AU G U S T 2 02 1
ALSO SERVING HORIZON WEST AND WINDERMERE
Kids &
Pets
Independent Living | Assisted Living | Memory Care WindsorAtCelebration.com | 407-917-4331 1370 Celebration Boulevard, Celebration, FL 34747
LIFESTYLE LETTER
AUGUST 2021 PUBLISHER
Anthony S Adams | anthony.adams@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
KIDS AND PETS Can’t Handle the Cuteness! THIS ISSUE IS QUITE THE TREAT (AND NOT JUST KID’S CANDY OR DOG TREATS!) We have rounded up the cutest kids and pets in our area and put them all over these pages for you to enjoy. As the school year begins, read about finding a tutor and the importance of teaching our kids about finance. Then, Pastor Wes of Hope Church shares his story, and we learn about the kid power behind Blue Flax Bakery. We’ve also rounded up
Michelle Malay Sanchez | michelle.malaysanchez@lifestylepubs.com ADMINISTRATI VE DIRECTOR
Carey Adams | carey.adams@lifestylepubs.com COPY EDITOR
Candice Hawks STAFF WRITER
Austin Arthur AD DESIGNER
Evan Deuvall L AYO UT DESIGNER
Jayme Emery
fido-friendly favorites, the best tips for taking awesome pet pics, and we’ve tracked
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
down the Poop Bandit!
Larry H. Oskin, Chris Ballard
Take this month to spoil your little ones, whether they walk on two legs or four, as summer comes to a close, and we watch them all get a little bit bigger and a little
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Michael Wright, Hope Church, Angie Torrez, Wesley Beacham
bit smarter. Thank You, Michael Wright, of PoopBandit (407-604-1008 - https://PoopBandit.com @PoopBanditFL) for the cover image of Wallace, the French Bulldog puppy!
CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore
We also want to send some love to our Advertising Partners. We support Buying
ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor
Local! Every one of the businesses and organizations you see advertising in our
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson
magazine has been vetted by us and have the same involvement and dedication to
AD MANAGER Chad Jensen
our community as we do.
REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
Thank you for inviting us into your home and sharing your lives with us. Here’s to you and your family; live boldly, enjoy our community, be involved, and truly Live Your Best Life! 514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO
Anthony S Adams, Publisher ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN
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Proverbs 3:5-6
ON THE COVER Wallace enjoying his Puppuccino!
Winter Garden Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Media Partners LLC. It is distributed
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL WRIGHT, OF POOPBANDIT
Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Media Partners’ opinions. No
(407-604-1008 - HTTPS://POOPBANDIT.COM - @POOPBANDITFL). 4
Winter Garden Lifestyle | August 2021
via the US Postal Service to some of the Winter Garden area’s most affluent neighborhoods. portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Media Partners does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Winter Garden Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.
INSIDE THE ISSUE AUGUST 2021
FEATURES 10 It All Begins in Our Youth Story of a Local Winter Garden Pastor
20 Blue Flax Bakery Behind the Baked Goods
26 Pet Perfect Photography Pointers Celebrate Your Furry, Fin & Winged Friends!
20 30
30 The Poop Bandit Strikes Again! Michael Wright Is Helping To Reclaim Your Backyard
26
10
DEPARTMENTS 4
Lifestyle Letter
8
Around Town
10
Local’s Choice
14
Trend Setter
18
Financial Buzz
26 Animal Kingdom 30 Locally Owned 33 Realty Report 34 Lifestyle Calendar
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9
LOCAL’S CHOICE
IT ALL BE GI N S I N OU R YOU T H
STORY OF A LOCAL WINTER GARDEN PASTOR
10
Winter Garden Lifestyle | August 2021
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY AUSTIN ARTHUR
WESLEY BEACHAM WAS ONCE TOLD THAT
was established by recently freed slaves settling to the
OUT OF THE LAST 50 CHURCHES WHICH HAVE
area in 1880. This history is not lost on Wes. He spoke
OPENED IN WINTER GARDEN, 45 OF THEM HAVE
fondly of the memories he had walking to this church
CLOSED THEIR DOORS. However, this does not
with his whole family on Sundays from his grandparents’
reflect his story. Best known as Pastor Wes, the church
house, to which the church was only a two-minute walk.
he began in 2015 is thriving in our city, and Pastor Wes
Surely, as a result of his parent’s prescription of
of Hope Church is becoming a well-known and loved
“sports all the time” and church on Sunday, Wes never
leader in our community.
really got into too much trouble growing up, that is with
He grew up with both his parents in the Orlando
the exception of the one time of day when he was not
home his mother was raised in. Wes is not an only child,
doing sports or in church… when he was in school. Here
though; in fact, he has five siblings. Comprised of three
he found himself talking when he was not supposed to
boys and three girls, this family of eight had a primary
and not talking when he was supposed to.
focus on sports throughout their upbringing.
