My Sanford Seminole Magazine - Summer 2023

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Happy Summer, Readers!

Many of you who know me know that I love diversity and being global. I love and am passionate about learning all there is to know about different cultures. That includes everything from art and food to language and customs.

One of the advantages that our friendly county offers is the diversity of its residents and how we are all connected in one way or another.

In this summer edition, Paul and Channi open the doors to My Sanford Seminole Magazine at their residence to tell us a little about their origins and their family, as well as the companies that they own.

Enjoy a hot summer in the “cool” waters of Wekiva Island. Get to know its facilities and their owners.

This edition invites residents and visitors to discover the new Sculpture Walk along with its history and where it is located. Visitors

TABLE OF CONTENTS

to the new exhibit are encouraged to take a photo with the sculptures and send it to participate in the contest for a dinner for two at one of the restaurants in Downtown Sanford. Look for the contest on our platforms of Facebook and Instagram.

We are proud to announce our annual signature event, which is the 2023 Best of Sanford Award Gala, on September 13 at the Ritz Theatre, Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center. There will be an after-party at the Old Jailhouse Restaurant. Save the date so you will be ready for the gala of the year in Downtown Sanford where the best of the best is celebrated in style.

Stay tuned for much to come!

Love,

WRITE TO US |

Perla is the founder, Editor In-Chief and publisher of My Sanford Seminole 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.

Local entrepreneurs Paul and Channi Sodhi.

Photo: Gs Katz

ESTABLISHED 2014

VOLUME 9, ISSUE 2

SUMMER 2023 | QUARTERLY

BILINGUAL MAGAZINE www.MySanfordMagazine.com

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

Editor in Chief & Founder

Perla B. Crosby

Associate Editor

Samantha Montgomery

Managing Editor

Jennifer Luce

Art Director

Renée Blair

Photographers

Jessica Carvajal

Photography

Andrew van Tilborgh

Daniella Hume, Mastropieces Productions @Mastropiecesproductions

Pete Wilson Photography

Cover Photography

Gs Katz

Digital Marketing Director

Brian R. Ambrosini

Social Media & Marketing Specialist

Daniella Hume

Contributors

Mary Boza Crimmins

Lisa Holder

Daniella Hume

Leon Konieczny

Samantha Montgomery

Claudia Mundlos

Allison van Tilborgh

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 PARTNER OF:

18

20

22

FOLLOW US:

ADVERTISING: 407-801-3432 • editor@mysanfordmagazine.com

ESCRÍBENOS A EDITOR@MYSANFORDMAGAZINE.COM

Hello, Summer!

SANFORD, FLORIDA

Local entrepreneurs Paul and Channi Sodhi’s route to Seminole County was anything but direct; however, now the couple has called the area home for twelve years. Born and raised in the United Kingdom, Paul fondly remembers the British countryside and traveling through Europe with his parents. In 1989, he moved from the United Kingdom to the United States and recalls experiencing a dream come true when he first viewed the New York City skyline.

PAUL AND CHANNI SODHI

UNIQUELY GLOBAL, PROUDLY LOCAL

BY MARY BOZA CRIMMINS

Channi left her native New Delhi, India, at a young age. “My dad was a civil engineer, so we moved from India to Kenya and then to Canada.” In 1992 after marrying Paul, she emigrated from Toronto, Canada, to the United States.

The Sodhis are co-owners of Sunshine Pharmacy located in Sanford and Casselberry. Paul, a pharmacist for 34 years, manages the pharmacy while Channi oversees operations. “We are a local compounding pharmacy that serves all of Central Florida, including long-term

Paul Sodhi

care assisted living facilities. We specialize in customizing medications to a patient’s specific requirements,” Paul explained. Sunshine has a team of trained pharmacists and technicians dedicated to providing personalized care, exceptional service and free delivery.

The couple has four children - Simran, Mandy, Raj, and Yash. In addition to responsibilities at the pharmacy, Channi and her daughter Mandy are real estate agents. The team handles residential and commercial transactions with United Real Estate Preferred.

Worthy Causes, Abundant Impact

Paul and Channi believe in positively representing their family, community, culture, and adopted country. As Sikhs, they live out the religion’s traditions of justice and community service. During the pandemic, they donated a thousand masks to the Sanford Police Department and Seminole County Sheriff’s Department. The couple opened their home in April for the Boys and Girls Club of Central Florida Blue and White Fundraising Gala. “We support all the work they do for the community and hope to do more for them in the coming times,” stated Channi.

