My Sanford Magazine - Spring 2021

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ESTABLISHED 2014

VOLUME 7, ISSUE 2

SPRING 2021 | QUARTERLY

This Issue was published by MY SANFORD MAGAZINE LLC, with project management by:

EDITOR

My dear friends and readers, it’s hard to believe, but we are already "celebrating" a year since this pandemic took over us.

We became vulnerable in a matter of hours, days ... all human beings on planet earth. We cannot celebrate as many lives have been lost during this past year, but we can say that we have learned to live in a different way than we had before. We cannot forget what we have learned from this terrible experience, and that is to love our neighbor, to live intensely because we do not know if today will be our last, to love without expecting anything in return, to see our neighbors as family, to support our local businesses, to save money for the future, and to value life and live it intensely.

This edition of My Sanford Magazine is dedicated to those struggling in our community — the essential workers who have sacrificed so much to save lives. I want to dedicate it to those companies that did not get any help to get ahead and yet survived and continue to contribute to a better community.

This is a new life opportunity for everyone.

It is time to accept ourselves as we are and unite to move forward together as a solid community full of hope for each of us.

Let's support each other and make Sanford an even better community for everyone. Let’s support local. We’re all in this together!

Come on! Let’s do it! Who said yes?

4 Nationwide IT Provider, Verity IT, Acquires Sanford LAN Masters 6 Through the Eyes of An Artist 8 How One Successful Entrepreneur Is Leaving His Footprint On the Community 2 M Y S A N F O R D M A G A Z I N E | S P R I N G 2 0 21

Associate Editor Caroline van den Berg

Social Media & Marketing Specialist Daniella Hume

Art Director Renée Blair Photographers Benevolence Photography Daniella Hume, Mastropieces Photography Barry D. Kirsch

WRITE TO US | ESCRÍBENOS A EDITOR@MYSANFORDMAGAZINE.COM Perla is the founder, Editor In-Chief and publisher of My Sanford Magazine. Her goal was to produce a local magazine that would foster unity and promote good will in Sanford’s culturally diverse community. This was accomplished and the magazine has been declared a resounding success. Perla also conceived and brought to fruition the Sanford Tourism Office and serves as its first Chairperson. Proceeding her long career as a Diplomat in Rome, Italy, she served as the Director General of Tourism in Italy where she also founded a successful tourist and business magazine.

Contributors: Perla B. Crosby Mercedes Fonseca Daniella Hume Barry D. Kirsch Leon Konieczny Nikki Namdar Judith Topper

Cover Photography Barry D. Kirsch My Sanford Magazine disclaims all liability for any and all advertisements, promotions, articles, and other affiliated content contained within this publication. The opinions of the authors are those alone. We do not accept any liability for information or advice provided by any advertiser, sponsor, or associated business provided in this magazine.

PROUD MEMBER OF:

ON THE COVER Michael Della Pia, Founder of LAN Masters Photo Credit: Barry D. Kirsch

FOLLOW US: ADVERTISING: 407.801.3432 advertise@mysanfordmagazine.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS COMMUNITY & PEOPLE

Digital Marketing Director Brian R. Ambrosini

9 Tips for Preparing Your Home for The Spring Market 12 Welcoming the City of Sanford's New Economic Development Director 14 Amazing Explorers, Amazing Achievements!

17 Coffee Convergence

FOOD & DRINK 18 Downtown Sanford Food & Drink Map 20 Sanford Comes Alive—Again!

LIFESTYLE 22 Be Social: Important Multicultural Initiative in Support of the Youth of Our City and the Region

BENEVOLENCE PHOTOGRAPHY (TOP LEFT)

LETTER FROM THE

Editor in Chief & Founder Perla B. Crosby

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MYSAN FORDMAGA ZI N E.COM | MY SAN FOR D MAGA ZI N E

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COVERSTORY

Nationwide IT Provider

VERITY IT

Acquires Sanford LAN Masters

BY NIKKI NAMDAR, SENIOR WRITER

W

At that time, a major computer virus started spreading and attacking Windows 2000 and Windows XP PCs. Della Pia’s work vehicle, a patriot blue PT cruiser with his company’s name branded across it, caught the attention of a local reporter on the road. When the news outlet needed an expert to weigh in on the worm, they called the tech-savvy cruiser from New Jersey.

“Computers were one of those things. I was super fortunate that my parents got me a Tandy TRS 80 when I was younger,” he said. “When I would get in front of a computer, I didn’t know what I was doing, but I loved it.” With new models being released, he eventually learned how to write code, disassemble parts, and rebuild equipment. As a teen, this hunger earned him the role of the go-to IT guy at his father’s machine shop, where he kicked off what would be a lifelong technical career. “I knew this was what I was meant to do. No question about it; it was the only thing that was natural to me.”

The day after his segment aired, he had booked five appointments a day for six weeks straight. Meandering through the streets of a new town finally paid off and put him on the radar as the one to call.

After spending decades mastering the machinery, the computer connoisseur decided to follow his father’s entrepreneurial footsteps and forge his own path. Establishing a start-up required starting over again, but he was used to that. This time, though, it would last. Thanks to the attractive and affordable real estate market, he found his place in Sanford.

“The square footage we get here, we can’t get in Orlando, where the price is almost double,” he said. “It makes me laugh that people think it’s on the other side of the planet. It’s so easy to commute to. All the cool things Sanford is doing and keeps doing, it’s growing fast.”

