Orlando Health Physician Associates is a trusted women’s health provider that offers locations throughout Central Florida. We provide a collaborative OB-GYN team of physicians, midwives and support staff — and delivery at Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies — ensuring moms feel heard and supported through all stages of pregnancy.
OrlandoHealth.com/TopOBCare
Dear Reader,
As the flowers bloom and the sun shines a little brighter, we are delighted to share our special May issue, dedicated to the incredible women who grace our lives. This month, we collaborate with AdventHealth for our “Celebrating the Woman Next Door” feature, highlighting inspiring women in our community.
Discover thoughtful gifts for new moms dealing with postpartum and gain valuable advice from Orlando Health on healing from a C-section. Also, learn crucial melanoma prevention tips for Skin Cancer Awareness Month.
In addition to our health and womenfocused content, read articles on arts and entertainment, homelessness, and honeymoon travel destinations.
Let’s celebrate the strength, resilience, and beauty of the women we love and adore this May. Happy reading!
Warm regards, Alexis
EDITOR
Alexis George
Alexis.George@lifestylescfl.com
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Michael Feland
EDITORIAL
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
Catie Moore
EDITORIAL INTERNS
Melissa Donovan
Ellie Nas
DIGITAL MEDIA INTERN
Jennifer Couvertier
WRITERS
Tarre Beach, Joyce Bliss, Candy Cole, Melissa Donovan, Josh Garrick, Kristen Jackson, Monika Knotts, Rich Maladecki, Laura Mays, Catie Moore, Ellie Nas, T. Michele Walker
SALES / MARKETING
DIRECTOR OF SALES
Stacy Daniels stacy.daniels@lifestylescfl.com
DIRECTOR
SHARON LAM Sharon.Lam@lifestylescfl.com
6 HOW TO HEAL A C-SECTION
Dr. Carhine Pierre-Lambert is a board-certified OB-GYN with Orlando Health Physician Associates. Learn how adhering to your doctor’s orders can make recovering from a C-section relatively easy and painless.
16 CELEBRATING THE WOMAN NEXT DOOR
In partnership with AdventHealth for Women, we’re recognizing six women in our community who are selflessly giving to others while raising families, supporting their loved ones, and building their careers while maintaining their health and wellness. Whether they know it or not, their stories inspire other women near and far.
26 A PATIENT-CENTERED AND COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO HEALTHCARE
Meet Dr. Judith Moss and Dr. Danielle Solomon of Chain of Lakes Primary Care and learn how their passion for preventive/concierge-like medicine allows them to provide individualized care to address the unique needs of all patients.
32 HONEYMOON DESTINATIONS HERE, NEAR AND FAR AWAY
Finding the perfect honeymoon destination can be a challenge for many soon-tobe newlyweds. Whether here, near, or far away, here is a list of some of the most romantic honeymoon ideas.
38 JOSH RECOMMENDS
Unless otherwise indicated, visit drphillipscenter.org/events for tickets to these must-see art performances recommended by community member Josh Garrick.
8
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By Carhine Pierre-Lambert, MD OB-GYN
Caring for a newborn can feel overwhelming, especially if you had your baby via Csection. It can be even harder to heal. Knowing what to expect can help in your first days and weeks of becoming a mother.
If you adhere to your doctor’s orders, recovering from a C-section can be relatively easy and painless. You can expect the healing process to take six weeks instead of the four weeks following a vaginal birth.
When you have a C-section, you likely will stay in the hospital for one or two days. During these two days, the discomfort from your surgery will be the strongest, and nurses and doctors will regularly monitor your vital signs and manage your pain levels.
Some women only need ibuprofen or acetaminophen, while some may need stronger medications. If you are experiencing excessive discomfort, speak up so your doctor can adjust your medicine.
Doctors will also check your incisions for infection. They will also assess the uterus for appropriate firmness, tone, and contractions, indicating proper healing.
You can begin walking around your hospital room or hallway as early as six hours post-surgery or when it feels comfortable, which aids in faster recovery by:
■ Increasing blood flow and oxygen to tissues
■ Decreasing the risk of blood clots
■ Releasing endorphins
■ Boosting gut motility
■ Lowering the risk of constipation
Your doctor will provide instructions on how to look after your incision at home, with advice varying based on whether they used stitches, staples, or glue. To promote faster healing, you should:
■ Keep the incision clean and dry to avoid infection. That means no baths or swimming.
■ If you are taking narcotics as part of your recovery, restrict driving.
■ Eat well.
Signs to watch for:
■ Fevers
■ Chills
■ Night sweats
■ Heavy bleeding, defined as soaking through more than one pad in an hour
■ Redness or oozing from the incision
All the signs point to a surgicalsite infection, and you should call your doctor. You could be fighting off endometritis, inflammation of the uterine lining, or another problem that needs medical attention.
Most of all, listen to your body. If the pain in your body seems unusual or the prescribed pain relief proves insufficient, contact your physician.
Additionally, schedule a followup appointment at the doctor’s office within one to two weeks after your cesarean birth to confirm that recovery is progressing smoothly.
You likely will be feeling better, but you should still be careful. Avoid climbing the stairs as much as possible, as that movement increases abdominal pressure. But staying in bed slows healing time and increases your risk of developing a blood clot in your legs or lungs. The answer is to find that balance between light activity and nothing.
Now is a great time to have a family member or friend visit and help around the house by fetching items from upstairs or limiting your physical workload since you are not supposed to lift anything exceeding 20 pounds. Do not try to be a superhero and overdo it, which could delay healing.
If you experience swollen extremities, shortness of breath, fever or excessive vaginal bleeding, go to the ER. Oozing or foul odor from your incision site warrants a visit to your OB-GYN.
Signs of preeclampsia, which can show up any time during the six weeks following childbirth, include:
■ Persistent headache
■ Blurry vision
■ Abdominal pain
When left unmonitored, preeclampsia, a hypertension disorder, can cause harm to various organs, including the kidneys.
For most women, healing has wrapped up around the six-week mark. One last visit to your OB-GYN is typical at this time. A clean bill of health marks the end of your pregnancy and childbirth journey.
Dr. Carhine Pierre-Lambert is a board-certified OB-GYN with Orlando Health Physician Associates. She offers a range of care for patients from adolescence to menopause. Her areas of specialty include:
■ Obstetrics
■ Gynecology
■ Family planning
■ Female reproductive health
■ Pregnancy wellness
■ Abnormal bleeding
■ Fibroid management
■ Menopausal care
Training
Dr. Pierre-Lambert earned her medical degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Medicine after receiving her bachelor’s degree in neuroscience at New York University. She completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Westchester Medical Center/Metropolitan Hospital Center at New York Medical College in Valhalla, where she served as chief resident.
About
Dr. Pierre-Lambert grew up in Rockland County, New York, outside New York City. She moved with her family to Central Florida in 2013 and has been practicing here ever since. Dr. Pierre-Lambert is a fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She is fluent in English, French and Spanish.
By Laura Mays, Dermatology Physician Assistant, Manlio Dermatology
I’m in the hospital with my sister Cindy, and the doctor says there isn’t much time. We all sit and watch her calmly tell her 2- and 4-yearold sons goodbye. She reassures them she will always be their mommy and watch over them from heaven. Shortly after, I hold her hand as she takes her last breath.
A stunning, accomplished mother, wife, and pharmacist dies at age 30 because of melanoma.
Cindy was diagnosed with hemorrhoids during her two pregnancies when it was a stage 4 nodular melanoma. Melanoma is malignant and forms in your melanocytes (melanin-producing cells). This potentially fatal skin cancer doesn’t only occur in sun-exposed areas— it can happen inside the eye, on the lips, palms of the hands, soles of the feet, fingernails, toenails, and anal/genital areas. Melanoma does not discriminate; it can affect all races. You may not know this, but Reggae musician Bob Marley died at age 36 in 1981 from melanoma on his toenail. Undergoing a skin examination is crucial, irrespective of whether your skin tans, burns, or is seemingly unaffected.
If you ever ask yourself, “Is this just a mole or something more concerning?” The answer is to get it checked. Melanoma was the 5th MOST COMMON new cancer diagnosed in both men and women in 2022. There were 99,780 new melanoma cases recorded in 2022, with Florida having the second-highest melanoma rate.
