Orange Appeal March/April 2021 by Orange Appeal

march | april 2021

features

25 Historically Significant Women in Central Florida

Business Is Blooming

In celebration of Women’s History Month, Sara Van Arsdel, former executive director at Orange County Regional History Center, compiled a list of those among us who have blazed trails and left — or will leave — lasting legacies. Some names will be very familiar, and others will be new discoveries. These thumbnail sketches are only a glimpse of the courage, determination and commitment to our community and wellbeing. Cheers to them all! Even through an unexpected and strange era, these ladies have seen their endeavors grow and blossom. Allison Walsh created the She Believed She Could podcast to inspire women of all ages; Eileen Tongson tended her FarmGal Flowers, an urban flower farm and design studio; sisters Ansley Butts and Anne Marie Armstrong successfully opened their retail dream with Monkee’s; Traci Sihle oversaw tremendous growth of her family’s insurance business; and Garima Shah recently introduced a full-service wellness sanctuary that offers state-of-the-art therapies.

on the cover: Allison Walsh photographed in front of Interlace by

Albert Paley at the Mennello Museum of American Art wearing a Dolce & Gabbana dress from Neiman Marcus, The Mall at Millenia. Story on page 86.

Below, from left, fashions from Monkee's, Continuum, Bloomingdale’s and Tuni.

march | april 2021

columns

10 THE LIST

People, places and things: The Creative City Project continues to entertain with imagination and magic; Meet the committee members behind Hats & Roses, an event to benefit Kids Beating Cancer; The Sweetheart Society supports the American Heart Association’s local efforts; Women to Watch: Tia Michelle Lumpkin, the queen of kayaking; Ekta Desai and Michelle Chandler are leading by design; Eye On Arts: Exhibits and events to explore and enjoy this season.

38 BEAUTY, BODY & SPIRIT Workout under the sun with a variety of yoga classes around Central Florida; Mind Over Matter: Therapist Jill Hamilton shares her own insecurities; Your annual well-woman exam is crucial to your whole health and here’s what you should be discussing with your provider; Drs. Deborah and Victor Harding say new bicycle helmet technologies make for a safer ride; Women Are Incredible: Regine Bonneau is leading with a mission and vision.

54 TASTES & EXPERIENCES Infuse your next cocktail, tea or flask with flavorful Curious Botanicals; A déjà vu rendezvous with superb dishes and service at The Boheme; Discover Downtown’s newest hot spot, SkyBar Rooftop Terrace; Bits & Bites: a sampling of what’s on the menu at area eateries from a Disco Brunch to the Hamptons life.

64 HOME & DESIGN Pistil Home & Garden offers up a beautiful selection of greenery, gifts and accessories for your spaces; A peek inside Factur, Orlando’s innovative entrepreneurial maker space where ideas come to life.

72 WOMEN OF INFLUENCE This issue’s Professional Profiles advertorial series features leading women who are accomplished and prominent in their fields of expertise.

96 GIVING BACK Proud mom Danielle Newbold explains Miles To Go’s grassroots mission that grew from a traffic stop conversation.

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welcome

Tales from the Closet

love stories of real people with

knew no one else would ever be wear-

real lives. They may be

ing the same outfit. She added some My granddaughter Brooklyn dressed herself for school and loved her ensemble. Future fashionista?

famous or not, but the little details

their

memoirs

intrigue me, and my curiosity begs for more. So recently

when I was perusing the latest issue

pizazz and glamor to “homemade.” By middle school, I was poring over Seventeen while my friends read comics. In those days we still dressed for school and looked forward to the end of each sum-

of Vogue, I stopped to read through

mer when we started visualizing and

seven recollections of fashion (Grow-

getting excited about what we would

ing Up In Style) from a diverse group

wear the first day back.

of women. Each shared a unique

Throughout my school years, including

memory that shaped their sense of

college, I could always count on showing

style from prairie prints to Miami

up in something original and fitted to a

goth to vintage finds (vogue.com/

“T.” I learned how to sew but did not have

magazine). And it reminded me of

the patience to do it right by my mother’s

my own decades-long love affair

rules. She did teach me what to look for in

with fabrics and notions.

the store though — from checking seams

I guess I have been pondering

and zippers to making sure patterns and

fashion a lot lately since we typi-

plaids matched up (they almost never do

cally celebrate spring’s frills and

now). My senior year of high school she

frocks in this issue. And also,

was gone — off to Singapore with some

because it’s been one solid, long

other wives to catch up with their hus-

year since I had to really dress for

bands and sightsee — so I decided to

anything other than very casual outdoor dining or the

make my homecoming outfit. To my

occasional girls’ day out someplace safe. Last year’s spring

utter delight, I found Bobbie Brooks

dresses hang forlornly, some with tags still attached, and

fabric and started creating a long, but-

colorful, strappy shoes still boxed up beg for attention.

toned vest with wide-leg pants. The

Tops have been the queens of the closet with their Zoom-

tweedy material had a striped border

worthy details and earrings have been the darling accesso-

that I carefully matched up to be at the

ries that have kept us from gazing waist down.

bottom of the vest and hem of the

Have you ever really pondered what influenced your

pants. And I did everything right —

sense of style? My mother was the epitome of elegance

even the buttonholes.

during my early years. Although petite — 5'2" on a good

When I married 37 years ago, she

day we would say — she was model slim (credit may go to

created the exact unconventional

cigarettes and her general lack of appetite) and could pull

dress I asked for in pink chiffon with

off Jackie O-worthy looks effortlessly. But none of this was

pintucks, ruffles and more than a

about designer clothes. She was a military wife who utilized her

dozen covered buttons. Neither of us knew it at the time, but it

sewing skills to whip up everything from casual golf skirts to for-

was the last thing she would ever sew for me. It’s the only thing I

mal embellished gowns she wore with long gloves and up-dos.

kept. It hangs in my closet along with the Jordan Marsh pink

Whenever we went shopping and I longed for something exquisite in the store she would always say, “We can make that

and blue tie I bought for my husband. She’s been gone for 30 years but thinking about her style always makes me smile.

even better.” What went unsaid was we really couldn’t afford it. But when she made me something it was always special, and I

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EDITOR & PUBLISHER

Christi Ashby christi@orangeappeal.com ASSISTANT PUBLISHER

Kate Slentz kate@orangeappeal.com MARKETING ASSOCIATE

Wendy Tramell wendy@orangeappeal.com CIRCULATION CONSULTANT

Mollie O’Shea BUSINESS MANAGER

Robert Ashby CONTRIBUTORS

Jill Hamilton Buss Deborah Harding, MD Victor Harding, MD Karen LeBlanc Danielle Newbold Sara Van Arsdel PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

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SOCIAL MEDIA

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@APPEAL_MEDIA Get behind-the-scenes peeks!

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thelist magic makers Lifting spirits has not been easy during our unending pandemic, but thanks to Cole NeSmith and his Creative City Project team, outdoor fantasies have been popping up like the holiday sell-out Dazzling Nights that was trending all over social media. And now through March 14, Down the Rabbit Hole guides guests on a theatrical journey through Mead Botanical Gardens with all the favorite characters coming to life through circus arts, dance, music and theater. In partnership with Director Donald Spencer from Modern Theatricals and presented by Massey Services, this is just the latest in a strong line-up of artistic happenings that started with the popular Immerse Festival. creativecityproject.com

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Hats & Roses: A Fashionable Soirée to Benefit Kids Beating Cancer

Donna Boyer, Dr. Francelis I. Gonzalez (Dr. G) and Margaret Guedes

After a year of canceled events due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a passionate group of very dedicated ladies came together to create an uplifting, fun extravaganza event for Kids Beating Cancer. “We are so excited to announce this unique new event, the Hats & Roses Derby Party Luncheon & Fashion Show on Friday, June 4, at 11am at the elegant Four Seasons Resort Orlando,” says Margaret Guedes, the founder of Kids Beating Cancer, the nonprofit organization she started after the passing of her son from Leukemia.

“THE EVENT WILL SHOWCASE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES OF LOCAL VENDORS, FOLLOWED BY A GOURMET LUNCHEON AND A HIGH-END FASHION SHOW. We

great appreciation, Kids Beating Cancer is

ment to Kids Beating Cancer started years

honored to announce Dr. Francelis I. Gon-

ago and is linked to my career as a pediat-

zalez ‘Dr. G’ is the chairwoman with her

ric hematologist-oncologist. The road to

co-chair, Donna Boyer. Both passionate

recovery of pediatric patients affected

women committed to ending pediatric

with cancer is long, and I understand that

are so grateful for this amazing group of

cancer,” Margaret adds.

science and research is the key to discov-

women who are committed to the greater

“It is with great joy and appreciation

ering the cure to save lives. With purpose

good, raising necessary funds toward

for the real mission of this charity that I

and passion, we are coming together for

bringing an end to childhood cancer. With

accepted the position of chair. My commit-

this amazing event that will fulfill the goal

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Left row front to back: Celia Silva Hartman, Alyce Bartolomeo, Eva Krzewinski, Leslie Skillman, Ana Gazzara, Mary Thonert-Carpousis and Whitney Carillon. Right row front to back: Paola Ormeno, Denise Fix, Mary Kenny, Imee Warren, Audra Wilks, Tara Crary, Chrissy English-Gomersall and Laure Hitzig Clavette. Front row, left to right: Margaret Guedes, Dr. Francelis Gonzalez and Donna Boyer. Not pictured: Renne Ruiz, Pia Ceccarelli, Rania Arwani and Ariane Chang.

of raising funds for Kids Beating Cancer, and at the same time be unique and unforgettable,” Dr. Francelis Gonzalez says. Kids Beating Cancer has provided access to life-saving treatments through the science of cellular therapy and advancing pediatric innovative research, moving new discoveries to patient care, while supporting hundreds of Central Florida children throughout their journey to a cure. For tickets, sponsor and vendor information visit kidsbeatingcancer.com/hatsandroses/.

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LOVE IS IN THE AIR:

The Orlando Heart Ball’s Sweetheart Society A CELEBRATION OF A YEAR-ROUND CAMPAIGN FROM THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION TO RAISE AWARENESS AND CRITICAL FUNDS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST HEART DISEASE AND STROKE, THE ORLANDO HEART BALL IS POWERED BY DEDICATED ADVOCATES AND SUPPORTERS, WHO LEVERAGE THEIR UNIQUE STRENGTHS TO HELP IMPROVE THE OVERALL HEALTH OF OUR COMMUNITY.

any of the Heart Ball’s most passionate ambassadors have joined forces to form the Sweetheart Society. This incredible group of individuals believes in creating a culture of health in Central Florida by personally investing in the mission of the American Heart Association. In only its second year, the Sweetheart Society has doubled in

size, growing to 28 members strong. “I joined the Sweetheart Society so that I could be more engaged with other com-

munity leaders to support a cause that’s important. Preventing just one heart attack by recognizing the signs is my why,” says Lauren Roderick Brusca, the 2021 Sweetheart

LAUREN & MICHAEL BRUSCA

JULIE KLEFFEL & FAITH KLEFFEL (not pictured)

JENNIFER & MARK O’MARA

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CHRIS & DR. DOUGLAS GEARITY

PETER & KARI FLECK

JENNIFER & DR. LINUS WODI

Society Chair. “Heart health is important for all of us, and as I deal with many ‘heart issues’ as a family lawyer, I believe that educating our community about heart health is vital.” The 2021 Orlando Heart Ball is chaired by Julie Kleffel of Seacoast Bank, and the event will take place on Saturday, April 10. Local executive and fellow American Heart Association ambassador Jon Reitz will be recognized as the 2021 Legacy Honoree for the significant impact he has made on the health and wellbeing of the Central Florida community. For 50 years, Heart Balls across the country have raised critical funds to support prevention, education and groundbreaking research in heart and brain health. To learn more about the Orlando Heart Ball or to join the Sweetheart Society, please visit OrlandoHeartBall.heart.org.

