Central Florida Lifestyle: Lake Nona May 2020

AVA LON PA RK | WATERFORD L AKE S | OVI ED O | W I NT ER S PR I N G S

MAY 2020

LIFESTYLE

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HOMETOWN HEROES Celebrating Our Local Nurses

COMMUNITY FIRST Community Health Centers Focus on You

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Grilling Recipes for Memorial Day

FULL CIRCLE CYCLE

Keeps Neighbors Rolling

CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

With your own customized birth plan and concierge services to add those special touches, we’re dedicated to making your birth day experience all you want it to be.

And should you or your baby need a little extra support, we offer the most advanced level of maternal and neonatal care. Choose the most trusted hands in town – in a hospital designed just for women and babies – for your memorable miracle.

WinniePalmerHospital.com/Babies

+ LETTER From the Publisher

It’s a Beautiful Day in Our

Neighborhood

When I think back on the past month or so, many words come to mind: anxiety, stress and fear to name a few. Everyone in our community has been affected by the current healthcare crisis in some way.

However, these feelings of uncertainty are eased when we see the positive stories of individuals within our community who are doing amazing things. These are the types of stories that Lifestyle was built on. It’s just like the famous Mr. Rogers quote says, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’”

The work of our local helpers has inspired us. To the teachers who drove through our neighborhoods to offer words of encouragement for students, to the small business owners doing everything possible to support their employees, to the healthcare workers sacrificing their own safety for ours, and to the countless others who have made a difference in the lives of their neighbors, this issue is for you. We thank you for all that you do!

As we continue to move forward into a new normal, remember to look for the helpers. And don’t forget to thank them.

CEO/PUBLISHER Kristi Gomen kristi@karstmediagroup.com EXECUTIVE EDITOR Lyndsay Fogarty lyndsay@karstmediagroup.com DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA & SPECIAL EVENTS Catie Moore catie@karstmediagroup.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Matt Richardson matt@karstmediagroup.com SALES & MARKETING CONSULTANT Gretchen Hahn gretchen@karstmediagroup.com

Kristi Gomen Publisher

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Tarre Beach, Michael Brehne, Stina D’Uva, Kelly Gilmore, Nancy Glasgow, Kimbra Hennessey, Kristen M. Jackson, Dr. Subhia Rehman, Olivia Sain, Nathan Vargas

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+ WHAT’S Inside

Contents | May 2020 Departments

Features

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

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LOCAL LIFE

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HOMESTYLE

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ASK THE LAWYER

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HOSPITALITY SPOTLIGHT

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WINE & SPIRITS

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YOUR LOCAL

Positive Stories from Your Community

11 Tips for Enhancing Your Home Now

Living Through a Financial Pandemic

It’s Time for a Staycation

What to Know About Aperol Spritz

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YOUR COMMUNITY PARTNER IN HEALTHCARE

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14 THROWBACK MOVIES TO STREAM NOW

Now sure what to watch? These nostalgic films from the ‘80s and ‘90s will bring back the memories and keep you entertained.

24 SOMEONE YOU SHOULD KNOW

Jennifer Waters

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HOMETOWN HEROES

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EXPERT ADVICE

Ready to Start a Family?

Support for Superwoman Can Your Homeowners Insurance Policy Weather the Storm?

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IN THE KITCHEN

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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

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SCHOOL NEWS

How Community Health Centers, Inc. is responding to the COVID-19 crisis in Central Florida.

National Nurses Week is May 6-12. Join us in recognizing the work of five local nurses and saying thank you to all of the amazing people who are involved in this profession.

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HOW TO HELP TEENS COPE WITH STRESS & LOSS

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4 SMOKING HOT BARBECUE RECIPES

During these stressful times, it’s important for teens to have an outlet for their struggles. Here are some ideas for how parents can help.

Memorial Day means grilling season is officially here. So try out these tasty recipes that are best enjoyed outdoors.

Web Life

Go online for stories and photos not seen in print.

• More stories from local communities • An expanded web calendar

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Central Florida Lifestyle | May 2020

Celebrating Independence Live!

Re-invention: The Mother of Necessity

Full of Flavor

Full Circle Cycle

Local Students Make a Big Impact Our Thoughts for Students on Graduation Day

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Meditate Your Way to Better Health

DID YOU KNOW? Staying Ahead of the Storm

+ HEALTH & Health

Meditate

Your Way to Better Health Feeling stressed? Unhappy? Anxious? Do you have sore joints and stomach problems? Studies have shown that meditation could help you get relief from these issues.

By Tarre Beach

T

he practice of meditation has many forms. There is guided meditation, contemplative meditation, transcendental meditation, Buddhist meditation and many others.

Daniel Graxton, resident teacher at Lineage Buddhist Meditation Center in downtown Orlando, practices and teaches Buddhist meditation in both English and Spanish. His classes are open to all. Students from all religions, political affiliations, races and socio-economic status are welcome to learn meditation at the center.

He recommends that beginner students focus their attention

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Central Florida Lifestyle | May 2020

on their breathing and sit quietly for about five minutes. Repeatedly practicing how to focus the mind over longer periods of time can lead to meditation becoming a support system.

Meditation student Jesse Henson of Winter Park has been meditating for 40 years. Introduced to it by his spiritual teacher, Henson says he has experienced great peace and inner harmony through meditation, even crediting it for helping him get over his fear of public speaking.

Henson also teaches meditation in correctional facilities. He says the meditation students he has worked with have told him that they feel deep peacefulness in the midst of the outer chaos of being in prison.

Joe Noecker, a licensed mental health counselor, life coach and psychotherapist at the Center for Self Balance in Orlando, says both the types and effects of meditation vary. He has seen patients gain confidence, lessen anxiety, overcome sleep disturbances and feel relief from chronic physical pain. He warns that while meditation can be helpful, it should not be the only treatment for more significant psychological issues.

Noecker suggests that newcomers research and participate in several styles of meditation to find the one that benefits them the most. To gain benefits, though, he says meditation should be experienced rather than just learned.

Five Easy Steps to Meditation 1. F ind a space where you will not be disturbed for a length of time. Set a timer if you wish.

2. M ake yourself comfortable either on the floor, cross-legged with a wall or other back support, or in a chair. If you are in a chair, then make sure your feet are hip-width apart, uncrossed, and your back is straight.

3. U se a visual cue, music or incense if you wish. If you prefer music, it is suggested that it be instrumental. A visual cue can include a picture of nature, a spiritual or religious item such as a cross, or a picture of a spiritual teacher. Yes, you can meditate with your eyes open, but keep a soft gaze and don’t fixate or stare.

4. K eep your hands folded, one on top of the other in your lap, or facing palm up or down on your thighs.

5. Start by taking a few deep breaths in and out. With each breath in, visualize or say to yourself “in,” and as you breathe out, say or visualize the word “out.” Use your ideal (love), visual (a picture), or sound (music) to focus your mind.

Tip: If you become agitated, interrupted by outside forces, bored or fall asleep during your meditation, then stop and start again. Gently bring yourself back to focusing on your breathing. While meditating you should let go of judging whether you or your meditation is good, worthy or effective. Remember, meditation is a practice for relaxation and peace.

Harshly judging yourself will not help you to achieve either of these goals.

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Your Community Partner in Healthcare How Community Health Centers, Inc. is responding to the COVID-19 crisis in Central Florida.

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ommunity Health Centers, Inc. is one of our region’s largest not-for-profit providers of health and wellness services, caring for nearly 70,000 patients annually and contributing $87.9 million in economic impact on our region.

As a Federally Qualified Health Center, CHC is a community-driven organization dedicated to serving patients and their families locally, in the neighborhoods that they live and trust. Their mission is to provide quality and compassionate primary healthcare services to Central Florida’s diverse communities, and do so in a way that consistently overcomes economic, cultural and geographic barriers.

Their strength is in their constant focus on being a community partner that cares for the whole person. They view patients as individuals who deserve specialized care. Each patient has unique needs, and they strive to develop programs that meet these needs while exceeding the expectations of those receiving care.

Programs such as pediatrics, family medicine, internal medicine, dental, optometry, behavioral health, OB/GYN, pharmacy, and laboratory services have been designed to meet a significant need for their patients, as many are managing chronic, life-long conditions such as diabetes. All care is centralized utilizing electronic healthcare records that are accessible to providers and specialists as they connect to provide services necessary for patient care and treatment. Primary healthcare services are offered to insured, uninsured, underinsured and underserved adults and children within Central Florida.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | May 2020

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12 1. Dentists Dr. Tina Vo and Dr. Pascale Chery of Community Health Centers Pine Hills.

2. Jose Lopez, information technology technician.

3. Kaytlin Livengood, certified medical assistant, and Julie Herrera, front desk specialist, in Tavares.

4. Forest City dental team.

5. Vi De Jesus, x-ray technician at Community Health Centers Winter Garden.

6. Richama Ulysse, family clinical coordinator for Community Health Centers Winter Garden.

7. Members of the Lake Ellenor dental team 8. Chanda Laird, LPN, clinical coordinator at Community Health Centers Apopka 9. Wanda Teate, lab assistant at Community Health Centers Winter Garden.

