Thank Gifting You Notes Thanks Gratitude throughout the community
Five local ideas to show appreciation
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The Sweet Life See what Diandra, our local cupcake queen is baking up next 20
Tis the
season 2021
h o l i d ay h a p p e n i n g s in downtown winter garden
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november 27 ★ ★
december 3
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december 4
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december 5
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december 11 ★ ★ ★
december 12
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december 17 ★ ★ ★
december 18
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december 10
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december 9
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december 22
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december 23 ★ ★
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december 26
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december 29
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december 30
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event details and reservation links at www.cwgdn.com and www.downtownwg.com
There are circles of family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. Our community is built on these circles. Whether you contribute, read, comment, like, share, or advertise, we thank you for letting us be part of your circle. —Your friends at The Local
C⚫ ntents FEATURES
The Sweet Life
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Winter Garden sweetheart Diandra Culver decorates life with cupcakes, color, and community love. R H E YA TAN N ER
Gifting Thanks
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Five locally sourced tokens of appreciation, handpicked by our editor. N I COLE SO U L SBY
Thank You Notes
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Expressions of gratitude from our community.
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Orlando Health Horizon West Hospital is home to your community's most trusted team of experts. From 24/7 emergency care, lifesaving cardiac treatment or expert surgical options, Orlando Health Horizon West offers an array of specialties closer to home. We are proud to bring you care you can trust, the kind that’s been there like a friend, year after year. ChooseOrlandoHealth.com/HorizonWest CARE PROVIDED: • Advanced Gynecological Care • Bariatric Surgery • Cardiology Care • Digestive Health/Gastroenterology • Emergency Services • NeuroSpine • Orthopedic and Sports Medicine • Robotic Surgery
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C⚫ ntents DEPARTMENTS
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The Lo’ Down
The Editor explores the joy of the little things.
12 Garden Variety
NEWS, NOTABLES, AND NEIGHBORS IN THE KNOW
12 Why We Celebrate Local Heritage 13 Historic Homecoming 14 Market Watch: Donevette’s Cookies 15 Charitable Spotlight: American Legion Post 63
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18 Tails to Tell
Maverick the Miracle Dog is grateful to be given a second chance at life.
47 The Homefront
Home Renovation Series Part 1: The home, the goals, and the design plan.
50 Oh, Well!
WI N TE R G AR DE N
HEALTH, NUTRITION, AND FITNESS FROM AREA EXPERTS
Five goal-setting tips; Avoid holiday drama; Eating in moderation
52 Eats + Drinks
52 Pasta experiences at Cariera’s Fresh Italian 54 A Hot Buttered Rum recipe to keep you warm
56 Near + Afar
Sommelier Tarin Scarbrough takes a day trip to Lakeridge Winery.
58 Rhetoric
MUSINGS ON LIFE AS A LOCAL
Leaning into the Winter Garden vibe
ON THE COVER
Diandra Culver lives a baker’s dream downtown— with a little (or a lot) of gratitude sprinkled in. F R E D LO PE Z J O SH CL AR K
Life Insurance? Call Your BFF. (Bryan Fifer First)
Bryan Fifer, Agent For the family you’d do anything to protect, State Farm provides simple, affordable ways to secure their future. To find out how, ask your local “bestie.” 16106 Marsh Road, Suite 104, Winter Garden 407-614-2622 • bryanfifer.com State Farm Fire and Casualty Company, State Farm General Insurance Company, Bloomington, IL State Farm Florida Insurance Company, Winter Haven, FL State Farm Lloyds, Richardson, TX 1706446
I
The Lo’Down
It was a Saturday
evening in December, the end of a long week. My kids were both little and, for once, we were event-free—no events, no parties, nothing. The boys had just taken baths and were curled up with me in my room to watch some random animated movie. The dog was balled up at the foot of the bed. My husband joined in, squishing our two little monsters in between us, causing adjustments and then giggles. Once we had settled, I heard a happy sigh from my youngest, and I felt this “pause”—like in the movies, when one character is moving while everything else is frozen. I realized just then how bubbly I felt in that simple moment. This was at a time in my life when I was completely focused on “my ultimate fiveyear plan.” The end goals were surely the pinnacle of happiness and success, and I was in the zone! Health, family, career, finances, travel; you name it, I had it in there, all working like a myriad of clockwork gears. So many moving pieces. So many parts. So overwhelming. While there is nothing wrong with challenging yourself and pushing each day to reach your goals, when that becomes all that matters, life is bland. It didn’t take long for me to realize that the little bubbles of joy along the way are worth just as much. Everything I ever wanted was right there that night, on that one mattress. Over time and with the wisdom of age (insert laughter), I have tried to capture more of these blips of joy. I’ve tried gratitude journaling and amateur photography, but one started to feel like homework, and the other, while I love it, made it too easy to hide behind the lens instead of being in the moment. Instead, I find gratitude and joy in the “pause.” It is in those rare seconds when I take a quick inventory of people, place, and activity, that I find my deepest appreciation for the bigs and littles of my life. No one said it better than Brené Brown: “I don’t have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness—it’s right in front of me, if I’m paying attention.” Happy Reading,
Nicole Soulsby, Editor
Something to add? Send your ideas and images to thelocalwg@emagency.com
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Editor’s Endorsement: Apples As an upstate NY girl, I felt it was my duty to try them all. My favorite changes with my moods, but I’m a Fuji Apple fan all the way.
WI N TE R G AR DE N
“I’m so grateful to serve this community’s vision needs and offer a selection of frames to complement every face.” —Dr. Kim Dawson, Owner
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THE ADVISORY BOARD
WINTER GARDEN
The purpose of the board is to guide our efforts to make The Local as reflective of our area as possible. Its members are leaders who have roots, connections, expertise, and interest in our community and have volunteered their considerable time and talent. .
Elisa SpencerKaplan Managing
Director of the historic Garden Theatre. After more than 15 years leading professional theaters in NYC and around the country, she relocated to Winter Garden last year and loves exploring this special community with her husband, Broadway composer Russ Kaplan, and 8-year-old daughter Emilia.
Dr. Kim Dawson
Healthcare entrepreneur and owner of Pearle Vision in Ocoee. Kim has been passionate about health and wellness for over 20 years. She received her doctorate in Health Science at MUSC in South Carolina. Kim has lived in Winter Garden for 10 years and is inspired daily by her two children, Symone and Desiree. In her free time, Kim likes to cook, travel, and read novels.
Ralph Disciullo
Branch Manager with American Financial Network, one of the largest residential mortgage lenders in the US. Prior to the mortgage industry Ralph played a key role in the startup of several businesses. Originally from Emerson, NJ, Ralph attended USF in Tampa and now resides in Winter Garden with his wife of 16 years, Sandi, and their two daughters Daniella and Avery.
Becca Lanterman
Owner of Winter Garden Senior Home Care. Becca is a second-generation Winter Garden resident, and her local roots run deep. She is the true embodiment of joy, and has never met a stranger. Becca loves living the “bubble life,” where her golf cart is her primary mode of transportation. She has dedicated her life to tending to the special needs of our local senior adults.
November 2021 Vol. 1 No. 3 Jamie Ezra Mark Publisher Nicole Soulsby Editor Rheya Tanner Art Director Josh Clark Designer Wendy Mak Designer Mark McWaters Writer Tarin Scarbrough Writer Fred Lopez Chief Photographer Caleb Jensen Web Garrett Reardon Digital CONTRIBUTORS
Tanja Gerhartz, Jeanenne Hilliard, Tracy Kristoff, Jessica Porritt, Marilou Stones ADVERTISING
Jamie Mark, Publisher jamie@emagency.com Find us online @thelocalwg
Tracey Forrester
Realtor with Xcellence Realty, Inc. and Independent Associate with LegalShield. She has been in the Horizon West area since 2007. She is cofounder of Horizon West Professionals and a founding member of the Rotary Club of Horizon West Chapter. Tracey believes in building lasting relationships and being an integral part of the community. She now lives, works, and plays in Horizon West with her beautiful teenage girls, Averie and Bryce.
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Bryan Fifer
Local agent with State Farm Insurance. Bryan is a Central Florida native, Founding President of the Rotary Club of Horizon West, Horizon West Who’s Who Award Winner, and Team Captain for All-Pro Dad. He is married to his beautiful wife Angie and they have two wonderful children. Bryan is highly invested in making Horizon West the best place to work, live, and play.
WI N TE R G AR DE N
Angie Layfield NHA/CDAL
Executive Director at The Blake at Hamlin, a senior living and memory care community in Hamlin Town Center. Angie has been in the senior housing industry for over 20 years and brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and insight to our Horizon West seniors and their families. Though originally from Maryland, she has called Horizon West home since 2016. Angie and her family reside in Village F’s Watermark.
Tamara Zotti
Tamara is a Charleston, SC, native who has lived here for eight years. After seven years as a teacher assistant at Windermere Preparatory School, she now enjoys local life with her husband of 17 years, Frank, and her two children, Nicholas and Samantha. Tamara believes in the value of community involvement and always tries to give back however she can.