Melanoma risk factors encompass sun exposure, multiple moles, fair complexion, light-colored eyes, blonde or red hair, and a family history of melanoma or atypical moles.
The ABCDEs of melanoma risk.
A Asymmetry (one half is not a mirror image of the other)
B Border (the lesion has a poorly defined border)
C Color (lesion has different shades or colors)
D Diameter (most melanomas are larger than 6 mm – or the size of a pencil eraser, however, some can be smaller as well)
E Evolving (the lesion is changing in size, shape, or color)
In addition to seeing a dermatology provider at least once a year, wear an SPF 30 or higher, apply 30 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply every 90 minutes. Keep a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses on, and seek shade as much as possible. Enjoy your time outdoors while being sun safe.
Cindy was diagnosed with melanoma in 1995– shortly after I founded a non-profit organization in her name- promoting melanoma awareness throughout the community and co-chaired two runs/walks for melanoma awareness fundraising. Following her death, I continued to participate in health fairs, give presentations at school and corporate events, and lecture across the country at multiple medical conferences.
Cindy is the reason I chose to go into dermatology practice in 2001. Cindy is my inspiration and why melanoma is my passion. She lost her battle with melanoma in 1997, but I promised her I would do everything in my power to protect as many people from her killer and to save as many lives as possible from this deadly disease.
Nemours Children’s Health goes well beyond medicine to help ensure good health. Since day one, we’ve looked to improve children’s medical care with programs to treat all kinds of issues that a ect the health of kids now and even when they’re all grown up. Like the social health checkup we created to identify things in a child’s life that can have bad health e ects. It takes a look at housing, schooling, and even playtime to spot issues and help fix them. That’s just one more example of how Nemours Children’s goes well beyond medicine.
I have been living with my mother in her home for 20 years, and she named me a preneed guardian in her estate documents in the event of her mental incapacity. She also made me the executor and agent in her advance directives, including her Durable Power of Attorney. In 2020 when Covid-19 infected our nation, my mother became ill, which led to her rapid deterioration and loss of cognitive abilities. Dementia overtook her, and she could no longer take care of herself.
Q:After asking my brother for financial help, he immediately hired a lawyer to take control of my mother and her estate. He said he intended to have me evicted from the home. The will says once deceased, my brother and I would equally inherit her home. I do not have the financial wealth to fight my brother in court. Q: Regardless, why would I even need to fight my brother for guardianship of my mother when her declaration of preneed guardian designates me as her guardian?
For nearly 20 years, I have helped dress and care for my mother, pay her monthly bills from my earnings, and drive her everywhere she needed to go, including attending our local church together every Sunday for two decades. The idea that my brother is trying to take her from me and evict me from the only home I know seems illegal and cruel.
A:Being the worshipper you are, remember from scripture, Timothy 5:8 says, “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” You are not an unbeliever because you have cared for and devoted yourself to your mother for 20 years. Your brother may think money holds the Power of the Sword, but the law will more likely align with you.
The Preneed Declaration does not make you the guardian; it grants you the right to present to the court that your mother selected you should she need a guardian. Remember, she chose you as her guardian, not your brother. You may file an objection to his guardianship petition with the court and request the court grant you guardianship based upon your mother’s wishes that you serve as her guardian and your devotion by having lived with and cared for her for more than 20 years. The court may side with you.
Furthermore, since you have a durable power of attorney over your mother’s assets, you have the Power of the Purse, allowing you reasonable access to her accounts and real estate. Her assets could potentially pay for guardianship without assistance from your brother. The Power of the Purse is often mightier than the Power of the Sword.
Remember, your mother believed in you, not your brother, to care for her in her most difficult hours. Seek the advice of an estate planning attorney and take charge of your mother’s well-being and future today.
Kristen Jackson is the founding partner of Jackson Law P.A. (407-363-9020). She is experienced in estate planning, real estate law, business and contract law. Her firm has earned an AV rating by Martindale-Hubbell signifying the highest level of professional excellence as obtained through opinions from members of the bar and judiciary. For more information, visit www.JacksonFloridaRealtor.com
By Tarre Beach
Performing arts is more than just entertainment. It is storytelling, self-expression, and community. For Olympia High School freshman Alexi Mulvihill and University of Central Florida (UCF) senior Cristina Neely, both Daniel Mills Apprentices, the theater has given them a new perspective on bringing characters to life, building confidence, and trusting their intuition.
Mulvihill, who is 15 and on the performance track, played #7 in the off-Broadway Pulitzer finalist “The Wolves” at Theater South Playhouse. The play focuses on a suburban high school girls’ soccer team and the interpersonal dynamics they must navigate.
“It was maybe a little more mature a subject than we usually do, but I felt so bonded with the character, and I think that gave me more confidence in my acting abilities,” Mulvihill says.
Mulvihill wants to work toward a future career in acting, possibly even on Broadway. With help from the apprenticeship, she feels she is getting the extra support and networking to start her in the right direction. Her next project is acting in “Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic,” a parody of the Harry Potter book series at Theater South Playhouse.
“Nick Bublitz, [Director of Puffs at Theater South Playhouse], is awesome. He’s so open and helpful. He is teaching me that it’s OK to be a little scared. I can put that into my work,” Mulvihill says.
She adds that she is also lucky to have the support of her mom and dad through this journey.
Neely began her theater journey as a dancer in seventh grade. Now she is on the director track in the apprenticeship. Growing up in Boca Raton and moving to Central Florida three years ago to attend college, Neely is finishing her bachelor’s degree in theatre studies with a minor in marketing and Medieval renaissance studies at UCF. Her two current projects are “We Begin in a Tavern,” a play with a Dungeons and Dragons fantasy factor, and “Manner of Death, an audience-participation murder mystery comedy with an LBGTQ focus.
The two theatrical productions will take the stage at the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival from May 16-May 29. They are also new, original productions which Neely says are her favorite plays to direct.
“New productions are the best because you are not stuck to the words on the page. Working with the playwrights, you can strengthen the words
and allow the actors to affect the final play. For a director, there is nothing better,” she says.
In August, after she graduates, Neely will journey to the birthplace of Fringe, Edinburgh Scotland, to attend the world’s largest open-access performing arts festival. Afterward, she hopes to start finding her way to more work and start her career in New York, San Diego, or London.
Through the apprenticeship and Project Spotlight at UCF, she has learned not to sell herself short because of her age. Neely candidly explains that she suffered from impostor syndrome but has since come to understand that she has the power to speak up and express herself.
“It’s OK to feel vulnerable. The actors sometimes feel vulnerable too. Together we can put that energy to work in the performance, which I now know can only enhance it,” Neely says.
For Neely, the core of theater and performance is the idea of found family and a sense of belonging. It is a tool for healing, reflection, and joy for the audience, cast, and crew. Therefore, she feels theater arts is a beacon to the larger community and something she cannot wait to dedicate her life to.
May is our time to celebrate moms, honor our military, advance our community, and more. Let’s make it a wonderful month!
Our society and our federal, state, and local government leaders must find solutions now to tackle the increasingly complex subject of homelessness. People should not live without hope on streets, parks, and sidewalks. Yes, this is a challenging issue with many complex reasons for why someone is homeless, but having near-zero solutions has only increased the problem.
Unfortunately, the current Orlando Magic team is not a playoff-caliber NBA unit, but HOPE does appear to be occurring with this current group of players and coaches. The team this past season exceeded expectations, and the players seem to be enjoying the process and growing together as a team. As a Central Florida resident, it’s entertaining to have an Orlando Magic team that’s relevant!
Let’s offer appropriate respect to those members of our military that have given the ultimate sacrifice - those who lost their lives while defending our country. The nation honors these patriots each year on Memorial Day, and I ask you to remember the sacrifices made by those that have perished and their family members on Monday, May 29.
It’s time to recognize and offer THANKS to all mothers everywhere - let’s plan to salute the “Moms of your Life” on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 14! Consider coordinating plans now – cards, flowers, gift cards, dinner reservations, and quality time together.
It may be the appropriate time to consider becoming a member of a community service club. These local “making a difference” clubs directly help and support your neighborhoods by offering funding and volunteer hours to worthy causes. Google service organizations like Rotary, Kiwanis, and Lions Clubs to learn about these excellent opportunities.
