Central Florida Lifestyle: Lake Nona July 2019

AVA LO N PA RK | WATE RFORD L AKE S | OVI ED O | W I NT ER S P R I N G S

JULY 2019

LIFESTYLE

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Florida Technical College Your Partner in Success

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MUST-HAVES 6 FOR YOUR SKIN B EST BINGES ON NETFLIX ICNIC PERFECT P IDEAS

Photo by Gretchen Hahn

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www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

+ LETTER From the Publisher

Celebrate

Summertime Summer is here in full force! The HOT days leading to the rumble of the late afternoon skies and the sounds and smells of a Florida thunderstorm take me back to some of my best childhood memories in this community. Oftentimes, our outside play or lemonade stands were interrupted by the rain, and our time inside included games that did not involve a phone nor a computer.

This issue of Central Florida Lifestyle celebrates everything summer.

We hope that you can cozy up during one of those afternoon thunderstorms and savor every page.

Learn how you can help the foster families at Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Florida or discover all that ICON Park has to offer for your next staycation.

Planning a summertime cookout? You will find some of our favorite cocktail and food recipes to include in your menu plan as well as tips for preparing your outdoor space for a party.

We hope you enjoy your summer, but most importantly: J ump into a good book.

U nplug and take time for yourself L earn how you can help others in our community Y not cross something off your bucket list this summer?

CEO/PUBLISHER Kristi Gomen kristi@karstmediagroup.com CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER Gretchen Hahn gretchen@karstmediagroup.com EXECUTIVE EDITOR Lyndsay Fogarty lyndsay@karstmediagroup.com VP OPERATIONS & EVENTS Catie Moore catie@karstmediagroup.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Matt Richardson matt@karstmediagroup.com ONLINE OPERATIONS COORDINATOR Megan Bildner megan@karstmediagroup.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Natasha Boschetti, Stina D’Uva, Menacham Green, Leah Kircher, Lauren Margolis, Chelsea Santiago

Kristi Gomen Publisher

CONTACT US

FOR ADVERTISING INFO

407-821-7300

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

Follow us: • facebook.com/centralfloridalifestyle • instagram.com/yourlifestylemagazine • twitter.com/cflifestylemag

A Product of Karst Media

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+ WHAT’S Inside

Contents | July 2019 Departments 6

Drinking Around the Tropics

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Tech for Your Next Trip

12

How to Stay Hydrated

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30 Features 8

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PROTECT YOUR SKIN THIS SUMMER

Dr. Michael Steppie of Associates in Dermatology offers tips for protecting your skin against the sun and recognizing the signs of skin cancer.

OUR COMMUNITY: YOUTH IN CRISIS

Learn more about Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, one of Florida’s most comprehensive child welfare and behavioral healthcare organizations.

YOUR PARTNER IN SUCCESS

Through an innovative learning approach, Florida Technical College, helps students balance life and academics so they can reach their goals.

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FLAVORS OF SUMMER

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Whether you’re having a cookout with friends or preparing a meal for your family, these summertime recipes will be a hit with any crowd.

6 BUCKET LIST GETAWAYS

It’s vacation season now, but these must-see destinations are perfect for a travel adventure year-round.

Web Life

Go online for stories and photos not seen in print.

• More stories about from local communities • An expanded web calendar

Central Florida Lifestyle | July 2019

TECH TRENDS

HEALTH & WELLNESS HOSPITALITY SPOTLIGHT

CFHLA Cares

BETTER BEAUTY

6 Summer Beauty Essentials

20 HOMESTYLE

Make a Splash at Your Next Pool Party 22

PLACES TO GO

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HOMETOWN HISTORY

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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EXPERT ADVICE

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Fort Lauderdale

Apollo 11 Celebrates 50th Anniversary

What to Binge on Netflix This Summer

Top 5 Ways to Beat the Summer Slide Your Boating Safety Checklist

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SPORTS & RECREATION

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IN THE KITCHEN

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HOW TO HELP

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YOUR LOCAL

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8 Lawn Games for Your Next Cookout

The Perfect Picnic

5 Ways to Give Back

Explore Orlando’s West Side Miss America’s Outstanding Teen British American Chamber

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WHAT’S HAPPENING

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SNAPSHOTS

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SOMEONE YOU SHOULD KNOW

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WINE & SPIRITS

Calendar of Events

Community Happenings

Mary Pangle

+ WINE & Spirits

Drinking Around the

Tropics

Sip on these seven cocktails this summer to tour your favorite vacation destinations without leaving home.

By Natasha Boschetti

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ou don’t need to book a summer vacation to enjoy delicious tropical drinks. Instead, take a tour of the tropics in your own backyard by shaking up some cocktails from these vacation destinations.

Bahama Mama — Bahamas

Is it really a tropical cocktail list without a Bahama Mama? The original version of this fruity beverage blends dark rum, 151 proof rum, coffee liqueur, coconut liqueur, fresh lemon juice and a generous amount of pineapple juice.

Modern versions swap out 151 rum for coconut rum and lemon juice for orange juice, ditch the coffee liqueur and add grenadine. Try it frozen for a cool treat.

Rum Punch — Barbados

An island paradise is in your glass with the Barbados Rum Punch. The punch comes from the Indian word “panch,” which means five. This refers to the five ingredients representing sour, sweet, strong, weak and spice. Mix Mount Gay rum (made in Barbados

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Central Florida Lifestyle | July 2019

since 1703), simple syrup, water, fresh lime juice, a dash of Angostura Bitters and freshly grated nutmeg.

Painkiller — British Virgin Islands

If you can’t be at the famed Soggy Dollar Bar to enjoy a real Painkiller, making it yourself at home is the next best thing. Simply mix rum, pineapple juice, cream of coconut, orange juice and grated nutmeg. Does the resulting cocktail kill pain or increase it? That’s up to you.

Caipirinha — Brazil

The Caipirinha is a traditional Brazilian cocktail similar to Cuba’s mojito. A major difference is that it swaps out rum with cachaca, a popular Brazilian sugar cane liquor. If you want to try something new this summer, combine lime with sugar and gently muddle. Then, add cachaca, stir and serve.

Mojito — Cuba

The classic Cuban Mojito is a sweet, citrusy beverage made with fresh mint,

lime juice, sugar and white rum. It’s no surprise why this refreshing drink was Ernest Hemingway’s favorite. The Mojito is the perfect pairing for sitting outside on a warm summer evening.

Piña Colada — Puerto Rico

Piña Coladas, the official beverage of Puerto Rico, are enjoyed worldwide for their sweet, cool and delicious flavor.

They’re easy to make, too. Blend cream of coconut, pineapple juice, white rum and ice to transport yourself to a sandy Caribbean beach.

Margarita — Mexico

You may already make this classic cocktail at home, but shake it up with a variety of flavors. For the traditional version, combine your favorite silver tequila, fresh lime juice and orange-flavored liqueur in a cocktail shaker. Shake well, then pour it into salt-rimmed glasses.

Mix in some mango puree or passion fruit juice for a tropical feel, or spice it up with muddled jalapenos or jalapeno tequila.

Protect Your Skin this Summer

Dr. Michael Steppie of Associates in Dermatology offers tips for safeguarding your skin against the sun and recognizing the signs of skin cancer.

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ssociates in Dermatology, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, continues to deliver an unrivaled level of care to patients across 15 Central Florida locations.

“From our experienced physicians to our dedicated physician assistants and nurse practitioners, every member of my team works diligently to treat our patients just as we would members of our own family,” President and Medical Director Dr. Michael Steppie says.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | July 2019

Services & Awareness

“I feel my most important goal is to educate the public about the risks of skin cancer and encourage them to adopt simple practices to protect their skin,” Dr. Steppie says.

Soaking in the sun carries serious health risks. Skin cancer is the No. 1 cancer in the U.S. with more new cases arising each year than the combined incidences of breast, prostate, lung and colon cancers. Actually, 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. Research shows that

just one blistering sunburn can double your chances of developing melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, later in life.

Skin cancer is a malignant condition that begins with the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells. Since the skin is our first line of defense against the outside environment, it is susceptible to the most damage from the sun’s radiation.

Our year-round sunny climate means local residents spend more time than normal enjoying the outdoors as

Here are a few more important tips:

well as higher level of exposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Unfortunately, it also might explain why 4 out of 5 of the American cities with the highest skin-cancer rates are in Florida.

Dr. Steppie stresses that about half of all melanoma cases occur in men over age 50. In fact, a few years ago, he wrote an article called “Skin Cancer and the Gender Gap: Why More Men Die from Skin Cancer” that was published in the Skin Cancer Foundation Journal.

“I wish men would take a cue from women, as they tend to misperceive their level of risk,” Dr. Steppie says. “They are more likely than women to skip recommended precautions such as sunscreen and protective clothing, and they are also especially notorious for skipping visits to the doctor. So what might have been a simple, easily treatable skin cancer goes untreated for too long and becomes life-threatening.”

As a continuing sponsor of the Daily UV Index on Fox 35 for the

eighth consecutive year, Associates in Dermatology has become Central Florida’s most trusted source for quality information about sun exposure.

Make sun protection a part of your daily ritual. Seek shade and avoid the sun as much as possible when its rays are the strongest, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

As you are enjoying the sun this summer, “Play It Safe” and remember that famous axiom from Benjamin Franklin, “One ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Do not jeopardize your health over a tan and remember that every single sun exposure adds up to cellular damage.

Protect your skin by using sunscreen SPF 30 or higher (ideally using physical sun filters).

Dr. Steppie was a pioneer when he envisioned the recent “green sunscreen movement.” As you probably know, Hawaii has banned the use of sunscreen using chemical sun filters and soon will the Florida Keys. His sunscreen formulas, which are part of his advanced skincare regimen called Ethereal Beauty, only use physical sunscreens that are environmentally safe. They’re also enriched with antioxidants and emollients for optimal protection from free radical damage.

Reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating. Remember that water and sand magnify the damaging rays of the sun, increasing your chance of sunburn.

Keep newborns out of the sun!

Cover up. Wear light-colored, longsleeved, tightly-woven clothes; a wide-brimmed hat, accessories like a sun umbrella carrying a UPF 50+ label; and UV-blocking sunglasses.