Della Pia created a techie’s dream office. Inside a 4,000-square-foot facility, the staff built mini houses, put in a fake lawn on the ground, set up video games, and troubleshoot customer issues in a matter of minutes. The 4 M Y S A N F O R D M A G A Z I N E | S P R I N G 2 0 21

Michael Della Pia

innovative space gave Della Pia the power to generate a business concept that would revitalize the IT industry. When surveying prospects, he took issue with the standard IT approach that makes their customers wait hours for service.

“What if I told you we would reach out to you in 30 minutes and have someone on your PC in an hour,” he told them. Their response time is 95 percent faster than their competitors across the country. According to Zendesk, that ranks them in the top three percent for IT companies. “I have a good team; it’s all about who you are. My guys are good, and they are experienced in seeing most issues.”

Their speediness and company culture caught the attention of an IT service provider based out of Chicago in 2020. Mark London, the President of Verity IT, and his partners started the company seven years ago to show small-to-medium-sized agencies that emerging technology enables businesses, it doesn’t drive them.

One of their clients, TransNational Payments, is a merchant services provider that specializes in affordable and powerful payment processing, payroll, and POS solutions. The company transitioned to Verity IT from another provider in 2018 to acquire more scalable solutions to support their infrastructure and core business processes.

“We’ve been very happy with the support and communication from the Verity team, and their ability to provide on-site support across our locations in different parts of the country for over 100 employees,” said Bryan Olson, the executive vice president of TransNational. “I was very impressed early on with the way they managed our transition from our previous provider. We have some custom applications to support our business that made me apprehensive of a change. Verity managed these complexities seamlessly. Onboarding went very smoothly, and my only regret is that we didn’t make the transition a lot sooner.”

BARRY D. KIRSCH

hen ichael Della Pia moved to Orlando in June 2003, he didn’t know anyone and had nothing but an unemployment check. He went door to door trying to sell IT services via a franchise he transferred from Virginia.

By August, after surviving the summer heat and, moreover, the screams from dissatisfied residents, he finally booked his first job with a client he continues to represent.

To boost Verity IT’s efforts, London and his team started investing in companies that have similar values as part of their strategic plan to become a leading managed IT services provider across the U.S. “When I think about value, I think internally, not externally. That’s not because we don’t focus on our clients, but I believe if we drive culture internally and treat our employees well, then our companies will see that,” he said. “We are blessed we found LAN Masters that share that same point of view. They feel happy about their work life, and that thought process trickles into how they serve. That’s the way our recipe works, and we win all the time.”

l-r: Kyle Pizer, Michael Della Pia, Scott Hales and Jarrod Hatcher, four members of the Verity IT team in Sanford.

Della Pia, who has declined offers from other companies over the years, was firm on not selling. London was planning a trip to Orlando to look at prospects and Della Pia agreed to meet.

“We’re real people, we’re normal, so it’s nice to see that stuff and what the market looks like,” London said. “We got back and told our salespeople all about Sanford, where we went to lunch, and how it’s got a good little feel to it.”

“In his email, there was an energy I caught.

He seemed like a nice dude, but it wasn’t something I wanted to entertain,” Della Pia said. “Oddly enough after I talked to him, I got approached by another Florida company. I didn’t get the same feeling from them.”

Verity IT plans on investing heavily in the area.

Great for the local economy, he explained, as they will add jobs and people to the tax base.

Employees in the Orlando market will enjoy coming to work, as they are given the platform to grow professionally and increase their income.

Two of Verity IT’s sales reps from Illinois have since relocated to Sanford to start the process.

BARRY D. KIRSCH (TOP); COURTESY VERITY IT (CENTER); COURTESY NIKKI NAMDAR (BOTTOM)

“Corporate greed is not who we are, and that’s not who Mike is in his business,” London said.

After growing his business from the ground up and starting over twice, Della Pia said there was more he could do if they had a “bigger machine” behind them. Selling to Verity IT would afford him and his team the opportunity to sustain a successful technical career for years to come.

“If you’re good to people, if you’re honest, the success will come,” he said. “There are a lot of choices out there, I’m appreciative of them giving us a chance.”

The agreement didn’t come without specific stipulations. On the list was Della Pia being able to take his team to lunch at Henry’s Depot and Mellow Mushroom every Friday as usual. “I worry about them all the time,” he said, referring to his staff as his kids. “Mark said it’s a good environment. He looked at companies twice my size who have less revenue and are less profitable —then there’s the four of us in Sanford, working double-time to be more successful.”

For 15 years, Della Pia has been backed by Kyle Pizer, formerly LAN Masters VP, now service

President of Verity IT, Mark London

desk manager under Verity IT. According to his boss, Pizer “needed him to be just as excited” about the deal, so he spent more time negotiating his contract.

“We’ve come a long way. To me, he’s more than a boss or a work friend; he’s a brother,” Pizer said. “It’s not often you’ll find yourself laying on the floor of a server room at 3 a.m. waiting for Microsoft to call. I didn’t have to worry because Mike is an awesome dude, and I couldn’t be more thankful for what he’s given me the chance to become.”

Admitting Sanford was not on their map when searching for acquisitions, London visited the city to meet Della Pia, who took them to a “small train station” to eat. Della Pia made it clear that his Sanford clients have a unique way about them, and they didn’t want to relocate.

Verity IT ensures the success of their clientele by working to address cybersecurity issues, providing security awareness training for employees, and navigating cloud services and IT strategy.

