By Akers Editorial
April 2024 Hit List
Rubber Side Down
If you’re thinking about buying a motorcycle, handling your rig safely is crucial to surviving the local roads, and motorcycle safety courses can help you do that. SafeRide Motorcycle Training offers group and private classes in the Triangle Center at 355 Plaza Drive, near the State Road 19 overpass in Eustis. Classes last two days. Call 352.589.7233 to register. Motorcycle and loaner equipment is provided for those who need it. Go to saferide.com for more info.
Spring into Sangria
With April upon us, it’s the perfect time to freshen up your sangria for the season. Blueberries, cantaloupe, grapefruit, tangerines, watermelon, strawberries, guava, papaya and peaches are among in-season fruits in Florida.
Recipe for Spring Sangria:
In a large drink dispenser with an ice cone, soak half of your sliced or cubed fruit overnight in Sauternes or peach brandy. Just before serving, add an inexpensive box or jug of dry white wine, then throw in fresh sliced fruit, mint or edible flowers for a beautiful and tasty centerpiece at your garden party or backyard BBQ.
Help!
Most of us get frustrated when our computers start to act up, especially when we try some DIY voodoo which inevitably makes things worse. Luckily, Clarissa and Aaron Brown of PC Wizards The Villages have the experience, know-how and patience to help with your computer. They offer on-site and remote services for MACs, PCs, smartphones or tablets including back-up recovery, upgrades, custom builds, wireless and wired networking and malware and spyware removal. They also offer free Internet security for home users. PC Wizards The Villages work with both residential and commercial tech. support@pcwizardsthevillages.com | 352.350.0610
Way to go!
Congratulations to Abundant Life Nursing School’s first graduating class — the class of March 2024: (L to R) Willie Woods, Jeanette Lewis, Sharon Lewis, Ena-Lorraine Ebanks (Instructor), Aliyah Golden, Pashon McCloud and Tomalene Carr.
A Time to Plant
For most regions of central Florida, April means that the threat of frost has passed. Soil temperatures are now consistently warm enough to plant a wide array of bare-root perennials, summer-blooming annuals, flowering shrubs and flowering vines. If you need a bit of back-up, try Fairfield Farms in Oxford. Fairfield offers guidance and materials to help amateur and veteran gardeners achieve their botanical goals. Professional landscaping, in-person designers and monthly classes available. Fairfield is a supporting member of the Florida Association of Native Nurseries. 12472 US Hwy. 301 | 352.748.7333 | shopatfairfieldfarms.com
Stomp the Divots!
You don’t have to go far to see the exciting fast-paced sport of kings. The Villages Polo Club offers seasonal matches, general admission and pass packages, tailgating and a champagne divot stomp. Watch the polo ponies from the grandstands after you take a “basics” course 30 minutes prior to the match. There’s also an academy for beginners interested in getting in the saddle. The Spring season runs March through May. The Villages Polo Club | 700 N. Buena Vista Blvd | 352.750.7656 | thevillagespoloclub.com
Notable April Birthdays:
William Shakespeare – April 26, 1564
Queen Elizabeth II – April 21, 1926
Charlie Chaplin – April 16, 1889
Thomas Jefferson – April 13, 1743
Marvin Gaye – April 2, 1939
Jane Goodall – April 3, 1934
Jackie Chan – April 7, 1954
Dolores Huerta – April 10, 1930
Leonardo da Vinci – April 15, 1452
Jack Nicholson – April 22, 1937
Fur Baby Heaven
If you are planning a trip and don’t want to leave your pooch or kitty alone, you can take them to Miss Kate’s Bed and Biscuit. With five acres of shady land for running and playing, this “Five-Paw Resort” offers 24/7 staff, pick up and drop off, tours and the comfort of knowing you can see your baby from your cell phone anytime. Grooming and training are also offered. 751 NW Lane, Oxford | misskatesbedandbiscuit.com | 352.575.2020
Leader of Leaders
The South Lake Chamber has announced its 2024 Board Chair: Sheri Olson of Orlando Health South Lake Hospital. In a press release, Chamber President and CEO David Colby expressed his enthusiasm for Sheri’s leadership. Sheri says she aims to elevate the membership experience and support local businesses to achieve success and prosperity.
Kudos!:
Style is thrilled to announce that several of our staff members have been honored as winners of 14 awards from the Florida Press Club 2022-2023 Excellence in Journalism Competition. Among the recipients (L to R) are Style Magazine’s Managing Editor Roxanne Brown, Graphic Designer Shawnee Coppola, Digital Editor Cindy Peterson and Creative Director Michael Gaulin. We also celebrate Contributing Writer/Editor Gary Corsair and the late James Combs, a beloved and longtime staff writer who we miss dearly. Each award recipient has demonstrated exceptional talent, dedication and professionalism in their work and we extend a heartfelt congratulations to them all.
