Montverde Academy’s Upper School scientists in Dr. Moncada’s and Dr. Ramirez’s classes took chemistry beyond the textbook during a hands-on Types of Chemical Reactions lab, diving into real-world application. 

From the intense glow of magnesium combustion to single replacement reactions with copper, zinc, and aluminum, students explored how elements interact and transform. They created vibrant precipitates like lead (II) iodide, investigated the heating and rehydration of copper sulfate crystals, and even used bromothymol blue to track how carbon dioxide changes the acidity of water. 

With bubbling solutions, color changes, and glowing reactions, students sharpened their observation skills, balanced complex equations, and experienced chemistry in action. 

 Safe to say… the reactions were strong with this one! 

The post Curiosity Sparks in MVA’s Upper School Chemistry Lab  appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

Brianna Burkhalter, Taylor Heaton, and Lola Rey were each recognized for their outstanding play and key roles in leading the Eagles to one of the most successful seasons in program history, which ended with MVA winning the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) state championship for the fifth time in program history.

Burkhalter, a sophomore, emerged as one of the team’s top playmakers, finishing the season with six goals and a team-high 23 assists. Her vision, composure, and ability to create scoring opportunities were instrumental in driving MVA’s high-powered attack throughout the year.

Heaton, a junior, anchored a dominant defensive unit that set the tone for the Eagles’ success. MVA held opponents scoreless in 19 of 23 matches, a testament to Heaton’s leadership, positioning, and ability to consistently shut down opposing threats.

Rey, a junior, delivered a standout season and established herself as one of the top players in the state. She led the Eagles with 27 goals, including a hat trick in the state semifinal and the game-winning goal in the state championship match. Her ability to perform in critical moments made her a constant difference-maker in MVA’s title run.

The United Soccer Coaches All-State honors recognize the top high school players across Florida, highlighting those who have demonstrated exceptional performance, leadership, and impact throughout the season.

Montverde Academy finished the season with a 21-1-1 record, a state championship, and an impressive 93-6 goal differential, further cementing its place among the elite programs in Florida.

With this recognition, Burkhalter, Heaton, and Rey continue to build on MVA’s tradition of excellence and represent the program at the highest level of girls high school soccer.

About Montverde Academy:

Montverde Academy is a private, independent college preparatory school for grades Pre-K3 through post-graduate studies, with a boarding program serving grades 7-12 representing 70+ nationalities. Our mission is to inspire students to become knowledgeable leaders with global vision and passion for learning, in a disciplined and diverse community that nurtures character development. For more information, visit us online at Montverde.org and at MVASports.com.

The post Montverde Academy Florida All-State Soccer Honors appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

Central Florida Dreamplex invites the community to a fun and relaxing evening of art, connection, and purpose at its upcoming Paint & Sip Night on Thursday, June 4, from 6 pm to 8 pm at The Friendship Place and Friendly Grounds Café, located at 2400 S. Hwy. 27, Suite 4108, Clermont, FL 34711.

Guests will create a beautiful summer-inspired painting titled “Sunset Over Lake Minneola,” featuring a warm sunset sky, palm silhouettes, and water reflections inspired by the natural beauty of Lake Minneola.

This special evening is more than just a painting class; it is a fundraiser supporting The Friendship Place and Friendly Grounds Café, programs designed to provide meaningful opportunities for creativity, connection, and community engagement for individuals with disabilities and special needs.

For $50 per person, attendees will enjoy:

• Step-by-step painting instruction
• All painting materials
• Two cocktails per person
• Light refreshments and appetizers
• Hand-baked desserts made by The Friendship Place at Friendly Grounds Café

The guided painting experience will be facilitated in partnership with Painting with a Twist – Clermont, ensuring guests of all skill levels can create a masterpiece to take home.

50% of the proceeds from the event will directly benefit programs that empower individuals with disabilities and special needs through social engagement, vocational training, and community inclusion initiatives.

“Events like Paint & Sip allow our community to come together in a meaningful way,” said Cameron Gomes, CEO of Central Florida Dreamplex. “Every ticket purchased helps create opportunities for individuals with disabilities and special needs to build confidence, develop skills, and experience true belonging.”

Spots are limited, and early registration is encouraged. Guests can register online at:
https://www.paintingwithatwist.com/studio/clermont/event/4282724/

To learn more about The Friendship Place and Central Florida Dreamplex, visit www.cfldreamplex.com/friendship-place/

To learn more about the Friendly Grounds Café: www.cfldreamplex.com/friendly-grounds/

About Central Florida Dreamplex
Central Florida Dreamplex is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing therapy, education, social, and recreational programs for individuals with disabilities and special needs. Through innovative and inclusive programming, Dreamplex works to create a community where every person has the opportunity to thrive.