“We are looking to build the piece of this puzzle together to give local support where your provider is your next-door neighbor,” he said. “Building on Mike’s model of forward-thinking technology, we are open for business.” n For more information, visit https://verity-it.com Nikki Namdar is the Senior Writer for My Sanford Magazine, as well as a marketing manager. While completing a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing and a Public and Professional Writing Certificate, she launched @OrlandoVegans in an effort to build the vegan market in her community. Working with local and corporate brands, Nikki has used robust resources to produce content and develop successful strategies that have put Central Florida on the global map as a leading city for ethical living.

Passionate about education, she is currently a 2022 MBA candidate at UCF, her alma mater.

MYSAN FORDMAGA ZI N E.COM | MY SAN FOR D MAGA ZI N E

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COMMUNITY & PEOPLE

Through the Eyes of An Artist Meet One of Downtown Sanford’s Local Artists, Jason Hawk

BY DANIELLA HUME

I

For two decades, Jason has made Sanford his home. His passion for art started when he was just a kid. Four years ago, he made his mark on downtown Sanford, bringing his own creative style to Tuffy’s Bottle Shop and Lounge. Now, you can find Jason’s artwork almost anywhere you go in Downtown Sanford. “You have to get the feel from what’s around you and incorporate it into the artwork, so it just doesn’t stand out,” he tells us.

Jason Hawk

6 M Y S A N F O R D M A G A Z I N E | S P R I N G 2 0 21

After the pandemic hit, Jason lost his art job at one of Orlando’s theme parks. When the community found out, they stepped in and offered Jason even more work to help him during these uncertain times. “I don’t know what I would have done if it wasn’t for the support of the community, this town, and my friends and family, so I just want to thank them.”

DANIELLA HUME, MASTROPIECES PHOTOGRAPHY

t is hard to ignore the unique artwork gleaming through Downtown Sanford these days. However, this was not always the case. “I have seen Sanford change a lot over the years,” said artist, Jason Hawk.

“The city has become much more of an art community.”

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Jason has completed artwork at six different locations in Sanford: • Tuffy’s Bottle Shop and Lounge • Celery City Craft • The Old Jailhouse • Celery City Cigars • Christo’s • Loggerhead Distillery

DANIELLA HUME, MASTROPIECES PHOTOGRAPHY

From a bear in a top hat to heavenly pizza wings, Jason has put his stamp on Sanford. But he’s not done painting. Jason is working on projects at Tuffy’s Music Box and Theater West End’s rehearsal building. If you’re not in downtown, you can also catch some of his scenic art on the set of the awarding-winning TV series, “David Makes Man.” Jason and his wife, Jenny, decided to raise their two children, Jaxon and Lola, in Sanford because of the city’s strong community support. “I love being a part of this community, and I know it makes my family happy.”

With his family happy, he wants to make others happy by putting his brush to work. “I love helping make the town look pretty,” says Jason. “It has come such a long way and it’s just nice to be a part of how cool it looks in downtown.” n Daniella Hume owns a photography business located here in the heart of Sanford. Daniella graduated UCF with her broadcast journalism degree. She worked in local news for many years before leaving and starting her own company. While she isn’t working, Daniella loves to be at home cooking with her husband Jerry and playing with their dog, Luna.

MYSAN FORDMAGA ZI N E.COM | MY SAN FOR D MAGA ZI N E

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COMMUNITY & PEOPLE

Off The Chain Towing

How One

Mario J. Hicks

organize several events. He has also been appointed to the NAACP as the Community Coordinator and serves on the Executive Committee.

Is Leaving His Footprint On the Community

BY DANIELLA HUME

He also helped those who needed grants navigate the process following the pandemic. Mario said he wanted to make sure the people who needed help got the necessary support from the community.

Another success story behind Mario is Roni’s Restaurant. He and his sister, Renee Hicks, decided to open a restaurant named after their father in an area with virtually no dining options. Roni’s is not only the first restaurant to open in Goldsboro in over a decade, but Mario said it is also the first official restaurant to obtain a business license in Seminole County that is numbered 0001.

T

Established in 2008, his Sanford business was thriving until the pandemic hit. More people started working from home meant less need for his car services. Mario knew he had to make a change.

“Seeing my dad as a businessman and always being there to help people, by nature, it made me want to be like him,” Mario said.

He and his team focused on the things they could control like changing the way clients paid, making it as contactless as possible. They also put a lot of their efforts into customer service.

“Our community was in need for a restaurant like Roni’s. We didn’t have any black owned restaurants where we could get breakfast the way we really liked it,” Mario said. Part of Roni’s business model is also giving back to the community and donating money to local non-profits.

“Just being there when the people needed us is how we kept afloat. Being their ear, their shoulder, and just simply showing we care,” Mario said. “It’s about having compassion and understanding what they were going through.“

Mario is a proud father of five and hopes his work ethic will inspire them to help others.

His oldest son was the 2020 Homecoming King at Seminole High School and has been accepted to Morehouse College in Atlanta.

Mario learned the value of hard work from his father, who also owned Elite Grocery on Southwest Road in Goldsboro. Even while managing his towing company, Mario also works for The Leach Firm in Winter Park. During the pandemic, he was promoted to executive marketing director to help

As for the future, Mario wants to focus on affordable housing and helping people to reach their financial success. “I want to continue to advocate for affordable housing and equality in my district,” Mario said. “I want to be out there helping people in my community just like my dad.” n

he old saying “like father, like son” means a great deal to Mario J. Hicks.

