It is that time of year again, I personally like to call it the “thankful” time of year. It comes as quickly as it goes—much like the seasons of the year. This year, we have so much to be thankful for—espe cially reflecting over the last few years. As I write this letter, I want to challenge our Central Florida communities to keep the giving and gratitude go ing all year long. These acts do not necessarily have to come in the way of monetary donations, simple acts of kindness truly make a difference and are contagious!
As we bring you this month’s edition, we have some great ways to show kindness, including ideas of activities and experiences to gift your loved ones to spotlighting people and organizations that make a difference all year long.
Thank you all for allowing us to come into your homes. Our wish is that your home is filled with happiness, your heart is filled with love and that you commit to making your season of being thankful and giving one that lasts all year long.
Sincerely, Kristi K. Gomen Publisher
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By Tarre Beach
November is National Diabe tes Month. Over 37 million Americans have diabetes, and 96 million adults have prediabe tes. What’s more, many people don’t know they have diabetes or prediabe tes. Now’s the time to educate yourself on diabetes and know your risks.
According to the CDC, diabetes is a chronic health condition that af fects how your body turns food into energy. Your body breaks down most of the food you eat into glucose and releases it into your bloodstream. When your blood sugar goes up, it signals your pancreas to release insu lin. Insulin acts like a key to let the blood sugar into your body’s cells for use as energy.
With diabetes, your body doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use it as well as it should. When there isn’t enough insulin or cells stop responding to insulin, too much blood sugar stays in your bloodstream. Over time, that can cause serious health problems, such as heart disease, vision loss, and kidney disease.
There are three types of diabetes: Type 1, which is thought to be an au toimmune reaction. Approximately 5-10% of people who have diabetes have Type 1. Type 2, which develops
over many years and can be prevent ed or delayed with lifestyle changes. About 90-95% of people with diabe tes have Type 2. Gestational diabetes occurs in pregnant women who have never had diabetes. This type usually goes away after giving birth, but ba bies born to women with gestational diabetes have a higher risk of obe sity and of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.
Some of the following can be in dicative of diabetes or prediabetes. If you have any of these symptoms for more than a week, see your healthcare professional and ask if having your blood sugar tested is appropriate.
■ Frequent urination
■ Extreme thirst
■ Unexplained weight loss
■ Extreme hunger
■ Blurry vision
■ Numbness or tingling in hands or feet
■ Extreme exhaustion
■ Very dry skin
■ Sores that heal slowly
■ More infections than usual Seek medical attention as soon as possible if in addition to any of the above symptoms you also have any of these risk factors:
■ Overweight or obese
■ 45 years old or older
■ Family history of diabetes
■ Physical inactivity
■ Had gestational diabetes
■ Are from an ethnic or racial minority
■ Have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
The American Diabetes Associa tion is a great resource for those living with diabetes. From help with under standing health insurance and Medi care/Medicaid coverage to prescrip tion assistance programs and FAQ on the condition, you can find valuable information on how to manage your diabetes at Diabetes.org.
Since a larger number of Ameri can adults are prediabetic, preventing Type 2 diabetes is critical. According to a Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study, people can pre vent getting diabetes by taking several simple steps including: keeping weight under control, exercising more, eating a healthy diet, not smoking and consuming a light to moderate amount of alcohol, which is defined as two drinks or less a day for men and one drink or less a day for women.
Learn what you can do to reduce your risk for getting diabetes and find reliable resources on this devastat ing disease.
With masses of people trav eling, shopping and deco rating over the holiday season, there is a higher risk of home and car burglaries, and property loss and damage than the rest of the year. To successfully file a claim in the event of a holiday emergency, follow these simple tips.
In the event of a crime, contact the local authorities before anyone else, including your insurance com pany. This is because the first thing the insurance company will do is ask if you called the police and what is your case number. While it usually is not mandatory to call the police in most policies, it is best to have a report because it legitimizes your claim for damages and begins the investigative process to catch the criminal.
Filing too many claims in a short amount of time can increase your monthly premium significantly or trigger a nonrenewal. Insurance companies may not “drop” you during your policy period (except for non payment of premium), but they can allow the policy term to expire and re fuse to renew. As a rule of thumb, only file a claim when repair and compen sation costs are considerably higher
than your deductible. If you can pay the difference out of pocket, it’s often better to do so.
Keep a record of all interactions with local authorities, insurance claim adjusters and repair companies. This can help you make a better case when filing and protect you against unfair claims handling practices by your in surance company. Insurance compa nies are the busiest around this time of the year so the more “leg work” you can do to document your claim the sooner the insurance company can make the proper claim decision.
Most homeowners’ insurance policies compensate policyholders for any temporary repairs made before or immediately after filing a claim. So, remember to photograph or video the initial state of the scene to help expedite the insurance company’s decision-making process and get you the most coverage quickly.
Don’t advertise that your home will be unoccupied for a given length of time by posting on social me dia. Some insurance companies try to deny home burglary claims if the homeowners posted on social media
that they were on vacation around the same time the crime occurred. They do so under a clause that indicates that homeowners must take necessary pre cautionary steps to protect their own property.
Filing an insurance claim during the holidays has several challenges. In surance companies are likely to decline more cases to ease their workload, but this can negatively affect policyhold ers. For the best protection of your rights, schedule an insurance dispute consultation with a trusted insurance lawyer at the Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, PA.
Navigate the challenges that come with filing a claim during this busy season for insurance companies by following these tips.
By Kristen Jackson, Jackson Law P.A.
What actions can my other brother, sister and I take to prove the new will is fraudulent?
Three years before my mother died, she prepared a last will that distributed her assets equally to her 4 children. After she died, in his attempt to disinherit everyone but himself, my brother produced a new last will leaving everything to himself which he used to file a probate. The new will was prepared the day before my mother died. We learned of the new will when each of the siblings received a letter from the probate attorney naming our brother personal representa tive and sole heir.
Inheritance wars are like horrible scares that occur during Halloween Fright Night when hiber nating rivalries between siblings’ surface from their Sleepy Hollows like Headless Horsemen intent upon decapitating the rights of other beneficiaries and stealing it as their own. Often, parents believe their children profoundly love one another without any idea that animosity, bitterness and bad blood between siblings over perceived wrongs from their distant pasts can erupt into future hostility.
Hostility begins when parents choose one child who they believe will be the most responsible as ex ecutor of their estate and will distribute the assets to beneficiaries according to the parent’s wishes. Unfor tunately, more often than imaginable, an executor often manipulates, forges, recreates, or disposes of original will documents to gain a larger portion, if not all, of the estate inheritance.
Sadly, in today’s electronic age, it is easy to ma nipulate estate documents. There are many signs of fraudulent manipulation by an executor or benefi ciary intending to steal from others named to receive inheritance. Consider the following examples of fraudulent actions that signify dishonest behavior by beneficiaries or non-beneficiaries.
■ Deliberately Disposing of a Will to force a court decision. If one child learns his/her inheri tance is less than that of another sibling, simply
destroying a last will forces the court to make the final decision of inheritance distribution and will most often include the disinherited child.
■ Fraudulently Changing Pages Within a Will to benefit one beneficiary over another. In today’s electronic age it is not difficult to reproduce pages and language of existing documents. It may only require a single page change to the language of beneficiary distribution.
■ Preparing a Fraudulent Will, Changing Pages or Forging Signatures. In this age of computers, scanners, graphic computer software and colored printers, it has become easy to prepare docu ments, change pages to a set of documents, scan a person’s signature and manipulate the signa tures into color so they appear original.
Precautions can be taken to prevent someone from committing estate fraud such as appointing two executors, discussing your estate plan with fam ily members or beneficiaries who are included in your will, and notifying beneficiaries about the in heritance specifics.
If you suspect estate fraud you should immediately contact a probate litigation attorney to repre sent you against the dishonest Headless Horseman in your family to prevent them from stealing the family inheritance and disappearing as a spirit into the night.
Since the beginning of 2021, the W. Daniel Mills Appren ticeship Program has provided some 90 students with the oppor tunity to earn while they learn from professional theater artists. With the program’s third cohort comes some new changes. Program founder Har old Mills, who along with his wife Rosy started the program in memory of their 16-year-old son Daniel, an nounces that the program is expand ing to include a performing arts agen cy and theater company.
“Daniel wanted to make sure the theater was a safe, inclusive space for everyone. We are excited to be able to continue his legacy by branching out,” Harold says.
The goal of all three—the ap prenticeship, agency, and theatre group—is to make the perform ing arts accessible to a diverse group of students from local schools and neighborhoods without theater pro grams to those with performing arts magnet programs.
According to Harold, the agency is already working to place apprentic
es and the theater group is expected to premiere its first production by spring of next year.
Nick Bazo, the program’s direc tor of education, is thrilled about the growth. “These changes will open the door for us to offer even more oppor tunities to performing arts students,” Bazo says. “We’ll be able to place apprentices in theaters all over Central Florida.”
While Florida may be the birthplace of the W. Daniel Mills Appren ticeship, Agency and Theater Com pany, Harold is open to extending the program beyond the Sunshine State.