10. Winter Garden dental team wearing their PPE. 11. Richama Ulysse, family clinical coordinator for Community Health Centers Winter Garden.

12. Leesburg pharmacy team

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CHC works with a whole team approach that encompasses the front desk, nurses, doctors and lab team to the leadership team and board of directors. Each team member plays a key role to keep patients safe and healthy throughout the COVID-19 crisis.

During this time, CHC has continued to deliver quality care for patients with no disruption to hours of operation. A recent $100,000 grant from the Siemens Foundation assisted with their response by helping to secure additional proper personal protective equipment needed for clinic staff to see patients and test patients (if indicated) for COVID-19.

“We rely on each other in healthcare just as you do in a family,” President and CEO Debra Andree says. “I wish a speedy recovery to those affected with illness and I send my condolences to the family and loved ones of those who have died due to COVID-19. I also recognize the hardships this Pandemic has placed upon people across the globe. As I review the “numbers” of positive tests and “numbers” of deaths, I am mindful there are mothers and fathers, sons and

Community Health Centers, Inc. operates facilities in Apopka, Bithlo, Clermont, Forest City, Groveland, Lake Ellenor, Leesburg, Meadow Woods, Pine Hills, Tavares and Winter Garden.

To schedule a telemedicine appointment, an urgent care or emergency dental visit, or a COVID-19 driveup testing appointment, call 407-905-8827. daughter, brothers and sisters, friends and colleagues that are faces behind the “numbers”. Our work, your work, is important in this long fight against COVID-19.”

How to See a Doctor From Home

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o better protect patients and staff, Community Health Centers is offering telemedicine appointments for a variety of healthcare needs.

What happens during a telemedicine appointment is very similar to what would happen in person. Patients have a scheduled appointment time where they will receive a text message or email link that takes them to a check-in lobby.

When the physician is ready to see a patient, both parties are connected via videoconference so they can see each other.

This visit is accessible from a desktop computer, tablet or smartphone that has a camera and microphone. No app or download is required.

Below are some frequently asked questions about the telemedicine process.

1. Why should I use telemedicine? Not only is it convenient and easy to use, but telemedicine requires less time in a waiting room, no transportation time or cost, and expanded access to care via real-time video/audio visits with a medical provider.

2. Do I need to sign up for an account?

No, you don’t need to create an account, but you will need to review the CHC Telemedicine Consent Form. New patients, or individuals that haven’t been seen within the last three years, will be required to complete the Patient Intake Form at www.chcfl.org.

3. Is it secure, safe and private? All data is encrypted and secure, using advanced 128-bit keys to ensure a private visit.

4. How do I get better audio or video? Using headphones and connecting to Wi-Fi can improve connection problems you may be having.

Coronavirus Testing is Available Community Health Centers is offering COVID-19 driveup testing.

Testing is available to symptomatic patients who are experiencing shortness of breath, fever, body aches and/or cough. Appointments are required for testing, which will be provided on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and it is open to new and existing patients. Testing takes place in the dental parking lot located at 210 E. 7th Street in Apopka.

There is no cost for the COVID-19 test; however, depending on health insurance, a medical visit fee may be applicable. Patients may also qualify for CHC’s sliding discount program, based on family size and income.

In the coming weeks, CHC expects to have antibody tests available for Central Floridians as well. Anyone interested is encouraged to follow CHC on social media for further updates. www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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There for You for Dental Emergencies

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s dental offices were directed to close for regular business due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Community Health Centers transitioned its offerings to allow for immediate appointments for patients experiencing dental emergencies or in need of urgent dental care. Dental emergencies are dictated by three criteria: pain, infection/swelling and trauma.

The availability of these services diverted patients from Central Florida hospital emergency departments. President and CEO Debbie Andree says the efforts

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Central Florida Lifestyle | May 2020

helped to take some of the burden out of emergency rooms and free up space for patients needing other emergency care.

CHC has averaged approximately 350 urgent and emergent visits weekly since it announced these services. As of press time, over 1,000 emergencies were diverted from hospitals.

“Since March 23, we have seen nearly 2,000 urgent or emergent dental individuals, and of those, almost half of them were truly very, very bad emergencies,” Community Health Centers’

Chief Dental Officer Gregg Stewart, DMD says. “Had we not been here, they most likely would have ended up in the ER. We’re working with our community partners to take care of this urgent need during this time.”

Appointments for dental emergencies are available at the following locations: Apopka, Winter Garden, Forest City, Meadow Woods, Pine Hills, Lake Ellenor, Tavares, Leesburg, and Groveland. Team members provide evaluation and treatment of dental infection, swelling and/or pain in patients of all ages.

Dedicated to serving our entire community locally.

Apopka • Bithlo • Clermont • Forest City • Groveland • Lake Ellenor • Leesburg • Meadow Woods • Pine Hills • Tavares • Winter Garden

We view our patients as unique individuals that deserve personalized care. Each patient has a very special need, and we strive to develop programs that not only meet these needs but also exceed the expectations of those receiving care.

For appointment information call (407) 905-8827.

We are currently accepting new patients: • Behavioral Health • Dentistry • Family Medicine • Internal Medicine • Obstetrics & Gynecology • Optometry • Pediatrics • Case Management • Family Planning • Lab • Pharmacy • X-Ray

chcfl.org

For more information on our locations, services, or available career opportunities, please visit

community health centers

Did you know?

Community Health Centers, Inc. is one of our region’s largest not-for-profit providers of health and wellness services, caring for nearly 70,000 patients annually and contributing $8 87.9 million in economic impact on our region.

+ LOCAL Life

ICON Park Restaurants Offer Meal Donation Programs

Lake Nona Partners Deliver Lunch to Health Care Workers via SelfDriving Shuttle An area known for innovation and collaboration, Lake Nona partners came together last month to donate lunch to health care workers on the front lines at the Orlando VA Medical Center. As part of its ongoing efforts to support first responders, Park Pizza & Brewing donated pizzas and teamed up with Beep, operator of the Lake Nona autonomous shuttle program, for a special delivery via self-driving shuttle to VA employees.

Typically, the shuttles operate daily on fixed routes throughout Lake Nona. With operation temporarily suspended due to the coronavirus, the shuttles are finding new and innovative ways to support the community.

“It’s an honor to provide for those who are on the frontlines of this pandemic,” says Joe Moye, CEO of Beep. “Mobilizing our team and partnerships in any way we can to support our communities is necessary in this time of need.”

To limit contact, each pizza box was sealed, put onto a cart, loaded into the shuttle by Park Pizza & Brewing restaurant employees and secured by the on-board shuttle attendant. Utilizing the autonomous shuttle ensures safe delivery of the food without having to rely on other services and allows workers to remain on campus.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | May 2020

ICON Park recently launched a meal donation program to benefit the heroes keeping the Central Florida community safe during this unprecedented time while simultaneously supporting local hospitality workers. Hospitality workers at the ICON Park Yard House, Outback Steakhouse and Carrabba’s Italian Grill use 100% of the donations collected via a GoFundMe campaign to deliver meals to the Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital, Orange County Fire Department Station 57 and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Sector 5 Substation.

“ICON Park and our tenant partners are always looking for ways to add light to our community,” says Chris Jaskiewicz, ICON Park CEO and president. “We’re proud to honor our first responders and healthcare employees while supporting local hospitality workers by establishing a convenient way for caring residents to donate meals.”

For more information and a link to donate, visit ICON Park’s social media channels.

Orlando Local Creates New Nonprofit for Covid-19 Support Kaitlyn Fusco’s husband is an emergency medicine resident at Osceola Regional Medical Center and her family has a strong background in the restaurant business. These connections inspired her to create Orlando Feed it Forward, an organization that delivers meals from local restaurants to local hospital staff who are on the frontlines of the Covid-19 outbreak.

“I wanted to do something that helps both communities that are close to my heart: the medical community and the local restaurant community,” she says.

The goal is to purchase meals from struggling restaurants with the help of a GoFundMe campaign to support Orlando’s hospitality industry and to put a bright spot in the days of the dedicated physicians, nurses, cleaning staff and countless others at local hospitals. Many restaurants are donating meals as well.

Not only does Fusco manage the logistics of the nonprofit but she also personally delivers the meals. Recipients have included AdventHealth, Orlando Health, Osceola Regional Medical Center and more.

+ HOMESTYLE

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Tips for Enhancing Your Home Now COURTESY OF NATHAN VANAGS DESIGN

By Nathan Vanags, NCIDQ, Nathan Vanags Design

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nterior designers always consider function, budget and client goals, including how long one anticipates keeping their interiors. While social distancing continues, I’m working directly with clients through a virtual interior design consultation model that includes virtual walk-throughs and instruction for reinventing homes using existing items. Here are some helpful tips.

• Remove all furnishings so you’re working with a blank canvas. This enables you to envision the space differently than you would if the furnishings were there.

• Arrange your larger furniture first.

You’ll identify quickly which pieces COURTESY OF NATHAN VANAGS DESIGN

Nathan Vanags Design is an awardwinning, full-service, luxury interior design firm in downtown Orlando that specializes in custom residences and boutique commercial properties.