Pam Thomas Owner of Pammie’s Sammies, a “thoughtfully sourced, tastefully adventurous” restaurant in the heart of downtown. She is a passionate foodie with a degree in Wine, Spirits, and Beverage Management at the International Culinary School in Tampa. Pam is a staple of the Central Florida community, having operated in Universal Orlando, Dr. Phillips, and now Winter Garden.
Find us IRL Winter Garden Heritage Museum West Orange Public Library Main House Market Axum Coffee Writer’s Block Bookstore The French Cafe Pammie’s Sammies Contact us to request a rack. A PU BLICATION OF
407-573-6061 • emagency.com @EMagencyinc PRO U D M EM BER S OF
The Local Volume 1 Issue 3 ©2021 Em Agency. All rights reserved. Published monthly. 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. Reader submissions have been edited for length or clarity. Advertising of products does not imply endorsement. Em Agency can not be held liable for the business practices of these companies.
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NEWS, NOTES + NEIGHBORS WHO KNOW
Celebrate Heritage Celebrate our Winter Garden roots with old-fashioned fun.
C
ity leaders came together and founded Winter Garden 118 years ago. Imagine if they had not—how different things might be today. We are grateful for our founders and their vision. A.B. Newton was Winter Garden’s first mayor, but he was also much more than that. He published the town’s first newspaper, served as its first postmaster, and operated a general store. We are thankful that our first mayor cared so much about Winter Garden and had the vision to plant those first seeds that grew into our city.
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Good leadership and a strong vision are important. We appreciate the leaders we have today and their commitment to our city. Winter Garden will come together as a community to celebrate these roots on Saturday, November 6, with good old-fashioned field games, fall festivities, and a variety of heritage activities, with live music in the afternoon. Winter Garden’s history is preserved by the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation. Founded in 1994, the foundation has been an integral part
of the preservation and revitalization of our community and a gatekeeper of our history. It is fitting that they are partnering with the City of Winter Garden on this celebration. November is a month to be grateful for our nation, our family, our friends, and our city. Our city is certainly grateful for you, the citizens who make up our past, present, and future. Tanja Gerhartz is the Economic
Development Director for the City of Winter Garden. In her free time, she loves gardening in her yard and walking the town with her two goldendoodles.
VOCAL LOCALS
THIS MONTH’S QUESTION
What’s the best way anyone has ever shown you gratitude?
Gina K.
Melvin A.
Steven R.
Jean S.
Fernando F.
Someone in my neighborhood gave potted plants out to various homes as a way to spread happiness. It was nice to have some smiles!
My daughter runs up and gives me a hug whenever I do something for her.
They gave me their time. They were happy just spending time with me.
The best way was sending a little, handwritten note in the mail. It was such a lovely surprise and made me so happy.
The best way was just that they were there for me. They are there for me all the time.
LOCAL HISTORY
Local History Photo Courtesy Winter Garden Heritage Museum
High School Heritage Pictured: The Lakeview High School Homecoming Queen of 1955, Patricia Seagraves Initially considered far out of town, Lakeview High School was built in 1927. The graduating class of 1955 was 73 students strong, and its Senior Motto was, “A live wire never gets stepped on.” Today, our graduating classes are typically over 500 students each year—which necessitated the building of a larger school, West Orange High School, in 1975. As for Lakeview High, the building now functions as Lakeview Middle School. Go Devils!
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Garden Variety
IT FIGURES
Thanksgiving facts to feast your eyes on
224 MILLION The number of turkeys produced in the United States in 2020. SOURCE: statista.com
10%
The proportion of people who say “thank you” to their colleagues on any given day. The workplace is where gratitude is expressed the least.
MARKET WATCH
SOURCE: positivepsychopedia.com
Donevette’s Confection Perfection
1939 The year Thanksgiving was given an official date nationwide. Before that, different states celebrated on different days.
SOURCE: townandcountrymag.com
95
The number of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parades there have been, including this year’s. SOURCE: macys.com
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The Local
“You should sell this!” What started as a running joke in the Williams household is now a Farmers Market staple. Donevette’s Confections was founded in 2018 by Tee and Elaana Williams, a mother-daughter team who wanted to bring Tee’s from-scratch baked goods to the community. The name is a tribute to three family members: Donald, Elaana’s grandfather; Lynette, her grandmother; and Eva, her great-grandmother. Mix them all together and bake for an hour, and voila! One sweet Don-ev-ette. Today, Donevette’s offers more than 30 cookie varieties. Some classic flavors, like chocolate chip, are always on the menu, while others are seasonal. When asked her favorite, Elaana happily recommended “The COW,” which stands for chocolate chip, oat, and walnut. Even if cookies aren’t your confection of choice, Donevette’s is still one sweet stop! Try the Oreo cheesecake brownies, bread pudding, or cake-sicles, the latter of which is already a market favorite. Donevette’s is also popular with local police officers and fire fighters. They often stop by the booth just to say hello, something Elaana says they love—a sure sign that their sweets are baked into the community.
WI N TE R G AR DE N
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Garden Variety
REVIEW
Listen
Read
True crime is my favorite genre, and every Monday, I love to check out the latest episode of Crime Junkie (2017–Present, available on all streaming platforms). Hosts Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat tell the stories of past murders, serial killers, and missing persons. The stories take place all over the U.S. and cover only factual evidence found through their research. Some of the stories are hard to listen to, and some crime scene details and released 911 calls are not for the faint of heart. But connections and efforts of some listeners have even helped solve some real-world cases!
The Witcher Saga by Andrzej Sapkowski is a high fantasy series about the intertwining fates of Geralt, who is a Witcher, and Ciri, the young girl he is destined to protect. I love it for its deep worldbuilding, welldeveloped characters, and brilliant story. I read the series on eBook. I love fantasy books (my favorite author is J.R.R. Tolkien), and I really loved this six-book series. If you love fantasy, you will love it, too. Jenna B.
A lover of baking, theme parks, traveling, and, of course, high fantasy. Her favorite time to read is in the evening, right before bed.
Desiree H.
A teacher in our community and a super-mom of two frisky boys. She and her husband can often be found volunteering and doing good for multiple organizations in Winter Garden.
CHARITABLE SPOTLIGHT
American Legion Post 63 One of the common exercises for those preparing for military service is “rucking.” These long marches with loaded backpacks (typically 50 pounds or more) train military members for fast moves with essential gear, including food, water, tools, and clothing. In 2016, Commander Kurt Gies founded the first Challenge 22 event to raise awareness and money for local veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress. The number 22 represents the estimated number of military members who commit suicide each day. The first activity of this year’s Challenge 22 event is a 2.2-mile Ruck Walk. Veterans and active military are welcome to walk with their own ruck sacks, and civilians are invited to walk alongside them, or to purchase their own ruck sack on site for a more authentic rucking experience. Learn more about the event, participation, and volunteer opportunities online at in.thelocalwg.com/challenge-22.
Get Involved!
5th Annual Challenge 22 Event: Saturday, November 13, 10am–3pm / legionflpost63.org
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YOUR BEST RESOURCES TO SEE WHAT’S HAPPENING ON
The Local Scene THE LATEST CITY NEWS, EVENTS, AND MORE, STRAIGHT FROM THE SOURCE Follow the City of Winter Garden’s official social media and subscribe to the Downtown WG blog for bimonthly articles on local businesses and initiatives. downtownwg.com
@officialdowntownwintergarden
FROM EVENTS TO DEALS, THE WINTER GARDEN APP IS YOUR COMMUNITY GUIDE
THE BEST PLACE TO CONNECT WITH NEIGHBORS, EVENTS, AND BUSINESSES IN HORIZON WEST
Check out the Portals and Secret Garden for augmented reality experiences.
horizonwesthappenings.com Join the Horizon West Happenings Facebook Community Group here
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Tails to Tell The Wheel Deal with Maverick Jack Russell / Rat Terrier mix age 6 When I was 1 year old, I was hit by a car. It severed my spine and paralyzed me from the waist down. The doctors said I would never recover. But my mom, Heidi of Polka Dogz Pet Rescue, wanted to give me a second chance. Now I’m the mascot of Polka Dogz, and I get to help other disabled dogs find their own forever homes. I may not walk the way most dogs do, but I certainly know how to roll with whatever comes my way. You may spot me at the Farmers Market or in my mom’s store where I like to visit. I’m grateful I get to live this joyful life full of adventure and show people that life isn’t about what we can’t do, but what we can do. And I can do anything. Does your pet have a tail to tell? Go to in.thelocalwg.com/tell-tails
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Your Winter Garden Real Estate Advisor Russu Realty & Associates
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RUMBA / WALTZ / SWING / FOXTROT / CHA-CHA / TANGO NO PARTNER OR EXPERIENCE NEEDED
The Sweet Life of Diandra Winter Garden’s sweetheart, Diandra Culver, decorates life with cupcakes, color, and community— with a whole lot of gratitude baked in. R H E YA TAN N E R
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F R E D LO PE Z
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S
ugar, color, and glitter— so much edible glitter, of every shape and shade you can think of—are what make up the spirit of lifelong baker Diandra Culver. She is an unabashed lover of all things sweet; and for Culver, nothing is sweeter than a cupcake. “Cupcakes are simple, but can be taken in so many directions. They’re just something small and fun that you can take with you wherever you go.” Culver first fell in love with baking when she was a child, though her motivations were more straightforward. “I loved sugar!” she says. “My mom called me a ‘Carbo Queen’ because anything with carbs and sugar was my thing.” There was also the messy, hands-on aspect of baking that children are naturally drawn to. “Most of the time, kids want to use their own creativity, and make their cupcake exactly how they want it.” It was only a matter of time before Culver would combine her love of kids and creativity with her love of cupcakes—a marvelously messy concoction that came to be known as Sweet Dee’s Cupcakery.
