The Local: Winter Garden—April 2023

Visionary Life Lines

WINTER GARDEN APR IL 20 23

T H E AR T S IS SU E

Featuring

Francesca Tarantino This 14-year-old was born to rock 18

Joe Alarie and Will Blaine in graphic detail

Rod Reeves’ illustrated history

34

26

SUNDAY BRUNCH CLUB

6100 Wave Hotel Dr. Orlando, FL 32827 www.lakenonawavehotel.com | @havenlakenona

C⚫ ntents

18

26

34

She Rocks

Life Lines

Visionary

14-year-old Francesca Tarantino was born to rock.

Artist, teacher, and historian, discover Rod Reeves’ illustrated life.

Joe Alarie & Will Blaine get graphic about Winter Garden.

HEATHER ANNE LEE

HEATHER LUXEMBURG

MARK MCWATERS

06 The Lo’ Down 10 Garden Variety

Tossing bags for a good cause with Jim Hukill and Ryan Rouse; Art by Hubert; Mary Ann Miller’s debut thriller; and more!

4

16 Tails to Tell

Fuji the Koi Betta

46 Legal Briefs

Greg Zele and Marc Cressman have your back.

50 Oh, Well!

The Local WI N TE R G AR DE N

John Colwell on living his best life with early onset Parkinson’s disease.

54 Eats + Drinks

Colin Reichardt brings sourdough to life, German style.

ON THE COVER

66 Rhetoric

Sewing is harder than it seams.

Francesca Tarantino strikes a chord with a new generation of rockers.

F R E D LO PE Z

I’m home where I’m inspired

For more than 15 years, we have helped seniors continue to live independently while receiving the support they need.

• Personalized Care Plans • 24/7 Availability • Offerings include

• Meal preparation, special diets • Light housekeeping & laundry • Daily activity assistance (showering, toileting, grooming, dressing, etc.)

When you are home , we are care .

407-347-2050 / wintergardenhomecare.com

Y

The Lo’Down

The idea that it’s mercurial and wispy? That I just cross my fingers and hope it strikes me at my writing desk? “Not true!” I say. “Inspiration is my responsibility. Inspiration is in my job description.”

Inspiration is out there anyone to find, any time, if they know what it looks like. You can’t manhandle it or conjure it out of thin air, true, but you can put yourself in its path. You can make yourself available to it.

It’s why I go to art galleries and listen to new music and meet interesting people, why I read widely and travel often and ask questions and seek new experiences: An inspired life is a prerequisite of inspired work. I consider it my job to live in such a way that every time I sit down to write, I can be inspired—not because it strikes, but because I tap into it. Or, at least I try.

Thankfully, living in Winter Garden makes my job easy. Murals, architecture, music, photography, poetry, digital art, illustration, sculpture—you name it, we’ve got it on display. Take Francesca Tarantino, the epitome of a rising star with a classic take on guitar. Or Rod Reeves, a local illustrator trying his talented hand at a new medium—comic strips! —at 82 years young.

I admit, comics and classic rock aren’t my usual creative fare. But Francesca’s passion and Rod’s curiosity inspired me to take a second look, not just at new genres, but at rekindling my old passion for music.

A former oboist, I’ve long flirted with taking it up again or starting a new journey with the cello or the piano. Music lessons at 51? Why not!

Each of us has a canvas—whether it’s an artboard or a soundboard, the boardroom or the backboard of a basketball hoop. Whenever we’re willing to explore, to venture outside our routines and expectations, inspiration will be there, waiting to surprise us. This month, I challenge you to put yourself in the path of inspiration and see where that path leads.

Heather Anne Lee

Editor heather@emagency.com

6

The Local WI N TE R G AR DE N

FIND US IRL

Abbott’s Frozen Custard AntiquiTeas @Plant St Market Axiom Bank Hamlin Cariera’s Fresh Italian Foxtail Coffee Co. Jeff ’s Bagel Run Main House Market Orange County Public Library, Winter Garden Pammie’s Sammies Pearle Vision Ocoee Poke by Gochi Polka Dotz Puppy Dreams Rita’s Italian Ice Rosallie Le French Cafe Seacoast Bank Sweet Dee’s Cupcakery Thai Blossom The French Cafe Three Birds Cafe Tres Amigos WG Heritage Museum Wheel Works E-Bikes Winter Garden Pizza Co. Writer’s Block Bookstore and more!

A PUBLICATION OF

emagency.com 407-573-6061 @EMagencyinc

POW ERE D

I hear that all the time. Inspiration comes up in one form or another in every single interview I’ve ever given on creativity: “What inspires you?”

“How do you get/stay inspired?” And every time, I jump on my soapbox and tell people what I know about inspiration.

@thelocalwg

FE EL IN G

You, dear reader,

are an inspiration. Maybe you don’t think so—maybe you couldn’t draw a straight line with a ruler, or carry a tune in a bucket. Maybe no one has ever seen your creative side. Maybe you’ve never felt “inspired.”

FIND US ONLINE

THE ADVISORY BOARD

Dr. Kim Dawson

Healthcare entrepreneur and owner of Pearle Vision in Ocoee and Hamlin. 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

Founder of Beacon Mortgage, setting the highest standards in the industry by putting people first. 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 17 years, Sandi, and their two daughters Daniella and Avery.

Becca Lanterman Pam Thomas Bradford Owner of Owner of PamWinter 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 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.

mie’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.

Mark Schmidt

Mark has been a resident of Central Florida for 34 years. He spent over 30 years in the Radio and Television industry and currently works for Boyer Building Corp. as the New Business Development Manager. Interests include cheering on the Buffalo Bills, golf and enjoying the next great glass of wine. He is married to his wife, Gina, and has a “Morkie” named Finley!

WINTER GARDEN

April 2023 Vol. 2 No. 07

JOIN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY Showcasing the community with award-winning writing, design, and photography.

We are read, saved, shared, displayed, and embraced.

ADVERTISING Jamie Ezra Mark Publisher jamie@emagency.com 352-425-6400

Tracey Forrester

Tracey is a community advocate helping individuals, families and small business owners gain access to affordable legal coverage with LegalShield, as well as help protect against identity theft through IDShield. She has been a resident of Horizon West since 2007 with her beautiful teenage girls, Averie and Bryce. Cofounder of Horizon West Professionals and founding member of the Rotary Club of Horizon West, Tracey believes lasting relationships start with community. .

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.

Angie Layfield NHA/CDAL

Executive Director at Westminister, a senior living and memory care community in Winter Park. Angie has been in the senior housing industry for over 20 years and brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and insight to local 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.

Iliana Ramos Jones Family, faith,

and passion are the three major pillars of Iliana’s life. She and her brothers own Empire Finish Systems, of which she is the active CFO. A retired marathon runner, she has transitioned to the more tranquil pastime of acquiring house plants. When not working, she loves spending time with her amazing husband, Charlie, discovering new food, traveling and quiet evenings on Lake Apopka.

Kirsten Harrington

Kirsten is a freelance magazine writer who just returned to Winter Garden after two years of living in China. She loves to travel and explore new places, especially where food is concerned. You can often find her out on the bike trail, in the kitchen with her family, or checking out the local food scene and sharing her finds on Instagram, @ wintergardenfoodie.

Nicole Spooner Account Executive nicole@mpactorlando.com 407-595-4793

EDITORIAL Heather Anne Lee Editor heather@emagency.com Rheya Tanner Art Director Josh Clark Designer Wendy Mak Designer Andrew Ontko Designer Evan Miklosey Web Fred Lopez Chief Photographer Heather Luxemburg Writer/Liaison Mark McWaters Writer

PRO U D M EM BER S OF

©2023 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.

8

The Local WI N TE R G AR DE N

of Investing with Purpose Financial intelligence leads to financial freedom.

Understand how to budget effectively, set reasonable expectations, balance potential risks vs potential rewards, and create a plan for the future you want, so you can live a confident and independent life.

13790 Bridgewater Crossings Blvd., Windermere 800-558-7969 / iqportfolios.com 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.

Featuring ICARUS MILA LOUNGE CHAIRS

Custom Lash Extensions* Introductory Classic Set $99 Hybrid Set $199 *New Customers only

Fully upholstered in vinyl with thick, pillowy cushioning.

They are great for Lumbar support and are Zero Gravity.

BY LEX I HAVE A

Fabulash DAY

13848 Tilden Rd, Suite 230, Winter Garden www.fabulashbylexi.com 407-725-9425

Uplifting Tossing bags for a good cause with Jim Hukill and Ryan Rouse of Lift Disability Network.

10

The Local WI N TE R G AR DE N

B

elonging is everything. And sharing that sense of belonging with others is one of the most rewarding feelings someone can experience. But for Ryan Rouse, the real joy comes from providing it. And that is exactly what he and Lift Disability Network are doing for Central Floridans— elevating families with disabilities. Ryan explains, “In the disability community, this is a life-long journey, there’s no end to it. So if we can encourage people in that journey, surround them with community, and deliver hope along the way, then it’s worth it.”

Jim Hukill knows this firsthand. As an infant, Jim was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy and was told to expect a life of limitations.

Experiencing the strain that a disability can have on a family, Jim set out to form a group whose focus is on the entire family unit rather than just one person. “We found that there are several ‘big giants’ to people being able to accomplish certain things and live successfully.

The biggest of these is isolation, which creates a place where people are unable to build relationships. We feel that our job is to connect people. We’re very focused on bringing fun—families need just that.”