ALEXANDRE & AMANDA MESTDAGH

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DR. AMBER HOFFMAN & DR. MICHAEL BINGLER

LINDA & MARLIN HUTCHENS

Members not pictured: William & Ivana McNeil; Dr. Tanya Agard; and Andrew Jacobs

GLENN & TRACY SWANSON

VALENTINA MARVAL & ADAM PICKETT 20

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thelist WOMEN to WATCH

Tia Michelle Lumpkin:

THE QUEEN of KAYAKING (and viral videos) While Florida native Tia Michelle Lumpkin was busy studying event management at UCF, she was equally busy promoting her boyfriend’s business, Get Up And Go Kayaking, an award-winning outfitter that provides guided kayaking tours throughout the Sunshine State.

n these unique kayaking

and raised, giving guests unforgettable

together a video compilation featuring

tours, guests get to explore

memories and giving my guides a job they

several of the kayaking locations and very

their

surroundings

transparent

are in love with and can make money from.”

quickly, Get Up And Go Kayaking scored

kayak-canoe

In order to get the business noticed,

more than 100,000 views across their

hybrids that act as magni-

she’d spend hours each day submitting

social media platforms. This viral video

fying glasses — allowing kayakers to

videos of their clear-kayaking tours to

led to coverage on websites like Buzzfeed,

clearly see manatees, otters, and fish dart-

travel-related websites. She did this regu-

Travel + Leisure, Yahoo and Lonely Planet.

ing below. With prime locations through-

larly for about a year and a half.

As a result of the international buzz,

out Florida, guests choose their own

And then it happened.

the company’s website crashed. But the

adventures, from sunset tours in Winter

A journalist at Business Insider put

hundreds of emails they were receiving

Park to otter-spotting tours at Rock Springs to bioluminescence sighting tours in Merritt Island. “While growing up, the things I remember most aren’t the tangible gifts my loved ones gave me but the experiences we shared,” Tia recalls. “I remember the trips we went on, excursions we did while we were there, and the memories we made doing it. What I love about my job is giving people just that. Our tours are showcasing the beauty of Florida, the place I was born 22

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thelist WOMEN to WATCH for bookings was absolutely worth it. Coin-

Since then, she’s grown the Get Up And

shine State covered with franchises, I’m

cidentally, it also prompted Tia to take

Go Kayaking main social media account to

excited to see us grow across the states,”

over ownership of the Winter Park loca-

more than 45,000 followers and can’t wait

she says. “It’s really neat to wear one of our

tion. She got a loan from her parents and

to see where the business goes next. She

shirts and have someone in the grocery

made a business plan.

also got engaged to longtime boyfriend and

store ask if we are that clear-kayaking com-

“Being a part of the vision and begin-

owner of Get Up And Go Kayaking, Justin

pany. Becoming such a recognized brand

ning stages of the company, this was giving

Buzzi. Justin’s mom and Tia’s dad are also

for our awesome experiences is unreal.”

me ownership in what I was so invested in

franchise owners in South Florida, so it’s

and believed in,” she says. “I needed kay-

truly become a family business.

aks, a trailer, storage, employees and permitting. I took the risk, took out a loan, and was able to pay it back in just a few short months. It’s been two years since I took ownership of our Winter Park location and I couldn’t be prouder of where it’s at.” Tia says she always knew she wanted to be her own boss and call the shots. “All the hard work has truly paid off and I couldn’t be happier,” she says. “Nothing beats getting to make decisions that control your own destiny.”

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“We already have so much of the Sun-

To follow along on Tia’s adventures, follow her @getupandgowinterpark and @ttiamichelle.

thelist WOMEN to WATCH

Michelle Chandler: & Leading By Design

Ekta Desai

Two professionals have worked their way to leadership positions with local architecture firm SchenkelShultz and answered a few questions about their careers and future plans. EKTA DESAI, Design Lead, brings

MICHELLE CHANDLER, who

15 years of local, national and interna-

has spent more than 18 years rising

tional experience and initially joined

through the ranks at SchenkelShultz,

the firm in 2006 as an architectural

is primarily responsible for the

intern. After roles with international

firm’s strategic growth and business

design firms in New York City and

development efforts. She works

Mexico City, she rejoined the firm in

closely with the firm’s financial and

2018 and is now responsible for spear-

operational leadership on overall

heading SchenkelShultz’s design

firm strategy and oversees the firm’s

process by drawing from personal and

marketing, public relations and

unique perspectives and leveraging

philanthropic efforts. She holds

the diverse ideas of her team to offer clients local insights and broad

several prestigious board positions and has been recognized for

perspectives to create customized design solutions.

her accomplishments.

Orange Appeal: You have been in the field

I was apprehensive at first, but the

MC: Though architecture has historically

for many years, but what made you choose

firm’s leadership reminded me that I

been a male-dominated industry, more

this industry?

already had a significant understanding of

women are entering the field. I have been

the industry, the brand, the work we do;

fortunate to work with several impactful

Ekta Desai: I grew up experiencing archi-

the technical elements of the marketing

women, and men, who have taught me a

tecture from a young age. My family immi-

job were the pieces they could easily teach

great deal throughout my career. Some of

grated from Zambia in the mid-1980s

me. Eighteen years later, I wake up moti-

these mentors have been internal and some

where my father was practicing as an

vated and energized every day to work

are business leaders who have taught me

architect at Watkins Grey Morris Interna-

with a group of talented individuals who

the importance of not only maintaining a

tional and working mostly on public/civic

have designed and developed so many

reputable career but also the value of mak-

projects throughout Lusaka. He shared his

great public places in our Central Florida

ing an impact on our community through

love of art and architecture with my broth-

community.

nonprofit and volunteer work.

OA: Although things are changing, this has

tant to possess a strong knowledge of the

er and me, which developed into a lifelong discovery that became a career.

As a marketing professional, it is imporbeen a typically male-dominated industry,

technical elements of the industry, bal-

Michelle Chandler: Architecture has been

so has this had an impact on your work and

anced with strong soft-skills that are criti-

a part of my life for as long as I can remem-

progression?

cal to market the firm’s work. I believe my

ber. My father is an architect and the owner

growth within SchenkelShultz is partially

of SchenkelShultz for more than 30 years.

ED: Being in the middle of the industry’s

attributed to my willingness to learn from

I grew up discussing projects, architectural

cultural shift has been a positive force in

others, as well as the long-standing rela-

features and design trends around the din-

my career development. It has encouraged

tionships that I have built with peers and

ner table and eventually working part-time

open dialogue and there is a heightened

mentors in the community.

at SchenkelShultz in an administrative

understanding that a diversity of ideas are

role. When I completed college, I had a

important to create a strong firm-wide

OA: What are some of the most challenging

choice to pursue a different career or con-

community and portfolio of work.

and rewarding aspects of your career work?

tinue in architecture — I chose architecture! 26

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thelist WOMEN to WATCH ED: We recognize that in order to do our

OA: What do you think is next for you? Or what else would you like to accomplish?

best work, we have to evolve our design strategies and behavior. This means we must consider changing the way we approach our work and processes. We’ve

Michelle Chandler and Ekta Desai

ED: We, as a firm, have an exciting future ahead of us, and with that comes a great

discovered that when we afford ourselves

amount of expectation. My continued

time to reflect as a creative collective and

charge is to remain focused on elevating

explore unexpected solutions, we often

our firm’s legacy through an idea-driven

create new opportunities and push our

and results-oriented approach to design

design thinking forward.

and fostering a positive office-community culture.

MC: I love being involved in notable projects that serve our local community. Some

MC: I have two major goals for 2021:

of my favorite projects that we have

SchenkelShultz has embarked on a strate-

designed include Valencia College’s Lake

gic initiative we have branded “Building

Nona Campus, UCF Downtown’s Dr. Phil-

on Our Legacy” that articulates a contin-

lips Academic Commons, and the Edyth

ued commitment to the firm’s legacy mar-

Bush Charitable Foundation’s new head-

kets, clients and locations with a renewed

quarters. It is inspiring to see the impact

focus on outstanding design. I have been

that SchenkelShultz has had on the

working closely with Ekta to execute this

growth and development of our region.

significant effort.

Balancing the unique and diverse

Additionally, I am focused on increas-

needs of our 55-person workforce, particu-

ing my engagement in our community

larly amid the current pandemic, has been

through involvement in great organizations

a challenge. We are constantly focused on

such as the Orlando Economic Partner-

creating a safe and healthy environment,

immigrated to the United States when I

ship, the Kissimmee/Osceola County

where collaboration and creativity thrive.

was very young and committed their lives

Chamber of Commerce, the Alliance for

to providing us with the best education

Regional Transportation, and as a room

OA: What gets you up in the morning and

and mentorship that they could afford.

mom for my daughter’s class.

keeps you going?

Their sacrifice taught me that a commit-

As a working mother, I have learned a

ment to family and a sustained focus on

great deal in the past three years about the

ED: I love working with positive and tal-

your craft is critical to establishing a foun-

importance of surrounding myself with a

ented people. We have an incredible team,

dation for personal and professional suc-

strong team of talented leaders. Critical to

and it is exciting to ‘dream up’ new ideas

cess.

my success is the strong network of men-

— on all scales — together.

tors, confidantes and friends that I have MC: My dad, Tom Chandler, is my most

built over 18 years working in this commu-

MC: I wake up passionate about my job

important role model. It has been a gift to

nity. Many of these individuals are also

and motivated to continue the great work

learn from my father and see first-hand

working moms who have encouraged me

SchenkelShultz is doing. Yoga helps me

the level of respect he has built with his

every step of the way and been my lifeline

stay grounded and focused, and my kids

employees and the community. I have

and cheerleader when I needed them most.

keep me going.

learned from him that as a business exec-

My strong support system in my profes-

utive, we must give of our time and talents

sional life (my business partners, work

OA: Do you have any specific role models

through volunteer work, as well as by

team, and peers in the industry), coupled

and/or mentors who inspired you?

building a strong business that provides

with my support system at home, namely

for the livelihood of its employees. I am

my amazing husband, has allowed me to

ED: My parents and brother have been the

not certain I’ll ever live up to the incredi-

remain focused on my career and become

utmost examples of passion, perseverance,

ble reputation he has built, but I do spend

an owner of the firm while raising two

selflessness, and hard work. My parents

every day of my working life trying.

small children and a teenager.

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march | april 2021

thelist

EYEONARTS SNAP! ORLANDO PRESENTS THE VAN GOGH AFFECT The exhibition begins with visual material that was created by Lynn Johnson for National Geographic Magazine almost 25 years ago. Those images, many of which have never been seen, give this exhibit its foundational form. Simultaneously contemplating and reaffirming Van Gogh’s resounding posthumous influence over art and culture of the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries — award-winning photographers Lynn Johnson and Patricia Lanza offer evocative insight into Vincent’s uniquely sensitive lived experience of place and light. Traveling in Van Gogh’s footsteps, Lynn Johnson and Patricia Lanza have conjured hauntingly intimate images in black and white (Johnson) and impressionistimbued color (Lanza) in their exploration

Every year, over 3 million people make the pilgrimage to see the Van Gogh collection at the Musée d’Orsay in Paris. “I cannot help it that my paintings do not sell. The time will come when people will see that they are worth more than the price of the paint.” –Vincent. (Photography Lynn Johnson)

of Van Gogh’s quest to master the use of color as he studied, tracked and paid trib-

Paul Asylum in Saint-Rémy, Johnson and

still-functioning sanitarium and the vil-

ute to his most enduring muse — the sun.

Lanza were granted special access in their

lage of Auvers-sur-Oise where he died

Working in collaboration with the Saint-

retracing of Van Gogh’s time spent in the

under mysterious circumstances in July of 1890. As authors and photographers, Johnson and Lanza added new images — their respective visual meditations, that address Van Gogh’s quest to understand color, as he traveled the route of the sun and the fundamental human urge to create. Their recent work, created in France and the Netherlands in 2018 and 2019, sheds light on some of the controversy that has been written about but never addressed creatively in visual form; places he lived, worked, traveled and died — the artist’s lived journey. The Van Gogh Affect traveling exhibition will be on view at Snap! Downtown, 420 E. Church St., through May 2021. Visit SnapOrlando.com for more details.