“We’ve started to get some atten tion and inquiries from other theaters and programs around the country,” Harold says. “First, we want to de velop a strong base here in Central Florida. But when the time comes, we’re open to helping grow the pro gram and share what we’ve learned.”
Harold, who is a CEO at a ven ture firm, is getting the word out that the agency arm of the W. Daniels Mills Apprenticeship Program can of fer apprentice theater techs, directors,
lighting designers, actors, singers and dancers to other local productions for free. Since they are paid by the program, it’s a win-win for the apprentices and the productions.
This year’s cohort includes 27 students of which a majority are meet ing weekly to attend masterclasses. Bazo says the apprentices can expect a great lineup of professional artists to work with this season. Harold says he looks forward to the future of the program as it increases its reach and scope.
“I’d say about 50 percent of the apprentices in the program in the pro gram are students of color. Being from a particular race or ethnicity is not a requirement to receive an apprentice ship, but it’s great to see so much in clusivity,” Harold says. “I think we have an obligation to include all peo ple in the performing arts. People need to see people who look like themselves. It’s inspirational.”
Can you believe we are almost near the end of 2022?! Still, it is never too late to take charge of your health and enrich your life. Here’s a few ideas to get you started.
Health experts recommend the following tips to increase energy and to enjoy a happier and healthy life:
• Eat healthier foods
• Sleep 7/8 hours per night
• Maintain regular exercise
• Accomplish something mean ingful per day
• Build and maintain relation ships with family and friends
At your leisure, research vitamin options that may support your healthy lifestyle objectives. Once the research is completed, seek advice from your doctor, before starting the vitamin(s).
Have you set your annual medical examinations for 2023?
Maintaining ongoing appoint ments with your medical profes sionals— including your dentist, will support a healthier lifestyle for you and for members of your family.
Here’s a simple time saving tip when scheduling your medical appointments:
Attempt to secure appointments that are either the first one of the day or the first appointment after the lunch hour. This formula may save you hours per year, in the waiting rooms of your medi cal professionals.
To help reach weekly physical activity goals, find an “exercise buddy” that will work out, walk or bike with you. More importantly, set a schedule that is realistic for both of your schedules.
Hundreds of heart healthy websites suggest a routine of 3/4 physical activities per week to support a robust life and heart. Let’s consider adding the simple tasks of walking, swimming, running or cycling to our weekly schedule. Note: With the end of year Holidays approaching, that includes ad ditional foods and beverages, it may be prudent to start a weekly program now.
To gain personal fulfillment and to develop additional friendships and skill sets, consider volunteering in your immediate neighborhood— possibly at the health club, a library or school, a church, or a retirement community. Serving as a volunteer for just a few hours a week will enrich your life.
If you can read this—thank a teacher. Most people can name at least one educator that has made a lasting impression on their lives, can you? Not only for imparting practical skills like reading, writing, and math but for instilling the confidence to dis cover your dreams and create the life you live today. It can feel extremely re warding to have such a lifelong impact on future generations, but it can also be daunting and difficult to overcome the barriers teachers face to do so.
One of those hurdles is as small as a pencil. Orange County Public Schools is the ninth largest school dis trict in the United States with 70% of schools considered high need. Tens of thousands of students are not able to afford lunch let alone school supplies, and that number has only multiplied after the flooding and destruction left by Hurricane Ian. Understand ing that a child’s ability to learn and achieve becomes limited without ac cess to essential supplies, our teachers spend upwards of $500 out of their own pockets every school year. This
is where A Gift For Teaching supports educators as Central Florida’s primary provider of free supplies to teachers for their students who need them most.
For nearly 25 years, A Gift For Teaching has connected the com munity and businesses to the everevolving needs of public school teach ers and students. With a mission to provide educational resources that empower teachers to inspire future leaders, A Gift For Teaching envi sions a future where every student has the tools and experiences to succeed. Through its innovative distribution methods, more than $153 million in supplies have been provided directly to schools and classrooms since 1998 to foster student achievement, selfesteem, and interest in learning.
To help alleviate the financial burden of purchasing supplies, eligible teachers can shop in a retail store, on line, and on a mobile unit the entire school year for free supplies that are generously donated and funded by the community. This includes pens, notebooks, books, backpacks, cloth
ing, hygiene items, learning incen tives, teaching tools, and more.
It is more than just a pencil. Even in a digital learning environment, pen cils are needed to sleuth solutions, cul tivate creativity, and take tests. But as we enter the second half of the school year, more than 75% of students will run out of supplies and their families will not be able to buy replacements. Replenishing supplies is vital to ensure local students have the tools they need to finish the year with success.
Education is truly a gift that keeps on giving, and you can be a part of this gift. For a limited time, through Dec. 31., donations to A Gift For Teaching will be eligible to be doubled and go twice as far with the help of generous matching funders. Every $1 received can be transformed into $20 worth of supplies that are placed into the hands of students to discover their dreams and craft their future. Visit AGiftForTeaching.org/ double for more information.
As the leader of the service dog industry, Canine Companions enhances independence for children, adults, and veterans with disabilities through ex pertly trained service dogs. Established in 1975, Canine Companions is the largest nonprofit provider of service dogs in the United States. Here are a few facts about service dogs:
■ 61 million adults have a disability.
■ 4.7 million veterans have a service-related disability.
■ Canine Companions currently serves people with more than 65 different types of disabilities.
■ Canine Companions has more than 2,700 active teams throughout the country, and we have placed more than 7,300 teams since our founding in 1975. Our dogs require two years of training to do their job.
■ Service dogs are working dogs, not pets.
Canine Companions does not charge for service dogs or the lifetime of ongoing support they provide. They depend on private funding through donations from individu als, corporations, foundations, special events, and commu nity organizations.
Imagine having a dog that knows more than 45 tasks and can turn on lights, pick up dropped keys, open a door, and even assist with business transactions by transferring money, receipts, and packages. They can also assist someone
who is deaf or hard of hearing by alerting them to impor tant sounds in their environment, and work with profes sionals in health care and education. Canine Companions also recognizes the need for programs that provide support to veterans with disabilities. Service dogs can assist veterans with a variety of physical, auditory, and trauma-related dis abilities, as well as PTSD.
But it all starts with a puppy. Our service dogs aren’t just born, they are raised by volunteer puppy raisers. Canine Companions volunteer puppy raisers provide specially bred puppies a safe home, take them to obedience classes, serve up a healthy diet, provide socialization opportunities and give lots of love. Each hour spent caring for a Canine Com panions puppy is vital to its development as a future service dog. The puppy raising program provides a unique oppor tunity for volunteers to assist with our important mission.
The Southeast Region of Canine Companions, an 8-acre campus located in Orlando, opened on Indepen dence Day, July 4, 2000, and is a state-of-the-art facility where training, education and caring come together.
The demand for our highly trained service dogs is on going and growing and you can help.
Learn more at canine.org or call 1-800-572-BARK.
As Central Florida faces an af fordable housing crisis, one local nonprofit is focused on providing safe, affordable homes for the community. Driven by a belief that everyone deserves a safe place to live, Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County builds af fordable housing, revitalizes neighbor hoods, and strengthens communities. Over the last 36 years, Habitat Orlan do & Osceola has built, rehabbed and repaired nearly 800 homes.
Families and individuals who partner with the nonprofit make a personal and financial investment in their future and maintain all the re sponsibilities that come with owning a home, including paying closing costs, mortgage, insurance and taxes.
“When people become home owners, they gain so much more than a home,” says Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County President & CEO Catherine Steck McManus. “Homeownership leads to improved financial and housing sta bility, and better health, educational, and early childhood development outcomes.”
Affordable
Habitat Orlando & Osceola meets the critical need for safe, af fordable housing and financial sta bility through donations and grants.
Over 78,000 households in Orlando & Osceola County are low-income and pay more than 40% toward rent, according to Shimberg Center for Housing Studies.
Habitat Orlando & Osceola homebuyers must complete home ownership and financial education classes that provide a foundation for success as homeowners.
Additionally, the nonprofit’s fi nancial mentoring program helps po tential first-time homebuyers address financial challenges that are barriers to good credit and homeownership. They are also working toward becom ing a HUD-certified housing counsel or so they can magnify their impact.
While Habitat Orlando & Osceola focuses on getting people safe, affordable homes, they are also invested in making sure families and the elderly can remain safe and sound in their own homes.
Through its roof replacement program, funded by Orange County, Habitat Orlando & Osceola helps lo cal homeowners get new roofs at no charge. For most of these residents, this program is the only option to keep their home safe.
After Hurricane Ian devastated parts of Central Florida, Habitat
Orlando & Osceola committed to helping the community rebuild and recover. They implemented a Cleanup Bucket Drive to collect essential clean ing supplies, safety gear and tarps for those affected.
Habitat Orlando & Osceola is taking a greater role in addressing the severe housing crisis in Central Flori da. This includes understanding what it means for the health and equity of our community.
Habitat has recently added dedi cated staff to focus on policy, innova tion and strategic initiatives that have bolstered their research and analysis capacity. To truly address the problem, Habitat believes in pursuing collab orative innovation to face the housing crisis.