Norman’s is now re-opened and receiving favorable reviews. For your information, Norman’s Orlando, the “Fusion Cuisine” upscale restaurant, has relocated to “Restaurant Row” in Dr. Phillips (view this website for added data: normans.com). Consider this delicious venue for your next family or friend’s celebration.
Sponsored by
This month, in partnership with AdventHealth for Women, we’re recognizing six women in our community who are selflessly giving to others while raising families, supporting their loved ones, and building their careers while maintaining their health and wellness. Whether they know it or not, their stories inspire other women near and far. Visit centralfloridalifestyle.com to read the full article.
Born in San Francisco, Tonya Matheny discovered her passion for dance at age 7. She joined the Palm Beach Ballet Company and later moved to NYC, training at Joffrey and Broadway Dance Center. After returning to Florida, Tonya owned three dance studios, choreographed for Miami Vice and Miss Florida contestants, and founded Ready Set Dance, celebrating its 20th year. She resides in Ocoee, where she enjoys spending time with her two dogs, Ryver and Rekker, and giving back to her community!
What is your favorite way to practice self-care?
Self-care is difficult for me; running a dance studio is sometimes a 24/7 job! I love getting together with friends, and admittedly, I am addicted to facials when it comes to relaxation. I enjoy trying new things, and one of my most recent adventures was taking fencing classes! I also love volunteering and helping others—that is just so satisfying.
How do you prioritize your time and energy to achieve your personal and professional goals? What tips can you offer others?
Prioritizing is something I have had to learn to do. It wasn’t until recently that I gave priority to my personal life. Learning to step back, delegate, and let others help has been a recent lesson within the past two years. Taking at least one day off a week or going on mini weekend vacations is a great way for me to de-stress and recharge personally and professionally.
What is your WHY?
My “why” is that I don’t want to see women feeling lost and adrift, wondering, “Is this all there is to life?” or “What’s left for me?”
I want women to feel empowered and not let things that have happened in their past stop them from living the life of their dreams. I want them to reclaim their joy and passion.
I also want to help people who have been abused, bullied, forgotten about, abandoned, etc. I want to show them they are great and that it is a privilege to know them and be their friend.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced? What did you learn from it?
My biggest challenge has been homelessness. Getting proper sleep, eating correctly, having privacy, losing friends because of it, having people treat me disrespectfully, staying safe, having people ask me personal questions or telling me ‘I need to do this or that,’ etc. I have learned to rely on myself and have found who my true friends are.
How do you manage stress and maintain your mental health?
I meditate and practice gratitude. Even though I wake up on a bus stop bench or the ground, at least I woke up. A lot of people did not wake up this morning.
Jamia Wilson is a former Division 1 basketball player, police officer, jiujitsu practitioner, and a 2021 Bikini Overall Champion bodybuilding competitor. As a C-section mom who overcame postpartum depression, Jamia understands the challenges of new motherhood. She helps other moms reclaim self-care in a supportive environment, empowering them to appreciate their postpartum bodies and regain confidence through her brand Lioness Fit Mom.
What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of the woman, mom, and wife I am becoming. I am proud of my brand, Lioness Fit Mom. I wanted to create a platform that offered a safe place for moms, and I did that. Not only do I provide personal training to women wishing to start their fitness journey, but I also have a clothing line that caters to women of all shapes and sizes. My vision for Lioness Fit Mom is coming to fruition, and I am proud of myself.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced? What did you learn from it?
I was recently diagnosed with Breast Cancer on Feb. 17 of this year. I am learning that courage does not always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says, “I’ll try again tomorrow.”
I have learned that there will be days when you are happy and smiling. There will be days you are filled with anger and exhaustion. There will be days when all you want to do is cry. There will also be days when you have thoughts of giving up. DONT.
Yesterday we FOUGHT. Today we FIGHT. Tomorrow we will FIGHT HARDER.
I want my fellow Breast Sisters to know that WE GOT THIS. I GOT THIS. Let’s fight together. YOU ARE NEVER ALONE.
How do you stay motivated to maintain a healthy lifestyle?
Here is the thing. You will never always be motivated. Motivation is the starting point. It is full of excitement and ideas. But what happens when things get hard, and the excitement fades, but your end goal is the same?
Learn discipline. Practice discipline by creating habits and daily routines and stick to them! The feeling of motivation is temporary. Motivation produces emotion. Discipline produces results. Motivation fades over time. Discipline grows. Motivation sets the goal, but discipline brings it to fruition.
Michelle Markey, the owner of Unlock Your Words, helps businesses and nonprofits extend their digital reach with meaningful, memorable messaging. She intertwines unique stories into brand strategies, ensuring standout social media content. Launching her nonprofit, Special Needs Family Network, Michelle supports families with tailored resources. She is a freelance travel agent, a homeschooling mom, and the current Ms. Titusville Petite, competing for Ms. Florida Petite in 2023. Michelle will also finish eCornell University’s Digital Marketing 360 Program next year.
On your toughest days, what motivates you to put one foot in front of the other?
On difficult days, I focus on my children, knowing they learn lifelong lessons from me. I hope they grow up to understand that making mistakes is okay if you learn from them and that you can overcome challenges.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced? What did you learn from it?
My biggest challenge has always been self-belief and stepping into my power. I’ve undergone mindset work, therapy, trauma healing, and self-growth to overcome poor self-image and other issues. Seeing my progress makes it easier to move forward. Learning to believe in and advocate for myself were significant obstacles I had to overcome.
How do you prioritize your time and energy to achieve your personal and professional goals? What tips can you offer others?
Achieving goals and success depends on alignment. Staying aligned, guarding your energy, letting go of what doesn’t serve you, and remaining present all propel you forward. My biggest tip is to take charge of how and where you spend your time and resources. You only have one life, so enjoy it and work towards your purpose.
Stephanie Murphy, a businesswoman, policy expert, and former U.S. Congresswoman, was the first Vietnamese American woman elected to the House of Representatives. During her three terms (2017-2023), she overcame partisan gridlock, securing the Employee Retention Credit, gun safety laws, and investments in infrastructure and energy. Murphy was also a leading voice on trade and national security. A refugee who escaped communism, her journey from poverty to policymaking is inspiring. She holds a B.A. from the College of William and Mary and an M.S. from Georgetown University.
What is your WHY?
My true north is the desire to honor the memory of my late father by living a life worthy of his sacrifice—risking everything by putting his family on a boat in search of freedom. It’s also my hope to make my children proud of me once they are old enough to understand who I am and what I’ve done. Finally, I desire to continue paying back the debt of gratitude I owe this country, which first gave me sanctuary and then gave me an opportunity.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced and what did you learn from it?
The biggest challenge and opportunity I’ve faced is raising kids. I’ve learned that I can’t control everything and that I’m learning on the go in this significant life mission. I wonder if I’m doing it right or if I can do it better.
How do you prioritize your time and energy to achieve your personal and professional goals?
I believe that work-life balance equilibrium is unachievable for me. I subscribe to the idea of living life in chapters. Some chapters focus more on personal responsibilities, while others emphasize professional aspirations. Whichever chapter I’m in, I need the courage and confidence to believe it works for me, my family, and my career.
Brittney Tyler, a Senior Executive Director at Apopka Health and Rehabilitation Center, has dedicated 10 years to long-term care. Appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis to the Florida Board of Nursing Home Administrators, she’s the District 2 President for the Florida Healthcare Association and is part of the 2023 Florida Leader class. Brittney is a University of Central Florida and Nova Southeastern alumna and a servant leader who enjoys community service, mentorship, and family time.
What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of my son Marley Trail! I am a new mom, I have a 17-month-old, and he is truly a blessing from God.
Would you change anything about how you have handled challenges or successes thus far?
No, I believe that life’s challenges are opportunities to learn. If you’re complacent and not taking risks, there’s no reward. Unfortunately, this is a work in progress because fear sometimes gets in the way of my pursuing new ventures.
What is your favorite way to practice self-care?
Self-care is essential! It includes spending time on weekends doing my hair and nails. I always say, “If I look good, I’ll feel good and perform my best.”
How do you stay motivated to maintain a healthy lifestyle?
Another work in progress for me. I aim to exercise 2-3 times a week minimally and pack lunch to save money. It’s challenging with apps like Uber Eats, but it benefits my physique and financial goals, making it a win-win!