“At the school, which was a small Christian private
His parents believed firmly that if children and teenag-
school, you can only get three suspensions a year, and
ers are busy with sports, they will have less time to get
then they would kick you out. But there were six of us
busy with trouble.
there, so they basically always said they let me borrow
“My mom and dad took us to the ballpark every single
some of the suspensions from all my other siblings. You
week, and we would go to the arena to watch sports; as
know, losing me was losing six kids, or five other ‘cus-
a young kid, my dad would drive me to watch the Florida
tomers’ if you will, and so they basically said, ‘hopefully
Gators play in Gainesville. We were on multiple sports
he'll grow out of it, and I like to think I did,” said Wes
teams, so I played basketball for the school and did Little
about his times in school.
League- just always sports, staying busy. A lot of my identity was in that”, explained Wes on the subject.
Although his skirmishes with suspensions at school were for minor offenses, Wes did seem to struggle as a
Although it was sports all the time, both his parents
young teen with his purpose. His father owned a land-
were Christians, and as a child, Wes attended the same
scaping company, which Wes’s grandfather started. The
church his father grew up in, which was located in his
thought was that Wes would take the family business
father’s hometown of Eatonville, Florida. According to a
over as the oldest son. However, the passion was not
history offered by the official Eatonville website, the town
there for Wes, and to make things worse, things were
was “the first to be organized, governed, and incorporated
changing at home. By the time Wes was 14 years old, his
by African-American citizens in this country.” The town
father was not attending the same church as the kids, CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden
11
LOCAL’S CHOICE (CONTINUED)
and although his mother made sure the children got to church every week, she was not attending. The house had become broken, and most nights, Wes’s father would stay out late into the evening.
and his wife led the youth to 40 years old groups. Then, in 2015 they came to build their own church,
“I had a great mom and a great dad… but at the
here in Winter Garden, Hope Church. As lead
time, my dad was not modeling what it was like to be
pastor of Hope Church, Wes focuses heavily on
a great husband,” reflected Wes.
acceptance, as he insisted to me, “no matter who
Wes struggled with this, but everything would soon change for him when he met his new youth
you are, what you have done, or where you have been, I got a spot for you.”
pastor, Craig Killinen. That summer, the pastor took
It was an influential mentor and a summer camp
him and a group of other kids to a bible summer
that brought Wes to his purpose in life. That is
camp in Pennsylvania. With his parents’ approval,
why now he is working hard to continue getting
they drove all the way from Orlando to the camp that
as many kids as possible to bible camp every year,
would forever change Wes’ life.
including raising funds to send kids that otherwise
When he arrived at the camp, he felt a great spirit
would not be able to afford it. He told me that he
within the camp that he had never felt before; it was
has seen in our city, one of people’s biggest prior-
engaging and fun with peers that thought like him.
ities is their children, that Winter Garden families
On the fourth night, he recalls his youth pastor’s best
have a hyper-focus on their children. It is one thing
friend, who ran the camp, speaking to the kids.
that really draws him to our town as youth experi-
“The guy gets up there and basically says, ‘your
ence is a critical part of his mission.
youth pastor won't be a youth pastor forever, and
Regarding kids and youth bible camp, he stated,
someone has got to take his place, and that night I
“They're being taught what they're being taught from
felt like that could be me, that I could be passionate
somewhere, and if we can pull them out of Tik Tok, if
about this,” Wes stated while recalling the moment
we can pull them out of Instagram, social media, and
that triggered him to begin his life’s purpose.
pop culture for just a week, we know something great
Once he graduated high school, after much back
can happen in that environment.”
and forth with his father, it was finally agreed that he
Wes’s mission reminds us of the importance of
would go to seminary school instead of taking on his
faith-based youth mentorship and keeping our chil-
father’s business.
dren active and in good programs where they can
During his freshman year, a thousand miles away
interact with others face to face. It is critical that,
from home, he meets his future wife, Diana, only to
as a community, we stay focused on our children
find out that she is from Orlando and just 10 miles
by being mentors to them rather than allowing the
away from his mother’s house. So in 2004, immedi-
streams of social media “influencers” and pop cul-
ately after graduating, Wes took a youth pastor job in
ture dogma to take the lead.
Jacksonville, working under the pastor who gave the speech that inspired him to enter the ministry.
12
In 2008 he left to work for his father-in-law at a Baptist church on Lake Underhill, where he
At 38 years old, Wes continues his mission alongside his wife, Diana, and their four chil-
“I think environment matters, and so I think being
dren; Hope, Tripp, Judah, and Selah. The family is
in the environment with Craig [his mentor] fostered
enjoying the journey Wes began that day when he
my calling, and I think yeah, I think some people need
was 14 years old at a bible summer camp. He still
help figuring out what their calling is. I am built by
speaks to his childhood mentor regularly, and as
a bunch of people that poured into me, and I want
for his mother and father, they are both in atten-
to give that back to others,” explained Wes while
dance every week at Wes’ Sunday service in Hope
describing his journey to ministry.