When you give, your donation does more than build a home — it’s an investment into our region. Homeownership creates jobs, revi talizes neighborhoods, attracts em ployers, increases consumer spend ing and government revenues, and lowers the risk of foreclosure, all while bringing transformative ben efits to families. To donate to a cause that directly impacts the communities in which we live and work, visit www.HabitatOrlando.org.
United Way has never been a single-issue organization. Rather than simply feeding a family, the nonprofit aims to ensure that the children are educated and their parents find steady employment, along, of course, with providing them fresh food and shelter. The organiza tion recognizes that problems exacer bate further problems, often leaving the least fortunate to be the most vul nerable, especially in the face of un expected tragedy. This is why United Way and its plethora of local branches analyze the needs of the community and the individuals within, working to solve them through a multifaceted approach.
Central Florida’s own Heart of Florida United Way addresses a num ber of our community’s most critical needs: health, education, basic needs and financial stability. It operates the 211 Emergency Hotline, which received over 112,000 calls in 2021 alone, and recently launched “988” as the new number for the Suicide Prevention Lifeline, making it easier than ever to reach out to professionals re garding the mental health of yourself or a loved one.
However, the organization also addresses the emerging needs and un expected crises that Central Florida faces, such as COVID-19 and, most recently, the devastating effects of Hurricane Ian. Shortly after the storm hit, Heart of Florida United Way es tablished the Hurricane Recovery Fund, which aims to provide each ap proved applicant with several hundred dollars in funds through gift cards for food and supplies. Within four hours, the organization had already received 1,000 applicants seeking help in re covering from the losses they endured during the storm. Clearly, this was something the community was in desperate need of.
However, a nonprofit on its own can only do so much, so HFUW be gan to rally community support for donations. Top organizational sup porters included The DeVos Family Foundation, The Walt Disney Com pany and Lockheed-Martin, among many others. However, support from concerned individual members of the community was also vital, as dem onstrated in the organization’s part nership with WESH 2 News for the “Day of Giving Hurricane Relief Tele
thon.” Ultimately, within the span of a single week, Heart of Florida United Way raised over $1.5 million for dis tribution to those whose lives were af fected by the hurricane.
“I’m incredibly proud of the work being done by Heart of Florida United Way and the generosity of the Central Florida community as we strive to overcome the hardship caused by Hurricane Ian,” said Jeff Hayward, President and CEO of Heart of Florida United Way. “With the help of organizations and individ uals across several counties, we’ve been able to make an impact in the lives of countless people searching for food, supplies and shelter in the wake of this natural disaster.”
To learn more about the work be ing done by Heart of Florida United Way and their wide variety of pro grams, visit their website at https:// www.hfuw.org/.
At the Orange County Regional History Center, you can roam across 14,000 years right in the heart of downtown Orlando. In one gallery, immerse yourself in the days when 12-foot-tall mammoths roamed Florida. In others, revisit such varied topics as the space race, citrus culture, Civil Rights history, the Black community, the coming of Disney, Orlando’s alternative rock music scene, and much more. There’s truly something for all ages and interests in the museum’s exhibits about the rich ly diverse folks who created Central Florida and have called it home.
Even the museum’s location is historic. Its distinguished home — the restored 1927 Orange County Court house — was designed by Murry S. King, Florida’s first registered archi tect. In its four floors of galleries, the award-winning museum hosts both permanent and special exhibitions from the Smithsonian Institution and other prestigious museums that bring America’s stories to Central Florida.
Year-round History Center pro grams for the whole family range from trivia nights to talks by experts to “Sensory Sundays,” in partnership
with the Autism Society of Greater Orlando. Family programs combine cool educational content with handson activities — also a feature of the History Center’s summer camp pro gram. Fun weekend brunches sport titles such as “Mermaids and Mimo sas,” rounding out a wide variety of events that make the museum an ideal destination for affordable dates, fam ily outings, and school field trips.
Each year brings fresh opportuni ties for new, exciting things to see and do, linked to special exhibitions. The latest, Figurehead: Music & Mayhem in Orlando’s Underground, focuses on Orlando’s rock scene in the 1980s and ’90s, a period when eye-catching, innovative concert posters plastered downtown windows and captured the energy and drive of the era.
Central Floridians can read about such exhibitions and other wideranging topics in the History Center’s magazine, Reflections from Central Florida, which also highlights the archival collections of the museum’s Brechner Research Center, a rich re source for researchers from students to scholars.
The History Center is an Affiliate of the Smithsonian, an honor achieved by only about 200 organizations across the nation, and is accredited by the American Association of Mu seums, the highest honor a museum can receive. It has become a national leader in collecting and preserving his tory as it happens by documenting events including the Pulse nightclub tragedy and Central Florida’s response to the COVID pandemic.
“We work hard to be Central Florida’s premier history museum, and we’re grateful for the national awards those efforts have brought us,” says the History Center’s executive di rector, Pam Schwartz. “But we’re even more proud to have the support of our visitors and members. Donations, of any size, are crucial in fulfilling the History Center’s mission to serve as a gateway for community engagement, education, and inspiration.”
You can learn more about the Orange County Regional History Center at TheHistoryCenter.org or become a member to receive loads of great perks and to become a part of preserving local history.
Seniors First has been serving the senior citizens of Central Florida for over 55 years with our mission to enhance the quality of life of seniors by maintaining their independence and dignity. All programs and services offer a vital support system to vulnerable older adults aged 60 and older that improve their quality of life, and delay/ avoid costly institutional care.
While some seniors are fortunate to have the sup port of family and friends or neighbors, many do not and find themselves struggling just to pay bills, often having to choose between nutritious food and medication. Current ly 1 in 6 seniors struggle with hunger and may not know where their next meal will come from. That represents over 16,000 individuals in Orange County alone.
Overall, Seniors First served over 4,000 clients across all programs and services in 2021. To address senior hunger and nutrition, Seniors First served over 406,000 meals to seniors on our Meals on Wheels and Neighborhood Lunch Programs. The Neighborhood Lunch Program serves meals in a congregate setting. Both programs address the deeper and more widespread isolation and depression caused by the pandemic.
Additional Seniors First programs include a Commu nity Food Pantry; In-Home Care that includes Personal Care Assistance, Homemaker, Companionship and Respite for Caregivers; Guardianship and Stepping Stone Medical Equipment Bank. Additional client support includes our Pet Program providing food for clients’ pets and our Senior Loneliness Project providing counseling for those clients suffering from loneliness and depression. The community can help our seniors in many ways by advocating, volunteering and donating.
Society tends to overlook the growing needs of this vulnerable demographic. By providing reliable, targeted nutrition and other in-home services Seniors First lessens the inevitable taxpayer burden. The cost to care for our community’s seniors at home is approximately $9,000 vs. $105,000 to care for them in a nursing home.
Advocating for increased support for communitybased programs is critical to meet seniors where they are and keep them thriving and independent in their own homes. Our client Anna said it best, “Your delicious meals and the care you provide has filled my life with friendship and joy. I don’t get out much anymore but because of your wonderful organization, the world comes to me, and I am not alone.”
Seniors First has several volunteer opportunities to get involved. This includes delivering Meals on Wheels, help ing in our Community Food Pantry, joining one of our spe cial event committees, heading a collection drive, or helping with administrative duties in the office.
To assist with the growing need to serve our commu nity’s most vulnerable senior citizens more dollars are always needed. While we do receive funding from government sources, private foundations, corporations, the faith com munity and individuals, the need outpaces the funding. Seniors First has several ways to contribute whether it is monetary or in-kind.
To learn more about Seniors First programs and how you can get involved, please contact our offices at 407-2920177 or visit our website SeniorsFirstInc.org.
By Tarre Beach
Whether you’re a vegan, veg etarian, or just looking to forgo meat occasionally, check out some of Orlando’s popular vegan/vegetarian eateries.
Fast food chain Taco Bell brought its Crunch Wraps to market in 2005. Leguminati, located in the Hourglass Social House, a shared market space in Conway, makes its vegan version crunchy and filled with great flavor, including the Buffalo Crunch, Sloppy Crunch, and GBLT Crunch.
Using Gardein brand vegan chick’n and vegan beef crumbles for most of its meat swaps, Leguminati has been surprising a lot of Orlando ans with its handheld meals. The GBLT (a fun play on a BLT) features vegan bacon that gives this toasted flour tortilla wrap just the right hint of smoky flavor. The “G” comes from guacamole that’s perfectly zesty. For an added delight you can often find up-scale vegan donuts available on the weekends at Leguminati, too. Located at 2401 Curry Ford Road.
East and West Loving Hut is an international chain of vegan restaurants operated by followers of Buddhist-leaning Supreme Master Ching Hai, a Viet namese spiritual leader. Of course,
diners need not adhere to any formal spiritual or religious training to eat here. With a focus on eastern dishes including fried rice, sushi (made with vegan “ocean filet”), pho, sweet and sour soup, spring rolls and teriyaki “chicken”, Loving Hut is all vegan. There are also good old American standbys such as burgers, fries, and Philly cheesesteaks. Don’t forget des sert. Try the banana fritters. They’re simply yummy. Located at 2101 E. Colonial Drive.