Schedule regular exams. Early detection is key. Cure rates are high and recurrence rates are low for cancers that are caught and treated early. If you notice a mole changing in color, size or texture, contact Associates in Dermatology to schedule a skin check.

15 CENTRAL FLORIDA LOCATIONS Including Altamonte Springs | Apopka | Dr. Phillips | East Orlando | Ocoee 800 827-7546 | DermOrlando.com Dr. Michael Steppie, a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs micrographic surgeon, is one of the few elite members of the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Amonette Circle. His role as an ardent supporter of the Central Florida community goes far beyond the routine practice of dermatology.

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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+ TECH Trends

Tech

for Your Next Trip Traveling can sometimes take a toll. Utilize these handy apps and gadgets to make each leg of your next vacation stress-free.

By Lyndsay Fogarty

Breeze Through Customs

Officially authorized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Mobile Passport expedites the customs process for U.S. citizens and Canadian visitors at three cruise ports and 26 airports across the country, including the Orlando International Airport. Just enter your profile information as it appears on your valid, official passport and answer five short questions about your trip. Then you will receive a CBP receipt with an encrypted barcode that is valid for four hours. At your port of entry, find the designated line for Mobile Passport Control, show your passport to the CBP officer and scan the barcode on your receipt. Doing the work before you arrive helps to avoid the hassle. For an additional fee, Mobile Passport Plus users can automate data entry by scanning their passport information into the app and securely storing it for easy

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Central Florida Lifestyle | July 2019

access during future trips.

Available on iOS or Android devices, free for basic version and $14.99/year for premium version

Never Lose Important Travel Documents

Tile devices are popular with individuals who lose their phone or their keys often. After establishing a Bluetooth connection between a mobile device and a Tile device, location information is communicated via the Tile app. Just as it works with finding lost necessities like keys, it can also work to keep track of important documents during your travels. If you’re worried about losing your passport or misplacing your plane ticket, just tuck the Tile Slim into your passport holder and keep any other necessary travel documents there as well. $30 for Tile device, free for basic version of the app and $29.99/year for premium version

Keep Track of Your Pet

The uses for this device are twofold: track your pet’s location and monitor their daily activity levels.

For easy tracking, set up your pet’s safe place (there can be multiple depending on where your pet hangs out most) then connect to Wi-Fi to put the Whistle 3 GPS Pet Tracker & Activity Monitor in power save mode. It will then notify you if your pet leaves their safe place. This provides an added layer of protection, as well as peace of mind for you while traveling, because the device’s GPS, Wi-Fi and cellular technology allow you to see where your pet is at anytime and help you find them if they get lost. Using the Whistle 3 app, you can also monitor the intensity and length of your pet’s activity then customize daily fitness goals based on their breed, weight and age.

Subscription required for device to work (starts at $6.96/month), Whistle 3 app is free

+ HEALTH & Wellness

How to Stay Hydrated Follow these hydration tips so the heat doesn’t get the best of you during these hot summer months.

By Natasha Boschetti

C

entral Florida has had record high temperatures this summer, and playing in the sun can take a toll on your body. Staying hydrated is more important than ever.

Your body depends on it.

Water makes up 60 percent of your body. It regulates your body temperature, flushes waste, lubricates your joints and much more. Think about it, one can survive three weeks without food but only three days without water. But, how much water should you drink every day?

Individual water needs depend on many factors, including your health, lifestyle and where you live. In the hot Florida sun, the more water you drink, the better. UCF Health experts suggest drinking at least 12 to 15 glasses of water a day during the hot summer months, especially if you are very active and frequently outside.

If staying hydrated is difficult for you, set drinking goals and keep a reusable water bottle with you to refill throughout the day. When you’re feeling hungry at work, drink water. Thirst is often confused with hunger, and drinking water when you start work makes it easier to stay hydrated throughout the day. For those who just don’t like plain water, try infusing lemons, cucumbers, oranges or other fruits for a fresh taste.

Research has shown that cucumber

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Central Florida Lifestyle | July 2019

water not only keeps you hydrated, but also delivers antioxidants and vitamins such as C and K. While drinking water is extremely important, especially during this time of year, you can also consume water from food. A person who incorporates water-rich foods, such as watermelon, tomatoes and soup broths, in their diet may not need to drink as much water as someone who has been eating grains and other dry foods. Try to stay away from salty foods like chips and other dry, packaged snacks, which can make you dehydrated.

Some signs of dehydration include lack of energy, headache, heat stroke, dizziness and extreme thirst. A person may also go into shock and become unresponsive if

not treated quickly. Some people are at higher risks of dehydration, including people who exercise in high intensity, have medical conditions like kidney stones, or are of older age. As you get older, your brain many not be able to sense dehydration and send thirst signals. A quick way to know if you are dehydrated is to do a urine color test.

The darker the urine, the more water intake you need.

Staying hydrated is important during these hot summer days.

Keep your family, friends and loved ones safe and healthy by being aware of dehydration symptoms, avoiding energy drinks and dry snacks, and grabbing a glass of cold water wherever you go.

HOSPITALITY Spotlight +

CFHLA Cares Four times per year, the Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association collects items for the over 10,000 homeless students in Orange and Osceola counties. Items collected for these students include new socks and clothing, non-perishable food, personal hygiene items and school supplies.

Rich Maladecki is president and CEO of the Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association, the world’s largest regional hotel association (www.CFHLA.org).

Once again, for the spring collection drive, CFHLA partnered with Massey Services, Inc. and Dollar Tree Stores to host an in-store collection in the Central Florida area Dollar Tree locations.

This week-long effort brought in 186,000 items for the homeless students. These items, combined with the one-day CFHLA collection of 27,000 items donated from CFHLA member properties and businesses, make this the most successful collection drive to date with a total of 213,000 items.

CFHLA is proud to support these students and the Central Florida community.

Whole-person health care for the body, mind & spirit.

The brand new, state-of-the-art Center for Health & Wellbeing is a unique healthy living center focused on improving the quality of life for our community.

The Center is excited to expand their services and welcome Dr. Arianna Becker to the team! Her areas of interest include: • Sick and well visits (age 18+)

• Geriatric medicine

• Chronic disease management

• Men’s and women’s health

• Dermatologic care (including cryotherapy)

• Weight loss management

• Depression and anxiety

• Preventive medicine

Now Accepting New Patients | Same-Day Appointments To schedule an appointment, call 407-646-7380.

Arianna Becker, DO AdventHealth Medical Group Family Medicine at Center for Health & Wellbeing 2005 Mizell Avenue, Suite 1600A | Winter Park, FL 32792 19-AHMG-03197

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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Camp

Holiday Cheer

Just imagine how it would feel to have a holiday dinner and open gifts for the first time. Join Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Florida in creating these positive and lasting memories of a lifetime!

You Can Help!

• BECOME A CAMP HOLIDAY CHEER SPONSOR • MAKE A DONATION TO DEVEREUX FLORIDA’S HOLIDAY FUND • PROVIDE A HOLIDAY WISH TO A CHILD IN NEED Call 407-362-9221 or email DevereuxFlorida@devereux.org for more information and to register as a sponsor.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | July 2019

A Special

to Our 2018 Sponsors • Mills Family Foundation • Wayne Densch Charities • Rosen Hotels & Resorts • Love Made Visible • Massey Services • Dan Newlin & Partners • Seminole Power Sports • DEX Imaging • GreyRobinson, PA

• Penn Florida • Publix • 2 Smart Cookies • Ready Set Dance • Gatorland • Camp Ithiel • Montverde Academy • Orange County Fire Rescue

Giving Children a Chance Did you know...

1. Each year, there are 18,000 to 20,000 children in Florida who are part of the foster care system. Drug abuse is the number one reason for children entering state care, and this trend has grown significantly over the past few years in Florida as a result of opioidspecific cases. Devereux provides foster care and support services to hundreds of children and families in Central Florida.

2. Central Florida is one of the highest ranked areas

in the country for human trafficking and there is not one child, regardless of age, race or social status, who is protected. Devereux provides specialized clinical services for trafficked youth and has worked with hundreds of children and adolescents throughout the state.

3. Utilizing the skills of master’s level therapists,

the Devereux Family Counseling Center provides individual, family and group therapy for youth and families. Specialized trauma-informed therapeutic services cover a range of issues, including depression, anxiety, hyperactivity/inattention, anger management, behavior problems, self-esteem, sexual abuse and commercial sexual exploitation.

4. Devereux partners with Orange County Public

Schools to provide therapeutic support to over 60 schools at the elementary,

middle and high school levels through a contract with SEDNET, a multi-agency network that provides support and a system of care for students with or at risk of emotional and/or behavioral challenges.

5. When youth and young adults in Central Florida are experiencing a crisis related to mental health needs or a trauma-related event, mobile crisis services can be accessed by calling 2-1-1. If determined to meet criteria, a mental health professional arrives onsite within an hour to provide immediate crisis intervention and stabilization. Since its conception in late 2015, Devereux’s mobile crisis response team has a stabilization rate of 91 percent, with a 100 percent satisfaction rate.

6. In 1912, a young Philadelphia teacher named Helena T. Devereux became discouraged as she saw, firsthand, that children with special needs were underserved by the public education system. She strongly believed that children, regardless of the level of their disabilities, could learn and achieve personal growth in an environment tailored to their needs.

Helena became one of the first pioneers in the field of special education and officially created the first Devereux School in Pennsylvania. Devereux expanded to meet the needs of children and families in need across the nation and now includes mental health services, abuse and neglect prevention programs and more.

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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You Can Make a

Difference

The experts at Devereux have offered tips about how to spot signs of human trafficking and how to help if you do.

RECOGNIZE THE WARNING SIGNS Some of the signs of human trafficking in youth include: • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Repeated runaways, gone or “working” for excessively long hours Having extra money or unexplainable access to new possessions Frequent school absences and/or a sudden change in academic performance Questionable friends or the presence of a controlling friend/boyfriend Fearful, submissive, depressed or anxious behavior Avoiding eye contact, social interaction and authority figures Withdrawn or lack of interest in preferred activities Showing signs of physical injuries or abuse Increased time spent on social media Numerous inconsistencies on his/her story Lost sense of time and whereabouts Gang involvement Tattoos, “branding”

devereuxFL.org

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Central Florida Lifestyle | July 2019

WHAT CAN I DO?

Get involved any way you can. The only way to end human trafficking is for organizations, community leaders and the public to work together.

