DECEMBER 2020
WINTER GARDEN’S LAKE COVE POINTE COMMUNIT Y MAGAZINE
THE
THE
ADUSS FAMILY
Thriving on togetherness and community
s ’ n o s a Se etings! Gre As your LCP neighbor, a 25-year Winter Garden resident, and a successful business owner, I know what makes this city truly special. I hope I can count on your support. Jones4wg.com Paid by Iliana Ramos Jones, non-partisan, for Winter Garden Commissioner, District 2
CONTENTS 12
Togethernest
The Adusses have found the perfect place to nurture their love of family and nature.
8 5 To the Pointe 8 Pointes of Interest Numbers, news, and need-to-knows about the neighborhood. Get tips on holiday tipping, good reads, and an exercise to help you unwind. 18 The Dish Make this year’s holiday sweets using your neighbors’ family recipes
20 20 Home Front The Campise family’s new facade; care tips for poinsettias 22 Holiday Decor How Lake Cove Pointe decorates its homes for the holidays
26 23 The Wine Cellar Say goodbye to 2020 with everyone’s favorite celebration beverage—sparkling wine 25 New Neighbors Meet the Connells 26 Pointe of View After a hectic year, we’re dreaming of a quiet, cozy holiday at home. THE EXCLUSIVE PUBLICATION OF LAKE COVE POINTE
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SPECIALIZING IN FAMILY LAW INCLUDING
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Holiday Season!
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TO THE POINTE
The past few holiday seasons have been, for me, exercises in pulling back. However, I think this is the year for more. With so many opportunities stripped away by 2020’s extraordinary circumstances, I see this as a prime chance to think about what’s worth bringing back. I mean, this is the quintessential time for family, traditions, celebrations, and sparkle! So, step aside, Julie Andrews. Here are a few of my favorite things: • “The Christmas Song,” as performed by Nat King Cole. Mel Torme wrote the original, but Nat’s version is what stops the world around me. • Disney’s Prep and Landing. It is a Soulsby tradition to cuddle on the couch and start December with this animated special. • Decorating the outside of the house for the holiday. I was shocked when my 11-year-old offered to help because he insists on a festive house. • Baking with my teen. We’ve cut way back on how many varieties of cookies we make, but there are about six recipes that are musts, including my mom’s fudge recipe. • The glow of a beautifully decorated tree, decked out with years of memory ornaments. It’s the stuff of dreams. • Christmas Eve gift exchange with my husband. A tradition 24 years in the making, it’s a quiet opportunity for us to show our love. • The abundance of joy, surprise, and laughter on Christmas morning that makes my sons shake with emotion. • Homemade ravioli and tortallacci for Christmas dinner, complete with my dad’s red gravy. The flour under my nails is totally worth it. The older I get, the more I realize that I do the shopping, crafting, baking, wrapping, decorating, and volunteering to show people my love for them. But sometimes it’s the little things that say “I love you” the loudest. My holiday wish for you (and, selfishly, myself), is to slow down and pay attention. What are a few of your favorite things? This is the year to redefine your holiday. Happy Holidays!
Nicole Soulsby, Editor HAVE SOMETHING TO ADD? Send your ideas and images to lcp@emagency.com
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THE POINTE DECEMBER 2020 EDITION
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NUMBERS YOU NEED E M E R G E N C Y C O N TA C T S
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Jamie Ezra Mark Publisher Nicole Soulsby Editor __________ Rheya Tanner Art Director Lynette Azarow Photographer Matt Tullo Photographer Josh Clark Designer Wendy Mak Designer Caleb Jensen Web Garrett Reardon Digital 407-573-6061 hello@emagency.com emagency.com @EMagencyinc
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The Pointe Volume 1 Number 3 Copyright© 2020 by Em Agency. All rights reserved. Published monthly. Em Agency is not affiliated with or contracted by Lake Cove Pointe (LCP). This publication, including the articles, opinions, and advertisements contained herein, is not authorized or endorsed by LCP. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed in the articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Em Agency. Advertising or products does not imply endorsement. Em Agency can not be held liable for the business practices of these companies.
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QUESTIONS OR PROBLEMS
Terri Grace Sentry Management liaison terri.grace@sentrymgt.com 407-788-6700 ext. 51405 sentrymgt.com To create an account on the Sentry Management portal, you will need your account number, found on your annual bill.