And that’s exactly what his 501(c)3, Lift Disability Network, will be doing this month. With the help of Ryan, Director of Programming, Lift is hosting its second annual Lift Cornhole Tournament on Saturday, April 15th, from 10 am-1 pm at the West Orange Dream Center. Serving as an opportunity for fun and fellowship, proceeds

from the tournament will provide scholarships to the charity’s biggest program, Breakaway Camp —a fiveday family retreat designed to provide relaxation, recreation, and spiritual renewal for an entire family.

This year, Ryan and Jim are changing the dynamic of the event. “One thing we learned last year, our first year, is that cornhole is re-

Get ready for the 2nd Annual Cornhole Tournament on April 15th where food, fun, foam, and cornhole will combine to help raise funds for Lift Disability Network.

ally boring to watch if you’re not playing,” Ryan says with a laugh. “So we are adding more excitement this year— concessions, a raffle, a kid zone, and more importantly, a foam party provided by Florida Foam Factory! We’re ready for everyone in Winter Garden to come out and play!”

It isn’t hard to notice Lift Disability’s genuine desire to make an impact on these families’ lives, and this event is just one example.

Jim says, “The cornhole tournament is such a great opportunity for us to be involved and do something special for the community.

Let them see exactly who we are.”

Register, sponsor or donate at www.liftdisability.net

APR I L 202 3

11

Garden Variety

LOCAL HISTORY

Winter Garden Arts & Historical Association With an ongoing resolve and persistent passion for fine arts, the Winter Garden Arts Association has been encouraging creativity in the community for years. Formed in August 1979 by local cultural enthusiasts, the Art Association set out with a mission to encourage individuality and foster artistic growth in the area. Having met previously in an art studio on Plant Street, the Art Association converted the old train station into a fine arts museum, a place for any artist to express themselves. This museum would come to serve as both a gallery and a meeting place. The response was overwhelming—after opening, a nucleus of people began to attend their meetings, and in the course of several years, the Art Association produced several art shows and Local Color exhibits over the years, holding the First Annual Winter Garden Art Festival in early 1980. After many years of change and growth, in 2013 the Art Association finally settled at its current location on 127 S. Boyd Street, in the city’s old fire station. More commonly known as SoBo, the Winter Garden Art Association is still at work, and it has kept its original promise from 1979, forever painting its impact on the community.

The mission of the Winter Garden Art Association is to encourage individual creativity and artistic expression, to promote community involvement and cooperation, and to advance the appreciation, education, and availability of visual and cultural arts .

12

The Local WI N TE R G AR DE N

MARKET WATCH

Just Add Water

The watercolor world of Art by Hubert If you love art, it’s never too late to start. At least, that’s what watercolorist Hubert Abitbol says to any market-goer who stops to appreciate his work. Featuring stirring watercolor paintings and prints, Art by Hubert (@artbyhubert) is a booth that is not to be missed on your next market trip.

During his youth in France, Hubert was deeply inspired

by French and Italian artists. “I would go to museums and look at the art, and each time, I felt a strong emotion. What happens when you look at these beautiful paintings—you feel the emotion the artist had while they were painting it.”

Wanting to give the same feeling to others, Hubert immersed his fascination into painting. Hubert’s illustrated experiences adorn the market with colorful depictions of Winter Garden and surrounding areas. “I love painting Plant Street, especially the fountain. It’s a beautiful spot, and it’s ever-changing, so I am able to paint it with different lights, flowers, and colors.

I am quite an idealist, so I try to create optimistic paintings.”

With brilliant pigments and familiar settings, Hubert’s artwork certainly draws a sense of delight to any viewer.

And for Hubert, that’s all that matters. “I cannot explain. Drawing, painting, creating images—I don’t understand why, but it gives me great pleasure. And that’s something I can give to others. If I were creating art for myself, it wouldn’t be as interesting. I have more pleasure creating art for others.”

chooseviewpoint.com • 407-917-1594

Sign up here for a FREE in-home consultation SM

Unlock Home S H E LLE Y DAW SO N.CO M 4 0 7-492-1900

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

1200 E Plant St Suite 160, Winter Garden 407-917-1594 • chooseviewpoint.com

Miller’s

THERE IS ALWAYS GOOD NEWS IN THE GARDEN

It’s almost time to let it fly! At Urban Air Adventure Park (@UrbanAirHamlin) that is, which should (fingers crossed) open this month in Hamlin! Speaking of flying, mark your calendars for May 6th, when the

King of Darkness (@waterskiKOD) returns to Winter Garden. Elite waterski jumpers going 220’ in the dark? Sign us up! kingofdarkness.org. A big congratulations to not one, but two robotics teams at West Orange High School for taking first and third at the Lockheed Martin Robotics Competition! Also, a shout out to Peyton Giessuebel on publishing her first children’s book, If You Only Knew What Failure Could Do. And to our BFF Bryan Fifer (@insurewithbryan) on opening his swanky new offices at 3724 Winter Garden Vineland Rd. And for the real reason you read this column: food! We’re not going to lie—it’s not 34787, but we’re still putting the newly reopened and redesigned RusTeak (@rusteakwinebar) on heavy rotation. It’s no coincidence that their amazing food is being served at 1681 Amazing Way. Then again, we’re also in line more often than not at Jeremiah’s Italian Ice (@JeremiahsIce1041), which is now open at The Mark just off Siedel Road. And construction is near completion at the new Maple Street Biscuit Company (@ maplestreetbiscuitcompany) which will open later this spring at 16027 New Independence Parkway. And hey! You can work off all those calories in your new kicks from the new Flip Flop Shops (@ flipflopshops) location at 100 Boyd St. Stop by and tell Oliver & Lori that The Local sent you!

SHARE YOUR LOCAL GOOD NEWS! Email heather@emagency.com

14

The Local WI N TE R G AR DE N

Chiller From bookworm to wordsmith, Mary Ann Miller marks her debut with her novel, Bones Under the Ice. Enigmatic and intriguing, Mary’s novel follows the story of a female sheriff and the ups and downs she must endure, with mystery laced throughout. “As with all debut authors, I think there are parts of her that are parts of me. I get inspiration from the women in my life, my very dear friends. Watching them go through certain struggles early on in their lives—I want to show them through my writing.” Mary Ann’s love for mystery is apparent, her inspiration drawn from childhood favorites such as Nancy Drew and author Agatha Christie. “At the time, it was unusual to have a female character as a lead in a thriller. That’s what drew me in.” Keeping it old fashioned, Mary Ann prefers to write with a just pen and yellow note pad. “I just really write for the joy of it. I love the early stages, because you never know where you’re going to go with it. You just get to know the characters, and they lead you into places you couldn’t have imagined. And don’t question them, just go!”

We know you’ll want to read more, and you won’t have to wait long—Mary Ann is currently working on the second novel in the series, The Moonshine Murders. maryannmillerauthor.com

Divorce, Paternity, Child Support, Modification and other family-related matters

Allison E.M. Budnik,Attorney 161 S. Boyd St., Suite 100, Winter Garden 407-499-2082 / WGfamilylawfirm.com

DOWLOAD THE WINTER GARDEN APP YOUR COMMUNITY GUIDE TO EVENTS, DEALS AND THE #1 DIRECTORY

Tails to Tell

Betta Than Eva Fuji the Koi Betta Ey. You. You lookin’ at me?

You intimidated by my beauty? You betta be.

Do these shiny scales make me look like a pansy to you? Well, beneath ‘em beats the heart of a bruiser.

I ain’t called “fightin’ fish” for nothin’. Folks would be wise to remember that.

I remember the last wise guy who wasn’t so wise.

16

Tried to come into my house and start clownin’ around like some kinda clownfish. Let’s just say he ain’t clownin’ no more.

Now, this whole tank is my turf, see? And anyone who’s thinkin’ of bein’ a tankmate of mine’s gotta play by my rules. Rule number one: No tankmates.

OK, maybe I got a coupla tankmates. There’s these

The Local WI N TE R G AR DE N

four snails down at the bottom with the rocks an’ such. They mind their business, and they clean up my messes, capisce?

They can stay.

You? You can’t stay.

Matter of fact, I’m already sick of lookin’ at you. You’re

lucky I can’t come outta this tank, because if I could, why I oughta…

Does your pet have a tail to tell? in.thelocalwg.com/tell-tails

A mother holds her children's hand for awhile, and their hearts forever.

Downtown Winter Garden

1291 Winter Garden Vineland Rd, Ste. 140 Winter Garden, FL 34787

KEEPING TEETH Healthy!

WE OFFER In-office sedation dentistry Nitrous oxide Tooth colored fillings Parent always welcome during treatment Board Certified Pediatric Dentists Call or schedule online today

407-614-5955 www.WinterGardenSmiles.com

18

The Local WI N TE R G AR DE N

Forget Swift or Sheeran, Francesca Tarantino is on a mission to bring rock ‘n’ roll to a whole new generation.

I

H E AT H E R AN N E LE E

F R E D LO PE Z

t’s 2:50 pm on the first Friday of Spring Break and Francesca Tarantino is dressed in an olive green t-shirt, her long, dark hair freshly styled, and a light wash of makeup expertly applied to her already pristine skin. She strolls confidently into The EMbassy, with her entourage in tow—that being her mother, Danielle, father, Frank, and brother, Dominic.

