Montverde Academy Upper School students recently came together for a meaningful day of service with Light Orlando’s Project Hunger, helping package meals for families in need throughout the community.

Light Orlando hosts Project Hunger two times each year, bringing volunteers together to sort, package, and prepare meal kits for families facing food insecurity. During Saturday’s event, Montverde Academy students joined volunteers from across the community in contributing to the creation of 1 million meal kits.

A large group of Upper School students participated, including members of the girls volleyball and girls basketball teams. Working together, students sorted ingredients, assembled meal kits, and prepared packages for distribution.

“Giving back today was a meaningful experience because we got to help people in need. It felt good knowing that something as simple as our time and effort for a couple hours could make a big difference in someone else’s life. I’m grateful that we got to do this today and give back,” said junior Layla Adams.

For senior Jordan Speller, the experience was also an opportunity to build community. “My experience today was really good. I bonded with my team and made some friends on the volleyball team. If I had to decide today in one word, I’d say outstanding. From start to finish there was never a second that I wanted to leave. I really do recommend doing this through the year and would like to come back for MLK Day.”

“Last week, Light Orlando reached out to invite our students to participate in Project Hunger, sharing how consistently impressed they have been with the dedication and quality of work our students bring to their service opportunities,” said Mrs. Margaret Price, Assistant Dean of Students for Multiculturalism, Leadership, and Student Programs. “Although the invitation came together at the last minute, our Upper School community responded with tremendous enthusiasm. Our girls volleyball and girls basketball teams, along with a large group of Upper School students, stepped forward to serve. We are incredibly proud of the way our students embraced this opportunity to make a meaningful difference, and we are deeply grateful to our weekend team chaperones, coaches, and students for their willingness to step up and serve our community.”

For the girls basketball team, the experience provided a chance to strengthen relationships, particularly as new players joined the program. “Today was an amazing experience allowing the team to bond with each other while giving back to the community! As we have a lot of new girls in the program it was nice to spend time with them and allow us to see how our personalities mesh,” said junior Zoe Newell.

Sophomore Belen Scanlon appreciated both the impact of the service and the opportunity to work alongside fellow students. “Getting the opportunity to make a tangible difference was incredible! Not only were we able to help, but we also got to interact with each other and our community by packaging and preparing meals for those in need. It was truly a great experience!” When asked about the music playing during the event, Belen added, “Yes! It was super fun to sing along and dance with everyone whilst working!”

Through Project Hunger, Montverde Academy students demonstrated the power of giving their time and talents to support others. Their service on August 22 not only contributed to a major community effort to create 1 million meal kits, but also reflected the Academy’s commitment to developing students who lead with compassion, character, and a spirit of

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The Mascotte Police Department held the 5^thAnnual Back-to-School Bash at the Mascotte Charter School, 460 Midway Avenue, on Saturday, August 8^th.

With summer recess nearly in the books, dozens of volunteers, sponsors, and city employees came together to help ensure that every student has what they need to have a successful school year. From preschoolers to high schoolers, the organizers work hard to make sure that each grade-level student has adequate supplies needed to kick off their new educational adventure.

Mascotte Police Officer Kenia Abreu-Hughey, better known in the community as “Officer K”, begins the tedious process of putting the event together months ahead of the new school year. “Last school year ended on May 29^th, and we started putting the program together on that same day, at the end of the school day,” says Ofc. Abreu-Hughey.

This year’s efforts were one of the most successful years of the annual tradition. Raising funds and supply donations resulted in 900+ backpacks stuffed with school supplies appropriate for each grade level group. Thanks to local civic organizations, businesses, and individuals, Ofc. Abreu-Hughey felt confident that every attendee at Saturday’s event would go home with everything needed to start the new school year on Monday, August 10th.

Mascotte Charter School hosts the event every year with open arms. School Principal Tiffany Mayhugh-Rego’s well-balanced mixture of warm personality and professional ethics makes the school campus feel like a second home to many of the students and parents as well. The “A” rated school partners with several organizations and businesses in the community to ensure that the school represents commitment, perseverance, and the heart of an entire school community.