We rely on experience, expertise, and impeccable integrity to complete projects on time, on budget, and with consistently pleasing results.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | May 2020

you may need to get rid of or replace so they work within the new layout.

• Think zones, rather than rooms.

A zone can simply be an area for conversation with two chairs placed next to each other that were once in your foyer. Consider moving these elements into the main living area.

• Float your furniture. Most interior designers don’t place all of the furniture against the walls. They arrange a room where sofas and furnishings float, often in the center of a room.

Even end tables should be floating.

• Layer away! Layer accessories on top of books, such as stones, crystals or sculptural pieces. Books can also be used as an accessory as can a new lamp or a new lamp shade on an existing lamp.

• It’s all about the lighting. Lighting can change the look and feel of any room. I’m a firm believer in a dimmer switch for all lighting in a home. This allows you to design a lighting concept that works for your space and brings certain areas and showpieces to the forefront while muting other areas.

• Don’t forget the bar. Find an old

TV cart or end table and reinvent it.

Paint it, top it with glass and texture it with a new finish. Then showcase your wines and liquors.

• Get out of your comfort zone and try something new. Paint an accent wall black. Find a photo you love and try to create something similar.

Wall coverings and intense paint colors are great for that.

• Re-invent with fabric. Fabrics can be used to re-upholster everything from chairs and couches to throw pillows to give your room a bold new look.

Add luxury without spending • a fortune. Add a plush area rug, a decorative candle with a warm, inviting scent or custom pillows for a regal touch.

Always be mindful of quality.

• If you choose to purchase some new items to enhance your home, consider quality before hitting the buy button. Always inquire about what the product is made of and how difficult it may be to assemble. Also be sure to measure your space to make sure it will fit the area you purchased it for.

Not sure what to watch? These nostalgic films from the ‘80s and ‘90s will bring back the memories and keep you entertained.

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Throwback Movies to Stream Now

By Kelly Gilmore

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uring these days of social distancing, you’ve probably streamed all of the shows and movies there are to stream. So why not circle back to the classics?

Here’s a list of our favorite throwback films that are deserving of a revisit.

The Shining

When the Torrance family selfisolated at the Overlook Hotel one winter to fulfill obligations for the father’s job, things got spooky fast as horror from inside the hotel and inside the father began to unravel. This

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Central Florida Lifestyle | May 2020

classic has been scaring audiences for decades.

Where To Watch: Amazon Prime Video Why We Love It: Not only is there an enticing storyline that is oddly relatable right now, but it also has a great cast with Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall.

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

While we’re staying home, one beloved character is looking to phone home! Watch E.T. with the whole family, as this touchingly sweet film tells the tale of a young

boy who helps an alien return to his home planet.

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video Why We Love It: This movie is especially good for those missing the parks during this time. Since you can’t ride E.T. Adventure, revisit this touching tale of friendship on the small screen.

The Breakfast Club

Being stuck at home may feel a lot like being stuck in detention.

Relive the adventures of five Shermer High School students as they get to

know each other, and eventually begin to like each other, during a full Saturday in detention.

Where to Watch: Hulu Why We Love It: It’s pure ‘80s nostalgia that we just can’t get enough of.

The Goonies

Looking for a story of adventure and possible treasure? Then follow this group of misfits who follow a map on a journey to find pirate treasure and save their homes from a greedy developer.

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video Why We Love It: This is a movie that the whole family can enjoy together. It has all the adventure you could ever want: treasure, twists and plenty of turns.

Back To The Future

When Marty McFly gets his hands on the DeLorean time machine of kooky scientist, Doc Brown, he ends up in 1955. The only problem isn’t getting back to the ‘80s, though. Marty messed up a piece of his past and must play Cupid to restore the future.

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video Why We Love It: This much-loved classic is exciting from start to finish. We’ll likely be watching all the sequels, too.

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

Looking for the ultimate day of excitement? You can’t sneak off to New York City with your best pals and dance in a huge parade like Ferris Bueller did, but you can do the next best thing and snuggle up on the couch with this movie.

Where To Watch: Netflix Why We Love It: This teen comedic classic tells an upbeat story of teen rebellion, having fun and making the most of a day off.

Honey I Shrunk the Kids

When a father’s scientific invention actually works, he accidentally

shrinks his kids and their neighborhood friends. In this feel-good film, four miniature teens must battle the dangers of their larger-than-life backyard while their dad tries to find them and reverse the disaster.

Where To Watch: Disney+ Why We Love It: This film is fun for all ages, especially the kids, who will be dreaming of digging into a giant Little Debbie snack just like we did at their age.

My Girl

Stream this movie to follow an outgoing 11-year-old girl as she learns about love, loss and life. Accompanied by her best friend, Vada takes us on a nostalgic tale of friendship, crushes and life changes.

Where to Watch: Netflix Why We Love It: We love the friendship of Thomas J. and Vada, and the lessons learned throughout the film are still relatable. This is a classic that gives all the feels.

Beethoven

Dog lovers will especially love this throwback. In the comedic family drama, a loveable St. Bernard escapes a dog-napper and finds himself in the lives of a wonderful family.

But that’s not all, as this pup must win the heart of a stubborn father to escape evil Dr.Varnick.

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video Why We Love It: The main character is an adorable dog. What more can we say?

A League of Their Own

Many individuals are missing sports these days. So why not go back to the ‘90s with this classic tale of an All-American sports team? It takes viewers on the journey of two sisters who join the first professional women’s baseball team.

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video Why We Love It: It’s fun and has an incredible cast that includes Madonna, Rosie O’Donnell, Tom Hanks and many more.

The Sandlot

If one film about sports doesn’t quench your thirst for athletics then throw it back to a feisty crew of fifth graders on a summertime adventure. When Scotty Smalls moves to town, Benny Rodriguez shows him the ropes of baseball and battling the neighborhood beast: a dog!

Where To Watch: Hulu Why We Love It: This classic coming-of-age movie is great for the whole family with appropriate comedy and a story of friendly adventures.

Groundhog Day

All the days seem the same lately, just as one TV weatherman’s assignment in Punxsutawney for a Groundhog Day report. As he continues living the same day over and over, he finds a way to turn the situation to his advantage.

Where to Watch: Netflix Why We Love It: As many times we watch it, this charming romantic comedy featuring an adorable groundhog never gets old.

Clueless

Bored during quarantine? Ugh, as if! Flip on this classic chick flick before you flip out. It tells the story of Cher, a Beverly Hills teen who navigates the troubles of making new friends, doing well in school and dealing with an unexpected crush.

Where To Watch: Amazon Prime Video Why We Love It: We’re still crushing on Cher’s closet and might use it as inspiration for our own home organization.

Now and Then

During a life-changing summer, five friends take viewers along as they attempt to solve a town murder. As they navigate their own troubles involving growing up, they learn the importance of sticking together.

Where To Watch: Netflix Why We Love It: This movie is friendship goals and we can’t get enough of it.

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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+ ASK The Lawyer

Living Through a

Financial Pandemic

By Kristen M. Jackson, Jackson Law P.A.

H

ow will our families survive this financial shutdown in America?

Although the stock market crash of October 2008 experienced the largest point drop in history, there were no suicides on Wall Street that day.

The real effect of the crash took a little longer to sink in. By March 2009, the market had been obliterated and subsequently collapsed to half of all previous gains. Over the years that followed, trillions of dollars were lost and the market continued to hemorrhage until 13% of the work force was gone.

It was the highest and longest period of unemployment since the Great Depression of 1929.

After the 2008 crash, lavish lifestyles that America experienced during the previous decade ended in the highest home foreclosures, bankruptcies and college debt in U.S. history. The years of discretionary spending and savings had reached its end, and families wouldn’t begin to recover losses until the job market returned in 2018.

The last time the American job market had become this strong occurred when Astronaut Neil Armstrong first set foot on the Moon and uttered the immortal words, “That’s Kristen M. Jackson is the founding partner of Jackson Law PA (407-363-9020). She is experienced in estate planning, real estate law, business and contract law. Her firm has earned an AV rating by MartindaleHubbell signifying the highest level of professional excellence as obtained through opinions from members of the bar and judiciary.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | May 2020

one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” Those words clearly resonated when unemployment in February 2020 dropped to 3.7%.

The “one small step” was the beginning of a strong job market, and with the “one giant leap,” America was on the road to prosperity. The days of home foreclosures, bankruptcies, business failures and other financial indebtedness were behind us. Just when we thought it was over, here we go again - another financial pandemic.

Having endured past unproductive years, we’re now facing a new financial challenge. Although our president, Congress, the stock market and financial institutions all report that America’s financial strength is strong, we’ve been asked once again to take personal financial setbacks. Because of the current viral pandemic and America’s challenge to combat it, we’re all making sacrifices causing the closing of businesses, laying off of workers, and nearly 85% of our population being

asked to stay home until the all clear is given by the government that it’s safe to go back out. It’s a frightening time for everyone in America and throughout the world.

Even though we’re all assured by our leaders that America’s financial recovery will occur quickly following our ability to safely re-enter the workplace, there will no doubt be financial wounds. Will there be bankruptcies, foreclosures, business failures and individual financial indebtedness? The realistic answer is that there will be sacrifice but, understand, it’s no one’s fault. It’s the fault of an incurable viral pandemic that caught the world off guard.