Church, Winter Garden.
Winter Garden Lifestyle | August 2021
CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden
13
TREND SETTER
FIDO
F R IE N D LY
FAV O R I T E S SUMMER IS A TIME OF EXPLORATION, VACATION, AND RELAXATION, AND LIKE ANY DOG LOVER, WE LOVE INCLUDING OUR FURRY BEST FRIEND IN ALL OF OUR SUMMER ACTIVITIES. So we’ve pulled together a list of some of our favorite places to bring our pup around town in our summer fun.
ARTICLE MICHELLE SANCHEZ
14
Winter Garden Lifestyle | August 2021
WEST ORANGE DOG PARK
CROOKED CAN BREWING COMPANY
The West Orange Dog Park is a local favorite.
Crooked Can Brewing Company in Downtown
The park has “big dog” and “small dog” areas,
Winter Garden boasts a great patio and green
plenty of shade, and a large extra tall fence
area to relax with a pint and your pup. In addi-
around the park border to keep your pooch safe
tion, they carry dog merchandise, including dog
and cool during the summer months. In addition,
collars, leashes, and a toy bone adorned with
the dog park is a great place to socialize and get
the Crooked Can logo. They even host a 2nd
some energy out.
Sunday’s event in collaboration with Our Cause 4 Paws Rescue with live music, adoptable pups, and family fun.
WINTER GARDEN FARMER’S MARKET
WOOF GANG BAKERY
The Winter Garden Farmer’s Market is a great
Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming is a one-
weekend outdoor activity to bring your favorite
stop-shop for your pup, with full-service
furry friend along. In addition to the various ven-
grooming, gourmet treats and baked goods,
dors for humans, you’ll likely find vendors with pet
pet foods, toys, and more! Woof Gang has three
supplies and freshly made treats.
locations; in Downtown Winter Garden, Hamlin, and Windermere.
CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden
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Winter Garden Lifestyle | August 2021
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17
FINANCIAL BUZZ
ARTICLE CHRIS BALLARD, CFP®
hing ou c a r e kids t about fin ance
THIS YEAR MANY FAMILIES ARE FACED WITH UNPRECEDENTED FINANCIAL CHALLENGES. Our early experiences with money set the tone for how we approach career, spending, debt, and ideas about wealth. We’ve taught them how to ride a bike, how to read, but have we taught them how to manage money? Without the proper education in dealing with money, children are at risk of becoming financially irresponsible in life. By engaging your child about how money works, you can save them and yourself some heartache by teaching them the basics of smart money management. Have The Conversation – The best time to start teaching your kids about money is the age they begin to count. Start by identifying, sorting, and counting coins. Play games like “Store,” where kids exchange money for items, introducing them to the basics of shopping.
18
Winter Garden Lifestyle | August 2021
Let Them Spend It – An allowance helps teach the relationship between work and money. Age 6 or 7 is a good time to begin giving your child a small allowance and an opportunity to teach money management and good savings habits. In addition, youth checking accounts (start for children 13-years and older at most financial institutions) are practical and make sense for young people around the time they enter high school, get their driver’s license, and get a job. The Power Of Interest - Encourage Savings by matching what they put into a savings account and let them see how interest grows their money over time. You can also use savings bonds. Don’t Bail Them Out – If you loan them money, make them pay it back. Create an IOU. What they learn, and you teach them, about the cost of money could pay them back later in life – when it really matters.
CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden
19
B l u e F l a x B a k e r y,
Behind the Baked Goods LOCAL BAKER AND MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE ANGIE TORREZ IS ALWAYS ON HER TOES, BETWEEN RAISING FIVE BOYS, WORKING PART-TIME AS AN ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT OF SALT OUTREACH, A FAITH-BASED NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION WITH A MISSION TO END HOMELESSNESS, STARTING IN ORLANDO, MARRIED FOR FOUR YEARS TO HER SPOUSE WHO IS ACTIVE IN
Blue Flax Bakery offers "quality plant-based baked
THE MILITARY, AND MANAGING AND BAKING FOR
goods that are wholesome and delicious. We don't
HER BUSINESS, BLUE FLAX BAKERY. Angie took a leap
fit any traditional molds - we're as rustic, unique, and
of faith in early 2020 to pursue her passion for baking and
ever-changing as the products we share. We are pas-
turn it into a business. "I couldn't do what I do without my
sionate about people, the environment, and working to
husband's steadfast support," says Angie.