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The City of Mascotte and the Mascotte Charter School coordinate collaborative programs throughout the year. Please visit www.Lake.K12,FL.US or www.CityofMascotte.com for a full list of programs and events.

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William “Will” Thacker is a Florida-based biologist with deep family roots and adventures that include the Citrus Tower and the former Skyline Motel located on US-27 in Clermont. Both landmarks were dreams come true for Will’s father, A.W. Thacker.

Will, a 1964 Clermont High School graduate, had dreams of his own that began at an early age and included the mysterious world of snakes and wildlife. Will was four years old when he remembers holding his first snake. “My first experience was with a black rat snake,” says Will. As a child, Will kept and cared for a menagerie in his family’s backyard in Clermont that consisted of animals and snakes.

At the age of 15, Will moved his collection to the Citrus Tower, where he provided guided tours and “milking” rattlesnakes for guests at the Wildlife Arena. His experiences have led to two serious venomous snakebites during his career. His first bite occurred in 1969 while handling a cottonmouth snake in the wild.  In 1971, Will was bitten by a 3 Step Viper Snake, also known as the Taiwanese or Chinese Krait. The snake’s venom is extremely potent, consisting of pre- and postsynaptic neurotoxins, which can cause progressive muscle paralysis, respiratory failure, and death if untreated. Untreated bites can be fatal, and even with antivenom, survival rates are low due to the venom’s rapid action.

After attending the University of Florida and completing his first of several degrees related to biology, Will traveled in exploration to exotic places across the world, including the Amazon River, located in the northern portion of South America. Throughout his life, Will has involved himself in traveling, collecting, researching wildlife, and teaching others.

Currently employed at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens in Sanford, Will has been a youth camp counselor, a biology teacher, and a television host. Refusing to sit still for long, Will has also operated an import company, an exotic animal shop, and has worked as a zoo curator. While attending Jacksonville University in the 1980’s, Will also enjoyed a five-year opportunity at Jacksonville Zoological Park where he taught classes and cared for the large array of wildlife at the park.

In 2019, Will returned to the familiar grounds of Central Florida to settle down but not slow down. Relocating to the Oviedo area, Will was fortunate enough to find a somewhat secluded residence near the Black Hammock Wilderness Area. “I will never have to worry about neighbors here,” says Will, while referring to the explosive growth that Central Florida is experiencing.

With another dream of documenting his experiences for others to enjoy, Will began writing short story books for his grandson, Owen. The thrill of writing grew into a jungle book series that was published on a blog and then into a paperback series. Encouraged by good friend Steve Duncan, Will launched a series of books based on his extensive journals created throughout his life of traveling the world in search of exotic animals. From those records come the stories of far-away places and unusual, and sometimes dangerous, creatures.

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The series of books is a continual project, but several have been published and are available for purchase. A sample of available books includes The Chronicles of an Exotic Cowboy, a book that follows the exploits of Will, his beloved British biologist Joann McVay, and the many friends that they encounter as they seek critters to study while exploring four continents. “I had never before heard Joann scream, but I’ll never forget it. She cried out in pain to the night itself when the rope tightened around her ankle. I turned and looked on in horror as I saw her fly out of the boat like a rag doll. She disappeared beneath the surface and was simply gone.” -excerpt from the book Orinoco.

The Life Journals book gives readers a glimpse into the life of an animal importer/exporter while allowing you to travel along with Will and his friends on their collecting expeditions. Otters on a Plane outlines Will and his closest friend, Dr. Richard Ross, as they set out on a twenty-thousand-mile odyssey across India and Africa to observe and collect wildlife. In the book, readers will enjoy real-life stories of danger that awaited the duo at every corner, and not just in the way of animals.

Adventure Road chronicles a journey that began in Clermont in June 1967. Will and three high school friends leave Clermont in a Land Rover. They would log 8,000 miles during their eight-week journey while making it as far as the Pacific Coast of Guatemala. During the last phase of the trip and while travelling through California, the team was involved in a deadly accident while on Mount Orizaba. Will and his team survived but will never forget the horrific crash scene.