The post Central Florida Dreamplex Hosts “Paint And Sip” Fundraiser Benefiting The Friendship Place And Friendly Grounds Café appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

Dash Sports, a beloved running and walking specialty store founded in Clermont, Florida, is celebrating 20 years in business this May. What began as a modest 500-square-foot shop inside the National Training Center has grown into a thriving community hub with two locations, thousands of loyal customers, and a reputation for helping Central Florida stay active. 

Since opening its doors in 2006, Dash Sports has become much more than a shoe store. The business has built a strong community through free custom shoe fittings, group runs, races, and lasting relationships with athletes and walkers of all levels. Today, Dash Sports serves customers from across Central Florida at its locations in Clermont and Winter Garden, helping people find the right footwear and gear to support healthy, active lifestyles. 

Over the past two decades, the store has helped fit thousands of runners, walkers, healthcare professionals, and everyday athletes with the right shoes and expert advice. The Dash Sports team has also played a key role in supporting the local fitness community by organizing run groups, hosting races, and partnering with community organizations and events. 

“Twenty years ago, we started with a small shop and a big dream of helping people move better and live healthier lives,” said Kimberly Grogan, owner of Dash Sports. “What makes Dash Sports special isn’t just the shoes—it’s the relationships we’ve built with our customers and the incredible community that has supported us along the way. Seeing friendships form in our run groups and watching customers accomplish goals they never thought possible is the most rewarding part of what we do.” 

Grogan, who owns and operates the woman-owned business, credits the store’s longevity to its focus on personalized service, expert shoe fitting, and strong community engagement. The Dash Sports team provides free custom shoe fittings using advanced gait analysis to help customers find the perfect footwear for running, walking, work, or everyday comfort. 

As Dash Sports celebrates this milestone anniversary, the company plans to mark the occasion with special promotions, events, and community celebrations throughout the year. 

“Reaching 20 years is an incredible milestone,” Grogan added. “We’re grateful for every customer who has walked through our doors, joined a run group, or supported our races. We can’t wait to continue helping our community live actively for the next 20 years.” 

For more information about Dash Sports, store locations, upcoming events, and free custom shoe fittings, visit www.godashsports.com. 

The post Dash Sports Celebrates 20 Years of Helping Central Florida “Live Actively” Woman-Owned Running Specialty Store Marks Milestone Anniversary in May 2026  appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

Amanda Nethero, Live Well Foundation of South Lake

New Beginnings of Central Florida (NBCFL) today announced the launch of Pathways to Healthcare for Vulnerable Populations, a bold new initiative designed to break down medical barriers and bring quality healthcare within reach for the most vulnerable residents of South Lake County. The initiative is made possible through a $215,000 grant from the Live Well Foundation as part of a $316,500 total project budget.

The program targets uninsured and underinsured adults, children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities — community members who too often delay or forgo care simply because they cannot access it. Through coordinated medical and dental services, NBCFL aims to serve 150 uninsured residents and deliver preventive health services to 100 participants in its first phase.

NBCFL will implement the initiative in partnership with a network of established healthcare providers, including Sirius Healthcare, Community Health Centers, and Apex Health DPC. Together, these partners will provide a continuum of care that coordinates primary medical visits, dental treatment, preventive screenings, and follow-up services, reducing the delays that too often leave vulnerable populations without timely treatment. Live Well Foundation Grant Chair, Susan McLean, expressed confidence in the project, noting that “New Beginnings of Central Florida has demonstrated a deep commitment to the people most at risk of falling through the cracks of our healthcare system. This grant reflects our confidence in their ability to create meaningful, lasting change for South Lake County residents who need it most.”

Beyond connecting individuals to immediate care, Pathways to Healthcare is designed with a long-term vision: reducing preventable delays in healthcare access and stabilizing the overall health of vulnerable populations in the region. By addressing both medical and dental needs in a coordinated fashion, the project recognizes that whole-person health is essential to individual and community wellbeing.

New Beginnings of Central Florida (NBCFL) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals and families in South Lake County by connecting them with essential services, including healthcare, housing support, and social resources. NBCFL works to remove systemic barriers and build a stronger, healthier community for all.

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.

The post New Beginnings of Central Florida Launches “Pathways to Healthcare for Vulnerable Populations” With Support From Live Well Foundation appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

The post Lake County To Present Safety Analysis Findings (May 7) appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

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.