live. From our family to yours, we put lots of love and careful attention into everything we do. We hope you enjoy our work as much as we enjoy bringing it to you." We sat down with Angie to talk about her boys Isaiah, Josiah, Adrian, Gabriel, and Leonardo and the resemblance she sees between them and her work in the bakery. Isaiah (13) – "Out of all the desserts I currently make at Blue Flax Bakery, Isaiah reminds me of the Brownie Cookie the most, which is kind of ironic because, just like me, he’s not a big chocolate fan. But can you really go wrong with a brownie? I think not. To me, the perfect brownie is chocolatey enough without the bitter aftertaste, but
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY MICHELLE SANCHEZ
20
Winter Garden Lifestyle | August 2021
Adrian, Leonardo, and Angie in Big Sur 2019
Family Photo 2020
not too sweet that makes you want to puke. It’s soft and gooey in the middle, crispy on the edges and crackly on the top. And that’s Isaiah. He’s got a soft and tender heart but is comfortable with enforcing his own boundaries, giving his personality and character true structure. But he’s still a fun, and goofy kid, and so through the “cracks” are his random ideas and comments that leave you thinking, 'Where does your mind go, kid?'” Josiah (12) – "I love a good blueberry muffin. It’s one of those bakery staples that’s perfect for breakfast with morning coffee or just at any time. It’s simple but so delicious, and even though it’s been reinvented over time, its core remains the same. That’s
Rose Almond Cookie Brownie Cookie
Josiah. He’s constantly discovering new things he likes and ideas about the kind of person he wants to be. It’s exciting and keeps us guessing a lot of the time, but in the end, he’s still Josiah. Always there and happy to be. Blueberries are easily one of my favorite fruits. It’s an ingredient I associate some of my happiest childhood Wedding Day
memories with. Particularly the summers growing up in southern Georgia when my mom would take me blueberry picking at a family-owned farm. I’ve been lucky enough to recreate some of these memories with my own boys. Josiah loves blueberries and blueberry picking just as much as I do, and I cannot begin to tell you just how happy that makes me feel."
CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden
21
BLUE FLAX BAKERY, BEHIND THE BAKED GOODS (CONTINUED)
Family Photo Antelope Canyon
Deployment Ceremony 2019
Adrian (10) – "If I had to compare Adrian to one of my
a slice of sweetened dried orange. He definitely loves
desserts (which I am since that’s the whole point of this,
chocolate, has a zest and zeal for life, and is layered with
right? Haha), I would have to go with my Rose Almond
surprises. Gabriel’s entire life is a bold statement and
cookie. Rosewater and almond are two very distinct,
testament to being unapologetically different."
strong, and complicated flavors but somehow are magic
Leonardo (2) – "Leonardo is my Lemon Poppyseed
together. Before I became a bonus mom to Isaiah, Josiah,
Bun – bright, sweet, and tangy. He’s the perfect bundle of
and Gabriel and had Leonardo, I was a single mom for 6
soft and quirky and makes you not want to miss a single
years to Adrian. We’ve been through a lot together, and
bite of life. He’s made our lives more full, our family more
life has been far from easy, but the most unlikely beauty
complete, and is an instant crowd-pleaser. Our brighter-
has come from it all. Not to mention, my Rose Almond
than-the sun miracle."
cookie is my best seller."
22
Gabriel (9) – "Gabriel is my chocolate orange muffin.
You can find Blue Flax Bakery products at Three Birds
It’s a decadent chocolate muffin filled with an orange fla-
Cafe in Downtown Winter Garden, Infusion Tea in College
vor pastry cream and topped with crunchy streusel and
Park, and online for pick up at www.blueflaxbakery.com
Winter Garden Lifestyle | August 2021
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finding a tutor for
your child
TUTORS ARE AN EFFECTIVE WAY TO GET KIDS BACK ON
Does the tutor have the right personality?
TRACK AND KEEP THEM THERE. But how do you find a good
A tutor should be patient, empathetic, pos-
reliable tutor you can trust? What if hiring a tutor isn’t in your
itive, passionate, creative, and fun. These
budget? Today, there are many options.
characteristics help ensure your child can learn from the tutor and will walk away with
HOW TO FIND A TUTOR Your child’s teacher and the school administrator are an excellent
self-confidence. Also, be sure the tutor's personality should connect with your child.
place to start. They might be able to recommend a tutor in your com-
Is the tutor flexible? Each child has their
munity and online resources to help your child. Also, chances are
own best learning style. It might be visual,
that one of your child’s friends at school has a tutor. So, ask other
aural, physical, verbal, logical, or any combi-
parents for recommendations as well.
nation of these. Also, some kids are solitary
There are also several websites for helping parents find tutors.
learners, whereas others are social learners
VarsityTutors.com has a searchable database of tutors. Just enter
and enjoy learning in groups. Look for a set-
your zip code, and the school subject, the site also shows tutors’
ting and tutor that fits your kid's style.
ratings, specialties, and fees per session. Another resource is Care.