She looks more like a kid sister (which she is—Dominic is one year older) than a rock-star rebel. And yet, the 14-year-old is, quote, “On a mission to bring rock ‘n’ roll back to my generation.” End quote.

APR I L 202 3

19

An audacious goal, to be sure, but she’s off to a great start. While her peers may be tuning in to Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande, and other Top 40 artists, Francesca is jamming to the likes of Aerosmith, KISS, and Deep Purple. She wears ‘70s and ‘80s-era rock shirts with abandon, and has an impressive collection of guitars. And yet, she sings sweetly heartbroken lyrics that sometimes come from poems she writes in her journal.

“Music has always been a big part of my life,” Francesca explains. “My dad got me my first guitar, at age 5. And as long as I can remember, my parents would always

play classic rock around the house, and I’d be screaming along to the lyrics.”

That’s not to suggest her playlist doesn’t foray into other genres—The Weeknd and Lil Nas X are on steady rotation next to her rock idols. But her heart belongs to the classics.

So much so that on her first-ever performance, she closed out a school talent show in second grade with “Rock and Roll All Nite” by KISS. And recently, when Gary Rossington passed away, she and her dad recorded an Instagram Live version of “Simple Man” by Lynyrd Skynyrd.

“I’m pretty sure no one in my generation, or very few

From age 5 (far right) to nearly 15 (below), Francesca has grown up with a guitar in her hands. These days, she just plays to big and small, such as The Strawberry Festival and this live performance at the EMbassy.

20

The Local WI N TE R G AR DE N

anyway, even know who Lynyrd Skynyrd is, let alone Gary Rossington. And it’s sad because it’s the best music ever,” she says wryly.

So how does a Winter Garden ninth grader go about changing the musical tastes of her generation?

Very slowly, with one gig, one riff, one song at a time.

Two days ago, that gig was at The Strawberry Festival. “Oh, my God, they were amazing. They were clapping, they were singing. It makes me so happy when people sing along. It’s so much fun!” she says.

Today’s performance is much more intimate. She’s sharing her debut single, “My Runaway,” at a concert

at The Local’s headquarters. This is followed by her yet-to-be-released second single, “Tragedy,” and then an impromptu version of “Zombie” by the Cranberries. “This is fun, too, but it’s actually harder to perform for a small audience than a big one,” she says.

She’ll follow up this performance with another one at The Blake in Hamlin.

And later this week, there will be appearances at The Verandah in Thornton Park and Bloodhound Brew Pub. So how does a ninthgrader go about finding gigs?

“Well, at first, it was just open mic nights, which is, like, play three to five songs, and then you’re done. But

“ As long as I can remember, my parents would play classic rock, and I’d be screaming along to the lyrics.”

APR I L 202 3

21

then I started emailing places asking if I could play, or DM-ing them on Instagram with a link to my videos.

People have been really receptive and now they’re starting to reach out to me.

And that’s really awesome!”

When she’s not giggling, or going to school, Francesca is hyper-focused on practicing her craft. Nearly every evening, she has jam sessions with her dad in the family’s upstairs music loft. Lined with guitars that Frank has collected over decades, there’s also a drum set, KISS memorabilia, music stands, mics, and a host of sound equipment.

“Yeah, we just come up here and play random stuff.

But we actually have this thing on Instagram and Facebook, where every Sunday we’ll have a song that we do together and then post it, and it’s always so much fun.

One day we did “Stairway to Heaven.” A few weeks ago we did “Bridge of Sighs.” We did “Crazy On You” at some point, which is one of my all-time favorites. It’s always so much fun to play with him. He’s really the reason I got into music. I mean, my mom loves music, too, and she definitely helps make everything happen. But my dad, he gave me my first guitar and started teaching me riffs like “Crazy on You”

by Heart, and then, I think, “Smoke on the Water.” We

22

did that for years before I actually started taking lessons.

That was just two years ago.

So, yeah … jamming with my dad is always special,” she says with a smile.

Who’s the better guitar player now? “Definitely me,” she says with a laugh.

“I mean, don’t tell him that. He’s still good, but he could use some training.

Maybe some time with Mike,” she says.

She’s referring to Mike Walker, one of the principles behind the artist development program at DME Orlando, where she’s learning the ins and outs of the music industry.

“Mike and Caroline Walker are amazing,” she

The Local WI N TE R G AR DE N

effuses. “On Wednesdays, I work with Mike on guitar, vocals, stage presence, and such. Some days we’ll be in the booth and we’ll record some stuff. Or he’ll have me on stage, practicing performance techniques. And then every other Tuesday, I work with Caroline on songwriting and lyrics and stuff.”

DME has also been instrumental in getting Francesca more visible online, helping her distribute music to all the streaming platforms and connecting her with resources for potential gigs.

Indeed, it’s only been two years that Francesca has been formally training, if you will. And a year since she started posting songs

Francesca (left) with her mom, Danielle, brother, Dominic and father, Frank, at her first KISS concert in 2019.

and videos online, but with a steady stream of gigs—including singing the national anthem at a Florida Marlins baseball game! — it’s clear that this singer-songwriter is well on her way to becoming the next Anne Wilson, or Joan Jett, or Steven Tyler.

“Oh, my god … his voice is

“Every day I feel like I learn or hear something new.”

APR I L 202 3

23

amazing. If I could sing like anyone, it might be him.”

She may not have Steven Tyler’s raspy tenor just yet, but there’s still time. Meanwhile, she’s focused on writing her own songs.

“My Runaway” is her first songwriting endeavor, and she had some help along the way. “When I first told Mike I wanted to write a song, we just kind of went into it without a plan. He just started playing some chords, and then I started singing a melody. We made a voice memo, and then he sent me home to write some lyrics. At first, I was a little stumped, but I had the idea of ‘I’ve got to run away’ already in my head, and so I wanted the

song to evolve around that.

I came home and asked my brother for help, and together we came up with the idea of being somewhere you know you shouldn’t be and you’re trying to escape, but you’re worried about what other people are going to think of you. So he and Mike are actually co-writers on that one.”

“The second one, “Tragedy,” came to me a little faster. It’s about losing someone you really love.

And the one I’m writing now is called “The Truth Cannot Hide.” It’s about two best friends, and one friend is actually cheating on her boyfriend. And so the other best friend is like, I do not

Singing the national anthem at a Miami Marlins baseball game in July 2022.

24

The Local WI N TE R G AR DE N

support this. Why would you tell me this? And that’s basically what it’s about.

That’s pretty much everything I write about, just real-life things that happen to people or stories I’ve heard. I try not to overthink it,” she says. “I’m 14. It’s not like I have a whole lot of life experience,” she says with a laugh. “But I’m learning that my purest ideas, or emotions, come from my first thoughts, so I’m learning to trust that. I know there’s still so much more to learn, but I’m so excited.

“Even though I grew up listening to rock ’n’ roll, every day I feel like I learn or hear something new. And that’s so much fun!”

“I’m learning that my purest ideas, or emotions, come from my first thoughts, so I’m learning to trust that.”

When it comes to your toughest questions, we’re an open book.

Because transparency matters.

At Schwab, we take time to give you straightforward answers to your toughest questions. What are our fees? We’ll tell you. How about fully explaining our services? You got it. If you live in Clermont, go ahead.

Ask Michael anything. He’ll always give you a transparent answer.

Get started at schwab.com/clermont

Michael Wytiaz, CFP® Branch Leader

1600 Hancock Road, Suite D, Clermont, FL 34711 352-404-5238 © 2022 Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (“Schwab”) Member SIPC. All rights reserved. (1120-0JP6) SCH6700-10 (6/22)

26

The Local WI N TE R G AR DE N

For local artist

Rod Reeves,

history is not just illustrated in his wake, it is reinvigorated. ¶ Born in 1940, this Winter Garden native has seen first-hand the last 82 years of growth in our beloved town, and he has dedicated much of his resources to preserving the town’s history, in more ways than you’d expect.

H E ATH E R LU X E M B U R G

F R E D LO PE Z

APR I L 202 3

27

Commonly known for his stylistic sketches of Winter Garden architecture over the years, Rod Reeves’ intrigue with art and architecture was sparked from his own childhood home on South Woodland, just two blocks from downtown. The bungalow-style abode was built using lumber from the razed Bell Hotel, and it

isn’t difficult to see where an aspiring artist may find inspiration nestled in the corners—Rod’s bedroom door even had a hotel room number on it!

“I loved that house, and I’m just so afraid it will be torn down. It was a wonderful house. It’s probably why I’ve always wanted to preserve things as they are; we’ve had some really

interesting buildings here that have been lost.”

More than just a childhood memory, it was at this house that Rod’s verve for art was visualized. “One of my earliest drawings shows a store with a baby, and a woman peering out of a hospital window. It was probably one of the first drawings I did that included archi-

tecture and family. I was probably around 3-4 years old.”

This fascination carried into Rod’s adulthood, where he was able to shape his passions into multiple careers throughout his life.

“When the Heritage Foundation started in 1994, I was asked to be the founding director.

“ We have a wonderful variety of architecture in our town.

Sadly, we’ve lost a lot of it over the years.”

Over the years, Rod has collected a hefty portfolio of art pieces, each one demonstrating significant moments in his life—every piece has a different story to tell, illuminating a life that has been much cherished.

28

The Local WI N TE R G AR DE N

APR I L 202 3

29

At some point along the way, we did a book about Winter Garden architecture. The title is off-putting—Sundays in the South—but that comes from our Sunday drives.

