According to the World Health Organization, “cardiovascular disease is the world’s number one cause of death, killing over 17 million people every year.” That’s why you’re encouraged to gain awareness and take extra care of your ticker in February, known as National Heart Healthy Month. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests these strategies to live a heart-healthy lifestyle: 1. Learn your health history; 2. Eat a healthy diet; 3. Move more, sit less; 4. Quit smoking; 5. Take medicines as directed; 6. Choose drinks wisely; 7. Monitor your blood pressure at home. For more details, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/infographic/hearthealth.htm

Before we adopted the Latin name for our second month, Old English provided ordinary, descriptive names like “cabbage” or “mud,” for February. The most common Old English name was Solmonath, which literally means “mud month.”

Little Darlin’s Sweet Shoppe in the Market at Sawgrass Grove is a great place to find ice cream and homemade cookies and sweets. Cake Batter Fudge and Cookie Dough are popular, but mom and dad should try the unique “Exhausted Parent,” a bourbon spiked espresso ice cream swirled with bittersweet chocolate chunks. Cashless, 766 Marilee Place, The Villages. 

There are thousands of golf carts puttering around on paths in the Villages. If you own one, be sure to adhere to annual maintenance. According to Lexi Wyatt of Golf Cart Gal, LLC, having an annual service is crucial. “One yearly check-up can lead a cart to long life,” she says. This includes oil change, spark plugs, fuel and air filter check, checking the battery, starter, clutch and belts. For more information, call 352.350.4508.

The thousands of teenagers age 14-17 who work in Florida are governed by specific rules regarding teen employment. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation provides these tips for teens and parents:

Teens:

• Know your rights to be in a safe and healthful workplace
• Learn to recognize hazards at work and speak up when you see them
• Learn where you can get information about your rights

Parents:

• Take an active role in the employment decisions of your teens
• Become knowledgeable about child labor laws

Superbowl Sunday is practically a holiday here in the U.S. According to the National Retail Federation, the average fan will spend about $85.36 on food, drinks, decorations and other merchandise to celebrate the Super Bowl, which falls on February 11 this year. But there’s no need to dig that deep with so many great venues where you can watch the big game and enjoy awesome food and drink throughout Lake and Sumter Counties. Here are just a few:

• Legends, Fruitland Park
• Miller’s Ale House, Lady Lake, Clermont, Mount Dora
• Blue Fin, Brownwood
• Froggers, Mount Dora
• Gator’s Dockside, Eustis, Clermont, The Villages
• Cody’s, Lake Sumter Landing
• Lollygaggers, Wildwood
• Legends All-Stars, Clermont
• Cousin Vinnie’s Sports Bar, Leesburg
• Buffalo Wild Wings, Clermont

More than 1,100 Groveland Elementary School students were surprised with new musical instruments donated to their classrooms by Niagara Bottling and Music Will. Students received the new instruments from volunteers from both organizations at a schoolwide assembly in December. The donation was made under the auspices of Niagara Cares, the company’s charitable arm. Seven U.S. schools received instruments. Groveland Elementary was the only Florida school. 

The Eustis African American Heritage Celebration Committee proudly presents its 31st annual African-American Parade Celebration at 10am Saturday, February 17. Parade participants will ride floats, vehicles, bicycles and scooters, many decorated in heritage colors of red, green and black. The parade, seen as a cultural and educational endeavor, will begin on Prescott Street, continue east onto Bates Avenue, turn left onto Wall Street, left at Dixie Avenue and culminate at Eustis High’s Cartwright Center grounds. For more information, visit: https://www.eustis.org/Residents/Events/African-American-Heritage-Parade-Festival-2022

The Lake County Fair Association’s 2024 Miss Lake County Fair winners have been revealed. On Facebook, the organization says: “Let’s celebrate these remarkable individuals and welcome our new royalty as they embark on their journey representing the essence and charm of our beloved Lake County Fair! Stay tuned for the incredible moments and experiences that lie ahead.” The winners include:

• Miss Lake County Fair: Mia Lowery
• Teen Miss: Rhiannon Revello
• Junior Miss: Ayla Hume
• Little Miss: Zuri Spurlock
• Tiny Miss: Saige Herter
• Peewee Miss: Sadie Beveridge
• Baby Miss: Chloe Cullen