A recreation of the Arles Bedroom from the Van Gogh painting in the Hotel Riche. At the close of WWII, the original bed from Arles was donated to Boxmeer, by the Van Gogh family, to be used by local residents displaced by the war. Boxmeer, The Netherlands. (Photography Patricia Lanza)

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thelist ALBIN POLASEK MUSEUM & SCULPTURE GARDENS CELEBRATES 60 YEARS with SPECIAL EXHIBITIONS Founded in 1961, the Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens in Winter Park will celebrate its 60th anniversary this year. A special year of programming is scheduled throughout 2021 to mark the occasion including four world-class exhibitions, the 13th annual Winter Park Paint Out plein air festival, special items on display from the Polasek archives all year, and a 60th anniversary gala celebration. Albin Polasek (1879-1965) was born in Moravia, now part of the Czech Republic, and immigrated to the U.S. in 1901 to work as a wood carver. After successfully completing and being awarded various accolades during his studies at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in Philadelphia and the American Academy in Rome, he started a studio in New York. In 1916, he became head of the Department of Sculpture at the Art Institute of Chicago, a position he held for 27 years. Shortly after moving to Winter Park in 1950, Polasek suffered a stroke that permanently paralyzed the left side of his body. Even so, he masterfully completed 18 additional works. Polasek and his wife Emily established the Albin Polasek Foundation, now the Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens, in 1961 to share Polasek’s life’s works with the public, including 200 pieces of art and his self-designed home, studio, and three-acre sculpture garden on Lake Osceola. Today the Polasek Museum offers inspiring docent-led tours of Polasek’s home and studio. Visitors can self-tour Polasek’s lakeside garden with 50+ pieces of outdoor sculpture. For more information, visit Polasek.org.

EXHIBITIONS Robert Reedy: Revival On view until April 11

Cynthia Holmes: Sweet Surrealism April 20 – July 11

Classical Conversations: Jack Hill & Edson Campos July 20 – October 3

Special Items from the Polasek Archives Celebrating 60 Years on display all year long!

EVENTS: 13th Annual Winter Park Paint Out Plein Air Festival & 60th Anniversary Celebration October 10-16 | winterparkpaint.org

Photo: Emily & Albin Polasek (1962) 34

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thelist ART IN BLOOM: FESTIVAL of FINE ART and FLOWERS GRACE WITH FIRE PHOTOGRAPHY

Presented by the Council of 101, the Festival takes place March 25-28 at the Orlando Museum of Art. This museum-wide event showcases a kaleidoscope of breathtaking fresh floral arrangements, inspired by works from the Orlando Museum of Art’s permanent collection and current exhibitions. Cascaded throughout the museum, there will be pop-up shops, curated Event Chair Eva Krzewinski assisting artist Ashleigh Mauser in preparing some of her pieces for the show.

1st THURSDAYS at the ORLANDO MUSEUM OF ART: BELLA DONNA

antiques, and exquisite floral creations. In addition, there will be art auctions, special drawings, and ticketed special events, including the Bourbon & Blooms Opening Night Reception on March 25 from 6-8pm, and the Friday Night Wine and Beer Garden on March 26 from 6-8pm.

March celebrates women all around the world with their

This year’s show has been scaled

contributions to history, culture and society. This means

down in light of COVID-19 and online

their beauty on the inside and out, their ideas and wis-

ticket purchases are required in ad-

dom, their flair for fashion, their love of arts and culture,

vance. Admission includes access to

and their femininity yet fierceness. This exhibit cele-

the Museum’s exhibition, A Boundless

brating female artists will feature different mediums

Drop to a Boundless Ocean, Voices and

including sculpture, live art, painting, photography, jew-

Conversations, Art in Bloom, Rotunda

elry, and mixed media, in addition to a fashion show

Bistro 101 and daily show features.

with a special performance. The event will take place on

For more information, please visit

Thursday, March 4, from 6-9pm. Learn more at Omart.

Councilof101.org or call 407-896-4231

org/events/1sthursdays

ext. 254.

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WINTER PARK SIDEWALK ART FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES NEW DATES The 62nd Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival will be held in-person May 14-16. In addition, the Festival will continue its tradition of bringing art to Central Florida (and beyond) in March by hosting a companion Virtual Festival March 15-31. Learn more at wpsaf.org. In a statement from the board of directors: “At this time, we are pleased to announce that the 62nd Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival will take place, in-person, May 14-16. Although things may look a bit different this year, we are excited to be hosting you in our beautiful Central Park. Please be assured that our board is taking the necessary precauWinter Park Sidewalk Art Festival (2018)

tions and following all COVID-19 guidelines to ensure a safe and successful Festival for all of our artists. The Virtual Festival will continue in March as planned and will re-open in May to accompany the in-person Festival.”

march | april 2021

beautybody&spirit sunny workouts The great outdoors has never been more appealing and local yoga classes are taking advantage of the views. Here is a sampling of some Zen happenings: Saturday Yoga in the Garden at Mead Botanical Garden (meadgarden.org); Yoga in the Park at Dr. P. Phillips Community Park (tracystotalwellness.com); Detox & Go: Yoga in the Garden at Maitland Art Center (artandhistory. org); Celebration Sunrise Yoga at Celebration Hotel (meetup.com/celebration-sunrise-yoga-classes); Paddleboard Yoga on Lake Maitland (lakelifepaddle.com); Yoga in the Park at Fort Mellon Park every third Saturday (eventbrite.com); and Sunday Yoga in the Sculpture Garden at the Mennello Museum with Full Circle Yoga (mennellomuseum.org/event-calendar/)

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beautybody&spirit I WAS HAVING A ROUGH DAY, MY THERAPY CLIENTS AND FAMILY MEMBERS STRUGGLING WORSE THAN NORMAL. IT WAS ANY-DAY 2020 (AND NOW 2021). WHAT WAS “NORMAL” ANYMORE? FOR THAT MATTER, WHAT WAS SAFE, WHAT WAS TRUTH, AND WHEN, IF EVER, WOULD WE GET BACK TO THAT ROCKWELLIAN PLACE CALLED NORMAL? IF EVER.

MIND OVER MATTER:

What Do You Really Need Now? by Jill Hamilton Buss, Licensed Mental Health Counselor

ypically, if I felt anxious and needed to decompress, I’d go

“Come get in the pool with me. You’ll feel better,” he said.

because it was absurd. I thought 28 was just too young, even though men date

for a walk, run, or clean some-

I didn’t really feel like doing that either,

much younger women all the time. Any-

thing. But I’d gone on a 16-mile

but I went to put on my bathing suit and

way, we clicked and although our journey

bike ride that morning in

here’s the other thing — I was about to

took some time and several twists and

93-degree, blazing, wet heat and I was

turn 61 and Spence, my partner of 20

turns, we’ve now been together for 20

beat. I didn’t want to clean or walk or eat

years, is 48. (I know, but men do this all

years, married for 15.

something healthy. I wanted to gorge on

the time.) I have ALWAYS struggled with

So, when this pool episode happened, I

cookies or lie down and cry. I was over-

body image, even though I know I am fair-

was worn down and when I’m worn down

tired. Over COVID, over politics, noise…

ly fit and normal-sized — maybe even on

and too tired, I cry easily, like a child. I

Seeing my husband out back, standing

the thin side on a good week — but at

don’t behave like I one, I just cry like one.

in front of the turquoise pool with purple

almost 61, my skin, it’s crepey. Not creepy,

And the coronavirus, and my brother

bougainvillea cascading down to the foun-

well, maybe that too, but crepe-y. Ask any

dying, and the stressed-out relatives — a

tain and pool’s edge, I felt a tug. I stepped

woman over 50 and she knows what crepey

lot was going on. I was overwhelmed. So,

out the back door and sat down on the

skin is, like thin tracing paper you

as I rolled all of that over in my too-taxed

gliding couch, with fans whirring over-

scrunched up then smoothed out, well,

brain, I wriggled into my bathing suit and

head on our covered porch. I stroked Linus,

tried to smooth back out. I have that.

looked at myself in the full-length mirror.

my 18-pound cat, and told Spence some of

And my husband, who would turn 49

I counsel clients often about self-compas-

my troubles. While we talked, he slipped

in a few months (yay) is, in a word, hot.

sion and try to practice what I encourage

into the cool, blue water of our pool, birds

He’s 6'1", built, very handsome, and very,

— kindness, positive self-talk, acceptance,

chirping and darting amid the trees in our

very funny. Recalling how we were set up

but sometimes I fail. Today was a fail.

lush, private yard. He, and it, looked invit-

on a blind date when I was 40 and he was

I looked at myself and all I saw were

ing. I felt my amygdala downshift.

28, I protested this set-up because…

those crepey arms and legs. I started to

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beautybody&spirit cry. The thought I had in that instant as

fighting like hell to accept the truth look-

eyes crinkling on that handsome face I

the first tears seeped out of my eyes, the

ing at me in the mirror.

never tire of looking at. He continues talk-

one that triggered the tears was, “I’m sorry I am getting old.”

I walked outside and Spence looked up

ing and tells me with his unique, dry

at me and smiled, a nice, “I’m glad you’ve

humor that I cherish, that I am crazy for thinking this.

To clarify, I’m sorry to Spence, my

come out to be with me,” smile. But it

young, hot husband who has to look at his

made me get teary again. I decided to tell

old lady and her old, crepey skin. Spence

him why.

has never said any such thing. He says the opposite, but I have the tape of our culture playing in my head. Women should, that word, oy, “should” be thin, beautiful, young, blah, blah, blah… And from years of conditioning from Seventeen magazine when I was a kid, to Isabella Rossellini

“Do you know the thought I just had?” as I dabbed at my eyes. “What?” he asked in a gentle fashion, furrowing his brow.

“We’re both getting old. And I love you — and your body,” he says looking deep into my watery eyes. And then he hugs me. Ahhhh. That is the salve I needed. A hug. Some laughter. A dip in the pool. And with that, I can

“I am sorry I am getting old on you.”

release my anxiety and stress and

“Why aren’t you ever sorry that you’re

thoughts of COVID, crepey skin, and just

crazy?” he asked.

be present in this nourishing moment.

and Jennifer Anniston and others pedal-

I burst out laughing. Boy, did I need

Life is good. I am good. All is well. And

ing skin creams and potions to keep us

that laugh. He always says exactly the

thank God, I don’t have to eat a gallon of

young, well, all those tapes were playing at

thing that makes me laugh, at exactly the

ice cream — or go for a run.

once as I looked at myself in the mirror.

right moment.

But here’s the thing: the TRUTH is, we

Almost like magic, a moment of con-

“No, seriously, I’m sorry,” I insisted.

nection, reassurance, touching a touch-

“I don’t think you are,” he said, drolly.

stone of “I’m okay,” soothes my weary,

things sag and we can accept that or fight

More laughter from me. He is laughing

insecure over-COVID self. We ALL have

it and be miserable. In that moment, I was

now too, with his beautiful grey-green

insecurities, fears, hurt places. During

age. Our skin changes. We get lines and

this seemingly never-ending COVID era, these worries and anxious feelings can be magnified because we are under additional pressure. Nothing is “normal” anymore. So, try this. Ask yourself, “What do I need now?” Is it ice cream — or is it really to connect, to be reassured, to know you are not alone, that you are loved? If you don’t have a partner, call a friend. Call someone who can make you laugh; who knows you well, someone with whom you can be honest and genuine and ask for what you need. Sharing this scary journey makes it easier to bear. We’ll get through this. In the meantime, laughter and a hug can help. Jill Hamilton Buss is a licensed mental health counselor and healthy communities consultant. She offers “Walk and Talk Therapy” locally from her Winter Park office where she works with clients in a holistic way to improve body and mind. Learn more at jillhamiltonbuss.com.

