The Pointe—March 2021 by Em Agency

MARCH 2021

WINTER GARDEN’S L AKE COVE POINTE COMMUNIT Y MAGA ZINE

THE

FULMER FAMILY

Going, growing, and showing their heart

9 H C R A M E T O V

Thank You! I love our beautiful community and look forward to its continued prosperity.

CONTENTS CO ouesgeo. H ) r e Ful(m always on th

mily mer fa l u F e Th

8 5 To the Pointe

21 21 The Home Front ‘Tis the season for orchids and bromeliads.

8 Pointes of Interest Numbers, news, and need-to-knows about the neighborhood. Find out 22 The Dish how to Love Local, read reviews from Make the perfect sausage your neighbors, and wind your way and potatoes; drink like the into unwinding. Irish with green beer.

26 25 Off the Vine Spend the season with Sauvignon Blanc. 26 Pointe of View The Fulmer family photo shoot was full of great shots. Here are a few fun moments we just couldn’t fit into the story.

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SPECIALIZING IN FAMILY LAW INCLUDING

DIVORCE PATERNITY CHILD SUPPORT MODIFICATION

AND OTHER FA M I LY- R E L AT E D M AT T E R S

Allison E.M. Budnik, Attorney 161 S. BOYD ST., SUITE 100 WINTER GARDEN, FL 34787 PHONE 407-499-2082 W G F A M I LY L A W F I R M . C O M

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INTERVIEW WITH

J.T. ELLISON

ADAM LEVIN

MARCH 9, 7 P.M. VIRTUAL/FREE EVENT

MARCH 23, 7 P.M. VIRTUAL/FREE EVENT

Ellison will be in conversation with Lisa Gardner to discuss her latest book, Her Dark Lies. Signed copies are available for preorder.

Levin will be in conversation with Nathan Englander to discuss his latest book, Bubblegum.

407-335-4192 writersblockbookstore.com @writersblockbookstorewp

@WritersBlockWP

@writersblockbookstore

Receive a wonderful new book, hand-picked each month by the bookstore’s owner. Read the latest from established authors and exciting debuts from up-and-comers, right when they hit the shelves! In-store pickup and delivery options available. Visit the “Subscription Plans” section of our website to learn more and see this month’s selections.

TO THE

POINTE

For better or worse, a lot of our habits are ingrained in us as children. You may not even be aware of these little rituals or routines until you see it reflected in someone else. And then the glass is shattered and after your “a-ha moment,” you see it everywhere. Such was the case when a few years ago we went out to dinner when my youngest spilled salt on the table and proceeded to grab a pinch and throw it over his shoulder. After I apologized to the people in the booth behind us, I began to think of all the times he had seen me do this and he was now mimicking me. After that, I saw it everywhere. It turns out I am very superstitious and have been so since childhood. There were the easy ones; I won’t open umbrellas indoors, walk under a ladder, try not to break any mirrors. As I got older, it evolved: I wore an Italian Horn necklace to ward off the evil eye through high school, I would lift my feet when I drove over railroad tracks. Now in my adulthood, I chuck salt over my shoulder, pick up pennies but only if they are heads-up. If my palm itches, it means I am going to get money and we buy a lottery ticket. If my nose itches, it means I am going to kiss a fool and then laughingly announce it and grab whichever person is near me and smooch them. Now that I recognize the habit, I still honor the tendencies, but with it comes a nostalgia for the times I saw my mother do the same thing and an appreciation for the times I watch my children repeat it. It may be silly, but I will take whatever edge I can get to bring my loved ones health and happiness. Wishing you and yours the best of luck for the glorious month of March! Watch out for those sidewalk cracks! Happy reading!