AdventHealth for Women offers a whole person approach to health care that embraces women at every stage of their lives. The AdventHealth for Women care network includes eight Baby Place locations throughout Central Florida, the highest level of NICU care, high-risk pregnancy experts, advanced gynecology, urogynecology and a multi-disciplinary pelvic health program.
Our world-class providers offer personalized care close to home with more locations and more options. From well-woman care to minimally invasive treatments, you’ll always have a choice of experts in a variety of specialties. And our specially trained Women’s Health Navigation team helps manage your health throughout your lifetime by finding providers and helping to coordinate your whole family’s care.
AdventHealth for Women is focused on delivering nationally recognized health care that is coordinated, comprehensive and convenient. Learn more at AdventHealthforWomen.com.
Given a clearly-dictated opportunity to show gratitude and appreciation to the mothers and maternal figures in our lives, it’s surprising that we often default to buying a drugstore card and flowers. This year, Mother’s Day falls on May 14, and there are plenty of options around Central Florida if you want to break away from the usual and create memorable experiences with loved ones.
Start Mother’s Day weekend with good vibes by attending this Mommy and Me yoga class in the beautiful Mead Botanical Garden on Saturday, May 13.
Nothing feels more special than attending live theater, and Central Florida has a few shows playing on Mother’s Day. The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts will show a 1 pm matinee of the classic “My Fair Lady.” If you want to laugh, the Garden Theater in Winter Garden will host a 2 pm performance of their current show-in-residence,
“Something Rotten!” For something the kiddos can get into, try “Make Way For Ducklings: The Musical” at the Orlando Repertory Theater.
For the creatives in the family, these activities will inspire quality time. Learn to make block prints together at the Art & History Museums of Maitland. Buy tickets online for $50, covering all the supplies required to create and take home a stunning artwork. Those whose children are of drinking age should consider attending a class at one of the Painting With A Twist locations around Central Florida; they each have a class themed around the holiday available for booking.
Moms get in free on Sunday, May 14 at Harry P. Leu Gardens and Bok Tower Gardens.Take the opportunity to stroll through beautifully curated vegetation, learn a few things about the natural world, and dedicate time to being in the moment with your loved ones.
Attend a Berry-Picking Party
Far Reach Ranch in Tavares will host Mamas & Mimosas from 10 am to 4 pm. The event has no admission fee and will feature live music, a mimosa bar, a build-your-ownbouquet station, and a chance to pick some blueberries from the blueberry farm.
Undoubtedly there are plenty of opportunities locally to shake things up this Mother’s Day, and a little intention can go a long way to create stronger bonds and lasting memories. Society owes much of its ability to function to the maternal figures that hold it all together, so we should pay homage and respect to them this season and beyond.
When welcoming an adolescent in foster care into your home for the first time, it can be scary for you and them. Here are a few steps you can implement to make the process easier, more trusting, and less frightening.
FosterVA states that many children or teens who are in foster care feel a loss of things like safety, control, innocence, and trust. If caregivers reflect on these losses, they may be able to sit down with their child and develop a sense of empathy and understanding.
Many social services will have guidelines or handbooks to help a parent through the legal motions of fostering. Embrace Families is a social service organization that can help children attain a safer home life.
The Embrace Families Parent Handbook gives a sense of understanding of being a new foster parent. From understanding roles in the court system to parent-child visitation rights to the rights of being in foster care, a handbook will have you prepared.
Embrace Families also has a ‘How To’ guide for new caregivers. The guide emphasizes essential information such as allergies, academic records, and necessary medications and equips caregivers with the knowledge needed to make children feel at home.
Routines can also be helpful, as they allow time for a smooth transition period.
Embrace Families also recommends making their home a welcoming environment by allowing a place for personal possessions and making their room their own safe space. It is also necessary to regard their personal space and ask for consent for hugging or touching to ensure safety.
According to the Child Protection Information Gateway, protection factors are “conditions or attributes of individuals, families, communities, or the larger society that, when present, promote well-being and reduce the risk for negative outcomes.”
Reducing negative factors and building protective factors in children and teens can help reinforce positive aspects like promoting skillsets, personal characteristics, knowledge, and relationships.
The top individual skill sets that can be worked on to be improved are self-regulating skills, relational skills, and academic skills.
Entering foster care can be a scary and emotional process. The ability to self-regulate influences emotions and behavior. Assisting a teen or child in managing emotions and exercising self-discipline can provide long-term benefits, such as securing job prospects upon exiting the system.
Relational skill sets help with making positive bonds and connections. Open communication is vital when developing a positive relationship and promoting stability and contentment. It may also be as simple as learning their favorite meals, TV shows, and colors to make the environment feel more like home.
Focusing on education can be challenging in unfavorable settings. Since strong academic skills can facilitate success in school and coursework, nurturing a supportive home and school atmosphere can improve academic performance. Connecting older teenagers with programs that promote college attendance demonstrates your commitment to making education more attainable and less anxietyinducing.
When the time comes, it is also good to help find independent living to show support when attaining further education from home or seeking employment.
A caring adult and devoted attention are key when promoting protective factors and helping guide a child through reducing negative factors. Make the environment as comfortable and safe as possible to guarantee your child will not suffer from more stress.
By Alexis George
In a world where healthcare can feel rushed and impersonal, Dr. Judith A. Moss and Dr. Danielle Solomon
Alhemovich are excited to offer patients a comprehensive and personalized approach to treatment at Chain of Lakes Primary Care.
Dr. Moss and Dr. Solomon met two years ago and realized they both had a passion for preventive medicine. They felt the model they were currently practicing, which puts a premium on seeing more and more patients, did not allow optimal individualized care. So, the two doctors decided to join MDVIP, a nationwide network of primary care doctors. In their new practice, they see fewer patients and can provide individualized care and advanced testing to address the unique needs of every patient. “I wanted to give more time to my patients, continuing to focus on a detailed personalized medical plan and working with them as their team member. That’s the healthcare they deserve,” Dr. Solomon says.
Patients in their practice participate in the MDVIP Wellness Program, similar to an executive physical. The program sets the foundation for their practice, allowing them to spend up to two hours during annual appointments with each patient, reviewing their medical history and conducting a thorough review. Studies show that testing in the program can “detect 40 percent more patients at risk for heart attack and stroke,” among other beneficial outcomes.
The program is offered to patients at a reasonable cost due to their MDVIP affiliation and enables Dr. Moss and Dr. Solomon to see a clearer view of their overall health. It also allows them to focus on preventive care and create a better doctor-patient relationship.
“Because we see so many fewer patients, we can really get to know them. We formulated our front office area like a living room so patients feel comfortable,” Dr. Solomon says. “But we also didn’t want patients to feel like others were in the office. We wanted to help facilitate the feeling that they are the only ones on our minds.”
Patients can make same-day or next-day appointments and receive the best of both worlds — internal medicine with Dr. Solomon and family medicine with Dr. Moss. The doctors also practice evidence-based medicine led by their expert lipidologist. Dr. Moss and Dr. Solomon pride themselves on staying updated on the latest research and integrating evidence-based medications and supplements into their treatment plans. This balance of traditional medicine and holistic approaches helps them tailor their recommendations to each patient’s preferences and needs.
“We are very fortunate we work well together so that if [Dr. Solomon] is questioning something about a patient, she can always ask me, or if I have a question, I can always go ask her,” says Dr. Moss. “Overall, that gives our patients much more detailed, thorough treatment plans than they would get at a solo practice.”
Dr. Moss, who has been practicing medicine for 28 years, emphasizes the importance of communication and teamwork in healthcare. She believes working with patients to set and achieve goals is the key to successful treatment outcomes. With her background in chemical engineering, Dr. Solomon brings critical thinking skills and a holistic approach to patient care to address many dimensions of their health needs.
Beyond their effective collaboration, the doctors concur that their patients are akin to family and recognize their family connection has significantly contributed to their success. Dr. Moss asserts that family support frequently determines the difference between thriving and struggling. That is why Dr. Moss and Dr. Solomon support patients throughout their healthcare journey.
“Most of the time, there is never one right answer in medicine,” she says. “So, I think patients appreciate when you present them with all the options and work as a team to decide on the best option.”
Dr. Moss and Dr. Solomon will continue to provide unique treatment to each patient. Due to their experience and expert training, their office can offer comprehensive services, including medical weight loss, medical-grade skincare products, and more.