Does the tutor have excellent references?
com, which connects people with various professional services,
Online tutoring services often have reviews
including tutors. Online tutoring is another popular choice, though,
from previous clients. Look for those with
it isn’t right for every child. Experience in tutoring varies widely, so
overall high ratings and positive comments.
check reviews and ask for references.
But beware of reviews directly on the tutoring company's website since these can often
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A TUTOR
be manipulated. If you find your tutor offline
Is the tutor qualified? Your best bet is to look for someone with
or find very few reviews, ask for several ref-
a teaching degree since tutoring requires skills that not every-
erences. Still, the references a tutor provides
one possesses. For younger students, if the tutor has a teaching
might not be an entirely accurate depiction
degree, specialization in a particular subject isn't necessary.
of their character and experience either. So,
From high school and beyond, look for a tutor with expertise in
use due diligence for your child's safety and
the subject your child needs help with.
to ensure your child receives quality service.
24
Winter Garden Lifestyle | August 2021
CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden
25
ANIMAL KINGDOM
PET PERFECT PHOTOGRAPHY POINTERS
CELEBRATE YOUR FURRY, FIN & WINGED FRIENDS! Orion M. and his baby chickens
EVERYONE LOVES TO SHOW OFF THEIR CUTEST AND FUNNIEST PET PHOTOGRAPHS. Whether it be dogs, cats, birds, hamsters, turtles, fish, peacocks, or whatever pet you have, we all want to celebrate our creatures with email blasts and Facebook posts. Here are a few tips to help you get prize-winning photographs. So whether you are planning to shoot photos of your family pets with your cell phone or a 35mm digital camera, make sure it is fun! Get Ready: Set aside some special time for you and your pet when the lighting will be best for indoor and outdoor photo sessions. Make sure your pet is well-groomed, bathed, brushed, clean, and rested. Select photo session locations where your pet is most comfortable. Couches, chairs, beds, and backyard play spaces make perfect backdrops. If you have more than one dog or a variety of pets, consider posing them together. Natural Lighting Is Best! In order to best capture their expressions, looks, and movements, use fast shutter speeds with soft yet bright natural lighting. Avoid overly harsh lighting situations. Natural light will help avoid the bright
26
Winter Garden Lifestyle | August 2021
P
PET PERFECT ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY LARRY H. OSKIN
flash, which many pets are afraid of. Plus, diffused natural light will eliminate the bright light flash that is unattractively reflective in their
eyes. Flash photography also works for indoor poses. I like to pose our pet dogs perched up on a couch with a big solid-color blanket for the background, so their faces and images will really pop out. American flags and other colored blankets and sheets work well. I have used professional studio lighting with seamless backdrops, yet it really isn’t necessary. Focus On Creative Angles! If you have a cat or dog, get on the floor with them for some of your best photographs. Try to shoot from a low angle at their eye level or lower. Whether you shoot close-ups or full body shots, focus on capturing their eyes so that they will look right at you. Shoot a variety of creative angles! For example, you may want to put your pet puppies and kittens on top of glass tables while crawling underneath for a bottoms-up angle. Like most of our greatest photos of people, everyone wants to feel they are making eye contact with you and your pets. So wave a toy, treat, or something over your camera and head – so your pet
will look directly at you. Use squeaky toys, whistles, and other visually eye-catching devices that will get your pets to look at your camera lens. You may even share a bit of peanut butter for your puppies to enjoy for extra fun tongue-licking images. Create Fun Poses: Research a variety of good pet photo poses on the Internet, so you can try to replicate some of the poses while creating your own imagery. Powerful Props: Get ready to use some small extra hats, toys, balls, colorful bandanas, miniature flags, and Americana props when photographing dogs and cats. Keep your photographs neat and simple. Avoid background clutter. Spark Their Character! The most basic goal in dog photography is to capture your best friend’s character and personality. Getting their attention for your preferred action poses may be tricky. The use of fast shutter speeds and adjusted ISO camera settings will help you freeze the action. DSLR cameras will allow you to shoot in a burst of ongoing snapshots, so you will be able to select the best pose. Pet photos make terrific Facebook posts CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden
27
ANIMAL KINGDOM (CONTINUED)
PHOTOGRAPHY
Help Dogs & Cats In Need! Volunteer to help your local
pet shelter and pet rescue center by taking photographs of
the furry friends who are waiting for adoptions. This will give
you extra practice, and the published photographs will help the pets find new homes.
Exotic Pets & Animals: Many people love to photo-
graph more exotic animals. Venture out to the local animal reserve, a zoo, or a nearby farm, to create some exciting photographic images.
Creative Artistry: Consider the use of Photoshop or some other photo enhancing software to posterize your pet and animal photographs, making them look like paintings.