REPORT ABUSE. If you suspect a child or teen is a victim, please call the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE. If you believe you are a victim of human trafficking or suspect an adult is a victim of human trafficking, please call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center at 1-800-373-7888.

BECOME A FOSTER PARENT. Devereux’s foster parents are provided with training and strategies that will help them deal with any issues that arise when dealing with children who have been abused and neglected. This allows them to create a safe and stable environment for children to heal. If you are not able to foster a child, then encourage others to consider providing the opportunity to change someone’s life. To become a foster parent or for more information, email FLFosterCare@devereuxFL.org.

GET INVOLVED. Learn more about the

organizations dedicated to providing a path of healing for survivors of sexual exploitation. For more information visit www.devereuxFL.org.

Camp

Holiday Cheer

Every child deserves to experience the wonderful magic of the holidays!

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Florida and Central Florida Lifestyle are partnering once again to host a holiday party for hundreds of Devereux children this December.

Many of these children have suffered unthinkable challenges in their young lives, so we want to make this holiday season special — one that they won’t forget, but we need your help.

How You Can Help!

BECOME A CAMP HOLIDAY CHEER SPONSOR.

Call 407-362-9221 or email DevereuxFlorida@devereux.org for more information and to register as a sponsor.

MAKE A DONATION TO DEVEREUX FLORIDA’S HOLIDAY FUND. These donations will help with purchasing necessary supplies, refreshments and gifts.

Visit www.devereuxFL.org to make an online donation.

PROVIDE A HOLIDAY WISH TO A CHILD IN NEED.

Help support Devereux’s holiday gift drive. Create a gift drive with co-workers and friends, or donate to a child’s holiday wish list. Email DevereuxFlorida@devereux.org for more information.

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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+ BETTER Beauty

6 SUMMER

Beauty Essentials Keep your skin glowing and your makeup natural with these hot beauty products that are perfect for the season.

Compiled by Lyndsay Fogarty Put your best face forward with a mask that detoxifies, moisturizes and soothes environmentally stressed skin, leaving it glowing and radiant.

It goes on blue and fades as it works its magic.

Whish Blue Matcha Restoring Mask, $58, WhishBody.com

This natural, mineral sunscreen reflects the sun’s rays instead of absorbing them. Zinc oxide protects the skin while New Zealand red algae, a super-antioxidant up to 6000x stronger than vitamin C, helps to repair it.

Ao Skincare 6000x Elemental Screen SPF 30, $45, AoSkincare.com

When it’s hot out, this cool, lightweight formula of essential vitamins and minerals protects against UVA and UVB sun damage while fighting bacteria and regulating oil production that causes acne.

Aniise Normalizing Zine Créme, $22, Aniise.com

Get quick relief for bug bites with this herbal remedy, which contains camphor, peppermint essential oils and witch hazel to cool and numb the area, increase blood flow and reduce itching and swelling.

Farmaesthetics Bug Bite Balm, $18, FarmAesthetics.com

Go for the natural look with these three pretty shades. This lip oil provides anti-aging skincare benefits with soothing active ingredients that rejuvenate and renew while providing hydration and promoting cell renewal. lilah b. Lovingly Lip Tinted Lip Oil, $30, LilahBeauty.com

Have you found yourself sunburned? This multipurpose mist provides instant relief with the help of aloe vera, and it also prevents further drying, peeling and flaking of the skin.

Farm Aesthetics Cool Aloe Mist, $26, FarmAesthetics.com

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Central Florida Lifestyle | July 2019

KBF DESIGN GALLERY Providing full design and remodeling expertise for all interior spaces, from kitchens and bathrooms to entire homes.

Please call to schedule your complimentary consultation.

(407) 830-7703 KBFDesignGallery.com Contractor License No. CBC1262549

+ HOMESTYLE

How to Make a Splash

at Your Next Pool Party Your guide to preparing your pool and outdoor spaces for your next get-together.

By Natasha Boschetti

P

ool party season is here!

Whether it’s your kids, friends or family, everyone is excited to make a splash at the pool, catch some rays and fire up the grill.

Follow these tips to maximize your outdoor space and throw the best pool party of the summer.

Pool Maintenance First things first, make sure all necessary pool maintenance is completed before party day. Keep these simple but important concepts in mind: circulation, cleaning and chemistry. Like a heart, keep your pump and filter system running daily to maximize circulation. Make sure the water is clear and clean from contaminants and pollutants. Lastly, basic pool chemistry is essential to a healthy pool. Make sure the pH, alkalinity and sanitizer levels are within the ideal range at least a week ahead of your pool party.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | July 2019

Outdoor Décor Don’t let your backyard or patio sit bare. Transform your outdoor space into a tropical oasis with hanging planters, flowers and other greenery. Shade the patio with large, brightly colored umbrellas and fans to keep your guests cool.

Hang string lights across the patio to light up the space and continue the party into the night.

Lounge Area Designate a specific portion of your pool area for lounging. Give your guests the choice of laying under the warm sun or under a shady spot. Don’t forget to make sure it’s away from the splash zone! If you have lots of trees in your backyard, set up a hammock with pillows for the ultimate comfort and relaxation.

Sun Protection Station Encourage your guests to protect their skin from the Florida sun

by setting up a sunscreen station.

Place SPF sunscreen, sprays and tanning lotions near the lounge area for guests to apply as needed. For a little extra touch, provide towels and cold water so everyone stays hydrated.

Floats & Games What’s a pool party without pool floats? Be creative and throw in flamingo, swans and pizza-shaped floats for the kids to play with and for a great family photo-op. Set up cornhole in the yard and giant board games on a table for those who would rather play poolside. Amazon has a huge selection of colorful and unique floats as well as fun games for an affordable price. You can even find cooler floats to fill with ice, beverages and snacks so everything you need is right there with you in the pool.

Now you’re ready to invite your guests over and make a splash!

+ PLACES to Go

Getaway, Stay, Play & Relax at

W Fort Lauderdale A

s the summer days quickly pass, we at Central Florida Lifestyle have discovered a little piece of paradise only a few hours from Orlando. Imagine waking up and viewing the gorgeous white sands of Ft. Lauderdale Beach.

W Fort Lauderdale, simply put, is everything you need to decompress, unplug and enjoy me time, couple time, family time or wedding time!

Photos Courtesy of W Fort Lauderdale

Enjoy happy hour on the Living Room’s seaside terrace (above) and soak in the sunrise views from WET East (below).

So W

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Central Florida Lifestyle | July 2019

PLACES to Go +

3 Perfect Days in Fort Lauderdale DAY 1

• Check into W Fort Lauderdale •E njoy a cocktail in the Living Room, a laidback space in the hotel lobby that is casual by day and a hotspot by night. Then stroll over to the EL Vez for some of the best Mexican-inspired cuisine from James Beard award-winning chef, Stephen Starr.

The El Vez patio has beautiful ocean views.

DAY 2

•E njoy room service for breakfast while listening to the crashing waves and watching the sun rise.

•R eady for a little exercise? Join in on the resort’s daily beach yoga or boot camp, which is sure to get your blood flowing and heart beating.

•S pend the day relaxing in a complimentary lounge chair with umbrella beachside or soak up the sun at WET, the hotel’s rooftop pool overlooking the ocean.

•N othing could end your perfect day more than dinner at Steak 954. Indulge in a meal at this award-winning steakhouse curated by Chef Stephen Starr. Tip! The 15’jellyfish aquarium is beyond relaxing while sipping fine wine!

Perfect Prime Rib at Steak 954.

DAY 3

•N othing could be better than a day at AWAY Spa. W Fort Lauderdale is the first W Hotel to launch an AWAY spa with full-service body and beauty treatments. There is something for everyone, from the Go Deep Massage and Detox Body Treatments to Prescription Facials.

•A fter a day at the spa, finish up with a night on the town. Below are some of Central Florida Lifestyle’s top picks.

• Happy Hour at Rythmn & Vine • Dinner at Louie Bossi • After-Dinner drinks at Rooftop W Fort Lauderdale’s AWAY Spa features full-service body and beauty treatments.

Soak up the sun with an escape to W Fort Lauderdale.

Want to venture out for a bit to explore the local area? Grab a complimentary bike from the W Fort Lauderdale to experience a kayak tour with Blue Moon kayak tours followed by an amazing lunch at Coconuts. Both are easy to bike to and a great way to experience the local flare firsthand.

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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Florida Technical College:

Your Partner in Success

Through an innovative learning approach, Florida Technical College helps students balance life and academics so they can reach their goals.

I

t's difficult enough to juggle professional and personal responsibilities.

Adding academics to the mix can seem nearly impossible, especially for adults looking to go back to school.

However, one private, Florida-based institution is changing the game for them.

Florida Technical College meets students where they're at by providing various learning environments outside of the traditional classroom setting. This provides greater flexibility for students who are parents or caretakers. The ability to determine when and where they do their school work allows them to work around a part-time or full-time job.

“Where we're different is that we're trying to adapt to the ways that people want to learn and can learn because it's a very busy society,” FTC President Dr. James Michael Burkett says. "We've adjusted the way that we deliver content."

Students can choose between five learning formats.

1. Online: All courses are completed through Canvas, an online learning system that stores textbooks, lectures, assignments and other class materials.

2. Hybrid: Some courses are fully online while others are fully in the classroom.

The choice is up to the student and what works best for their schedule.

3. Blended: The combination of onground and online instruction provides students with the best of both worlds. They can complete interactive assignments online and go to campus for practice labs, with all educational elements supported by the same instructor. The blended model retains

components of face-to-face learning, which is important for programs that require hands-on interaction that can't be provided through the virtual environment.

4. In-Person: All courses are completed in the classroom. Trade programs such as HVAC, electrical and welding are options in this model.

5. Spanish: Six programs are taught fully in Spanish, including culinary arts.

FTC is an academic unit of National University College (NUC), which is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). NUC’s Florida Technical College is included in this accreditation.

MSCHE is a regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. The school's operations are held to very high standards.

FTC students seek specific knowledge so they can earn a degree that leads to a career. Through a focused learning approach that teaches one subject area at a time for a period of four weeks each, students can earn a bachelor's degree at FTC in 36 months as opposed to 42 to 50 months in a traditional setting.