Nicole Soulsby, Editor

HAVE SOMETHING TO ADD? Send your ideas and images to lcp@emagency.com

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CO NS U LT I NG • B O O K K E E P I N G • TA X P R E PA R AT I O N • Q U I C K B O O KS

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NUMBERS YOU NEED E M E R G E N C Y C O N TA C T S

HOA BOARD MEMBERS

Gabriel Irizarry President gabriel.irzarry@gmail.com Mary Langley Vice President marylangley3@gmail.com Cheryl Lessard Secretary cherless1@aol.com

ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMIT TEE

Marsha Bentley Jordan Gatenby

911 Fire, Ambulance, Police 211 Suicide Prevention 800-222-1222 Poison Control 407-254-9140 Animal Control

FINING COMMITTEE

Erica Diaz Ryan Hinricher

WELCOMING COMMIT TEE

Jana Beckwith

EVENTS COMMITTEE

N O N - E M E R G E N C Y C O N TA C T S

407-532-6797 407-836-4357 407-877-5775 407-656-3636

Florida Highway Patrol Orange County Sheriff Winter Garden Fire Dept. Winter Garden Police Dept.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT/SERVICES

407-656-4111 cwdgn.com 407-656-1117 oaklandfl.com 407-656-3344 407-836-2070 407-656-1304 407-835-7323

City of Winter Garden Winter Garden Official Website Town of Oakland Oakland Official Website Post Office Voter Registration The West Orange Chamber Winter Garden Public Library

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES

844-219-5293 877-862-9343 407-629-1010 407-656-2734 407-656-4111 321-436-4559

Spectrum CenturyLink Duke Energy Lake Apopka Natural Gas Winter Garden Water & Sewer After-Hours Water & Sewer

MARCH 2021 / VOLUME 1 NUMBER 6

407-654-4965 407-614-0500 407-296-1000 407-656-2055 407-841-5111 352-394-4071

Erik Halluska Treasurer ehalluska@withum.com David Leon Director lakecove@peapage.com

Desiree Halluska Nicole Roach Tiffany Jensen

IMPROVEMENTS TEAM

Vickie Parrish Wes Parrish Sue Aduss

Jamie Ezra Mark jamie@emagency.com 407-573-6061

UTILITIES

H O S P I TA L S / U R G E N T C A R E

A P U B L I C AT I O N O F

Jamie Ezra Mark Publisher Nicole Soulsby Editor __________ Rheya Tanner Art Director Lynette Azarow Photographer Matt Tullo Photographer Josh Clark Designer Wendy Mak Designer Caleb Jensen Web Garrett Reardon Digital 407-573-6061 hello@emagency.com emagency.com @EMagencyinc

PROUD MEMBER OF

The Pointe Volume 1 Number 6 Copyright© 2021 by Em Agency. All rights reserved. Published monthly. Em Agency is not affiliated with or contracted by Lake Cove Pointe (LCP). This publication, including the articles, opinions, and advertisements contained herein, is not authorized or endorsed by LCP. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed in the articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Em Agency. Advertising or products does not imply endorsement. Em Agency can not be held liable for the business practices of these companies.

Centra Care AdventHealth Winter Garden Health Central Hospital Health Central Express Care Orlando Regional Medical Orlando Health South Lake Hospital

A N I M A L H O S P I TA L S

407-656-4132 407-901-4923 407-347-8514 407-656-1800 407-654-1800 407-449-1369

Winter Garden Animal Hospital Wintermere Pointe Animal Hospital Oakes Animal Hospital WOVH Vineland WOVH Stoneybrook Orlando Animal Hospital

QUESTIONS OR PROBLEMS

Will Gonzalez Vista Management wgonzalez@vistacamfl.com 407-682-3443 vistacamfl.com

To create an account on the Vista portal, you will need your account number, found on your annual bill.

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POI N TE S

INTEREST

Love Will Keep Us Together

Winter Garden’s Love Local campaign continues into its phase two, which is designed to help small businesses recover from COVID. Last fall, the City of Winter Garden launched its Love Local campaign in response to COVID-19’s devastating impact on its small businesses. Due to its great success, the campaign entered phase two in mid-February with a lineup of monthly events that continue to support those businesses. This month, check out the

THE POINTE MARCH 2021 EDITION

Shop, Dine & Stroll event, made to celebrate National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day, which is March 29. Picture it like a citywide Black Friday: outdoor sidewalk booths, great savings and specials both online and in-store, and even restaurant deals. The fun keeps going through the end of the summer—we’re Cele-

brating the Arts in April, enjoying Outdoor Dining Month in May, Celebrating the 13th anniversary of the Farmers’ Market in June, and showing our stripes from May through July during the Red, White and Blue Americana event. For full details on all these Love Local events, visit the Downtown Winter Garden Facebook page.