A fourth generation Sanford native, Mario grew up in Georgetown and Midway, watching his father work around the clock to help people in need.

Mario joined his father’s business of towing cars.

The only problem is they never had a tow truck.

His family would have to use chains and pickups to tow vehicles. After seeing his family struggle for years, it became Mario’s dream to be the first person in his family to get a Tow Truck.

“When I finally found my first tow truck, my mom looked at me and said, ‘now, you are off the chain,’ since we wouldn’t be towing cars with chains anymore. And that is how my business got its name – Off The Chain Towing.”

8 M Y S A N F O R D M A G A Z I N E | S P R I N G 2 0 21

DANIEL MORRIS, STUDIO PARK AVENUE

SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEUR

When the holiday season began, he helped organized the largest turkey giveaway and toy drive, which helped hundreds of Sanford residents.

COMMUNITY & PEOPLE

TIPS FOR

PREPARING YOUR HOME

FOR THE SPRING MARKET

BY JUDITH TOPPER

A

home that looks its best is more likely to sell faster and for a higher price. Here are a few tips for preparing your home for the Spring market.

ADBOE STOCK (TOP); COURTESY JUDITH TOPPER (BOTTOM)

First impressions are important, so curb appeal is a must. Even bank owned properties invest in making the property’s curb appeal a priority. Touch up the trim and make sure the front door is clean and that the paint isn’t faded. If the paint has faded then I advise repainting it, and if the door hardware has oxidized, it might be wise to replace it with new hardware.

Make sure that the front garden beds have been weeded and that there is fresh mulch down. Wash the windows and screens, trim the trees and shrubs and make sure the lawn care maintenance is kept up. Put a fresh welcome mat outside the front door and add a couple of fresh potted flowers in the entryway.

If you have a septic system or well, then have it checked prior to listing to avoid possible septic and/or well issues that could come up during inspection. Make sure the doorbell is working and replace outside light bulbs. Sweep all cobwebs around light fixtures, doors and windows, and blow off any leaves and debris on the walkways.

Inside, clean the ceiling fans and blades from dust and dirt. Don’t forget to also clean the windows and sills. Remove family photos to

neutralize the space. It’s also smart to clean and declutter closets and drawers. If the HVAC hasn’t been serviced, I suggest getting it done to make sure it’s working efficiently. Touch up and repaint walls, trim and ceilings. Clean around the air vents.

Clean or replace carpeting and clean all blinds and window coverings. Clean appliances inside and out. Clean off the countertops and make sure the beds are always made. You might want to freshen up the beds with a new comforter and some throw pillows.

For showings, make sure the temperature of the house is comfortable. Make sure there are no funky smells from pets or food in the house. You might want to ask your REALTOR®

if they can smell anything that your nose might be benign to. If you have animals, make sure you keep the floors vacuumed, and if you have cats, keep the litter box clean and away from view. Make sure you leave all the lights on for showings. n

As an established leader in the local community, Judith Topper has the knowledge and expertise to help you find the right place to live at the right time. A licensed REALTOR® since 1997, she brings over 20 years of sales expertise to the table and is a GOLD KEY CERTIFIED REALTOR®.

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OMAR M. RIVERA, D.C. Rivera Family Chiropractic Center

GET HELP WITH

CHIROPRACTIC CHIROPRAC TIC

Unfortunately, car accidents are fairly common these days. If you’ve been involved in a car accident, it is important to seek treatment as quickly as possible after the incident. At Rivera Family Chiropractic Centers, we work with patients who have suffered automobile injuries and are looking for chiropractic treatment to begin the healing process.

CARE

IF YOU HAVE BEEN IN CAR ACCIDENT AND HAVE SUFFERED an automobile injury, we strongly suggest that you come in for a chiropractic evaluation as soon as you’re able to, especially if you are experiencing one or more of the following symptoms: back or neck pain, headaches, muscle spasms, stiffness or insomnia.

Our practice is well versed in treating auto injury victims. Whether an accident was your fault or not, there is medical coverage through one’s auto insurance to make sure you are able to obtain the care you deserve.

At Rivera Family Chiropractic Center, we believe your health should be your top priority after a car accident. Even if there are insurance or lawsuit issues to deal with, the treatment you receive can be an important factor in the outcome of your case. If you need help after an automobile injury, call us today to schedule an appointment for chiropractic evaluation and physical therapy treatment.

Rivera Family Chiropractic Center successfully treats Seminole, Orange and Volusia patients who need pain management. If you are seeking exceptional care, we invite you to Rivera Family Chiropractic Center where you’ll discover pain relief and prevention services that will help you feel better than you ever thought was possible.

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Rivera Family Chiropractic Center

www.riverachiro.com Sanford: 900 W. 25th St. • (407-878-5848) Casselberry: 3950 S. U.S. Highway 17-92, Suite 1000 (407-767-4878) Deltona: 821 Debary Ave. • (386-860-5448)

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COMMUNITY & PEOPLE

Welcoming the City of Sanford’s

NEW

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

BY MERCEDES FONSECA

A

s the city’s new front man for economic development, Dr. Tom Tomerlin is spearheading efforts to grow commerce in Sanford.

His career comprises employment on both sides of the coin — in both the public and private sectors. His tenure in the private sector launched his interest in becoming more focused on impacting an entire community — and that’s where Sanford comes in. Tomerlin is a Seminole County native. Calling himself an “economics nerd,” he is passionate about applying economic thinking to help the Sanford community.