While they both see their business as an opportunity to serve the community, Channi also volunteers significantly for area causes. Her responsibilities as the Community Director of Florida for United Sikhs include helping with managing donations and organizing

fundraisers for humanitarian aid projects. As a board member of the PARC (People, Activities, Recreation, Conservation) Foundation of Seminole County, she is an advocate for promoting recreation for residents while conserving the area’s land. Other organizations that Channi is committed to are the Seniors Intervention Group, the Sikh Society of Central Florida, the Private Business Association of Seminole County, the Lake Mary Rotary Club, the Heathrow Women’s Club, the Woman’s Club of Sanford, and the Chambers of Commerce for Sanford and Seminole County.

Paul and Channi are a power couple who use their powers for great good. “We enjoy connecting to many parts of this vital community,” stated Paul. While the two may have been transplanted, their roots are deep in Seminole County. n

SANFORD: 407-878-4272

5040 W. State Road 46, #1126 Sanford, FL 32771

CASSELBERRY: 407.790-7289

2915 Lakeview Dr., Ste 1061 Fern Park, FL 32730

Channi Sodhi

Paul and Channi with sons Raj and Yash

Paul and Channi with daughters Simran and Mandy

TOP TEN REASONS to Avoid Dining and Drinking in Downtown Sanford

BY LEON KONIECZNY

1

If you are a beer drinker and a fan of the popular brews of the major breweries, such as Miller Light® or PBR®, although available in Downtown Sanford (DTS), few local bars and restaurants feature them. Instead, they generally feature various craft beers on tap, including some brewed locally.

2

If a run-of-the-mill cocktail such as a gin & tonic is your cup of tea, you can get one at most bars and restaurants in DTS. However, most also feature craft cocktails, enjoyed by their more discerning customers. DTS even has several craft cocktail challenges every year.

4

If you want to walk up to a counter and be in and out in a matter of seconds, DTS has little of that to offer you. Even though our few counter-order establishments are locally owned, Mom & Pop establishments create innovative and delicious dishes that you’ll not likely find elsewhere.

5If you enjoy eating and drinking in sleek-looking, modern establishments, you might be surprised by DTS. While many of our buildings are old, historic, and well preserved, and some of them also preserve that authentic look inside, others will surprise and amaze you with their modern interiors that fit into a historic space.

6

If ordering from a stripedshirt teenager who asks, “Do you want fries with that?” is your thing, you’ll be disappointed with DTS’s personal and friendly service. Many of our DTS waitstaff live in or near downtown and are all friends and neighbors of each other.

7

If a quiet and mundane dinner is your thing, you’re pretty much out of luck in DTS, especially on any given Friday or Saturday night, where you’ll find most establishments bursting with patrons, laughter, and fun times. Old buildings are not known for being quiet—rather, they are lively community centers where people gather and enjoy each other’s company.

3

If chain restaurants are your thing, you are out of luck in DTS—we have no national chains. Instead, we have locally owned, Mom & Pop restaurants with excellent chefs and inspired menus which often highlight organic and locally grown products, a gastronome’s delight.

9

If you want to walk into a restaurant and immediately get a table, especially on a Friday or Saturday night, avoid DTS. Most in-the-know folks know that a reservation is often needed on the weekends, and even on some weeknights.

10If you like to eat at a restaurant that has the same menu day in and day out, you’re again out of luck in Sanford. Most of the finer eating establishments rotate their menus, making use of seasonal items and the freshest ingredients. Always ask about any specials and the soup of the day.

Bonus: Sanford also is home to a distillery and a cidery, so you don’t have to stick to only beer—that is, if you like great-tasting drinks and want to support local crafts. n

*A tongue-in-cheek look at what makes DTS such a great and unique place in which to eat and drink. DTS is a gem of creativity and deliciousness surrounded by a vast sea of mediocrity and chain madness. Come to DTS and sample all we have to offer. You’ll never look back!

8

If you want your beer out of a bottle, a national brand, or tasting like flavored water, avoid DTS’s craft breweries. At last count there were four of them, each promoting their own craft brews and often also serving those of their competitors—the Sanford-craft brewing community supports each other.

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.

Sanford Brewing Company

Above: Buster's Bistro Far Left: The Old Jailhouse

COURTESY LEON KONIECZNY (BOTTOM)

GRAZING Your Way Through an Elevated Experience

BY DANIELLA HUME

F“lowers can grow out of the darkest moments.” That is how self-made entrepreneur Tiffany Parris felt when she first started her business, The Graze Room.