Patience, Personality & Practice Makes Perfect! Since your pets won’t take directions or any call to ‘smile’ or ‘look
here,’ it takes patience. Share very soft and gentle comments
to keep your dog relaxed and your cat calm. Don’t scream
or raise your voice. Plan to make it fun, so you will all have a good time while capturing their personality. Be ready to shoot dozens and dozens of images just to get one or two terrific
photographs. The more you photograph your pets, the more comfortable they will become with the experience.
and computer screen savers while sharing fun birthday, holiday, and seasonal greetings. Use Photoshop or a software program to add clever messages to your pet photographs. Whether you use automatic or manual camera settings, plan for you and your pets to have a good time. Be In The Photos! Get someone else to help with your pet family photos. You will capture the best heart-warming images when you and your children are in the photos with your pets. Within limits, pets will make great additions to your family portraits, engagement, and wedding photos! Pet Rewards! Share their favorite treats, affectionate pats on the head, and gentle belly rubs if appropriate for your dogs and cats throughout your photo session.
28
Winter Garden Lifestyle | August 2021
WE DO THE HARD WORK, AND YOU...
... Just Relax and Dive In. WEEKLY POOL SERVICE, REPAIR & MAINTENANCE | 407.234.1702 | DIVEINPOOL.COM
WeekLy Service starting at
Never Pick Up Dog POO P Again!
$15
www.poopbandit.com mike@poopbandit.com (407) 604-1008 CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden
29
MICHAEL WRIGHT IS HELPING TO RECLAIM YOUR BACKYARD
POOP BANDIT (NOUN - /POOP ˈ BANDIT/): AN UNKNOWN DOG WHO POOPS
MYSTERIOUSLY
IN
ODD
PLACES AND NEVER TAKES CREDIT FOR IT. The Poop Bandit may strike at any time in any place. “All dogs are Poop Bandits,” says Michael Wright, Owner of PoopBandit. TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY? I was born in Detroit, raised in Southeast automotive
Michigan, family;
and
my
from
Dad
an
retired
from General Motors along with other extended family members. We relocated from Michigan to the Horizon West area in 2012 and currently live in Waterleigh, although we’ve lived in the Summerlake and Independence communities. Mandi and I have been married for 23 years and have 3 kids; Lucas, Phoenix, and Stella. We also have 4 dogs; 3 were added to our family during the Pandemic. My oldest
30
Winter Garden Lifestyle | August 2021
THE POOP BANDIT STRIKES AGAIN!
LOCALLY OWNED
Wicket the Shorkie
Michael Wright
Michael Wright
is Wicket, a 7-year old Shorkie); Lenny, a 1-year old Chorkie;
HOW DID POOPBANDIT COME ABOUT?
Bougie, a 1-year old female Chihuahua; and the latest addition (and
My oldest son was having a hard time finding
PoopBandit Mascot), Wallace, the French Bulldog puppy! Wallace
a job when he turned 16. So, I said, “why don’t
came to our family from one of our clients and local breeder Billy
we just start a company and create a job for
Davis of Foreal Frenchies (928-848-6294, @ForealFrenchies).
you.” He said, “we can do that?” So, over a taco dinner one night, Mandi and I came up with the
WHAT DID YOU DO BEFORE STARTING POOPBANDIT?
idea for PoopBandit.
For the last 15 years, my career was dedicated to the private ser-
To herd our 3 kids when they were little and
vice industry; I spent 10 years as Executive Director of an industry
as my 30th birthday present, we adopted the
trade association for butlers, private chefs, personal assistants, basi-
perfect Border Collie, Bandit. Unfortunately,
cally anyone that works in private estates for Ultra High Net Worth
as time went on, Bandit started to suffer from
Families & Individuals (UHNW). The trade association had over
anxiety and confusion like most Border Collies
5,000 members, with chapters in 22 states and overseas chapters
do as they age. Our veterinarian recommended
based in London & Monaco. For the last 5 years, just before found-
that Bandit would do better if he lived out his
ing PoopBandit, I was a consultant and partner in multiple recruit-
remaining days on a farm and do what Border
ment firms specializing in working for top 400 Forbes list clientele.
Collies do best: herding animals. Luckily, we
I’ll share that working for the Forbes 400 list is to work for the most
found a great place for him to roam! Brandi
demanding people in the world; every skill I honed for years in that
came up with the name, and our company is
industry is woven into every business that I've run.
named in his honor, RIP Bandit.
CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden
31
LOCALLY OWNED (CONTINUED)
“We are meticulous with our ser vices, take our time and do as thorough of a job as possible with the hope that our clients w i l l t e l l t h e i r f r i e n d s a n d n e i g h b o r s .”