The post Easterseals Florida Expands Disability Health Navigator Program with $250,000 Grant from Live Well Foundation of South Lake appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

Chef Warren will end the presentation with a cooking demonstration, preparing a healthy Spanish entrée that anyone can replicate in their own home in less than 15 minutes.

Chef Warren Caterson is a full-time writer and chef who studied at the Southeast Institute of Culinary Arts. When he’s not on the road, Chef Warren resides in Sarasota, Florida. He invites you to drop by if you’re in the area – there’s always something cooking and there’s always enough. The presentation includes a cooking demonstration that anyone can replicate in their own home. And best of all – everyone gets a sample!

Chef Caterson wrote the award-winning cookbook Table for Two – The Cookbook for Couples (Winfield & Scott Press) with over 235 recipes featuring fresh and readily available ingredients. Now he has taken his passion on the road with an entertaining and energetic hour-long presentation that will inspire your inner chef while tickling your taste buds.

Brought to you by the Friends of Minneola Library, this program is FREE and suitable for adults & teens. Come by the Minneola Schoolhouse Library or call to register.

For more information; Call 352-432-3921 or email jdix@minneola.us. the Library is located at 302 West Pearl Street, Minneola, FL 34715.

The post “Spanish Cuisine” Cooking Demonstration With Chef Warren Caterson At The Minneola Library appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

Lake-Sumter State College (LSSC) is excited to announce that registration for Kids’ College 2026 is now officially open! Designed for students in grades 1–9, this program offers a unique “build-your-own” schedule that lets participants experience a college-like environment.

A Personalized Summer Experience Unlike traditional camps with a fixed agenda, Kids’ College allows families to select specific classes based on a student’s interests. From science and technology to creative arts, every student can enjoy a completely customized schedule tailored to their passions.

2026 Program Dates:

• Semester A: June 8 – 18 (Leesburg & South Lake)
• Semester B: June 22 – July 1 (Leesburg & South Lake)
• Semester C: July 6 – 16 (South Lake only)

How to Sign Up Registration remains open until May 26, 2026. Families are encouraged to browse the full course catalog and register early to secure their preferred classes.

For more information, class schedules, and registration details, please visit www.lssc.edu/youth.

The post Registration Open: Kids’ College 2026 at Lake-Sumter State College appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

LEGO Club – Wednesday, May 6 | 4 – 5 P.M. For School-Aged Children – Make new friends and build cool stuff! Participate in new challenges, try different techniques, and see what your imagination can come up with! Bricks are provided. As cool as your builds are, please leave personal Legos at home. Recommended for ages 5 and up.

PAWS Therapy Dog – Friday, May 8 | 10 – 11 A.M. For All Ages – Join us for a visit with PAWS Therapy Dogs!  Reading out loud has been proven to improve children’s reading confidence, and there’s no better set of ears than a certified therapy dog’s.  PAWS Therapy Dogs will be visiting Cooper on the second Friday of every month! All ages welcome.

Family Movie Day – Saturday, May 9 | 10 A.M. – 12 P.M. For All Ages – Gather the whole family to enjoy a popular family-friendly movie together. Sponsored by the Cooper Memorial Friends of the Library.

Club Maker – Wednesday, May 13 | 4 – 5 P.M. For School-Aged Children – This monthly club is aimed at sparking creativity and teaching cool crafting skills. Each meeting will have a guided craft activity, with all materials provided. Recommended for Ages 5 and Up.

Teen Club – Wednesday, May 20 | 4 – 5 P.M. For Teens – Join us for a monthly free-flowing teen program!  We can craft, play games, or work on a big group project.  All materials will be provided.

Wildcard Wednesday – Wednesday, May 27 | 4 – 5 P.M. For School-Aged Children – Join us for a monthly mystery program geared towards elementary-aged children.  Is it a craft?  Is it a STEAM activity?  Find out on Wildcard Wednesday!  All materials will be provided.

Weekly Kids Crafts & Coloring Sheets – Every Tuesday and Wednesday | 12 – 7 P.M. For All Ages – Drop in anytime to pick up a special to-go craft kit or fresh coloring sheets!

