Lake Nona Lifestyle: Give The The Gift Of Love This Holiday Season

Lake Nona AVA LO N PARK | WATE RFORD L AKE S | OVI ED O | W I NT ER S P R I N G S

NOVEMBER 2018

LIFESTYLE

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INSIDE n

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n

3 Recipes for Your Thanksgiving Menu W hat Local Kids are Thankful For H ow to Protect Your Identity While Holiday Shopping

Give the Gift of

this Holiday Season How You Can Help Devereux’s Foster Families

Photo Courtesy of Devereux

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www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

>MESSAGE+FROM+THE+PUBLISHER

Camp Holiday

Cheer!

As a mother of three, there is no better feeling than seeing a child’s face light up. Whether they’re seeing something for the first time or receiving a gift, their excitement is always contagious.

On Dec. 6, we hope to light up the faces of 250 foster children and the amazing families who have opened up their homes to them through our partnership with Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Florida. Read more about this nonprofit organization and the services it offers our community on page 40.

Many of these children have suffered unthinkable challenges in their young lives, so we want this to be a special holiday that they won’t forget. At Camp Holiday Cheer, they will play games, decorate cookies and open presents in an environment where they can just be kids.

Opportunities like this are the reason I founded Central Florida Lifestyle 16 years ago. Please join me and my team in our efforts to give these families a holiday party that puts a smile on their faces and a feeling in your heart that represents the true meaning of the season. If you’re interested in donating items for the party or adopting a foster family this holiday season, contact Catie Moore at catie@karstmediagroup.com.

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CEO/PUBLISHER Kristi Gomen kristi@karstmediagroup.com EXECUTIVE EDITOR Lyndsay Fogarty lyndsay@karstmediagroup.com VP OPERATIONS & EVENTS Catie Moore catie@karstmediagroup.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Matt Richardson matt@karstmediagroup.com ONLINE OPERATIONS COORDINATOR Megan Bildner megan@karstmediagroup.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Tarre Beach, Larissa Hamblin, Kristen M. Jackson, Debby Mayne, Nicholas Moore, Damien Priester, Guy Sanchez Jr., Brittany Tai ADVISORY BOARD Steve Gomen, Marisabel Wolfinger, Jason Post

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Central Florida Lifestyle Publications is comprised of two separate editions, each mailed monthly, directly to homes and businesses throughout Central Florida. Average Circulation per edition 30,000.

Central Florida Lifestyle Publications is published monthly by Karst Media, 941 W. Morse Boulevard, Unit 100, Winter Park, FL 32789. Copyright 2018. All rights reserved. WINDERMERE LIFESTYLE, DR. PHILLIPS LIFESTYLE, METROWEST LIFESTYLE, WINTER GARDEN LIFESTYLE, HUNTER’S CREEK LIFESTYLE, CELEBRATION LIFESTYLE, DOWNTOWN LIFESTYLE, WINTER PARK LIFESTYLE, LAKE NONA LIFESTYLE, AVALON PARK LIFESTYLE, WATERFORD LAKES LIFESTYLE, OVIEDO LIFESTYLE and WINTER SPRINGS LIFESTYLE are federally registered trademarks. Reproduction or use in whole or in part of the contents of this magazine or of the trademarks of Karst Media without written permission of the Publisher is prohibited. Lifestyle Publications makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of content published. Neither the publishers nor advertisers will be held responsible for any errors found herein, and the publishers accept no liability for the accuracy of statements made by advertisers in ads and/or in paid promotional features.

READ MORE ONLINE n Find out all the details for events happening in your community n Get ready to entertain with our quick holiday dinner prep tips

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Central Florida Lifestyle | November 2018

>WHAT’S+INSIDE

Contents November 2018 Features 8

40

Thankful for You

The season for Thanksgiving get-togethers and holiday parties is here. Make this mulled wine kit to thank the hostess with the mostess in your life.

14

4

Editorial Notes

10

A Look Inside “The Match”

Sports & Recreation

12 On Trend

10 Common Essential Oils and How to Use Them

Dealing with Diabetes

18

Your guide to detection, education and support this Diabetes Awareness Month.

26

A Trip to St. Augustine

Protect Your Identity This Holiday Shopping Season

In more than 450 years, this historic Florida city has grown from a struggling Spanish settlement to a bustling tourist town.

30 Season’s Eatings

Local restaurants and

markets share their modern

versions of traditional holiday recipes.

Web Life

Building a Better Future Through a variety of behavioral health, intellectual, and developmental disabilities and child welfare services, Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Florida is a pillar of hope for youth in need.

44

o online and check G out our web content for stories and photos not seen in print.