Once America’s leaders give the all clear to re-enter the workplace, don’t hesitate to quickly seek professional assistance if you’re facing any personal financial impact caused by your stay-at-home confinement. We understand and are in this together.

Be safe all, and thank you for your sacrifice.

HOSPITALITY Spotlight +

It’s Time for a Staycation

W

hile the effects of COVID-19 have been felt across the world, Central Florida’s tourism industry has been severely impacted. Hotel occupancy has dipped below 20%, even lower than after the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001.

As the State of Florida and the U.S. continue the re-opening

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

process and Americans once again have the confidence to travel, you are encouraged to consider supporting your local economy and take a Staycation. Central Florida has nearly 500 lodging establishments that will be open and ready to safely serve guests.

Orlando is a top visitor destination in part due to its wide selection of world-class resorts. With everything from expansive pools to beautiful golf courses: you can find something for every type of guest: families, couples, and getaways with friends.

Consider this wonderful opportunity to “escape” from your home and to enjoy the “Orlando Experience” with family and friends.

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

19

+ WINE & Spirits

What you Need to Know About

Aperol Spritz This classic European cocktail is light, refreshing and perfect for sipping poolside.

By Ashley Garrett

T

he Aperol Spritz, a bright orange cocktail that combines prosecco and a slightly bitter citrus liqueur, is the drink you will want to be sipping this season. It has been seen in the hands of reality TV stars, and customized versions can be found on bar menus across the country. Make it your go-to cocktail all spring and summer long by stocking up your bar at home with all the ingredients.

In 1912, Luigi and Silvio Barbiere inherited a liqueur company from their father. After seven years of perfecting the flavor, Aperol was born in 1919 and quickly became popular among young adults in Italy.

While the liqueur itself had a strong following, a recipe for the Aperol Spritz cocktail wasn't created until the 1950s.

Since the drink originated in Italy, it is typical to find it at Italian bars and restaurants. Luckily, you don’t have to book a plane ticket to enjoy this bubbly concoction. It’s easy to make, so you can bring the taste of Italy right into your home.

While it is most often made with prosecco, club soda and Aperol, other variations use Campari and Cynar. Adaptations of the traditional

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Central Florida Lifestyle | May 2020

How to Make an Aperol Spritz

Transport yourself to the 1950s and make this cocktail the way it was consumed back when it was first created.

INGREDIENTS: • Prosecco • Aperol • Soda • Orange slices DIRECTIONS: Fill wine glass with ice. Add prosecco then Aperol in equal parts. It's important to pour the prosecco first to keep the Aperol from settling on the bottom of the glass. Top the drink with a splash of soda and garnish with an orange slice.

Courtesy of www.Aperol.com

recipe exist, so don’t be afraid to get creative. Try adding some grapefruit juice and vodka to create your own signature version.

An Aperol Spritz is a variation of The Spritz, which is an apéritif cocktail. This means it is traditionally served before a meal. Apéritifs tend to be dry and are meant to stimulate the pre-meal appetite. From the beginning, the Aperol Spritz was served in Italy alongside appetizers called cicchetti, which could be anything from bite-sized sandwiches to olive plates. Modern-day drinkers pair it with brunch.

The cocktail’s signature ingredient, Aperol, is known for its bright color and hints of orange and rhubarb. Its alcohol content is low, at 11%, compared to other Italian apéritifs like Campari, which have an ABV of up to 28.5%, depending on the country in which it's manufactured.

Find an Aperol Spritz recipe that interests you this season or be adventurous and come up with a new, original spin on the classic cocktail.

This fun and breezy drink is sure to transport you and your taste buds to your very own getaway in the rolling hills of Italy.

LOSE THE STEM. KEEP THE COOL.

corkcicle.com

+ YOUR Local

Celebrating Independence Live!

In June, the Center for Independent Living will be hosting a virtual gala to raise funds to support their work for individuals with disabilities within the Central Florida community.

By Kelly Gilmore

prove the voting process for all blind and visually impaired individuals in Orange County,” says Sheila Young, president of Florida Council of the Blind and Greater Orlando Council of the Blind. “His leadership led to the first accessible speech recognition voting equipment in 2004.”

In addition to these accessible polling machines, which were tested

by CIL consumers, Cowles provided thousands of poll workers with Disability Sensitivity Training so they were better equipped at the polls. He also worked directly with CIL to ensure the Orange County Supervisor of Elections website was fully accessible for individuals with disabilities.

The Beverly Chapman Legacy Award

Created in honor of CIL’s founder, Beverly Chapman, this year’s award will go to Bill Cowles, Orange County supervisor of elections. Not only is Cowles a friend of the blind and visually impaired community, but he has gone above and beyond to provide accessibility to all people, most notably through the voting process.

“Over the past 20 years, Bill Cowles has worked tirelessly to im-

The Champion Award

COURTESY OF CENTER FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING

Each year, the Champion Award is presented to an organization that works toward bettering the lives of those with disabilities. The 2020 recipient is Chair the Love, a nonprofit that both empowers and provides accessibility for individuals in need of mobility assistance.

Not only does Chair the Love’s partnership with CIL provide access to wheelchairs for Central Floridians in need, but the organization’s efforts also include distributing hundreds of wheelchairs to third world countries. Chair the Love has also sponsored and volunteered two ramp build projects for CIL clients.

Through its donations and services, this organization has provided tremendous opportunities of mobility for disabled individuals around the world.

What to Expect at Celebrating Independence Live!

Due to COVID-19, CIL’s annual fundraiser will look a little bit different this summer.

“Change is something that we have all become used to this year, and

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Central Florida Lifestyle | May 2020

COURTESY OF CENTER FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING

F

or those with disabilities or complications due to age, navigating their own home can be an obstacle. That’s where the Center for Independent Living steps in to grant home modifications and equipment to help them maintain their independence.

CIL’s work in breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for disability inclusion is possible, due in part, to community support. Its annual gala provides an opportunity to thank supporters through community awards and more.

Chair the Love distributes hundreds of wheelchairs to individuals in need around the world.

we have all learned to be adaptive, creative and flexible,” says CIL’s Development Director Brittany Pilcher.

“With that in mind, we are extremely excited to announce that while our scheduled Celebrating Independence Gala will not take place in a physical space, we are going virtual!”

On June 12, the virtual gala can be viewed on CIL’s social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. During this time, CIL will recognize the award recipients and virtual attendees will have the chance to win many local items and packages in the silent auction. For more information on Celebrating Independence Live, visit CelebrateLive.CILOrlando.org.

Celebrate Independence LIVE with CIL Orlando virtually on Facebook, Instagram, and youtube!

Tune in Friday, June 12 6:30pm-7:30pm

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+ SOMEONE You Should Know

LYNDSAY FOGARTY

Safety First

A Fairwinds Credit Union vice president makes and donates masks to MetroWest Public Safety officers.

By Nancy Glasgow

J

ennifer Waters, a vice president with Fairwinds Credit Union in MetroWest, has always enjoyed crafting. However, when a friend asked her to make cloth masks in response to the coronavirus crisis, she was initially hesitant.

“This was right before the CDC recommended that everyone wear masks in public, so at the time I knew any masks I could make wouldn’t be of a sufficient standard for healthcare workers,” Waters explains. “Once the CDC said we should all be wearing some type of mask when we’re out and about, I changed my tune and got to work.”

With banks and credit unions considered essential businesses, Waters has continued working during the COVID-19 stay-at-home order. At home

in the evening, she found time on her hands and decided to make masks every night after work.

Waters began by researching mask patterns online, ultimately selecting one featuring pleats and elastic bands. She found that quilter’s fabric was recommended because of its tighter weave.

“Of course, quilter’s fabric and elastic immediately became hard to find from the usual outlets, so I’ve had to get creative and I’ve been pretty happy with the results,” Waters says. She now spends two to three hours every night, making 15 to 20 masks during each session.

Because she works in MetroWest, Waters has become involved with the MetroWest Master Association (MWMA), and she now chairs both the MWMA Fine & Hearing CommitLYNDSAY FOGARTY

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Central Florida Lifestyle | May 2020

tee and Design Review Board. During a conversation with MWMA General Manager Julie Sanchez, Waters mentioned that she had been making masks for her family and close friends.

Sanchez asked if she could make masks for MetroWest Public Safety officers and offered to pay Waters for her time and materials.

“Jennifer absolutely refused to be paid and said that she would be donating the masks,” Sanchez says.

“I’m not doing this to make money, I’m doing it to help people be safe,” Waters says. “Wearing a cloth mask shows consideration for the people around you.

It may not stop you from getting the coronavirus, but it could stop you from giving it to others.”

Waters has made 20 washable, cloth masks for MetroWest Public Safety’s 10 officers. Altogether, she has made more than 150 masks for friends, family and employees, even mailing some masks to other states. She continues to refuse payment for her efforts.

“Making masks is a creative outlet and gives me something else to focus on right now,” Waters says. “I’m grateful for the fact that I craft and have the ability to do something that helps people with their coronavirus safety precautions.”