Lucas ran PoopBandit for the first few years, and
“fail forward” and learn the lessons and know mis-
when the pandemic started, he pursued his dream
takes will happen. I’ve always made a habit of going
of becoming a Marine. At the same time, my prior
over the top, trying to make a mistake right. When a
businesses basically dried up, and I was ready for a
mistake happens, you really get to see if a company
change and decided to take over the business.
is GREAT. A great company will own the mistake, sincerely apologize for it, make amends and do whatever
WHAT ARE THE BEST PARTS ABOUT
possible to make the situation right.
RUNNING POOPBANDIT? We are passionate about helping people and their 4-legged family members by providing a luxury ser-
WHY DO I NEED POOPBANDIT, AND WHY YOU AND NOT YOUR COMPETITION?
vice and taking care of a task that no one in the house
Anyone who is too busy or doesn’t want to pick up
really wants to do. Many of our clients would not use
dog poop in their yard needs our service. Pet waste
parts of their yard, or worse, argue with each other
buildup makes backyards unusable. Using PoopBandit
and the kids about whose turn it is to “pick up the
allows you to reclaim your yard AND we stop the family
poop.” So basically, we’re helping our clients reclaim
argument of “who’s turn is it to pick up the poop?”
their yards. Also, we love dogs! Whenever our furry
Also, about half of our business is residential,
friends are out, we’ll throw the ball around, give them
and the other half is commercial; HOA community
some of our treats, have a little ‘playtime.’ The dogs
services that include installation, maintenance, and
are excited to see us each week!
service of pet waste stations; community dog park cleanup; and trash can emptying services where we
32
ADVICE ON STARTING OR RUNNING
properly dispose of the waste according to EPA stan-
A SERVICE BUSINESS?
dards and ensure it properly makes it to the landfill.
First and foremost, Do It! Most people have great
We are a local family-owned business, and our
ideas but never get the courage up to act on them. To
reputation is everything! We are meticulous with our
run a service business, you must be passionate about
services, take our time and do as thorough of a job as
the service you deliver and really care; care about the
possible with the hope that our clients will tell their
quality of service you provide and care about the
friends and neighbors. Our business relies on our
client you work for to bring your best to work each
clients becoming Cheerleaders for our company, so
day. Lastly, don’t be afraid to fail. Everyone has set-
we must offer the best service possible. (PoopBandit
backs or fails in some way when starting a business -
– PoopBandit.com – 407-604-1008).
Winter Garden Lifestyle | August 2021
REALTY REPORT
Windermere
Winter Garden
NEIGHBORHOOD
REALTY REPORT WINTER GARDEN & WINDERMERE
ORIGINAL PRICE
SOLD PRICE
%SOLD/ORIG
DOM
BDRMS
BATHS
West Lake Hancock Estates
$1,780,000
$1,780,000
100%
3
5
5.5
Sunset Lakes
$1,350,000
$1,350,000
100%
4
4
3.5
Canopy Oaks
$1,075,900
$1,090,000
101%
23
5
6
Waterside on Johns Lake
$775,000
$775,000
100%
29
4
4.5
Park Place
$790,000
$772,500
98%
163
3
3.5
Waterleigh
$749,000
$760,000
102%
2
5
3.5
Hamlin Reserve
$620,000
$620,000
100%
5
4
3.5
Orchard Hills
$550,000
$625,000
114%
3
4
3
Reserve at Carriage Pointe
$599,000
$599,000
100%
2
5
4
Bellaria
$1,689,000
$1,625,000
96%
43
5
6
Magnolia Park
$1,500,000
$1,465,000
98%
7
5
5
Oxford Moor
$1,100,000
$1,105,500
101%
4
5
4
Les Terraces
$889,000
$889,000
100%
3
5
4.5
Crescent Lake Estates
$850,000
$850,000
100%
8
4
3.5
Westover Reserve
$810,000
$830,000
102%
2
5
4
Windermere Club
$729,000
$756,000
104%
4
4
3
Windermere Trails
$595,000
$630,000
106%
2
4
3
This data is a sampling of sold properties from May 23 - to June 22. Source: MLS
Your Most Trusted Central Florida Real Estate Advisors Paul Fedynich & Valerie Fairchild Call Us Today or Visit Our Website to Schedule Your Confidential Property Evaluation
C: 407.744.1681 | www.TheViPHome.Team Learn how to prepare to sell your home and save thousands of dollars when you join us for a
Home Selling Webinar · August 11th at 7pm Register Today at www.TheViPHome.Team/Seller-Webinar or scan the QR Code for more information. CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden
33
AUGUST
LIFESTYLE CALENDAR
1
SUNDAY BRUNCH AT FEATHER & QUILL
Works will feature 2D & 3D Artworks
2021, from 1 pm - 5 pm. During this
that showcase the artist’s interpreta-
Progressive Wine Tasting Experience,
tion of “Unconventional Beauty.”
you may sample up to 15 wines from the featured 50 wines at host loca-
11
4757 The Grove Suite 100 Windermere, Florida 34786
Sunday Brunch is now available at Windermere restaurant, and craft cocktail bar, Feather & Quill. From
HOME BUYER’S & SELLER’S WEBINAR BY THE VIP HOME TEAM Online - https://www.TheViPHome.
plex. More information at https:// read.wg.life/TheGroveEvents.