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beautybody&spirit

Well-Woman Checklist from AdventHealth for Women Your annual well-woman exam is crucial to your whole health. So, what should you be discussing with your provider? Breast Health

Incontinence

“Women should ask about the timing of

From childbirth to aging, incontinence

— sometimes, it’s a simple fix related to the

their mammograms,” recommends Dr.

can affect women at any age.

timing of her cycle, while other times,

Anthony Reed, OB/GYN at AdventHealth Medical Group.

“If you leak when you laugh or pick up something up that’s heavy or find yourself

detail about the best way to boost her odds

there’s a condition to address first,” he says.

The American College of Obstetricians

running to the restroom to make it in time,

Scheduling Annual Check-Ups

and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends

please discuss these symptoms with your

It’s important for women to schedule a

beginning mammograms between ages

doctor. There are treatments to help, many

yearly well-woman exam because it cre-

40 and 49. Women with average risk for

of which are not surgical,” Dr. Reed says.

ates the opportunity for them to have an

developing breast cancer should follow up

open dialogue with their doctor about

with screening mammograms every one

Menstrual Cycles

to-two years after that.

overall health.

Dr. Reed advises: “If your period lasts lon-

At AdventHealth for Women, we are

Risk factors that could influence your

ger than seven days, your cycle occurs

proud to provide the best women’s care in

mammogram schedule include family

more frequently than every 21 days, or

history, a BRCA gene mutation, early or

you’re saturating more than one pad an

World Report. Our Health Navigation Team

late menopause, dense breasts, and more.

hour, let your doctor know.”

is available to be your health care advocate

Orlando, as recognized by U.S. News &

and can help find the right provider for

Pap Testing and HPV

Some patients whose menstrual pain is not relieved by over-the-counter medica-

you, answer insurance questions, connect

HPV (human papilloma virus) has received

tion or who experience excessive period

you to resources and much more. Visit

a lot of attention because certain strains

volume could be showing warning signs of

HerHealthNavigator.com to get started.

have been linked to an increased risk of

endometriosis. Your gynecologist can

cervical cancer.

assess your risk for endometriosis and offer

Dr. Anthony Reed

solutions to help relieve your discomfort.

is an OB/GYN in

It’s important to note that if you test positive for HPV it doesn’t mean you will

Altamonte Springs with

get cervical cancer, but you could be at a

Infertility

AdventHealth Medical

higher risk and require a more frequent

If you’re trying to conceive, when should

Group. Dr. Reed has

screening interval to help protect your

you be worried about infertility?

more than a decade

Dr. Reed explains that for healthy wom-

of experience and

One way to decrease HPV risk is with

en with no underlying conditions, they have

advanced training in minimally invasive,

the HPV vaccine, Gardasil 9. “The HPV

a 20% chance of conceiving every month

robot-assisted procedures. Prior to joining

vaccine helps protect women from can-

with an 85% to 90% chance of conceiving

AdventHealth Medical group, he served for

cers that are caused by the HPV virus,”

within 12 months.

several years as an officer and OB/GYN

health.

Dr. Reed adds.

“If after 12 months a woman is still having difficulty conceiving, we will talk in

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physician at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia.

beautybody&spirit

Back

on the

Bike

New Bicycle Helmet Technologies Make for a Safer Ride

by Deborah Harding, MD, and Victor Harding, MD,

Harding Medical Institute We have always believed that prevention and being proactive is so important rather than just reacting to an illness or injury. Reactive medicine is much more challenging, as a rule, than preventative medicine. One of the most important things you can protect is your brain. Typically, we are talking about preventing strokes and dementia and other brain-related problems, but many of our patients, especially since the pandemic, have taken to bicycle riding.

urrently about 25% of bicy-

times to the neck. Over the years we’ve

cle riders are women. Two

seen a number of patients who escaped

when not wearing helmets. Several new technology systems have

separate surveys show that

major injuries because they wore this type

been developed including MIPS (Multi-

many women who don’t

of helmet. I will never forget one person

directional Impact Protection System). In

ride bikes are concerned

who showed me the helmet and after he

1996, Swedish Neurosurgeon Hans von

about safety hazards. We would like to see

fell trying to avoid a pedestrian who

Holst recognized the inadequacies of tra-

more women riding because this type of

stepped in front of his bicycle. He was an

ditional helmets. If an impact is at an

exercise is a low impact way to work out.

experienced biker but managed to go

angle,

With safety a high priority, we’re excited

down hard anyway. He broke several

increased shear forces on brain tissues

to discuss technological advances leading

bones in his hands and feet, but the

leading to more chance of concussions

to much safer helmets.

rotational

forces

can

cause

impressive thing was his helmet. His head

and serious brain issues. After several

The increasing use of standard bicycle

and brain were okay, but the helmet was

years of collaboration with Peter Halldin

hard-foam helmets over the last century

basically cracked in half. We have had

of the Royal Institute of Technology in

has been a great help. Clearly, they are bet-

other patients just like him who have had

Sweden, MIPS was invented. This tech-

ter than nothing at all, but researchers

similar stories. We, unfortunately, have

nology allows the helmet to slide slightly

found that they are lacking in preventing

taken care of too many patients who had

upon impact, which in turn reduces the

rotational injuries to the brain and some-

severe injuries after falling from bicycles

forces encountered by the brain and sup-

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beautybody&spirit porting structures.

Cel was developed in recent years by a

The first commercial use of the tech-

group of scientists in Oregon, led by

nology occurred in 2007 with the intro-

Michael Bottlang, of Legacy Biomechan-

duction of MIPS technology in an eques-

ics Laboratory, and Dr. Steven Maday.

trian helmet. In 2010 the first MIPS

WaveCel, a soft, plastic-like mesh shaped

bicycle and snow helmets were sold. By

like honeycombs is placed inside helmets

the beginning of 2020 more than 14 mil-

to absorb angled impacts. Trek Bicycles

lion of these systems had been incorpo-

reportedly obtained exclusive rights to

rated into helmets and sold in more than

WaveCel and uses it in many of its helmet

100 brands of helmets.

lines.

A competing technology called Wave-

Over the past decade considerable Bontrager Specter WaveCel Cycling Helmet

research has been done by Virginia Tech University, where helmets have been rated in an independent and unbiased fashion. They have tested many helmets using advanced engineering techniques and regularly publish a list of their top-rated bicycle

helmets

(helmet.beam.vt.edu).

Helmets using WaveCel or MIPS are among the highest rated helmets. We looked at the pros and cons of both types of technologies and chose Trek’s branded Bontrager Specter helmets (trekbikes.com). Another large research project is being conducted by the National Football League. People who suffer multiple concussions can have serious side effects, and better helmets are being developed for football players. We encourage our readers with children who play football to keep up on important advances as they occur. Remember, brain injuries can and do occur suddenly, and you should do everything you can to best protect your brain from concussions and other traumatic injuries. That being said, we encourage you to enjoy bicycle riding, especially this spring season when the Florida weather is best for outdoor activities. Dr. Deborah Harding is board certified in internal, sleep disorder and anti-aging medicine. The Harding Medical Institute is located in MetroWest. Learn more at hardingmedicalinstitute.com. 48

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beautybody&spirit

women are incredible!

AN ADVENTHEALTH FOR WOMEN SERIES

REGINE BONNEAU: Leading with A Mission and Vision

Regine Bonneau, born in Haiti, moved as a young girl with her family to New York City to find opportunity and achieve the American dream. Raised by a strong and determined mother, Regine was encouraged to be passionate about her curiosities, and she was intrigued by technology at an early age and pursued higher education.

“

ducation is the key factor. My

of RB Advisory and encourages and inspires

Being a business owner, especially in a

mother understood that educa-

her team members to pursue their pas-

more male-dominated industry, is not

tion will take you anywhere

sions and ideas. “It is rewarding when you

without

you want to go. Moving to the

see that you have team members; you’re

describes it as fun: “That’s my word for it.

its

challenges,

but

Regine

U.S. was an opportunity, an

helping and you’re part of the movement

I say it’s fun because it’s not a road that

unexpected opportunity, but we ended up

to make their life better. You’re providing

everyone travels; why not make it exciting

staying here. She always supported me

a platform for them to explore innovative

and enjoy the journey? Being a woman

and my shenanigans, as I call them. I’ve

ideas. At the end of the day, there’s people

and a minority woman, in this industry,

always been a hands-on type of person.

depending on you and they are working as

that is another double duty. The experi-

She used to buy me dolls and I would take

hard as you are. Be positive; be the leader;

ence in the beginning was ‘fun,’ but not in

them apart, to understand how they were

be transparent. They are helping build my

a good way, because people didn’t expect

made, able to move, and reconfigure

vision,” Regine adds.

to see many women in the industry. You

them,” Regine explains. Regine holds a Master’s in Business Administration and Finance from Keller Graduate School of Management, a JSM from Thomas Jefferson School of Law, and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration

“

were not exposed to the limelight. Women

If I’m here, I belong here,

were more in the back end — engineers,

and I have something

I belong here, and I have something

important to say.

sage and not feel intimidated. I saw it as

and Finance from Strayer University. Her

”

etc. — and not in the forefront. If I’m here, important to say. I have to deliver my messetting the stage — putting that road map

career spans more than 20 years, with

When the shutdowns happened last

expertise in technology and processes for

year due to the COVID-19 pandemic,

She prides herself on mentoring youth

the healthcare, financial and energy sectors.

Regine had to shift her priorities to make

and giving back to her community —

After years of working in the risk man-

sure she maintained her 15 full-time

another quality she learned from her

industries,

employees. All the plans and goals took a

mother. “I involve my [8-year-old] son in it

Regine founded RB Advisory in 2016. RB

backseat to making sure she could retain

as well, because we need to understand

Advisory, LLC, provides cyber risk man-

everyone, while creating a safe work envi-

early on that giving back, providing for

agement, security assessments, compli-

ronment. Things got back on track start-

others if you’re fortunate, speaks volumes

ance services, forensic audits, and private

ing in June 2020 and everything that was

and takes you a long way,” she says.

consultations for the private sector and

delayed last year is taking place now. “It

Regine is a member of Women in

government clients.

was challenging waking up every day

Defense and the National Defense Indus-

being grateful, still smiling, and remain-

trial Association and currently serves on

ing positive,” she admits.

the advisory boards for Florida Polytechnic

agement

and

compliance

She carries that same philosophy instilled in her as a child with her as leader

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in place for others to follow.”

beautybody&spirit University, University of South Florida MUMA College of Business and ECPI University. She is a board member of several local nonprofits, and mentors and speaks to youth through STEMConnect, Junior Achievement, Elevate Orlando, and YMCA. She is also a contributing author in the book The Language of Cybersecurity (May 2018). In addition, Regine is the recent recipient of The National Business Journals 2019 100 Influencers in the Nation: Rising Stars; 2019 OBJ Women Who Means Business Award; 2019 Eagle Award by the African Chamber of Commerce for Emerging Business; OBJ 2018 40 Under 40; 2018 “Deeva in Tech” by Women on the Rise, 2018 Orlando Neon Swan for STEM (which comprises an online list of Orlando women doing amazing projects for the tech community by succeeding in STEM fields and helping other women succeed).

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WHAT IS A WOMEN’S HEALTH NAVIGATOR? A health navigator is a specially trained registered nurse whose job is to make life easier for each and every woman through expert clinical assistance and educational, emotional and spiritual support. All calls are confidenJanelle Grall, tial; anyone can self-refer; and insurance is Doreen Forsythe, BSN, RN BSN, RN, CPN not required to talk or meet. AdventHealth for Women’s health navigators provide complimentary services that help you coordinate your overall care and answer any questions you may have. These services include:

• Finding a care provider • Answering your health care questions • Assistance with scheduling annual office visits and screenings • Resources and support for you and your family • Coordination of care among multiple providers and facilities To contact the Health Navigation Team, call 407-720-5191 or visit HerHealthNavigator.com

tastes&experiences infused inspiration While checking out the good goods at Maffrey’s on Ivanhoe Row, we discovered the interesting Curious Botanicals jars and flasks, and were, naturally, curious. The co-founders (Nadine Thomas and Pamela Mena) collaborated over their love of cool craft cocktails and elevated presentations to create sustainable garnishes. You can use the products for infusing alcohol, water or tea, as well as decorations for baked goods, bath soaks and face steams. The flasks can be used for consumable liquids and soothing oils. New and limited-edition items and recipes can also be found @curious.botanicals on Instagram.