“It’s the career and salary that they can earn to help take care of their family that’s important. The faster we can get them into their new career and have them start receiving a paycheck the better off our students and their families will be,” Dr. Burkett says.

FTC's mission is to partner with students to meet their goals in a learning environment that works for them.

Florida Technical College is an academic unit of National University College, which is accredited by MSCHE, has 28 campuses and serves approximately 20,000 students in Puerto Rico and Florida.

FTC Offers Diploma and Degree Programs in the Following Fields: • Healthcare • Business • Information Technology • Construction Trades • Beauty • Hospitality

Spanish Language Programs: • Culinary • Baking and Pastry • Electrical • HVAC w/ PLC • Cosmetology • Barber

Florida Locations: • Orlando • Kissimmee • Deland • Lakeland • Tampa • Cutler Bay • Pembroke Pines

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Central Florida Lifestyle | July 2019

855.201.4759 www.FTCCollege.edu

+ HOMETOWN History

NASA.GOV

Apollo 11 Mission

Celebrates 50th Anniversary

Learn how Apollo 11 made history less than an hour away from our backyard.

By Natasha Boschetti

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Central Florida Lifestyle | July 2019

Nixon to congratulate them. Armstrong and Aldrin were on the surface of the moon for 21 hours and 36 minutes before traveling back to Earth.

According to NASA, “Commemorative medallions bearing the names of the three Apollo 1 astronauts who lost their lives in a launch pad fire, and two cosmonauts who also died in accidents, were left on the moon’s surface. A oneand-a-half inch silicon disk, containing micro miniaturized goodwill messages from 73 countries, and the names of congressional and NASA leaders, also stayed behind.”

On July 24, the astronauts returned to Earth with samples of lunar material and other debris. The men were placed in quarantine for 21 days and checked for any diseases they might have picked up on the moon.

The Apollo 11 mission fulfilled President John F. Kennedy’s goal of safely landing man on the moon by the end of the decade. It made the United States the leader in the Space Race against the Soviet Union.

The Space Race not only pushed the limits of space exploration but also transformed higher education in our own backyard. The demand for engineers in Cape Canaveral fueled the need

for a local technical college. So Florida Technological University, now University of Central Florida, was founded in 1963. Today, UCF is one of Florida’s top universities with numerous programs ranked nationally.

Several events will be held on the space coast in honor of this special anniversary, including a Moon Landing event on July 20, where visitors can enjoy hors d’oeuvres while viewing historic lunar landing footage. Then, on July 24, visitors are invited to enjoy family friendly activities, photo opportunities and classic cars at Splashdown to celebrate the astronauts’ return to Earth.

NASA.GOV

alf a decade ago, the first manned lunar landing mission launched and man left his footprint on the moon. The historic launch paved the way for future space exploration.

It was a sunny morning on July 16, 1969, when the Saturn V rocket lifted off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center carrying Commander Neil Armstrong, Command Module Pilot Michael Collins and Lunar Module Pilot Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin. Hundreds of spectators grabbed their binoculars and sunglasses to witness the takeoff from Cape Canaveral.

On July 20, Armstrong and Aldrin landed on the moon’s surface while Collins orbited overhead in the Command Module. That historic day was witnessed on television by hundreds of millions of people across the globe. An estimated 650 million people watched Armstrong step out onto the lunar soil and heard his voice say, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”

About 20 minutes later, Aldrin followed, leaving his mark on the moon and helping to plant the American flag. Half an hour later, the astronauts received a call from President Richard

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+ ARTS & Entertainment

What to Binge

on Netflix this Summer During rainy days or lazy days, dive into one of these binge-worthy shows.

By Natasha Boschetti

S

ummer is about having fun in the sun, but sometimes you want to relax in bed. These are some of our favorite shows to binge when you just want to stay inside.

Why we like it: The chemistry among the star-studded cast was perfect, just as you would expect. It’s a refreshingly funny series that is easy to watch before bed.

Dead to Me

Stranger Things

A real estate agent suffers the loss of her husband who was killed in a hit-and-run near their home.

While attending a grief support circle, an unusual friendship begins.

However, people aren’t always who they seem to be.

Why we like it: This show had us hooked from the start. Many of the characters were likeable despite their dark side, so we found ourselves rooting for them. The 30-minute episodes were hard to turn off.

Grace and Frankie

From the creator of “Friends,” the series follows two women who used to be rivals until their businesspartner husbands left them for each other. Blindsided, the women move into a Malibu beach house and struggle as newly single women in their 70s.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | July 2019

Season 3 transports you back to 1985 where “one summer can change everything.” The gang is moving into adolescence, which can be scary for kids, but that’s not the only thing haunting them. The Upside Down is still lurking in the shadows.

Why we like it: We’ve been patiently waiting for this season for what seems like forever. Now that it’s finally here, we can’t wait to see what will happen next to Will and the gang.

Russian Doll

Ever feel like you’re stuck in a loop?

This is exactly what happens to Nadia when she keeps dying and reliving her 36th birthday party.

Why we like it: You will cycle through as many emotions in this series as Nadia does death sequences. Impactful storytelling and comedic relief result in a satisfying ending.

When there’s no time for binge watching, press play on these movies.

WINE COUNTRY A group of girlfriends travel to Napa Valley to celebrate a milestone birthday. Tensions build as they confront their issues with each other that have been left alone for years.

Why we like it: Packed with former SNL stars such as Amy Poehler and Rachel Dratch, this movie is funny, heartfelt and will inspire you to book a wine country getaway with your girls ASAP. EXTREMELY WICKED, SHOCKINGLY EVIL AND VILE Zac Efron plays America’s most notorious serial killer, Ted Bundy.

The film chronicles his crimes, incarceration and escapes from the perspective of his long-time girlfriend, Elizabeth Kloepfer.

Why we like it: Telling the Ted Bundy story from this viewpoint was risky, as it doesn’t show him being “wicked” or “evil” through his crimes. Instead, these characteristics are depicted in the way he easily manipulates people and his lack of remorse.

LOSE THE STEM. KEEP THE COOL.

corkcicle.com

COURTESY OF ICON PARK

Play. Party. Own the Sky. The fun, playful atmosphere at ICON Park is one the entire family will enjoy.

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service restaurants on property, such as Yard House, Sugar Factory, Tin Roof, Tapa Toro Spanish Restaurant, Uncle Julio’s Mexican from Scratch, Outback Steakhouse, Buffalo Wild Wings and Carrabba’s Italian Grill.

Savor other delicious bites at Ben & Jerry’s, I-Café de Paris or I-Lounge Istanbul.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | July 2019

COURTESY OF ICON PARK

ICON Park is Your Everything Park

This everything park offers many fun indoor and outdoor activities where visitors can spend a few hours, a half day or an entire day and night.

The many activities will keep you busy for hours on end.

Dine inside the Wheelhouse Market Food Hall where you can find a variety of fast causal food concepts such as Latin 21, Pizza 1905 or Sausage Shack or enjoy one of many full-

22 minutes, giving you plenty of time to soak up Central Florida’s most spectacular views. Enhance your flight by upgrading to a Sky Bar, an experience which allows you to enjoy bottomless beer and wine aboard your capsule.

COURTESY OF ICON PARK

CON Park is a 20-acre, walkable entertainment destination in the heart of Orlando’s International Drive. The perfect place to ride, dine, drink and explore, it features more than 40 restaurants, bars, boutique shops and can’t-miss attractions, all anchored by The Wheel, which stands 40 stories tall. When you’re looking for exciting options to entertain guests from out of town or simply seeking a different experience as a local, ICON Park is the place to be.

The Wheel: A must-do, can’t-miss observation wheel that towers over Orlando at 400 feet tall. The Wheel has 30 climate-controlled capsules that accommodate up to 15 of your friends and family. Each rotation takes about

Madame Tussauds Orlando: Come one, come all to the marvelous Madame Tussauds Orlando featuring the Justice League heroes! Dazzle your friends with the ultimate selfie. Are you ready to strike a pose with Taylor Swift, swing punches with Ali, and save the world with Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman?

COURTESY OF ICON PARK

COURTESY OF ICON PARK

COURTESY OF ICON PARK

Celebration Park SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium: SEA LIFE offers you the chance to come face-to-fin with sharks, stingrays, sea turtles and more! Prepare for a world of glittering scales, humongous tentacles and razor-sharp teeth. Plunge deep into the ocean, explore the 360-degree ocean tunnel and touch friendly starfish and anemones.

The fun doesn’t stop when summer ends! ICON Park is a one-stop entertainment destination for a fun day or night out year-round. In addition to its many amenities, the complex also hosts celebrations of all sizes for milestone occasions.

Gender Reveal on The Wheel

COURTESY OF ICON PARK

Parents-to-be can choose a unique, one of a kind, extravagant way to reveal their baby’s gender at The Wheel. With their families and friends gathered on the central lawn, The Wheel will light up with a pink & blue light show until the baby’s gender is revealed with the final color!

Propose to the One You Love

Ask the love of your life to marry you with a unique proposal 400 feet up in the air. This special moment can include a private decorated capsule and celebratory champagne. A team of event planning professionals is happy to personalize this experience at your request.

Girls Night Out Bucket List SKELETONS: Explore over 40 unique exhibits featuring 500 real skeletons, from a 2-inch shrew to a 22-foot killer whale at Skeletons: Museum of Osteology.

Other Attractions: Gather your courage for an interactive, 3D shooting game with seven dimensions at 7D Dark Ride Adventure or put your game face on at Arcade City.

Whether you’re out for a bachelorette party or just a night on the town, let loose and celebrate girl’s night out at ICON Park. There are sure to be plenty of photo-ops throughout the night.

Visit www.IconParkOrlando.com for more information.

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+ EXPERT ADVICE | Education COURTESY OF WINDERMERE PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Top 5 Ways to Beat the

Summer Slide

Keep your child’s brain engaged and active while school is out with these expert tips.

Courtesy of Windermere Preparatory School

S

ummer time, when the livin’ is easy — no early mornings and no homework lingering over head!

Lazy days of summer can cause a loss of academic skills for children. For some, it can be as much as two months of math and reading skills that slide away. This is known as the “summer drain.” To avoid this, here are five simple ideas to keep your children active and engaged throughout the summer.