“Many of our books and chronicled stories have roots that begin right here in Clermont. There are so many high school friend connections and yesteryear Clermont people in these books,” says Will. If you know Will Thacker, you know that he has lived a life full of adventure, thrill-seeking, all while experiencing nature in a way that most could only dream of or simply run away from. Whether you know Will or not, you will not be disappointed in his collection of excitement that has been journaled for all to enjoy.

Please visit www.WThacker.com for a complete listing of books, chronicles, and life journals.

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Kurosumi Kitchen has earned a loyal following for its menu items such as the flavorful rice balls, savory dumplings, pork belly rice bowl, and rich pork ramen, noting the depth of flavor in the dishes and the restaurant’s standout broth.

The restaurant closed its location at 1504 Max Hooks Road, Suite I. And, according to “What Now“, paperwork indicates that Kurosumi Kitchen will reopen at 135 E. Broad Street, Suite E, in Groveland.

The move marks an exciting evolution for the business, transforming what was previously a takeout-focused concept into a full sit-down dining experience. 

With its new home in downtown Groveland, Kurosumi Kitchen is poised to introduce even more diners to its unique blend of traditional Japanese influences and smokehouse craftsmanship.

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Prior to the public opening, Crooked Can hosted a special preview reception from 4 pm to 6 pm for selected South Lake community leaders. During the gathering, guests toured the expansive new facility, sampled offerings, and raised their glasses in a celebratory toast, with the South Lake Tablet wishing the brewery a successful launch.

As the clock struck 6 pm, the doors officially opened to the public, and crowds quickly flooded the brewery, filling the spacious venue with excitement and energy. The festive atmosphere featured live entertainment, a playground for families, and large-screen televisions that kept many guests captivated as Argentina secured a victory in the FIFA football match, much to the delight of some fans and the disappointment of others.

Visitors also appreciated the ample parking available at the new location, helping make the opening experience convenient and accessible.

Located at 1600 Crooked Can Loop in Minneola, the award-winning craft brewery has introduced a massive new brewery, food hall, beer garden, and entertainment destination to South Lake County. At 43,000 square feet, the Minneola facility is four times larger than Crooked Can’s original brewery at Plant Street Market in Winter Garden, which continues to serve customers downtown.

The new venue features a spacious beer hall, an outdoor beer garden, a live entertainment stage, as well as a taproom offering at least 24 beers on tap, including seasonal selections. In addition to craft beer, guests can enjoy wine, sake, ciders, and a variety of other beverage options.  

The food hall showcases 11 local vendors serving an array of culinary offerings, including pizza, cheesesteaks, barbecue, dumplings, donuts, empanadas, and more. Participating vendors include AJ’s Pizza Joint, Braza Orlando, Daniel’s Cheesesteak House, Empanada And Co., Kai Kai BBQ and Dumplings, Norigami, Pita Street Food, Sir Benji’s Donuts, The Local Butcher and Kitchen, This Little Piggy, and Three Birds Cafe Express.

While several vendors were still putting the finishing touches on their operations and were not yet fully open, they provided food samples and previews of what customers can expect in the coming weeks. Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed a steady flow of craft beer while exploring the diverse culinary offerings.

The brewery is located within the 96-acre Hills City Center development on North Hancock Road. The mixed-use community continues to grow and will ultimately feature apartments, senior living residences, retail shops, medical offices, walking trails, and green spaces, making Crooked Can a centerpiece of one of South Lake County’s most significant developments.

The opening marked a major milestone for both Crooked Can Brewing Company and the City of Minneola, creating a vibrant gathering place where residents and visitors can come together to enjoy great food, craft beverages, entertainment, and community.

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The project was made possible through a partnership between Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter and the South Lake High School Youth Construction Academy, a vocational program designed to introduce students to the construction industry while preparing them for future careers in the skilled trades.

A hand-selected group of students participated in every phase of the project, from groundbreaking to final construction, gaining valuable real-world experience throughout the process. Students who complete the program graduate with opportunities for internships and employment within the construction field.

Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter works to provide affordable, site-built homes to individuals and families throughout its service area who demonstrate a need for housing, are willing to partner with Habitat, and have the ability to sustain a monthly mortgage payment.A key component of the Habitat program is “sweat equity,” which allows future homeowners to invest directly in both their home and their long-term housing stability. Sweat equity hours may be earned through a variety of activities, including volunteering on construction sites, assisting in the office, and participating in educational programs such as First-Time Homebuyer classes, Financial Literacy workshops, and Credit Counseling sessions.

Recognizing that every family enters the program with unique circumstances and needs, Habitat staff members work closely with homeowners to provide the personalized support necessary to help them become successful long-term homeowners.

Since 1989, Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter has served individuals and families throughout Lake and Sumter counties by creating access and opportunity to affordable housing solutions. As an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, the organization empowers local families to achieve strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter while advancing the vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.

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by Amanda Nethero, Live Well Foundation of South Lake

The Central Florida Pediatric Therapy Foundation’s Dreamplex program will expand mobile outreach for people with disabilities after receiving a $50,000 grant from the Live Well Foundation of South Lake, the foundation announced April 15. The grant funds the “Wheels of Inclusion” project, which will acquire a multi-purpose van to transport adaptive equipment and staff to underserved residents across South Lake County.

The van will serve children, adolescents, and adults with physical, cognitive, and behavioral disabilities, removing transportation as a barrier to participation in adaptive sports, therapeutic education, and vocational training. Program leaders project a 25 percent increase in participation and a 50 percent reduction in service delivery barriers as a result of the initiative.

The project will also support more than 12 community outreach events annually, expanding awareness of available services across the county. The initiative aligns with priorities identified in the Lake County Community Health Needs Assessment, targeting social determinants of health for vulnerable populations.

The Magruder Foundation is providing additional support for the project.

“This investment reflects our ongoing commitment to building a more inclusive and accessible community,” said Susan McLean, grants committee chair for the Live Well Foundation of South Lake. “By supporting innovative solutions like Wheels of Inclusion, we are helping ensure that individuals of all abilities have the opportunity to participate, thrive, and succeed.”

The Central Florida Pediatric Therapy Foundation operates Dreamplex, which provides inclusive programming and removes barriers to services for people with disabilities and their families in the region.

For more information about the Live Well Foundation of South Lake and its grantmaking initiatives, visit www.lwfsl.org.

About Live Well Foundation of South Lake

Established in 2019, the Live Well Foundation of South Lake is a private 501(c)(3) foundation dedicated to improving the health and wellness of South Lake County. The Foundation fulfills its mission through strategic grantmaking that supports sustainable, community-based initiatives focused on long-term impact.

Live Well Foundation of South Lake invests in solutions that strengthen individual and community well-being, guided by a commitment to measurable outcomes and responsible stewardship. Its work is grounded in a simple return on investment: better health, for life.

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The Future of Educational Technology Conference (FETC) is held in Orlando, Florida, each year and gives teachers, administrators, and school district leaders the opportunity to meet players in the educational technology ecosystem. It is the largest gathering of strategic ed tech decision makers who explore the future of educational technology, network with thought leaders, discover innovative solutions, and participate in hands-on workshops designed to empower educators and administrators.

Six educators from Montverde Academy’s academic divisions met to attend workshops, keynotes, and the exhibitor hall to get fresh ideas to integrate into their classrooms to inspire innovative teaching methods. They are now tasked with applying that fresh learning in their classrooms, to be advocates for integrative technology in their buildings, and provide professional development for the faculty that were unable to attend. Dr. Caryn Long, Director of Educational Technology and Innovation at MVA, is a strong supporter of attendance at this conference. “Each year, it is my goal to bring new cohorts to this amazing conference to inspire the use of ed tech in the classroom,” said Dr. Long. “It is a larger field than screen time, which most people think of when they hear the word ‘technology.’ It is about hands-on, active learning using technology. This conference provides ways to make that happen within our classrooms and therefore deepen learning for our students. It is technology used purposefully.”