Dr. Moss reiterates her passion for her profession. “I want my patients to know they make my dream come true daily,” she says. “This is the best thing I have ever been able to do, and I appreciate my patients allowing me to be part of their healthcare journey. It is an honor, and it is a privilege.” Dr. Solomon echoes her sentiments, expressing her gratitude for the opportunity to care for her patients the way she has always envisioned.
“I think we encompass everything required for a thorough primary care office, and I’m proud of it,” Dr. Solomon says. “To share this with our community is huge; it goes back to my grandfather, who was a member of an MDVIP-affiliated practice for 15 years. He didn’t get to see me become affiliated with MDVIP, but I know he is looking down and is proud because we’re doing the right thing here.”
Interested in joining the Chain of Lakes Primary Care family? Learn more at https://chainoflakesprimarycare.com/
8976 Conroy Windermere Rd, Orlando, FL 32835
Monday-Friday 8 am- 4 pm
Email: info@chainoflakesprimarycare.com
Phone: (407) 217-2410
Fax: (407) 723-7555
NPI: 1740912534
Tax ID: 882981918
Engaging in conversation, listening, and comprehension are all components of effective communication, illustrating the importance of communication in our daily lives. Discussing plans, opinions, and critical matters with friends and family is essential and a privilege for those who can do so effortlessly.
Cheryl Sjoberg, a speech and language teacher at Carillon Elementary School, explains that communication disorders do not have a one size fits all solution. The intensity required for each individual to communicate effectively can vary.
“I just think it’s important to make people aware of communication, as it is one of those things that is very important in life. If we can’t communicate, we can’t interact with people,” Sjoberg said. “You know, if you think about it, communication is everywhere. Whether you can communicate with your voice or through sign language, people must find a way to communicate.”
Growing up with her mom as a teacher, Sjoberg always felt encouraged to join the education field and specialize in something. After 27 years of working with students in the speech and language pathology department, she said her favorite part of her job is seeing students have their aha moments.
“You see that you got somewhere with a student even if it’s just them recognizing you or understanding your voice, or following you in a room, that’s communication too,” Sjoberg said. “Sometimes parents just want their kids to be able to say, mommy and daddy. Especially with some of our pre-K and highly autistic kids who are nonverbal, sometimes all they want, you know, is to make their kid be able to talk.”
She said each student she works with has an independent education plan tailored to them so they can reach their personal goals in the classroom depending on their levels of understanding. While she said everyone is working on their things, she tries to incorporate therapy materials and activities to involve a whole group of students.
Sjoberg tries to make it fun by playing games students will get excited about. Sjoberg said she has a variety of specially targeted speech and language games in her classroom but can also adapt everyday ones like “Sorry” or “Trouble” to speech therapy.
She mentioned how parents could implement early intervention by modifying everyday activities to suit their child’s needs.
“Show them things, talk to them, read to them when they are out and about in public. Talk to them at the grocery store, and teach them language
concepts that could be as simple as ‘Hey, we’re in the produce section, here’s the apple, here’s the banana, this is a fruit, this is a vegetable,” Sjoberg said. “When talking to them at home, engage them in everything because I think a lot of the communication we’re losing is because of technology.”
As far as early intervention goes, she said the earlier, the better. Acquiring new knowledge at a younger age can be simpler than unlearning it at an older age.
Through her time in the field, Sjoberg has seen more awareness of being able to communicate in various aspects of life. Whether it is studies of light-hearted topics like how to effectively communicate with dogs or more life-altering issues like being able to communicate after traumatic events, she said she is glad to see more outreach.
“So, making people aware of all the different ways to communicate that they may not know about can help them become more sensitive to the fact that there are people in this world who have difficulty communicating,” Sjoberg said.
As a child, school is your life. It is the root of all socialization and core learning during your formative years. So it is not an overstatement to say that teachers can change lives.
Many qualities make up a great teacher, and Lily Lin-Thompson has all of them. Thinking about the time spent in her third-grade classroom conjures feelings of warmth and comfort, memories of laughter and fun. In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, I reached out to Miss Lin (her name during my era) to share what drives these vital – yet majorly undercompensated pillars of our society and what we can do to make them feel appreciated.
As soon as we start talking on the phone, I remember her personable, genuine nature, and we seemingly pick right back up like old friends. I express gratitude to her for creating a safe, nurturing environment for myself and my classmates, and I ask how she goes about cultivating that to this day, in the 20th year of her career.
“I think it is always important for me to make sure everyone feels welcomed, heard, and understood, whatever walk of life. I lived in poverty when I was younger; I know that
struggle. So, there’s no judgment,” she says. “I just try to [think about] what I needed to feel safe at their age. I’m there to protect them, but at the same time, if they do wrong, I’m going to address it. So just having that boundary but also having that welcoming feel and making sure they know they are valued and that I see them beyond their reading level.”
After spending most of her career in elementary schools, Mrs.Thompson took on a new challenge in teaching high school for the first time this year. She confirms that there is an emotional strain on education professionals when they lend themselves to a safe space for kids in these crucial years of their lives.
“Especially this year, being in high school, I was not expecting to hear the stories that my kids are going through. I have cried to my husband, my best friend. Even though I feel powerless that I can’t fix it for them, I feel powerful in that they can come to me, and I can reassure them of their value, that they are here for a reason, and that they will get through it.”
With all the sacrifices teachers make for their students, it’s not often enough to ask how we can make their lives easier. I asked Mrs.Thompson
what she would request from parents if she could speak to them collectively. She says that parents can support teachers when hearing about their child acting out, hold the children accountable and seek additional resources to help them succeed.
It was such a joy to express appreciation to an educator who made a difference in my life nearly 20 years ago, and Mrs.Thompson says being able to make a difference keeps her going.
“Honestly, it’s been such a blessing to be able to teach. There are times when I’m like, ‘I can’t do this anymore,’ or, ‘I don’t want to, I’m not passionate,’ but this year, being at a high school level has just brought that passion back again, and I’m just so grateful that I can be there for my kids when they need it.”
So, cheers to the teachers who make a positive, lasting impression; may they feel all the love and support they deserve this Teacher Appreciation Week and beyond.
Finding the perfect honeymoon destination can be a challenge for many soonto-be newlyweds. Are you looking for adventure, the thrill of a big city? Or is sipping mojitos on a sandy beach more your style? Whether here, near, or far away, here is a list of some of the most romantic honeymoon ideas.
Universal Orlando Resort
HereDisney Weddings
Create your fairytale wedding and honeymoon at Disney Weddings. Disney delivers a variety of selections from exotic locales, romantic beach getaways, rustic cabins at Fort Wilderness and award-winning restaurants. Check out the Swan Reserve, which offers customizable packages to make your dreams come true or the luxurious Four Seasons Resort Orlando.
disneyweddings.com
Newlyweds can get up close and personal with dolphins, whales, manatees and even a walrus. Discovery Cove is not just for animal lovers, as SeaWorld offers shows, roller coasters, rides, relaxing beaches and water parks with a fabulous wave pool. SeaWorld has a one-of-a-kind, all-inclusive resort package with options for every taste and budget. Need some help popping the question? Discovery Cove has a Proposal Celebration Package to make the moment extra special.
discoverycove.com
If you’re a Harry Potter fan or love a film and television studio combined with theme park rides, shows, movie sets and fabulous dining, then Universal Orlando Resort is the place for you. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a theme park within a theme park, a great place to live out your Hogwarts fantasy with your dearly beloved. Be sure to check out Universal’s Loews Royal Pacific Resort.
universalorlando.com
Are you craving a quiet, quaint beach town large enough for spectacular dining but small enough for privacy? New Smyrna Beach is the destination for you. From fun activities and gorgeous oceanfront retreats, there is no question why this is one of the top spots for newlyweds. Try the Salty Mermaid, a charming, old-fashioned beachfront hotel. Or the historic Black Dolphin Inn on the intra-coastal. This Italian villastyle resort was where George Clooney stayed when he was in town filming the movie “Tomorrowland.”
saltymermaidnsb.com
blackdolphininn.com
Palm Beach
Make your honeymoon fantasies come true in opulent style. There is a reason the rich and famous flock to this beach in droves. The water seems bluer, the sand whiter, and the sunrises look like they came from central casting. Check out the Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa to slip into a life of luxury. And don’t forget The Breakers, where tycoons and elegant socialites have vacationed since 1896.