“Economic Development is top priority here in the City of Sanford,” said Tom. “Whether your business needs permitting assistance or help getting connected to economic development resources, Sanford can help you get that done. Sanford is welcoming and accommodating, and we want your project to get to the ribbon cutting ceremony,” added Tom. In his new role, Tomerlin would like to further develop Sanford’s economic development footprint. A primary focus is communicating the great 12 M Y S A N F O R D M A G A Z I N E | S P R I N G 2 0 21

strides Sanford takes to balance the three E’s: Economy, Environment and Equity, which are the foundation for sustainable decision making. “My goal is for the city to make gains in balancing the three E’s, which will contribute to a greater quality of life for both Sanford residents and businesses.”

Tomerlin also mentions that Sanford’s economic development track record is clearly reflected in the many national firms that are already here.

“It’s truly business friendly and we don’t have just one specific industry we cater to, and we have room for your business too!” n

Mercedes Fonseca holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. She served as Chief of Staff for various elected officials. She currently is co-owner of a small consulting firm. She, along with her business partner, have over 30 years combined experience in government.

They have continued to serve the community at large with issues specific to governmental matters. Mercedes also serves as a political consultant to current elected officers. Her passion is writing about economic and community development.

DANIELLA HUME, MASTROPIECES PHOTOGRAPHY (TOP); COURTESY MERCEDES FONSECA (BOTTOM)

Dr. Tom Tomerlin

La ciudad de Sanford da la bienvenida al nuevo Director de Desarrollo Económico!

POR MERCEDES FONSECA

E

l Dr. Tom Tomerlin, nacido en el condado de Seminole y nuevo representante de desarrollo económico de la Ciudad, está liderando distintas iniciativas para incentivar y hacer crecer el comercio en Sanford. Tom conoce las dos caras de la moneda, puesto que su carrera profesional se ha desarrollado tanto en el sector público como en el privado.

La experiencia de Tom en el ámbito privado desencadenó su interés en centrarse con más intensidad en causar impacto a toda una comunidad, y ahí es donde entra en juego Sanford. A Tomerlin, que se considera a sí mismo un nerd de la economía, le apasiona poner en práctica el pensamiento económico para ayudar a la comunidad de Sanford.

CIT Y OF

FLORIDA sanfordfl.gov

sanfordfl.gov

“El desarrollo económico es la máxima prioridad aquí en la ciudad de Sanford”, dijo Tom. “Ya sea que su empresa necesite ayuda para obtener permisos o para conectarse con los recursos existentes en el ámbito del desarrollo económico, Sanford puede ayudarlo a lograrlo. Sanford es una ciudad acogedora

y amable, y queremos que su proyecto llegue a buen puerto y hasta la ceremonia oficial de inauguración”, agregó Tom. Desde su nuevo cargo, a Tom le gustaría fomentar aún más la huella del desarrollo económico de Sanford. Uno de sus enfoques principales es comunicar los enormes avances que Sanford está dando para equilibrar las tres “E”: economía, ecologismo y equidad, que constituyen la base de una "toma de decisiones sostenible". “Mi objetivo es que la ciudad logre avanzar en el equilibrio de las tres E, lo que contribuirá a una mejor calidad de vida tanto para los residentes como para las empresas de Sanford”. Tomerlin también menciona que "la trayectoria en cuanto al desarrollo económico de Sanford se refleja claramente en la cantidad de empresas nacionales que ya están creciendo aquí". "Es una situación realmente favorable para los negocios y no nos dedicamos solamente a atender una sola industria en particular, así que ¡también tenemos espacio para su negocio!", afirma Tomerlin. n

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AMAZING EXPLORERS Amazing Achievements!

R

Back Center: Marcello Spinelli , Co-Founder Amazing Explorers

oughly one year ago, our community came to a screeching halt. The month of March was a troubling time for everyone, says Marcello Spinelli, Co-Founder of Amazing Explorers Academy. COVID-19 became part of everyone’s vocabulary and part of our lives. We did not know what to expect or how to confront this new global crisis. Families were losing jobs, businesses were closing — some temporarily and others permanently. Many children enrolled in school had parents that were essential to our community and unable to stop working.

While many others industries reduced their workforce and slowed operations.

hood development center experienced a hard hit resulting in loss within all areas of their business — staff, enrollment, and revenue. Yet, operating costs continued to climb due to the additional requirements set forth by the CDC. Aside from following the CDC requirements, they took additional precautionary measures to ensure their facilities, staff, and children are safe. In addition, they have incorporated sanitizing protocols on the weekends to ensure the children’s health and safety remain a primary objective.

Despite the mayhem, Amazing Explorers Academy was able to navigate through uncharted waters to overcome and achieve overwhelming success. Amid the pandemic, this early child-

If we think outside the box, be more innovative and creative, our kids can be like Elon Musk, where both attended the University of Pennsylvania at the same time, says Marcello. Admiring

14 M Y S A N F O R D M A G A Z I N E | S P R I N G 2 0 21

“These are our children,” states Marcello, who spent much of his career in banking on Wall Street.

Elon Musk as “the forefront of innovation,” and having been fortunate to travel abroad to over 50 countries, he acknowledged the importance of education, specifically amid subjects of science and math. Today, we recognize the importance of the acronym, S.T.E.A.M. – science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, as a vital part of children’s academic success. As young children, both he and his brother were always encouraged to continue learning. Having held onto this principal, education was, and continues to be, extremely important. Eventually, Marcello co-founded Amazing Explorers.