When I grew up here, we’d ride the same route every Sunday, just to get out.”

Just one glance into this book gives an idyllic perspective of the town in Rod’s eyes, during those casual Sunday trips. But it’s important to note that the town we currently love is not the town Rod remembers. Growing up, he recalls that they could not go four blocks from any intersection of Plant and Main without being out of town, and back then, everybody knew everybody.

Of course, any small town would be remiss without a close-knit community in its heart. In fact, both of Rod’s parents even had jobs downtown: Mae Reeves, a telephone operator, and Dock Reeves, the town barber. Having been so close to the people and businesses downtown for his entire life, it’s easy to understand Rod’s affection for the area, and why he still sighs with heartache for the many structures that were unfortunately not kept throughout the years.

Sharing one of his sketches, Rod reminisces,

30

“This building used to be Davis’ Pharmacy—it was turned into the pizza place downtown. I went there and had a Coca-Cola every afternoon after school, from first grade until it closed. That was one of the worst days of my life.

I couldn’t believe it. And you know what’s interesting? I went up one day and said, ‘You know, I’ve never drawn looking out.’

The pharmacist told me, ‘Well it’s good you’re here today, because once we close the doors at the end of the day, we’ll never be open again.’ So that was gratuitous.”

A long-time enthusiast of architecture and history, Rod devotes What was worse, while much of his time to sketching local structures in the community. many of the local businesses were beginning to move away from downtown, many of the familiar buildings that Rod had grown to love were also beginning to be changed or demolished. “We have a wonderful variety of architecture. Sadly, we’ve lost a lot of it over the years. In the last decades of the 20th century, Winter Garden had become a ghost town. The bank had moved, the pharmacy, the hardware. It was just empty. We were very concerned in Winter Garden becoming a main street town, and preserving the buildings. I’m grateful to have lived long enough to see it happen.”

The Local WI N TE R G AR DE N

APR I L 202 3

31

In fact, during his tenure at the Heritage Foundation, Rod collected a mixture of local history, through his own drawings and artifacts and other locals’ as well. “We started family files, which you only had to contribute one thing. One time somebody brought in a rabies

town Winter Garden, he was sharing his artful wisdom. After earning his degree in art education with a minor in illustration, Rod spent 32 years coloring the minds of many students, teaching multiple art classes, including watercolor and humanities, to name a few.

“The title comes from our Sunday drives. When I grew up here, we’d ride the same route every Sunday, just to get out.”

Starting in 1962, Rod has taught at Lakeview and West Orange high schools, and after his retirement in 1994, he A Teacher’s He(art) moved to teaching night It’s evident that Rod is a classes at Valencia Coljewel to our communilege, finally finishing his ty, and his magnificent teaching days at the Unisketches depict Winter versity of Central Florida.

Garden in a manner that “I loved that season of begs for adoration. But my life. I was blessed to before Rod was lending his have taught the nicest hand (and pen) to preserv- kids a teacher could have ing the history of downhoped for.” vaccination for their dog, and we took it! It gave the local people a feeling of belonging.”

32

The Local WI N TE R G AR DE N

In fact, this time in Rod’s life had such an impact on him that one day, he set out to send some of his former students a much-needed gift. “If time permitted, I’d sketch my students. During the pandemic, I decided that I’d like to photocopy the drawings and send them to the students, and there were about 800. With the help from an amazing assistant, we found 600 of them. I received wonderful responses! I had no idea the impact it would make. Some of them were very emotional. It touched my heart, and not to mention validated my teaching.”

It’s clear that Rod leaves an enduring impression on anyone he meets—his affable demeanor is just as inviting as his art.

“When I taught at UCF, I worked for the Artist in Residence program with the loveliest ladies. I tried to teach them art, but I quickly realized that they weren’t interested.” Laughing, he adds, “They had come for coffee and donuts.”

Keeping the ladies busy with homemade Christmas cards and other crafts he refers to as “uncreative” (but we know the ladies loved them), Rod spent his time there working on a favored cookbook. “They always said, ‘my mama

“This is a self-portrait I created at age 26, at my parents’ request. The background was at Lake Butler. I went out, sat on the bench and just lost myself in the strokes of the brush.”

cooked,’ or ‘my mama said,’ so the cookbook was called Mama Cooked ’N Said, and it sold out just like that. I wanted to honor their mothers and their recipes.”

Ever the artist, this octogenarian is still stretching his skills. “I want the times to be remembered visually, and so much now

is not. So I’m working on a comic strip. I’ve always wanted to do one. It’s about people in a small town. It will be 13 chapters over the course of the year, and once a week.”

With the help of an assistant, Rod is beginning to sketch a lifetime of memories, illustrating Winter Garden in a new

light. “They always say write about what you know—well, this is what I know, characters in a little town. So I’m working on that now, and I have so much motivation. I want to honor the locals in our town.”

An artist’s work is never done … and we’re all the better for it.

APR I L 202 3

33

34

The Local WI N TE R G AR DE N

A look inside the local graphic arts scene and two of the creative minds that helped to define it.

MAR K MC WATE R S

W

inter Garden boasts beauty at every corner. Locals and visitors alike can’t help but feel inspired by its blend of old and new, color and texture, culture and commerce that seems to come naturally here. But look closer. Our city isn’t naturally occurring. It’s intentionally built, curated and cultivated, not just as a collection of buildings, but as a brand.

The city works tirelessly to strengthen and preserve the brand it has carefully crafted.

Every restoration is per-

formed with painstaking historical accuracy. Every event is tweaked and retooled until it’s just right. Every expansion and addition is scrutinized down to the smallest detail to ensure it aligns perfectly with the brand.

Everything you see is beautiful by design. And we have artists to thank for that—though not the artists you normally think of.

“Go to the Farmer’s Market any weekend and just listen to people. They get so animated about Winter Garden. They have such pride, such an ego about this city,” says one such

F R E D LO PE Z

artist, Joe Alarie, whose advertising design business in its modest building at the edge of downtown has been a cornerstone of Winter Garden’s identity since 1996.

It’s no secret that our city is home to a vibrant arts scene. What is less obvious is its equally thriving graphic arts scene, one that’s not so much “underground” as it is “under the radar”; you may not know the artists’ names, but you do know their work. Joe and his team at Alarie Design, for example, are behind much of the city’s communications and campaigns, including

WI LL BL AI N E

its recently unveiled 120th anniversary logo.

“There is a general excitement that comes from being a local,” says Will Blaine, cofounder of another monolith of city culture, AB Newton and Company.

Will is the creator of much of the art for sale here, including his iconic city prints. “I like celebrating the good things about all these communities.”

The Local sat down with Will and Joe to learn about where they came from, and how their work as graphic artists shapes the Winter Garden we know today.

APR I L 202 3

35

Visionary

Joe Alarie SEES THE BIG PICTURE

J

oe’s not a big fan of labels. He eschews the terms “artist” or “designer” or “art director” when he describes his career.

But a rose by any other name would smell as sweet, and as the owner and namesake of Alarie Design, he is all those things and more.

But, like many creative greats, Joe was lost before his passion found him.

When he was starting out in Atlanta, making the rounds in the big buildings downtown, his answer to the often-asked “What do you want to do?” was a painfully honest, “I don’t know.”

That all changed in 1986, when he saw a re-

36

cruitment ad from CNN. “It said: ‘We need the tightest marker comps in town.’” Joe answered the ad, “and CNN picked me up.”

“Working to He landed at Ted Turnhelp craft the er’s outdoor company, creating billboards under Winter Garden brand has been the creative direction of the man who would a privilege become his mentor—Fred for us. It’s an Adams. “Fred was a tough, honor to work no-nonsense drill instrucwith them.” tor of a boss, and I never learned so much, so fast, in all my life,” he recalls.

“We created outdoor advertising—billboards— and the constraints built into that medium: a minimum of words, a strong image, and that fast, clear communication. Outdoor is a discipline. I learned

The Local WI N TE R G AR DE N

that when it’s good, it’s really, really good. But when it’s bad, it’s awful.

That rubbed off on me and I loved it. Outdoor is a medium where you get hungry for a home run.”

When the outdoor business became a frenzy of consolidating, buyouts, and burnouts, Joe split off from Turner with several of the people there and relocated to Orlando. “Ten of us all played that same game and ended up buying like 30 companies,” he says. “At that time, Universal was going nuts with their billboards. ET with the wand, Doc Brown with the fiber optics. We had to step up our game, raise the bar creatively. We pitched a five-poster billboard cam-

APR I L 2023

37

paign and sold it. We won a bunch of awards for it and we were off.”

Through all of it, Joe’s love of strong, clear, simple messaging never left him.

When his chance came for him to finally open his own place, he took it, and Alarie Design was born in just the right place at just the right time. “We were here before Winter Garden became ‘Winter Garden,’” he says. “We got to evolve with the city. We watched as the leaders unfolded their vision. They had such patience. They kept to their standards.

They had the discipline to pull it off. And we picked up on that.”

As such, Alarie Design had an important hand in crafting the image of Winter Garden we know and love today. A few landmark projects stand out in his mind. “We did one of the early redesigns of the Winter Garden logo.

They put it on all their trash cans,” Joe recalls.

“We pitched an idea for an art show to run before the Music Festival, built 11 guitars, and invited artists to decorate them.

We also created a YouTube video campaign for Fresh Express.”

Despite the national accolades, Joe considers his local work to be his most

38

important work. “Working to help craft the Winter Garden brand has been a privilege for us. It’s an honor to work with them.”