Bombay Street Kitchen offers vegans, vegetarians and even meateaters something tasty to eat. The majority of dishes are plant-focused and full of Indian flavor. But Bombay Street Kitchen also incorporates some Asian-Indian fusion dishes. Try the Gobi Manchurian, a battered cau liflower with garlic soy sauce or Pan eer Lettuce Wraps, cow’s milk cubed cheese that is pan-fried and tossed with hoisin sauce. For dessert there is
Orlando’s vegan and vegetarian offerings are making the City Beauti ful a destination for some delicious meat-free food.
kulfi (dairy ice cream) for vegetarians or an exotic-inspired gola (shaved ice) flavored with rose water, mangoes or Indian blackberries and black salt for vegans. Located at 6215 S. Orange Blossom Trail.
Ever since Burger King made Impossible Burgers accessible to the general population more people are opting for the planet-friendly version. Plantees is basically an all-vegetarian BK, using only the vegan patties for all versions of its burgers. Plantees simple American fare including soy “chicken” nuggets, burgers, fries and shakes are an easy way to try out vegan/vegetar ian food without venturing too far from the familiar. Try one of Plantee’s unique sauces — Agave Mustard, BBQ Ranch, Green Goddess, Plant Sauce (Plantees’ “special sauce”) or Spicy Sauce on your burger or dip your fries in them. Located at 1030 N. Mills Avenue.
So, if you’re a vegetarian or veg an, get out there and support these restaurants to keep them serving the food you want. If you’re not a strict plant-eater, give these places a try for something tasty and different. It’s good eatin’.
Pizza is the universal form of comfort food. We make it from scratch on date nights, we order it for parties, sleepovers, movie nights or even go out and order a pie at our favorite local restaurant. Ap proximately 3 billion pizzas are sold each year! For some, pizza is nostalgic. It brings back memories from child hood, family gatherings or even our favorite street vendor. It seems to be a staple “go- to” meal. As a result, the evolution of pizza has been on the rise since the Ancient Greek civilization.
Where it all started In the 18th century, modern day pizza as we know it, began in the southwestern Campania region of Italy, known as Naples. In 1861 Queen Margherita visited Naples and legend has it, she loved the Italian style pizza so much, they named the mar garita pizza after her and her love for the savory Sicilian dish. The upward trend of dough, garlic, tomatoes and cheese spread throughout Italy and eventually moved west to the states where it inherited the local flavors of the American dream. The evolution of pizza reveals much about the history of migration, economics and techno logical change.
While there are many different styles of pizza these days, let us show
you a few pizza places that are domi nating the Orlando foodie scene.
Pizza Bruno offers a Neapolitan style pizza, similar to the traditional version once favored by Queen Mar garita, herself. Bruno Zacchini, the proud owner of Pizza Bruno, opened his first restaurant in June of 2016. Bruno, a Florida native, spent sum mers on the Jersey shore where he be gan peddling pizzas and cheese steaks to the boardwalk crowds at the age of 13. Once his Jersey dreams were met, Bruno moved to Orlando in 2002 for culinary school and thus began his extremely successful culinary career. Pizza Bruno now has two thriving locations – one in College Park and the other in Curry Ford. Chef Bruno also offers cooking classes with a dif ferent recipe each month. This No vember, build the perfect charcuterie board, make two versions of knots and a Chocolate Budino (An Italian pudding).
Sodough Square has officially put Detroit style pizza on the Orlan do foodie map. Sodough Square was founded by Robert Bair, the creator of many famous startup concepts, such as Gringos Locos, Tin & Taco and
Neon Beach. SoDough Square just might be his best creation yet. Grow ing up in the Motor City, Bair has trained his staff to craft each unique pizza as if you were on your way to a Red Wings game with a soda pop in your hand. What makes SoDough so special? They bake every square pie in traditional blue steel pans sourced directly from Michigan. Everything is made in house including Stanislaus tomato sauce, proprietary brick cheese and last but not least, the authentic Detroit dough with a caramelized cheese crust. SoDough Square is lo cated off of Michigan Avenue and due to the high demand and freshly made ingredients, pies are limited, so get there early and enjoy the motown experience.
Whether you enjoy vegan op tions, Lazy Moon Pizza has a motto we can all agree on—Eat Drink and Be Lazy! Owners, Tim Brown and Matt Griffis have created a perfect, in clusive atmosphere for all pizza lovers. Lazy Moon enthusiasts appreciate the matured dough, homemade sauce and extensive, fresh toppings. The vegan options here include pizza, calzones, soups, and salads with Daiya cheese and tempeh. This eclectic pizzeria is one that you won’t want to miss!
The Interservice/Industry Train ing, Simulation and Education Conference (I/ITSEC) is the world’s largest modeling, simulation and training event. The event is held in Orlando from November 28-De cember 2 at the Orange County Con vention Center. I/ITSEC will consist of keynotes, special events, tutorials, professional workshops and more.
I/ITSEC is organized and spon sored by the National Training & Simulation Association (NTSA). NTSA is an affiliate subsidiary of the National Defense Industrial Associa tion. It promotes “international and interdisciplinary cooperation within the fields of modeling and simulation (M&S), training, education, analysis, and related disciplines at this annual meeting.”
This year’s theme is Accelerate Change by Transforming Training — “It’s Time to ACTT!!” Rear Admiral James A. Robb, USN (Ret.), President of the NTSA says despite popular be lief, it is hard to find serious advocates for Training and Simulation within the Department of Defense (DoD).
“NTSA has as its principal mis sion to advocate for training and readiness by bringing the DoD com munity together to discuss and debate the best ways to hone our skills on the battlefield,” Robb says. “We also bring the best from Industry and Academia into forums that allow leading edge concepts and capabilities to be dem onstrated to DoD leadership.”
I/ITSEC is a vital forum for the training and simulation community to discuss tomorrow’s national secu rity. I/ITSEC 2022 is on track to have record breaking attendance.
“We sold out the show floor in September. Registration is ahead of last year by 50% and is on track for us to host over 17,000 this year in Orlando,” Robb says. “We have 43 all-star special events that include an invite to the head of the Space Force, confirmation from the Air Force Vice Chief and senior leaders from OSD, DHS and NATO. It has become clear that the training and simulation community has a critical mission and can-do agile development and acqui sition— making I/ITSEC a place
where technology, talent and tenacity come together to push our capabilities and skills to the next level and “accel erate change”.”
So, anyone who works, stud ies or contributes to the training and simulation community should at tend. Robb says there are opportuni ties to network, present cuttingedge concepts and technologies and share views on the debate and support of national security.
I/ITSEC will also award over $150,000 in scholarships this year. “We not only give scholarships; we track recipients during their career. They become part of our Council of Scholars,” Robb says. “We manage an incredible STEM program that is designed to encourage youth to join our community, encourages high school ers and teachers at all levels, supports employment through job fairs, aides in transition from the service to indus try and plows back experience from those that have succeeded back to the next generation.”
Additionally, Robb shares that I/ITSEC will sponsor a 5k to support
the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and I/ITSEC 2022 will be the inaugural year that the I/ITSEC community helps support Just our Soldiers Help ers (JOSH). “Onsite at the OCCC, volunteers and attendees will sort, pack, and ship 140 care packages to our service members around the world.”
Visit iitsec.org for more information.
About Rear Admiral James Robb, USN (Ret.)
Following graduation from Rensselaer Poly[1]technic Institute, desig[1]nation as a Naval Avia[1]tor and training in the F-14 Tomcat, Ad miral Robb deployed nine times across the globe accumulating over 5,000 hours and 1,000 carrier landings. Following a tour flying Russian fighters in the Nevada desert, he commanded Fighter Squad[1]ron Fifty One, Carrier Air Wing Nine, the Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) and Carrier Strike Group Seven. As a Flag Officer he managed all Naval Aviation Programs (N980) and was the Direc tor of Navy Readiness (N43).
Following 9/11, he joined US CENTCOM as the Director of Plans (J5), deploying to the Middle East in support of combat operations. Retir ing in 2006, he built a successful small consulting business before joining the National Training and Simulation As sociation as President in June 2012.
During his 10-year tenure as NTSA President, he has faced three significant challenges.
1. The Government Services Admin istration (GSA) scandal in 2012 where a conference they held was seen to be a poor use of govern ment funding due to cost and a festival atmosphere. This caused the government to ban govern ment attendance at all conferences including those hosted by NTSA.
“Given our mission is to bring government and industry together, the absence of government attendance was devastating. It took five years to get back to normal.”
2. COVID-19. The NTSA was forced to cancel or virtualize most events in 2020 and returned to in-person in 2022.
3. The degree to which science and technology investments for next generation technologies are being made by non-traditional compa nies. Traditionally, DoD led these efforts, today big tech is driving us forward. A good example of the strength of the private sector is their success in fielding cutting edge space products.