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People of all ages pay her a visit to satisfy their sweet tooth, but Culver’s first and favorite focus is on the children. “I’ve always had a passion for kids,” she says. “That’s why I added the cupcake bar to the bakery. I wanted to have that special connection with kids.” The bar is lined with sweets of all stripes, from chocolate chips to gummy worms, where children can design their own dessert. “I have kiddos who get the exact same thing every time, but just love to make the cupcake. I think it’s just the cutest thing.” Culver and her husband have been trying to have a child of their own for over a year. “There were compli-
WI N TE R G AR DE N
cations,” says Culver. “They were trying to figure out what was wrong, and we ended up finding out I had PCOS.” PCOS, or polycystic ovarian syndrome, is a hormonal disorder that affects the ovaries, causing a variety of symptoms, including fertility issues. A teenaged Diandra holding up the first cake she ever made.
But Culver has only ever faced the messes of life, business, and baking with a smile. For her, it’s all just part of the process. “There are so many little things that stick out to me as a sign,” she says. “My lucky number is 21—it’s the day I was born, and it’s the building number for the shop. A lot had to line up for it all to work, and it somehow did.” Even as the world around it changes, baking is one of those rare things that remains ever the same: measure, mix, heat, repeat. It is that legacy that Culver has infused with her own flavor and shared as a cupcakey connection to the community.
Starting From Scratch Culver’s love for the practice of baking (as opposed to the eating) started with encouragement from her next-door neighbor. “She had a dream kitchen—double ovens, a closet full of every Wilton product under the sun. Anything I wanted to experiment with, she let me. She taught me all the techniques she knew. I was with her any chance I got.” Culver was a sporty, athletic kid, spending her childhood either figure skating at the ice rink, or at the ballpark. “My dad owned a baseball school in Central Florida for a long time, so
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“I“Ihave have andandthethewhims whims of of thethe staff staff . . “I give “I give thethe girls girls a lot a lot of of kiddos kiddos creative creative freedom. freedom. WeWe love love to to check check allall thethe random random who whoget getholidays, holidays, like, like, ‘It’s‘It’s Harry Harry Potter’s Potter’s birthday!’ birthday!’ and and the theexact exactfigure figure out out how how to to make make a a butterbeer butterbeer cupcake,” cupcake,” she she same samething thingsays. says. From From there, there, everyone everyone samples samples tester tester recipes recipes and and every everytime, time,gives gives a yay a yay oror a nay. a nay. more than than her her own own but butjust just ButButmore creativity, creativity, she she loves loves kids’ kids’ love loveto to creativity, creativity, and and nurtures nurtures it it through both both thethe cupcake cupcake make makethe the through barbar and and “Birthday “Birthday Bakes”— Bakes”— event event inspired inspired byby her her cupcake. cupcake.II antimeantime at at thethe Polynesian. Polynesian. “In“In the drop-off drop-off centers, centers, wewe think thinkit’s it’s the would would dodo a cupcake a cupcake class. class. We brought brought in in a goofy a goofy just justthe the We French French chef chef character character who who put recipes recipes in in a magic a magic oven. oven. cutest cutestput I took I took that that idea idea and and turned turned thing.” thing.”it into it into a class a class where where kids kids
had had a whole a whole circle circle of of I basically I basically grew grew upup in in hishis wewe friends inin common. common. The The batting batting cages,” cages,” she she says. says. friends rest is history.” is history.” Still, Still, baking baking persisted persisted asas a a rest The two two stayed stayed inin MisMishobby. hobby. “My “My best best friend friend and and I I The sissippi forfor five five years, years, but but were were obsessed obsessed with with Cupcake Cupcake sissippi Diandra’s heart heart was was setset Wars Wars and and wewe would would dodo our our Diandra’s returning returning to to Florida. Florida. own own cupcake cupcake competitions. competitions. onon “I knew I wanted I wanted to to bebe WeWe brought brought our our cupcakes cupcakes to to “I knew here. It was It was just just a matter a matter thethe iceice rink rink and and letlet thethe girls girls here. of of Dustin, Dustin, who who grew grew upup decide decide thethe winner.” winner.” inin Mississippi, Mississippi, and and allall hishis InIn college, college, baking baking family is there.” is there.” was was sidelined sidelined inin favor favor of of family What ultimately ultimately brought brought moving moving to to Mississippi Mississippi forfor a a What her back back was was a job a job at at degree degree inin park park and and recrerecre- her Disney. “I had “I had to to dodo anan ation ation management. management. She She Disney. internship to to complete complete mymy taught taught girls’ girls’ figure figure skating skating internship degree, degree, and and thethe internship internship there there asas well, well, where where out out turned into into seven seven years,” years,” of of thethe blue, blue, baking baking found found turned she she says. says. “I was “I was a recrea recreher her once once again. again. “One “One of of ation coordinator coordinator forfor thethe mymy girls’ girls’ moms moms owned owned a a ation water parks parks and and then then forfor bakery, bakery, and and I started I started workwork- water Polynesian.” Polynesian.” inging forfor her her part-time,” part-time,” she she thethe But But Culver Culver feltfelt dissatisdissatissays. says. “They “They were were actually actually fied and and started started planning planning one one of of thethe sponsors sponsors forfor thethe fied her next next career career move. move. “I “I hockey hockey league; league; we’d we’d pick pick a a her didn’t feel feel like like I was I was growgrowrandom random seat seat inin thethe arena arena didn’t ing, and and decided decided I wanted I wanted to to win win cupcakes cupcakes courtesy courtesy ing, dodo something something forfor me.” me.” of of her her bakery. bakery. And And I didn’t I didn’t to to And And there there baking baking was was even even know know her her yet!” yet!” again, again, waiting waiting forfor her her like like Culver Culver says says that that was was oldold friend. friend. where where her her connection connection to to anan cupcakes cupcakes was was cultivatcultivatMixing MixingIt ItUp Up ed.ed. “She “She gave gave meme a lot a lot of of Addison, Addison, now now thethe unoff unoff icial icial mascot of of thethe cupcakery, cupcakery, Easily Easily thethe best best part part of of bakbak- mascot flexibility, flexibility, asas long long asas thethe enjoying herher first-ever first-ever ing, according according to to Culver, Culver, enjoying work work gotgot done. done. I baked I baked forfor ing, cupcake cupcake from from Sweet Sweet Dee’s Dee’s is the artistry. artistry. “I’m “I’m not not anan friends’ friends’ birthdays birthdays and and other other is the artistic person person whatsoever,” whatsoever,” occasions, occasions, and and used used those those artistic she says. says. “I can’t “I can’t draw draw a pica picto to trytry new new things things and and share share she ture ture of of a cake. a cake. But But putting putting mymy love love forfor baking.” baking.” idea idea onto onto a cake a cake is totally is totally InIn her her junior junior year, year, she she anan diff erent. erent. NoNo two two cakes cakes met met Dustin, Dustin, a civil a civil engiengi- diff areare ever ever thethe same. same. You You can can neering neering major major and and thethe always dodo something something new.” new.” love love of of her her life. life. “He “He was was a a always This, evidenced evidenced byby thethe local, local, soso hehe never never stayed stayed onon This, Cupcakery’s 1515 flavors, flavors, two two campus. campus. And And when when wewe first firstCupcakery’s which which change change weekly weekly started started talking, talking, wewe realized realized of of
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depending depending onon thethe season season
could could actually actually learn learn stuff stuff .” .” AsAs forfor Culver’s Culver’s own own birthbirthday day dessert dessert of of choice, choice, she’s she’s not not one one to to bake bake her her cake cake and and eateat it,it, too. too. “I’m “I’m a borna bornand-raised and-raised Florida Florida girl: girl: I I want want mymy Publix Publix cake!” cake!” she she says. says. “The “The way way people people areare about about mymy icing, icing, that’s that’s how how I am I am about about Publix Publix icing. icing. I I dodo give give them them some some ideas ideas and and challenge challenge them them to to use use their their creativity creativity asas well.” well.”