And the best is yet to come. It’s only been a few years since Joe’s son, Joey, joined the family business as Project Manager—despite Joe’s attempts to discourage him from throwing in his lot with the sometimes-thankless, always-demanding field of graphic art.

“I gave him the crappy jobs no one wanted to do, but he just kept coming!” Joe recalls. “He’s a lot tougher than I am.

And he gives us a unique perspective on newer web technologies and social media. He makes me look good.”

We asked Joe if he had a “dream project” he had yet to do. “Really, we get to work on our dream projects every day. Creating, building, presenting to a client—it never gets old.

And I’m not done yet.”

(Top to bottom) From humble beginnings at CNN in Atlanta, to meeting his wife and raising a family, Joe Alarie’s storied career helped craft the image we all have of Winter Garden. And now, a second generation of Alaries will have the chance to further that legacy now that Joe’s son, Joey, has joined the studio.

The Local WI N TE R G AR DE N

SELECTED WORKS Look familiar? It should. From signage to logos, posters to paid media campaigns, the work of Alarie Design colors nearly corner of Winter Garden. “We got to evolve with the city. We watched as the leaders unfolded their vision. They had such patience. They kept to their standards. They had the discipline to pull it off. And we picked up on that.”.

PRESENTS:

OCTOBER 4-6 DOWNTOWN

WINTER GARDEN

PRODUCED BY:

R ING OVE FEATUR

30

FRIDAY 6-11 PM SATURDAY 12-11 PM

M

SICFEST.CO

SUNDAY 12-5 PM

RDENMU WINTERGA

DOWNTOWNWINTERGARDEN

HERITAGE SPONSORS

TALENT SPONSOR

TOOLES' ACE HARDWARE

KIDZONE SPONSOR

VISIT

DOWNTOWNWG.COM

FOUNTAIN SPONSORS CAPPLEMAN, INC.

STAGE SPONSORS BEVERAGE SPONSOR

APR I L 202 3

39

Visionary

Will Blaine PA I N T S T H E T O W N

Y

ou could almost say that Will was destined to be a Winter Garden artist.

His family roots run deep— both with his grandfather, who owned a longstanding dry goods store in the heart of downtown, and with his father, who was a brilliant creator in his own right.

“My father is a quite successful artist. He went off to study art in Paris and is a fine artist by every definition,” says Will.

He recalls growing up sharing his father’s passion, but not his vision. “I knew art would be my thing, but I also knew I couldn’t hope to compete in his ‘fine art’ world,” he says. “I had no idea what my niche would

40

be until I stumbled onto graphic art.”

As it happens, Will had another, quite different “There is calling initially. “I went to a certain seminary, mainly to get camaraderie my theological roots for my art. I’m not one to force about one’s things, but the day came hometown and that I looked up and found sharing it with myself in the ministry! I someone else— served as pastor for many years and absolutely loved especially when the ministry. I retired five your hometown or six years ago, but I still is Winter keep my hand in at my Garden.” local church. I love ministry and art, and I’ve been blessed to practice both.”

Will’s creative dreams started becoming reality in 2014, when he and fellow Winter Garden-native-creative Andy Crabtree cofounded A.B. Newton

The Local WI N TE R G AR DE N

and Company, named after Winter Garden’s first mayor and the unofficial patron saint of our community spirit. “There’s a lot we don’t really know about Mr. Newton’s life,” the company’s website explains, “but what we do know is how much we love the sense of community he established.”

“We started off with t-shirts,” says Will of the first days of their business.

But it was in 2016, when Matt Peacock came on as a partner and the trio expanded their repertoire, that their products began to really take off.

You can see Will’s art on a long list of A.B. Newton merch—apparel, soaps and colognes, home

APR I L 202 3

41

decor, artisan wood signs, candles, and more. But by far the most visible examples of Will’s art are his wildly popular stylized area maps.

He started, as always, with his hometown. With a playful hand, bright colors, and simple shapes, Will drew a map of Winter Garden that is both stunningly simple and dizzyingly intricate. He dug deep into local culture, packing the page with a Where’s Waldo? assortment of winks and nods.

“People like our city prints precisely because they are so detailed and so localized,” he says. “We put locations, landmarks, coffee shops, restaurants, things only locals would know about on them and that is part of the fun.

‘How did you know about that!’ I get asked that all the time.”

Since his Winter Garden print first went up for sale in 2018, he has applied this attention to detail to nearly three dozen locales, from nearby Orlando and Mount Dora to faroff Nashville, Atlanta, Baltimore—the list keeps growing. “We met a girl at the Farmer’s Market who asked if we could do a print for Milwaukee.

She was so excited about it and so animated,” Will says. “I started to research

42

Milwaukee and really got into it, doing the due diligence. Talking with locals for those neat, out-of-way secrets. The map came out great and she loved it.”

Will is quick to share the spotlight, though. “When people read this I don’t want them thinking it’s all me because it is not. We’re all equal partners. Andy is a hugely gifted designer and can do everything.

One day he bought a laser and starting creating all sorts of amazing signs. He creates the Winter Garden Christmas ornaments every year. My daughter makes our candles. We have a great team that makes us all look good.”

But even as Will turns his pen to cities across the country, his heart and his pride remain firmly rooted in the Garden. “There is a certain camaraderie about one’s hometown and sharing it with someone else— especially when your hometown is Winter Garden.”

Will Blaine always knew he’d be an artist, he just didn’t find his lane until he stumbled on graphic design. Now, as part of owner of A.B. Newton and Company, his work adorns apparel, soaps, home decor, artisan wood signs, candles, and his wildly popular stylized area maps.

The Local WI N TE R G AR DE N

SELECTED WORKS You can’t miss A.B. Newton and Company’s signature style when you see it. Filled with whimsy, Will Blaine, Andrew Crabtree, and Matthew Peacock’s colorful, hand-drawn illustrations showcase nearly three dozen locales and decorate several marketing campaigns, posters and books.

APR I L 202 3

43

Visionary

The Art Seen C R E AT I V E C O M M U N I T Y

While Joe Alarie and Will Blaine have done much to help elevate the visual brand behind Winter Garden, they are far from the only players in town. Marc Jablon of Imagine Marketing is the visionary behind the event swag you love to collect, as well as the social and multi-media marketing you like and follow all day, every day. Chris Chan is the visionary behind Think Minion,who’s drone footage, video, photography, 3D tours, and animations populate your favorite feeds and commericials. And the Horizon West Happenings team is making their mark cultivating the Horizon West brand on that side of town.

44

And, of course, there’s EM Agency. We’re not usually the type to butt into our own article, but we can’t do a whole piece on graphic art in the local area without talking about The Local.

Tucked behind the Winter Garden Branch of the Orange County Library, there is a team of creatives working tirelessly on each page of the magazine you now hold in your hands.

But it’s only one of our works of art. EM is an advertising agency with a list of clients that stretches from across the street to across the country. While building brands is our bread and butter, making The Local is our contribution to this community.Something

The Local WI N TE R G AR DE N

Our city isn’t naturally occurring. It’s intentionally built, curated and cultivated, not just as a collection of buildings, but as a brand…

Winter Garden is the sum of all its parts. And that is by design.

crafted with care because this is our home, too.

Compared to the more visible fine arts, where each creation is tied directly to its creator, graphic arts often go unnoticed, and the people behind them unappreciated. But graphic art isn’t meant to be noticed, it’s meant to be felt. Because those designs aren’t made to reflect the artist, they are made to embody a client’s attributes. Whether that client is a company, a product or even a city.

So next time you look around at this wonderful town, notice it all. The nature, the community, the art you see, the art you don’t—Winter Garden is the sum of all its parts.

And that is by design.

MAKE YOUR HOME

PRETTY AS A PICTURE

Eco-friendly chemicals & cleaning methods. Good on all roofs (barrel tile, shingle, metal or slate) Licensed & insured technicians

safelysoftwash.com 407-755-8540

Looking for someone to lay down the law?

These local pros are on the case.

46

The Local WI N TE R G AR DE N

Legal Briefs

The Mark of a good attorney What sets Mark Cressman apart from other personal injury lawyers? Trust, mutual respect, and deep-seated compassion.

Pressed to describe himself as a lawyer, Mark chose one word: compassionate. “I get a lot of satisfaction from helping someone who’s been injured or wronged make it right. That includes civil litigation like personal injury, medical malpractice, or bankruptcy. I was the first bankruptcy attorney in Winter Garden.

“I don’t have gatekeepers like some of the huge firms. Call me ,and after Sonja (my wife) takes down some particulars and as long as I’m not in court, we’ll be talking. Everyone who comes to see me for the first time gets their first hour free.

If I can solve their problem in that time, great. If not, I can assess their case, make suggestions, give counsel.

“We only have so many decades on this earth. If you’re hurting, stressing under the weight of debt, let me take your troubles. You get on with the business of living. Start enjoying your life.”

Cressman Law Firm 13350 W Colonial Drive, Ste 350 Winter Garden, FL 34787 cressmanlaw.com 407-877-7317 fax 407-877-8052

PR O MOT IO NAL F E AT U RE

APR I L 202 3

47

Legal Briefs

Zele of a lawyer Attorney Greg Zele is passionate about protecting your rights.

Whether you’ve been a victim of personal injury, wrongful death, or product liability, with Greg, it’s all about time—your time.

Like any profession, you have your good and bad—and personal injury attorneys really get a bad rap.