Something he is proud of during his time as NTSA President:
“I am immensely proud of the NTSA staff that are the best at what they do on the planet. They all sup port the mission and love what they do. In addition, NTSA events are sup ported by over 300 volunteers that shape the many programs. Their per formance and dedication during the challenging times has been an inspira tion. Many have supported NTSA for over 30 years.”
Total Woman Healthcare P.A. is proud to announce the grand opening of the most luxurious women’s care facility in Dr. Phillips. As we expand, the reputation for excellence in women’s care services and noteworthy patient satisfaction also continues to grow.
After serving the community for more than 20 years, the Ocoee office was recently expanded, along with our new location in Dr. Phillips to offer not only obstetrics and gynecology to women of all ages, but also sexual wellness and body sculpting to both men and women in a minimally invasive approach utilizing the latest technology, excellent surgical skills, and evidence-based medicine to maximize a couples sexual experience. With hormonal balance and healthy life habits you can maintain the best version of yourself as you age.
Compassionate and well-trained clinicians, state of the art facilities, the delivery of patient satisfaction and results, a welcoming and friendly environment & the all around comprehensive women’s care services that we offer has set us apart.
Amir H. Fazeli, MD, is a graduate of the University of Arizona where he completed his undergraduate studies. He received his medical degree from the prestigious Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara. After medical school, he relocated to Brooklyn, New York where he completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at New York Methodist/Weill Cornell Presbyterian Hospital and became the winner of the best teaching award as chief resident. The advanced pathology, the incredible patient volume and the complexity of patients’ medical conditions, h gain invaluable experience and made him the solid clinician he now is.
He excels in interpersonal skills. The rapport he develops with his patients is what sets him apart. During his training in New York Methodist, he met Dr Amir Marashi who is a world-renowned gynecologist and author of: A Woman's Right to Pleasure. Dr Marashi remains Dr Fazeli's mentor, and has taught him innovative surgical procedures such as the Vagilangelo rejuvenation procedure, vaginoplasty and Labiaplasty, just to name a few. Dr. Fazeli's knowledge in female and pelvic anatomy makes him one of the best in his field.
Wendelly Vasquez, MD, is a graduate of New York University, where she completed her undergraduate studies. She received her medical degree from Ross University and completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology from Jersey Shore University Medical Center.
Dr Vasquez, then completed a fellowship in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, the prestigious Albert Einstein f Medicine in NY. She is an active member and fellow of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopic (AAGL) Surgeons worldwide.
Dr. Vasquez is known by her colleagues as an expert in complex hysteroscopic and minimally invasive gynecologic cases. They often refer the most challenging and complicated cases to her as they are confident that she will solve them successfully. Given her advanced surgical skills, cosmetic gynecology procedures, restoring vaginal function and improving sexual wellness became second nature to her skills.
In addition to the opening of Total woman Healthcare’s new location in Dr Phillips and the expansion of the Ocoee location, they are also proud to share the launch of their new aesthetics department known as Rejuvin8.
The vision is to provide a place where both female and male patients can obtain sexual wellness services, hormonal optimization and aesthetic treatments utilizing state of the art technology and regenerative medicine.
Rejuvin8 aesthetics offers a wide variety of treatments such as body conturing with the world renowned BTL suite, Cellulite Sound-wave Solutions , micro-needling, PRP, injectables, vaginal rejuvenation, ED treatment, IV treatments and so much more.
Give us a call today and let us show you all the options you never even knew you had!
The World Cup, the largest and most-watched interna tional soccer tournament in the world, is set to take place Nov. 20. The 2022 FIFA World Cup will be the 22nd in history and will be hosted by Qatar. If all of this seems somewhat extraordinary, it should! This will be the first World Cup to be held in an Arab country and just the second to be held entirely in Asia. It will also be the first time the World Cup will not be held in May, June, or July – a move prompted by Qatar’s extreme summer heat. Twotime World Cup Champion, France, is set to defend the World Cup title after defeating Croatia in the final in 2018.
The 2022 FIFA World Cup tournament will be the last to host 32 teams, as the expansion to 48 teams will take place at the 2026 tourna ment, hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The 32-team field is set and includes 24 teams who return to the competition from the 2018 tournament. Among the teams
returning is the United States, who failed to qualify in the 2018 World Cup. The Netherlands, Ecuador, Ghana and Cameroon also return to the event after not appearing in 2018 and Qatar will become the first host to make their tournament debut since Italy in 1934.
The tournament begins in Group Stage, where the 32 teams have been divided into eight groups of four teams each. The two top teams in each Group advance to the Round of 16. The United States are a member of Group B, alongside England, Iran, and Wales, who are making its first appearance at the World Cup since 1958. The opening match for the United States will take place Nov. 21 vs. Wales.
All matches will be televised in the United States on FOX and Fox Sports 1 with Spanish telecasts avail able on Telemundo and Universo. You can find the complete Match Sched ule here.
https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/ en/articles/match-schedule-en
Where to Watch: Harp & Celt Irish Pub & Res taurant: With over 12 flat screens around the restaurant and access to all major sports channels, The Harp and Celt is the perfect spot to watch the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Grab your mate and enjoy a pint in downtown Orlando at the beautiful Harp and Celt Irish Pub and Restaurant.
XL Soccer World: XL Soc cer World, located in beautiful Lake Nona is the perfect place to join soc cer fans from all over the world. Not only do they offer World Cup 2022 stickers and albums, but every Friday after school is also a trading day for fans of all ages. Enjoy live soccer while watching the 2022 FIFA World Cup on the big screen- an experience like none other!
Wall Street Plaza: Every four years, we see pictures of Wall Street packed with fans watching back-toback soccer matches. Don’t miss out this time around. Wall Street Plaza will live stream the games while block ing off the street, creating a 2022 FIFA World Cup Block Party!
November 11 to December17
Dr. Phillips Center
Now to November 20
HAMILTON has created a revolutionary moment in theater. With book, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, this internationally acclaimed show has won Tony®, Grammy® and Olivier Awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and an unprecedented citation from the Kennedy Center Honors. The New York Times says, “This theatrical landmark has transformed theater and the way we think about history.”
November 4 at 7:30 p.m.
Experience an evening of impossible illusions and spectacular special effects. Called the “Avengers of Magic,” this team of magicians presents their original illusions to audiences across the globe and over 50 million views online. But you haven’t seen “real” magic until you’ve seen it LIVE. Presenting a finale beyond explanation, your family can now be a part of these spectacular illusions at the Dr. Phillips Center.
November 8 at 7 p.m.
For generations, the music of Disney’s princesses has been the soundtrack to our lives. Now, a quartet of Broadway and film icons celebrate these beloved songs on stage in Disney Princess - The Concert! From Anastasia to Belle and Princess Jasmine to Nala, four lovely ladies join their talents as larger than life theatrical effects immerse the audience in Disney magic. For this special event your family is invited to dress up in “royal attire” and share the joy with your loved ones.
How wonderful to celebrate the life and career of the most patriotic American composer who ever lived. While serving in the U.S. Army, Irving Berlin brought melodies and hope to World War II America. Now -- this outstanding song and tap dance tribute features classics including “White Christmas,” “Blue Skies,” “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” and many more! The New York Times said, “Berlin set the tone and the tempo for the tunes America played and sang and danced to for much of the 20th century.” Call 407.645.0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org
November 12 at 7:30 & November 13 at 3:30 pm
With our brilliant Maestro Eric Jacobsen conducting and Jan Vogler as guest cellist, the Orlando Philharmonic invites us to the perfect sound of Bruckner’s “soundworld” – Symphony No. 6 – in the acoustically perfect Steinmetz Hall. “Now more than ever, Bruckner is a balm for the soul.” Leading into the symphony is Dvořák’s passionate Cello Concerto that will showcase the astonishing technique of Jan Vogler. The Romantic Overture by Emilie Mayer, exploring Faust’s soul, begins this concert journey.
Nov 14 to Dec 22
Be a part of something truly special as Orlando REP presents a holiday show before it is seen on Broadway!!! We are invited to step inside the world of the Patterson family who find the holidays joyful—and challenging. With a wish, a letter, and some unique seasonal help, the Pattersons discover what just an ounce of belief can do. TRUE NORTH is a magical and insightful story about accepting change, and sharing unwavering hope in the “magic” of Christmas. Call 407.896.7365 or visit orlandorep.com
November 17 (Opening Night from 6 to 9 pm) through December 10, 2022
In this clever curatorial art exhibit, the question, “Is that work of ART authentic?” is the question art-lovers are asking -- especially in the wake of the “Basquiat scandal” at the Orlando Museum of Art. ‘Genuineness’ is addressed in “FABRICATIONS,” a timely exhibit about truth and lies, presented by Art For All Spaces. Curator Brad Biggs says, “the artists were asked to create some pieces that are truthfully described and others that are false.” The viewing public is invited to differentiate between the two. Call 407.648.7060 or visit ArtForAllSpacesLLC
Dr. Phillips Center Disney Junior Live on Tour
“Costume Palooza”
November 18 at 6 pm
In a great way to introduce the young ones to theater, “The Disney Junior Tour” is back with an ALL-NEW show that brings beloved Disney characters and favorite Marvel Super Heroes together LIVE on stage for a concert show with singing, dancing, acrobatics, and more. Featuring favorite Disney songs, Mickey and Minnie are ready to throw a big party, but mysterious green rain keeps interrupting the fun. Can Spidey and his Friends save the Costume-Palooza? Join the party at the Dr. Phillips Center to find out.