Finding Findingthe the Sweet SweetSpot Spot When When Culver Culver was was first first contemplating contemplating owning owning a bakery, a bakery, she she credits credits her her husband husband with with giving giving her her
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the confidence to move forward. “He’s the most supportive thing ever. He literally sat me down and was like, ‘Whatever you want to do, you can do it.’” Culver describes their relationship as cohesive and full of adventure. “We love to travel and make use of life. Especially when you own a business, you have to have that balance of work and play. If not, the business will eat you alive. So, we spend time together whenever we get the chance.” The couple’s most recent trip was through Paris, Rome, and Venice. “We got to take macaron classes in Paris, which was a fun experience—mainly for me to watch him, since he’s not as much of a baker as I am!” Their home base is Winter Garden, though it wasn’t always. “I grew up in Lakeland, but I’d honestly never heard of Winter Garden,” says Culver, recalling the first time she ever came to Winter Garden Village. “So I’m driving through and I’m like, ‘what is this place, and why have I never heard of it?’ And that was before I even discovered downtown.” Before long, it was home sweet home. “It’s so unique. I always tell people it’s like stepping back into the ’50s. It’s not like anything else in Central Florida.”
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“Especially here.’ And I gave Addison first cupcake ever.” when you herAddison is now growing the cupcakown a upery.alongside “Every time she comes we do up different cupbusiness, in, cakes to match her outfits.” was the proud baker you have Culver of her first, and now her to have second, birthday cake. that Community and Cupcakes balance “The people who come after week to try of work indiffweek erent flavors or just to say a big part of why and play…. hi—they’re I do what I do,” says Culver. so much hate in the So, we “There’s world. But the Winter Garcommunity feels like spend time den your next-door neighbor.” the pandemic, together sheDuring was forced to run whenever the store without staff to stay afloat. But as Covid we get the wreaked havoc on small around the chance. businesses country, Winter Garden-
Eight years later, that love for Winter Garden was both her strongest motivator and her biggest hangup in pursuing the bakery. “I knew if I was going to open a bakery, this was where I wanted to do it. But we all know how hard it is to get into downtown Winter Garden,” she says. Until one fateful drive through town, when they found their sweet spot. “We saw a For Rent sign in a window, and I was like, ‘Dustin, stop the car!’” Culver says. “We called the landlord immediately.” In that single day, five other people had already called to express an interest. But the Culvers were the first ones in. “I didn’t even see the space. Dustin FaceTimed me at work to show me. I wasn’t sold on it, but his civil engineering mind already saw the potential.” Sweet Dee’s Cupcakery opened soon after with four employees. Two years later, Culver has six staff members and a wonderful Dustin and Diandra when they first started dating. relationship with the kids and parents who love to stop in. “I’ve seen a lot of kiddos grow up,” she says. One such kiddo is Addison, a young girl whom Culver met when she was just a baby. “I met her family at Halloween fest the week before I opened. We were giving out cupcakes
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just to say, ‘hey, we’re
ers stepped up in support, buying gift cards to keep the five-month-old Cupcakery afloat. “People who didn’t even know my story cared enough to keep me here,” Culver says. “There were nights I would go home and just cry because I couldn’t believe we were still here.” The city was a major supporter as well, in offering help and creating curbside parking when restaurants could only do takeout.
I’m so grateful to this community. None of this would have happened without them.
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“When outdoor dining came back, they shut down half of Plant to put in tables. I feel like, if it were anywhere else? That would not have happened.” Choosing to open in Winter Garden, while it wasn’t easy, turned out to be the best possible move. “I’m so grateful to this community. None of this would have happened without them.”
One in the Oven Culver is grateful for so much: her husband,
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her staff, and her community. On top of that, though, she is grateful for the next chapter in her life. With the publishing of this issue, Diandra and Dustin officially announce the arrival of the newest Culver. Diandra is pregnant! The couple found out just before their trip to Europe. Her PCOS diagnosis was, fortunately, what gave her access to the treatments she needed. “It happened rather quickly
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The Culvers officially announce Diandra is pregnant!
after that!” Their official due date is April 18, 2022. Despite all the messes that stood in her way, Culver remains as vibrant and optimistic as she’s always been. “It’s a blessing,” she says. “I take all these things as learning experiences. They’re not fun while you’re in them, but then you look back on it and you’re just like, ‘that really did have to happen.’ Everything happens for a reason.” Some things never change.
WHEN YOU ARE HOME. WE ARE CARE.
“I’m just so grateful that I can help those who need assistance feel more independent and respected, and that I can play a role in our community’s quality of life.” —Rebecca Lanterman, Owner
PERSONALIZED CARE PLANS We discuss care needs and expectations to determine a schedule that fits your lifestyle.
24/7 ACCESS
OFFERING
• Meal Preparation Our clients and • Special Diets their caregivers can • Light Housekeeping & Laundry quickly reach a live • Daily Activity Assistance person with any (showering, assisting with toileting, urgent care need. grooming, dressing, etc.)
407-347-2050 WINTERGARDENHOMECARE.COM LICENSE # 299993390
Gifting Thanks
Five locally sourced gift ideas to say thank you.
Hippie Heart Candle Main House Market
These darling little candles come in amazing flavors like Bobbing for Apples, Bourbon Cream, and a special one that smells like Winter Garden! $12
Salsa & Queso Tres Amigos
If you show up with some fresh, flavorful homemade salsa and/ or queso, you’re going to be popular at any party. (Cheat a little and buy some instead.) 1 for $7, 2 for $13
Sassy Sticky Notes
Writer’s Block Bookstore
Wanna give a little giggle? The smart aleck in your life will love a little humor sprinkled onto their to-do list.
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N I CO LE S O U L SBY
F R E D LO PE Z
Mini
Driftw “K-Cup ood M arket ” Do
Cup
they they d love coffee? o. O little b And if they o f course it , this n ly like little-b will be it a itty co just rig ffee cu ht! $1 p 0
Orchids
Trish’s Orchids
Elegant, delicate, and beautiful, an orchid is always a lovely gift, and a perfect centerpiece. $12
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Thank s e t o N You Locals share what they are most grateful for.
Photo: Fred Lopez
You know Reggie. If you’ve spent any amount of time downtown, you’ve seen him on the bench in front of the Garden Theatre, enjoying the day, chatting with folks who stop, and greeting other folks with a smile as they pass by. “I meet and greet people every day with ‘good morning’ and ‘have a good day.’ I let the people know that I have a heart for people.” Reggie Haskell is the type of man who finds the beauty in every person,
and the joy in every situation. “I’m not Jesus Christ, but when Jesus Christ walked the face of the earth, he loved the blind, the crippled, and the crazy,” he says. “That’s me—I have a heart for all people.” In the few minutes we spent with him, at least a dozen passersby stopped to talk with him, or honked their horns as they drove through town. “The way I was taught, by my parents, is to love people, whether they hate you or whatever. Just love them.”
And if you ask him, that love and gratitude are part of what has kept him healthy for so long. “I am 72 years old, with no high blood pressure, no nothing,” he says. “Got all the energy in the world.” More than exchanging pleasantries and casual conversation, though, Haskell has a deeper connection to the Winter Garden community, having spent his childhood here. “I was a nice kid coming up. Had a nice family. The name of my high school back in the day was Charles R.
Drew High School—he was the black guy that invented the blood plasma [transfusions],” he says. Drew High first opened in 1923 as one of several segregated grade schools in West Orange. Even though school segregation was federally outlawed in 1954, the school remained predominantly black until its closure in 1969. “I played football and basketball in that high school— and I was good.” In his 72 years, Haskell has been just about everywhere, and knows a little
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Photo: Fred Lopez
bit about everything. “I know about the history of Groveland, Ocoee, Atlanta, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York City, Chicago,” he says. “My stomping grounds used to be Rochester, New York; Newark, New Jersey; and New York City. I’ve been there and done that.” As for what ultimately brought him back to Winter Garden after his travels across the east coast, Haskell feels that his calling is here. “All this came about through praying,” he says. “I came back here to let people know what I went through—not to prove nothing to nobody, but just to share history, and to try and bring history back in the schools.” He takes pride in his reputation as a “History Man” in town. “None too many people know a lot of history, but it came to me. I read books. I been there, done that,” he says. “I just want people to know that I know a little bit of something. I ain’t trying to have all the sense, but I’ve got a little bit.” If you find yourself with a few minutes to spare, stop by and ask Haskell a little something about where he’s been. “I’m grateful to be a History Man, and to show my people that I am somebody.”
Many Thanks “My industry was considered essential and things weren’t easy. But I was grateful
to be employed and to be there for those who really appreciated the assistance. I am
also grateful that my loved ones and I did not get sick.” Gayle T.
“I’m finally in a place and position in which I’m 100% happy with where I’m living and what I’m doing career-wise. It’s full of ups and downs, but I’m learning from every decision. I am grateful for this new opportunity and for learning experiences.” Anna H.
“I’m grateful for change. “I’m grateful for family—not just my There is a lot of turbulence in the world right now, but it immediate family, but close friends whom I forces us out of our comfort zone. It stimulates creativity. consider family, my work family, and my It empowers us in ways that may feel foreign. It challeng- community. Family is the glue that bonds us together es our mental stagnation and stimulates our passions. in the good times and the bad. This year my family Change, while difficult and painful at times, contributes has been more important than ever. Thank you all!” to growth and new expeJeremiah B. riences that are building blocks to moving forward!” Jessica V.
“I’m grateful for the friends and family who support small business owners like me. The connections I’ve made within our own Winter Garden community have turned into wonderful friendships. I love getting together with friends for dinner or going out and participating in fun activities that involve all ages. Nothing better than seeing parents and children interact!” Elle P.