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This successful local family-owned business offers over 50 authentic family entree recipes!!! Not part of a chain, Guru Indian Restaurant proudly and independently serves their own unique appetizers as well as their cooked chicken, beef, lamb, seafood, Biryani, vegetable, and vegan entrée dishes while always custom preparing and cooking them to perfection. They always ask you for your desired tastes and spice levels. Each dish is created the way you want it, flavored from mild or normal, medium, or hot and extra spicy. Guru Indian Restaurant serves generous portions of fine quality fresh foods and ingredients available.

Kadam started a simple and very authentic Indian restaurant for the South Lake community. They proudly serve generous 16-ounce portions of the finest quality foods and ingredients available today. Each entrée comes with a generous 16-ounce portion of rice, so there is often enough to take home for an extra meal. Everything is always made and served fresh. Each Guru Indian Restaurant dine-in experience is started with a complimentary dish of Pappadam chips, served with onion and sweet mango chutney.

Guru Indian Restaurant has proudly been awarded dozens of fine dining awards from the Clermont Sun, Orlando Sentinel, South Lake TV, Style and Orlando Family Magazines, and Orlando Weekly. Guru welcomes you for your birthdays, anniversaries, staff meetings, holidays, and all special occasions. Celebrate on your birthday at Guru for a FREE Dine-In Entrée with ID Proof. Guru is open 365 days every year, including Thanksgiving, Christmas as well as for New Year’s. Guru has become the best place to host outdoor parties.

Kadam notes, “I am very appreciative of our loyal patrons, our South Lake community. I remain very proud and thankful for my talented Guru staff team, as they consistently strive to deliver top quality customer service experiences every day!”

Guru Indian Restaurant is open from 10:30 AM to 10 PM every day. They generously offer a bonus beverage with ToGo orders by visiting: www.MyGuruToGo.com. You can have Guru dishes delivered with Door Dash, Uber Eats or EZ Catering services. They are located at 2400 US Highway 27, Suite 101, 34711. Call 352-241-9884. Visit: www.GuruRestaurantCatering.com to see their full menu. Follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/gururestaurantclermont.

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By Grace Rabano & The Clermont Garden Club

 

Every month from September through May, Clermont Garden Club members loan plants to Cooper Memorial Library and Clermont City Hall to promote horticulture awareness and connect our community to Clermont Garden Club’s programs, civic activities and community outreach.

 For the month of November, Clermont Garden Club member Donna Ferraguto loaned a Money Tree Plant to Cooper Memorial Library. The Money Tree plant (Pachiraaquatica) gets its name from the Feng Shui belief that it will attract good fortune and positive vibes. To care for the potted plant, provide bright, indirect light and water when the top inch or two of soil is dry. Maintain medium to high humidity. The money tree plant prefers well-draining soil. Money tree plants are pet-safe and non-toxic, making them a worry-free choice for homes with pets and young children.

Gale Saunders loaned a potted chrysanthemum to Clermont City Hall. The chrysanthemum, or “mum”, belongs to the Asteraceae family which is the largest family of flowering plants and includes over 23,000 species. Florist mums are usually the ones that are sold indoors during the fall season. While technically a perennial, these are bred as annuals because  chrysanthemums don’t have a rooting system that makes them capable of returning year after year, so planting these in an FL garden is not optimal. Mums need bright light and should be kept moist, but not wet. Trimming the spent flowers will help produce more buds.

 

Guests and prospective members are always welcome at the Clermont Garden Club meetings. Come and join us at our next meeting on Wednesday, Nov 19 at the clubhouse located at 849 West Avenue, Clermont at 9:30 am-noon.

 

Additionally, special club events are happening in November at the clubhouse:

• Sat., Nov 15 at 9:00am to 2:00pm – Annual sale of plants grown by club members.
• Sat., Nov 22 at 10:00am to 3:00pm – Art Stroll in collaboration with the South Lake Art League where art will be shared throughout the clubhouse grounds. Raffles, kids, crafts, table and scavenger hunt available.

Clermont Garden Club is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

 

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