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tastes&experiences

THE BOHEME:

Déjà Vu Rendezvous by Christi Ashby

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Grand Bohemian Hotel’s opening Downtown across from what would finally become the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. It was no secret that founder Richard Kessler was an art and music aficionado, but he also envisioned gourmet dining in a richly wrapped room filled with beautiful paintings and the tinkling keys of the Bösendorfer piano. A lot of people thought he was crazy to build something so luxurious and extravagant.

nd now with the proliferation of luxury hotels and resorts in Orlando there is still something moody

and

magical

about the boutique property. Just a little over 12 months ago I was starting a lovely evening with cocktails and appetizers

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before walking over to the Dr. Phillips

aged balsamic, fresh oregano, fleur de sel

Center for a performance. I have been

and cracked pepper. We had ordered

carefully supporting local restaurants and

before realizing we would choose two

decided to visit The Boheme, the hotel’s

sides — fries with truffle oil and parmi-

AAA Four-Diamond restaurant, for an

giano and grilled asparagus with basil oil

enchanted evening with my friend Margie.

— to go with the steak.

Executive Chef Laurent Hollaender,

It takes about 30-35 minutes to get the

who has been at The Boheme for nine

tomahawk ready for presentation so we

years, immediately stopped by our table to

mulled over the wine list, finally asking

offer some recommendations, starting

our server to recommend a nice red. As

with a delightfully spiked sipper shim-

we chatted, I could not help but reminisce

mering with gold-flaked ice cubes.

about all the meals I had enjoyed at The

Although I had heard about a new

Boheme over the years — even a few in

entrée, a 40-ounce angus beef ribeye

the private wine room — and each and

named the Tomahawk Experience, I

every one was a wonderful memory.

thought it was way too much to even con-

Soon a cart pulled up and Chef Laurent

sider. Chef Laurent, however, convinced

was ready to begin. He explained that the

us otherwise, promising to personally fin-

huge piece of bone-in meat was poached

ish it off, carve it and serve it to us table-

for seven minutes in butter to sear all the

side. Who could resist that offer?

juices and flavors in. Then it was covered

As he whisked off to the kitchen we

in the Bohemian spice rub with oregano,

decided to start with the tomato and bur-

thyme, garlic and other flavors. Brown

rata featuring heirloom tomatoes, olive oil,

sugar is added for caramelization. It then

gets a top sear and continues to cook slowly. Only after resting is it brought out to be flambéed with a little cognac, carved into slices and served with porcini mushroom sauce. It was cooked to perfection — medium rare for us — and full of juicy deliciousness. After agreeing to take quite a bit of it home, we dove into the Nutella Lava Cake with chocolate and hazelnut molten topped with toasted hazelnuts and the Black Bee Honey Cheesecake, an orange blossom honey cheesecake with Grand Marnier caramel sauce, honeycomb waf-

Chef Laurent Hollaender

fle crisp and garnished with chocolate bees. The honey is from the Parramore Kids Zone and $1 of the proceeds from each cheesecake sold goes back to the organization and their efforts. Everything — from ambiance to ser-

The Boheme, Grand Bohemian Hotel 325 S. Orange Ave., Orlando, FL 32801

vice to the exceptional tastes — about the

407-313-9000

evening was truly a treat for the senses.

kesslercollection.com/bohemian-orlando/

march | april 2021

tastes&experiences

SEIZING the SKIES

by Christi Ashby

If you have traveled I-4 through Downtown over the past year you most likely noticed a new office tower rise on the site of the former Church Street Ballroom and adjacent parking lot. But unlike most other structures, this one has a slice of open space with expansive views that is the newly opened SkyBar Rooftop Terrace. Part of the AC Hotel that takes up eight floors, it is not quite at the top, but the 18th floor is plenty high. The hotel is Marriott’s version of a sleek, modern European-inspired design. baba ghanoush. Both were delicious and I would love to recreate the cauliflower at home. Other small plates to try include Tortilla Espanola (eggs, potato and onion), La Quercia Proscuitto & Manchego Cheese (with marinated olives and grilled bread) and Dips & Za'atar (toast Romesco, hummus and baba ghanoush). A flat iron steak, grilled salmon, AC burger and AC Beyond Burger are offered as large plates. And among the notable cocktails are the Smoked Manhattan, AC Contessa (with St. Augustine gin), O-Town Florida Mule

I HAD BEEN CURIOUS, but finally

that is more tapas-inspired. The crowd

got the chance to experience sunsets with

began to grow while live music added to the

Go for the view but enjoy the sounds, sips

cocktails and nibbles twice. The first time

ambiance and we were advised that Friday

and tastes while experiencing big city life.

I wanted to meet with Director of Bever-

and Saturday evenings are particularly

age and Food Robert Mason whom I have

popular — to ensure a perfect perch, week-

known for 20 years as he was the opening

nights are better. There is a happy hour,

AC Hotel by Marriott Orlando Downtown

chef of the Grand Bohemian Hotel. Upon

and a brand-new kind of brunch is being

333 S. Garland Ave., Orlando 32801

exiting the elevator, my friend and I

planned and should be announced soon.

407-635-2300

walked through a large area with lounge

The next week I returned with my hus-

seating and bar before entering the out-

band and once again, sat on the terrace at

door terrace. We settled outside just a little

a high communal table that had been

before 5pm and were quickly greeted.

reserved by another party for 8pm, but

Robert insisted we try a house specialty,

watching the skies go from bright to dusky

The Cloud, that is more a show than just a

is my thing. On this visit, I wanted to try

drink. He created it after seeing the cloud

some of the food items that include snacks,

formation over the Amway Center one

salads, small plates, large plates and a few

evening. It includes an elaborate method

desserts. The music began about 6pm and

and because it is so labor-intensive, it is

the lively patrons were filling up the spots

not even on the menu. But now you know

quickly. Our server recommended the Meat-

to ask for it!

ball Cazuela, with Romesco, Manchego

Robert explained that there is not a tra-

and toast, and I wanted to try the roasted

ditional restaurant but a selection of dishes

cauliflower with prosciutto, arugula and

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and Sunset Margarita.

tastes&experiences

BITS & BITES

FOODIES REJOICE!

Yes, it’s been almost a year since we enjoyed unrestrained and unfettered dining throughout Central Florida. But that does not mean the food scene has been stagnant. In the opposite of laying low, several eateries have upped their culinary game with new offerings in our pandemic environment. Mask up and check out these options.

CHEF DINNER SERIES socially distant monthly Chef Dinner series En la Mesa with Wendy. Each month Executive Chef Wendy Lopez presents a different focused menu. Seating is limited due to social distancing guidelines. The $85 price includes a welcome cocktail and a six-course menu. goodsaltgrp.com/events

REYES MEZCALERIA IMAGES COURTESY OF GOOD SALT RESTAURANT GROUP

Reyes Mezcaleria kicked off 2021 with an intimate,

BEER GARDEN Early last summer Chef Clay Miller, the accolade-garnering founding chef at Dovecote downtown, joined his friends Julie and James Petrakis as executive chef of their awardwinning baby, The Ravenous Pig. In late fall the outdoor beer garden, an open area on Fairbanks Avenue between the buildings housing the restaurant and The Ravenous Pig Brewing Co., opened to offer distanced outdoor dining and imbibing. A limited, yet inspired, menu featuring a curated selection of beer, wine and cocktails as well as nibbles and handhelds, has been made more convenient with the addition of an onsite food truck ready to fire up all the favorites. Don’t miss Happy Hour, Tues. – Fri. from 4-6pm. theravenouspig.com

DISCO BRUNCH The Osprey in Baldwin Park has not only welcomed a new general manager, Billy Ray Deans (longtime genial manager at Kres Chophouse), but also debuted Disco Brunch on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month, with DJ Lou. An upbeat, social brunch — while maintaining social distancing — the music is from 11am – 3pm. The menu features fried green tomatoes with romesco; warm glazed cinnamon roll with ice cream; Dutch baby with sliced apples and whipped ricotta; steak and eggs with all the trimmings; and pastrami croque madame. theospreyorlando.com/brunch

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SMOKIN’ HOT Entrepreneur and philanthropist John Rivers didn’t let the unusual year dampen his creative endeavors. New, full flavors have found their way onto the 4 Rivers menu at its locations in Winter Park, Winter Garden and Longwood. The new ultimate comfort food items are: Cheerwine Chicken Burnt End, a Coca-Cola brined chicken with sweet hints of cherry, double smoked, with a Cheerwine BBQ Sauce; Burnt Ends Melt, smokehouse burnt ends with provolone and cheddar cheese topped with caramelized onions on sliced sourdough bread; and Brisket Hot Dog, a quarter pound signature angus brisket dog served on a New England style bun topped with signature burger sauce, sliced onion and smokehouse relish. 4rsmokehouse.com

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tastes&experiences

BITS & BITES

ROSÉ ALL DAY & MORE AT THE HAMPTON SOCIAL Known for its playful and modern nautical theme, The Hampton Social has arrived in Pointe Orlando, bringing the iconic lifestyle to the City Beautiful. The concept from Parker Restaurant Group is one of eight locations around the country and is known for dishes that are meant to be shared, such as Maine-Style Lobster Roll; Shrimp Tacos; and the restaurant’s SmashBurger. The Hampton Social’s beverage program features a Rosé All Day selection of rosés, the brand’s signature Hampton Frosé, and specialty cocktails, beers and zero-proof drinks. The Hampton Social might be your new brunch destination on weekends with sweet and savory dishes, DIY mimosa kits, brunch cocktails and more. Dish highlights include the Sunrise Beach Bowl with brown rice, quinoa, avocado, sweet plantains, onion, fried egg, house salsa, jalapeño aioli, black beans and sesame seeds; Fried Chicken Stack with crispy fried chicken breast, sausage gravy, French toast, fried egg and syrup; and Wild Berry French Toast served with house syrup and powdered sugar. Brunch libations include Coffee in the Morning, a new take on espresso martinis with Sneaky Fox vodka, Kahlúa and La Colombe coffee; Hampton Frosé Bellini, a playful twist on the classic with mulled wine, prosecco and glitter balls; and a Mimosa Kit served with a bottle of bubbles and choice of three juices for the table to share. The 10,000-square-foot space features a nautically themed color palette of bright white,

The Hampton Social Pointe Orlando

navy blue, and warm wood tones with a private dining room seating up to 300 and large

9101 International Dr., Orlando 32819

outdoor patio.

thehamptonsocial.com

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home&design gifts & greens It’s your sanctuary, especially now. So, sprucing up your spaces is a high priority and Pistil Home & Garden in downtown Windermere features seasonal décor and gifts as well as accents and accessories that are perfect for giving or keeping. But to add some beautiful life, consider their greenery selection — from single succulents to arrangements and terrariums. Classes are offered to budding green thumbs and other services include interior plantscaping — such as those popular plant walls, exterior landscaping and holiday décor. pistilhomegarden.com

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home&design

Jeremy and Jacki McAnally

FACTUR:

Orlando’s Entrepreneurial Maker Space Where Ideas Come to Life by Karen LeBlanc

Woodwork art by Bob Barnett

Jacki and Jeremy McAnally are modern-day craftspeople using technology and manual skills to create wood products they sell on Etsy. They use a sophisticated laser to cut out and etch hand-drawn art onto wood pieces in a maker space that makes their craft and company possible. Factur makes stuff happen,

providing the tools, training and creative collaboration for entrepreneurs. actur resides in a 7,200-square-