November 26 at 3:30 & 7:30 pm
It’s Holiday Music in the air as we are invited to experience the joyful sounds of the Christmas Season by the Orlando Philharmonic for the first time ever in Steinmetz Hall. With the Holiday Singers, the Opera Orlando Youth Company and other guests, it’s the perfect way to kick off the holiday season with your own Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra performing a festive mix of classical melodies, traditional carols, holiday classics, and even some audience participation …
Steinmetz Hall
Handel’s Messiah –the 50th Anniversary Performance (FREE)
November 20 at 3 pm
Widely regarded as one of the finest classical music works ever written, this performance of Handel’s Messiah, by the Messiah Choral Society, celebrates 50 magnificent years of giving the Central Florida community FREE performances of this masterwork. Accompanied by a professional orchestra and soloists, and conducted by music director John V. Sinclair, the concert is a holiday tradition viewed by many as the kick-off to the holiday music season. Visit messiahchoralsociety.org
By Charles Dickens and Adapted by Jim Helsinger
November 30 to December 24
“A merry Christmas for everybody! And a happy new year to all the world!”
Back by popular demand, the story of the ghosts of Christmas, Tiny Tim, and Scrooge’s redemption graces the Margeson Theater again at Orlando Shakes! Enjoy fresh hot cocoa and chocolate chip cookies at intermission and hear gorgeous carols. It’s fun for the whole family! Call 407.447.1700 or visit orlandohakes.org
Central Park - Winter Park
The Morse Museum presents FREE “Christmas in the Park”
December 1 at 6:15 pm
Each year the Morse Museum presents a unique way to welcome the Holiday Season in Winter Park’s Central Park when it lights up seven of its priceless Tiffany windows and presents the Bach Festival Choir in a FREE Holiday concert. The seven leaded-glass windows are memorials – with religious themes – produced by Tiffany Studios for a chapel in NYC beginning in 1814. The event begins at 6:15 pm when the signal is given to turn on the “window lights.” Lawn chairs may be set up beginning at 4 pm. Call 407.645.5311 or visit morsemuseum.org
Josh Garrick has been creating, fundraising and writing about the Arts for all of the 24 years he’s lived in Orlando. In recognition of his service to the Arts, Mayor Buddy Dyer named June 27 as “Josh Garrick Day” in the City of Orlando.
In partnership with AdventHealth for Women, we are recognizing a woman in our community each month who is selflessly giving to others while raising families, supporting their loved ones and/or building their careers. Whether they know it or not, their stories inspire other women near and far.
Attorney Randolph earned her Juris Doctor degree from Florida A&M University, College of Law. She began her solo practice in November 2012, where her primary practice areas are family law, personal injury, probate, guardianship, and estate planning.
In late 2013, Attorney Randolph founded The LCR Project (Love, Compassion, and Resolve), an innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit. She has successfully provided over 200 individuals and families with much needed resources and services through The LCR Project’s initiatives.
In 2018, Attorney Randolph became co-owner of Kalon Karisma Hair and Beauty, LLC. She is a radio per sonality on WAIG 106.3fm and attends The Experience Christian Center.
Attorney Randolph is also a Board Member of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida; Feed My Sheep Resource Center, Inc.; CEO Chicks Foundation; National Black Lawyers Top 40 Under 40; Florida A&M University National Alumni Association; and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
I love people and I love to help people. I want to see them win, succeed, be great, and fulfill their purpose. In addition, I want to pass the baton of faith to the next genera tion. I want to set the example that if they work hard, have integrity, and depend on their faith in God, they can find their why (purpose) and persevere through life’s difficulties.
Have you drawn inspiration from other women? Tell us about someone who has inspired you.
My mother inspires me every day. She lights up a room with her elegance and stature. Her energy draws people to her, and, at the end of their interaction, she leaves a joy ous presence that makes her more memorable. She has a
heart to help others and serves her community. She exudes strength that in turn gives me strength and motivates me to grow without any barriers. She is my prayer warrior, my sounding board, my dance partner, my friend, my rider, my homie, but most importantly she is my mother.
What is the one word that perfectly explains who you are?
Risk-taker
Would you change anything about how you have handled challenges or successes thus far in your life?
I wouldn’t change a thing. I believe that nothing just happens. All the challenges, successes, and how I’ve handled them have developed my character, imparted empathy, and have given me the strength and courage to persevere through life’s difficulties. Everything that has happened in my life, the bad decisions, even the things that I mislead myself to believe I should’ve or could’ve changed, have worked out for my good.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced and what did you learn from it?
The biggest challenge that I have faced is starting multiple businesses with little experience in each of those areas. I started my law firm, LCR Legal, in 2012, my nonprofit, The Love, Compassion, and Resolve Project in 2013, and Kalon Karisma Hair and Beauty in 2018. It goes back to being a risk-taker. I’ve learned that no matter the challenges and fears, face the challenges head on and do it afraid. My biggest risks have created the most challenges, but they have also given the greatest rewards. “If you are not willing to risk the unusual, you will have to settle for ordinary.”
Jim Rohn
Get ready to meet the young lady that’s about to take over your TV screens! Madison Skye Validum started out as a model when she was three years old. Now, at only nine years old, the Orlando-local is ready to take on acting. With three movies out already and two coming soon, her friends and family were right when they said she’d be a star.
She may be young, but Validum has known she has a passion for acting for a long time. The inspiration came from her own brothers. Growing up, she would watch her brothers on set and realized she wanted to act too. “Watching them have fun and give it their all led me to want to do the same,” she said.
Within weeks of signing to an agent in Los Angeles, Validum’s big break into acting came with booking the role of Bean in Netflix’s movie tril ogy “Ivy and Bean,” an adaptation of the beloved book series of the same name. She fell in love with the charac ter’s adventurous nature while listening to the audiobooks with her mom
and related to the way Bean thinks of a plan and goes after it saying she’s “exactly the same way”.
“I still can’t believe it,” she says when asked about what it’s like to star in these movies. “It still feels like a dream.”
The “Ivy and Bean” trilogy taught Validum so much about being an ac tress. Working on three films at once showed her how to own a character to her fullest potential and to work diligently. When on set, she feels fully prepared to bring the character to life.
Validum also got the opportu nity to work with industry veterans such as Jane Lynch, Nia Valdaros, and Garfield Wilson. Her co-stars taught her the importance of having fun on set and she’s grateful for the mem ories and friendships she made while filming.
However, she’s not taking a break any time soon. Validum is booked and busy with another Netflix movie set to release this December entitled “Best. Christmas. Ever.” alongside Heather Graham, Brandy Norwood, and
Jason Biggs. In this romantic comedy, she will play Beatrix, a 10-year-old Harvard student whose parents re unite with their college friends to see what’s been going on in each other’s lives. Validum is excited for viewers to see a different side of her acting as she will be playing a “totally different character” in the film than from what we see in her previous work.
She’s also currently filming an other Christmas movie with Disney entitled “Dashing Through the Snow” that is full of fun and laughter, and she expects everyone to love it.
The young up-and-comer is just getting started and is so excited to have been given the opportunity to play so many different roles already. Her love of acting comes from the ability it gives her to help people have a better day and make them laugh.
“If I can change someone’s mood just by them watching me on screen, then I’ve done my job,” Validum says.
“Ivy and Bean” is streaming now on Netflix!
Since 1966, Edgewood Children’s Ranch has helped children who struggle with behavior issues created by past traumatic experiences. Edgewood’s program has helped more than 5,000 children have a second chance for a better future
Edgewood works with children often labeled “at-risk,” “troubled” and “rebellious.” Many have back grounds that include drugs, alcohol, inappropriate sexual behavior, run ning away, failing in school, disrespect and violence. Traumatic experiences such as divorce, abuse, loss of a fam ily member, negative peer influence, and other painful situations have led them to cope using negative behavior. Edgewood offers hope to these chil dren, rehabilitating youth-at-risk and working closely with their families, returning children to their homes and society as healthy, functioning young people.
Located on more than 100 acres across the lake from MetroWest Golf Club, the nonprofit, residential pro gram helps boys and girls ages 7-17 address and overcome behavioral is
sues in a positive, safe environment. Today, the Ranch accommodates up to 56 students at a time, providing structure, a loving home environ ment, academic remediation, behav ioral training and a safety net for their troubled lives, along with love and prayer.
The Edgewood Children’s Ranch program is voluntary, and the par ent and child are asked to reach an agreement to work within the Ranch’s guidelines. Children stay at the Ranch for two years on average and are evalu ated at the end of each school year to determine if they should return to the program. Parents must also participate in the program, through parenting classes and attending weekly Chapel.
