BANANA DATE NUT BREAD
• 3 ripe bananas mashed
• 2 eggs
• 1 stick butter
• 1 cup unbleached flour
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup shelled walnuts chopped
• 3/4 cup Medjool dates chopped and pitted blitzed with 1/4 cup water in a blender ( or 3/4 cup of sugar without water)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
• Grease a 9x5x3 bread pan
• Cream butter and date mixture
• Add eggs one at a time, beating well
• Sift flour, baking soda, and salt and add to creamed mixture
• Fold in mashed bananas, vanilla and walnuts
• Pour mixture into the bread pan
• Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the toothpick comes out clean
• Cool for 10 minutes and then put on a rack
WHAT ARE ANNUITIES?
An annuity is an investment vehicle that can provide a guaranteed income for an individual or their spouse. It is a contract with an insurance company or financial institution where you contribute money upfront and at a specific time receive payments back over the course of your lifetime. There are several advantages to investing in an annuity. First, it is tax deferred which means no taxes until you begin taking the income. Second, you can choose a fixed rate annuity where you will always receive the
same amount regardless of market conditions. Third, you will receive payment even if you receive more than your original investment. Fourth, there are annuities with death benefits for heirs.
There are many different types of annuities, all of which have different features, benefits and costs but they fall into three main categories: fixed, fixed index and variable. There are two types of payout options- deferred and immediate.
FIXED ANNUITY
A fixed annuity is based on a set interest rate and can increase in value over time. It guarantees income payments over your lifetime with the possibility of death benefits for heirs. There are two ways to purchase - either through a lump sum payment or a series of payments that increase the value of your annuity and therefore the total payout.
VARIABLE ANNUITY
A variable annuity’s value will depend on market conditions and will rise and fall with the stock market. This means the possibility of a higher interest rate when the market is strong but in a weak market, the annuity could even lose value.
INDEXED ANNUITY
An indexed annuity is based on the performance of a particular market index and the value of the annuity will be based on that particular index. Interest will be based on the index’s interest rate.
WHY BUY AN ANNUITY?
It is a good opportunity to be sure you have the resources to cover your essential monthly expenses such as mortgage or rent, insurance, utilities , travel, etc. The best thing about an annuity is that it does not run out no matter your age or the value of the investment. Start by analyzing your monthly expenses to figure out how much
income you need to cover basic bills. Don’t forget to consider and plan for inflation. When considering an annuity, the most important thing is to be sure to understand what you are investing in. They are complicated investments. Work with a trusted financial adviser to ensure your understanding of the risks and potential returns.
FENG SHUI
IN
COLOR & DESIGN
Feng Shui, which literally means wind and water, is an ancient Chinese practice rooted in the theory of Yin and Yang. It is the ancient Chinese practice of using energy forces to harmonize individuals with their surrounding environment by organizing furniture, art, plants, and other objects within any given space or room to create peace and harmony.
It has been used for centuries to determine building sites such as the Forbidden City in Beijing, which is built on a north-south axis with the main entrance facing south. It was believed to be the most propitious direction according to the feng shui masters. Additionally, the pyramid addition to the Louvre in Paris, Trump Tower in Manhattan, and the Sydney Opera House in Sydney have all been influenced by feng shui principles.
In interior design, feng shui is a tool to help design a room that makes you feel good and enhances health, prosperity, harmony and balance for a joyful life.
Chinese philosophy is all about opposites - masculine and feminine, dark and light, warm and cold. Additionally, there is a focus on the 5 elements which are wood, fire, earth, metal and water. These symbolize qualities such as stability, wisdom, growth and creativity. Decorating with the five elements is meant to bring joy and balance to your life.
According to Better Homes and Gardens, you can feng shui your home with a few simple tips:
Clear your home of clutter and open up the flow of traffic. This will create an atmosphere of calm by creating a welcoming entryway. Adding feng shui plants and positioning furniture in relation to the door will give a feeling of
control and empowerment, creating balance. And don’t forget to use feng shui with your color selections.