After her father suddenly passed away in 2020, Tiffany searched for an outlet. She had been a stay-at-home mom for nearly eight years and never pursued her dream of earning a music degree from the University of Florida. While being stuck inside during the pandemic, coping with the tragic loss of her dad, she decided to do something for herself.

Growing up in New Jersey, she was very familiar with hosting big parties and making large spreads. So, little by little, the ideas started to flow for a charcuterie-board type of business. At first, she tested food items with her kids and began to host small get-togethers. Before she knew it, Tiffany created a website and started her new journey.

The Graze Room offers much more than just delicious meats, cheeses, and accompaniments. Tiffany says, “It's about taking moments and turning them into memories that last a lifetime. I want people to know that there is a different way to go about planning out food for a party. It's about having an experience; it's about creating unforgettable moments, and the food comes second.”

When it comes to the board, one may wonder if the wood can make a difference. Tiffany says that this is something people may not consider; however, the board type is important for impacting the food flavor. She says that The Graze Room offers specialty boards, which she pre-smokes to give the different meat and cheeses an underlying flavor profile.

We asked Tiffany what her go-to food choice was when customizing a grazing board, and she didn't hesitate for one second: "CHEESE! I feel like as long as you have a cheese that you absolutely love, you can pair it with anything, and it will be delicious.” n

The Graze Room

407.225.3211 • https://thegrazeroom.com

Tiffany Parris

PUBLIC ART : SANFORD’S NEW SCULPTURE WALK

BY LISA HOLDER, MPA

Discover a one-of-a-kind outdoor art experience in Sanford with the new permanent sculpture walk by artist Dale Rogers. This stunning collection of five sculptures offers a unique blend of nature-inspired designs and modern artistry that perfectly combines with the City’s eclectic vibe. Each sculpture is thoughtfully designed to create a sense of wonder and awe in the viewer, making it an ideal public-art sculpture experience for all ages.

The “3 Cardinals in a Tree” sculpture is a standout piece that captures the essence of Sanford’s love of nature and wildlife. The corten metal tree, adorned with three bright red cardinals, is a stunning example of the artist’s attention to detail and artisanship. The “Dog

and Cat” sculpture is another must-see piece that highlights the City’s love for pets and animals. The corten dog with the corten cat on its back is a playful sculpture that invites visitors to take pictures and create lasting memories. The “Love Birds” sculpture is another stunning piece that features a corten metal heart with two red birds perched on top. A perfect representation of love and unity resonates with the

PETE WILSON PHOTOGRAPHY

"3 Cardinals in a Tree"

"Love Birds"

vibrant community of Sanford. The “Away” sculpture is stainless steel with a red powder-coated ball that adds a pop of color to the serene landscape. It’s an ideal spot for visitors to pause, reflect, and take in the beauty of the surroundings. The “Dragonfly” sculpture is a corten metal sculpture with a stainless-steel dragonfly that symbolizes transformation and change. It’s an ideal piece for visitors to admire and reflect on their own journey of growth and evolution.

Overall, The Dale Rogers Sculpture Walk in Sanford offers a captivating public-art sculpture experience that perfectly blends art with nature. The sculptures are thoughtfully designed to complement the environment and add a touch of beauty and wonder to the City. Don’t miss the chance to explore this stunning outdoor art exhibit and discover the beauty of Sanford through the eyes of a talented artist.

“The first of its kind for the City of Sanford, this sculpture walk will bring added enrich -

ment to our City enhancing the RiverWalk with its artistic beauty,” said Mayor Art Woodruff.

“The City of Sanford’s Public Art Commission endeavors to enrich the lives of Sanford res idents, workers, and visitors with all

forms of art. The most recent addition is the collection of sculptures by Dale Rogers. Both whimsical animals and abstract sculptures were recently installed for all to enjoy,” said Virginia Poe, Public Art Commission Chairman.

Please visit our website to view the sculptures and interactive map of the sculpture locations. https://sanfordfl.gov/government/ communications-office/public-art/ sculpture-walk/ n

Lisa Holder is the Chief Communications & Cultural Affairs Administrator for the City of Sanford. Lisa is a Founding Board Member for the Florida League of Cities Municipal Communicators Association. She holds a Master of Public Administration, a Bachelors of Science in Communications and is a Navy Veteran.