27
11:30 am to 2:30 pm each Sunday,
Team/Seller-Webinar
you can enjoy favorites like fried
Learn from the Trusted Professionals
green tomatoes, scratch buttermilk
at The ViP Home Team to navigate the
biscuits, bread pudding french toast,
current real estate market and get your
and bottomless mimosas or sangrias.
home purchase offer accepted or sell
Winter Garden, FL 34787
Reservations are recommended.
your home for top dollar! Learn what
Man of La Macha starts showing
it takes to buy before you sell without
on August 27, 2021, at the Garden
4
a double mortgage payment. Avoid
Theatre
making the top most common mistakes
Garden. The play is written by Dale
WEDNESDAY NIGHT LIFE DRAWING AT SOBO ART GALLERY AND STUDIO
in the purchase and selling process
Wasserman, with music by Mitch
to save thousands of dollars. Ask The
Leigh and lyrics by Joe Darion. The
Expert about buying or selling your
story focuses on an adventure begin-
home. Register at www.TheViPHome.
ning from the isolation of a prison cell,
Team/Seller-Webinar
where Miguel de Cervantes becomes
127 S. Boyd Street
MAN OF LA MANCHA AT THE GARDEN THEATRE 160 West Plant Street
in
Downtown
Winter
the legendary hero Don Quixote.
Winter Garden, FL 34787
Drop in each Wednesday from 6:30 to 9:30 pm for a weekly Night Studio at Sobo Art Gallery and Studio to draw from live nude or clothed models. Details are shared weekly
12 CITRUS AUGUST STORYTIME
14393 Bridgewater Crossings Blvd,
31 DR. ALBERT GLEASON EXHIBIT PRESENTED BY THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION
on their Facebook page. All skill lev-
Suite 130 Windermere, FL 34786
els are welcome, and no instruction
Citrus Story Time guests will enjoy
is provided. Must be 18 years or older.
books, songs, movement, and crafts,
Bring your own drawing/painting
with a focus on children four years
Dr. Albert Gleason, a community phy-
materials. No photography is permit-
and younger. This month's theme is
sician in Winter Garden in the early
ted. Fee Collected at sign-in:.$10 for
Back to School! Storytime will start at
1940's, helped form the West Orange
members / $15 for non-members
10:00 am and lasts roughly 30 min-
Memorial Hospital at North Dillard
utes, followed by free playtime.
Street in 1952, where he served
5 127 S. Boyd Street
Winter Garden, FL 34787
The
300 West Plant Street
as the Chief of Staff. The exhibit is
UNCONVENTIONAL BEAUTY OPENING RECEPTION AT SOBO ART GALLERY AND STUDIO
34
tions scattered throughout the com-
opening
reception
21
available through August 31, 2021,
WINE-DERMERE AT THE GROVE IN WINDERMERE!
Public Places Gallery.
Monday through Friday, 8 am – 5 pm, at the Winter Garden City Hall Art in
The Grove - Windermere
4750 The Grove Drive Windermere, FL
for
the
34787, 1 pm - 5 pm.
Would you like to get in touch with
August and September Exhibition,
Explore over 50 interesting wines
us? We would love to hear from you!
Unconventional Beauty, will be held on
and champagnes as you walk around
Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/
August 5, 2021, from 5:30 pm to 8:30
The Grove Shopping Center in
WinterGarden using the Get In Touch
pm at the Sobo Art Gallery and Studio.
Windermere on Saturday, August 21,
link and let us know what you think.
Winter Garden Lifestyle | August 2021
Your new home is almost ready! The Blake at Hamlin features resort-style amenities and service, and delivers unsurpassed senior living. Hospitality, comfort, and luxury are blended to create an Assisted Living and Memory Care community like no other. You are going to feel right at home!
EXPECT A HIGHER LEVEL OF CARE Chef-inspired meals | Full hospitality services from concierge to laundry Social, recreational, and cultural activities | 24-hour nursing care available Customized wellness programs and more!
Schedule your tour today at (407) 759-5448. OPENING SOON | NOW TAKING RESERVATIONS 4814 Hamlin Groves Trail | Winter Garden, FL 34787 | www.blakeliving.com/hamlin PRE-OPENING OFFICE: 14422 Shoreside Way, Suite 100, Winter Garden, FL 34787 Assisted Living Facility: License Pending
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