RESIDENT BUSINESS DIRECTORY _________

Dan Bessetti

Strength and Conditioning Coach 407-976-8738 totalathletetraining.com

Erik Halluska CPA Partner 407-849-1569 withum.com

Ally Budnik

Attorney 407-499-2082 wgfamilylawfirm.com

Erica Diaz

Real Estate Agent 407-951-9742 ericadiazteam.com

Michael Collins Flame Boss 800-978-9078 flameboss.com

Sierra Clemmons

Young Living Essential Oils 352-636-0960 myyl.com/sierraclemmons

Halluska & Roach Families Winter Garden Bounce wgbouncehouse@gmail.com wgbounce.com

LET EVERYONE KNOW YOUR BUSINESS This is a FREE listing open only to residents of Lake Cove Pointe. Space is limited. Include your: • Name • Profession/business • Phone number • Web address Send to: lcp@emagency.com

THAT FIGURES

YEARS

The age of the social media platform Twitter turns this month. It was founded on March 21, 2006. SOURCE: history.com

1 10

in thousand

RECOMMENDATIONS

WATCH

Like a lot of people on the hunt for binge-worthy entertainment, I’m a big fan of the Prime Network original show The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Prime Video, 2017–Present, TV-MA). Now in its third season, the plot centers around Midge Maisel, a wife and mother who begins a career as a standup comedienne. Rachel Brosnahan and Alex Borstein’s witty banter is just great TV! Taking place in New York’s 1950s, the show has a nostalgic feel from costume design, the music, and with jokes hitting the perfect balance of both funny and brazen. Add to that a trailblazing woman who finds her voice, and it’s got everything I need on a Saturday night. Mireya Iannuzzi Mireya is a fun neighbor in Lake Cove Pointe with a passion for her husband, two kids, and good brew!

The odds of finding a four-leaf clover on your first try. SOURCE: marthastewart.com

MILLION The number of pints of Guinness served on St. Patrick’s Day. SOURCE: insider.com

1939

The year of the first NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament—what we know today as “March Madness” SOURCE: ncaa.com

READ

Kwame Alexander primarily writes novels in verse for middle grades and young adult readers, but his poetry in The Undefeated sings for children and adults alike. Alexander is often featured on NPR sharing his poetry and encouraging others to write. Coupled with the amazing illustrations by Kadir Nelson, The Undefeated is “a love letter to America. To Black America.” Powerful and moving, this picture book acknowledges painful history and celebrates resilience, accomplishment, and joy. This picture book is not just for children, so check it out even if there aren’t any kids in your home. Sarah Gatenby Originally from Atlanta, Sarah has lived in LCP for 8 years. When not reading or working, she’s chasing her kids around the neighborhood or sneaking out to walk the dog alone.

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POINTES OF INTEREST VOX

Question: Do you have any good luck signs or superstitions?

KAREN YOUNG-VEGA ANDREW McMANN

ILIANA RAMOS-JONES SCOTT SERRIDGE

DONNA ROSSMORE

_________________

Girl Wrangler

Drill Sergeant

We always pick up pennies on the sidewalk whenever we find them.

My dad was always about doing good things for good people, so I am too. Maybe a better word for it is “karma.”

_________________

Indiana Jones

Stunt Scotty

No, but my mother and I used to do a lot of telepathy. We often find ourselves thinking about the same things.

One superstition in baseball is that I never step on the first or third base line. That line should be perfect the whole game.

_________________

Style Mom

For many years it’s been the Chinese talisman for prosperity I got through one of my friends. It’s in my car right now.