Who is Amazing Explorers Academy?

It is a child centered approach that focuses on S.T.E.A.M. and is geared toward early learners, a concept envisioned and created in 2014.

Convinced this idea would take off, Marcello, his

COURTESY MARCELLO SPINELLI

BY MERCEDES FONSECA

COMMUNITY & PEOPLE

“The future will bring radical changes that are exponential and not linear – we need to appropriately assess and change rapidly to prepare our kids to what is coming.”

— Marcello Spinelli, Co-Founder Amazing Explorers Academy brother and collaborators felt it was vital for the future of children and generations to follow in order for children to remain innovative, creative and provide them with a competitive edge.

They began their search for top local experts who embraced an inter-disciplinary and holistic approach to ensure children were provided with a solid learning experience in a learning environment conducive to success. This methodology provided children with the necessary building blocks in all areas of learning — social, emotional, language, motor skills, and problem solving.

Furthermore, it safeguards a child’s formative years and prepares them for their next chapter of learning. Concept has now become reality. Lake Nona was the commencement of it all in 2018.

Shortly thereafter, an explosion of Explorers soon began to land in various communities throughout Central Florida. To date, locations have expanded well beyond our local boundaries with the furthest location in Viera, FL. Expansion plans have continued without any slowdown in the foreseeable future. An additional five to six Florida locations will be forthcoming. These unnamed sites have been identified through analysis of communities most interested in this niche focus. Although demand is present, chal-

lenges have not been without sacrifice. According to Marcello, the governmental stipends have made it difficult to hire much needed personnel.

Many individuals have found it more lucrative to stay at home then to work. “There is an actual incentive to not work, versus to work.” It was difficult to find qualified people before, and now it is almost impossible. “People should receive an incentive for working rather than not.” We as a Country need to have a deeper and more profound importance on education. Studies, such as James Heckman from the University of Chicago, have evidenced based statistics demonstrating the reduction in crime, increase in graduation rates, improvement in IQ and many other benefits. These children are our future leaders. Let’s invest in a foundation that will allow them to compete with the changes of tomorrow.

Prior to the pandemic, Marcello was closely monitoring the industry as pre-pandemic reports indicated a 3-4% failure rate. Government pandemic numbers were closer to a 50% failure rate, which posed a great challenge for Marcello and his team. Like many others, they didn’t know what the future would bring.

He moved quickly, gathered his management team, and consulted once again with local experts. This time, on the social-emotional impact this would have on children. Throughout many discussions, it became evident that any disruption in a child’s learning would be detrimental to a child’s development. The suggestion they received was the approach chosen: to maintain a routine and provide consistency for the kids. The social aspect is as equally important as the social-emotional component of a child’s learning environment. They remained open. Albeit, parents continue to be concerned and are delaying enrollment. However, despite the increase in operating costs, Marcello and his team continue to closely monitor their core standards to ensure they do not compromise the quality of their educational focus. In addition, continuous training in curriculum and providing enrichment programs to teachers is vital to the success of all. n

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Learn more about Amazing Explorers Academy at aexplorers.com MYSAN FORDMAGA ZI N E.COM | MY SAN FOR D MAGA ZI N E

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SHOP

EAT Hollerbachs.com 16 M Y S A N F O R D M A G A Z I N E | S P R I N G 2 0 21

BARRY D. KIRSCH

Dress

COMMUNITY & PEOPLE

Lights!

Camera!

Coffee?

COFFEE CONVERGENCE B Y B A R R Y D. K I R S C H

C

offee? If you happened to be at Caffe Di Riverwalk early on the last Saturday of January, you probably wondered at the presence of the small film crew bustling about the place. Nothing out of the ordinary, really, just the latest short film by Barry Kirsch and his new production company, Flat Camera Films.

Coffee Convergence is the story about ‘girl meets coffee,’ and takes place in two locations, both in Sanford. The first is Caffe Di Riverwalk and the other is Kirsch”s home in the historic district. Kirsch’s crew filmed at the coffee shop that Saturday and moved to the residence the following day.

Kirsch uses the café as a remote office of sorts. “Every now and again, I need to get away from my quiet office and surround myself with an atmosphere of energy and the sound of creative people doing creative things.” It was one of those very mornings when Kirsch got the idea for the film while waiting for his own coffee to be prepared.

“I wrote the script in about 20 minutes and explained the concept to Sherry Xue, one of the owners of the shop. She loved the idea, so we set a date for filming and pre-production started.”

BARRY D. KIRSCH

Betanya Grant played the coffee customer and the coffee shop employees were played by the actual employees of Caffe Di Riverwalk. “We just filmed around them as they went about their daily routine getting ready for business and taking care of customers, says Kirsch.” This was made easier because filming was done with an iPhone 12 Pro Max using special software for capture. Editing was done on an iPad. This is all part of the philosophy of Flat Camera Films. Mobile filming and editing for delivery to digital devices.

Mobile films have been embraced by mainstream directors like, Sean Baker, and Oscar winning director, Steven Soderbergh. The freedom from giant camera rigs and the crews operating them is a time and budget saver, yet still delivers beautiful visuals. n To watch Coffee Convergence, use this link: https://vimeo.com/507681304 MYSAN FORDMAGA ZI N E.COM | MY SAN FOR D MAGA ZI N E

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DOWNTOWN SANFORD FOOD & DRINK MAP 17

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Best Fish & Chicken Wings Buster’s Bistro Caffe Di Riverwalk Christo’s Colonial Room Restaurant El Zocalo Mexican Restaurant Fuel BBQ Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Café Magnolia Square Market Moon’s Subs Slam Pizza and Cheesesteaks Negril Spice Jamaican Restaurant Palate Bubs and Ice Cream Raw Press Juice Co. Sanford Pizza Company Shantell’s St. John’s River Steak & Seafood

DRINK 18.