eaupalmbeach.com thebreakers.com
Boca Grande
We don’t want to leave out the west coast of Florida, where life revolves around exquisite beaches and idyllic sunsets. This tiny island off the coast of southwest Florida is home to the rich and famous and a former president. You might spot a secret service agent while shopping in a local boutique. Experience a nostalgic journey through time at the Boca Grande Hotel or The Gasparilla Inn & Club. Reserve your golf cart early, as they are in high demand. bocagrandehotel.net
the-gasparilla-inn.com
Punta Cana
Located in the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana is teeming with luxury resorts. The white beaches, the plush palms and the exotic locale make this the perfect Caribbean honeymoon paradise. The Meliá Beach Resort is an adult-only playground where you can immerse yourself in luxury. melia.com
Manitoba, Canada
If you want to get away from the heat and humidity and experience a thrilling getaway, Canada is the place for you. From the majesty of the northern lights to communing with beluga whales, your adventure awaits. Tour company Frontiers North Adventures will create a vacation package to satisfy your lust for adventure. frontiersnorth.com
There can’t be a honeymoon list and not include a cruise option. There is no better choice than a Virgin Voyages cruise featuring adult-only thrills. Sir Richard Branson has outdone himself in his efforts to redefine the cruise experience. From top-notch dining, casinos, entertainment and exotic ports of call, Virgin is the number one choice for honeymooners. virginvoyages.com
If theme parks aren’t your cup of tea, there are no shortages of luxury resorts in Central Florida. From the internationally famous Ritz-Carlton to local boutique treasures like The Wave Hotel at Lake Nona, these high-end luxury resorts and spas will make you feel like a million dollars.
■ The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes ritzcarlton.com
■ Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center marriott.com
■ The Wave Hotel at Lake Nona lakenonawavehotel.com
■ The Alfond Inn at Rollins College thealfondinn.com
Numerous camera options, such as film, digital, compact, action, and smartphone cameras, cater to those seeking the ideal snapshot, whether they are passionate photographers or hobbyists exploring a new pastime.
With the digital age of almost everything being accessible to consumers through the click of a button on their smartphones, most people opt for taking photos through their camera app. Social media has driven everyday consumers to become photographers. Capturing moments from social gatherings, attire, travels, and daily experiences has become a part of our routine.
But others, like Valentina Ramirez, a local photographer, and UCF student, said she sees photography as more of an art than just something to do on the phone.
“I think taking a photo with my camera feels different than taking a photo on my phone. When I am shooting film, I love to do little like
film versus iPhone photos because you can see there’s so much more color there like you can feel the photo,” Ramirez said. “Meanwhile, an iPhone photo just feels very bland and very straight to the point. You don’t get that color, you don’t get that shading, you don’t get that green from an iPhone photo that you would film photos.”
Aside from the aesthetic aspect of taking film photos, she went on to say there is more authenticity when taking photos with film instead of smartphones, the reason being that there has been a resurgence in the popularity of film photography from the 90s.
“It’s just because of the feel of nostalgia that it gives you when you get that film back. Because it’s in the moment, you don’t know what the photo came out like. You know when you take a photo on your phone and you’re like, ‘Oh, I look weird here,’ ‘Oh I don’t like it,’ you just like to really analyze everything and look at
it and keep taking photos,” Ramirez said. “Taking photos with film, you have to be very selective.”
The feeling of nostalgia is something that is addicting to this generation. The age group of instant gratification has become intrigued by the idea of sending in a roll of memories, unknown of what they may look like. The anticipation of picking up a collection of photos is a reminder of how things always come back around, and more people are willing to take the time to appreciate a moment instead of snap past it.
“A photo is worth a million words, as they say,” Ramirez said. “Photos are a match for everything for you. You will always need a photo of something no matter what.”
The William Daniel Mills Theatre Company (WDMTC) presents a special one-nightonly event featuring the musical “The Hunchback of Notre Dame in Concert” on May 20, 2023, at the Dr.Phillips Center for the Perfoming Arts.
The concert will feature Broadway star Derrick Davis, and hometown heroes Michael James Scott and Jerusha Cavazos, accompanied by local sensations Joshian Morales and Emani Cadet. The performance will also showcase the esteemed Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and a community choir of talented local vocalists.
According to Harold Mills, the founder of WDMTC, the purpose for presenting this timeless musical is three-fold. It will support the William Daniel Mills Apprenticeship Program, a non-profit organization known for providing elite performing arts students the opportunity to get compensated while working alongside theater professionals. Mills states that the board has set a goal to double the reach of WDMTC in the upcoming two years, with plans to incorporate more than 300 paid apprentices from the community.
The performance is also a way to celebrate local artists who have fought through the loss of performing during the COVID-19 shutdowns. The Save Our Stages funding has saved many local theaters, but no such funding existed for the artists. They survived, and this is an opportunity to acknowledge their resilience.
And lastly, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame in Concert” will give families and students from the communities of West Lake, Eatonville, Parramore, and other underserved areas a chance to experience worldclass theater. “It’s hard to dream about something you’ve never seen,” Mills says. “For some it will be the first time they’ve ever seen performers who look like them on stage.” The WDMTC and its corporate sponsors are donating tickets to these students and families.
Based on the timeless novel by Victor Hugo, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame in Concert” beautifully shares Quasimodo’s yearning for acceptance, the pursuit of justice, and hope.
Michael James Scott and Jerusha Cavazos, both hailing from Orlando, have made a name for themselves on the Broadway stage.
Scott is an acclaimed actor known for his incredible performances in hit Broadway musicals such as “Aladdin” and “The Book of Mormon,” among others.
Cavazos, a UCF graduate, is known for her standout performances in productions such as “The Prom” and “The Black Clown.” Derrick Davis is best known for his performances as Phantom in “The Phantom of the Opera” and Mufasa in “The Lion King” and is currently starring as Archibald in the revival of “The Secret Garden.”
In recognition of Daniel Mills, an esteemed Central Florida actor, and Monte Verde Academy student, the William Daniel Mills Theatre came into existence. Daniel believed theater should be a welcoming environment that fosters encouragement, inspiration, and entertainment for individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Making this vision a reality and carrying on his legacy is the mission of WDMTC.
To purchase tickets and get more information, please visit www. wdmtheatre.org
May 9 to 14
The words “classic and perfection” come to mind with this production of Lerner & Loewe’s MY FAIR LADY. “Every so often, a revival comes along that reminds you how indispensable great theater can be,” said The New York Times. If you have been enchanted by the movie, imagine the thrill of seeing – and hearing – such classic songs as “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “The Rain in Spain,” and “On the Street Where You Live,” performed LIVE in front of you. The story shows the evolution of a young Cockney flower seller and a linguistics professor determined to transform her into a proper lady.
By Josh GarrickVisit drphillipscenter.org/events or call 844.513.2014 unless otherwise indicated.
Garden Theatre
Something Rotten
NOW to May 21
Described as irreverent, outrageous, and deliciously hysterical, SOMETHING ROTTEN! is all that and more. Brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom find themselves stuck in the shadow of a playwright named Shakespeare. An oracle tells them that musicals will be the next BIG thing, so the Bottom Brothers start writing the world’s first musical in the shadow of “The Bard” himself. Will opening night be an over-easy success or a rotten mess?
Including mature themes, Something Rotten! requires parental supervision. Call 407.877.4736 x204 or visit gardentheatre.org
Steinmetz Hall
Mahler’s 5th Symphony
Eric Jacobsen, conductor
STELLA SUNG– Starbursts (Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra commission; World Premiere)
MOZART– Piano Concerto No. 24 – Inon Barnatan, piano
MAHLER– Symphony No. 5
May 6 and 7
Gustav Mahler was sending a love note to his wife Alma with the harp and strings in the beautiful Adagietto movement of his Fifth Symphony, but the raw and intense music in the Rondo-Finale truly brings the Symphony to its climax.
Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 24 is considered by many to be the greatest of all Mozart’s piano concertos. The New York Times calls Inon Barnatan— the soloist for this brilliant work, “One of the most admired pianists of his generation.” Plus, you can enjoy the World Premiere of a new composition by Orlando’s own Stella Sung.