PETE WILSON PHOTOGRAPHY

"The Dog and Cat"

"Away"

"Dragonfly"

At Bueno Pharmacy, We’re Committed to Doing Everything Bueno!

Proveemos tratamientos y antibióticos para infecciones menores por sólo $30.00 dólares.*

Nuestra misión es proveer servicios de salud asequible a nuestra comunidad. Es por esto tratamos las siguientes dolencias:

• Infección de Garganta

• Infección del Tracto Urinario

• Infección de Oído

• Influenza

• Candida Vaginal Y otras infecciones menores

We are currently treating minor infections for only $30.00 through a consultation with our pharmacist.* Our mission is to provide affordable health care to our community, and this is why we are treating the following:

• Strep throat

• Ear infections

• UTI

• Flu

• Common types of Vaginal Infections (amongst other minor infections)

Wendy and Dr. Anthony Maldonado

look like she perpetually had “one too many margaritas.” Through over a year and a half of hand-feeding her, she was not only able to eat on her own but also became very comfortable with humans through such prolonged healthy interactions with them.

RED HORSE RANCH

A Day at in Sanford

BY ALLISON VAN TILBORGH

On the coast of Lake Jessup, Red Horse Ranch is home to dozens of rescued and stabled animals on just under 11 acres of land. The family business, run by the Todd family, started in 2021 as a hobby which quickly morphed into a thriving ag-tourism business. You can now embark on private tours, book birthday parties, and even attend summer camp with their goats, chickens, and horses. Cedar Todd, the eldest Todd daughter, tells My Sanford Magazine that it is a therapeutic process both for their rescued animals who need positive interaction with loving humans and for the humans who are able to give them love.

Red Horse Ranch

There are several exciting ways to visit the animals at the ranch, beginning with their private group tours of the premises. These are by-appointment-only hour-long tours for 4–6 guests which take you among the different

points of interest across the farm, meeting and feeding horses, cows, goats, and chickens along the way.

An event venue is another way to experience Red Horse Ranch. Create the farmyard birthday party of your kid's dreams where all the ranch animals are invited too! Welcome 20, 30, or even 40 of the farm’s goats, chickens, and horses for a memorable party unlike anything you’ve experienced before! You will be able to pet, feed, and take photos with all of their lovely animals under the watchful eye and care of our ranch hand staff.

Meeting the Animals of Red Horse Ranch

Meet cross-beaked dwarf chicken Margarita (and her sister Mojito), who has a condition that long impaired her from eating on her own. She got the name Margarita, Cedar Todd tells me, because her crossed beak makes her

Or you can meet Max, an elderly brown Bay horse with a distinct white “C” brand on his cheek. In his long, nearly 30-year life, Max used to live out West moving cattle and then went on to perform a 12-year stint at an equestrian academy teaching kids to ride horses. Max is a helpful reminder to children who visit Red Horse Ranch that all animals deserve to be loved, despite their age and usefulness. Although Max can no longer offer rides to humans, he is a beloved member of the Red Horse family and a favorite to many.

The week-long summer camp that occurs every year in early June is a great way to enjoy five days of up-close animal interaction (including animal grooming, finger painting on the sides of horses, and horse riding) and traditional camp activities (such as tie-dye, trivia, bingo, and educational programs). Students walk away learning more about animals and their anatomical structures through museum-style workshops under the supervision of ranch experts. Consider adding this to your calendar for next summer but don’t delay. A camp this exciting fills up very quickly!

Animals on the farm vary by season and their willingness to participate. No animal is forced to interact with guests at the farm—once they are done with you, we are done with them! n

Book a tour with Red Horse Ranch on their website: www.redhorsesanford.com

WEKIVA ISLAND Where There’s More Than Meets the Eye

BY DANIELLA HUME

Summertime is perfect for hitting up Central Florida’s attractions. Right here in our backyard sits Wekiva Island: an indoor/outdoor recreation complex where you can enjoy Florida’s natural springs. They have everything from kayaking and canoeing to paddleboarding and volleyball. While visitors soak up the sun, they can unwind with a refreshing beverage and tasty food from their on-site food truck and bar. Wekiva Island also offers cabana rentals and event spaces to host celebrations of all kinds.