WHAT A TWIST

Cher Lessard knows the best way to unwind is by winding up!

the inside of your left elbow around your right knee. Gently Spring is upon us; it’s time to come out of hibernatwist toward your tion and stretch ourselves out under the sun. The right, elongating seated spinal twist is a beautifully gentle way to your spine. loosen up your spine,which will naturally flow into 4. Return your head and the rest of your body. Here’s how it works: chest to center and your hands back to 1. Sit on your mat, legs the mat. Bring your straight, hands by right foot back to your sides. right the side of your 2. Bend your right knee left knee. Straighten and lift your right your right leg. foot over your left leg, 5. Repeat with the planting it on the mat opposite side, your next to the outside of left leg crossing your your left knee. right, your left hand 3. Bring your right behind you, your hand to the mat right elbow around behind you. Wrap your left knee.

THE POINTE MARCH 2021 EDITION

LAKE COVE

POOCH

SPONSORED BY PUPPY DREAMS

Henlo. My name is Doug,

I’m 4 years old, and I’m a hooman. Yes, I am very sure of this. I can do all of the things humans do. I can hold hands. I can also shake hands and do high-fives. I like hugs. I even know how to talk when I want to play or go outside. Right now, all I know how to say is “boof.” But I am improving. My hoomans—er, I mean, fellow hoomans—Gabriel, Mariel, and the little hoomans, have taught me many things. They have taught me that chicken is so good. And they have taught me about grandparents. I very much like grandparents. I know this might be sudden, but I love you. If you see me on a walkie with my fellow hoomans, let’s shake hands and say henlo like men. And maybe also give me a pet on the head. But in a very hooman way.

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Ful(mer) House

THE POINTE MARCH 2021 EDITION

The Fulmer Family is built on deep roots and wide branches. Wherever they go (and that’s everywhere), whatever they do (and that’s everything), it’s always in a strong foundation of love. Story: Rheya Tanner Photography: Matt Tullo

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T The Fulmers (from left): Zack, Jacob, Callie, Kimberly, Luke, Cecilia

he Fulmer House is a full house. Full of people, of course— six of them in this household. Full of charm, thanks to its pleasant colors and decor that would make anyone feel at home. And full of sunlight, thanks to a massive sun room along the back of the house. “We built an addition about six years ago,” says mother-of-the-house Kimberly Fulmer, her smile bright and beaming even compared to the sunshine. “We added the sun room, extended the kitchen nook, and added a fifth bedroom upstairs for Callie.” Callie, age 7, sits bundled in a blanket like a burrito in her mother’s lap. “She isn’t showing her true colors now,” says Kim-

THE POINTE MARCH 2021 EDITION

berly’s husband Zack. “But she is usually quite the presence. If anyone in this family is a performer, it’s Callie.” Don’t mistake that to mean that anyone in the Fulmer House is a homebody. In fact, home is often the last place you’ll find them on any given occasion. “Right now, it seems like we’re in a season of sports,” says Kimberly. “All we’re doing is following the calendar and going wherever it says we go!” But wherever their travels take them, from the soccer field to Africa, it is always the deep roots of a family’s love that draws them home.

Full of Charm

Zack and Kimberly moved to Central Florida in 2001 from Athens, Georgia. “We met at Clemson in South Carolina, and lived in Charlotte for a while,” says Kimberly. “Then

grad school led us to Athens, and Zack’s job led us back to Central Florida.” She says “back” to this area because, for Kimberly, this is home. “My dad grew up in Orlando, and my grandfather moved here when he was 18, so I’m a third-generation Orlandoan.” she says. “I remember when West Orange was just citrus.” The couple’s first landing spot was Winter Park, where they lived for three years. But when their first daughter was born, it was no longer the right fit. “The housing market was booming and our family was growing, so we were figuring out our next move,” says Zack. That’s when they first stumbled upon Lake Cove Pointe. “A friend who lived in Winter Garden brought me to this neighborhood,” says Zack. “There weren’t many houses here at all. But he said he’d eventually like to live out here, and I thought the same thing. Next thing we knew, we were out here shopping and talking to David Weekly.” Their house, sitting at the center of Mary Ellen Court, was actually the first David Weekly house built. “This was originally meant to be the model house,” says Kimberly. “But we hurried up and bought it. Back then it was all coyotes and wild turkeys, but we loved the nature of the place, that they were preserving the trees.” “This whole street was forest when we first built,” says Zack. “We had two labs at the time named Maverick and Goose. One night, they ran into the woods barking. When I ran out and followed them, I found out they had chased a bobcat up a tree. That