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POI N TE S
OF
INTEREST The Giving Season
Whom, how, and how much to tip during the holidays. Particularly in a year as challenging as this, it is important to show appreciation for the workers who make life easier or better. But with all the different tipping rules across industries, how much do you tip? We’ve compiled the guidelines for some of the industries who are most commonly tipped during the holiday season: Stylist, Barber, or Pet Groomer: 15 to 20 percent of a visit; additional if you don’t typically tip on each visit
USPS: The USPS allows letter carriers to accept gifts of up to $50 in value, but not cash; gift cards are a better option
Pet Sitter or Housekeeper: One week’s worth of service
FedEx: Drivers are allowed to receive gifts of up to $75 in value
Teachers: $25 to $70. Check your school’s rules or guidelines for gifting. Gift cards are typically better than cash
UPS: Drivers can receive gifts of up to $25 in value. The company prefers tips not be given in cash
Daycare: $20 to $70 for each person who interacts with your child Babysitter: The amount you’d pay for 2 evenings out
Newspaper Delivery: Up to $30 at the holidays Landscaper: Between $20 and $50 Pool Cleaner: The amount for one pool cleaning
The Emily Post Institute offers additional advice on and how and when it’s appropriate to tip during the holidays in its online advice column: emilypost.com/advice/holiday-tipping-guide
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THE POINTE DECEMBER 2020 EDITION
RESIDENT BUSINESS DIRECTORY Edward W. Soulsby
Attorney Board Certified Elder Law 352-205-7245 trotterlaw.com
Eric Halluska CPA Partner 407-849-1569 withum.com
Ally Budnik
Attorney 407-499-2082 wgfamilylawfirm.com
Erica Diaz
Real Estate Agent 407-951-9742 ericadiazteam.com
Michael Collins Flame Boss 800-978-9078 flameboss.com
Sierra Clemmons
Young Living Essential Oils 352-636-0960 myyl.com/sierraclemmons
Halluska & Roach Families
THAT FIGURES
38
thousand miles
The amount of ribbon purchased in the US—enough to wrap around the planet and still tie it in a bow. SOURCE: neefusa.org
ONE MILLION
Ciao, humans. I am Chloe, a Teacup Maltese. Charmed, I’m
sure. My humans, Mike, Lynette, and Kade, sometimes call me “ChloChlo,” or “The Precious.” You may not. In my 12 years on this earth, I have accomplished much. I have gained a mobile throne—the humans call it a “stroller”—wherein I am escorted around my domain. I have gained a loyal subject: a Boxer/Bull Terrier mix named Mia. Onlookers may think it funny that I am the matriarch over such a large breed, but Mia knows which of us is larger in spirit. The two of us have even gained an audience with the Saint Nicholas, because she and I are at the very top of the nice list. My humans took the below photo of the occasion to cement it forever in history. If you see me on one of my regular constitutionals, you have my permission to stop by and say ciao. I will also accept gifts of Old Mother Hubbard dog treats, thank you kindly.
The number of people who flock to Times Square each year to see the ball drop. SOURCE: insider.com
11
Winter Garden Bounce wgbouncehouse@gmail.com wgbounce.com
HOLIDAYS
LET EVERYONE KNOW YOUR BUSINESS
SOURCE: Deseret News
The number of major religious holidays in December.
This is a FREE listing open only to residents of Lake Cove Pointe. Space is limited. Include your: • Name • Profession/business • Phone number • Web address Send to: lcp@emagency.com
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POINTES OF INTEREST
Meow, Moo, Mindfulness
Once you’ve taken a few breaths in Table pose to focus the mind, you can begin the exercise: 1. As you exhale, slowly raise your back toward the ceiling. Lower your head and tailbone so you are looking at your belly. This is called Cat pose because it’s similar to the arched back of a Halloween cat. 2. As you inhale, slowly and gently lower your belly toward the floor. Lift your head and tailbone up so you are looking at where the ceiling meets the In order to begin Cat/Cow, you wall. This is called Cow pose will first need to get into Table pose: because the lowered belly and 1. Get on all fours, with wrists upturned head is similar to under your shoulders and the posture of a mooing cow. knees under your hips. Spread your fingers wide, like paws. Flow between Cat and Cow as you 2. Look slightly forward, keepbreathe, for as many rounds as you ing your neck, head, and back wish. (Animal noises optional.) in a straight line.(Imagine you’re balancing a cup of water on your back.)
