Garden Variety

Back to Life: Lake Apopka is on its way to being a sportfishing destination as it was 90 years ago.

By the 1970s, lake bed farming and lax environmental protections led Lake Apopka to be named Florida’s most polluted lake—a far fall from its ’30s-era fame, when it was considered one of the best sportfishing destinations in the country. But finally, thanks to environmental legislation and the efforts of organizations like Florida Fish and Wildlife (FFW) and Friends of Lake Apopka, the lake has been steadily returning to its former glory.

“Around 40% of Lake Apopka has catch rates comparable with the rest of the chain,” says Scott Bisping, Fisheries Resource Biologist for the Harris Chain of Lakes with FFW. “Where there’s good habitat again, there are good numbers of sh. It won’t happen overnight, but our hope is to see continuing improvements in sport sh population, and to see people enjoying the lake again.”

Creature Comforts at the Blake

One of the most diffcult things about owning a pet is parting with them—especially if it’s because of a move. Fortunately for area seniors considering assisted living, one brand-new Winter Garden community is completely pet-friendly.

The Blake at Hamlin welcomes nearly all domestic pets, from dogs and cats to birds and fish. The community’s executive director, Angie Layfield, believes in the power of animal-human bonds of all breeds.

“The most challenging pet I’ve had in my 20 years of senior living experience was a 1.5 lb. dog named Mighty Mouse, so pet weight isn’t my concern in most cases,” says Layfield. “My preference is to ‘interview’ pets to make sure they’re a good and safe fit.”

Learn more at blakeliving.com/communities/hamlin

VOCAL LOCALS

This month’s question: What’s your favorite thing to do with your pet?

Edie G.: Our dog area in In the Cove just got re-sodded. We love taking our dog there to throw the frisbee and hang out.

Serena A.: It’s what we’re doing today! Ruby and I love to walk around the Farmers Market, then go into Axum and hang out for a few hours.

Bruna M.: Everything. We do everything together. He even follows me into the bathroom. Isn’t that right, Toby?

Darius N.: We just moved here from LA, and recently found West Orange Dog Park, so we like to come here. There’s a nice dog park in my apartment complex, too.

Sarai R.: I just love to lay curled up on the couch with my two dogs, Leon and Henry, and watch “Nightmare Next Door.”

Think Pink and Ride!

For more than a decade, Dennis Jones, owner of Wheel Works, has hosted the Think Pink Cancer Ride to support breast cancer research. Proceeds go toward research at Moffitt Cancer Center and are made in honor of Dennis’s mother, Jeanette, who passed away from breast cancer. Registration is open for the 11th annual event on October 9, but space is limited to the first 500 registrants. If you don’t make it, or don’t ride, come cheer them on!

Learn more or register at in.thelocal.com/think-pink

Doggone Cool Finds

During your next Farmers Market trip, make time for a visit to Boss Dog Studios just a mile up the road. Run by local prop artists Tim and Joyce Fake, who have been part of many creative experiences in theme parks and theaters throughout central Florida, Boss Dog’s wares are one-of-a-kind trinkets, vintage items, furniture, and upcycled props from past projects.

So, why sell their spare treasures? Walk to the back of the store and you’ll find Fort Barachel, an indoor skate park and recreation area. Proceeds from each purchase go toward this nonprofit initiative, designed to give Winter Garden youth—including their own son, Colt—a safe space to ride, climb, belong, and grow.

The unique shop is open Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and by appointment. (Boss Dog, by the way, is named after the Fakes’ dog, Boss. He’s the one on the sign.)

Instagram: @thebossdogstudios Facebook: @thebossdogstudio

Market Watch

Winter Park Honey: Treat allergies, support bees, and enjoy some tasty honey all in one trip.

Once upon a time, Jean Vasieck was helping a friend remove a beehive—that is, an 11-foot-tall beehive with combs weaving through drywall and cement. This mass of 40 thousand bees was what kickstarted her passion for the little creatures and their amazing golden honey.