Army Special Forces Command Sergeant

foot, unassuming building sand-

Major, manages the facility with their son

wiched between retail and res-

Eddie. “My art is managing the artists. We

taurants in Ivanhoe Village, just

want to reach out to the community and

north of downtown Orlando.

provide for them,” adds Eddie, who crafts

The fabrication laboratory, maker and

lights for his glow-in-the-dark night golf

coworking space opened in 2014 as the

business at Factur.

brainchild of College Park resident Doug

I discovered the maker space by chance

Brown. He founded Factur to foster entre-

while attending a holiday wine walk in

preneurship, provide training for people

Ivanhoe Village. Factur had a booth set up

wanting to learn a trade, and for giving

in front, selling various laser-cut wooden

back to the community.

ornaments and handing out 3D-printed

Today, the Cantu family continues its

business cards made on-site. “Factur origi-

mission after taking ownership of Factur

nates from the word manuFACTURing, a

in 2018. “It’s a family-run/member-run

play on the idea that this maker space is

nonprofit business providing space for

creative and entrepreneurial. Our motto and

people to share and create. We own all of

mission is: Learn, Create, Share,” Jacqui, a

the equipment and lease the building. As

retired high school teacher, explains.

an entrepreneurship-based maker space,

Factur partners with community orga-

our members are business owners and

nizations and area schools to teach crafts

DIYers,” says Jacqui Cantu, director of

and trades. “One of our goals is to provide

Factur. Her husband, Guy, a retired U.S.

a training program for people who are

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Showroom designed by Suzanna Newton

reentering society, changing careers, or wanting to learn a trade. We plan to partner with nonprofit organizations for assistance, mentors, counselors and staff to accommodate the needs of some trainees,” Jacqui says. I toured Factur on a Saturday as it was buzzing with activity. In the 3D printing room, Kevin Howell, a dental lab technician and self-taught artist, worked with one of Factur’s three 3D printers. Kevin makes ceramic essential oil diffusers using 3D printers to create the molds. “I wanted to improve on the look and design of the typical home air fresheners. I designed a stylish diffuser housing that doubles as a home décor piece. I call it the Mermaid Genie Lamp, an essential oil diffuser for healthy living,” says Kevin, owner of Heirloom Ceramic Art. He sells his Mermaid Genie Lamps on Etsy. The 3D printing room is shared by the 3D printing and laser instructor John Howard, known as “Swami.” He often live

march | april 2021

Kevin Howell displays his Mermaid Genie Lamp

home&design

Various 3D printed items

Lobby display at Factur

streams creations and teaches others the

all about people helping people,” Jacqui

Next to the lobby, interior designer

art and craft of 3D printing. Swami has

says. Bob Barnett, AKA Banjo Bob, anoth-

Suzanna Newton stages a showroom with

been a Factur member for more than

er prolific woodworker, crafts furniture

the latest design finds from a recent trip to

three years. “Our 3D printers are on loan

held together with interlocking wood piec-

Europe. “I have a lot of antiques and deco-

from Delta Maker, based here in Orlando.

es using the facility’s ShopBot and has a

rative pieces in stock, so I’ve fashioned a

Swami manages the space and teaches

patent on laser-made wood and metal

showroom in the front. It’s also a work-

people 3D printing. He has helped several

frame glasses.

space where I do a lot of upholstery and

people obtain patents by printing 3D prototypes,” Jacqui adds.

IT administrator Malic Dekkar han-

custom framing to keep costs down for my

dles Factur’s networking needs from CNC

clients,” she says. She recently designed a

Factur charges a membership fee for

machinery to drivers, electronics and

small capsule collection of furniture crafted

the use of its space, tools and equipment.

computer equipment. “Factur is an eclec-

by woodworker John Vu. “Factur is an

“We have two levels of membership; use of

tic melting pot of artists, scientists and

invaluable resource that has helped me grow

space and equipment in the front of the

doers,” says Malic, a computer engineer

my business and increase my scope of ser-

house and an all-inclusive membership

working on his PhD in modeling simula-

vices. I don’t know many designers who

that includes the use of the woodshop,

tion. He utilizes the facility’s electronics

can create a custom piece unless they have

woodturning studio and metal shop,” Jac-

room, equipped with computer tools and

access to a factory. People are here to teach

qui explains. The woodshop is outfitted

parts for repairs and robotics.

and share their craft,” Suzanna notes.

with a large ShopBot CNC (computer

The lobby showcases art and craft

Back in the laser room, an Epilog 75-watt

numerical control); a desktop ShopBot; a

objects created by Factur’s members,

laser is etching and cutting out wood prod-

table saw made by SawStop that detects

including the bright, 3D, UV-reactive and

ucts that populate the McAnallys’ four

biologics; a band saw; a drill press; and

glow-in-the-dark paintings of artist Joseph

Etsy shops. “Having access to this laser for

other pieces of equipment. Woodworker

Sklar, known as GloJo, who paints from

a monthly fee has been invaluable to grow-

John Vu has operated his company, Vudoo

an outside studio at Factur. GloJo creates

ing our business. It is rare to find a maker

Wood, out of Factur since shortly after it

his vibrant paintings with layers of laser-

space that allows you to operate a business,”

opened. He employs several maker space

cut stencils and spray paint. He teaches

says Jacki McAnally, who creates laser-

members to help fulfill his custom orders.

his labor-intensive technique in commu-

cut wood products appealing to theme

“Collaboration is a big thing here. We are

nity classes at Factur.

park vacationers. Her husband, Jeremy,

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home&design designed a quirky collection of laser-cut wooden tree ornaments that became a sleeper hit on Etsy. “We were working 16-hour days trying to fill the ornament orders. Jeremy designed many pop culture ornaments, including our bestseller, Sebastian the horse from the Parks and Recreation TV GloJoe Studio

Jacqui Cantu, Director of Factur

series,” Jacki explains. The couple discov-

tions are lifted. Members join in as ven-

ered Factur while creating props for an

dors during Ivanhoe Village events. The

escape room project. “Factur gives me

maker space does offer tours by appoint-

access to tools that I wouldn’t be able to

ment. For more information, check out

afford. I have a lot of big ideas that I would

the website at Factur.org.

never be able to execute without access to

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the people and resources here,” says Jeremy,

Karen LeBlanc is host of The Design Tourist

a software engineer.

series. She travels the globe attending some of

Factur has put community classes on

the world’s premiere design events in search

hold during the pandemic with plans to

of the latest trends, tastemakers and unique

restart them once social distancing restric-

finds. Learn more at thedesigntourist.com.

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Historically Significant Women in Central Florida

In celebration of Women’s History Month, Sara Van Arsdel, former executive director at the Orange County Regional History Center, compiled a list of those among us who have blazed trails and left — or will leave — lasting legacies. Some names will be very familiar, and others will be new discoveries. Cheers to them all!

hat can one say about these women who played such a significant role in our development as a progressive Central Florida community? This list of remarkable women is by no means complete and each is only one

of many who contributed to our local identity. These thumbnail sketches are only a glimpse of the courage, determination and commitment to our community.

Juanita Maxey was the first African American to vote in 1937 after the 1920 Ocoee riots in west

Orange County. She and her husband, William S. Maxey, were teachers in an African American school in Winter Garden. She was known as a pioneer in education who served for 45 years. She also spent 21 years as a hospital volunteer. Juanita died in 2010 at 103 years old.

Vera Carter was the first female Orange County commissioner, serving three terms

from 1980-1992. She was considered a fearless

environmentalist, not afraid to take on developers.

Mary I. Johnson

served as the first Hispanic City of

Orlando commissioner and the first Hispanic Orange County commissioner, serving 12 years in each position. She created the Victims Service Center in 1999 to help victims of assault, violent crime, or a traumatic circumstance. The VSC operates a 24/7 crisis hot line: 407-500-HEAL.

Her efforts included regulations for wetlands and

Toni Jennings

the establishment of the West Orange Trail.

was the first

female lieutenant

governor of the

Geraldine Thompson has been a lifelong champion of Civil Rights. One of her most important community actions was saving the Wells’Built Hotel from demolition. It is now Wells’Built Museum of African American History and

as a senator in the Florida House of Representatives.

Florida, appointed to that position

by Jeb Bush in

Culture celebrating the accomplishments of both local and nationally recognized African Americans. She now serves

state of

2003. She served in the Florida House of Representatives from 1976-1980, then served in the Florida Senate from 1980-2000. She was elected president of the Senate in 1996

Images of Orange County Commissioner Vera Carter, Mary I. Johnson, Toni Jennings (this page); Orange County Commission Chairman Linda Chapin, Mayor Glenda Hood, Senator Beth Johnson (opposite), courtesy of the Orange County Regional History Center.

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and is the only person to serve two terms in that position.

Rita Bornstein was the first woman

ROLLINS COLLEGE ARCHIVES

College, serving from During her tenure as president of Rollins, an

of Florida, was only discovered to be a woman after her death in 1914. She registered and voted in at least six Orlando elections. Unfortunate circum-

stances in her earlier life, including having a daughter born out of wedlock, led her

president of Rollins 1990-2004.

Hiram Calder, the first female to vote in Orange County and in the state

to assume the role of a man. She was buried in the Orange County Pauper’s cemetery on Michigan Avenue, but later was moved to be with her daughter who was buried in Tampa.

astonishing $160.2 million was raised,

the reuse plan for the Orlando Naval Training Center

a modern and progressive institution of

— now Baldwin Park. She held several leadership roles including serving as president of the Florida League of Cities, the National League of Cities, and the Florida Chamber of Commerce. In January 2003, Governor

Val Demings was the first female police chief for the City of Orlando, appointed in 2007. She currently serves in the U.S. House of Representatives and was

appointed by Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi as one of the impeachment managers for the 2020 impeachment of President Donald J. Trump.

in Central Florida. She served as president of the League of Women Voters and the Junior

Jeb Bush appointed her as Florida Secretary of State.

Beth Johnson served as chairwoman of Orlando’s first municipal planning board in 1954. She also served as president of the

Junior League of Orlando, and as president of the League of Women Voters. She was elected to the Florida Legislature in 1957, the first woman to serve since the 1930s. Beth Johnson Park, where the former Orlando Chamber of Commerce building is located — and soon to be home of the new Holocaust Museum for Hope & Humanity — is named after her.

Linda Chapin is recognized for her many leadership roles

and youngest Orlando Mayor, elected in

1992 and served until 2000. As Mayor, she spearheaded

which helped transform the college into higher learning.

Glenda Hood was the first female

League of Greater Orlando. These

roles helped her in serving first as

Bessie Coleman is

considered the first licensed African American pilot in the U.S. Originally from Chicago, she made Orlando her home. Her dream was to own a plane and to open

an Orange County Commissioner,

her own flight school. She gave speeches and showed films of her

and then as the first Orange

air tricks in churches, theaters and schools to earn money, and

County Chairman (now Mayor) for

refused to speak anywhere that was segregated or that discrimi-

two terms from 1990-1998. Under

nated against African Americans. In 1926 she fell from the

her leadership, the Orange County Convention Center was

cockpit of her plane to her death in Jacksonville, practicing for

expanded, the new Orange County Courthouse was built, and

a May Day celebration to benefit the Negro Welfare League.

the former Orange County Courthouse was converted to the

Her funeral was held at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Orlando

Orange County Regional History Center, opening in 2000.

and she was buried in Chicago.

march | april 2021

Edna Giles Fuller of Orange County was the first woman in the state of Florida to serve in the Florida House of Representatives, first elected in 1929. She had campaigned for the passage of the 19th

Amendment which gave women the right to vote. She also spearheaded the advance allowing women to be eligible for jury duty, which still had not been granted as late as the 1940s.