How to use the Cat/Cow yoga exercise to keep you physically and spiritually limber. Cat/Cow yoga flow is a calming sequence to release tension in the neck and back and keep your spine flexible. It’s great for children and adults alike!
VOX
MATT CONNELL
TIFFANY JENSEN
MICHAEL COLLINS
DESIREE HALLUSKA
JARED SCHNEIDER
_________________
_________________
_________________
_________________
_________________
I wish for continued health for my family, friends, neighbors, and everyone I know.
My wish is to visit family, but I don’t think it’s gonna happen on this holiday.
Amateur Exterior Illuminator I’m hoping that we can make the holidays feel as normal as possible for our kids.
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Question: What is your most fervent holiday wish?
Unemployed Mom, Beer Lover Old Sailor
THE POINTE DECEMBER 2020 EDITION
Boy Wrangler
My family deals with a lot of health issues, so my wish is that everyone can stay healthy.
Crewmaster of Little Ones
My most fervent holiday wish is for just a little more peace.
READ
Fantasy Escape: A Court of Thorns and Roses Recently I’ve gone full escapism with my reading choices and have been enjoying fantasy. No mention of plagues or elections or laundry, thank you. Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses series follows Feyre, a human woman, as she encounters and eventually falls in love with fairies. These fairies aren’t your average Tinkerbell; think claws and swords and epic battles. Punctuated by some steamy scenes, these books are ultimately a journey of a hero as she discovers herself and her power. Sarah Gatenby, a professional editor, shares what she’s reading right now. You can find all four books in the A Court of Thorns and Roses series in bookstores everywhere, as well as on Kindle and Audible.
THINGS TO ADD? Share your news with the neighbors. Send your ideas and images to lcp@ emagency. com
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THE POINTE DECEMBER 2020 EDITION
Togethernest The Adusses have found their perfect place to be one with family and nature. Story: Rheya Tanner Photography: Matt Tullo
E
d and Sue Aduss feel like they’ve always been together. And that’s not too far off from the truth—they’ve been married for 52 years. “It was love at first sight,” says Sue. “It’s hard to explain, but it’s true.”
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Left: Ed and Sue on their wedding day in 1968 Right: Ed and Sue Aduss on their boating dock in 2020
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That first sight happened in the late 1960s. Ed had left the Marines and settled in Connecticut, near where Sue was a native. “I was supplementing my teaching income by coaching the boys’ swim team at the YMCA,” he says. “The director there wanted to set up this 21-plus social club for people in the area.” “It just so happened that my friends and I were taking that semester off from college,” says Sue. “We knew the director at the Y, and he told us about the event. So we all went. And there he was.” “And six months later, we were married,” says Ed. “That seems a little fast to some.”
THE POINTE DECEMBER 2020 EDITION
“But here we are 52 years later,” says Sue. “It’s worked. Everybody’s got ups and downs, of course, but we made it through with a lot of laughs and a great family.” That great family is exactly what drew them to Lake Cove Pointe. The couple shares the neighborhood with their youngest daughter, Erika Dold, and her family. “We see them sometimes at the store and around town, but we’re mostly living our own lives,” says Ed. For the Adusses, family is about being together. Before retiring to Florida, they lived in Maryland for 30 years, just outside DC where Ed worked for
the Washington Post. “Our older daughter Kim lives in Virginia just 45 minutes from where we lived,” says Sue. “We always felt a little guilty because we were there to help her, and not Erika.” But for a long time, it wasn’t possible to be together with Erika. “Chris is a marine mammal vet, so they moved around a lot,” says Sue. “They lived in Hawaii for a couple years, among other places, and we couldn’t follow them there. When they finally settled in Florida, they were close enough that we were able to visit often.” And their first visit to Winter Garden was another case of love at first sight. “I loved it down
here,” says Ed. “I was already retired, but Sue was still working, and these houses on the water weren’t built yet.” When Sue finally retired, Erika started encouraging them to make the move. “She’d take us along the roads here and tell us that someday they’d be developed,” says Ed. “When the lots finally went up for sale, we came down and bought the first house available.”
