat Boutique, Le Petit Sweet and Serendipity Coffee) whose owners immediately jumped in to reward the teen’s good character. Bryant, a devoted parent and dedicated sports mom, was also given a surprise gift card from Papilio downtown for her extraordinary job raising a thoughtful young man.

Those surprises were really just the tip of the iceberg. The big reveal came when Austin Guenther of G3 Development was introduced and presented Román with a $1000 scholarship for his strong character and good grades (see video). Both mother and son were, of course, shocked and grateful.

Román no doubt has a bright future. Not only is the fun-loving student enrolled in honors classes, but he is also a stellar athlete. He has played multiple sports every year since he was 4-years-old and is currently a standout football, soccer, and baseball player at Mount Dora High School. Earlier this year Román was named the Daily Commercial’s Soccer Player of the Year.

Mount Dora High School varsity football coach Frank Scott nicknamed Román  “Mr. Do-it-All” because of the five positions he plays - wide receiver, cornerback, kicker, punter, and quarterback. Scott describes him as a consistent leader on and off the field who always shows up on time with a great attitude.

ABOVE: (from left) Elaine Lobato, Laurie Bryant, Román Newkirk and Austin Guenther of G3 Development. (Photo by Mount Dora Buzz)

“It couldn’t have happened to a nicer kid,” Scott said after learning about the G3 Development scholarship.

Román, who loves to travel and hang out with friends, plans to attend college on a sports scholarship to pursue a career in personal training dedicated to athletes, but for now, he’s concentrating on his senior year and his part time job at Brookdale Senior Living.

The charismatic yet humble student wasn’t expecting all the attention because he felt he helped Lobato out of pure instinct and was taught that it was the right thing to do. Lobato also reminded Román of his own grandmother and would want someone to help her in that situation.

“I felt honored because of the positive things that they were saying about me and my Mom,” Román said of reading the dozens of comments on Mount Dora Buzz’ Facebook page about him. “I feel that I showed concerned people that our generation isn’t hopeless.”

When asked what he hoped others learned from his act of kindness, Román responded, “That it’s so easy to do the right thing. Even if you don’t get recognized, you should still feel like you made a difference in someone’s life.”

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, this month, click here. Also download the area's free mobile app.

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3 WAYS TO HELP THE BAHAMAS FROM LAKE COUNTY

9/4/2019

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Lake County residents know they dodged a devastating bullet and have seen the heartbreaking decimation Hurricane Dorian did to The Bahamas. Fortunately, Florida residents have hurricane supplies on-hand and there are immediate ways to donate those supplies, along with others, to people in need on the islands.

Here are three effective ways to help now:

1. LOCAL DROP-OFF LOCATION

Drop off supplies (no clothing) to:
Adventure Cove Mini Golf
4900 Lake Park Court, Mount Dora, 32757
(behind Frogger's restaurant)
Drop off day and hours:
Monday-Thursday 3:30 pm to 9:30 p.m.
Friday- 3:30 - 11:30 pm.
Saturday 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Last day to drop off: September 12

The supply donations (see list below) will be delivered to HeadKnowles Foundation's Orlando location. HeadKnowles is a Bahamian non-profit that succeeded in getting hurricane relief supplies to the islands after Hurricane Joaquin in 2015. The group’s efforts are being organized from Orlando, as well as the New Providence Community Centre in The Bahamas. According to its co-founder Lia Head-Rigby, planes carrying relief supplies to the northern islands of Abaco, Grand Bahama and Bimini are ready to go once the all-clear is given. 15 non-profit groups have come together to centralize their relief efforts, according to Head-Rigby.

Other Lake County locations collecting and delivering to the HeadKnowles Foundation can be added to this article by contacting Mount Dora Buzz with the location name, address and collection hours.

You can also drop off supplies to other local locations, but be sure to confirm the groups or individuals are delivering to HeadKnowles for the best chance of the supplies reaching those in need. Everyone has the best of intentions, but this challenging humanitarian effort requires experience with disaster relief to cut through red tape, and reach the devastated islands and the people most in need.

Be sure to label boxes with “HeadKnowles Hurricane Relief.”

2. ORLANDO DROP-OFF LOCATION

Deliver supplies listed below to:
Orlando Executive Airport
HeadKnowles Foundation c/o
ORL Atlantic Aviation FBO
400 Herndon Avenue, Orlando, FL 32803

NOTE: All boxes must be labeled “HeadKnowles Hurricane Relief.” Please see supply list below.

SUPPLY LIST

(no clothing please)
Jugs or cases of bottled water
Hand sanitizer
Non-perishable food
Gatorade
Ensure Protein drinks
High-protein bars
Peanut butter
Tarps
Hammers & nails
Flashlights
Battery-powered lanterns
D batteries
Aspirin/Advil
Pre-mixed baby formula
Baby food
Diapers (all sizes)
Baby wipes
Pet Food
Bug Spray
Paper towels
Paper plates
Paper cups
Plastic eating utensils
Toothpaste
Feminine hygiene products
NOTE: Clothing is NOT accepted

3. RED CROSS DONATIONS

Monetary donations for The Bahamas hurricane relief can be made to the Red Cross here or call 1-800-HELP NOW (1-800-435-7669).

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, this month , click here. Also download the area's free mobile app.

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LAKE COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER SEEKS TO "CLEAR THE SHELTER" THIS WEEKEND

8/16/2019

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This weekend hundreds of animal shelters across the country are hosting “Clear the Shelters”, a nationwide pet adoption drive to help find loving homes for animals in need. Lake County Animal Shelter has joined the event for the last three years and will offer free adoptions, hot dogs, and goody bags for all adopters.

The event comes at an ideal time for the shelter because it’s currently at capacity with 170 dogs in its care, the most since Hurricane Irma.

“We believe the increase in dogs may be due to back-to-school, as well as the many recent storms we have had, because dogs tend to run when they hear thunder,” said Elisha Pappacoda, Director of Communications for Lake County.

The increase in dogs is also due to people breaking intake rules by surrendering or bringing in lost animals from outside Lake County due to the facility’s reputation as a no-kill shelter. That practice prohibits pet owners from locating their lost pets, since owners typically look for them at their own nearby shelter, according to Pappacoda.

Lake County Animal Shelter has extended is hours for the Clear the Shelters event. This weekend’s special hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. The shelter is located at 28123 County Road 561 in Tavares.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, this month, click here. Also download the area's free mobile app.