1. Disguise learning as fun!

Every parent has tried to hide a vegetable for nutritional value during a meal or snack from time to time. Why not do the same for learning? There are many camps available that can help keep your child’s brain engaged and the creative juices flowing as well as engage problemsolving skills. Local STEAM camps include Windermere Prep Makerspace Camp, Camp Invention and Orlando Science Center, to name a few.

Windermere Preparatory School is a private college preparatory school educating students from Pre-K3 through Grade 12. Founded in 2000, Windermere Preparatory School is a member of the Nord Anglia Education Family of Schools and is located on a 48-acre campus in Southwest Orlando. Please visit www.WindermerePrep.com for more information.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | July 2019

2. H elp your child discover a new passion!

Summer is a great time to learn something new. Learn to swim, ride a bike, paint or code. Engaging the brain in learning a new skill helps build problem-solving skills, resiliency and grit in an authentic learning environment. Local options include Camp Heronwood, Truffles & Trifles, Full Sail University and Rollins College summer camps.

3. Be creative!

Summer is the perfect time to let your child’s imagination run wild and stimulate creativity. Kids.gov provides resources for arts and crafts projects that will keep children engaged and their minds active while having fun. NGA Kids offers a variety of activities or projects from the National Gallery of Art, where kids can enjoy an animated musical adventure, take a tour through the sculpture garden and more. The Rep Theater, Kennedy Space Center, Sanford Zoo and Sea World are great local options, too.

4. Stay Active & Healthy!

In addition to academic risks,

children can also be at an increased risk of weight gain during the summer months. Keep youth active outdoors and indoors with local sports camps offered around town, including Orlando Tennis Academy at Windermere Prep, Lakers Aquatics, YMCA, RDV Sportsplex, XL Soccer, Windermere Prep’s Basketball camps and more.

5. Read, Read, Read!

Books can be magical in the fact that they can transport you to new places. Trips to a local book store, library or allowing your child to join a book subscription service will prove to be beneficial, as students tend to be more invested in a book they self-select. The University of Central Florida reading course is a perfect way to engage children over the summer. Finding time to read together is a wonderful way to bond as a family and instill the love of learning with people they love.

With these five tips plus limiting screen time during the summer, everyone will be able to enjoy the time off knowing their children will be ready for the fall.

OUR STUDENTS EMBRACE CONFIDENCE, CREATIVITY, AND THE LOVE OF LEARNING Pre-K3 through Grade 12 International Baccalaureate World School windermereprep.com

SCHEDULE A TOUR TODAY! (407) 905-7737 info@windermereprep.com

PREPARING THE NEXT GENERATION OF GLOBAL LEADERS

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+ EXPERT ADVICE | Safety

Your Boating Safety

Checklist Follow these tips to ensure the safety of you and your loved ones while you're out on the water this summer.

By Menacham Green, Orange County Sheriff's Office

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t is estimated that Florida has over 30,000 lakes. Our lakes allow for some great boating locations to enjoy fun on the water with family and friends. From fishing, water skiing and just relaxing on the water, there is no shortage of activities. While the area's lakes provide plenty of opportunities for fun in the sun, they also allow for some dangerous situations as well.

Whether you are an experienced boat owner/operator or it’s your first time on the water, it is best to always practice safety first. Here are a few tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe on the water.

Sergeant Menachem Green is the supervisor of the Crime Prevention Unit and a designated Florida Crime Prevention Practitioner and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design Practitioner by the Florida Attorney General’s Office.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | July 2019

•C heck the weather report. Before setting out, always check the water and weather report so you're aware of any dangerous conditions that could arise while you're on the water.

•D evelop a float plan. A float plan includes notifying someone of your itinerary. Include your name, phone number, boating route and destination, estimated time of departure and arrival, number of passengers and a description of your boat.

•A lways wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket. Ensure you and your passengers always wear properly fitted life jackets when out on the water.

•H ave additional safety equipment on board. Before setting out, ensure you have a charged cell phone, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, flares and other safety equipment on board.

With a quick web search you can locate a pre-departure checklist.

•C heck your fuel levels. Make sure you have enough fuel prior to setting out to avoid getting stuck.

•D on't go Boating Under the Influence (BUI). Just like driving under the influence, it is prohibited to operate a vessel or boat with a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or higher.

•K now the rules of the “road”.

Similar to rules for driving a car on the road, there are rules for operating a boat in the water. These rules range from who has the right of way and what is considered an accident to understanding idle speeds and wake zones.

Please remember that these tips are not all inclusive but rather a reminder to practice safety first. By doing so you can continue to share fun times with your family and friends for years to come.

COURTESY OF SONNY’S BBQ

Flavors of Whether you’re having a cookout with friends or preparing a meal for your family, these summertime recipes will be a hit with any crowd.

SMOKED BBQ CHICKEN PIZZA Recipe Courtesy of Pitmaster Louvaine Addo of Sonny’s BBQ Marietta Get the kids in on this quick and easy dinner idea that is perfect for a casual summer evening.

INGREDIENTS: • 1 pre-made pizza crust • 2 tablespoons ketchup • 3 tablespoons Sonny’s Smokin’ BBQ Sauce • 2/3 cup shredded smoked gouda • 2/3 cup shredded pepper jack • 8 ounces shredded smoked chicken • 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced 36

Central Florida Lifestyle | July 2019

DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 450º F. In small bowl mix the ketchup and the BBQ sauce until well combined. Spread on crust, leaving a 1-inch border from the edges. Top with cheeses, chicken and red onion. Place in oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. Alternative method: Cook pizza on the grill or smoker.

FLORIDA SWEET CORN WITH SOUTHERN BARBECUE BUTTER Recipe Courtesy of Fresh from Florida Florida sweet corn, which is in season now, is a cookout staple that complements any meal. Give it the barbecue treatment by basting on a flavored butter while it’s cooking.

INGREDIENTS: • 4 ears fresh Florida sweet corn, shucked • 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite) • 1/4 stick butter • Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste

COURTESY OF FRESH FROM FLORIDA

DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven broiler on high. In small saucepan over low heat, combine barbecue sauce and butter until melted and smooth. Place sweet corn in a mediumsized baking dish and pour barbecue mixture over sweet corn. Broil sweet corn for 5-10 minutes, 4 inches from broiler, being sure to watch the whole time. Turn and baste the sweet corn until golden. Serve warm.

I GUESS THAT’S WHY THEY CALL IT THE BLUES-BERRY PIE Recipe Courtesy of Kathy Hanson, Orlando, FL 2019 APC National Pie Championships Blueberries are the perfect seasonal fruit to end a cookout with, and this pie from one of the 2019 APC National Pie Championships is sure to be a hit.

FOR THE CRUST

COURTESY OF APC NATIONAL PIE CHAMPIONSHIPS

INGREDIENTS: • 1 1/2 cups finely crushed milk and honey cookies • 1/2 cup crushed pecans • 2 tablespoons sugar • 1 teaspoon salt • 1/3 cup melted unsalted butter DIRECTIONS: Mix all of the ingredients in a bowl until blended. Pour into a 9” pie dish sprayed with Crisco cooking spray. Press into the bottom and sides. Bake in a 350º F oven for 8-12 minutes or until lightly browned. Let cool.

FOR THE BLUEBERRY FILLING INGREDIENTS: • 6 cups fresh blueberries • 1 cup sugar • 1/3 cup brown sugar • 7 tablespoons Crown Royal • 5 tablespoons cornstarch • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

DIRECTIONS: In a large sauce pan, add the 6 cups of the blueberries with the sugar, cornstarch, lemon and the Crown Royal.

Place the berry mixture in a medium pan over medium heat. Bring the filling to a boil, stirring, and boil it until it is thickened and clear, about 3 minutes. Let the filling cool to room temperature.

FOR THE CREAM FILLING INGREDIENTS: • 1 cup cream cheese • 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons sugar • 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla • Pinch salt • 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream

DIRECTIONS: In a large mixer, whip the cream cheese and add the sugar, lemon juice, vanilla and salt. Scrape the bowl as needed. Once smooth, replace the paddle with the whisk attachment. Slowly add the heavy whipping cream and whip until stiff peaks form. Fold one cup of the blueberry filling into the mixture. Gently spread this filling into the bottom of the pie crust. Pour the remaining blueberry filling over the whipped cream cheese filling. Top with cinnamon infused whipped cream.

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

37

+ SPORTS & Recreation

8

Lawn Games

for Your Next Cookout

While the burgers are on the grill, entertain your guests with these entertaining games.

By Lauren Margolis and Lyndsay Fogarty

W

ith spring in full bloom and summer right around the corner, we have officially entered cookout season. So fire up the grill, mix up a cocktail and keep everyone entertained with this selection of lawn games.

1. Horseshoes: This old-school game doesn’t require much — just two metal stakes and four horseshoes — but it brings a lot of fun to an outdoor party. The goal is to throw your horseshoes closest to the stakes in a court that measures 50 feet in length. Play until you reach a predetermined number of points.

2. KanJam: Who knew that two goal containers and one flying disc could cause so much competition? The rules are easy: set the containers 50 feet apart, play to 21 points or to an instant win in teams of two or one-on-one, and take turns throwing.

3. Giant Games: Super-sized versions of classic party games, such 38

Central Florida Lifestyle | July 2019

as Jenga and beer pong, are rising in popularity. Not only are they fun to play but they’re conversation starters, too. They also make for some cool-looking party decor.

4. Bocce Ball: This game is easy to play and is fun for the whole family. Similar to horseshoes, players set a target, which is called a jack, and throw an object, in this case a small ball, as close to it as possible. The first player to reach 13 points wins. You don’t need a special bocce court to play either, just make sure you’re playing on a flat surface and set your court at five to eight feet.

5. Miniature Golf: There are plenty of options for permanent or portable miniature golf games to play at home, or you can even build one yourself. Whether your course is challenging or easy, it will provide a ton of fun at any backyard barbecue.

6. Ladder Golf: All you need for

this game is two ladder stands, each with three steps, and three golf ball bolas (a nylon rope with a golf ball on both ends) for each stand. The top step of the ladder is worth three points, the middle worth two points and the bottom worth one point. Play to a perfect 21 without going over and knock your opponent’s bolas off the ladder to help you win.

7. Ring Toss: This is a great game for all ages because it’s a classic.

You can even take the game from day to night by turning glow stick necklaces into rings. The kids will be mesmerized as they play with glow-in-the-dark rings, and it will add a unique touch to your party.