Children live full time at the Ranch in cottages and attend the ac credited on-site school; the school maintains a ratio of one teacher for every 8 to 10 students. The children have visitation with their parents each Sunday afternoon, go home on designated weekends throughout the school year, and have holidays and summer break at home.
Students are accepted based on need and the desire to participate rath er than the ability to pay. The Ranch asks that families pay towards the monthly tuition, but most families are unable to afford the full amount. As a result, the Ranch reaches out to the local community for support and holds several fundraisers throughout the year. Funding for Edgewood Chil dren’s Ranch comes from community support in the form of donations, grants and in-kind gifts. The Ranch does not take state or federal funding.
Find out more about Edgewood Children’s Ranch at edgewoodranch. com.
Presented by Orlando Health, the ninth annual MetroWest WinterFest will welcome thou sands of attendees to the MetroWest Golf Club on Sunday, Dec. 11 from 3 to 7 p.m.
Staged by the MetroWest Master Association (MWMA), MetroWest WinterFest is a free community event designed for families with young chil dren.
“WinterFest brings the MetroW est neighborhood together for an afternoon of holiday fun and cama raderie,” said Julie Sanchez, MWMA General Manager.
WinterFest 2022 will begin with Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving in a Clydesdale-drawn carriage, which will then be available for rides for event attendees.
WinterFest will include:
■ Free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus
■ 16-ton snow slide and play area
■ Holiday-themed performances by
MetroWest Elementary School and Westpointe Elementary School
■ Merry-go-round, bungee bouncer, and a ballistic swing carnival ride
■ Face painters
■ Horse and carriage rides
■ Food Truck Zone
■ Vendors
WinterFest will also feature a check presentation from MWMA to MetroWest Elementary School and Westpointe Elementary School.
MetroWest WinterFest 2022 benefits Edgewood Children’s Ranch, a nonprofit, residential program that helps boys and girls ages 6-17 ad dress and overcome behavioral issues in a positive, safe environment. Every year, MetroWest communities and businesses compete in the MetroWest WinterFest Charity Challenge by collecting gift cards for the Ranch.
“Edgewood Children’s Ranch is part of our MetroWest community and offers much needed support for
children with behavioral challenges. It’s our honor to support the Ranch and its exemplary residential pro gram,” said Sanchez.
WinterFest is a rain or shine event, except in the case of extreme weather. Pets and coolers are not al lowed.
For more information, visit www. metrowestcommunity.com or like MWMA on Facebook at www.facebook. com/MetroWestMasterAssociation.
As the holiday season approach es many of us have come to realize that we just have too much stuff; closets and garages are bursting with outdated clothes, toys, gadgets and more. Perhaps you are thinking, “What do I buy when it seems we already have too much?”
With this in mind, and the pan demic behind us, some are taking a fresh look at gift giving and consider ing the idea of giving experiences rath er than traditional store-bought gifts this year. Whether fulfilling a wish, encouraging a passion, or enjoying an indulgent night out on the town, giv ing an experience may please and sur prise the person in your life who “has everything.” And what could be better than creating lasting memories with your loved ones?
We are fortunate to live in Central Florida where fun and unique ex periences abound; from world-famous attractions, renowned restaurants and cultural destinations, there is some thing for everyone in the family. Even better is the fact that MetroWest is located in the midst of all the action,
with plenty of delightful experiences right in our own backyards.
For a different take on holiday gift giving, consider some of the fol lowing activities and experiences in and around MetroWest:
■ A round of golf (or golf lessons) at The MetroWest Golf Club — Located in the heart of MetroWest on Lake Hiawassee.
■ Club Membership at Planet Fitness – Get in shape in 2023 with a gym membership at Planet Fitness which boasts a workout environment where everyone feels accepted and respected.
■ Izziban Sushi and BBQ – For a truly unique dining experience, enjoy all you can eat Korean BBQ and sushi in a trendy, upscale environment.
■ A day disc golfing or fishing at Bill Frederick Park – Bill Freder ick Park covers 183 acres of land alongside Turkey Lake, one of the top-five rated fishing lakes in the state of Florida.
By Kimbra Hennessy■ A gift card to a Classpop sushi making class – If someone in your life loves sushi, they may want to try the art of sushimaking; this cooking class with Chef Kimesha is the perfect place to start.
■ Shopping at Scan Design – Pur chase a unique piece art or stylish Scandinavian furniture that will last a lifetime.
■ Visit DEFY – this thrill-seeker’s attraction features a massive, 30,000-square-foot indoor play ground with over 35 trampolines, circus equipment and obstacle courses safely ensconced by an allfoam platform.
■ Pay for a Continuing Education class at Valencia College – perhaps the person in your life would like to update their skills, prepare for a new position/career, or learn a new language. Valencia
offers a wide range of in-person and online classes.
■ Buy bikes for the entire family from Full Circle Cycle – Full Cir cle is locally owned and Orlando’s is the most trusted bike shop since 1993. Full Circle offers quality products for all levels of cycling and advice about Orlando’s best bike trails.
■ Enjoy a couples massage at Essential Spa of MetroWest – Essentials offers outstanding personal spa services executed by a staff of skilled estheticians and massage therapists.
■ Give back by volunteering at Second Harvest Food Bank –Second Harvest Food Bank is a nonprofit that collects, stores and distributes donated food to more than 500 feeding partners throughout Central Florida.
■ Putting Edge Mini-Golf – Enjoy 18 holes of glow-in-the-dark fun on this unique “black light” mini-golf course where you will be immersed in a kaleidoscope of dazzling colors and sounds.
– Targeting largemouth bass, Makin Big Bass Memories is a fishing charter company guided by experienced angler, Capt. Justin Makin. Join him as he takes you to the right spots to reel in your first (or, perhaps, your biggest) bass.
Maybe it’s time to literally “think outside the box” when it comes to gift giving this holiday season. Ex perts agree that with the passing of time people tend to get less satisfied with material purchases and happier with experiences that create lasting memories.
By Nancy Glasgow
MetroWest’s National Night Out (NNO) event on Oct. 4 was recognized by the City of Orlando as the third-place contest winner for the NNO theme of “Giving Crime and Drugs a Going Away Party,” winning a cash prize of $200. Held at the MetroWest Golf Club, MetroWest’s National Night Out featured vendors and exhibits, food trucks, kids’ events, and crime prevention and safety demonstrations. National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes strong police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie, enhancing the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of connection.
By Alexis George
Observed on Nov.11, Veterans Day gives us an op portunity to honor the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. Here are a few Veter ans Day celebrations happening in Central Florida.
The First Academy, a private, Christian school serv ing Central Florida families, will hold its Annual Veterans Day Celebration on Nov.10 at 10:00 am in the Worship Center at First Orlando (3000 South John Young Parkway Orlando, FL 32805).
The celebration will feature the Presentation of Colors by the United States Army Color Guard, patriotic music by a 100-voice Lower School Choir, and the Middle and Up per School Chorus. There will also be multimedia presenta tions to salute the nation’s heroes.
Event speakers include the Wounded Warrior Club of ficers, Lt. General Benjamin Mixon (Ret.), Staff Sgt Giunta, and First Orlando Senior Pastor Dr. David Uth. Continen tal breakfast will be provided for all veterans and spouses at no cost prior to the celebration at 8:45 am in Faith Hall.
The Venue on Lake Lily will host Maitland Veterans’ Salute on Nov.10 from 5-9 pm to honor local Veterans and their families. The program will feature a special perfor mance, guest speaker and savory bites.
Performing Arts Matter (PAM) is returning as the music sponsor for the annual event featuring the Maitland Symphony Orchestra (MSO). To honor all Veterans, the concert will feature patriotic selections known to all and led by Associate Conductor Dale Burket.
Guest speaker Alexandra Nass, founder of Command K9 Service Dogs, will share her journey to provide profes
sional service dog training for disabled veterans and assist with their individual needs. Guests will also enjoy dinner, drinks and dessert provided by Sonny’s BBQ and the Mai tland Men’s Club will serve its well-known beef brisket and corn on the cob to accompany Sonny’s offerings.
Tickets are $5 per adult, $2 per child under age 10. All Veterans are FREE. Space is limited. Tickets may be pur chased by calling 407-647-2111 or online at venueonlakel ily.com.
Lake Nona will wrap up the fall season with its third annual Lake Nona Veterans Day celebration. Called Home of the Brave, the event will take place on Nov.11 in the Lake Nona Town Center. Guests can enjoy the Patriotic Para chute Team, illuminated by red and blue flares, descend from the sky followed by the Honors Ceremony featur ing special guests and local elected officials. The night will end with performances to salute each branch of the armed forces.
The City of Orlando will host the 23rd annual City of Orlando Veterans Day Parade on Nov. 12 from 11-1 pm. This year’s parade will open with a tribute to veterans, led by Mayor Dyer and local veterans. The parade’s theme is celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAACs) and Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVEs).
The opening ceremony will take place at Orange Av enue near Central Boulevard. The parade will begin at Rob inson Street and Orange Avenue, turning left on Central Boulevard, left on Rosalind Avenue and ending at Robin son Street.