Everyone’s first response is “I don’t sue.” But that term is misunderstood.

When people are injured, there is a legal process whether or not they use an attorney. Some injuries are not as severe as others, and some result in death. No matter the injury, someone’s family member is hurt.

48

The Local WI N TE R G AR DE N

PR O MOT IO NAL F E AT U RE

People are suddenly thrust into a situation they have never been in before, pain they didn’t have before, medical bills they didn’t anticipate (and that pile up), their car needs to be repaired, and in some cases, they may have lost time from work.

The process for recovery can be complicated. So when this happens, don’t you want someone helping you and fighting for you?

Greg acts as a personal guide to help people navigate an often confusing and complex process that can take months to years. Many of Greg’s current clients are referrals from former clients because people have connected with Greg through this process and trust him when their family and friends find themselves the victims of an

unfortunate incident or accident.

When people refer to or call Zele Huber, they get Zele or Huber directly.

No billboards, no TV ads. There aren’t hundreds of cases. Why? Because this allows them to be selective and to give individualized attention to each case. Clients of Zele Huber are not just numbers being pushed through a system.

These are people—families, brothers, sisters, parents, mothers, fathers. Everyone is someone. Greg knows, meets, and interacts directly with every single one of his clients.

They have his personal cell phone.

PR O MOT IO NAL F E AT U RE

They reach out to HIM when they have a question.

When Greg’s not in the courtroom or working with a client, you just might find him at a Dead & Company concert or sporting his maroon and gold gear to cheer on his alma mater Arizona State University, or just playing guitar.

Zele Huber Trial Attorneys 13790 Bridgewater Crossings Blvd ZHattorneys.com 407-605-6464

APR I L 202 3

49

Oh Well!

Unshakeable John Colwell is running headfirst into a thriving life with early onset Parkinson’s disease.

H E ATH E R LU X E M B U R G F R E D LO PE Z

50

The Local WI N TE R G AR DE N

J

ohn Colwell’s 36th year started just like any other. A barrage of phone calls. Heaps of math homework to grade.

Maybe a marathon or two.

But halfway through 2012, John received news that stopped him in his tracks.

“I was physically healthy, but I started experiencing tremors and uncontrollable shaking. They thought I was having seizures.”

He had spent the last year and a half searching for answers—primary care physicians, three neurologists, and dozens of tests for multiple sclerosis, lupus, all the neurological issues, to no avail. That is until he got that last call.

The culprit? Early onset Parkinson’s disease (PD).

And being diagnosed at the age of 36? Nearly unheard of. Even Michael J. Fox, who was famously diagnosed at 29, was an anomaly.

For many people, the diagnosis would feel like the end of the world, but for John, an avid runner, it was only a change of pace.

“At first, everything was the same,” says John’s wife, Susan. “John was teaching math, but it was very stressful and would cause all his symptoms to get worse. So he had to walk away from the classroom.”

At the same time, Johns’s neurosurgeons

were fast-tracking him to have a surgery called deep brain stimulation (DBS), where a surgeon places thin metal wires in the brain; these wires send electrical pulses to the brain to help control some motor symptoms.

Although it’s not recommended for everyone with PD, John was an ideal candidate.“I have a battery-operated brain, literally,” John chuckles.

“I tell everyone I meet with PD, the Runner’s High disease does Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological not define disorder affecting the nervous system resulting in you. You its hallmark tremors and movement challenges, a define you. symptom known as dysOnce you kinesia. With no known cure, the best treatment embrace plan aims to slow its progression and neutralize that, you the dyskinesia as much as possible. For John, this can start to emerged in the shape of diet and exercise. fight back.”

“When you really break it down, there are three things with Parkinson’s that are major when it comes to slowing progression. One is taking the properly prescribed medicine. Two is diet, and three is exercise—those three things, especially when done together, can have great results. For me, especially, exercise has been the key. I have

— Jeremiah Bradford, owner and Doctor of Physical Therapy at Unified Rehabilitation

to do at least an hour of intense exercise every day to feel better.”

John explains that anxiety and depression are very common PD symptoms thanks to lower levels of serotonin. Fail to exercise every day, and the body will start to lose the dopamine that has been built up in the brain.

“What happens is I finish a race, and I’m feeling awesome. But like an hour later, I can barely move.

Because there is no dopamine level, it just crashes.

Then I literally have to start from zero to build those levels back up. In order to prevent this, I have to exercise every day.”

Thankfully, for this ardent marathoner, daily exercise has always been a potent therapy. “Running for me is different from those who are newly diagnosed. It’s been part of my life for so long, I just fade off. It’s almost like meditating, where I can just relax and run. It has also helped me connect to my own community, like with the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

It has helped me a lot, and what’s weird is that I have friends now that I would never have had if I didn’t have Parkinson’s.”

For John and Susan both, the real remedy has been the relationships they’ve made with others who

APR I L 202 3

51

share the disease. After watching John slide into depression, Susan says, “I dragged him to a fundraiser called Pints for Parkinson’s.

There, we met Tonya. She’s a little older than John, but for the first time, he saw somebody that was just like him. She gets dyskinesia like him, where they just start to have uncontrolled, involuntary movements— and that’s a response to the medication that they have to be on. But just meeting someone who could truly relate to what he experienced … it was powerful.”

John agrees, “It was gut-wrenching at first.

Whenever I went to my doctor’s appointments, I always saw people who were older. That’s the hard part too, is that everyone has a connection to Parkinson’s, but a lot of the time it’s ‘my grandfather had …’ or ‘my grandmother had …’ There’s an age difference in the community that makes it difficult. Meeting Tonya, and others since then, makes you feel like you aren’t so alone.”

Jeremiah Bradford, a Doctor of Physical Therapy and owner of Unified Rehabilitation, specializes in working with people who

“…you can either live or do nothing.

I choose to live.”

WELLNESS COUNTS

1Mill people in the U.S. are living with Parkinson’s disease (PD). This number is expected to rise to 1.2 million by 2030*

2nd Parkinson’s is the

most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s disease.*

90k people in the U.S. are diagnosed with PD each year.*

10

Million people worldwide are living with PD.*

4%

of people with PD are diagnosed before age 50.*

SOURCE: Parkinsons.org

52

The Local WI N TE R G AR DE N

have Parkinson’s disease.

He says that isolation is a really big issue with his clients, which is why so many of his programs are group based.

“When you initially get the diagnosis, you might feel helpless, hopeless, angry, and ask, ‘why me?’ And that’s a very understandable and fair reaction,” he says. “But I tell everyone I meet with PD, the disease does not define you—you define you. Once you embrace that, you can start to fight back. The best ways to do that are exercise, joining community groups for staying social, and finding your tribe. Seek out PD-specific programs like LSVT BIG and LOUD and Rock Steady Boxing. Not only do you get exercise, but you meet people who experience similar or the same things you are. It’s empowering to know you aren’t alone.”

Empowerment is something John knows all too well. “Being diagnosed at age 36, my life was turned upside-down. We had all these grand plans that took a backseat. But now, at 47 years old, I just laugh and enjoy life.

I always tell people, you can’t change the diagnosis. At this point, you can either live or do nothing. I choose to live.”

ARM SMITH LEG SMITH SHOULDER SMITH DR. RICHARD SMITH After three decades spent restoring movement to thousands of bodies, Dr. Richard Smith is a true master of his craft. His head-to-toe experience treating musculoskeletal conditions equips him and his team with skills that reforge limbs, lifestyles, and lives. It’s what a Smith does.

Also offering expert services on IMEs, CMEs, QTCs, and Medical Reviews.

30 + years performing IMEs 1500 + IMEs performed Deposed/Testified 100 + time Expert Medical Advisor (EMA) June 1998 – present Special Expert Witness (State of Florida)

6200 Metrowest Blvd, Suite 104-105, Orlando, FL 32835 407-292-2156 / fl-ortho.com

Eats+Drinks

Born n’

Bread Think you know sourdough? Think again. Colin Reichardt is on a mission to put German artisanal bread on every table.

H E AT H ER AN N E LE E

W

hen you think of “perfect bread” you likely think of the French sauntering around with slender baguettes under their arms, or of fashionable Italians with market bags laden with crusty Ciabatta.

Those doughs are certainly iconic, but when you really get under the crust of it, the world’s best bread actually comes from … Germany?

“In Germany, bread literally sustains our culture,” says Colin Reichardt. And the former wrestler is betting the bank that he can prove it to you.

Gregarious and passionate, Colin is a German bread evangelist. Born to an American father and German mother in

54

Idar-Oberstein, West Germany (“The same town as Bruce Willis,” he says, with a broad smile), he grew up eating SauerteigBrot, German sourdough bread.

“Germans have more bakeries and eat more varieties of bread than most other countries in the world,” he says.

He’s not wrong. According to the bread register of the German Institute for Bread (of course there is such a thing), there are now more than 3,200 officially recognized types of bread in the country. And German bread culture was officially added by UNESCO to its Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2015.

“Germans were baking nutritious whole-grain,

The Local WI N TE R G AR DE N

F R E D LO PE Z

sourdough bread long “Germans before the organic health were baking food renaissance. And my bread carries on that tradinutritious tion. Just four ingredients hand-milled, organic whole-grain, —flour, salt, spring water, and starter.” sourdough Colin was new to Amerbread long ica 12 years ago when he went to a grocery store before the and discovered row after row of the same packaged organic bread in plastic bags lining health food the shelves. He asked the why all the bread renaissance.” manager had the same color and shape, but the manager didn’t have an answer.