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25

Hometown

Heroes National Nurses Week is May 6-12. Join us in recognizing the work of five local nurses and saying thank you to all of the amazing people who are involved in this profession.

Nancy Plaff and Hope Barwick - Matthew’s Hope

D

uring the current healthcare crisis, nurses at Matthew’s Hope go into the community twice a week to care for the homeless men, women and children at the organization’s 14 traditional houses as well as those living in cars and on the streets.

Matthew’s Hope founder, Scott Billue, says the blood pressure and temperature of everyone they see to ensure no one is displaying symptoms of COVID-19. They are also distributing masks, sanitizer and wipes to keep them protected as well as filling prescriptions and re-visiting patients to ensure they’re taking their medications.

“They are on the front lines to care for them and keep caring for them,” Billue says.

Hope Barwick Both Plaff and Barwick understand that everyone has a story and the individuals they’re helping may have fallen on hard times due to no fault of their own. That’s why the work they do is so important to them.

“I feel we are all given a heart and two hands,” Plaff says. “Whatever we can do for someone else, we need to. I choose to work for the homeless because they count. To be able to touch someone who has not been touched in years, to hold a hand, to give a smile, to give a hug to someone —­it’s important to them and it’s important to me.”

Barwick explains that whether working in a Nancy Plaff hospital setting or working directly with anyone struggling, we’ve all been there.

“Working with the underserved and the homeless, so many people work paycheck to paycheck,” she says. “I think with the pandemic, we will see homelessness has many different faces, and it’s important to give help.”

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Central Florida Lifestyle | May 2020

Devon Nickolaou - Orlando Health

A

n Orlando native and graduate of Lake Brantley High School, Devon currently works as an emergency room nurse at Orlando Health. She is considered a true hero by those who have had the pleasure of knowing her and working alongside her.

This past August, Devon and her husband, Niko, welcomed a baby girl named Sawyer, completing their family of five. The couple is also proud parents to 9-year-old Maddox and 7-year-old Kennedy.

On a day-to-day basis, Devon wears many hats: wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, nurse, chauffer, coach, mediator and so much more. At the same time, she works 12-hour shifts at the hospital five days a week and comes home with a smile on her face despite the rough days and the Devon Nickolaou emotional toll of seeing people suffer or lose their life.

With the help of her husband, she teaches virtual school to her two oldest children, bonds with their youngest child, makes dinner for her family and thanks God they are safe, healthy, happy and together.

Erica Hoyt - Shepherd’s Hope

W

hen she was only 2 years old, Hoyt met a nurse named Nurse Green, who inspired her even at that young age to want to join the profession. Now, as an adult, she is a registered nurse with Shepherd’s Hope and a community/public health clinic instructor at the UCF College of Medicine.

“The best part of my job as a nursing instructor is watching students share my passion for helping others. I love to see a student’s excitement when they solve difficult clinical challenges, or when I witness a student’s deep sense of empathy as they comfort a vulnerable member of our society,” she says. “The best thing about my job as a nurse is waking up every day with the opportunity to make a stranger’s life a little better.”

Hoyt began her career at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, where she gained valuable Erica Hoyt experience in cardiac, medical and surgical intensive care. She has also worked in the emergency department at AdventHealth (then Florida Hospital) and “in the streets” as a paramedic before earning a flight nurse position with AdventHealth.

She notes that the most touching moments for her have been caring for older adults because she feels as though she is reliving history when they share their life stories and life lessons with her. Providing comfort and hope on their health journey is something she is proud to be a part of.

“My most memorable moments at Shepherd’s Hope are when the clients show their appreciation,” Hoyt says. “Many times we do not speak the same language, but a hug or a prayer of thankfulness is universal.”

Evelyn Stankowski - Shepherd’s Hope

S

tankowski started at Shepherd’s Hope as a volunteer before moving into a case manager position. She says, “I know God placed me as a volunteer and then into the full time position, and looking back at my life, he had prepared me for it since childhood.”

As the oldest of six children, Stankowski took on the responsibility of watching over her siblings as they grew up. This concept of caring for others was one she kept close when choosing her profession, and she decided that caring for people in need as a nurse was the best way to continue on this familiar path.

By the time she entered her 20s and began working as a licensed practical nurse in Long Island, her caregiver roles took on many shapes and sizes. She gave advice to her parents about how to properly speak or write English, provided advice for them and their friends for obtaining affordable medical services and offered up advice on personal matters (and sometimes her own car) for her siblings when they were in need.

“I had no idea then, that 35 years down the road, God had been training me so I could be a case manager for Shepherd’s Hope,” Stankowski says. “I not only understood and related to what it was to be poor, but I was keenly aware and understood the struggles surrounding the poor and low-income families.”

She says the best part of her job is being part of a patient’s recovery, whether it’s physical, emotional or psychological. In her work, she’s often reminded of her childhood and is grateful for the opportunity to pay it forward through her role.

To all of the amazing nurses in our community: Thank you for everything you do!

Evelyn Stankowski www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

27

+ EXPERT ADVICE | Health

Ready to Start a Family?

Get your doctor on board early.

By Subhia Rehman, MD, AdventHealth Medical Group

E

xpanding your family can be a very exciting time, but it can also bring up a lot of questions — the first being, when is the best time to start? One of the most important things you can do is loop your OB/GYN into the discussion as early as possible. He or she can help guide you with a personalized (and healthy) family plan.

When they’re in the know from the planning stages, OB/GYNs have a prime opportunity to improve fetal and maternal outcomes with pre-conception counseling. During pre-conception assessment, providers can identify any risk factors that should be addressed prior to a woman’s attempts to conceive. Addressing Subhia Rehman, MD, is a boardcertified OB/GYN in Celebration.

She is known for her dedication to clinical excellence and strong belief in developing a healthy personal relationship with each of her patients. Dr. Rehman was an award-winning resident physician.

She speaks five languages: English, Italian, Urdu, Hindi, and Kashmiri.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | May 2020

these risk factors could protect the health of both mom and baby.

Risk factors that are important to consider include: •A ctivity level and nutrition •C hronic and genetic conditions • I mmunization status •M edications and supplements •M enstrual cycle regularity •O besity • S moking and alcohol consumption • S ocial and emotional health

When Infertility is a Concern

Assessing infertility first begins with the consideration of a woman’s age. In women younger than 35 who have regular periods and have not achieved pregnancy after 12 months of trying, an OB/GYN will start looking into what might be affecting her fertility with a workup. In women older than 35, six months of trying is plenty of time to start an assessment if she hasn’t yet become pregnant.

A fertility assessment includes understanding if a woman is ovulating, if she is having a normal cycle every 25 to 35 days, and if she is aware of the timing of her cycle as it relates to increasing the odds of conceiving. Each month, a woman under age 35 with a normal cycle has only a 20% chance of getting pregnant. An assessment might help a woman increase these odds by providing guidance on how to time her cycles, based on her hormonal and physical evaluation.

Treatments for Infertility

The good news is that there are many options for the treatment of infertility, including medications and procedures that address common causes of infertility like endometriosis or fibroids.

Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can often benefit from hormone treatments that can regularize periods, in addition to lifestyle changes. Losing even 5% of body weight can increase a woman’s chances of getting pregnant.

+ EXPERT ADVICE | Wellness

Support for Superwoman These simple tips can take the pressure off of Mom so she feels her best all year-round.

By Olivia Sain, Staying Sain

T

his May is the 71st anniversary of Mental Health Month, an observance led by Mental Health America to start a conversation within communities across the country. Did you know that one in five adults in the United States will experience a mental illness?

It doesn’t discriminate by age, race or gender. Students, successful career men and women, parents, nonparents — mental health issues can arise for anyone.

I’m not a mother myself, but I truly believe being a mother is the hardest job in the world. There are no set hours or days off. You are on call 24/7.

Nothing prepares you for this role, so you have to hit the ground running.

The minute your child enters the world, you are their protector, teacher and a fulltime caregiver. Then add the responsibilities of a full-time job, household chores and finding the time to nurture your relationships. You have now become Superwoman!

However, this schedule cannot keep up for long before your physical and mental well-being declines. Moms are sleep deprived, stressed and some are even caretakers for a family member. Between our electronic devices and social media, there is an added pressure to be perfect, although life should never be a competition.

Olivia Sain is a published author, speaker and writer at Staying Sain.

A philanthropist and a University of Central Florida graduate, she is the founder of Sain’s Stuffed Giving and the Butterfly Talks.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | May 2020

Moms tend to put their own health and needs on the back burner, instead focusing on the needs of their family.

Eventually, they feel burnt out with effects that include sleep deprivation, chronic sickness, low patience levels and anxiety.

So, how do we make a change for the better?

Most importantly, start putting yourself first. This can be difficult when others rely on you, but making your needs a priority allows you to be the best person you can be for them. Sleep, nutrition and exercise are usually the first three things that people don’t maintain in their everyday life. Shifting to this new mindset could be as simple as making sure you get enough sleep every night and using that gym membership you’ve been paying for or it could be as indulgent as scheduling a monthly facial or nail appointment.