Juanita Tucker is one of the longest

Anna Eskamani is the first Iranian American to serve in the Florida Legislature. First elected to the Florida

House of Representatives in 2018, she won reelection in 2020. She provided support in the aftermath of the Pulse Nightclub shootings. She is a fierce advocate for causes such as the unemployed, the underemployed, and the immigrant and LGBTQ communities. During the

pandemic she has spent much of her time helping her constituents get needed resources.

from Florida to be elected to the U.S. Senate in 1980. She is also recognized as

term without having a close family member who previously served in a public office. Senator Hawkins was a community activist who focused on child welfare and was the leading sponsor of the Missing Children’s Act of 1982. Before becoming a senator, she was active in civic affairs and was elected to the State Public Service Commission in 1972. She became known as a consumer advocate and was reelected to the commission in 1976. She died in 2009.

Dr. Thelma Dudley was the daughter of a Methodist minister and throughout her life her religion and focus on education would be her guiding principles. She received her degree

in education from Albany State University in Georgia and a master’s degree from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. She taught English for 25 years at Jones High School, and later taught at Oakridge High School. Teaching at Valencia Community College, she helped to significantly increase the number of Black students from 150 to more than 6,000 in three years. She earned her doctorate from the University of Central Florida in 1993 at age 70, and was also honored by Valencia Community College with two honorary doctorates. She was also active in many churches in Orlando and was national president of the Women’s Council for the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.

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serving postmistresses, serving for 46 years, from 1932-1974, in Christmas. She planted the first permanent Christmas tree on Highway 50 dedicated to peace in the world. She died at the age of 101 and at her death, was the oldest resident of Christmas. She helped bring electricity and telephones to the east Orange County community.

Sister Ann Kendrick of

Paula Hawkins was the first woman

the first woman in the country to be elected to a full Senate

Hope CommUnity Center has been fighting for immigrants and migrant children for more than 45 years. She came to Central Florida with Sisters Cathy Gorman and Gail Grimes to help migrant and immigrant families and children. “Kids, don’t give up!” is what she tells the children she mentors and loves.

Mable Butler was the first African American Orange County Commis-

sioner, first serving as an Orlando City Commissioner from 1984-1990. She then was elected to the Orange County Commission in 1990, serving as the first African American in that role and continues to be a fierce Civil Rights advocate. She helped to form the Christian Service Center as well

as serving on Orlando Mayor Carl Langford’s Biracial Commission. To quote Kathy Cardwell, “Her ‘gentle breeze’ of a voice carries within it the power to ‘uproot the trees’ of inequality.” Images of Orange County Commissioner Mable Butler, (this page); Judge Mattie H. Farmer, Zora Neale Hurston (opposite), courtesy of the Orange County Regional History Center.

Zora Neale Hurston is a noted African American author and

anthropologist who called Eatonville her home. She earned her way through two years of college at Howard University working as a maid. As part of the Works Progress Administration of the 1930s, she worked to document African Dust Tracks on the Road about life in Eatonville, and Their Eyes Were Watching God, considered her masterpiece. The Zora! Festival held

Ida Phillips was the first woman to file for discrimination against Martin-Marietta under the Civil Rights Act of 1964. She had applied

for a job at Martin Marietta in 1966 and was told she would not be hired because she had preschool-age children and that statistics showed those mothers had higher absentee rates. She wrote a letter to President Lyndon B. Johnson saying she had been denied a right to equal employment. The letter was turned

every January in Eatonville celebrates her life and accomplish-

ments and that of African Americans.

Ida Ryan was Orlando’s first female architect, moving to the area in 1917. She was the first woman to receive a master’s degree from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1907 and is

best known for her Mediterranean-style residences in Orlando.

over to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People who helped Ms. Phillips sue Martin-Marietta for sexual discrimination. After losing the case in the U.S. District Court and the Firth Circuit Court of Appeals, lawyer James

of 91. She came to Florida with the

Court, arguing “you no longer have men jobs and women jobs…”

Sisters of Notre Dame in 1973 and

and women “…should be treated as individuals…with the right

created the Justice and Peace Office,

to show their own merits…,” that “4.2 million women would be

Inc. in 1977. Throughout her service

out of work if all firms applied the same ban as Martin-Marietta

she also helped create the Apopka

did against mothers with small children.” The Supreme Court did discriminate on the basis of sex and overturned the lower courts’ findings, sending the case back to the lower court for trial. Martin-Marietta settled out of court with Ms. Phillips.

Family Learning Center, GROWS Literary Council, Kids in Motion, and Homes in Partnership. Her

appointed a Juvenile Court judge in

Orange County in 1942 and served for more than 20 years. Her untiring efforts led to many of the advances of the juvenile justice system in place today.

obituary stated, “She was a source of energy, love and action.”

Clara Louise Guild of Winter Park was the first

Judge Mattie Farmer was first

CommUnity Center

passed away in January 2021 at the age

Robinson (of GrayRobinson) took the case to the U.S. Supreme

unanimously held that the Martin-Marietta Corporation policy

Sister Teresa McElwee of Hope

woman in Florida to receive a college degree,

ROLLINS COLLEGE ARCHIVES

American lives in the 1930s in the South. Among her writings are

enrolling at Rollins College in 1895. She then went on to get a master’s degree from Rollins in 1898. She was a teacher who became a principal and later a professor of Latin and history.

Sources: Orange County Regional History Center archives; Wikipedia and Kathy Cardwell, Women of Courage, 1992; The Orlando Sentinel; National Public Radio Interviews and oral history recordings by Jane Tracy.

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BUSINESS IS

blooming

EVEN THROUGH AN UNEXPECTED AND STRANGE ERA, THESE LADIES HAVE SEEN THEIR ENDEAVORS GROW AND BLOSSOM.

allison walsh

Allison Walsh, JD, is a corporate executive with Advanced Recovery Systems, nonprofit founder, and success coach for women. She serves on multiple local and national nonprofit boards, has authored two workbooks, and created the She Believed She Could podcast to inspire women of all ages to unapologetically go after their goals. What has inspired you in this last year as we have dealt with so many disruptions?

What have been the biggest challenges and greatest rewards?

I’ve been so impressed with how so many people and compa-

The pandemic rocked everyone’s world and supporting team

nies finally went for it. When life was “normal,” I would hear

members through personal challenges, and so many at one

all of the time about how people wanted to start a new business

time, was difficult but 1,000% worth it. We came together,

or try something new, but because there wasn’t any urgency or

despite the distance, and problem-solved so we could continue

need to pivot, it wasn’t a top priority.

our mission. We looked for new opportunities and invested in

At Advanced Recovery Systems, we experienced the same

our people to support them every step of the way, while also

thing and I had to completely change the way I ran my national

developing their skill sets, and I am so proud of how we evolved

team. I was so inspired daily by each team member’s commit-

as a company as a result.

ment to stepping up, trying something new, and being committed to our mission, and ultimately to success.

Personal and professional achievements:

How have you changed your business outlook or delved into new things?

more active within the community (virtually) through multiple

Early on during the pandemic, I realized there were a few per-

of Women Leaders, Orlando Business Journal’s Leadership

sonal projects that I wanted to explore including podcasting, evolving my consulting company to be able to provide additional branding services for our clients, and expanding resources for the next generation of female leaders, including the launch of Savvy Girl Magazine. At ARS, we’d been gradually working our way into the tech space and expanding our telehealth options. When COVID hit, we put our foot on the gas and started building out a bestin-class platform that can be used by those seeking mental health services and mental wellness tools, as well as a solution for employers and unions who want to proactively support

organizations like Florida Executive Women, the Fellowship Trust, and Project Opioid. I was also able to join Forbe’s Business Development Council, contribute articles to multiple publications, and be a guest speaker and presenter at multiple events (which I absolutely LOVE). Additionally, I’ve been working on a formal partnership with the Miss America Organization and ARS for years and that came to fruition in January, allowing us to scale our statewide prevention program, Real Talk, nationally. My overall work at ARS received a nomination, and I was selected as a 2021 Women Who Mean Business honoree by the Orlando Business Journal.

their employees and members’ mental health.

What do you see or what would you like to see for your future?

What advice would you give other women about powering through in a pandemic?

My hope for the future is that no matter what I am doing, I am

Do something every day that gives you joy. It can be as simple

way and helping others be the best they possibly can be. Noth-

as carving out 15 minutes to read or listen to a podcast that lights you up or dedicated time to work on a passion project.

In addition to launching the magazine and podcast, I became

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fully present and giving my all, contributing in a meaningful ing lights me up more than helping others take significant steps in their lives and careers.

PHOTOGRAPHY: CHRISTI ASHBY LOCATION: THE MENNELLO MUSEUM

OF AMERICAN ART HAIR & MAKEUP: MARJORIE ROBINSON, 407-375-1345 FLOWERS: FARMGAL FLOWERS

Allison is wearing a Balmain sleeveless tweed dress, $1,750, and tweed jacket, $2,450; Jose & Maria Barrera earrings, $142; Christian Louboutin Galativi mesh pumps, $795; and Salvatore Ferragamo handbag, $2,900; all from Neiman Marcus, The Mall at Millenia. Sculpture: Alice Aycock, Twin Vortexes

Favorite quote/mantra:

“The whole point of being alive is to evolve into the complete person you were intended to be.” – Oprah Winfrey

march | april 2021

eileen tongson

Eileen Tongson is the owner of FarmGal Flowers, an urban flower farm and design studio. She is also one of the gardeners at East End Market where she grows flowers and helps maintain the market garden. In addition to growing her own flowers, Eileen designs with them and provides arrangements for special occasions and events. Eileen completed the University of Florida IFAS Master Gardener Program and has studied floral design at numerous locations over the years, including Floret Flower Farm and Flower School New York. connect and successfully establish/maintain relationships

What has inspired you in this last year as we have dealt with so many disruptions?

with new and former students.

With the cancellation of virtually all of our workshops and

On another note, it was fascinating to me to see our flowers

events, I was able to focus on and refine my growing skills and

continue to bloom so beautifully and abundantly despite the

design skills. As a result, I had many beautiful flowers to

pandemic. They were truly a bright spot during a diffi-

work with which inspired my designs. I also shared my flow-

cult period of time for so many.

ers with a local assisted living facility, and they were very grateful — this was very inspiring to me.

Personal and professional achievements:

How have you changed your business outlook or delved into new things?

Floret Flower Farm’s book, “Small Plot, Big Impact.” I was

I have always wanted to write a book but was lacking the time

year in a row) by the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce. I

I was featured in the June issue of Flower magazine and in

to pursue it. Well, when the pandemic hit, I decided this was the time to move forward with this idea. Coming soon: my book about growing and designing with Florida flowers! We have also pivoted to micro weddings/elopements. When you focus on just a few pieces for a client, you get to know them more. I have enjoyed that aspect very much.

honored to win Best Florist in Best of Winter Park 2020 (2nd was featured in the Slow Flowers Journal, “The Best of Slow Flowers” from the pages of Florists’ Review, and on The Spruce. I became a contributor to the Growing Kindness Project where I’m helping gardeners learn to grow flowers to share with others (growingkindnessproject.org).

What do you see or what would you like to see for your future?

What advice would you give other women about powering through in a pandemic? Share your skills and talent with others. It is very rewarding, will keep you motivated, and you will inspire others.

I had been wanting to renovate our raised beds and expand my studio, so we began that process during quarantine. I’m hoping to complete this renovation and construction of my “Flower Shed” this year. I also hope to finish my book and

What have been the biggest challenges and greatest rewards?

continue to share flowers with our community. I want to keep

I love to teach so the biggest challenge for me has been not being able to connect with my students in person. I learned to instruct on Zoom and began teaching more private workshops. When it was safe to do so, I began to teach to smaller classes while social distancing. So, I’ve found new ways to

teaching others how to grow flowers and encourage them to share flowers with others. And I want to expand and refine my skills regularly through floral design/flower farming workshops across the country and as a member of the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers.