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Sushi & Seoul at Celery City Craft Taste of Thyme Café The Breezeway Restaurant & Bar The Corner Café The District in Sanford The Healthy Buddah The Old Jailhouse The Smiling Bison (temporarily closed) The Tennessee Truffle Wondermade Zorba's Greek Restaurant

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1st Street Lounge Bitters and Brass Celery City Craft | Celery City Cigars Deviant Wolfe Brewing Ellen’s Wine Room Executive Cigar Sanford Henry’s Depot New Pizza Place – coming soon Loggerhead Distillery Luisa’s Cellar Wine Bar Palate Coffee Brewery Sanford Avenue Tavern Sanford Brewing Company Suffering Bastard Tiki Bar

15. The Alley 16. The Basin 17. The Imperial Bar at Washburn Imports-Sanford 18. The Sullivan, A Public House 19. The Wet Spot 20. Throwbacks Sanford 21. Torch One Cigars 22. Tuffy’s Bottle Shop & Lounge 23. West End Trading Co. 24. Wop’s Hops Brewery

Just one bite... and You’ll feel the Love Justone onebite… bite...and andYou’ll You’llFeel feel the the Love Love Just

Soul Food Soul Food & Entertainment & Entertainment

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

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Historic Downtown Sanford 503 S. Sanford Ave., Sanford, FL 32771 Historic407 Downtown Sanford - 878 - 7785 503 S. Sanford WE Ave., Sanford, FL 32771 CATER

407 - 878 - 7785

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Banquet Facilities & Catering Available Open 7 Days A Week Monday–Saturday: 6:30am–2pm Sunday: 7am–2pm

Waterside Eatery with a Light-Filled Dining Room, Outdoor Tables and a Hearty Menu of Chops & Seafood.

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105 E. First Street, Suite A • Sanford 407.323.2999 • alishelle@yahoo.com

ST. JOHNS RIVER STEAK & SEAFOOD 407-878-0980 • www.stjrss.com 550 N. Palmetto Ave. • Sanford, FL 32771

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FOOD & DRINK

SANFORD COMES ALIVE —

Left: The corner of First Street and Park on March 22, 2020, ten days after the Governor shut everything down, and today (below).

AGAIN!

BY LEON KONIECZNY

Now as Spring of 2021 arrives, we can see the historic downtown of Sanford blossoming again, starting to come alive with people, events, and activity. Some events started up again late in 2020, cautiously at first. Bars and restaurants have seen a resurgence of business.

Some days are beginning to be on a par with the past. Events are starting to take off again, and the streets are once again busy with pedestrian traffic, especially on the weekends.

While a few businesses closed and have not reopened—and possibly never will, most businesses have survived, and there a few new businesses are coming to downtown as well.

The future looks great for Sanford.

The long awaited “Nation” project has had several modifications and expansions to the plan.

Eventually, it will be a New Orleans themed 20 M Y S A N F O R D M A G A Z I N E | S P R I N G 2 0 21

destination restaurant and entertainment venue, along with a distillery. In the process of the restoration of the old part of the existing building, a brick façade from fifty to a hundred years ago was uncovered and will be preserved and highlighted.

The former fire station is being gutted, totally remodeled, and construction is ongoing. It will eventually open as The Sanford Station Bar & Grub, another establishment in a historic building that is being remarkably preserved and restored, yet with modern elements inside. By the way, it’s right next to The Old Jailhouse, a high-end restaurant that’s survived the pandemic, though with a change in chefs and menu.

One of our local craft breweries did not survived and has moved on, but that space is opening as Ultraviolet’s, a wood-fired pizza place. Who doesn’t love pizza, right?

The rooftop biergarten at Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Café, which opened just before the pandemic, has reopened Thursday through the weekends, and now features live Jazz inside on Thursday nights.

Even retail is starting to thrive. Magpie’s Modern General moved next door, and their former location is now their clothing store.

The “Loggerhead Watermelon

Moonshine from Throwbacks.

February sawLemonade” the annual Love Your Shorts Film

Festival return for its 11th year, but this time with reduced capacity and social distancing.

Two weeks after that, the 4th Annual Sanford Porchfest drew good-sized crowds—and this year, street closures helped give attendees plenty of social distance to enjoy the free music fest responsibly. Sanford’s first big casualty of the pandemic last spring was the annual Pints ‘N Paws Festival—but that will go on this year, a sign of great things starting to happen again.

Sanford is coming alive once again. As more and more people get vaccinated and get the hang of wearing facemasks and social distancing, many feel comfortable coming out and enjoying all that Sanford has to offer. The future is once again looking great for those who genuinely enjoy Sanfording, and soon the “pause” caused by the pandemic will be but a memory in the rear-view mirror of the past. n Leon Konieczny is a local Central Florida foodie and food blogger who’s been writing about Sanford and Seminole County area “good eats” restaurants for the past twelve years. He’s big into eating at local mom ‘n’ pop shops where high quality ingredients, love, and a dose of home cooking make all the difference.