Additionally, ask for help when you need it. Recruit friends or family members who can take the kids for an afternoon or an evening so you can recharge.

Utilize services that make your life easier such as grocery delivery services or dogwalking apps, even if it’s a splurge for your family. Get the kids involved with small tasks around the house to help you out as well.

It’s the little things that can help relieve the pressure and anxiety you may feel. Your child’s presence may be the best present you could have as a mom, but consider giving yourself the gift of metime on a regular basis to boost your overall mental health and wellness.

+ EXPERT ADVICE | Law

• • • • • • Promotional Feature • • • • • •

Can Your Homeowners Insurance Policy

Weather the Storm?

Use these tips to make sure your home is fully covered before hurricane season begins.

By Michael B. Brehne, Esq., Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A.

Y

ou might not be thinking about your summer plans because of the uncertainty caused by COVID-19. But, like it or not, you must plan for hurricane season.

Each year brings new challenges to homeowners insurance cases because of ever-changing laws and insurance policies. When an insurance company reviews its policy language, new provisions may be added and old ones deleted.

Sometimes this adds more protection for the homeowner, but most of the time, it benefits the insurance company to limit coverage and exposure.

Review Your Coverage

Before storm season begins, review your current policy.

Make sure the declarations page states amounts sufficient to replace your home in the event it needs to be completely rebuilt.

Make sure that it doesn’t exclude major items, such as your roof with solar panels, screened enclosures or other structures like sheds or detached garage apartments. Also, ensure the deductibles are reasonable and that valuable coverage, such as sinkhole, liability or mold, aren’t excluded.

Insurance companies have been pushing the “right to repair.” If you select a policy that contains a right to repair or choose to reduce your premium in exchange for a supplement to your policy allowing for the right to repair, you may find yourself in a difficult situation after a storm.

The right of repair allows your insurance company to determine the scope of your claim and choose who does the repair to control the costs.

They work with contractors who agree to work at a discount to the in-

surance company in exchange for a certain number of repairs.

This gives you no control over the person doing the repairs and possibly the materials used to repair your home.

Know Your Home

Next, take inventory of your home. You can either take photos or a short video of the inside of the house, opening the cabinets and drawers to show your personal belongings.

Keep that video in a cloud or transfer it to USB and store in a safe place where it won’t be lost or damaged.

Also, consider having your roof inspected or serviced yearly or every other year to document its condition. Presale inspection reports maintained by title companies or receipts from roofing companies that inspected the home and made repairs can be used to prove the condition of the roof prior to a storm. This prevents the insurance company from claiming pre-existing conditions or lack of maintenance.

What Happens Next?

Once a claim is filed, your insurance company must inspect the damages and evaluate whether it qualifies for payment or denial. Your own pre- and post-storm photographs and videos are your best evidence.

It’s imperative to reach out to an attorney who concentrates their practice on insurance litigation if your claim is denied. After quickly assessing the damages and preparing estimates and reports, they can negotiate a settlement with the insurance company and, if necessary, fight for you in court.

Michael Brehne has dedicated his 24-year career to representing injured people in motorcycle and car accidents, and represents people when their insurance claims have been denied. He has earned a reputation as a tenacious and skilled trial lawyer when representing his clients against large corporate defendants and insurance companies. He is also the author of “Watching Out for Florida Motorcyclists: Legal Rights of Injured Bikers.”

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Central Florida Lifestyle | May 2020

+ IN THE Kitchen

Full of Flavor Olive oil is rich in essential fatty acids like Omega-3 and Omega-6, which help combat heart disease, obesity and diabetes.

By Lyndsay Fogarty

T

wo pantry staples have known health benefits, and, luckily, they get along with each other very well when you pair them in a dish. They can be transformed into a tasty salad dressing, marinade or sauce. Olive oil is the perfect vehicle for sautéing proteins and creates a caramelized goodness all over roasted vegetables. Balsamic vinegar can be a base for a great sauce or you can simmer it into a sweet and satisfying glaze.

The Sacred Olive is a quaint shop in Winter Garden that sells fused and infused olive oils and balsamic vinegars, hosts cooking classes to teach the community how to use the products in the kitchen, and pairs flavored olive oils and balsamic vinegars like it’s nobody’s business. Co-owner Carolyn Hill is well-versed in everything there is to know about the nutrients found in these products and how to properly store, pair and cook with them.

Olive oil is rich in essential fatty acids like Omega-3 and Omega-6, which help combat heart disease, obesity and diabetes; vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of some cancers; and polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants that help to

34

Central Florida Lifestyle | May 2020

lower LDL (bad cholesterol) and increase HDL (good cholesterol). It also contains phytoestrogens that benefit older women by decreasing bone loss and helping to minimize the uncomfortable symptoms of menopause.

Similarly, vinegars contain polyphenols that keep cholesterol in check as well as resveratrol and tannins, which help to reduce blood clots, lower LDL levels and increase HDL levels. When paired with olive oil, the benefits are increased significantly.

In the kitchen, olive oil should be stored in dark, airtight bottles. Since sunlight and air are the two things that can affect the freshness and nutrients of the olive oil, thus affecting its quality, this method of storage avoids the oxidizing, or aging, of the oil. Each bottle of olive oil that you purchase should contain a crush date, which will tell you the freshness of the olive oil and shows that the nutrients and antioxidants in the oil is at its peak.

Hill says that olive oil is best when it is consumed fresh and uncooked.

Consuming olive oil in its natural form helps you to reap the most benefits from its nutrients. If you’re going to use it for cooking, it’s important to cook with it at low to medium-low temperatures. Hill warns that cooking olive oil above its smoking point (375 degrees Fahrenheit) will change the chemistry of the oil and cause it to become rancid.

When purchasing olive oil, make sure the one you choose comes from trusted growers in the United States and across the country. These growers are meticulous with their harvests and the pressing process of the olives. This is extremely important since the olive oil industry is unregulated.

Once you have a good, quality olive oil and accompanying vinegar, you’ll be ready to prepare a wealth of meals that are good for your health.

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+ BUSINESS Spotlight

Full Circle Cycle Gets Neighbors Rolling During Covid-19 Crisis

As Central Floridians continue heading outdoors, this local bike shop is making sure their equipment is safe and ready to use.

By Kimbra Hennessy

I

t’s no surprise that with gyms, recreation centers and parks closed, many people are pulling out old bicycles to head outdoors to bike in Florida’s fine springtime weather. And while Fred Hewett, owner of Full Circle Cycle in MetroWest, is happy to see the resurgent interest in cycling, many of the bikes coming into his shop these days need some serious TLC. “Unfortunately, many of these bikes have seen better days,” Hewett says.

“Since the shutdown, we have received a tsunami of 20- to 30-year-old bikes needing maintenance. I guess people are beginning to realize that now might be a good time to get their health in order and exercise, so interest in biking has increased and my repair business exploded.”

Before Hewett could start repairing the huge influx of bikes, he needed to make sure he was providing a safe environment for his employees and customers.

“Even prior to the stay-at-home order issued on March 26, I closed the shop for four days to meet with my team and decide on processes 36

Central Florida Lifestyle | May 2020

that would allow us to safely move forward,” he explains.

The safety precautions that Hewett undertook were extensive.

The sales showroom was completely shut down and sealed off (new bikes can be purchased only online) and a 132-foot barrier tape was installed in the back of the shop for outdoor repairs. Repairs are done by appointment only, with a 30-minute staggered window between customers, and remote payment is accepted.

“Most importantly, before a bike is worked on, we take extra measures to clean and sanitize it,” Hewett says. “One employee processes the bike by putting it in a rack, spraying all human contact points, drying it in direct sunlight and then washing the entire bike with soap and water. My personal physician says it could be overkill but a good overkill.”

Hewett also has taken extra steps to limit his store manager’s exposure because he has a child at home with a compromised immune system.

“This employee works from home, handling our back-of-house duties such as answering the phone, social media,

web chats, bike sales, tracking inventory and dealing with vendors,” Hewett says.

“Believe me, he is quite busy.”

On average, Hewett and his crew are repairing 10-12 bikes per day, and he is working seven days a week doing “whatever it takes.” Of course, the most common problem is flat tires, which is an easy fix.

“You should see the mountain of tire tubes we accumulate at the end of each day,” he says.

Hewett is pleased to see his customers back on the road and is hopeful that the cycling trend will continue beyond COVID-19.

“It’s a good feeling to know that we are providing a valuable service during this trying time and we did all that we could to keep everyone safe,” he says.

VIRTUAL YMCA WELLNESS CENTER

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Free online wellness resources to help you

STAY HEALTHY Spirit, Mind, and Body Find some of your favorite group exercise classes now online Explore enrichment activities to keep kids active and engaged Stay up-to-date on youth programs and camps Discover a variety of healthy living recipes Join a community in prayer and online worship See how you can help the Y support the community Visit ymcacf.org/virtualwellness to learn more today!

The YMCA of Central Florida is an nonprofit dedicated to strengthening our community.

How to Help Teens Cope with Stress and Loss

During these stressful times, it’s important for teens to have an outlet for their struggles. Here are some ideas for how parents can help.