Together with Nature
As lifelong boaters and lake enthusiasts, Ed and Sue knew they wanted waterfront property. The two quickly became involved
FA ST FAC T S
LCP residents since: 2015 Married for: 52 years Children: Kimberly, age 50; Erika, age 47 Grandchildren: Daven, 16; Natalie, 16; Broden, 13; Jacob, 13 Before we retired: Ed worked for the Washington Post and Sue was a merchandising manager Favorite spot in Winter Garden: Downtown Favorite local restaurant: Market to Table One thing we want to do less: Yard work Word to describe us: Loving Favorite part of our house: Screened-in porch on the lake Favorite day of the week: Sunday when we get together with the neighbors A cause that’s important to us: Friends of Lake Apopka
in the Friends of Lake Apopka (FOLA) restoration and conservation group. Ed now serves as the organization’s treasurer. “We’ve been in FOLA since we’ve been down here, so about five years,” says Ed. “The lake really is coming back.” Even in just a few years, they’ve seen significant improvement in Lake Apopka. Its water quality is much higher, and its surrounding wildlife is abundant. The two recall recent sightings of eagles, ospreys, owls, anhingas, and even a soft-shell turtle laying her eggs on the lake shore. “We do a lot of activities to raise funds and monitor legislation that affects the lake,” says Ed. “They stocked the lake with over a million fingerling bass a year or so ago.” “But he doesn’t catch any of them,” says Sue with a laugh.
Their grandsons are both 13, and their granddaughters are both sophomores in high school. “Things are a little easier these days, since we can FaceTime with them,” says Sue. “But it’s still different. We will miss the other two.” They plan to make the most of Together for the Holidays While they know their hearts are the situation. “We’re still getting together this year, but it’s going here in Florida, it comes with a price: they now live further from to be outside on Erika’s patio,” their older daughter’s side of the says Sue. “Two of my sisters live family. “Christmas is the big fam- in Palm Coast, and they’re coming down, too.” ily holiday,” says Ed. “One year, everyone would come down to Together with Florida, and the next year everyone would go up to Virginia. This the Community year, unfortunately, Kim and her The Adusses are delighted to live in a neighborhood that is as family can’t come down.” active as they are. “Nobody really Due to the distance, the cares that we’re old,” says Sue. holidays are about the only time “Everyone is so friendly, and Kim’s and Erika’s families see there’s always people out walkeach other. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t close. “They got ing. Even the people with dogs or little kids, you can talk to them married nine months apart, and their two daughters and sons are and they’ll wave. It’s just fun.” In addition to boating, Ed is exactly the same age,” says Sue. “They may not live near each oth- also an avid golfer, and enjoys that Florida’s climate allows him er, but when we’re all together again, they get along like no time to golf year-round. Sue, meanwhile, enjoys weekly walks with at all has passed.”
The Dolds (from left): Granddaughter Daven, son-in-law Chris, daughter Erika, and grandson Broden
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her neighbor. “We walk three miles three times a week,” she says. “And on Sunday nights, all our neighbors sit out socially distanced in our driveways to socialize with everyone walking by.” They also take part in the community-wide effort to support Winter Garden’s local shops during the pandemic. “We’ve really not been out much, but we’ve been buying from Market to Table when we can,” says Sue. They also frequent the Farmers’ Market and the MoonCricket Grille, which they say has the best reuben you can find. When they’re not out on the water or out on the town, they are where they love to be most: together with family. “We go over to Erika’s once a month for dinner,” says Ed. “I can’t do ABOVE: The Adusses with Bob Hope, longtime spokesman for Texaco. Ed worked with Hope several times during his tenyear tenure as Texaco’s director of advertising. RIGHT: Ed and Sue on their 50th anniversary trip to Greece in 2018
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THE POINTE DECEMBER 2020 EDITION
Pointe. “The last time we had a major storm here, everyone turned out to help,” he says. “It reminded me of how people turned out after snow storms up north.” It’s also their secret to staying young and vibrant—even in their 70s. “Keeping busy. Making friends. Helping others,” says Sue. “It doesn’t have to be anything expensive. We love people, and we love doing things with them and for them.” Whatever the next years of their lives bring, the Adusses will live them together with their everything myself anymore, community, with their family, because I’m 77 years old. But my and with each other. “We’ve had son-in-law Chris is around to give highs and lows. Our life is like evme a hand when I need it.” erybody’s. But we enjoy it,” says Togetherness, the couple says, Sue. “We’re enjoying our lives is the secret to a thriving comwith a large family, and we just munity like we have at Lake Cove try to make things happy.”