Follow us!

facebook.com/ centralfloridalifestyle twitter.com/cflifestylemag instagram.com/ yourlifestylemagazine

Being Thankful

In school, we learned about the origins of Thanksgiving and the traditions surrounding the holiday. We asked Central Florida students what they’re thankful for this year.

Central Florida Lifestyle | November 2018

Ask the Lawyer

The Truth About Timeshares

20 Money Matters

• S napshots from other communities

•M ore stories about from local communities

•A n expanded web calendar

6

Departments

22 Homestyle

5 Tips for Designing a

Home Gym

24

The Perfect Pear

28

Wine & Spirits Arts & Entertainment

Montverde Academy in the Spotlight

34 Someone You Should Know

The Sweet Sound of Music 36 Expert Advice

It’s Time to Buy a Luxury Home Let’s Talk Turkey About Thanksgiving

38 42

3 Historical Moments

46

Lights, Camera, Action!

48

3 Ways to Give Back

50

Chamber News

54

Calendar of Events

Hometown History Your Local Your Local

• OCPS Teach-In

• Advice for Future Leaders 52 • Giving Back to Our Community • Chamber Gives Back

What’s Happening

56 Snapshots

Community Happenings 58

How You Can Help

Understanding Epilepsy

u o Y r fo

By Catie Moore and Lyndsay Fogarty

The season for Thanksgiving get-togethers and holiday parties is here. Make this mulled wine kit to thank the hostess with the mostess in your life.

What You Need

For the mulled wine • 1 bottle of red wine • Honey (small jars or packets) • 1 orange • Cinnamon sticks • Whole cloves • Star anise •O ptional additions: bottle of apple cider, mini bottles of rum or brandy, lemon or lime •W ine glass (Pictured: Corkcicle Classic Stemless)

To bring it all together • Basket, any variety • Thick ribbon, any color • Tissue paper, any color

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Central Florida Lifestyle | November 2018

• Glass jar • Scissors

Step 1 Put the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves and star anise inside the glass jar. If you’re using honey packets (as pictured), include them in the jar as well. Otherwise, place a small jar of honey in the basket separately and use a smaller glass jar that fits just the spices.

Step 2 Arrange the tissue paper at the bottom of the basket to add some cushion for the items you will be including and to also give them height. Neatly place the wine, glass jar of ingredients, orange, Corkcicle Classic Stemless and any optional additions on top of the tissue paper. Cut ribbon (enough to surround the basket plus an additional 18 inches on each side) then arrange it around the basket and tie a bow.

The Finished Product This easy DIY results in a hostess gift that is completely customizable, not only to the recipe you want to use but also to the preferences of the hostess.

Choose a basket, ribbon and tissue paper to match the theme of the party and make sure to include her favorite wine as well as her favorite color Corkcicle Classic Stemless. Top it off with a recipe card illustrating the mulled wine recipe that matches the ingredients in the basket.

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>SPORTS+&+RECREATION

A Look Inside

“The Match” Here’s what you can expect when Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson face off on Thanksgiving weekend.

By Nicholas Moore

F

or many, November usually signifies the beginning of the holiday season. Time is spent with family while giving thanks to those who mean the most to us.

On Nov. 23, the Friday following Thanksgiving, the PGA TOUR will give its version of thanks to two men who have meant the most to them over the last couple of decades. Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson will square off in a head-to-head, made-for-television event in which the winner will take home an astounding $9 million prize. “The Match,” as it has affectionately been named, will be played in a traditional Match Play format and will take place at Shadow Creek Golf Course in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Although no tickets will be available for the public to attend, “The Match” will be available exclusively on pay-per-view at a cost of $19.99.

The telecast will begin at 3 p.m. EST. Both players will receive the full heavyweight treatment leading up to and during the event.

HBO’s hit series, “24/7” will spotlight each players preparation, with the first episode set to air on Tuesday, Nov. 13. During the match, both play10

Central Florida Lifestyle | November 2018

ers will be equipped with microphones, providing viewers with an intimate, inside-the-ropes feel.

What was once considered a great rivalry has developed into more of a great relationship in recent years. Though Woods, 42, and Mickelson, 48, are both considered past the primes of their careers, both found themselves back in the winner’s circle during the 2017-2018 PGA TOUR season. Mickelson earned his 43rd career TOUR victory at the WGC-Mexico Championship in March while Woods charged to victory, the 80th of his career, at the Tour Championship in Atlanta, Georgia in September. Together, the pair is responsible for 123 TOUR wins and 19 major championships.

Woods enters “The Match” as the betting favorite at -200. Mickelson will be a tremendous value bet as an underdog, at +170. Both players will also be encouraged to make selective side bets during the match, raising both the stakes and the drama.

The prediction? Mickelson defeats Woods 1 UP in 19 holes..

>ON+TREND

10

Common Essential Oils and How to Use Them

Find out how these essential oils can help you stay on top of your health and wellness naturally.