By Kelly Gilmore

“W

hen a young person might have a first thought of suicide between when they make a suicide attempt, it can be as short as 20 minutes,” says Shana Burgess, director of JoCo Mental Health Center in Kansas City.

This is a sobering statistic. Twenty minutes is the very short and very real time interval between initial thought and action for a young teen struggling with dark thoughts. For two moms, this short interval is a harsh reality, having had lost their two teens to suicide.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | May 2020

A Family Tragedy

BJ Thomas Wilson and Sylvia Harrell are the mothers of Regan Wilson and Chad Harrell, two teens whose lives ended far too early due to internal struggles caused by external pressures. Wilson explains that in December of 2017, her daughter Regan was struggling with immense pressures of passing her CNA exam, while Harrell describes the day her son got into trouble and wasn’t allowed to attend a party, which angered him immensely.

Their lives are honored through #GiveMe20, an initiative that works directly with teens with the mission of preventing tragedies such as these from occurring again.

“The reason I am passionate about #GiveMe20 is because at the end of the day, we’re just two moms who suffered tremendous heartbreak,” Wilson says. “We are rising up from the ashes to try to make a difference.”

What is #GiveMe20?

The #GiveMe20 initiative asks teens to create and decorate a #GiveMe20 box that contains memories and messages that can be used to uplift during a period of dark thoughts as well as contact information as a reminder of who to call for help. “#GiveMe20 is an opportunity for us to offer them tools, thoughts, memories and dreams to carry them through any dark moments,” Wilson says. “#GiveMe20 started kind of as a pledge asking kids to promise that if they found themselves in a dark moment, that they would step back and focus on reminding themselves about what they have to live for rather than looking for a way to end their life.”

As teens create their boxes, they participate in multiple activities that result in anecdotes and reminders of the good things in their lives. This includes writing down what they love, have to live for and the people they pledge to reach out to during any dark times.

“We are hoping that coupling an in-person class with a box of momentos and cherished items that they can have in their hand will give the kids the tools they need to get through 20 minutes of darkness and find the light,” Harrell says. #GiveMe20 strives to put the proper tools in the hands of teens so they can cope with stress, anxiety and other pressures that can induce dark thoughts. These boxes serve as a reminder of all the wonderful things and people in their life worth living for.

“In about 50% of individuals who attempt suicide, there is not a known mental health condition,” Burgess says.

“We need to be very aware of anyone around us and have that connection and outreach with people in order to help and provide support.”

“ #GiveMe20 is an opportunity for us to offer them tools, thoughts, memories and dreams to carry them through any dark moments.”

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Helping Your Teens Deal with Disappointment In stressful and uncertain times, such as now during COVID-19, teens are faced with tremendous stress, changes and the loss of many milestones, such as prom or graduation. IMPOWER is a leading non-profit organization that assists those affected by mental health, substance misuse and child wellbeing. In an interview with Judy Charuhas, a mental health counselor from IMPOWER, she discusses how teens can cope with these disappointments and how parents can help.

Q: How can the loss of milestones such as prom or graduation, and the rapid changing of a student’s high school experience, affect the student’s mental health?

A: Milestones are meant to be shared. The loss of acknowledging a goal, such as graduation; the longterm commitment to achieving that goal; recognition for all that is involved in that milestone, such as hard work, perseverance, beating the odds or first in your family to receive a degree are all noteworthy. Loss of milestones and change in structure can show in the symptoms of grief, depression and anxiety. It’s important to note that milestones, when shared, offer a gift of hope, encouragement and shared celebration. Loss of school structure can affect teens.

Some teens are adaptable and others are affected by lack of structure, lack of connection.

Q: How can parents help and support their teens with coping?

A: Talk with your teen. Ask open ended ques-

tions: What does this mean to you? How do you feel about it? What do you miss the most? What hurts the most right now? What can I do to help you through this? Share a loss you had that can show a connection with this loss and how you felt. It can bring you closer to your teen. It’s important to note not all teens open up with parents. Therapy can be very helpful during this time.

Q: What are your thoughts for both students and parents on processing and explaining feelings?

A: First, I think it’s important to understand this

is a loss. Everyone has experienced a loss at one point in their life that they can connect to and empathize with these teens right now. Perhaps it was

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Central Florida Lifestyle | May 2020

a breakup, loss of job, death of a family member/ friend/colleague, loss of income, or loss of a location. Loss is grief. We can grieve for the past or the future or the here and now. Grief and depression can share similar symptoms such as sadness, insomnia and appetite issues, or grief can be seen in anxiety symptoms such as lack of focus, constant worry, insomnia or restlessness. All these symptoms are normal symptoms for these experiences. Normal grief symptoms will fade over time; however, if not addressed, grief can become complicated grief.

Complicated grief is more intense symptoms over a longer period of time. It’s when the symptoms affect their lives and daily living that mental health guidance should be sought.

Q: What are some tips for students to manage this loss and stay positive?

A: Talk about it, share your feelings. There is an old

saying, “Feel, deal, heal.” When we talk about what we are feeling and share those feelings, we begin to deal with the issues and can heal from the pain. To stay positive, ask yourself, “What can we do in the future to acknowledge this? What can we do now?”

How about coordinating a virtual prom? Virtual graduation? Make a list of things you are grateful for. One way people heal is to do for others. Some teens are joining a mask sewing group, shopping and delivering groceries for their neighbors, facetiming with the kids they babysit for! Connection is key during this time. At IMPOWER, we have been utilizing telehealth for counseling for over seven years. Our teen clients have that connection with our therapists. We are hearing from our teens that the lack of acknowledging their loss is what creates further disappointment and hurt for them.

We

Our Foster Parents

Providing Hope to Children and Families in Need For children and teens without a safe, nurturing environment, the future can seem dark and uncertain.

Foster parents provide a gift of a lifetime by opening their home and their hearts. Their ongoing caring commitment is critical for giving children and teens in need a chance at fulfilling their potential and enjoying a life of success.

There is a great need for foster parents in the Central Florida area. Seek out ways you can support children and teens in foster care and assist those who have dedicated themselves to helping those in need.

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Florida is currently seeking potential foster parents to provide a stable and caring home for children in need, including survivors of sexual exploitation. Specialized training and ongoing professional support is provided for foster families.

For more information, call (407) 259-0056 or email FLFosterCare@devereux.org.

FLORIDA devereuxFL.org

+ YOUR Local

Re-invention

Board members on the virtual board meeting.

– The Mother of Necessity How the West Orange Chamber of Commerce is adapting to fulfill the needs of its members during the COVID-19 pandemic.

By Stina D’Uva, West Orange Chamber of Commerce

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Central Florida Lifestyle | May 2020

PHOTOS COURTESY OF WEST ORANGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

M

other’s Day 2020 will be unlike any Mother’s Day ever celebrated. Even though it will be different, the overall expression of love and appreciation will still shine through. I know two of my sons won’t be able to be with me due to social distancing and real hugs will be replaced by air hugs on virtual calls, but my sons know that I’ll be here for them, no matter what. That’s what mothers do!

I also know that the worries, fears and anxieties a mother has for her children, no matter their age, pales in comparison to those we’re currently experiencing for our entire community due to the COVID-19 pandemic. No one could have imagined the turmoil that would be created in such a short amount of time to our world, a booming economy to one struggling. Undoubtedly, there is reason for worry, fear and anxiety, yet we cannot let these feelings paralyze us.

We will move forward by leaning on one another, learning from one another and adapting to a new, and I hope better, world. The chamber, just like many small businesses, especially service businesses, has had to adapt and reinvent itself. We have leaned on and

Vice President Krista Carter hosting a virtual event.

learned from others within our industry and shared what we’ve learned with our members.

As each day brought more and more awareness to the severity and time frame of this pandemic, the chamber quickly realized that we had to perform our role even faster and in different ways. We were easily able to demonstrate the resources at our finger tips, connections, ingenuity and speed of action that

our chamber has in times like this, and honestly, every day. We utilized the information we were able to gather from our local, state and federal governments and the U.S. and Florida Chambers, to create programming for our members to assist them as they navigate these uncertain times.

Some of the activities that we couldn’t have envisioned as a virtual event a month ago now seem almost matter of fact. Virtual has become a new way of life and turned out to be a popular means to deliver valuable information to a large number of our members and others. We now have virtual Spotlight Speakers, virtual Lead and Feed events, “Call, Listen and Learn” events and our first-ever virtual board meeting. We will even host a Business Happy Hour, rather than a Business After Hours, on May 14.

To see all the events and the COVID-19 Resource page, visit wochamber. com. Working together as an entire community, much like a family, is how we will get through this. Staying healthy is the first priority and the rest will follow.

WOCC COVID-19 Resource page

The Future is Here.

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+ SCHOOL News

Local Students

Make a Big Impact How Lake Highland Preparatory School students are using their strengths to make a positive impact on their community during the pandemic.

By Kelly Gilmore

D

uring this unprecedented time, many students were faced with immense changes in their daily routines and struggled with learning from home. A group of Lake Highland Preparatory School students stepped up to offer a helping hand through the transition.