Winter Park Playhouse
May 11 to June 11
Inspired by Shakespeare’s “Measure for Measure,” this hilarious Off-Broadway musical comedy asks the question — When Johnny Blood gets into trouble, can a crazy cast of characters, including a wily sheriff, an eccentric priest, a despotic governor, a saloon girl “gone good,” and a nun “out of the habit” pull off the greatest caper yet, or will he be left hanging? Age requirement of 15 years and older. Call 407.645.0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org
Steinmetz Hall
“Let’s Misbehave – The Songs of Cole Porter” with the Orlando Philharmonic and guest artists Tony DeSare, Bria Skonberg, and John Manzari
Michael Krajewski, conductor
May 13
The songs of Cole Porter are timeless, funny, sexy, and wonderfully lighthearted. On May 13, guest artists and the talented Orlando Philharmonic will sing, dance, and perform such immortal hits as “Night and Day,” “I Get A Kick Out of You,” “Anything Goes,” “You’re the Top,” and many more. Enjoy the captivating tunes and clever lyrics.
May 16 to 29
Fringe is a HUGE 14-day immersive experience featuring HUNDREDS of theatrical performances and a FREE outdoor music festival in Loch Haven Park. The festival unites local, national, and international artists, creating a diverse experience. The longest-running Fringe festival in the United States, Orlando FRINGE has ALWAYS been 100% uncensored – so “Management” never knows what the artists will say or do. The artists have complete control over their performances, so “Parental Guidance” applies. Visit orlandofringe.org
May 19 to 21
This delightful one-man combo of theatre and stand-up comedy, based on the New York Times best-seller by John Gray, covers everything from dating to the bedroom. Sexy and fast-paced, the show is for adults, leaving audiences laughing and smirking like little kids. When Mars and Venus collide, the adventures are hysterical. It’s a great date night out – blending comedy with a dash of wisdom for a delicious evening of entertainment.
May 20
Rolling Stone named Margaret Cho one of the 50 Best Stand-Up Comics, calling her “the funny, sexpositive feminist and LGBT activist younger comics look up to.” With so much success, Ms. Cho is still incredibly active in anti-racism, antibullying, and gay rights campaigns. She has received accolades from organizations such as the Victory Fund, ACLU, NOW, GLAAD, Lambda Legal Defense, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, PFLAG, and LA Pride (which presented Margaret with a Lifetime Achievement Award). Plus, she is hilarious. Visit PlazaLiveOrlando.org
May 22
This concert recreates the look, sound, and showmanship of arguably the greatest band of all time. Gary Mullen & The Works have performed to sold-out audiences throughout the USA and Europe, twice rocking the prestigious BBC Proms in the Park in front of a crowd of 40,000. Mullen brings the passion of rock icon Freddie Mercury to life as fans of QUEEN rock out to his note-for-note experience of Queen’s mega-hits. “One Night of Queen” WILL ROCK YOU!
May 25
The JLCO, comprised of 15 of the world’s finest jazz performers, has been the resident Jazz orchestra of Lincoln Center since 1988. On May 25, the Orchestra comes to the Dr. Phillips Center, performing a vast repertoire of new and classic discoveries. Since 1981, Mr. Marsalis has performed 4,777 concerts in 64 countries. Mr. Marsalis has recorded 110 jazz and classical albums and released five DVDs. Marsalis is the winner of nine GRAMMY Awards.
Amway Center
Stevie Nicks
May 25
Beginning with a lifetime of performing with Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Nicks helped the band sell over 120 million records worldwide. During her solo career, Rolling Stone named her the “Reigning Queen of Rock and Roll,” releasing fifteen albums that sold 65 million copies in the US alone. Rolling Stone also named her “One of the 100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time” and “One of the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time.” Topping a lifetime of accomplishments, she won a Grammy for “Rumours,” rated the 7th-greatest album of all time. Visit amwaycenter.com/events
Central Florida has been buzzing with exciting new adventures, community expansions, and environmental concerns. Here is what you need to know.
remaining, Gatorland is committed to raising awareness and protecting these endangered cuties.
and the full-liquor bar guarantees a fun dining experience!
Buc-ee’s Buzz: I-75 Expansion for Central Florida’s Largest Buc-ee’s Governor DeSantis announced a $4 million boost from Florida’s Job Growth Grant Fund for a new I-75 interchange to accommodate an upcoming Buc-ee location. This massive 80,000-square-foot facility will feature 120 gas pumps and 750 parking spots, making it the largest Buc-ees in Florida. Get ready to indulge in beaver nuggets and BBQ at this “Shangri-La of service stations” by late 2025!
Mayor Buddy Dyer: Aiming for a Sixth Term Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer is running for a sixth term in office, announcing his candidacy via a heartfelt social media post. Dyer, the city’s longest-serving mayor since 2003, pledges to create more jobs, make housing more affordable and promote smart, sustainable growth. He asks residents for their continued faith and support in the upcoming November elections.
Winter Park is breaking ground on its latest green space project, Seven Oaks Park. Located at the corner of Denning Drive and Orange Avenue, the park is named after the seven live oaks planted on the property last year. Mayor Phil Anderson anticipates the park’s grand opening in early 2024, making it a fresh addition to the city’s core.
Gatorland’s Adorable Additions: Meet Yuma and Sakari!
Say hello to Yuma and Sakari, Gatorland’s newest family members - two adorable 5-month-old Florida panther siblings. These playful cubs were adopted from a sanctuary in the northeast and can be seen chasing each other, splashing, and wrestling. With only about 200 Florida Panthers
Pig Floyd’s owner, Thomas Ward, is opening Pigzza, a new “Italianish” restaurant in Orlando’s Mills 50 neighborhood. With mouthwatering dishes like pulled pork pappardelle, smoked brisket parmesan, and “Meat Me at Floyd’s” pizza, Pigzza offers a creative twist on traditional Italian cuisine. Reservations open on Resy,
UCF’s most successful Day of Giving ever saw over $6.8 million raised, with more than 9,500 gifts pouring in from all 50 states and 10 countries. These funds will expand scholarships, fuel innovative research, and support initiatives that enrich lives throughout Central Florida. Among the generous donors was Glenn Hubbard ’79, who, along with his wife, contributed $1 million to the College of Business.
When a young girl dreams of a home of her own; brand new, pristine -clean, and bordered with the security of a freshly painted white picket fence, she is excited with anticipation of all the possibilities that await her.
The love that she will share will help ignite the delightful events and landmarks that will be placed in her life and start the bedrock of her own family. While the experience can be magical, is she prepared for the sacrifices that come with it?
Candice Postal is a wife and mother who has learned about the challenges and rewards of family life. She manages an insurance company from home full-time; her husband David is a safety manager. Candice and David have two vibrant elementary-aged girls: 7-yearold Sadie in first grade and 5-year-old Savannah in kindergarten.
The young mother credits her mother, Barbara Melton, as the heart of their family, providing an exceptional example of the roles a wife and mother play in nurturing their loved ones. Barbara taught Candice the importance of depending on God, fostering love,
providing tender care, and sacrificing for family and friends.
“My mother was always the core of our family, so you could say I learned from the best! She’s an amazing mother, and I hope my kids can say the same about me one day,” Candice says.
Candice has a great family support system as her parents babysit and transport the girls to and from school and other activities. The family enjoys spending quality time together by maintaining the tradition of annual vacations and initiating a monthly camping ritual.
Every day, Candice looks forward to helping her daughters prepare for school and the novel experiences ahead. In the evenings, she cherishes the tranquil moments spent scratching backs and soothing her daughters by singing to them.
Candice’s work-from-home day involves managing vendor relationships and interacting with direct reports. She meets with her team, vendors, and various departments to discuss ongoing projects. Still, she emphasizes the importance of putting family first and appreciates the support she
receives from her manager and team. The flexibility of her work-from-home schedule allows Candice to be present for her daughters’ appointments and activities.
When Candice’s youngest daughter asked her to teach Sunday School, she embraced the opportunity and the preparation it entailed, ready to guide young minds eager to learn.
“My family always comes first”, Candice says with loving loyalty. “So, when I finish working for the day, I don’t worry about work. I focus on my family.” She further explained that work, school, and after-school activities do not leave much time in the day, but she makes the most of it.
Despite the unforeseen challenges that a mother faces, Candice navigates them with prayer, love, and patience. For mothers in similar situations, she advises setting boundaries and adhering to them.
Central Florida’s homeless find a place to call home with help from private, government and faith-based organizations. But more affordable homes are needed in the area.