After studying with her brother in Albuquerque, New Mexico, she started bee charming as a hobby. In the early 2000s, Vasieck began producing small-batch honey, sieved through cheesecloth and with no chemicals added. Today, Winter Park Honey is sold all over the country.

They were at the very first WG Farmers Market (and were even the first on site) and have been coming ever since. They have two patented formulas, The Local and The Allergy, and are the only local honey company legally allowed to infuse wind-blown pollen to fight allergens.

No allergies? Good thing honey also has healing properties. Vasieck’s mom, a young woman in her early 100s, had facial surgery to remove cancer and after topical application of buckwheat honey, there is no scar! Even SeaWorld uses Winter Park Honeycomb as an antibacterial and a sealant to pack into underwater animal wounds.

LOCAL HISTORY

Celebrate Our Heritage

Winter Garden was first incorporated 113 years ago. The City and the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation will host a celebration of the community’s historic roots on November 6. The Winter Garden Heritage and Music Festival will host exhibits and presentations of Winter Garden’s heritage, as well as live music on five stages. Take a trip back in time and learn about a community that came together to be known as Winter Garden. Visit downtownwg.com to learn more.

Reviews

Watch

If you’re looking for a show with a lot of laughs and a lot of heart, I recommend trying Special (Neflix, 2019–2021, TVMA). It’s about a young gay man coming into his own while overcoming physical limitations. It is a comedy, but it has so much at its core, and really teaches some great lessons.

The only thing I disliked about Special is that it’s short. There are only two seasons, and each of its episodes are only about 15-20 minutes long.

Kyle L. is a local connoisseur of comedy and CrossFit enthusiast. Kyle’s favorite movie quote is: “It was a drive-by fruiting” (“Mrs. Doubtfire”), and his favorite binge-watching snack is “gummy bears for sure!”

Read

“Educated: A Memoir” is about the author, Tara Westover, who was born into an extreme survivalist family in rural Idaho where “keeping off the radar” was most important, and education and medical treatment were not. She was brave enough to rise above it all and set out on a journey to discover who she is and get the education she craved.

It’s difficult to read at times, but it is a fascinating and inspiring story full of strength, grit, and perseverance. Tara is proof that you don’t have to be trapped in your own circumstances.

I borrowed “Educated” from the West Orange Public Library. It’s waiting on the shelf for the next reader to find!

Laura C. is a local realtor and avid bookworm, reading 25 to 35 books per year. Laura loves to pair her books with a cup of co ee in the morning and a local craft beer in the evenings—and always on a screened-in porch.

Listen

“This is how the news should sound. Twenty minutes a day, five days a week.” That’s the description on the website for “The Daily,” a once-per-day news podcast run by the New York Times.

It’s news how it used to be, with in-depth coverage on the day’s important topics, hosted by Michael Barbaro. No hysteria, no opinions, just calm discussion. It’s one of the only news outlets I can describe as “chill.”

Briand L. is a retired local with a passion for reading and music, being a guitar player himself. He loves spending his days with his wife, Cher, and his two puppies, Sadie and River

CHARITABLE SPOTLIGHT

With an upsweep of surrenders as people return to work, Polka Dogz Pet Rescue is home to many animals looking for a home. Polka Dogz is a no-kill shelter specializing in finding forever homes for senior, special needs, and shy pups. Photos can be found on their website and on social media. If you’re a sucker for a sweet face, you’ll definitely want to check them out.

Monetary donations help cover medical expenses, and they are always looking for volunteers. Polka Dogz also currently has 45 people who help foster their dogs.

Get Involved: polkadogz.org / @polkadogz / @polkadogzpetrescue

Yappy Hour

Throw back hooch alongside your pooch during this month’s Yappy Hour at Pammy’s Sammies. This free event was first organized by Savanna Westwood, aka The Savvy Sitter, as a way to bring the West Orange Pet Service Network together to, well, network. “It was originally meant just for the network, but eventually Pam opened it to all Pawrents,” says Westwood. “All pets are welcome to come and hang out, but it has gone to the dogs.”

Event returns in October. Tune into the Pammy’s Sammies Facebook page to see the next date!