8. Football: Is it really a cookout without football? Put together your teams, grab a football and start playing. But first, mark up your field without killing your grass by using a temporary marking chalk like Krylon, which sprays like spray paint.

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

39

+ IN THE Kitchen

The Perfect

Picnic

Pack up the kids and their favorite lunch time treats. It’s time to plan a picnic.

By Leah Kircher and Lyndsay Fogarty

P

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Central Florida Lifestyle | July 2019

ers that are easily stackable. Start by packing re-freezable ice packs or frozen bottles of water at the bottom of the basket. Then start layering your containers with the food you will be eating first at the top for easy access (desserts at the bottom) as well as to ensure the items you will be eating later remain cool.

Lightweight, stackable dishes are easy to pack at the top of the picnic basket. Also, place utensils and napkins inside your cups before packing them into an empty corner of the basket to save space. Don’t forget hand wipes or paper towels to wash off the mess that those finger foods may leave behind. You also want to leave your outdoors picnic area just as beautiful and clean as it was when you got there, so don’t forget to bring cleanup gear. A simple trash bag to get rid of your garbage will work just fine.

And who could forget the blanket? It is, after all, an essential item to the art of picnicking. A lightweight blanket that is easy to fold and carry is ideal, but make sure it’s big enough to fit all your picnic goers and your basket. A brightly colored blanket is an added bonus that not only adds some personal style and fun to your picnic, but it makes it easy for people to find you

Courtesy of Bee in Our Bonnet The classic BLT sandwich gets a picnic-induced twist when they are miniaturized, making them a simple option for your next picnic.

Ingredients:

• One pack of thick cut bacon • Two tomatoes • Mayonnaise • One bag of green leaf lettuce • One French baguette loaf • Toothpick

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.

Slice the loaf of bread and then cut each slice in half. Place the bread in the oven for about five minutes, which is just long enough to lightly toast them. Fry the bacon on the stove and then cut it into about four pieces per strip. Tear the lettuce leaves into smaller pieces, about the same size as your bread pieces, if needed. Spread mayonnaise on each piece of bread. Stack your BLT in this order: bread, bacon, lettuce and tomato. Put a toothpick through the stack, and either place in cooler or on ice immediately.

COURTESY OF BEE IN OUR BONNET

icnics are one of summer’s simplest, yet greatest pleasures — especially here in sunny Central Florida. Whether you pack up a meal and head to the beach or a park, or you set up a picnic in your own backyard, enjoy the carefree time spent with loved ones.

So you’ve decided you’re going on a picnic. First things first, it’s time to plan your menu. Choose casual food items that can be made beforehand.

A good idea is to think of foods that you can eat without utensils such as a hearty sandwich or wrap, hummus with veggies or pita bread, and fresh fruit. Get the kids involved with picnic prep by asking them to pack the veggies and fruit or letting them pick what you will serve for dessert.

Pasta salads are another tasty menu option — just don’t forget the utensils if you go this route. It’s best to prepare pasta salads, or any type of salad for that matter, with a vinaigrette or other oil-based dressing instead of a mayonnaise or cream base to avoid food safety issues with the Florida heat.

Once you have your menu set, it’s time to pack. Knowing how to pack your picnic basket can make a real difference. Make sure to place your food items in lightweight, plastic contain-

BLT Bites

if you’re in a crowded, popular picnic spot.

Next time you feel like eating outside, pack a picnic with the family and enjoy one of summer’s greatest pleasures.

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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+ HOW YOU Can Help

5 Ways to Give Back this Summer

Make a difference in your community by volunteering at a nonprofit organization with a mission that speaks to you and your interests.

By Chelsea Santiago and Lyndsay Fogarty

W

hen school is out, volunteering is in. Whether your teenager needs to complete their volunteer requirements for college applications or you’re looking for positive experiences to have as a family, donating your time to local organizations like these will have you feeling good about having fun.

Center for Independent Living

With a mission of breaking down barriers for individuals living with disabilities, the Center for Independent Living offers resources and accessibility options in seven Central Florida counties.

Construction companies, contractors, individuals and corporate groups are invited to #JoinTheRAMPAGE to help build ramps for those in need of accessibility and independence. CIL also has opportunities to volunteer at its Winter Park office, helping with administrative tasks such as data entry, answering phones and shredding.

Central Florida Community Arts

When you volunteer with Central Florida Community Arts, you’re joining

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Central Florida Lifestyle | July 2019

their efforts to build and serve the community through the arts. Volunteers are invited to assist with ushering, ticket sales and concessions at events; putting technical skills, such as production, audio/ video and web design, to work at shows; and completing general administrative duties in the office.

Give Kids the World Village

There are plenty of volunteer opportunities at Give Kids the World Village, where individuals can provide hope for kids with life-threatening illnesses.

From preparing frosty treats at the Ice Cream Palace to assisting the kids with playing a life-sized version of Candy Land or leading an arts and crafts session at Ashley’s Art Corner, volunteers build priceless memories alongside the kids and their families.

Oakland Nature Preserve

Summer always comes with the expectation of being out in the sun — relaxing by a pool, playing baseball or kayaking in Central Florida’s beautiful waterways. Various projects at Oakland Nature Preserve, such as habitat restoration, trail maintenance and the removal of invasive plant species,

allow individuals to have fun in the sun while leaving their own volunteer legacy. There are also opportunities to volunteer as a tour guide or museum docent and to assist with one of Oakland’s Nature Preserve’s events throughout the year.

Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando

Volunteers with the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando have the opportunity to helps dogs and cats find their forever homes. Opportunities are available in the administrative department, greeting guests and answering questions, as well as in the call center and for community engagement initiatives. The Bark Buddy and Kitty Cuddler positions allow volunteers to work directly with the animals as they collaborate with shelter staff members to ensure daily socialization, exercise and care of shelter pets.

If you’re interested in any of these opportunities, contact the organizations directly for information on registering as a volunteer and completing any necessary training.

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It’s vacation season now, but these must-see destinations are perfect for a travel adventure year-round.

COURTESY OF AMTRAK COAST STARLIGHT

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Bucket List Getaways

By Lyndsay Fogarty

ummer is in full swing.

That means it’s time to pack your bags and hop on a plane, train or cruise ship to travel to a new place where you can relax and explore.

So where do you go? These are some of our top bucket list vacations.

How do yours compare?

Travel by Train on the West Coast

The west coast of the United States is known for its natural beauty, from Mount Rainier in Washington to the redwoods in Oregon and northern

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Central Florida Lifestyle | July 2019

California to the waves crashing along the Pacific Coast Highway in southern California. For travelers who want to see it all, Amtrak’s Coast Starlight route offers the trip of a lifetime and an opportunity to view all of these amazing sights.

On this six-day journey, travelers will experience the dramatic Pacific coastline as it transforms from ocean views to snowcapped mountains.

Expect to see beautiful backdrops and idyllic scenery along the route and explore the cities of Los Angeles and Seattle during stops at each destination. The Coast Starlight features sleeper cars with private

viewing windows as well dining and lounge cars to make the experience completely comfortable.

Consider spending a day on the Napa Valley Wine Train if you find yourself on a trip to wine country instead. This 36-mile, roundtrip journey takes travelers from Downtown Napa Valley to St. Helena and back. Along the route, travelers will see some of the most expensive, famous farm real estate in the country and some of the most sought-after vineyards as the train passes through the towns of Oak Knoll, Yountville and Rutherford.

There are several options for the full-day tour, including the Legacy

Wine Tour, which includes a threehour rail tour of Napa Valley, a fourcourse Napa-style meal and one-hour tastings at Mondavi, Charles Krug and V. Sattui vineyards. There are also lunch trains, dinner trains and halfday winery tours available as well as special events throughout the year.

Relax and Unplug on the East Coast

When you need time to unplug, a stay in a Bolt Farm Luxury Treehouse — with five treehouses across two South Carolina locations — is in order. The original location, called The Majestic Treehouse, sits on 40 acres of farmland and forest in Walhalla, and the other four are at the newest site on 30 waterfront acres in Charleston.

The cozy accommodations were recently part of a girl’s trip featured on Bravo’s “Southern Charm.”

While there are nearby attractions and restaurants to visit, the secluded treehouses allow you to leave the real world behind for a short time.

They are fully furnished with electricity, heating and air conditioning as well as an indoor bathroom and a private outdoor shower. All accommodations have access to a grill, and the Charleston treehouses include a kitchenette with a mini fridge, cooktop and cookware, and access to an outdoor pizza oven. So you can bring the necessities,

5 Packing Tips for Your Next Trip leave your worries at the door and relax in true southern style.

Next, travel up the coast to visit one of New England’s many picturesque seaside towns. Nantucket, a 50-square-mile island off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts that National Geographic has called the “Best Island in the World,” boasts a smalltown vibe and big-time relaxation opportunities. Call a quaint bed and breakfast, a boutique hotel or, if you are traveling with a large party, a vacation rental home your home away from home on this rejuvenating getaway. From beach walks and water sports to winery visits and shopping along the historic Main Street, your days and your heart will be full with a trip to Nantucket.

1. Plan ahead: Give yourself a couple days and up to a week to pack for a trip. Write out a list of items you want to bring before you start packing to ensure you have everything.

2. U tilize packing cubes: These handy storage cubes keep your suitcase organized and maximize space. You can break out what you want to bring by type (clothing, undergarments, shoes, toiletries) so you know exactly what is in each cube, making it easier to unpack when you arrive at your destination.

3. A dd a dryer sheet to your suitcase: It will leave your clothes smelling fresh and clean.

COURTESY OF BOLT FARM LUXURY TREEHOUSE

4. P ack essentials in your carry-on bag: This includes medications, expensive jewelry and toiletry items that meet Federal Aviation Administration requirements.

Consider adding an extra change of clothes as well just in case your luggage is lost.

5. Weigh your luggage before you get to the airport: Do this on both legs of your trip to make sure you’re within your airline’s designated weight limit.

Weighing ahead of time will help you avoid the need to rearrange your bags at the airport. If you’re close or over the weight limit, wear some of your heavier items on the plane.