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Orlando, FL contact@inperspective.co | Tel: 863.443.4623
THE DISH
Homemade for the Holidays
Decorate your dessert table with favorites from your neighbors’ recipe books.
Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe by Nicole Soulsby
People have strong opinions about their sugar cookies. If you prefer yours soft and gooey, these are the from-scratch sugar cookies for you. (Fair warning, this recipe will puff in the oven, so the details of cookie cutter shapes may be lost.) I N GR E D I E N T S
• 1½ cups powdered sugar • 1 cup softened butter • 1 tsp vanilla bean paste/extract • ½ tsp almond emulsion/extract (do not add extra; it’s potent!) • 1 egg • 2 ½ cups all purpose flour • 1 tsp baking soda • 1 tsp cream of tartar I NSTR U C TI O NS
• Mix sugar, butter, vanilla, and almond emulsion into a cream. • Add egg, then mix in baking soda and tartar. • Flour in portions, mixing in between until fully blended. Cover and let chill in the fridge for at least two hours. • Roll out to between 1/8-inch- and ¼-inch-thick and cut out shapes. • Bake on ungreased cookie sheets at 375ºF until edges are just barely brown. • Let cool before topping with your favorite frosting and decorations!
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THE POINTE DECEMBER 2020 EDITION
White Chocolate RumChata Recipe by Joey and Scott Harkless
The Harkless family makes this cocktail for holiday celebrations with family. This creamy beverage is the perfect flavor enhancer for RumChata. I NG R EDI EN T S
I NST RUC T IO NS
• 6 cups whole milk • 2 cups white chocolate chips • 1 14oz can sweetened condensed milk • 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract • RumChata • Whipped cream and crushed peppermint, garnish
• Combine milk, chips, condensed milk, and vanilla extract in a crockpot on low for 2 hours. Stir every 20 minutes until chips are melted. • Add RumChata if you desire. Garnish with whipped cream and peppermint.
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THE HOME FRONT
Curb Appeal
A look at the Campise house’s fresh coat of paint. The Campise family said goodbye to their bland, all-taupe exterior in favor of a more modern, timeless look. They had a creative solution for choosing their primary house color. “We painted over a dozen swatches on the back of the house,” says David Campise. “It looked like a paintball course back
there.” They eventually settled on Sherwin Williams’s Repose Grey. But the pièce de résistance of the renovation is the refurbished garage doors, which were redone with a Minwax stain to simulate a wood finish. It was also the most contentious of the updates, as it had to be submitted to the HOA for approval. It was worth it,
though—the Campises say those doors are what get the most compliments from passersby.
BEFORE AFTER
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THE POINTE DECEMBER 2020 EDITION
At the holidays, poinsettias are a big deal in our home. I love their tradition and color. —Vickie Parrish December 12 is National Poinsettia Day—the perfect time to pick up a beautiful plant of your own.
Lake Cove Poinsettias
Tips for keeping everyone’s favorite holiday plant long after Christmas. Poinsettias are a perfect way to decorate for the holidays and make great gifts! In the house or patio, keep your poinsettias away from drafts and chilly air. Poinsettias grow best in well-lit areas, but direct sun can dry them out. Water your poinsettia when the surface of the soil is dry to the touch. Place a saucer under the pot, and drain the saucer if water starts to collect in it. Keep the soil from getting soggy. When the holidays are over, consider saving your poinsettia to plant in the landscape. After the last frost, pick a spot where it’ll receive full sun for most of the day. Poinsettias grow best in moist, welldrained soil. You’ll need to pinch back your poinsettia several times during the summer. This helps create a full plant with lots of flower heads. Make sure to keep it away from artificial light sources at night during the fall, as this can delay or completely prevent flowering. Contrary to popular belief, poinsettias are not poisonous, although some people are sensitive to their sap, which contains latex. Wes & Vickie Parrish These LCP residents know their landscaping, with years spent studying the science of horticulture as well as previous ownership of a nursery. Wes frequently travels around Florida to speak to large groups about his passion and knowledge.