Alan Chen, a junior at LHPS, and his friends came up with the idea of Orlando Student Tutoring while on spring break. With the support of their school, they launched this free online service to connect local elementary and middle school students with high school tutors to ease the transition into the virtual learning environment. As of press time, they were assisting over 20 students.

“It was a group effort of me and my 10 friends during spring break,” Alan says. “Something clicked. We didn’t have to just be spectators during COVID-19, we could help the community in some way. We combined our strengths to create Orlando Student Tutoring,” Now equipped with 18 tutors, each of the students offer assistance in a set of subjects they are highly skilled in. Subjects include math, coding, science, English, geography, history, art, computer science, French and Spanish.

Assistance with PSAT and SAT/ACT preparation is available for high school students as well. Within these subjects, Orlando Student Tutoring offers help with homework challenges, clarifica-

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Central Florida Lifestyle | May 2020

tion for lesson plans and extra resources to practice at a variety of grade levels.

Alan explains that tutoring services are offered via any virtual platform, including Zoom, FaceTime and Google Hangouts. They are flexible and willing to work with whichever platform the students and parents they are serving are most comfortable with. In the future, they are looking to expand their reach by hosting webinars.

“This is yet another example of how our students are going above and beyond to give back to the community and doing an awesome job as Highlanders always do,” says Glynn Dettman, upper school engineering

& robotics teacher and coach of the school’s Hazmat Robotics Team, in which many Orlando Student Tutoring founders are members.

The students behind this initiative all share one goal: to help students who are just like them.

“It’s satisfying on both ends,” Alan says. “We are students, too, so we know it’s hard. We are trying to bridge the gap for students.”

The creators of Orlando Student Tutoring have embodied what it means to be a role model for the Central Florida community. For more information and to access the application, visit OrlandoStudentTutoring.com.

Here are some others ways the Highlanders are offering a helping hand.

1. PPE Assembly Line: Seniors Katie Torbert and Caroline Porter volunteered with SchenkelShultz Architecture to make face shields for front-line healthcare workers using the company’s 3D printers.

2. S preading Joy and Kindness: Lower School art teacher, Jackie Juaristi, and her students created artwork and wrote letters for residents of local assisted living facilities.

3. V irtual Food Drive: Amitav Dalal (2nd grade) and Maitri Dalal (4th grade) launched a virtual food drive to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank and matched contributions up to $500 by doing chores around the house.

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Memorial Day means grilling season is officially here. So try out these tasty recipes that are best enjoyed outdoors.

Matt’s Not-So-Secret Sauce

By Matt Richardson

Take chicken, shrimp, pork chops (or any meat, really) to the next level with this simple, southern-style sauce. Your taste buds will thank you.

Ingredients: • 1 cup barbecue sauce of choice • 1 cup Ranch dressing • Tabasco sauce, to taste • 1 lemon Directions: In a small bowl, combine barbecue sauce, Ranch dressing, several dashes of Tabasco sauce and the juice of one lemon.

Baste onto your protein of choice as you grill.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | May 2020

Grilled Kabobs

• Garlic powder, to taste • Salt and pepper, to taste

By Lyndsay Fogarty and Melissa Hoffmann

Easy to make and fun to eat, the kids will love to help you prepare this meal. These kabobs can also be customized to satisfy every taste.

Use whatever you have on hand.

Ingredients: • 1 pound sausage of choice • 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp • 1 pound zucchini • 1 large white onion • 1 package whole baby bella mushrooms

Directions: Prepare wooden skewers by soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes (no preparation is needed if you are using metal skewers). Cut sausage, zucchini and onion into 1-inch thick pieces and halve or quarter mushrooms, depending on the size. Build the kabobs by alternating proteins and veggies. Brush each kabob with oil then add garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste. Grill for several minutes on each side until the proteins are cooked all the way through.

Strawberry Shortcake

• 4 teaspoons vanilla extract • 1 cup butter

End your meal on a sweet note with fresh strawberries loaded on top of a fluffy, homemade cake. Pair it with a dry Chardonnay or Pinot Noir.

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line two 9-inch pans with parchment paper.

Grease with butter and flour to keep cakes from sticking. Beat butter and sugar on high speed until creamy. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk milk, eggs and vanilla extract.

Slowly combine the three mixtures into the flour bowl. Divide batter into the two pans and bake for 30-35 minutes. Let cakes cool then add whipped cream and strawberries.

By Catie Moore

Ingredients: • 1 quart strawberries • 4 eggs • 1 tablespoon baking powder • 3 cups flour • 2 1/2 cups sugar • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Macaroni Salad

By Shea Shelton, Windermere This classic recipe can be served on its own as a side dish or topped with chicken as a main course. The whole family is sure to love it either way.

Ingredients: • 1 box elbow macaroni • 1 to 2 cups mayo • 1 tablespoon mustard • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar • 1 green pepper • 1 red pepper • Banana peppers • Garlic salt, to taste • Salt and pepper, to taste • Cayenne pepper, to taste • Chicken, optional

READE RECIPER !

Directions: Cook macaroni according to box instructions. Meanwhile, chop all peppers and set aside. For the dressing, combine mayo, mustard, apple cider vinegar and seasonings in a small bowl. When the noodles are

done, add peppers and dressing then incorporate well. Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour (overnight if you can) to allow flavors to develop.

When you’re ready to serve, top with grilled chicken or mix in pulled rotisserie chicken, if preferred. www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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+ DID You Know?

Staying Ahead of the Storm:

Prepping Early for Hurricane Season

Follow these early preparation tips so you can have peace of mind when season begins on June 1.

By Lyndsay Fogarty

H

urricane seasons past have taught us the importance of being prepared. As Hurricane Dorian approached last fall, gas stations were emptied and grocery store shelves were bare. Many scrambled to get necessities for their emergency kits.

Last month, experts at Colorado State University predicted another busy season, with 16 named storms, eight hurricanes and four major hurricanes expected in 2020.

That's just above the average of 12 named storms, six hurricanes and two major hurricanes.

So with the 2020 hurricane season on the horizon, here are the top five things you can do to prepare your family and your home before June 1.

Stock Your Disaster Kit It should include enough food, water, medications and supplies to last for at least 72 hours. Don't forget to include enough food and water for your pet as well. Supplies should include flashlights with extra batteries, clothing, a battery-powered radio and a first aid kit. Start 48

Central Florida Lifestyle | May 2020

preparing your disaster kit now by shopping the sales. Keep your eye on BOGO deals each week to get a head start on stocking up.

Write or Review Your Family’s Emergency Plan Jot down information about how to get in touch with each other in an emergency, where you will go and your best evacuation route. Designate a safe room to use if you are not required to evacuate and will be riding out the storm at home.

It should be a small interior room, closet or hallway on your home's lowest level. Try to keep as many walls between you and the outside as possible.

Prepare the Outside of Your Home Trim your trees well in advance of a storm, removing any trees or limbs that are damaged. Additionally, clean and secure all gutters to avoid flooding.

Check Your Insurance Policies It's important to ensure that you will be covered for anything

related to a natural disaster, including flooding. Be sure to prepare your home and vehicles in accordance with your insurance policies so any damages will be covered. Also, walk around your entire home now and take photos of everything, from expensive items like televisions and computers to clothing items and dishes. Open drawers and cabinets to document all items. Doing this ahead of a storm allows you to prove ownership of these items to your insurance company should you need to file a claim, something that could be nearly impossible to do when the damage has already been done.

Gather and Store Important Documents Birth certificates, social security cards and insurance policies should be kept in a safe place year-round, but move them to a plastic bag or other waterproof storage container when a storm is heading your way.

Many hotels will ask for health documents for your pet if you need a room during an evacuation, so keep a copy of their shot records with your important paperwork.

+ SCHOOL News

Our Thoughts For Students on

Graduation Day

By Lyndsay Fogarty

A

s high schools and colleges across the country plan for virtual graduation ceremonies in the coming months, it’s tough for students and their families to not be disappointed in what they’re missing out on. But graduation isn’t just about caps, gowns and that walk across the stage and into adulthood. It’s about you, the graduate.

All of us at Central Florida Lifestyle will be celebrating you all month long — recognizing your achievements and celebrating the road ahead. There are just a couple of things we want you to remember on your journey. “ The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.”

—B.B. King Just as there were many lessons in the classroom, this situation provides another amazing opportunity for learning. Things won’t always go your way, but learning to handle life’s disappointments with grace is a skill that you will carry with you for a lifetime. While it may feel like you

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Central Florida Lifestyle | May 2020

were cheated out of this milestone in a traditional sense, just know that nothing can take away your moment. “ What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us.”

—Ralph Waldo Emerson You’ve spent most of your life learning, whether in the classroom, in an extracurricular setting or at home. You’ve met people along the way ­— teachers, coaches, counselors, even fellow students ­­— who have inspired you in some way.

Roadblocks will pop up in your life (maybe none quite as big as this pandemic, but roadblocks, none-the-less) that will remind you of those lessons and those people that you’re carrying with you, sparking your drive to continue moving forward. Remember them, always.

With that said, congratulations to everyone celebrating graduations this month. We’re proud of you and wish you much success in your future!

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Prescriptions are sent to your local preferred pharmacy and no appointment is necessary.

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