“I’m grateful my whole family survived COVID. I was the first to have it and had to isolate myself from my husband and my 4- and 6-year-old children. Then, they also tested positive. My husband had to be rushed to the hospital, and we didn’t see him for a week. The unknown was so hard. But our community went above and beyond with daily deliveries of groceries, medicine, and homemade food. I am thankful for my beautiful family and my community.” Andrea W.
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“This year I am most grateful for my family’s ability to handle anything that gets thrown our way. The last 18 months have been anything but normal. In this time, I realized who my true family is. During these tough times, we need to band together in order to push forward. The quote to remember is, ‘If you wanna go fast, go alone. If you wanna go far, go together.’” Mike H.
“I’m grateful for Winter Garden’s love for local artists and vendors. As a local artist, I am pretty outgoing, but it is still hard to be vulnerable enough to show my work. I am grateful that the community response to my art has been great.” Daniel L.
“My husband and I “I’m grateful that I are so grateful that have finally been our kids get to grow able to open my own up knowing both sets business, and for the of their grandparents clients we have. and seeing them regularly. My dad has had some health issues, and knowing that my sister and I can be here for him makes things so much easier. I’m grateful we all live close together and don’t have to travel to see each other.” Emily T.
“I’m grateful for the friendships I’ve built. I had a hard time moving to Jacksonville from New York City and starting a new life away from friends and family. When we had the opportunity to move here, we jumped on it. This community greeted us with open arms, and I finally had a sense of “home.” My sons and I have made some of the most amazing friends, and we wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. Although life is certainly a rollercoaster at times, I am so grateful that it always has a way of working out just the way it should.” Valerie W.
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This is what I’ve been working toward for eight years, between saving money, gaining experience, writing business plans, and taking advice from other small business owners.” Joe W.
“I am grateful that our community cares about each other so deeply. If you’re ever down or need a friend, there’s always someone there. Our community steps up and is there when you need them.” Rachel S.
Our community’s leading professionals answer burning questions and address hot topics in their industry.
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REAL ESTATE ELLEN PROBST BROKER ASSOCIATE, REALTOR® RN, NP
XCELLENCE REALTY
407.815.4420 ElleSellsFlorida@gmail.com ElleSellsFlorida.com
HOW DO WE DETERMINE A GOOD OFFER OR HOME PRICE? Setting the right price always starts with determining an accurate market value of the home. A comparative market analysis (CMA) is a tool that real estate agents use to come up with a value for a property by looking at similar homes that have: • Recently sold, • Are currently under contract, • Are currently active on the market, • Recent upgrades that may have been done in the home, • Any potential problems or material defects that may affect the home’s value. We add up those ingredients and mix according to market activity and current competition, and then price accordingly.
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Initially, of course, it is the seller who determines the listing price of their home. But ultimately, it is the buyers in the market who will have the final say. It is what a buyer will be willing, ready, and able to pay that truly determines a home’s price. In the beginning, sellers often over-price their homes for many reasons: • They believe they need “wiggle room” to be able to negotiate the price they want to get. • They simply hope that someone will pay more than the market data indicates. • They price it based upon what they “need to get” in order to buy their next house. • They add every dollar of im-
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provements they have made to the house over the years on top of the data-driven value. Often, unfortunately, all that will do is lose the market’s interest by being out of line with the market’s own data. So, then a seller’s home will sit, accruing days on the market, and causing buyers to wonder, “What is wrong with that house?” So, before you even go over the market analysis, my best advice is to be prepared to listen to the advice of your Realtor, heed the market data, and price your home accordingly. In the end, that will save a lot of time, money, and aggravation—and get you to the closing table much faster.
PR O MOT IO NAL F E AT U RE
Elle was amazing! She handled everything and found the perfect place for us—all while we were still in New Jersey! — BETH KISNER
MORTGAGE BROKER ANTONIO T. STEWART, MBA FLORIDA MORTGAGE PROVIDERS
antonio@flmproviders.com 321-360-2565 floridamortgageproviders.com
WHAT CAN A MORTGAGE BROKER DO THAT A BANK CANNOT? Mortgage brokers are much more flexible than a bank and have access to more “nontraditional” mortgage sources. — ANTONIO STEWART
Mortgage brokers have access to a much greater range of mortgage products when compared to banks that can only access their own portfolios. Brokers allow their clients to source and compare interest rates, charges, and loan features from various banks and non-bank lenders. Simply put, a mortgage broker offers more options to a potential homebuyer to help them receive the best deal possible. Mortgage brokers are much more flexible than a bank and have access to more “non-traditional” mortgage sources. For example, self-employed borrowers typically have to show two years of tax returns and 1099s to meet income requirements. A
Bank Statement Loan is an ideal product for them. In lieu of tax returns and 1099s, as a broker, I can accept 12 months of personal or business statements and validate income for that home loan. The Bank Statement Loan program is also very beneficial for business owners and entrepreneurs alike. Mortgage brokers are also much more when it comes to investor clients. Traditionally, of course, investors pursuing investment properties had to rely upon the tried and true formula of personal tax returns and the old debt-to-income ratio. The Debt Service Coverage Ratio product gets around that by allowing investors to utilize their projected rental income to qualify for the loan
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instead of personal income. That way, investors are able to build an investment portfolio without personal debt to income ratios being an issue. The Debt Service Coverage Ratio product is also perfect for those who want to invest as a Corp or LLC. On a personal note, after serving for years in the US Marine Corps and now as a Federal public servant, and Mortgage Broker licensed in the state of Florida, “service” is a concept I know well. I bring that mindset to my clients as a mortgage broker, going one step beyond—like regularly reviewing their mortgages to keep them competitive—which is something banks are not obliged to do.
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INDEPENDENT/ASSISTED LIVING JENNY ASHLEY PHILLIPS BAPTISTA EXECUTIVE COMMUNITY DIRECTOR RELATIONS SONATA WEST DIRECTOR SONATA WEST
420 Roper Road Winter Garden 407.654.3530 sonatawest.com
WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND WE LOOK AT WHEN CONSIDERING A SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY?
Considering senior living today can be challenging, but the benefits and safety of life in a senior living community far outweigh any concerns or misconceptions you may have. However, here are a few tips we can suggest to help you identify the right community for you or a loved one. Visit. Yes, senior living communities are open and available for touring. When you visit, you will get a sense of the “vibe” in a community. You will also be able to see, firsthand, the community’s safety protocols. And remember, first impressions count: Are visitors being screened? Is the community clean? Does it feel safe? At
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Sonata, we have “Sonata Safe,” a detailed protocol that outlines everything we do to keep our residents, visitors, and team members safe. Look at the activities calendar. The negative impact of loneliness and isolation on an older person’s health is real. During the pandemic, Sonata makes it a priority for our residents to safely socialize. Life is better with a network of friends to support you, right? We couldn’t agree more. Many of our residents have become extended family members. At Sonata West, our activities help keep our seniors engaged and continually experiencing new things. Learn to play the piano,
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learn French, stretch your artistic talents. Our residents never want for activities or socialization. Meet some of the residents. Our residents are our best ambassadors. In fact, one of our residents summed up his experience at Sonata West better than we ever could: Here at Sonata, “At Your Service is not just a motto, it is truly a way of life. They are always “At Your Service.” Of course, there are other things to consider when choosing a senior living community, and these are just a few to get you started. We like to think we are doing something right— our community is filled with residents living life to the fullest and on their own terms!
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The negative impact of loneliness and isolation on an older person’s health is real.
NATHAN MOSER COMMUNITY RELATIONS DIRECTOR SERENADES WEST ORANGE
MEMORY CARE LINDA MENA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SERENADES WEST ORANGE
720 Roper Road Winter Garden 407.614.8680 serenadesbysonata.com
WHAT IS A MEMORY CARE COMMUNITY AND WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MEMORY CARE?
All aspects of the purpose-built environment— from lighting, floor plans, and décor to meals, activities, and programming— are employed to offset the effects of Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Memory care refers to a specific level of senior care. To illustrate, I’ll refer to Serenades by Sonata, part of the Sonata Senior Living portfolio of senior care communities. Serenades is solely dedicated to serving residents with Alzheimer’s and dementia and is designed and built to address their needs. We value each resident’s abilities and individuality and strive to give them every opportunity to feel as much like themselves as possible. Here are a few things that set Serenades Memory Care by Sonata apart. Purpose-Built Design. In purpose-built memory care design, architectural features are used to promote familiarity, independence, and freedom of choice while min-
imizing the feeling of confinement that breeds anxiety and agitation. All aspects of the purpose-built environment—from lighting, floor plans, and décor to meals, activities, and programming—are employed to offset the effects of Alzheimer’s and dementia on the sensory nervous system. This helps minimize overstimulation, safeguards well-being, promotes familiarity, and supports easy wayfinding that benefits our residents emotionally and physically.
become difficult for people with dementia. Developed by dementia expert Teepa Snow, Sonata employs certified PAC providers and trainers who are also authorized to educate outside organizations and senior health professionals in the Positive Approach™ to Care.