During the pandemic, the ter minology, “first responders” was reinforced as a household term. Our police officers, paramedics, fire and rescue teams and hospital staff, at all levels, watch over us to pro vide safety and security for all. These individuals are our family, friends, neighbors and associates. They also need to care for their own families, as we do. Yet, they put us first on good days and bad days, whether it’s rain ing, or the sun is shining or as hurri canes impact our community.
Some of us had the luxury of time to prepare for Hurricane Ian as it approached. We didn’t have to worry about the overall safety of an entire community. Our first responders had a much greater responsibility, to care for us, and put us first. We should all be extremely thankful for their dedi cation and service. Our community is better and stronger because of their tireless dedication to us and their demonstration of kindness and humanity. Each of us can learn something from them.
The West Orange Chamber of Commerce is extremely thankful to be a part of a community which includes the individuals that make up these organizations. Special thanks to the police, fire and rescue depart ments of the towns of Oakland and Windermere, cities of Orlando, Ocoee and Winter Garden and the unincorporated lands of Orange County. Thank you to our world class hospital systems, AdventHealth and Orlando Health, for providing us quality healthcare on regular days, pandemic days and natural disaster days.
OCPS works with local and state entities to provide shelters to those in need. Each of our municipalities and counties have all departments work ing to restore us back to normal. Duke Energy and OUC are constant ly working to keep us powered up, as are Spectrum, AT&T, and Quantum Fiber (Lumen and CenturyLink) The employees of AMR provide timely ambulance rescue, when needed. Organizations like the American Red
Cross are always ready to assist! I know I am not naming all the sup portive organizations and businesses in our community, yet we respect and appreciate them all.
A special thanks to the city of Winter Garden Police Department (WGPD). During the night of the hurricane, the Chamber’s alarm was triggered. ADT notified me of the alarm, but I asked them not to dispatch. I suspected it was just wind. In the morning, I called the nonemergency number of the WGPD. I was told that they would dispatch someone to check on the building. Within a couple of hours, I had a message from Officer Barnes to reas sure me that the building, windows and doors were fine. He even thanked me for not asking for a dispatch through 911 during the worst part of the storm. That is dedication and service that is above and beyond.
Thanks to all our heroes for caring for us during the bad days and for the times ahead as we recover from Hurricane Ian!
When communities face challenges from almost any source, those supported by a local chamber of commerce can expect that most chambers will function as a CATALYST of business growth and sup port, a CONVENER of leaders and influencers necessary to guide efforts through the threat, and a CHAMPION of its members and the entire community. These functions are part of the missions of chambers that are organizations of businesses and community residents created to lead com mon interests that promote or protect the community.
Examples of how chambers support the community are most recently evident as many Florida communities work to recover from the impacts of Hurricane Ian that struck the southwest coast of Florida and progressed north east across the state. Chambers of commerce from Sanibel and Captiva up through Volusia County worked diligently to gather information from government sources and emer gency services while marrying the needs of the community with providers of assistance.
The Lake Nona Regional Chamber of Commerce (LNRCC) worked as a CATALYST to share numerous governmental notifications that helped provide the impetus for preparations for the storm’s arrival and then continued to distribute information of recovery efforts so volunteer sources could connect with those in need. LNRCC also pivoted from local efforts to reach out to its fellow chamber in Sanibel and Captiva to discern the needs of that hard struck community. One partner member business, Nona.media, made two trips to the area to deliver emergency supplies and LNRCC published a link to a GoFundMe account cre ated to aid with the recovery of the Sanibel and Captiva Chamber.
Meanwhile, LNRCC encouraged and supported open communications with all government levels and the Flori da Chamber of Commerce as the CONVENER of lead ers looking to help the community. Local county and city governments respect the ability of the chamber to distribute useful, substantiated, timely, and attributable information to its network.
All the while LNRCC actively sought information from its network allowing it to CHAMPION for specific needs. When requesters needed assistance LNRCC reached out to bring back useful information or help.
The above examples provide the opportunity to explain how LNRCC works everyday as a CATALYST, CONVE NER and CHAMPION of the community. These three roles allow LNRCC to courageously stand up for its beliefs while fighting to do what is right so that its members can thrive.
LNRCC is a membership not-for-profit organization with offices in Lake Nona at 6555 Sanger Rd, Orlando, FL 32827. It is not affiliated with, or sponsored by, Lake Nona Property Holdings, LLC, or its affiliated entities. Comments or requests for information are encouraged at Administration@ LakeNonaCC.org.
By Catie Moore
The Sunshine State will rebuild, restore and RISE above as we all join as one community to help each other after the path of de struction left by Hurricane Ian. Here are three organizations that are doing what it takes to make a difference in the lives forever changed on Septem ber 28, 2022.
The Orlando Magic has an nounced that the DeVos Family Foundation donated a total of $1 mil lion with $500,000 going to the Hur ricane recovery fund, $250,000 to the Florida Disaster Fund and $250,000 for future rebuilding efforts. “Our hearts are with this community, which has long been part of our family,” said Magic chairman Dan DeVos. “We will continue to partner with organi zations closest to those most impact ed, and as always, prioritize the health and safety of the people in the region. This community is resilient, and our thoughts and prayers are with those affected as well as the leaders and first responders who continually put neighbors first.”
“We talk about perspective of things, us in the sport that we’re in, but it’s more important that we give back and take care of people and take care of the lives that have been impact
ed and affected by the Hurricane,” Magic coach Jahmal Mosley said.
“You just want to make sure that we can do as much as possible, that they know we care and we’re willing to do what’s necessary in order to make sure that people feel that from us.”
For more information, please visit devosfamilyfoundation.org.
Second Harvest Food Bank has wasted no time providing disaster meals to severely impacted areas in our community. SHFB is up and run ning at an ‘above and beyond’ level to aid families and seniors affected by Hurricane Ian. Volunteers at the Mercy Kitchen are working continu ously—packing relief boxes and pre paring meals for shelters and home deliveries. The demand for food assis tance has just begun and will only in crease as families and seniors continue to recover. To make a donation to this organization, please visit Donate to Fight Hunger: - Second Harvest Food Bank Of Central Florida (feedhopenow.org).
Your support will help with:
■ Additional critical mobile food distributions in all six Central Florida counties (Orange, Semi nole, Volusia, Brevard, Osceola, Lake)
■ Setting up emergency food pan tries in targeted areas
■ Home deliveries through the Bring Hope Home program
■ Disaster relief boxes
One Blood is urgently asking for blood donors post Hurricane Ian. Blood and platelets are needed during rescue missions as well as replenish ing our local supply that continues to serve patients with longstanding medical conditions. Central Florid ians are encouraged to make a blood donation at the closest donor center or One Blood bus. All blood types are needed, but O Negative and O Posi tive and platelet donors are in high de mand. To make an appointment or to find your nearest donation center, visit donorportal.oneblood.org.
To learn more about what other organizations are doing or to see the full list of organizations making a difference visit centralfloridalifestyle. com.
1 - November 3
Winter Park:Best of Winter Park 5 pm- 7:30 pm
Winter Park Farmers Market 200 W New England Ave
2 - November 3
Winter Park: Taste of Baldwin Park Fall Edition 6:30 pm- 9:45 pm Baldwin Park 4990 New Broad St
3 - November 11
Lake Nona: Art After Dark 6 pm- 9 pm
Lake Nona Town Center 6900 Tavistock Lakes Blvd
4 - November 12
Horizon West: Flavor Fest of Horizon West 5 pm-9 pm 14111 Shoreside Way
5 - November 12
Altamonte Springs: Craft Beer and Blues Festival 5 pm-9 pm
Lake Concord Park 95 Triplet Lake Dr
6 - November 5
College Park: College Park Jazz Fest 5 pm- 11 pm Edgewater Drive, from W. Smith St. to W. King St
7 - November 18 thru December 18
Winter Garden: Honk! The Garden Theatre 160 West Plant Street
8 - November 18
Windermere: Light Up Windermere/November Food Truck Night 6:00 pm-9:30 pm
Town Square W 6th Ave
9 - November 19
College Park: Jingle Eve 4 pm- 9 pm Ivanhoe Village 1001 N Orange Ave
10 - November 24
Metrowest: Metrowest Food Truck Connection 5:30 pm- 9 pm 2100 S Hiawassee Rd
11 - November 25- thru January 1
Winter Park: Dazzling Nights Leu Garden 1920 North Forest Avenue Additional Events:
ADDITIONAL EVENTS
November 11-November 13
EDC Orlando Tinker Field South Tampa Ave
November 18
Florida Blue Battle of the Bands Amway Center 7 pm- 9 pm 400 W Church St Suite 200
November 18
Disney Junior Live Dr. Phillips Center 6 pm 445 S Magnolia Ave
November 18
Reindeer Romp Orlando Museum of Art 5 pm- 8:30 pm 2416 N. Mills Ave
November 19
Florida Blue Florida Classic Camping World Stadium 2:30 pm
Citrus Bowl Place
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