was a banner day for them!” Back then, the Lake Cove Pointe—and even the Winter Garden—we know and love today was virtually nonexistent. “This was back when all the shops downtown were empty, and the Plant Street renovation hadn’t started yet,” says Kimberly. But the couple knew that this neighborhood would be something. “We’re small-town people,” says Zack, “and they had just put the trail in. We could tell there was good momentum with the friendly people and the sense of community. You’ve got to give credit where credit’s due; the city has done a phenomenal job facilitating this growth.” “Four of the original owners, including us, still live on this street,” says Kimberly. “The Thibodeauxs and the Parmers built shortly after we did. And the Campbells were already here, of course. At one point there were 15 kids on this street, all little bitties. We called them the little Scooter Gang of Mary Ellen Court. I guess they’re still here, but now they’re driving and going to high school.”

Full of Action

Three of those 15 kids in the Scooter Gang were Fulmers themselves. In fact, you may see the oldest, Cecilia, gliding around the neighborhood on her longboard. “My friend got me into it,” she says. “She had a longboard, and I ended up picking the hobby up from her. It’s a ton of fun; we go on the trail with it a lot.” Her two younger brothers, Luke and Jacob, are also active athletes. “I get up at 5:40 in the morning for football practice,” says Luke, who is training as a

“We’ve been in the poorest of the poor communities and in wealthy communities. There’s always something we’ve never seen before. It never gets old to us.” —Zack Fulmer

FA ST FAC T S

LCP residents since: 2004 Married for: 23 years

The Fulmer Family poses in front of Notre-Dame de Paris in 2019—hours before the fire that damaged a large portion of it.

Children: Cecilia, 17; Luke, 15; Jacob, 13; Callie, 7; Godson Able, 21 Jobs: Zack is a Financial Advisor at Ronald Blue Trust, and Kimberly is a stay-athome mom Fave family activities: Traveling, sports, and cheering for Clemson Most used phrase at home: Go Tigers! Fave meal: Grilled beef tips and twice-baked potatoes Fave snack: Ice cream Word that best describes us: Adventurous On our bucket list: Visit all seven continents—two to go! Cause that’s important to us: Orphan care & adoption

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receiver. “I’m also playing basketball for my school.” Jacob, meanwhile, has taken up a new interest after his flag football season ended. “We were just driving through downtown when we passed by the fencing studio that had just opened up,” he says. “My mom was like ‘Jacob, you should try that!’ And so I did.” He has been fencing for about nine months. “His first fencing tournament was two or three weeks ago,” says Zack. “We never knew much about it, but we’re learning as we go.” Zack himself runs on the trail several times per week, and encourages his children to join him. “They’ll ride bikes with me, and for every hundred miles, they get

a steak dinner,” he says. The Fulmers’ youngest, Callie, is on the soccer team herself, and is considering taking up gymnastics. “And I drive them to places,” says Kimberly. “That’s my sport: Professional Uber. Which I love.” It’s a role she shares with Zack and with her parents, who are also Lake Cove Pointers. “They lived two miles outside Orlando at the time,” says Zack, “And they weren’t immediately receptive to the idea of moving ‘out to the country.’” But Larry & Sherry Clark (aka Poppa & Boppy) love Winter Garden—and seeing their grandkids almost daily—more than ever now. “It took them all of about a week to adapt,” says Kimberly. “We absolutely could not do this without

them. They’re super involved in the kids’ lives. They’re in the stands at every game, they’re in car pickup lines. They’re fantastic.” “They’re the ones with that obnoxious Clemson Golf Cart,” says Zack. “And you can quote me on that.” Grandparents and grandkids alike are in love with downtown. “The great thing about it is the freedom for them,” says Kimberly. “As they get older, they can go downtown with friends and be independent, but still within the bubble of Winter Garden.” Among their favorite downtown restaurants is Scoops, Rosalie, Twice Baked, and most of all, the butcher’s shop in Plant Street Market. “If you’ve never heard of the butcher, your life just changed,” says Zack. “House marinated beef tips,” says Kimberly. “Throw them on the grill. Delicious.” That’s always been the Fulmers’ MO. “When we’re home, we exercise, hang out downtown, go be a part of the community,” says Zack. “Then we get something from the butcher’s to grill and sit down with a movie.”