One Page Rules: Grimdark Future – Saturday, May 2 | 9:30 A.M. – 12:30 P.M. For Adults – Sci-fi tabletop wargaming comes to Cooper Memorial Library!  Bring your Grimdark Future army and try to claim supremacy of the galaxy.  Most games will be at 2,000 points. No army, no problem. The Friends of the Cooper Memorial Library have provided extra armies for new players who want to give it a try. If you have any questions, please email Aeryn at aaron.taylor@mylakelibrary.org

Clermont Ukuleles – Tuesday, May 5 | 3 – 5 P.M. For Adults – Bring your ukulele and join us for intermediate to advanced group play!  The Ukulele Club meets every first Tuesday of the month. Chords and lyrics will be projected on a large TV monitor for easy following, and we have a diverse selection of music from all years and genres. Registration is not required.

Cinema Day – Monday, May 11 | 2 – 5 P.M. For Adults – Discover the books behind the films and explore the stories that inspired your favorite on-screen moments. Then sit back and enjoy watching their film adaptations come to life on Cinema Day. Want to read the book first?  Click here to browse the catalog and grab your copy today!

UF|IFAS Master Gardener Series: Hurricanes – Tuesday, May 12 | 2 – 3 P.M. For Adults – Hurricanes are part of Florida living, and certain things should be done when protecting and preparing your landscape for upcoming storms. When the storm has passed, it is also important to assess your landscape and perform gardening tasks to ensure your plants recover after the storm. This presentation will show you what to do for your plants before and after a hurricane.

Cooper Writer’s Group – Wednesday, May 13 & 27 | 1 – 3 P.M. For Adults – Find your inspiration, hone your skills, and receive constructive feedback with this supportive writers group. Cooper Writer’s Group meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month. Registration not required.

Pastfinders Presents: Ellen Thompson Jennings – Thursday, May 14 | 4:30 – 6:30 P.M. For Adults – Ellen Thompson-Jennings is a self-proclaimed Family History Hound who will help you tackle that “scary box” of unsorted family photos, documents, and memories! How to Attend: If you are attending this event in person, it will be held at the Cooper Memorial Library in Room 108.  Arrive early at 4 P.M. for snacks and chatting time. If you are attending this event virtually, you will need to register!  Once you register, you will receive an email with the link to join the meeting.  Zoom starts at 4:30 P.M. Register here: https://pastfindersslc.org/events/

Cooper Book Club – Tuesday, May 19 | 5:30 – 7 P.M. For Adults – The Cooper Book Club takes place on the third Tuesday of each month.  Check out our list for 2026! 2026 Reading List January – Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt February – The Little Liar by Mitch Albom March – Looking for Jane by Heather Marshall April – The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters May – Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy June – The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab July – Twice by Mitch Albom August – The Stolen Life of Collette Marceau by Kristin Harmel September – Classics Month October – The Ride of Her Life by Elizabeth Letts November – By Any Other Name by Jodie Picoult December – Holiday Gathering/Let’s Talk Books

Cooper Concert Series – The Sweet Talkers: Wednesday, May 6 | 5 – 6 P.M. Guitarist Thomas Watkins: Wednesday, May 13 | 5 – 6 P.M. Jubilant Strings: Wednesday, May 20 | 5 – 6 P.M. For All Ages – Join us for new concerts every month, ranging from patriotic to easy listening to classic hits! This month features a special visit from local guitarist and vocalist, Mike Morley.

Cooper Quilters Group – Every Tuesday | 9 A.M. – 2 P.M. For All Ages – Calling all quilters!  Bring your current project and quilt with us. The Cooper Quilters Group meets every Tuesday. Registration not required.

Individual Tech Assistance – Every Wednesday | 1 – 3 P.M. For Adults – Need help logging into Libby or CloudLibrary? How about setting up a new email account? We’ve got your back! Register today for one of our specialized one-on-one 30-minute sessions, where we can assist with your technical questions.  No hardware or software repair services offered. Registration is required. Please visit https://mylakelibrary.libcal.com/space/177551 or call 352-536-2275 to register.

Cooper Mahjong & Board Game Day – Every Thursday | 11 A.M. – 1 P.M. For All Ages – Step back in time and join us for Game Day at the library!  Dust off your favorite classics and challenge friends to a game of chess, dominoes, American mahjong, and so much more.  Whether you’re a seasoned strategist or a first-time player, it’s the perfect chance to unplug, unwind, and rediscover the joy of old-school fun.

Cooper Crafter’s Group – Every Thursday | 2 – 5 P.M. For All Ages – Bring your current project (be it yarn, thread, bead, fiber or paper) and craft with us! The Crafter’s Group meets every Thursday from 2 PM to 5 PM. Registration not required.

The post May Events At Cooper Memorial Library appeared first on South Lake Tablet.