Continuing Care. With Sonata West as part of our campus, Serenades West Orange offers continuing care options for those who can no longer live safely and Positive Approach™ to Care productively in an independent or (PAC) is the cornerstone of the Sere- assisted living environment. Serenades in West Orange nades memory care program. It is a unique, entertaining, and energetic allows residents to stay in an envidelivery system of caregiver educa- ronment that is familiar, welcomtion that explains the brain’s physical ing, and close to home—all things changes and why performing tasks, critically important to the needs of thinking, reasoning, and processing a memory care resident.
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LANGUAGE RACHEL DeSANDO, MS Ed., CCC-SLP
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SPEECH FOR LIFE THERAPY Winter Garden 407-308-5934 speechforlife.org
HOW CAN I KNOW WHETHER MY CHILD HAS DYSLEXIA, AND WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP THEM? First, it helps to clear up some misconceptions. Dyslexia is not “seeing letters backwards,” nor is it a condition associated with a lower IQ—it can be quite the opposite, in fact. Rather, it’s a condition as individual as the person diagnosed with it. Dyslexia is characterized as a language disorder, and presents as a difficulty with reading fluency, accuracy, spelling, comprehension, and decoding or sounding out words. It is estimated that one in every five children has dyslexia, but the condition is very underdiagnosed for a number of reasons. One, many people think their reading difficulties will improve on their own, or with extra practice. Unfortunately, blindly copying words for Friday’s spelling test
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will not work for these students, especially since 50% of children with dyslexia also have a comorbid attention deficit disorder. Two, many parents and teachers don’t know what signs to look for, partly because dyslexia can look different in each child, and in each age group: • Preschoolers may struggle with learning new sounds, rhyming, learning the sounds of letters, or mixing up sounds, like cap-a-tillar versus caterpillar. • Elementary school students mix up different sounds for letters like p and b—not because they see them differently, but because the sound-memory part of their brains is weak. They often struggle to read familiar words, replace words when reading aloud, or avoid
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reading/writing altogether. Dyslexia is not • Older students may have a condition trouble in comprehension or associated with learning new languages, and take longer to read or finish as- lower IQ—it signments. They will often have can be quite poor spelling, low grades, and poor vocabulary, which leads to the opposite, poor scores on their SAT or ACT. in fact. Rather, So, how do we fix it? Having a it’s a condition Speech-Language Pathologist as individual provide systematic and structured as the person language and literacy intervention will have the most effective diagnosed results. A customized plan starts with it. with an initial screening, followed — RACHEL DeSANDO, MS Ed., CCC-SLP by an individualized mix of speech-language therapy, as well as programs like Fast ForWord that specifically target attention, memory, sequencing, and phonological skills to equip your child with the reading skills they need.
PR O MOT IO NAL F E AT U RE
PRIMARY CARE P. FABIAN GARCIA, MD MEDHEALTH CLINICAL
1327 Winter Garden Vineland Rd. Suite 130, Winter Garden 321-214-8860 medhealthclinic.com
DO I REALLY HAVE TO BE ON ALL THIS MEDICINE FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE? Being “medication free” is a realistic goal and we can show you how to achieve it.
The majority of the time, the answer is a resounding “No.” The unfortunate reality is that pharmaceutical companies have a large stake in training doctors to prescribe pills. But there is little emphasis on telling those patients — DR. P. FABIAN GARCIA why they need the medication, how long they’ll need it, or when and how a medication can safely be stopped. But the biggest truth often kept from patients is whether there is an alternative to longterm medication, and what they can do to remove their need for the medication entirely. I was a health nut long before I became a physician. I read everything I could get my hands on in order to become
an expert in every facet of health and physiology, and to distill that information down into understandable and usable knowledge for my patients. Medications absolutely have their place in healthcare, but they are neither the only road forward nor the final destination. We like to see them as a bridge to achieving health. We talk about “the pill and the plan.” When I prescribe a pill, we immediately present a workable plan to safely remove the pill over the next 6 months to a year. My patients and I are a team with one common goal—medication independence. Being “medication free” is a realistic goal and we can show you how to achieve it. Everything is done pragmatically and strategically.
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For instance, nobody expects patients to spend an hour in the gym every day. So, we provide free group fitness classes for our patients that give them measured doses of exercise appropriate for their age and activity level. Serious medical problems unfortunately do exist, but the vast majority of them can be fixed or greatly improved with small, strategic changes in behavior. What patients need is a doctor who understands that and can enthusiastically guide them toward the goal of being medication-free. Where there is a will, there is a way. If you are willing to make small changes, I believe there is absolutely a way to reduce your dependence on medications!
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BEAUTY ROBYN MICHELLE
OWNER, LEAD STYLIST ROBYN MICHELLE SALON Locations: Winter Garden/Windermere 407-347-0555/407-395-2088 robynmichellesalon.com
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF GETTING EXTENSIONS AT A SALON? BEFORE
Turn Up the Volume Hair extensions do more than just extend the length of your hair. They can also make it thicker, adding extra fullness to the length you already have. Get that perfect blowout at home with added voluminous hair!
Explore Your Style Be bold, be daring, with no risk! Try different highlights, fashion colors, dimensional tones, or a simple pop of color without adding chemicals or color to your own hair. If you like it, keep it. If you don’t, make a change. This is an awesome alternative for damage-free, fashion-colored hair.
Seamless Growth Need extra length, now? Transitioning between haircuts
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and can’t wait to grow it out? Having haircut regrets and want all your beautiful hair back? Hair extensions are just what your hairdresser ordered.
Thicker Is Better
AFTER
Clip It In For A Day
My extensions are my best kept secret. Even my best friend Accessorize, Accessorize doesn’t Use extensions to add something know! funky, something cute. Add a Have a special event or big night out coming up? Clip-in extensions give you the flexibility to add drama and excitement for however much or however little time you want it.
We all love thick, healthy hair, but we don’t all naturally have it. Extensions are excellent camouflage to fill in depth you may be missing in thinning areas. Add hair exactly braided crown, a sassy ponytail, where you need it, at the length or a boho fishtail braid. All hair you need it. No one has to know! types can be styled for trendy looks with extensions!
Instant Gratification
One hair appointment can make all the difference, all at once. Why wait? Extensions make it so much easier to get that glow-up you’ve always dreamed of. When you’re ready to switch it up, extensions will provide you with the option of instant changes with your style!
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Hair extensions can be applied in a variety of ways: clip-in, tape-in, sew-in, beaded, and fusion. What’s the best look for you? Let us pair you with the right stylist. Consultations are always complimentary at Robyn Michelle Salon!
PR O MOT IO NAL F E AT U RE
—S. BELL
FINANCIAL PLANNING ANDY ORTIZ FINANCIAL PLANNER IQ PORTFOLIOS
13790 Bridgewater Crossings Blvd. Windermere 800-558-7969 iqportfolios.com
HOW DO I KNOW WHEN IT’S TIME TO SEEK THE HELP OF A FINANCIAL ADVISOR? Indeed, many finance experts would tell you that everyone could benefit from the skills of a financial advisor and there is no time like the present. — ANDY ORTIZ
IQ Portfolios (IQP) is an independent State Registered Investment Adviser Firm located in Windermere, FL. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and, unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial advisor and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Past performance is not indicative of future performance. A copy of IQP's current written disclosure statement discussing IQP's business operation, services, and fees is available upon request.
It is usually a particular life event that may prompt you to seek financial advice. Perhaps you are nearing retirement, received an inheritance, started a family, or are going through a divorce. If you have children, you may be thinking about their college education or passing on an inheritance. A financial advisor can assess your individual situation and propose various options to help you reach the financial goals that fit your unique perspective and objectives. Financial decisions at times can become very personal, even emotional. But a dedicated financial advisor has the expertise and tools to be objective and assess your current situation, always with an eye toward you and your family’s future.
The need for a financial advisor does not come about by reaching a specific age, career point, or salary level. Indeed, many finance experts would tell you that everyone could benefit from the skills of a financial advisor, and there is no time like the present. Even if your finances are no more complicated than depositing your paycheck and paying the bills, financial advisors are trained to look beyond today toward tomorrow, where financial pictures tend to be a little bit murky. They spend their entire days assessing, predicting, and planning. No one can predict the future, of course. But a timely chat with your financial advisor may just help you get pretty close.
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IQ Portfolios is here for that express purpose. We help individuals and families plan and invest wisely today, to reach their goals and be secure no matter what tomorrow may bring. Before IQ Portfolios came to be, I witnessed firsthand how my mother, much like many in her situation today, dedicated all her resources to raising her children. She provided for their immediate needs without giving a thought to her own financial future. While noble and selfless, that led to an exhaustion of her resources until she found herself facing retirement with good health and plenty of energy—but not the finances to support her abilities. This is why IQ Portfolios, with full Fiduciary Duty and Responsibility, exists today.
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INSURANCE BRYAN FIFER
INSURANCE AGENT STATE FARM
16106 Marsh Road, Ste. 104 Winter Garden FL 34787 407-614-2622 bryanfifer.com
WHY HAVE HOMEOWNERS’ INSURANCE RATES INCREASED SO MUCH OVER THE YEARS?