Full of Adventure THIS PAGE: The Fulmer family poses with their godson, Able, in Zambia. OPPOSITE PAGE: The Fulmers’ very first family photo with the newly adopted Callie

LOVE WHEN YOU’RE ABLE Zambia had far more in store for the Fulmers than photographs and memories. “It’s where we met our godson, Able,” says Zack. “He’s not legally our child, but we consider him part of our family.” “Zack met Able on his first trip with another friend,” says Kimberly. “ I still remember the phone call when he said ‘So, I may have promised a child here in Africa that we’d bring him to the States for his education?’” Four years later, the Fulmers made good on that promise. Able is now a junior in college at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. “You know, God just places those things on your heart sometimes,” says Kimberly. “We fell in love with him years before we ever met him.”

THE POINTE MARCH 2021 EDITION

Athletics are far from the only way this family stays active. The Fulmer family is incredibly well-traveled, and have been to four of the seven continents as a family—five as a couple—so far. “Travel is our love language,” says Kimberly. “It’s always so fascinating to dive into different cultures.” “From the time we were married, we talked about how important it was to take our kids around the world, to educate them about people who think and live differ-

ently than they do,” says Zack. “We’ve been in the poorest of the poor communities and in wealthy communities. And there’s always something we’ve never seen before. It never gets old to us.” The travel bug bit long before they had children, however. “Zack and I had a goal to circle the globe,” says Kimberly. “We were homeless, jobless, no responsibilities— essentially between grad school and real life. So we packed a couple backpacks and went. We like to say we took off 17 times and landed 18 times because we jumped out of one of those planes!” That was what ignited the desire to show their children the world. So far, the family has been to China, Europe, and, on three separate occasions, Zambia, a country in south central Africa. Cecilia has been particularly affected by her trips to Zambia— in more ways than one. “On our family trip, Cecilia got what we call her African Tattoo,” says Kimberly. “We were playing with lion cubs, and she was bit by one. How many kids can say that!” “I got to go back to Zambia a second time as part of a mission trip,” says Cecilia. “I was part of a high school girls’ retreat led by my mom and other women. It was four days with girls who had come from completely different backgrounds than I could have imagined. It was incredible.” Thanks to that experience, she is now considering one day living in Africa. “Half of me is joking, but half of me is serious,” she says. “I’m interested in becoming a registered nurse, and seeing where that takes me. I’ll get registered here in the states, then maybe I can figure out how that takes me to Africa.”

“We met [Callie] in a picture about six months prior to having her in our home. It’s true that you can fall in love with a photograph and a name on a paper.” —Kimberly Fulmer

Their later Europe trip may have been more familiar, but it was far from ordinary. “We were there the day Notre Dame burned,” says Jacob. “We were there an hour or two before it happened,” adds Luke. “Then we had dinner a few blocks away when we heard the sirens.” “We started getting calls from home to ask if we were OK,” says Kimberly. “That’s when we walked outside to see what had happened.” Other major stops were a few ski days in the Alps, and a rather poignant visit to the Dachau concentration camp. “I was in eighth grade at the time, and had just been learning about World War II,” says Luke. “So when I saw Dachau, it was really significant to me. I had read about it in a book, but it was so eye-opening to see the history right in front of me.”

Full of Love

Of all the family’s travels, perhaps none was more of a lifelong pleasure than their trip to China, when they adopted their youngest daughter Callie.

NAME THIS PUPPY!

The Fulmers will welcome a new chocolate-and-white Cocker Spaniel puppy to the family later this month. But they haven’t picked a name for him yet! Right now, they are torn between: • Cooper • Sherlock • Max • Timber • Lance • Bo Have a favorite? Send them a message or leave a note in their mailbox to let them know!