“There were six of us in the aisle talking about it, and no one could explain what these ingredients were or why there were so many.

It was fascinating. There’s

APR I L 202 3

55

Eats+Drinks nothing wonderful about Wonder bread,” he laughs.

Fascinating is a word that comes up often in conversation with Colin. Curious by nature, he approaches life with an innate joie de vivre, or rather lebensfreude.

Boring, flavorless, commercialized white bread?

Fascinating. Problems getting a gas line put into his

new building? Fascinating.

Buying an authentic German bread oven only to find out it requires a different electrical grid? Fascinating.

“I’m drawn to German breads mainly because that’s what I grew up eating, and it’s healthy. The kind of bread even diabetics can have,” he says. “But mostly because you can’t find this

kind of bread in the U.S. Yes, we have Jewish Rye, which comes close, but the coarse, thick German bread was really non-existent, at least in my travels.”

In the end, Colin concluded that American bread has too much sugar, too much salt, and way too many unnatural ingredients, so he set out to create his own.

“At the time, it was just a hobby, but I quickly realized that I needed more than a recipe. I needed to learn the science part of things: feeding a starter, proofing, what ingredients are beneficial, and what techniques are helpful or harmful. I wanted to bake as healthy as it gets, without any harmful preservatives or ingredients like dough conditioner, artificial flavors, preser-

vatives,” he says. “Our breads don’t contain sugar or milk powder either.

We never use enriched or bleached flour. In fact, we source our flours from two millers—one is a fifth-generation family of stone ground millers, the other is a third-generation family. We even use spring water instead of tap,” he says. “In other words, we believe the ingredients we use need to be organic and natural — since natural, organic ingredients benefit our body, health, and soul.

It’s literally in our name: Beneficial Breads.”

After studying under several master bakers, including a German-born Master Baker from Switzerland, for about two years, Colin was ready for his neighbors, family, and friends to try his baked goods. With just one loaf,

“I needed to learn the science part of things: feeding a starter, proofing, what ingredients are beneficial, and what techniques are helpful or harmful.”

56

The Local WI N TE R G AR DE N

Rocksteady boxing classes give people with Parkinson’s disease hope by improving their quality of life through a non-contact boxing based fitness curriculum.

Unified Rehabilitation PLLC

To schedule one FREE trial class

Physical Therapy • Occupational Therapy • Speech Therapy

14215 W Colonial Dr., Winter Garden / 407-614-8002 / unifiedrehabilitation.com

Are the pills you take getting tough to swallow?

Notice how there’s always a pill for this? A pill for that?

Pills for heart disease, diabetes, dementia, rheumatoid arthritis, IBS, eczema, cancer, depression, etc. But what Big Pharma would rather you didn’t know is that the root cause of many illnesses is Chronic Inflammation, which can be controlled and/or cured by making one or more changes in lifestyle.

We specialize in getting patients off the pill mill and into healthier lifestyles. Want to reduce or eliminate all those meds you take? Want to feel better, live better, be better? And save money doing it? Call us.

1327 Winter Garden Vineland Rd, Suite 130, Winter Garden 321-214-8860 medhealthclinic.com

Eats+Drinks

It’s everything you love about sourdough, but in a heftier package—a bread that eats like a meal.

they all came back to order more. And more. And more.

“So, in 2021, we started to bake from home through the cottage law, bringing our bread to different farmers markets in Clermont, Lake Eola, Windermere, and then Winter Garden. We would sell out within two hours at every market we attended.”

So what is it about this bread that has inspired a cult-like following among

58

Germans, Americans, and Winter Gardeners alike?

SauerteigBrot is mild and creamy rather than tangy, and the fermentation process takes 36 hours. The organic, hand-milled grain isn’t bleached or altered, lending the loaf a darker, more rustic color and denser texture when baked.

The crust is toothy without being flaky, and because of the natural caramelization during the baking process, it delivers an

The Local WI N TE R G AR DE N

earthy but sweet maltiness not found in traditional American sourdough.

Without additional leavening agents, the interior is a delightful juxtaposition of airy density.

It’s everything you love about sourdough, but in a heftier package—a bread that eats like a meal.

And that’s just the traditional sourdough loaf.

Texture lovers (like myself) should definitely try the multi-seed sourdough and

the schwartbrot, if available. Black Emmer, made from the rare ancient grain of the same name, a.k.a. farro nero, is also worth asking for.

For a great loaf of bread, you need little more than flour, water, perhaps some yeast, and salt. A pinch of facination, a handful of knowledge,and a whole lot of passion, doesn’t hurt.

Lucky for us, Colin has more than enough of that for all of us.

WINTER GARDEN

LOCATION

NOW

OPEN Bottomless Chinese hot pot and Korean BBQ has arrived in Winter Garden!

Come hungry and leave full with this savory dining experience time after time.

3279 Daniels Rd #120 Winter Garden, FL 34787 • 407-614-8200 hotpotvolcano.com/winter-garden

Our focus is your vision.

40% OFF L E NwithS E S FRAME PURCHASE

Ocoee: 11024 W. Colonial Dr. Winter Garden: 5736 Hamlin Groves Trail 407.565.9290 pearlevision.com

D I N I N G G U I D E I Eats+Drinks

Cariera’s Fresh Italian HOURS Mon-Sat 11am-9pm Sun 11am-8pm

E WITH CELEBRAT

G N I R E T A C TRAYS ILS FOR DETA SEE SITE

MENU

1041 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden / 407-554-3622 carierasfreshitalian.com If there’s two things most people can agree on, it’s that a hearty plate of pasta is always a good choice, and the best place to get that fix is Cariera’s. Heavy with Italian tradition, Cariera’s features timeless favorites, such as spaghetti and meatballs to chicken Saltembocca, white Cacciatore to Eggplant Parmigiana. There’s even a lite menu featuring Keto versions of your Italian favorites!

Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply feeding the family, Cariera’s strives to make every guest feel comfortable enough to laugh out loud, reminisce, and indulge.

The French Café

HOURS WG Sun-Sat 7am-3pm WIN Sun-Sat 7am-5pm

10%

OFF

DELICIOUS CRÊPES SWEET OR SAVORY

ORDER ONLINE

HOURS Tue-Thu 12pm-9pm Fri-Sat 12pm-10pm

DAILY

LUPNPYCHHOU&R

WINTER GARDEN 16412 New Independence Pkwy / 407-500-4050 WINDEMERE 5855 Winter Garden Vineland Rd / 407-500-0306 thefrenchcafe.com Wish you were in a cozy neighborhood café in Paris, sipping a French coffee while the smell of fresh pastries fills the air? You can be there without ever leaving Winter Garden when you dine at The French Café. Try our one-of-a-kind pastries baked fresh daily by our acclaimed chef. Join us for a relaxing breakfast on the weekend or stop in before that evening movie for a delightful dinner. We can’t wait to say bienvenue to you!

Gochi Japanese Kitchen 14195 W. Colonial Dr., Winter Garden / 407-877-0050 gochijapanesekitchen.com Since 2007, Gochi Japanese Kitchen has been providing Winter Garden with the highest-quality Japanese favorites. Raw a la carte options like nigiri, sashimi, and rolls, plus uniquely crafted noodles, yakiniku and yakiyasai bbq grill options. Need space for a special event? Ask about our private dining room and catering options!

HA

SPECIALS OPEN-3PM / 3-6PM

APR I L 2023

61

Eats+Drinks I D I N I N G G U I D E

The Hangry Bison 250 W Plant St, Winter Garden / 407-347-9099 thehangrybison.com / Reservations Available The ultimate build-your-own-burger experience has landed in the heart of Winter Garden! The Hangry Bison is known for quality bourbon, craft beer and cocktails, and award-winning bison burgers, but our vast menu has a little something for even the hangriest appetites. Check us out on weekday evenings for discounted selections of drinks and small plates. Your parents did happy hour; we do Hangry Hour!

Sun-Wed 11am–10pm Thu-Sat 11am-12am HANGRY HOUR

Mon-Thu 4–7pm Fri 4-6pm NDO’S TRY ORLA

BESTER BURG 4 YEARS TIMES IN VOTED 3 NDO SENTINEL

BY ORLA EADERS R

Naan Stopp Indian Restaurant 5845 Winter Garden Vineland Rd., Windermere / 407-347-5487 naanstopp.com If you haven’t soaked warm garlic naan in velvety butter chicken sauce or scooped chana masala with tandoor roti, get ready to be delighted. Fresh, flavorful modern Indian cuisine is finally here! Naan Stopp glimmers with its roster of succulent tandoori, rice dishes, and fragrant curries—a world of vegetarian and non-vegetarian delights imbued with vivid seasonings that never lose their spark.

HOURS Every day 11am-3pm 5pm-10pm

TRY ONE OF 4

LUNCH

PLATTERS 11AM–3PM

Pammie’s Sammies 121 S. Boyd St / 407-730-3212 / pammiesammies.com Feed the Soul. Craft with Love. Serve from the Heart.

That’s the record-setting recipe behind Pammie’s Sammies, a fun sandwich space with funk woven into its atmosphere and baked into every dish. With food that is thoughtfully sourced, earth-friendly, and tastefully adventurous, our menu pairs old family recipes with tasty trends, all to the soundtrack of classic tunes and conversation among friends.