By Tarre BeachJoanne Ranucci, now a 60-yearold woman who says she came from a good, middle-class family in Long Island, NY, spent approximately 15 years homeless in Central Florida before finally getting the help she needed and a place to live.
“It’s nothing I expected to happen to me. My ex-husband, who was also my best friend and roommate, unexpectedly died when I was in jail, so once I got I had nowhere to live. I was suddenly homeless,” Ranucci says.
It can happen to anyone. With the pandemic, inflation, or a job loss, many Orlando area residents could be just one increase in rent away from being homeless.
A part of the problem is a lack of affordable housing. According to Martha Are, the executive director of Homeless Services of Network of Central Florida (HSNCFL), the Sunshine State is one of the most challenging places for extremely lowincome renters to find affordable housing. In 2021, the National Low Income Housing Coalition reported that for every 100 people in Florida that needed affordable homes, there were only 28 affordable homes available.
HSNCFL is Orange County’s lead agency that coordinates the region’s response to homelessness through service grants, funding programs, and administrative support for organizations that help area homeless. Are says using a “housing
first rather than housing readiness” model of support may have helped contribute to a slightly reduced number of people experiencing chronic homelessness in central Florida. From 2019 to 2023, Central Florida’s point-in-time count (a federally mandated count of all people experiencing homelessness in an area on one night in January) dropped from 478 to 454.
The housing-first strategy for addressing homelessness prioritizes rapidly placing individuals into housing without mandating mental stability, employment, or sobriety from drugs and alcohol.
“If you solve the housing issue, with the help of a caseworker, people can start addressing other problems. The stress of not having a stable roof over their heads can make getting sober or taking their medication regularly difficult for some people,” Are says.
Ranucci’s experience was different. She went to rehab for five months before getting permanent housing.
“I saw people going into temporary housing, not dealing with their addictions or alcoholism, and going out in body bags,” Ranucci says. “For me, I had to get clean and sober so I could appreciate my new home and do everything in my power to keep it.”
Living for years in the woods near East Colonial and Forsyth, under
the bridge by the Lynx bus terminal, and at other well-known and wellpopulated homeless camps in the area, Ranucci says she did everything she could to numb the pain of losing her home, her best friend, and her children. Then one day, the HOPE (Homeless Outreach Partnership Effort) Team, a program supported by many different state, county, federal, private, and faith-based organizations, helped her get into rehab.
“All glory goes to God,” Ranucci says. “After going through what I went through, I believe I have a purpose, and that purpose is to get other homeless people the help they need,” Ranucci says. In 2021 Ranucci started her own non-profit—Angel Blessings Homeless Ministry.
While housing-first and rehabto-housing approaches each have their pros and cons, both Are and Ranucci agree that homelessness is an issue that needs more attention and support from the community.
“We need additional affordable housing developed, landlords willing to take section 8, and units renovated to be permanent housing,” Are says. “Most of all, we need the public’s willingness to address the issue of homelessness in our community.”
For more information on Ranucci’s non-profit visit Angelblessingshomeless.com
For more information on the Homeless Services Network of Central Florida visit hsncfl.org
History is made every day in our beautiful community. From autonomous vehicles to medical breakthroughs to incredible small businesses, there is something here for everyone.
Most recently, we were privileged to host Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and get his thoughts on the state of Lake Nona and how Lake Nona is progressing and impacting Central Florida. We will continue to see thousands of jobs coming to our community to join companies like Tavistock, UCF, and the VA Hospital, alongside small businesses already thriving here.
Soon, we will have a 60-Acre campus with approximately 2,000 employees from Disney’s Parks, Experiences, and Products division, a new Aloft Hotel, an incredible SIMCOM Aviation Training facility,
and an assortment of restaurants and shops.
Thursday, May 11, at 8 am will be our monthly Breakfast Connections event at the Valencia College Lake Nona Campus. The event will feature a panel discussion on Orthopedic health featuring Dr. Vonda Wright, Dr. Anita Vijapura, Dr. Brittney Lambie, and Dr. Pallavi Cherukupally.
Monday, May 22, at 11:30 am will be our Nona Professional Ladies luncheon at the Lake Nona Performance Club featuring speaker Brandy Bennett, Board of Directors Chair for the Lake Nona Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Friday, May 26, at 11:30 am will be our monthly Business Luncheon featuring Stavo Marrero, the Director of Strategic Partnerships for the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
All of this growth is happening fast, but it is all with careful contemplation of the character and charm of the area. Together we can ensure Lake Nona will continue to be a beautiful, familyfriendly place where we can all work, live, and play. The Lake Nona Regional Chamber of Commerce continuously works with business owners and operators to create the community you’ve always wanted.
For information about Lake Nona, contact the Lake Nona Regional Chamber of Commerce at 407-7962230. We would love to hear from you!
By Catie Moore
Nestled near the bustling heart of Orlando lies the MetroWest Golf Club, an idyllic haven of greenery and camaraderie for golf enthusiasts across the skill spectrum. As one of Central Florida’s most iconic golfing institutions, MetroWest Golf Club boasts a rich history that spans over three decades. Brimming with determination, vision, and innovation, this tale has cemented the club’s pivotal role in the local golf scene. Join us as we embark on a captivating journey through time, exploring the colorful past and inspiring story of the MetroWest Golf Club.
In the mid-1980s, a group of ambitious developers had a dream. Enlisting the talents of renowned golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Sr., they envisioned a course that would harmoniously blend Central Florida’s natural beauty with the thrill of a challenging yet enjoyable layout. In 1987, their dream materialized as the MetroWest Golf Club opened its doors, inviting golfers to take their first swings on the pristine fairways. Word quickly spread about the challenging yet picturesque course, propelling MetroWest Golf Club’s reputation as a must-play destination for golfers
of all levels. Robert Trent Jones Sr.’s masterful design, characterized by signature rolling fairways, large undulating greens, and strategically placed bunkers, has withstood the test of time. Over the years, the course has witnessed countless memorable moments, including hole-in-ones, thrilling playoffs, and even the occasional alligator sighting, all contributing to the club’s unique charm and appeal.
In recent years, the MetroWest Golf Club has introduced a successful Junior Golf Program, nurturing the next generation of golfers and instilling a lifelong love for the sport. This initiative not only benefits the children who participate but also strengthens the club’s connection to the local community.
In a bid to make the golfing experience more accessible and enjoyable, MetroWest Golf Club is excited to announce the Afternoon Golf Passport, available from May 1 to September 30. For just $99 per month, golf enthusiasts can enjoy unlimited golf after 3:30 PM, seven days a week. This incredible offer allows both seasoned golfers and newcomers to fully immerse themselves in the captivating story
and charm of MetroWest Golf Club at an unbeatable value. Whether you’re looking to perfect your swing, meet like-minded individuals, or simply unwind after a long day, the Afternoon Golf Passport offers a fantastic opportunity to make the most of Central Florida’s beautiful weather and scenery while playing on the iconic course.
As we celebrate the entertaining and inspiring journey of the MetroWest Golf Club, it’s clear that this storied institution has left an indelible mark on Central Florida’s golfing landscape. With a history filled with dreams, determination, and memorable moments, the MetroWest Golf Club serves as a shining example of what can be achieved through passion and perseverance.
Center
1-5 p.m.
400 W Church St Suite 200
14 – May 16-May 29
The Orlando International Fringe Festival 2023
Loch Haven Park 777 E Princeton St
15 – May 17
Orlando Mayor’s Job Fair
Central Florida Fair 12-4 p.m. 4603 W Colonial Dr
16 – May 19
Straight Underground Showcase InnerSpace Orlando 6 p.m.
518 Douglas Ave #1230
17 – May 20
Clermont Reggae Festival
The RasState 12-9 p.m. 9117 Jack Underwood Rd
18 – May 26-May 28
Orlando Carnival Downtown Lake Lorna Doone Park
1519 W Church St
19 – May 27
NoFilter @ Boxi Park Boxi Park Lake Nona 6-11 p.m.
6877 Tavistock Lakes Blvd
20 – May 27
Remember & HonorMemorial Day 5k
The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes 7:30-8:30 a.m. 4012 Central Florida Pkwy
21 – May 29
Memorial Day Community Ceremony
Veterans Memorial Park 8:15-9:30 a.m. 420 S Park Avenue