The bedroom is the most important room for applying the principles of feng shui since we all spend so much time there. It is important to have the bed face the door but not straight-on. It is preferable to have a wall behind the bed so that you are aware if anyone is entering your space. This is referred to as command position. Use soft and muted pastel colors or earthen tones that you’d find in nature. Plants are not recommended for the bedroom as they are active and produce energy which is not conducive to the calm environment required in the bedroom. However, they are desirable throughout the rest of the home. Some of the best plants include lucky bamboo, orchids, jade, snake or rubber plants.
Although there is no scientific basis for the use of feng shui in design, it is about making your environment a healthy and happy one for your family, so why not give it a try.
2024 LPGA
2024 LPGA TOURNAMENT
Schedule subject to change
Purse subject to change
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE CENTRAL FLORIDA
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
AUGUST
AUG 2 - 4 | RENT
Based loosely on the Puccini opera, La Boheme, Jonathan Larson’s RENT follows a year in the life of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive and create in New York’s Lower East Side, under the shadow of HIV/AIDS. Join us for a journey of love, resilience and the pursuit of dreams in the face of adversity. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/2ws2bpzp
AUG 29 - 31 | FILM FESTIVAL
During our four-day celebration, we will pay homage to Zora and those who have followed her direction and have become successful Afrofuturists in their own rights. Watch as African American film directors, producers, writers, actors, and actresses participate in creating films in the sci-fi world. For more info visit: orlandouff.com
SEPTEMBER
SEPT 1 - 30 | INTERNATIONAL FOOD & WINE
FESTIVAL
Sip, savor and celebrate a world full of flavor and fun during EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. Discover an array of Global Marketplaces—festival-exclusive kiosks serving delectable dishes and specialty sips inspired by countries and cultures around the world. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/ywuy6rs9
SEP 4 - 8 | CONVENTION OF CELEBRITY IMPERSONATORS
The greatest gathering of Celebrity Impersonators in the world. Enjoy over 3 hours of Professional Celebrity Impersonators from every music genre, plus stage and screen. For more info visit: sunburstconvention.com
(. . .continued on page 24)
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE
CENTRAL FLORIDA
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
(. . .continued from 22)
OCTOBER
OCT 12 - 13 | ART FESTIVAL
The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce is proud to host this annual art festival in October each year. The community-oriented sidewalk show presents quality visual art and live entertainment the whole family can enjoy. The festival is held in beautiful Central Park located along historic Park Avenue in downtown Winter Park. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3FHDwMW
OCT 18 - 20 | MUSIC FESTIVAL
Country Thunder Music Festival is an annual Country Music Festival, held every year. The festival has been in operation since 1983 and is well known among country music fans. A well recognizable line-up has been prepared to play their tales of country living to a rabid fan base that many genres could never achieve. If country music is new to you, this is a perfect relaxed countryside setting to have your first experience. For more info visit: countrythunder.com
NOVEMBER
NOV 22 - 23 | NUTCRACKER
Revel in a thrilling twist on a holiday favorite with A Christmas Nutcracker Tale, a dazzling spectacle recognized as “the pyrotechnic Nutcracker” by USA Today and “one of five outstanding productions in the entire nation” by CNN Headline News. This production brings Tchaikovsky’s enchanting score to life in an unforgettable way. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/b5k7j88z
DECEMBER
DEC 7 | FEZZIWIG FEST
Second Annual Fezziwig Festival in Hunter’s Creek - delicious food trucks, beer & wine, interesting vendors, live music, LED Christmas tree shows, themed stilt walkers, smores pit, Santa Claus meet & greets, interactive scavenger hunt! And most excitingly, IT WILL SNOW this year! For more info visit: fezziwigfestival.com/
(. . .continued on page 26)
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE CENTRAL FLORIDA
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
(. . .continued from 24)
DEC 17 - 22 | SOME LIKE IT HOT