62

The Local WI N TE R G AR DE N

HOURS Mon-Thu 11am-7pm Fri 11am-8pm Sat 10am-7pm

D I N I N G G U I D E I Eats+Drinks

ORDER ONLINE

HOURS Mon-Sat 11:30AM-7:30PM

3x

REWARTDS

Poke by Gochi 13770 W. Colonial Dr., Winter Garden / 407-347-5091 pokebygochi.com Poke (pronounced poh-kay) is the bowl of the moment, and no one does it better than Gochi. This fast casual concept by the owners of Gochi Japanese Kitchen uses all the same, high quality ingredients as its sister location, only in a one-bowl concept. Choose from chef crafted options or customize your own with a variety of colorful sauces, piles of crunchy toppings, and a white rice, brown rice, or lettuce base. Always fresh, always your way.

PONOMIONNDAYS

STK Steakhouse HOURS LUNCH Mon-Fri 11am-3pm DINNER Sun-Thu 3pm-10:45pm Fri & Sat 3pm-11:15pm

$30 BOTTOMLESS

MIMOSAS

+BLOODY MARYS

ORLANDO 1580 Buena Vista Drive / 407-917-7440 stksteakhouse.com/venues/orlando/ STK is “not your daddy’s steakhouse”—it’s high-energy dining, combining the quality of a traditional steakhouse with a Vibe Dining atmosphere. Delectable cuisine and upscale cocktails meet chic décor and an in-house DJ to create a memorable fine dining experience. The menu features reimagined classic American cuisine for lunch, brunch and dinner, with traceable, ethically sourced beef that produces the highest quality craveable steaks.

@ WEEKEND BRUNCH SAT+SUN 9:30AM-3PM RESTRICTIONS APPLY

MENU

Thai Blossom

99 W. Plant St. Winter Garden / 407-905-9917 / mythaiblossom.com HOURS Mon-Fri 11am-3pm & 5-9pm Sat 11am-9pm Sun 12-8pm

AIT NOST.1ATUH RAN REORLANDO MEAERTSRO IN ULTIPLE Y 21 M DING 20

Your love of Thai will blossom among fragrant curries, silky noodles, stir fries, and grilled meats. Authentic, flavorful and always cooked to order Thai Blossom offers some of the tastiest cuisine in central Florida, right on Plant Street. And plenty of options for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals make it the perfect choice for workday lunch, dinner dates, and special celebrations.

RECOGNIZED FOR DELICIOUS, A-GRADE THAI CUISINE. Foodie Award Critic’s Choice Orlando Sentinel

Reader’s Choice Dining Award Orlando Magazine

INCLU

APR I L 202 3

63

Eats+Drinks I D I N I N G G U I D E

Tres Amigos Grill 1025 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden / 407-614-3975 tresamigosgrill.com Born in faith. Created with love. That’s how John “The Take Home Chef” Kresl crafted Tres Amigos. The brand that started with salsa has evolved into an entire menu of Tex Mex-inspired platters, bowls and tacos.

Choose your protein (from authentic carnitas, and Certified Angus beef skirt steak to seasoned local vegetables) and enjoy it with homemade corn or flour tortillas, pico de gallo, guacamole, black beans and rice.

HOURS Mon-Sat 11 am-8 pm Sun Closed

TACO TUESDAYS

10

%

OFF ALL TACOS

MENU

Volcano Hot Pot and BBQ 3279 Daniels Rd, #120, Winter Garden / 407-614-8200 hotpotvolcano.com/winter-garden Bottomless Chinese hot pot and Korean BBQ has arrived in Winter Garden! If you’ve never had hot pot before, think of it as a build-your-own stew. Start with one of a variety of soup bases, including spicy, miso, and Tom Yum. Next, head to the buffet bar and add any ingredient your heart desires. Then toss it all in the pot to soak in that soupy goodness—and check out our signature dipping sauces (or create your own) while it cooks.

HOURS Daily 11:30am-10pm

NOW OPEN

N R GARDE IN WINTILELAGE! V

We saved a space for you.

Be part of

community

Jamie Ezra Mark jamie@emagency.com 352–425–6400 thelocalwg.com/advertise

64

The Local WI N TE R G AR DE N

& N

R

m

Hm

AM-9PM

EAT, DRINK & BE SOUTHERN

Join Us Every

Mon: Live Band

OR Tues: Cash Bing CUSDER AWed: Dueling P DES TOM IGNE D

HAPPY HOUR

EASTE R 3-10 | F BASK Mon-Thur ET!

EVERY DAY, 4-7pm

BRUNCH Sat & Sun, 11am - 3pm

pm

YOUR PLACE FOR

Discounted B

750 WEST DESOTO ST. • DOW

CRAFT BEER, COCKTAILS, ARTISANAL FOOD, & LIVE MUSIC

MON CLOSED I TUES-THU 4PM-9PM I FRI 4PM-11PM I SAT 11AM-10PM I SUN 11AM-9PM

JOIN US EVERY DAY FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND FUN! MON-THUR 3-10PM I FRI & SAT 11:30AM-12PM I SUN 11AM-10PM

321-430-BEER (2337) I CLERMONTBREWINGCOMPANY.COM 750 WEST DESOTO ST., CLERMONT, FL 34711

352-394-7777 I WWW.THESOUTHERNON8TH.COM 801 W. MONTROSE ST., CLERMONT, FL 34711

Our flowers say it all.

403 S Dillard St. 407-656-3526 Family owned and operated ORDER ONLINE myorlandoflorist.com

Join Us Everyday for Entertainment and Fun! Mon: Live Band Karaoke Tues: Cash Bingo Wed: Dueling Pianos

Thurs: Vibe Night Fri & Sat: Dance Bands Sun: Killer Brunch

Mon-Thur 3-10pm | Fri & Sat 11:30am-12pm | Sun 11am-10pm

YOUR PLACE FOR

Discounted Beer, Wine and Well Drinks

750 WEST DESOTO ST. • DOWNTOWN CLERMONT • 321-430-BEER (2337)

CRAFT BEER, COCKTAILS, ARTISANAL FOOD, & LIVE MUSIC

JOIN US EVERY DAY FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND FUN! MON-THUR 3-10PM I FRI & SAT 11:30AM-12PM I SUN 11AM-10PM

321-430-BEER (2337) I CLERMONTBREWINGCOMPANY.COM 750 WEST DESOTO ST., CLERMONT, FL 34711

Rhetoric Rheya Tanner muses on life as a local

Seams to Me

Trying to get schooled in the art of modern crafting.

I

t’s been a few months since I first exhumed my grandmother’s sewing machine from its resting place in the back of my craft closet.It’s a pretty barebones machine from the ’90s, back before they started adding fancy dials and preprogrammed stitches for modern sewers (aka cheats for cheaters).

Which is fine for me, because it leaves me with nothing more interesting to teach myself than the utter basics of sewing.

And by “teach myself,” I, of course, mean watch a couple YouTube tutorials and buy a buncha garbage on Amazon before hacking away at my own wardrobe, hemming and tailoring clothes I never wear with varying degrees of success.

Sometimes they fit better.

Sometimes they’ll never fit anyone again. Sometimes

66

I sew the sleeve to the hem by mistake and have to rip the whole thing apart, lest I accept my new life as a little teapot short and stout.

But that’s only happened once. Maybe twice.

Anyway, I have now “taught myself” enough about sewing to know that I suck at sewing and also at teaching. If I want to stop slapping fabrics together like a fashionable chimpanzee, I have to stop teaching and start learning. It’s time to take a class.

Or at least, it would be time to take a class, were there a class to take. And yes, there are sewing classes and groups out there, but they are way out there—as in 50 miles and $400 out there.

I was taken aback by how few options there are in Winter Garden of all places.

We’ve got such robust

The Local WI N TE R G AR DE N

programs happening every day, but they are mainly for kids or seniors. Due to factors beyond my control, I am neither 12 nor 55, so no one wants to stitch me into their sewing circle.

Even dependable JoAnn and her fabrics let me down.

She used to offer all kinds of in-store workshops. Not anymore. Now all her classes are in the worst place possible: online.

Maybe that’s fine and dandy for folks who want to learn at their own pace from the comfort of their home. That ain’t me. For me, comfort and convenience are for sleeping, and online tutorials are for getting frustrated after the millionth time rewatching the same three seconds of the tiny dude on my tiny phone because my tiny

brain can’t grasp what the hell kind of Chris Angel trickery he used to tie a simple knot.

I don’t know if this article is culminating in a call to action or a cry for help. But I know myself. I know I’m not going to get better “at my own pace.” I need at least one lady who’s been sewing since my mom was in diapers to kick my ass the whole way down the road.

Better yet, I need a whole Rocky training montage where I’m threading needles and cutting fabric and sweating, but I walk out wearing a beautiful Disney princess dress at the end.

But at this point I’d settle for the lady.

Rockin’ Good Food

121 S Boyd St Winter Garden 407-730-3212 pammiessammies.com The home of

Pammie Parody of The Rolling Stones Tattoo You (1981)

ARTIST

SUSAN GROGAN

FREE COMMUNITY EVENTS IN DOWNTOWN WINTER GARDEN Top Choice Art Awards Shows at SOBO & City Hall • Projection Art Show Kids Art Sessions at Farmers Market • Urban Sketchers Competition Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest • Featured Live Artists • Fridays on the Plaza Live Music ART Night VIP & Immersive Art Event Downtown (ticketed event)