“Adoption has always been in our family’s DNA,” says Kimberly. “Zack is the youngest of three, but his brother and sister were both adopted. A couple of my cousins were adopted. We discussed even before we were married that it would always be an option on the table for us.” Of course, families grow in a lot of different ways. “After having three biological children, we were feeling called to pursue adoption,” says Kimberly. And once that happened, it was

about six months prior to having her in our home. It’s true that you can fall in love with a photograph and a name on a paper.” The trip to China to finalize Callie’s adoption was the Fulmers’ first overseas trip as a family. “Callie was one and a half, and the kids came with us for three weeks to do all the things we had to do to bring her home,” says Zack. Since that day six years ago, Callie has been nothing but a blessing. “She is just a delight, a ball of sunshine,” says Kimberly.

tion our trip to Hilton Head.” That is Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, a family vacation destination with a deep history. “Since we’ve been married, we’ve been fortunate to have beach vacations with each side of the family,” says Kimberly. “My family will go to different places, but Zack’s family always goes to Hilton Head.” “My family is from Chattanooga, Tennessee, and they’ve gone to Hilton Head every year since before I was born,” he says. “It’s familiarity. It’s sentimental.”

almost like China was making its own presence known. “The doors just kept opening,” she says. “Every conversation was about China. We met people who had just adopted from China. So we started exploring our options.” At the time, the primary adoption opportunities through China were special needs adoptions, so the family quickly signed up with an agency in Colorado. “From us hiring that agency to us holding Callie in our arms, it took about two years,” says Kimberly. “We met her in a picture

“We just celebrated Chinese New Year—we still have the decorations up—so it has even brought us new celebrations.”

That, right there, is the bare heart of the Fulmers. Their house is full indeed, of curiosity and kindness, each face smiling and engaged with what the other has to say. I, as a writer, typically don’t insert myself into these stories. But in this case, it is vital to the story to say that, even though the whole purpose of our visit was to interview their family, they still took a natural interest in our own lives, almost interviewing us right back. Of all the things that make the Fulmer House full—the greatest of them is heart.

THE POINTE MARCH 2021 EDITION

Glass Half Full

“Since COVID, life has been more home-based,” says Kimberly. “But we’re usually so crazy-busy with schedules that it’s nice to have some time in the hammock.” Their upcoming travel plans are also much more domestic. “The Grand Canyon is next on our list,” says Zack. “Not to men-

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www.inperspective.co

Orlando, FL contact@inperspective.co | Tel: 863.443.4623

THE

Taking Root

The Parrishes offer tips on how to easily integrate two air plants—orchids and bromeliads—into your outdoor landscape.

HOME FRONT

4. Bromeliads can be planted directly in the landscape— with a few caveats. Because they are air plants, they won’t do well in heavy, wet soil. You will need to plant them very shallowly, and mulch around them well. You might even have to prop them up until they root out. They will also need to follow the same sun considerations as if they were attached to a tree—not too sunny. As a general rule, softer, smoothedged bromeliads won’t take as much sun as their heavier, serrated-leafed cousins. 5. The same is not true for orchids. If they are planted outside, they must be attached to a tree.

jute twine, cotton string, or What can you do with that beaustrips of nylons or panty hose. tiful orchid or bromeliad when it 2. Attach your plants near the starts to look … not so beautiful? sprinklers. Air plants dry out The answer is to use it in your more quickly once they are no landscape. longer in a potting medium, Orchids and bromeliads are both which retains moisture. If the air plants. What this means is that sprinklers can’t reach them, they can be “attached” to trees and they will require extra waterpalms in your garden. Typically, ing from you. the plant is tied to the tree so its 3. Keep it shady, but not too roots can attach themselves to it. shady. Since most of these It’s a pretty simple process, but plants grow in trees, they’re the sensitivity of these plants can not used to full sun. Take make it more daunting. Here are this into consideration when a few tips to help you successfully attaching your plant. attach your plants. Happy planting! 1. Do not use wire to secure the plant. It’s strong and easy to Wes & Vickie Parrish These LCP residents know their landscaping. Each has spent years work with, but can damage studying the science of horticulture, and previously owned their own your tree or palm. Some sugnursery. Wes frequently travels around Florida to give seminars about gestions are plastic floral tape, his passion and knowledge.

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DISH

Awesome The Soulsby secret for foolproof franks.