While it sounds like a lot of fun, there is also much more to the heart of their mission. Bill and Mary Weinaug, owners of Wekiva Island, say sustainability, education, and art are the three pillars that drive their purpose. “We are dedicated to leading the way as a green business, sharing what’s remarkable about this location with our guests and imparting more beauty into the world than we found,” says Bill. “We believe that we are here to do better and make a difference on this planet.”

and Mary Weinaug

One of their priorities at Wekiva Island is to become carbon neutral by 2030. They’re doing this in a number of ways, including:

• Collecting rainwater for reuse

• Using solar power to produce hot water

• Installing landscape featuring only native species

• Generating most of their electricity from 290 solar panels

• Creating Wekiva Blooms, a community compost center and program that collects food scraps to benefit local agriculture

Wekiva Island is the first business in Seminole County to receive a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certified

A premier Seminole County family-fun destination is leading the fight to go green.

LEED Classroom

Bill

Platinum Classroom. Leaders across the globe have made LEED the most widely used green-building rating system in the world, and these achievements are prime examples of how Wekiva Island is driving its passion for sustainability.

Local businesses, schools, and organizations use their LEED classroom to learn about the environment and eco-friendly practices. Wekiva Island offers fully immersive educational programs that help teach and entertain young explorers. There are also plenty of opportunities for people to learn available throughout the island. “If we can get people to the water, and they can see it, they can help save it,” says Mary.

Let’s not forget about the arts! Bill and Mary always appreciated the world of creativity so much that they decided to open a gallery on their property in 2021. If you’re one for paint nights, Wekiva Island hosts monthly Wine & Paint events and sponsors the yearly Wekiva Paint Out benefiting local nonprofit groups.

Wekiva Island is family owned and operated, working to deliver a fun, safe, and clean environment to enjoy for generations to come. So, whether you’re looking to cool off in their

majestic river, kick back with your family in a cabana, or join their team for a river cleanup, there is something for everyone at Wekiva Island. n

To learn more about Wekiva Island, visit: https://wekivaisland.com/

HUME, MASTROPIECES PRODUCTIONS @MASTROPIECESPRODUCTIONS

Daniella Hume owns a multimedia business located in the heart of Sanford. Daniella graduated from 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 with her son Luca, her husband Jerry, and their dog Luna.

Downtown Sanford Metamorphosis

BY CLAUDIA MUNDLOS

Downtown Sanford has undergone a major transformation in recent years, with real estate playing a significant role in the area's metamorphosis. Once a sleepy town, Sanford has become a vibrant and thriving community that is attracting people from all walks of life.

Thanks to a renewed focus on revitalization efforts, the Downtown area is now home to a variety of unique shops, restaurants, and businesses. From craft breweries and award-winning restaurants to boutique clothing and specialty stores, there is something for everyone in Sanford.

The nightlife scene has also seen a resurgence. Bars with live music, craft cocktails, and a welcoming atmosphere have popped up all over the area. It's the perfect place to grab a drink with friends or enjoy a night out. One of the catalysts of this transformation has been the influx of new residents to the area. As more people have discovered the

charm and character of Sanford, demand for housing has increased, leading to a surge in new construction and renovation projects.

In particular, the demand for condos and apartments has been on the rise, with developers investing millions of dollars in new housing options. These urban-esque properties offer residents easy, walkable access to the area's many amenities, with the "work, play, live" mentality at its core.

But it's not just new construction that is driving the real estate market in Downtown Sanford. Older historic homes and commercial buildings are also being renovated and repurposed, breathing new life into these once-abandoned structures and in turn creating a dynamic Downtown area.

The metamorphosis of real estate over the past few years in Downtown Sanford has been nothing short of remarkable. With new construction, historic renovations, and

a commitment to sustainability, the area is poised to continue its upward trajectory for years to come. n

We are proud to call Sanford home and as local Realtors with 30+ years combined experience, we hope that one day we will be able to help you and your family with all your real estate needs. Meanwhile, we invite you to explore MovingToSanford.com and stay informed on all things Sanford at Claudia's blog Sanford365.com See you around town!

INSURANCE SERVICES

OF CENTRAL FLORIDA

BY SAMANTHA MONTGOMERY

My Seminole Sanford Magazine had the pleasure to interview James Cleveland, owner and operator of Insurance Services of Central Florida (ISCF). In the Sanford community, they are still known as Tony Russi Insurance.

Their specialty is educating potential clients on specific insurance needs. The staff at ISCF are experts in their field and pride themselves on being a family-owned business that respects its clients.

James Cleveland

The Staff at ISCF

Seagulls by Dale Rogers

PETE WILSON PHOTOGRAPHY