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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Set Sail in Style

MSC Cruises, a Swiss-based luxury cruise line, sails all over the world. You can choose itineraries in the Mediterranean, Dubai and South Africa, among many others. Eastern and western Caribbean cruises on the MSC Seaside are also offered year-round if you want to stay closer to home. In November, the Caribbean itineraries will include a visit to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the cruise line’s private Bahamian Island.

The MSC Seaside was designed so guests could be closer to the sea.

It features two glass floor catwalks that extend over the edge of both

Central Florida Lifestyle | July 2019

Cay, which is a stop on most Bahamian and Caribbean itineraries. In addition to the Caribbean, destinations include Europe, the Mediterranean, Alaska, Canada, the Mexican Riviera, Hawaii and more.

Disney cruises are designed for families, with spacious staterooms that include extra storage, Broadway-style musicals and fireworks at sea. However, it’s also easy to take time to yourself. Each ship includes youth clubs so the kids are taken care of while parents explore upscale restaurants and nightclubs, and adultsonly pool areas provide quiet time for parents while the kids can explore the family friendly pools.

COURTESY OF WALT DISNEY WORLD® RESORT

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sides of the ship to give the sensation that you’re walking on water.

The ship not only provides awardwinning entertainment and internationally inspired cuisine, but it also features a 934-seat indoor theater, a full-size bowling alley, an interactive XD cinema, two 344-foot zip lines (the longest at sea) and a Balinese spa with saunas, a geyser area, a salt relax area and a snow room.

Disney Cruise Line brings the magic of Disney parks to the ocean.

You will have the opportunity to meet and play with characters onboard, at deck parties and when they’re dressed in their beach gear at Disney’s private island, Castaway

+ YOUR Local

Explore Orlando’s West Side – West Orange County Through a special chamber partnership, a brochure was created to share all that the area has to offer with visitors and residents looking for staycation fun.

By Stina D’Uva, West Orange Chamber of Commerce

E

xploring West Orange County and the wonderful natural, ecological, historical and agricultural assets in our own backyards has just been made easier by a partnership fostered by the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation (WGHF), the West Orange Chamber, Observer Media, and Windermere, Oakland, Ocoee, Winter Garden and Orange County Government. Maximizing their designation as a Visit Florida Certified Visitor Information Center, the WGHF brought us all together to create a tourism brochure called “Explore Orlando’s West Side – West Orange County.”

We all wanted one colorful, comprehensive brochure that showcased the places that staycationers and vacationers should visit to see the real

Withers-Maguire House in Historic Downtown Ocoee

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Central Florida Lifestyle | July 2019

Winter Garden Caboose at Winter Garden Heritage Foundation in Historic Downtown Winter Garden

“The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation and our partners are pleased to help spread the word about all of the fabulous destinations to visit in West Orange County,” WGHF Executive Director Cynthia Cardona says. “Each of the featured municipalities in the brochure are becoming tourist destinations all on their own.

Promoting the region collectively in this brochure will result in a larger economic impact for the region.”

Oakland Boat landing at Lake Apopka

PHOTOS COURTESY OF WEST ORANGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

PHOTO COURTESY OF STEVEN MILLER

Garden Theatre Marquee in Historic Downtown Winter Garden

Florida. Visitors to our west side, will be amazed by the diversity of our attractions, from historic buildings to wildlife at a nature preserve to museums showing the rich history of our communities to our lakes, cycling and walking trails and even an old train caboose.

These attractions will bring tourists and their dollars to our communities after they have visited Walt Disney World Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Universal Orlando Resort. We all benefit by the marketing campaigns of Visit Orlando and, specifically, Visit Florida’s marketing campaign to have vacationers stay one extra day. One extra day brings millions of dollars to our region and state. We know West Orange County has the unique places to visit in that one extra day and appreciate the tourism dollars for our businesses and attractions.

This brochure will be available at the Florida Welcome Center at I-95 as motorists enter our state, local hotels, the chamber, and municipal and WGHF offices. It is also available on our websites for printing.

+ YOUR Local

More Than a Competition

London Hibbs will give up her Miss America’s Outstanding Teen title to the next winner on July 27.

Miss America’s Outstanding Teen promotes scholastic achievement, creative accomplishment, healthy living and community involvement for teens.

By Lyndsay Fogarty

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Central Florida Lifestyle | July 2019

COURTESY OF MISS AMERICA’S OUTSTANDING TEEN

T

his month, young women, ages 13 to 18, from across the country will take the stage at the Linda Chapin Theatre inside the Orange County Convention Center for the annual Miss America’s Outstanding Teen (MAOT) competition. Not only will they compete for the title, but they will also work to raise funds for the program’s beneficiary: Children’s Miracle Network.

The focus of MAOT lies in four main areas. From its inception in 2005, the No. 1 priority has been scholarships.

In the nearly 15 years since it began, the program has paid over $1.3 million in scholarships to over 245 colleges and universities across the country.

“I’m proud to say we’ve paid at least one in every state,” Chairman of the Board Donna Bozarth says. “It’s a little bit unbelievable because when we started, we had no idea where this would go.”

Next, program organizers wanted to encourage the young women who participated to be involved in community service projects within their communities in addition to their work with Children’s Miracle Network hospitals. Bozarth notes that some participants have founded their own 501c3 organizations and that they are active with them well into adulthood.

The third major component is promoting healthy lifestyles, and that includes a positive body image for all body types. That’s why there is no swimsuit competition. It’s replaced by a fun aerobic-style competition that encourages healthy living.

The fourth and final focus is encouraging each young participant to develop her creative and artistic skills through the talent portion of the competition. Bozarth remembers former participants who have gone on to do amazing things, including one who recently completed a role as Eliza in the Broadway musical “Hamilton.” The reigning Miss America’s Outstanding Teen 2019, London Hibbs from Tyler, Texas, will be traveling to Australia to sing at the Sydney Opera House when she hands over the title later this month.

“To give them a platform where they can be proud of good grades, good citizenship and working hard at everything they attempt, whether they’re the best at it or not — just to have that platform to showcase who they are — it’s just a great feeling and is good for these kids,” Bozarth says.

Three nights of preliminary competitions for the 2019 MAOT program begin on July 23. Then on Saturday, July 27, the top 15 will be announced at the finals. They will compete in all phases of the competition before a winner is crowned.

“It’s four nights of incredible entertainment,” Bozarth says. “It’s great family fun and at the end, on Saturday night, one young lady wins at least $30,000 in scholarships.”

EVENT DETAILS

When: July 23-27 Where: Orange County Convention Center’s Linda Chapin Theatre Cost: Ticket prices vary For more information, visit MAOTeen.org

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+ YOUR Local

Building Authentic

Community Connections COURTESY OF NICK GROUNDS

The British American Chamber of Commerce has introduced new initiatives and benefits to provide value to members.

By Lyndsay Fogarty

I

n May 2017, Nick Grounds, a former financial advisor, returned to the British American Chamber of Commerce as one of just 17 members. He discovered that a lack of corporate backing, in addition to a mindset focused on individual needs rather than working together, was stunting the organization’s success. So he took on the role of president and executive director to build the chamber into a community service that nurtures the social, business and educational needs of its members while benefiting the community through philanthropy.

One of the most important things for Grounds has been to provide value for members. He’s accomplished this in many ways, including the development of a comprehensive package of benefits that includes complimentary access to 24/7 roadside assistance, legal services, tax and financial services, ID protection, telemedicine and more. These benefits are constantly

Nick Grounds at an event honoring the 25th anniversary of Orlando hosting the World Cup and launching efforts to bring the games back to Orlando in 2026.

COURTESY OF NICK GROUNDS

Panel for the An Evening with Professional Sports Personalities at ESPN.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | July 2019

being reviewed and upgraded as opportunities arise.

“Even if you don’t ever manage to get to a social function or a meeting of the chamber, you’ll get something for your money anyhow,” Grounds says.

The BACC reaches the eastern portion of Central Florida, from Daytona to Clermont, down to Melbourne and everything in between.

This covers the state’s largest tourism district, which draws approximately 1.7 million British tourists each year.

While the chamber works with members to help their businesses grow, it also acts as a resource for visitors while they’re here.

Grounds has also worked to expand BACC events throughout the year. In April, the British-American Real Estate Expo supported Realtors with securing more sales from international buyers and sellers by providing access to vendors whose services could help. Then, in May, the chamber took over the ESPN radio station for An Evening with Professional Sports Per-

sonalities that featured a seven-person panel for the show. Many events feature a philanthropic element so members can give back to the community they serve.

The BACC also recently launched a brand new website that is more user friendly. It includes a travel page with tips and travel insurance options. Additionally, the Shoppe UK tab features 200 items that provide the comfort of home for many members.

Under the leadership of Grounds, the BACC’s membership base has soared to about 20,000 social members and 25 corporate members. The goal is to add another 1,000 paid members by the end of the year.

Grounds believes that members must work together and look for a winwin situation for everyone for the organization as a whole to be truly successful.

He says, “By working together and being ambassadors for everybody else, businesses will flourish because everybody is working for each other as opposed to just themselves.”

+ CALENDAR of Events July 10 JoJo Siwa D.R.E.A.M. The Tour

7 p.m.

Amway Center 400 W. Church St. Orlando, FL 32801 Tickets from $36.50 407.440.7000 AmwayCenter.com Take your kids to go see Nickelodeon superstar JoJo Siwa as she kicks off her tour in Orlando.

July 11 International PlantBased Comfort Food Pop: Taco Tuesday 2-5 p.m.

The District Market At Mills 50 1221 N. Mills Ave. Orlando, FL 32803 Price varies 407.601.3363 Enjoy plant-based street tacos featuring Yucatan style plantbased Pibil Pork with Guajillo pepper sauce, garnished with red cabbage, pickled red onions, cilantro and Garlic Crema. Served in a grilled yellow corn tortilla.

July 17 Fit N’ Fresh Cooking Class

July 12 Windermere Farmer’s Market

9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Town Hall 520 Main St. Windermere, FL 34786 Free 407.625.3818 Town.Windermere.fl.us Stroll the market featuring fresh produce, fresh bread, hanging baskets, plants, homemade pasta, local honey and much more.

July 13 Yoga in the Park

8-9 a.m.

Trotwood Park - Pamela Carroll Pavilion 701 Northern Way Winter Springs, FL 32708 $5 per person 407.745.1030 WinterSpringsFL.org Bring a mat or towel, water and a friend for this family friendly class that is open to all levels. Beginners and children are welcome to join!