Sausage

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Nothing grosses me out more than biting into meat and realizing it is not fully cooked inside. My family has always parboiled their sausage before grilling to prevent this. We are lucky enough to have a magical garage fridge that seems

to generate more alcohol than less after a party. After experimenting, I realized that parboiling in beer is so much more flavorful and the potatoes take it to another level. The best part of this recipe is you can pre-cook the sausage and

potatoes and then store them in the fridge until you are ready for the final step for cooking. When you can get dinner on the table in under 30 minutes and it doesn’t require a box or can, that is a good day!

Nicole’s (Not-So-Secret) Sausage and Potatoes MAKES 2-3 SERVINGS

I N GR EDI EN T S

• 1 lb Italian sausage or bratwurst • 2-3 bottles of beer, lighter is better • 1 small onion • 1 bag (1 lb) small potatoes • French fry seasoning • Your favorite barbecue sauce NOTE S

If you have an air fryer, you can cook your sausage in the basket at 370º F for 10-15 minutes. Slice up the potatoes and fry in a little oil with a sprinkle of FF seasoning.

I NST RUC T IO NS

• Place your fresh sausage in a pot large enough to have all laying in one layer. • Peel and add the onion to the pot. Pour over 2 beers and bring to a simmer on medium heat. • Cook for approximately 30 minutes and remove sausage from the liquid to cool. Don’t throw out that magical beer/ onion/sausage fat fluid! • Rinse your potatoes clean and add to the pot. Add the third beer or more water to cover the potatoes.

• On medium heat, bring to a simmer and cook until potatoes are knife tender. At this point you can either pack up the sausage and potatoes or place them on a greased cookie sheet. • Brush the meat with barbecue sauce and lightly sprinkle the potatoes with the FF seasoning. • Roast in an oven for 30 minutes at 375º F, rotating and basting the sausage after 15 minutes. • Serve with a side salad and fresh Italian bread.

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DISH Celebrating St. Patrick's Day with a green beverage? Neighborhood home brewer David Moss recommends a Pilsner lager. You would then add green food coloring. The beer is light enough to let the color come through. You can try a wheat beer, but there may be too many proteins to let green show. Slainte! David Moss David is a Lake Cove Pointe neighbor with a well-developed skill and knowledge of home brewing. Be sure to stop by on Halloween to say hello and perhaps sample his seasonal pumpkin beer!

e t o v

! h t 9 h m a r c aptist church b Primiti4v3e W. Story Rd 9

 U.S. NAVY VETERAN  EXPERIENCED PUBLIC SERVANT  KNOWS HOW TO GET THINGS DONE  KNOWN RELATIONSHIP BUILDER  BUDGET CONSCIENCE  PERSONAL INTEGRITY  COMMUNITY VALUES LEARN MORE ABOUT RON AND HIS VISION FOR WINTER GARDEN AT

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OFF THE VINE

Pointe Blanc

A spring fling with Sauvignon Blanc. As our weather heats up with an extended dusk this spring, reach for a glass of Sauvignon Blanc. With its aromas and taste profile demonstrating vibrant citrus fruit, fresh flowers, herbal tones, and spice notes, it’s the perfect complement to the season. You’ll find a wide variety of styles to choose. The benchmark place for this grape originates in France’s eastern Loire Valley region of Sancerre. Try those from New Zealand for a more pungent and intense flavor. If you enjoy a luscious style of Chardonnay from California, you should try a Sauvignon Blanc style produced in French oak barrels labeled Fumé Blanc. The best food pairings for Sauvignon Blanc to try include goat cheese, asparagus, salads, grilled fish, shellfish, and dishes with coriander, tarragon, or dill. Brian Koziol Master sommelier Brian has decades of training in the mysteries of wine and its varietals, with roles within Walt Disney World Resort and other prestigious distributors throughout Florida. BRIAN’S MARCH SELECTIONS VALUE

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SPLURGE

Nobilo

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NAPA VALLEY

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“Our family is just the right mix of chaos and love.” — Anonymous

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Enjoy these fun moments from the Fulmer photo shoot we just couldn’t fit into the story. Photograph: Matt Tullo Taken: February 20, 2021

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