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HOLIDAY DECOR
Decked Halls This year, we’re keeping our holidays small— all the more reason to deck out our halls! In the state where sunshine keeps winter at bay, Lake Cove Pointe knows how to have a snow day. Their trees, their kids, their pets, and their homes still ring in the season with hearts all aglow. So check out our neighbors’ most festive decor, and happy holidays, from our families to yours.
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THE POINTE DECEMBER 2020 EDITION
THE WINE CELLAR
Say Goodbye with Bubbles To celebrate the end of 2020, pop open a bottle of—what else?—sparkling wine. Bubbles (generically called sparkling wine) are one of my favorite wine styles to promote a festive spirit. These wines are made with a labor of love to capture all those bubbles during production to yield a crisp and refreshing result. Champagne is the crème de la crème of sparkling wines that comes specifically from the Champagne region in France. If a sparkling wine is produced in France outside the Champagne region you will see the term “crémant” on the label. The Spanish term for sparkling wine is “cava;” in Italy, it’s “spumante.” Prosecco is a specific type of Italian sparkling wine that is softer in characteristic. Most sparkling wines have the fruit characteristics of apples, peach, and citrus zest mixed with a nuttiness or toastiness. The term “brut” informs you the wine will be dry, while “extra brut” will be slightly sweet. I recommend you place a bottle of sparkling wine in the refrigerator for 24 hours before serving as these wines are best enjoyed cold (and the lower temperature makes them safer to open). Sparkling wine can be served in a flute or white wine glass. Any glass of bubbly brings out a smile.
B R I A N ’ S H O L I D AY S E L E C T I O N S
$ Zonin Prosecco Cuvée 1821
$$ Argyle Brut
$$$ Louis Roederer Brut Premier
VENETO, ITALY
WILLAMETTE VALLEY, OREGON
CHAMPAGNE, FRANCE
Brian Koziol Master sommelier Brian has decades of training in the mysteries of wine and the many varietals supported with roles within Walt Disney World Resort as well as various distributors in Florida.
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Committed, Experienced, Trusted • RON IS A PROVEN LEADER supporting Lake Cove Pointe.
v o te m a r ch 9 th !
• RON’S 3-YEAR RECORD of regularly attending city meetings & working with city managers means he gets things done. • RON IS A PART OF THE CITY’S CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE, a former 2-term City Councilman in MO. He will fight for balanced growth. Homes not apartments, and preserving our Family-oriented community FOR QUESTIONS OR TO SUPPORT: ronmueller@me.com Paid for by the Ron Mueller for City Commissioner
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THE POINTE DECEMBER 2020 EDITION
NEW NEIGHBORS
The
Connells
Massachusetts transplants Matt and Erin Connell are not-so-new in town. They grew up just two towns away from each other, but the two didn’t meet until they both moved to Orlando. Now, after eight years back in Boston, the family has returned to Central Florida once more. They knew Lake Cove Pointe was home the second they drove through the gates. They love how friendly everyone has been since day one. Want to welcome the Connells to the neighborhood? Just stop by to share a beer and a hello—and bring your kids for a play date!
FA ST FAC T S
Married for: 6 years Children: Nolan, age 5; Brooks, age 2 Jobs: Matt: Sales at ABC Channel 9; Erin: Engineer at Lockheed Martin Fave meal: Mexican Secret talents/hobbies: Matt plays ice hockey TV Family most like us: The Taylors from Home Improvement What we miss most about Boston: Autumn Fave vacation spot: Cape Cod Next home project: Adding a pool! Looking forward to: A golf cart A cause we care about: NICU Awareness
THE EXCLUSIVE PUBLICATION OF LAKE COVE POINTE
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POINTE OF VIEW
“The children were nestled all snug in their beds while visions of sugar plums danced in their heads” — Clement C. Moore, The Night Before Christmas
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THE POINTE DECEMBER 2020 EDITION
The Vernon family is ready for the holiday, counting days and little toy trains as they meander by. Photograph: Leah Vernon Taken November 2020
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