Every day I get phone calls and emails from people asking for a homeowners’ insurance quote because their rate has drastically increased since their last renewal. The reason for these increases really boils down to two major issues currently going on in Central Florida: No1 Increased demand/cost for building materials. No2 Increased number of roof claims in the last two years. I, like many other insurance agents, like to know that my customers are insured for 100% home replacement should something catastrophic occur. Unfortunately, as costs and demand for materials increase, insurance
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coverage costs must increase to keep up. Also, the sheer number of claims filed in each part of the state has increased dramatically, especially for roof claims. In fact, many insurance carriers in Central Florida have paid a record amount of roof claims in just the last 36 months. This, in turn, has led to higher premiums for their policyholders in an attempt to offset this unexpected increase. Homeowner insurance policies have many “pieces and parts,” and many customers want to know which are the most “important parts” of their policies. As a State Farm agent, I like to make sure my customers have enough coverage in three major areas:
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No1 Do we have enough money to rebuild the home if it’s a total loss? o N 2 Do we have enough money to replace all of the personal property inside in the event of a major claim? o N 3 How much loss-of-use coverage do we need in the event the house is rendered unlivable? These three parts of a policy will benefit a customer directly in the time of an unfortunate claim. Has your insurance premium gone up? Have questions about ways to save money and still protect your most valuable investment? Let’s spend a few minutes exploring your needs. Afterward, I’ll prepare a custom quote to show you all that State Farm can offer.
PR O MOT IO NAL F E AT U RE
Unfortunately, as costs and demand for materials increase, insurance coverage costs must increase to keep up. — BRYAN FIFER
Homefront
PART 1 OF A 3 PART SERIES
This Old (New) House This Winter Garden home is the perfect downsize for Karen—now all it needs is a little love.
K
aren and her family have lived in Windermere for the last two decades. They have always enjoyed the West Orange Trail and love spending time in Winter Garden. The family bought a home in Winter Garden years ago as an investment and have used it for rental income up to now.
The original blueprints (Above) of the family room and kitchen areas of Karen’s new home. Karen (Right), is making changes in her Winter Garden home to fit her lifestyle.
Karen recently entered a new season in her life, and the timing was perfect for her to make a move. She decided to sell their larger home in Windermere and downsize to the Winter Garden rental. She has been an empty nester for a number of years, but she would like to be done with taking care of a large home and yard. Before making the move, the home was evaluated carefully. The two-story craftsman has a great location and an appealing floor plan, but its interior is in need of some TLC. Her friends recommended bringing in an continued on next page
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ELLEN PROBST R E A LT O R ® R N , N P
TRACE Y FORRESTER R E A LT O R ® G R I , G K C
ElleSellsFlorida@gmail.com ElleSellsFlorida.com 407.815.4420
Tracey@TraceyForrester.com TraceyForrester.com 914.582.8521
interior designer to help give the home a refresh with new finishes and materials. Karen enlisted my help, and now we’re working together to create a new look for her new old house.
The Design Plan Karen’s sense of style is clean-line traditional, preferring low-maintenance materials. We will eventually redesign the entire home, but first we’re tackling the kitchen and dining area. Our plan is to replace the dark tile flooring and cabinets. The new
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MARKS THE SPOT FOR HOMES IN HORIZON WEST AND WINTER GARDEN
(Above and right) The current layout of the kitchen and bonus room. (Below) The sketch that integrates the kitchen and bonus room into a spacious dining area.
floor will be a wide faux wood vinyl plank, which is lighter and easier to maintain. White shaker-style cabinets, light countertops, and modern, stainless steel appliances will further brighten the space. We’ll also be adding a charcoal-colored island with an overhang to make room for casual dining. For a more formal dining space, we are repurposing an adjacent bonus room as a dining room. In the current floor plan, the dining space is part of the front family room; separating the dining room out will open things up and allow
the front room to be a more focused living space. Karen is looking forward to the new improvements to her home, but also to having the close proximity to biking, the market, hometown shops, and friends are now high on her priority list. In December, we will be well underway with the remodel. Look for next month’s Homefront to see how it’s coming along! Marilou Stones, ASID
Owner of Stones Design. She has been a licensed interior designer for 35 years, with 8 of those years spent working in and around Winter Garden. She designs her own home in a transitional traditional style.
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Oh Well!
FITNESS
The Festive Five
Goal-setting tips to help you stay strong through the holidays and beyond. 1. Be SMART about your goals. That’s Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-based. Think of a goal as a destination on a map; you won’t get there in an instant. Come up with a clear path, leaving room for a few stops on the way. 2. Set Benchmarks. Big goals can be intimidating and discouraging when you don’t see results. Benchmarks break down larger goals into more manageable steps. Don’t forget to celebrate small accomplishments along the way to help support you emotionally and boost your morale. 3. Write your goal down (in pen) and share it! According to research by the Dominican University of Cali-
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5. Don’t be so hard on yourself. We often put a great deal of pressure on ourselves, which frequently results in disappointment when we fall short. But what we aren’t seeing in those moments is how far we’ve come. Maybe we dropped a clothes size, made a new friend, or developed a healthier habit. Your goals always lead to some4. Be Prepared. You wouldn’t start thing more profound than the a road trip without gas or a spare tire. actual numbers. Remember: you You’ll need to identify the roadblocks you may encounter on your road, such are doing this for you! as holidays, special events, or finding Jessica Porritt is the Family time in your schedule. Then, arm Center Operations Director at Roper yourself with ways to overcome them. YMCA. She is a proud dog mom of a 14-lb chiweenie named Ranger. When she’s not helping Misses and mistakes will happen; people achieve their goals, she’s at the beach, hiking, or what matters is how you take them. traveling. fornia, people who wrote down and shared their goals were 33% more successful than those who didn’t. Mark it on your calendar, set it as the background on your phone, or even write it on your bathroom mirror. Then, tell your support system! Let them provide the accountability you need through good times and bad.
HEALTHCARE
Trigger Warning A simple strategy to help you avoid family drama at your next gettogether.
NUTRITION
WELLNESS COUNTS
2500 The estimated number of calories in a standard Thanksgiving meal—not including snacks and appetizers. SOURCE: signaturemd.com
Gathering around the family dinner table for the holidays can be wonderful, but it can also be uncomfortable. Tenuous relationships, insensitive comments, and unresolved arguments may bring up strong emotions. In those moments, you might feel triggered. This is certainly the buzzword for 2021. Being “triggered” means experiencing a strong emotional reaction to external stimuli that prompts the body’s 3 Fs: Fight, Flight, or Freeze response. What you might not know is that you are not hostage to this response; you can redirect the energy in a healthy manner, turning your “trigger” into a multi-step process that leads to developing emotional intelligence. I always tell my clients that the first step is to observe. You can glean so much from watching how your family members interact. How are they handling stress during the holidays? Drinking? Yelling? Disassociation? Preoccupation? Observe your own reactions to these patterns. The next step is to practice the pause. I tell my clients to have a bottle of water handy, and when things get tense, take a sip. This keeps you from getting “hooked” into a toxic dialogue—and it helps you stay hydrated as well. During the pause, check in with your body. Ask yourself, “What am I feeling? Where am I feeling it?” Finally, redirect the energy. Take three slow, deep breaths and then decide how you want to respond. This should help you manage those triggering events. Tracy Kristoff, LMFT, RPT is a licensed psychologist
and the owner of Simple Pathways Counseling. When she is feeling drained, she visits a state park and spends time reconnecting with nature. She enjoys walking downtown with her family and her almost-famous dog, Forky.
1lb The estimated average weight an American gains during Thanksgiving. SOURCE: signaturemd.com
95%
The amount of dental plaque buildup that is eliminated by an enzyme found in cranberries. They’re great for oral health! SOURCE: dentalhealth.org
20
The number of seconds you should spend washing your hands, especially before preparing food for others. SOURCE: cdc.gov
Give (Just Enough) Thanks How to eat in moderation this Thanksgiving.
We all love the mouth-watering food traditions of the holidays! But do you remember the after-effects of gorging on that meal last year? You can enjoy yourself and still feel good afterward by implementing these tips. Decide ahead of time what and how much you’re going to eat—and stick to it. Don’t starve yourself before a big meal. You will end up overeating. Drink a glass of water before you eat. Sometimes dehydration can feel like hunger. Plate lower-carb choices first, like meats and simply prepared vegetables, then add other foods like a condiment. Engage in conversations away from snacks to limit overeating. Jeanenne Hilliard, FNTP
is a nutritionist and the owner of Revive and Restore Nutrition. She traveled the world serving the poor before returning to Winter Garden 1.5 years ago. Jeanenne loves cooking, reading, running before sunrise, and hiking with her husband.