Favorite/quote mantra:

“If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.” – Cicero

orangeappeal.com

Eileen is wearing a Ramy Brook Calvin shirt mini dress, $485, Sam Edelman Samira boots, $225, coin necklace, $98, and heart lock necklace, $145, all from Tuni, Park Avenue, Winter Park.

march | april 2021

ansley butts anne mariearmstrong AND

Sisters Ansley Butts and Anne Marie Armstrong have been Monkee’s fans for several years and first discovered the boutique in Blowing Rock, NC. They had visited several stores in the Southeast and had fallen in love with all of them. They feel blessed to have the opportunity to bring this incredible boutique to their hometown of Winter Park. That dream has now become a reality since acquiring the franchise rights in the summer of 2019 and opening in late August of 2020. They do all of the buying for the boutique, which features women’s clothing and shoes, and an assortment of accessories including jewelry, handbags and eyewear. Ansley graduated from Winter Park High School and attended the University of Florida, where she earned a degree in economics. She has been married to her husband, Daniel, for 23 years and has three children. She has been a native of Winter Park for more than 40 years, and formerly worked for a local real estate investment firm. Ansley and her family attend All Saints Church in Winter Park, and she is a board member of the Winter Park Chamber. Anne Marie also attended Winter Park High School and graduated from the University of Florida with a psychology degree. She has been married to her husband, Robert, for 21 years and has two children. As a native of Central Florida and residing in Winter Park, Anne Marie and her family attend First United Methodist Church in Winter Park. She sits on the advisory board at NCF Orlando and the Winter Park High School Foundation.

What has inspired you in this last year as we have dealt with so many disruptions?

a pandemic. It can also be challenging to start a business and

The enormous outpouring of community support.

are seeing our dream come to fruition, being our own bosses,

How have you changed your business outlook or delved into new things? We added free local delivery, curbside pick-up, and launched an e-commerce website. We also have brought in a wide range of price points and styles that outfit all generations.

have a healthy career/home-life balance. The greatest rewards and getting to know our wonderful clients.

Personal/professional achievements: We both left full-time careers and made the change to pursue our dream of opening a women’s boutique — it was a leap of faith for sure! With our combined backgrounds in human

What advice would you give other women about powering through in a pandemic? If you are doing what you love from your heart, you will succeed! Keep the end goal and big picture in mind while powering through the challenges.

resources, finance, operations and management, and a strong franchise to support us, it was natural for us to combine our strengths to go into business together.

What do you see or what would you like to see for your future? We’d like to continue growing our customer base and nurtur-

What have been the biggest challenges and greatest rewards?

ing relationships with our amazing customers. We are so

The biggest challenge was obviously opening our store during

excited to share Monkee’s with our family, friends and community!

Favorite/quote mantra:

“In a world where you can be anything, be kind.”

orangeappeal.com

Ansley is wearing a Crosby by Mollie Burch Presley dress, $262, Choclolat Blu wedges, $165, Julie Vos Verona statement earrings, $165, Hazen bracelets, $80, Enewton rings, $15-40, all from Monkee’s of Winter Park, Hannibal Square. Anne Marie is wearing a Fresha London Abbott dress, $179, Andre Assous Cacia wedges, $189, Sheila Fajl Anna earrings, $63, Hazen bracelets — bamboo, $40, gold, $80; Enewton rings, $20-40, and necklaces, $48-118; all from Monkee’s of Winter Park, Hannibal Square.

march | april 2021

tracisihle

Traci Sihle serves as Vice President/New Business Development, at Sihle Insurance Group, one of the largest privately held agencies in Florida that was founded by her father in 1974. She’s garnered tremendous growth for the company through building meaningful relationships with realtors, lenders and brokers throughout Florida and establishing a company vision around educating and empowering clients. What has inspired you in this last year as we have dealt with so many disruptions?

Number three: Preserve cash and liquid assets. Liquidity and

With hope and humor, people are trying to cope in the confine-

waters. Make sure you are taking steps to strengthen the bal-

ment of their homes, but many are struggling to make ends

ance sheet, so you can navigate through uncertainty.

meet and stay strong. I have been inspired by the people across the globe who have been working selflessly to help their communities through these trying times. With resilience and resourcefulness, many people are harnessing the power of technology to find new ways to reach those in need. Even those who have little to spare are reaching into their own pockets to help others and they are showing that the worst health crisis, in modern history, is no match for us. We will get through this crisis and when we do, history will reflect that compassion and empathy helped build a bridge from fear to hope.

cash become more important when you are in uncharted

Number four: Continue to live your values. Who you are as a company, and as a person, reflects the decisions you make during a crisis. Make sure the decisions you are making now continue to be reflective of those values. For example, if you take extra care of your employees in times of uncertainty, they will make an extra effort to take care of your company.

What have been the biggest challenges and greatest rewards? The biggest challenge we faced with COVID-19 was our abil-

How have you changed your business outlook or delved into new things? We shifted to a very conservative philosophy to protect our employees, clients and carriers in this time of crisis. We made swift and crucial adjustments to ensure we retained employee integrity and retention while focusing on their family’s safety by creating a functioning remote workplace. We also placed greater emphasis on client needs and education as well as solidifying carrier relationships.

ity to set up more than 150 employees remotely in less than two weeks. Our greatest reward has been our ability to keep our employees safe by allowing them to work from home and to continue providing excellent customer service.

Personal and professional achievements: We were able to maintain most of our staff and mobilize about 150 of them to work safely from home. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we learned to become more resourceful and more dynamic with our business model to address the ever-changing

What advice would you give other women about powering through in a pandemic? Number one: Focus on innovation and thinking outside the box. Don’t waste the opportunity to look at creative ways to build and grow your business.

needs of our customers. I was also awarded Personality of the Year by Orlando Style Magazine in the 2020 September issue.

What do you see or what would you like to see for your future? We are continuing to grow Sihle Insurance Group by adding

Number two: Start envisioning your business and business

staff members, producers and reps, and are expanding our

model on the other side of this pandemic. How do we continue

footprint throughout the entire state of Florida. We currently

to project growth and continue innovation when we make it

have eight offices in Florida and are very excited to announce

through the pandemic?

a new location in South Florida opening in the fall of 2021.

Favorite/quote mantra:

“Never get too high and never get too low in business.”

orangeappeal.com

Traci is wearing a Trina Turk Respite top, $198, and Corbin shorts, $198; Kendra Scott Selena hoop earrings, $78, and Franklin long necklace in gold, $95; all from Continuum, Lake Mary. Sculpture: Alice Aycock, Waltzing Matilda

march | april 2021

garimashah

As President of Biller Genie, a cloud-based software that automates invoicing, Garima Shah reviews company financials, finds strategic business opportunities, and manages the Biller Genie team. She has cultivated strong relationships throughout her 17 years in the payments industry. In addition, she recently opened Amplivive, a full-service wellness sanctuary that offers state-of-the-art therapies to treat every ailment, in The Grove at Isleworth. What has inspired you in this last year as we have dealt with so many disruptions? Change is hard, but it is what you make of it; change is not a disruption if you don’t allow it to be. My parents moved to this country when I was a baby; they uprooted their lives and settled in a new place in order to provide better opportunities for themselves and us. They inspire me to embrace change and embrace disruption because who knows what amazing doors lie on the other side. I also have two young daughters. I always teach them they can do anything and be anything if they put in the time and the hard work to make it happen. Being an example for them is my daily inspiration.

canceled. We were also in the middle of a fundraising round that was postponed. However, the greatest reward was the fact that we had to refocus our efforts and take the time to get back to basics. Due to these refocused priorities, we’ve been able to acquire some of the biggest national partnerships that would likely not have happened until much later in our business lifecycle.

Personal and professional achievements: I was thrilled when Biller Genie won the Miami Herald Startup Pitch Competition and was featured on “Worldwide Business with Kathy Ireland.” For a new startup to get that kind of exposure is unheard of. It truly cemented our place as a lead-

How have you changed your business outlook or delved into new things?

er in the fintech ecosystem and has allowed us to win major clients and investors.

As a consummate “people person,” I have learned how to

On a personal note, being able to open the doors of Amplivive

manage, build culture, hire, and train remotely. These are

was incredibly rewarding. I am a huge proponent of health

things I never thought I would do or want to do. What’s inter-

and wellness. I love being able to share this passion and make

esting is that we have gotten better talent, become closer and

everyone truly feel better when they come in.

built a better culture all without being face-to-face. That has

I also started a bi-weekly Livestream called Gab with Garima. It is my platform to talk about things that are important to me.

been eye-opening to me.

What advice would you give other women about powering through in a pandemic? As women, we have broken through barriers and shattered ceilings left and right. We’re practically pros at dealing with whatever challenge comes our way, including the pandemic. My best advice is to stay positive and enjoy yourself and your life. By making time to find yourself and doing the things that bring you the most joy you will live in your genius zone and be able to power through anything.

One of my favorite episodes was “Advice for Women in MaleDominated Fields.” As someone from the payments industry that is heavily run by males, I have learned a lot over the years and was so happy to share with other women tips on how to advance and be more successful.

What do you see or what would you like to see for your future? I’d like to see more people! I love people so I can’t wait to be on a plane and for the world to open back up. Also, with a female vice president in the White House, I’d

What have been the biggest challenges and greatest rewards?

like to see women take control of their destinies and their

When the COVID shutdown started, Biller Genie was still in

dreams, to really be inspired to make things happen in the

its infancy. Our trade shows, events and major meetings were

world.

Favorite/quote mantra:

“Dance like nobody is watching.”

orangeappeal.com

Garima is wearing a ba&sh Leo shimmery dress, $585, from Bloomingdale’s, The Mall at Millenia.

march | april 2021

givingback

Miles To Go’s Grassroots Mission by Danielle Newbold, Executive Director, Miles To Go

What started in 2018 when my then 9-year-old son (Miles) wanted to give cash to someone at a red light has turned into Miles To Go, a 501c3 nonprofit, serving our homeless and spreading love throughout our community and beyond. After an open and honest conversation at the red light that day, Miles came up with special “to-go” bags, full of essentials such as toiletries, clothing, snacks and hygiene items, for such occasions.

ver the past three years a

Another local business we have recently

Miles To Go welcomes all to volunteer,

lot has happened, includ-

partnered with is MHM Professional Stag-

even the youngest do-gooders can partici-

ing: packing and distribut-

ing. We love getting our community together

pate. Whether it be your scout troop, church

ing more than 5,000 MTG

and getting creative to do so in a safe way

members, family, friends, workplace team

bags; developing meaning-

during these unique times. We were able

building... we are here for you as a resource

ful partnerships with other local nonprof-

to do this with MHM for a holiday event at

to serve. Our mission statement is “to

its; becoming giving partners with Bom-

Windermere Equestrian Center and we

spread love one bag at a time,” and we

bas socks; hosting many packing days

look forward to doing it again this spring.

know that the love is not only spread to

with the help of youth volunteers; visiting

“We are so excited to be hosting an egg-

those who receive the gift of the MTG bag

and working with local and surrounding

straordinary Easter celebration on March

but also to the giver of the gift. MTG bridg-

schools spreading our mission; moving

7. We are extremely grateful to have this

es the gap between the two and sparks

into our office, opening a shop, and even

opportunity to give back to the community

love, understanding and compassion.

starting an apparel line where 100% of our

by partnering with Miles To Go and Spirit

To learn more, please contact us via our

profits go to making our MTG bags. Miles

Horse charities. Come check out this Eas-

social media @milestogocharities, via

To Go apparel can also be found in 7 For

ter-themed event, which will include an

email at milestogocharities@gmail.com or

All Mankind at The Mall At Millenia. In

Easter egg hunt, petting zoo, arts and

at our website at milestogo.org. You can

addition, we work with Bloomingdale’s

crafts, music, food and drinks, and much

also visit us at our MTG “Tiny Shop” and

and Jimmy Choo on fundraisers and fash-

more!” says Anna Gist, MHM Professional

office located at 6651 Vineland Road,

ion shows.

Staging.

Suite170, Orlando 32819.

orangeappeal.com

LEAH LANGLEY

Danielle with her children, Reed, Miles and Violet.