Set in Chicago when Prohibition has everyone thirsty for a little excitement, Some Like It Hot is the “glorious, big, high-kicking” (Associated Press) story of two musicians forced to flee the Windy City after witnessing a mob hit. With gangsters hot on their heels, they catch a cross-country train for the life-chasing, life-changing trip of a lifetime. And what a trip it is! For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/bdh2ec5r
JANUARY
JAN 25 - 26 | MANATEE FESTIVAL
The Manatee Festival offers all kinds of entertainment for the whole family. There are many craft vendors, food vendors, children’s games and rides and a variety of musical acts for all to enjoy. There’s a whole host of free, fun and family friendly entertainment for everyone. For more info visit: themanateefestival.com
JAN 24 - 26 | FILM FEST
Central Florida Film Festival is delighted to partner with Epic Theatres Mount Dora as the host venue for our annual festival! Featuring laser projection and electric reclining seating in all auditoriums, two Epic XL Large Format screens, and expanded concession options, this beautiful theater will assure your festival experience is the highest possible quality and comfort. For more info visit: centralfloridafilmfestival.com
FEBRUARY
FEB 27 - 28 | STATE FAIR
Join us to enjoy a midway featuring rides, games, food, live music and entertainment, animals, livestock exhibitions and competitive exhibits, and so much more. Come celebrate the community and make lifelong memories with your family and friends! For more info visit: centralfloridafair.com
(. . .continued on page 28)
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE CENTRAL FLORIDA
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
(. . .continued from 28)
MARCH
MARCH 1 - 9 | STATE FAIR
Join us to enjoy a midway featuring rides, games, food, live music and entertainment, animals, livestock exhibitions and competitive exhibits, and so much more. Come celebrate the community and make lifelong memories with your family and friends! For more info visit: centralfloridafair.com
APRIL
APRIL TBA | BLUEBERRY FEST
The Brooksville Blueberry Festival will have a range of activities to appeal to all members of the family including many food concessions. Enjoy Blueberry Lane, where you’ll find everything blueberry, including blueberry pies, blueberry jam , blueberry honey, blueberry plants as well as fresh picked blueberries. For more info visit: brooksvilleblueberryfestival.com
MAY
MAY 1 - 4 | SONGWRITERS FEST
The Annual Palm Coast Songwrit-
ers Festival will showcase more than thirty songwriters at various venues throughout the area for a weekend of melody and music. Join songwriters from across the country as they share the stories behind some of the most popular songs on the radio today. For more info visit: palmcoastsongwritersfestival.com
MAY 16 | BALLOON FESTIVAL
Hot air balloons, food trucks, retail vendors and activities for the family… What more is there to ask for? For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3tNCwB6
JUNE
JUNE 18 - 22 | FILM FESTIVAL
The Annual Orlando International Film Festival will include films from independent filmmakers throughout the world. The festival provides filmmakers - local and state-wide, with the opportunity to display their creative talents, share ideas, learn about the latest
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE CENTRAL FLORIDA
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
technology and developments in their field, and network with other filmmakers, writers, distributors, and investors. In addition to films, there will be panels, workshops, seminars and an art display featuring works from a local celebrated artist. For more info visit: orlandointernationalfilmfestival.org
JULY
JULY 4 | INDEPENDENCE DAY
Orlando is always sparkling with fireworks, but during the 4th of July weekend, it’s truly booming!For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3EGunmn
2025 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
2025 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT
SCHEDULE
* Schedule subject to change
MAY 25 - SUN 12:00 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 26 - MON 12:00 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
MAY 26 - MON 8:15 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
MAY 27 - TUE 12:00 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 27 - TUE 8:15 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
28 - WED 12:00 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 28 - WED 8:15 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 29 - THU 12:00 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
MAY 29 - THU 8:15 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 30 - FRI 12:00 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 30 - FRI 8:15 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 31 - SAT 12:00 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 31 - SAT 8:15 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 01 - SUN 11:00 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 01 - SUN 8:15 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 02 - MON 11:00 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 02 - MON 8:15 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 03 - TUE 11:00 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles
JUN 03 - TUE 8:15 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles
JUN 04 - WED 11:00 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles
JUN 04 - WED 8:15 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles
JUN 05 - THU 3:00 PM 1/2 Finals Singles Ladies’
JUN 06 - FRI 2:30 PM 1/2 Final Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 06 - FRI 5:30 PM 1/2 Final Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 07 - SAT 3:00 PM Final Women’s Single
JUN 08 - SUN 3:00 PM Final Gentlemen’s Single
DATE
2025 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
* Schedule subject to change
JUNE 30 - MON 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 1nd Round
JULY 1 - TUE 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 1nd Round
JULY 2 - WED 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 2nd Round
JULY 3 - THUR 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 2nd Round
JULY 4 - FRI 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 3rd Round
JULY 5 - SAT 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 3rd Round
JULY 6 - SUN 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 4th Round
JULY 7 - MON 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 4th Round
JULY 8 - TUE 11:00 AM
JULY 9- WED 11:00 AM
JULY 10 - THU 1:00 PM
Men's Singles Quarterfinals & Ladies’ Singles Quarterfinals
Men's Singles Quarterfinals & Ladies’ Singles Quarterfinals
Ladies' Singles Semifinals & Mixed Doubles Final
JULY 11 - FRI 1:00 PM Men's Singles Semifinals
JULY 12 - SAT 2:00 PM
JULY 13 - SUN 2:00 PM
Ladies' Singles Final & Men's Doubles Final
Men's Singles Final & Ladies’ Doubles Final
2024 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
TRAIN EXPERIENCES Wonderful
If you haven’t traveled by train, you might like to try it. There are so many fantastic train trips available across the world. They offer opportunities not available any other way. There’s never the hassle of driving and missing the beautiful and scenic countryside. They are eco-friendly,
comfortable, relaxing and also offer refreshments. Trains start and end their journeys in cities and will transport you through diverse and incredible landscapes.
Here are a few amazing train trip options:
JACOBITE TRAIN BERNINA EXPRESS
If you are traveling in Scotland, be sure to check out the Jacobite. This journey is often described as the greatest rail journey in the world. It takes you 84 miles in total from Fort Williams in the highlands of Scotland to the most westerly stop in Arisaig. It passes by lakes and rivers including Lake Nevis, the deepest in Europe and through charming villages. There is a stop in Glenfinnan which was made famous as the site of the Harry Potter films. Then it is on to Mallaig which was founded in 1840 and is now a busy fishing port. It is a great spot for a walk or some shopping and dining. Try the fish and chips! Then take the return trip or consider taking the ferry to Skye and the Small Isles.
In Switzerland, be sure to check out the Bernina Express which is a 90 mile journey from Tirano in northern Italy to Chur in southeastern Switzerland. Highlights include unparalleled panoramic views of the steep peaks of the Swiss Alps, charming villages and shimmering lakes. With 55 tunnels through the mountains and numerous bridges and viaducts, the vistas are stunning. Chur is the oldest city in Switzerland and the old town is actually car-free. The train has earned UNESCO World Heritage Designation due to its architectural features and long history.
SKAGWAY RAILROAD RAILROAD MUSEUM
In Alaska, don’t miss the Bennett Lake Scenic Journey. A trip through history that began with the gold rush of 1898 when men sought routes to the Klondike and the White Pass. It began in Skagway and continued to British Columbia and the Yukon Territory. The train climbs from sea level to 3,00ft - a true marvel of engineering. Travel in a vintage train from Skagway to Carcass in the Yukon Territory. See snow capped peaks, forests, sparkling lakes, and amazing waterfalls. Visit Bennett Station and the White Pass Museum. You can do a walk through an old gold rush town. Then ride through remote sections of the lake that are otherwise only available by hiking the Chilkoot Trail.
In Parrish, Florida, visit the Museum and see the historic trains of the old South. Or take the 6-mile ride on an early 1900s train from Parrish to Willow to see a rail collection and exhibition. Also they host special train events including a train robbery experience.