July 14 World Team Tennis Opening Night

July 11 Wine & Art Walk

6:30-9:30 p.m.

Thornton Park District 608 E. Central Blvd.

Orlando, FL 32801 $15 cash only 407.701.9382 ThorntonParkDistrict.com Grab a glass and a map of over 25 businesses that will be offering you a tasty tasting!

Along the way, there will be live music, art vendors, DJs and all sorts of fun.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | July 2019

7-10 p.m.

USTA National Campus 10000 USTA Blvd.

Orlando, FL 32827 Tickets from $18 407.675.2500 USTANationalCampus.com Join tennis fans as the Orlando Storm take on the Las Vegas Rollers, featuring Feliciano Lopez.

6-8:30 p.m.

210 N. Park Ave. Winter Park, FL 32789 $85 FitLivingEats.com Join Carly Paige in the kitchen for a fun, informative and hands-on cooking class featuring a plant based menu with recipes such as Berry Crisp Oatmeal Cups, MorrocanSpiced Quinoa Cauliflower Burgers and more. Spaces are limited and filled on a first come, first served basis.

July 18 Sunset at the Zoo

5:30-8:30 p.m.

Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens 3755 W. Seminole Blvd.

Sanford, FL 32771 $5 admission 407.323.4450 CentralFloridaZoo.org Adults over the age of 21 can stroll through the Zoo enjoying live music while sipping some refreshing beer and wine (available for purchase) and meeting animals up-close!

July 20 The 14th Annual Crazy 80s Pub Crawl

8 p.m. - 1 a.m.

Sideshow 15 N. Orange Ave. Orlando, Florida 32801 Tickets from $10 407.420.1515 WallStPlaza.net One of Orlando’s largest pub crawls returns to downtown Orlando for a night of 80s jams, neon colors and cocktails. Join in to relive the best and craziest decade ever!

July 25 En la Cocina

6:30-8:30 p.m.

Tapa Toro 8441 International Dr. Orlando, FL 32819 $49 per person plus tax and gratuity 407.226.2929 TapaToro.restaurant Enjoy an evening of cooking around the paella pit. The menu includes ceviche; calcots with charred spring onions, lemon oil and romesco sauce; and bacalao pil pil, pan-seared Atlantic cod with roasted tomatoes, fennel, yukon potato and chorizo. Price includes tapas and dessert.

July 25 Paddleboarding Social and Fundraiser

6:30-8:30 p.m.

The Waterfront 4201 S. Orange Ave. Orlando, FL 32806 $20 suggested donation 407.240.2557 WaterfrontOrlando.com Enjoy paddleboarding on Lake Jennie Jewel with all proceeds benefiting your local American Lung Association.

July 27 Back 2 School and Wellness Fair

3-6 p.m.

Orlando Magic Recreation Center 4863 N. Goldenrod Rd. Winter Park, FL 32792 Free 407.254.9025 Orange County Commissioner Emily Bonilla will be hosting the annual fair where she will pass out free backpacks and supplies to the Goldenrod community.

CALENDAR of Events + AROUND THE CORNER August 1 Battle of the Brains

5:30-9 p.m.

Harry Buffalo 129 W. Church St. Orlando, FL 32801 $150 regular team, $200 VIP team 407.206.0957 ext. 110 RMHCCF.org Over 30 teams will enjoy three rounds of trivia, a prize raffle, two complimentary beverages and food specials to raise funds to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida. Teams can include a maximum of six people.

August 1 Matilda, The Musical July 27 White Party and Celebrity Fashion Show

8 p.m. - 1 a.m.

Celine Orlando 22 S. Magnolia Ave. Orlando, FL, 32801 $35 entry ticket, VIP available 407.801.7005 GuysWithTies.org Join Guys With Ties Philanthropy to raise money for Kids Beating Cancer. Highlights of the evening include complimentary champagne and cocktails, celebrity guests and a fashion show featuring local boutiques. White, stylish attire is required. Ages 21 and up only.

July 28 Family Fairy/Dino Gardens Workshop

1:30-3:30 p.m.

Harry P. Leu Gardens 1920 N. Forest Ave. Orlando, FL 32803 $60 for members, $65 for nonmembers 407.246.2620 LeuGardens.org Instructor Piante Design will guide families as they use their artistic skills to paint and decorate their own pots, garden house and mushrooms in addition to a selection of fairies, gnomes and dinos. A variety of plants can be added to each garden.

7-9:30 p.m.

The Stage 1425 Tuskawilla Rd. Ste 145 Winter Springs, FL 32708 $14 407.359.5309 WinterSpringsArts.org Take the whole family to watch the musical version of this classic story.

July 31 Art Night Out

6-8:30 p.m.

Orlando Museum of Art 2416 N. Mills Ave. Orlando, FL 32803 $27 members, $30 nonmembers 407.896.4231 ext. 261 OMArt.org An instructor will guide you in creating your own masterpiece. Class price includes all materials and an adult beverage. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required.

July 31 Avalon Park Cruise-In

5-8 p.m.

5 & Diner Restaurant 13001 Founders Square Dr. Orlando, FL 32828 Free 407.757.0978 DowntownAvalonPark.com This monthly event welcomes cruisers of all makes and models. There will be door prices, food and drinks for purchase, and a DJ featuring cool classics by WLBY.

July 31 2019 MLS All-Star Game

7:30 p.m.

Orlando City Soccer Stadium 655 W. Church St. Orlando, FL 32805 Tickets from $55 855.ORL.CITY MLSSoccer.com/AllStar The MLS All-Star Game is an annual marquee event for Major League Soccer, and this year it will be hosted at the Orlando City Stadium, against Spanish giants Club Atletico de Madrid.

August 2 Velvet Sessions – Bret Michaels

6:30-10 p.m.

Hard Rock Hotel 5800 Universal Blvd Orlando, FL 32819 $65 standing room 407.503.2000 HardRockHotelOrlando.com Don’t miss your chance to see Bret Michaels and rock along to hits that include “Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” “Nothin’ But A Good Time” and more.

August 2-4 Legally Blonde the Musical Show times vary Dr. Philips Center 445 S. Magnolia Ave. Orlando, FL 32801 Tickets from $25 844.513.2014 DrPhillipsCenter.org This award-winning musical follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams.

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+ SNAPSHOTS On the Town

Hilton’s 100th Anniversary

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1. To celebrate Hilton’s 100th anniversary, DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando SeaWorld employees participated in a day of kindness, delivering 100 containers of cookies to local first responders, blood banks and more.

2. O range County Government leaders and staff celebrated the groundbreaking of Emerald Villas Phase II in Pine Hills, the community’s newest multi-housing project, on June 5.

[L-R] Albert Milo, President of Related Urban Development Group, Orange County District 2 Commissioner Christine Moore and Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings.

2 NOSHEEN QURESHI PHOTOGRAPHY

NOSHEEN QURESHI PHOTOGRAPHY

CENTER FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING

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4 NOSHEEN QURESHI PHOTOGRAPHY

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Celebrating Independence Gala On June 21, the Center for Independent Living raised $40,000 at its annual fundraiser, which was held at The Alfond Inn in Winter Park.

3. S ylvia Longmire was the 2019 recipient of the Beverly Chapman Award.

6 NOSHEEN QURESHI PHOTOGRAPHY

4. K MI International was the recipient of CIL’s Champion Award.

5. C IL Executive Director Liz Howe with CIL board members, Jim Moody, Melissa SloverAthey and Maxine Moul.

6. D ave Hillebrandt, a CIL consumer, performed an acoustic cover of “With a Little Help From My Friends” by The Beatles.

7. Celebrating

Independence Gala volunteers, Samantha Barbiere, Elyse Mundelein, Ora-Monet Hughes and Krissy Stewart.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | July 2019

+ SOMEONE You Should Know

50 Years of Caring

Mary Pangle provided a loving home to children in need for 50 years, and now she’s retiring as a Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Florida foster parent.

By Natasha Boschetti

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Central Florida Lifestyle | July 2019

each day. Mrs. Pangle’s story is unique just like most foster parents, nonetheless she is truly exceptional and we proudly honor her dedication and support.”

Pangle still keeps in contact with almost all of her foster children. While Facebook has made it easy to keep in touch, some continue to visit her on a regular basis, even bringing their own babies to meet her. She will honor her husband and their passion for helping children by remaining with Devereux as a mentor and continuing to advocate for more foster parents.

“Being a foster parent is the most exciting life you can live,” she says. “You just have to abandon the way of life you feel comfortable with and just go along with the ride.”

Pangle’s fostering journey may be coming to an end, but her legacy will live on in the lives of the hundreds of children she has touched.

If you would like to join Devereux’s efforts in supporting youth in foster care, please email FLFosterCare@devereux.org.

COURTESY OF DEVEREUX ADVANCED BEHAVIORAL HEALTH FLORIDA

fter half a century of providing a nurturing home to over 200 children in Central Florida, Mary Pangle is retiring.

She learned of her desire to help children as a teenager, when she attended a church retreat that spoke of homeless children. At the time, she told her father she felt her path shifting and that she would help children in some way as an adult.

“Fostering is my calling,” she says. “It is in my life plan.”

Pangle and her late husband began their fostering journey after noticing that children were being left alone on Orange Blossom Trail in the 1960s. She recalls sitting in a coffee shop when a homeless boy wandered in looking for food. He ran away when they offered him a meal and a place to live. Later, a different boy led her to an old, abandoned building where other homeless children were living. She says the experience opened her eyes, but she was unsure of how they could do more to help.

“We prayed about it, and one day at church our pastor mentioned a building for sale that was large enough to have our consignment and carpet cleaning business downstairs and several living space apartments upstairs,” she says. “We soon began helping other youth and families in need.”

Soon after, the couple opened a group home called Seminole Children’s Village through the state of Florida.

Her life calling paved the way for them to eventually become the first group home parents for Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Florida. After seven years, the Pangles became therapeutic foster parents to help children and adolescents heal from years worth of childhood trauma.

“Mrs. Pangle has been one of Devereux’s most compassionate foster parents for many years, and her dedication is undeniable,” Devereux Florida Executive Director Lisa Kroger says. “We are extremely grateful for all foster families and the meaningful work they do

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