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Eats+Drinks
Blast from the Pasta The Chicken with Sherry Sauce at Cariera’s is true cucina Italiana. Trust me—I’m kinda sorta Italian myself. R H E YA TAN N ER
I
F R ED LOPE Z
’m not one of those people who’s traced their genealogy to determine exactly what brand of European my ancestors were. I do know, however, that I am at least 12% Italian, which of course gives me the authority to have a lot of strong opinions on Italian cuisine. That being said, if you haven’t treated yourself to lunch at Cariera’s Fresh Italian, I’m going to need you to put this magazine down and go do that. Like, now. My dish of choice is the Chicken with Sherry Sauce. I get mine with penne, but you can customize it with your personal pasta preference. Though I’m typically a red-sauce kind of girl, I make an exception with sherry sauce because it has a subtler variant of that acidic tanginess I love.
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Cariera’s is super generous with portions—it’s the first Italian I’ve ever had to order a to-go box for—and its pasta-to-other-stuff ratio is pretty balanced. Every forkful came with a tender mushroom or a seasoned bit of chicken. And I wouldn’t be a true one-eighth Italian without talking about the garlic roll. It has a tougher crust that makes the soft, warm inside all the more satisfying. Maybe I am too gung-ho about the carby goodness of Italian food in general, but it comes from a place of nostalgia. My grandmother was genuinely half-Italian herself, and she was as phenomenal a cook as you’d expect. But it was always a particularly good week when Gramma brought over that giant foil pan full of homemade lasagna—I
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say week because there was usually enough to feed a horse, or at least a family of five for several days. Gramma passed away a few years ago, and couldn’t cook like she used to even before that, so I haven’t tasted that lasagna in a long time. Fast-forward to the first time I stumbled upon Cariera’s. I got baked ziti, my go-to dish at any new Italian eatery, to test the cheese and the sauce. I wasn’t expecting much out of the ordinary, so I still remember how blindsided I was by that first bite. It was hers. It tasted just like the lasagna I loved as a kid. It was … I guess the word is “shocking,” how instantly it took me back to her house, to the sound of her laughter. But what was more shocking to me was that I hadn’t forgotten.
Gramma never wrote down a recipe (she usually measured with her heart). And yet, after all the years that have passed since the old lasagna days, I still instantly knew when I had discovered that flavor again. Does that make it true, authentic Italian? I’m not qualified to say. But it is at least as Italian as Gramma.
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Eats+Drinks
Butter F than Beer
Sip a fall classic with this super-easy Hot Buttered Rum homebrew.
inally, sweater weather is here. I adore the Florida sunshine, but the minute the first chill hits the air, I tend to go a little overboard. I want to embrace all things fall, and that includes flannel shirts, boots, and warm beverages at all times of the day. As I scrolled through Pinterest boards looking for motivation, I kept finding these intricate fall cocktails … and I had none of the ingredients at home. I thought to myself, “How can I adapt these recipes with what’s already in my pantry?” I heard hot buttered rum described to me as the original “butterbeer,” and they weren’t lying. Hot buttered rum starts out as melted cake batter before you add rum and hot water, and it blends into luscious velvet as it swirls in the glass. If you intend to bake this Thanksgiving, you have everything you need to make this cocktail for you and your guests.
Hot Buttered Rum Serves 4
FOR THE BATTER
2/3 c packed dark brown sugar 1/2 c (1 stick) unsalted butter 1/4 c honey 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg 1/4 tsp ground cloves 1 tsp vanilla extract Pinch of salt In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, butter, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Heat, stirring frequently, until butter is completely melted and sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. FOR EACH COCKTAIL
2/3 c hot water 2 tbsp batter 2 oz. rum (I prefer dark, like Myers, but use what you have) Combine hot water with batter, and stir vigorously to combine. Keep stirring as you add rum in. Taste, and add additional batter if you like it a bit sweeter or spicier. MAKE IT YOUR OWN
Tarin Scarbrough
The Sommelier at The Attic Door. If you like what she pens, you’ll love what she pours! Stop by and let her know what you think or drink.
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Photo: Fred Lopez
Top with whipped cream, cinnamon sticks, or fresh grated nutmeg if you’re feeling fancy. Use warm apple cider instead of water to spice up the drink and add more body and flavor. If batching for a crowd, you could easily prepare it all at once in a slow cooker and keep it warm.
SHERRIE NEMETZ 321-436-0709 pamperedchefbysherrie@gmail.com R E Q UE S T A C ATALO G
Divorce, Paternity, Child Support, Modification and other family-related matters
I’m grateful for good health for myself and my family.
Allison E.M. Budnik,Attorney 161 S. Boyd St., Suite 100, Winter Garden 407-499-2082 / WGfamilylawfirm.com
Near+Afar
Daysips
A short drive to Lakeridge Winery makes for a perfect afternoon. TAR IN SCAR BR OUGH
T
he beauty of living in Winter Garden is you rarely need to leave. With so many options for food and entertainment, I find myself often staying within “the bubble.” But one Saturday, the remarkable weather made me want to venture out—not far enough to be forced to combat the traffic on I-4, though. A quick search on the internet for “outdoor live music” and
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“wine” led me less than 30 minutes outside town to Lakeridge Winery for “Weekends at the Winery.” Lakeridge sits on a sprawling 127 acres located in the rolling hills of Clermont, Florida. I’ve grown up going to festivals at the property, but now that they offer live music every Saturday and Sunday afternoon, it was refreshing to enjoy the space comfortably
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without hordes of people . As soon as I walked through the doors, the complimentary wine tasting began. And this wasn’t just one or two wines. I was delighted to sample eight wines, two ports, and two reserve bottles! On the weekends, the facility is open to the public. Visitors get to tour the entire facility and production hub, with its giant tanks and bottling system.
(They’re actually the largest winery in the state, so of course they have massive equipment.) Every employee was so engaging and educated guests by explaining facts and food pairings. Seeing that type of passion reminded me of why I began enjoying wine in the first place. The tour ended in a gift shop, where they obviously sell the wine they sampled, but you also can get all the
accompaniments you can think of. I walked out with not only wine, but a local pepper jelly and a wine slushie kit. By the time I left the shop, I started to feel the effects of the wine I had just sampled. So I visited “bottle check,” so I didn’t have to lug around my purchases, and followed the aroma of hot food to the outside. The vast oak trees in the center kept
the grounds shaded, and a large stage with two musicians in sunglasses entertained the crowd. I enjoyed the bar with wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as a variety of food options— everything from cheese and meat to full meals. As I looked around, I noticed there was no single defined group of people enjoying the day. An older couple sat up front, swaying
to the music in their lawn chairs. A group of girls in their 20s lay on blankets taking pictures of their charcuterie boards. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a mom chasing after her toddler running straight for the ice cream truck. I wandered around with my Cabernet, taking in the rows of vines and upbeat music, barely realizing that two hours had passed since I first arrived. I sat in my lounge
chair 45 minutes longer than I planned to. I didn’t want to leave. The music only lasted until 4 p.m., though, leaving me more than a little disappointed that it was time to go. I can’t believe this kind of solace and peace was so close to town. I immediately sent out a group text to my friends, trying to plan a trip the following weekend. Cheers to you, Lakeridge, for such a hospitable and enjoyable day!
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Rhetoric Rheya Tanner muses on life as a local
’Hood Vibrations
R
ecently I found myself at a fancy downtown event, unaccompanied—a precarious situation for someone who accidentally ends conversations with “hello.” I enjoyed thankfully unawkward dialog with friendly folks, but mostly I employed my usual strategy for large gatherings, which is “just vibing.” A subgenre of people-watching, vibing is an active passiveness. It entails taking up an innocuous position, solitary but not separate, and giving up my senses to the environment. Maybe that makes me a wallflower (and some people take it as that … I could have Resting Vibe Face?), but it gives me an appreci-
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ation for the uniqueness of that space and time. The vibe at this particular event, the dedication of the new Monarch Sculpture, was a swanky three-piece jazz band, standing tables, burlap bouquet centerpieces, and various hors d’oeuvres that either delighted me or petrified me. Many attendees aptly wore butterfly-themed outfits—I’d have been one of them if I kept up with my laundry. And the aforementioned folks who made my acquaintance were dizzyingly learned horticulturists who rattled off names of flowers as casually as I say the alphabet. After the sculpture was good and dedicated, I expected to want to go straight home. But despite
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the stress of that day, despite how tired I was, I felt the sunset tugging me toward downtown for a few minutes more. Who am I to disrespect the vibe? I drifted along the main drag, eventually settling in the plaza with my dog and an ice cream cone. I vibed with the creaking of the swings, with the patter of the fountain, with the dwindling hum of a small town winding down its day. I smiled at the young families taking in the dusk alongside me—and they smiled back as I pinched some ice cream off the cone for Mako to lick off my fingers. In that moment was a feeling that’s hard to explain. It only ever lingers for that moment, like a spicy
déjà vu. And I have come to the conclusion that the feeling is belonging. Back when I was only technically an adult, and saw the world as nothing but my oyster, I thought belonging was just out there somewhere, like a penny on the sidewalk, and it was up to me to find it. But as I’ve become an adult-adult, I’ve learned that I do not like oysters, and that belonging is just gratitude for being wherever you are. That fickle vibe might very well take me across the world one day. But for now, the vibe is cobblestone streets, metal swing-seats, and that butterfly buttondown still in my dryer. And there’s no place I’d rather belong.
Illustration: Josh Clark
Winter Garden has got me hooked on a feeling.
Life on the
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