While he occasionally eats at the big chains, he claims it’s only to remind him where a real quality dining experience lurks — in the small restaurants which are the heart and soul of every neighborhood and community.

LEON KONIECZNY

T

he 2020 pandemic and measures to contain it hit downtown Sanford businesses hard. What had been a thriving and growing dining and bar scene with packed venues most every weekend was stopped in its tracks by various mandated closures and safety measures, meant to slow the pandemic. Though short-lived, these measures were devastating for many businesses. Government assistance helped many, but not all were able to survive. Those who did, however, seem to be coming out of this stronger than ever.

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BESOCIAL IMPORTANTE INICIATIVA MULTICULTURAL EN APOYO A LA JUVENTUD DE NUESTRA CIUDAD Y REGION P O R M Y S A N F O R D M A G A Z I N E S TA F F

M

y Sanford Magazine, su presidenta y fundadora Perla Bello-Crosby, la experta en cultura dominicana, Verónica Sención, y la CEO de Nuevo Sendero en Orlando, Diana Mejía, invitaron a la destacada escritora de República Dominicana, Lidia Martínez de Macarrulla, a Estados Unidos para realizar los días 11 y 12 de marzo una presentación con jóvenes en Florida Central. Durante la visita, la escritora se reunió con niños y jóvenes hispanos del área de Orlando. La cita se dio en el Seminole High School — que tiene una fuerte representación de estudiantes hispanos, liderado por "Latinos en Acción" —, donde habló de temas como el acoso, al presentar su libro “El búho y la lechuza”.

A la actividad, le siguió una visita por la ciudad de Sanford. Lidia estuvo acompañada de Verónica Sención, fundadora de Café Literario en RD, el empresario Héctor Francisco Rivera Fernández y la diplomática Michelle Guzman Landolfi. Esa noche tenía lugar el evento Alive After 5, así que fue la manera perfecta de conocer el centro de Sanford. El día concluyó con una cena deliciosa en The Tennessee Truffle para homenajear a los distinguidos invitados de My Sanford Magazine.

Al día siguiente, se ofreció un encuentro y recibimiento en Palate Coffee.

Los empresarios locales, autoridades del gobierno de la ciudad de Sanford y representantes del condado dieron la bienvenida a Lidia Martínez de Macarrulla y mostraron su apoyo a esta importante iniciativa multicultural en beneficio de los jóvenes de nuestra comunidad. Tina Kadolph, CEO y fundadora de Love Mission anunció la posibilidad de abrir un refugio en República Dominicana.

Después de esta reunión, la escritora visitó la Free Library en Mckibbin Park para donar algunos de sus libros. Michael Hernández con The Learning Movement estuvo allí para recibirlos con mucho orgullo. Se discutió la posibilidad de duplicar las bibliotecas móviles en Santo Domingo como una forma de colaboración por parte de su anfitrión, The Learning Movement. Esa tarde la escritora presentó dos libros sobre violencia doméstica, en el marco de la apertura de las nuevas oficinas de Nuevo Sendero, una prestigiosa fundación que brinda apoyo a las víctimas de la violencia doméstica, que preside Diana Mejía.

ALEXIS BETANCOURT AND BARRY D KIRSCH

Lidia Martínez de Macarrulla, Writer

22 M Y S A N F O R D M A G A Z I N E | S P R I N G 2 0 21

BESOCIAL IMPORTANT MULTICULTURAL INITIATIVE IN SUPPORT OF THE YOUTH OF OUR CITY AND THE REGION B Y M Y S A N F O R D M A G A Z I N E S TA F F

P

erla Bello-Crosby, President and Founder of My Sanford Magazine, the Dominican cultural expert, Veronica Sención, and the CEO of Nuevo Sendero in Orlando, Diana Mejia, invited a notable Dominican writer, Lidia Martinez de Macarrulla, to the United States to give a presentation to Central Florida’s youth on March 11th and 12th. During Lidia Martinez de Macarulla's visit, she met with Hispanic youth and children from the Orlando area. Since she was a guest of ours, we began in Sanford. She spoke on important topics, such as bullying, to the young Hispanics at Seminole High School, whose Hispanic student population has a strong representation, led by "Latinos in Action."

Following this meeting, the Lidia visited the Free Library in Mckibbin Park and donated some of her books. Michael Hernandez with The Learning Movement was there to proudly receive them. The possibility of doubling mobile libraries in Santo Domingo was discussed as a way to collaborate with their host, The Learning Movement. That afternoon, she presented two books on domestic violence and discussed the opening of new office locations for Nuevo Sendero, a prestigious foundation that lends support for victims of domestic violence.

ALEXIS BETANCOURT AND BARRY D KIRSCH

A visit around the City of Sanford followed. Accompanying Lidia was Veronica Sención, Founder of Café Literario in DR, entrepreneur, Hector Francisco Rivera Fernandez, and the diplomat, Michelle Guzman Landolfi. It was the night of Alive After 5 — the perfect way to get to know downtown Sanford.

The day concluded with a delicions dinner at The Tennessee Truffle to honor the distinguished guests of My Sanford Magazine.

A meet and greet at Palate Coffee, was offered on the following day. Local business owners and city/county government employees welcomed Lidia Martinez de Macarrulla to show support of this important multicultural initiative to benefit the youth of our community. Tina Kadolph, CEO and founder of Love Mission, announced the possibility of opening a safe house in the Dominican Republic.

MYSAN FORDMAGA ZI N E.COM | MY SAN FOR D MAGA ZI N E

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