By Debby Mayne

E

ssential oils have been used for centuries to relieve pain, cut back on symptoms of sickness, freshen the air and a myriad of other things. While there is some controversy over their effectiveness on certain health conditions, there is no denying the fact that, if used properly, they can provide antiseptic benefits, make you feel better and provide a pleasant fragrance without the use of harsh chemicals.

These are the top 10 most common essential oils and details about how they are most frequently used.

Clove essential oil: Due to the antimicrobial and antiseptic properties, this oil is often used to treat tooth and gum pain, headaches and blood problems.

Eucalyptus essential oil: This natural oil is often used as a decongestant, deodorant, anti-inflammatory and muscle pain reliever.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | November 2018

Lavender essential oil: Many people find that lavender oil enables them to relax and get a good night’s sleep, as it helps to reduce anxiety and pain.

Rose essential oil: Rose oil is an emollient that helps moisturize the skin. It contains a blend of natural antioxidants that also help to reduce inflammation.

Lemon essential oil: A natural astringent, lemon oil helps rejuvenate the appearance of dull, lackluster skin.

Sandalwood essential oil: Sandalwood essential oil is used to help with mental clarity, relaxation and memory. It is also beneficial as an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and expectorant.

Lemongrass essential oil: Some people use this as an antidepressant, sedative and general tonic for providing the feeling of general well-being.

Myrrh essential oil: Often used as an anti-inflammatory, myrrh oil also has antimicrobial and antifungal properties.

Peppermint essential oil: People use peppermint oil for a variety of things, including pain relief, allergy relief, energy and respiratory health.

Tea tree essential oil: In addition to being an excellent cleaning and disinfectant product, tea tree essential oil helps control itching and scarring.

All of these essential oils may be used alone; however, many of them can be blended with others for compounded effects. Although all of these essential oils have distinct benefits, if you experience any problems or difficulties with any of them, stop using them immediately.

ion , educat n io t c e t ide to de Your gu nd support this nth. o a reness M a w A s Diabete

By Larissa Hamblin

F

or most people, morning rituals include brewing a cup of coffee and turning on the news or scrolling through social media to wake up before the start of a busy day. But those with diabetes need to have a more purposeful approach. Upon the alarm clock ringing, they must check their blood sugar levels almost immediately. Shortly after, they have to prepare a well-balanced meal to make sure they maintain their levels for the rest of the day.

Diabetes is a disease that causes a person’s blood glucose (or blood sugar) to be too high and their insulin, which turns blood glucose into energy, to be too low. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that over 30 million people in the United States have diabetes. That accounts for over 9 percent of the population. In fact, the CDC also reports one in four people don’t even know they have diabetes and another 84 million people are facing prediabetes because their blood sugar level is higher than average but not to the point of being diagnosed.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | November 2018

The Silent Killer Diabetes is broken into two categories: Type I and Type II. According to the National Institution of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), Type I diabetes occurs when the body doesn’t make enough insulin, which is caused by an attack from the immune system. Type I diabetes is solely a genetic disease, and most patients are diagnosed at a young age. Type II diabetes forms when the body doesn’t make insulin well and arises mostly in older patients. This is the most common form of the disease and can be genetic or acquired.

If untreated, NIDDK reports diabetes can lead to a series of health issues,

including heart disease, kidney disease, eye problems, dental disease, foot issues and nerve damage.

Dr. Rita Rahbany from Advanced Diabetes and Endocrine Medical Center in East Orlando characterizes diabetes as a silent killer for those reasons. She explains that few people die from diabetes itself but instead from the lack of care when it comes to the disease, which leads to strokes and heart attacks.

She finds that most patients are first diagnosed by their primary physicians. They rely on those doctors before seeking care from an endocrinologist, a medical professional who specializes in glands and the hor-

mones produced from those glands.

“We’re seeing so many cases where the treatment for diabetes is delayed by a primary physician and patients end up with complications before they come to us,” Rahbany says. “Endocrinologists like to think of themselves as the gatekeepers for physicians and diabetics.”

She explains that because diabetes is a progressive disease, patients will eventually need to see a specialist. According to the American Diabetes Association, some common symptoms of diabetes include, but are not limited to, increased thirst, weight loss, blurry vision and extreme fatigue.

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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What to Do About Diabetes Not only does Rahbany state that endocrinologists have more access to medications when it comes to diabetes, including new FDAapproved drugs such as pills and weekly injections, but they also have more resources to help patients understand the disease. This includes various comprehensive classes.

Rahbany’s practice offers free educational classes called Diabetes 101 both online and in person. Nutritionists attend the classes to offer insight and suggestions for diet and lifestyle changes to direct patients to a path of health.

“We recommend patients go to [the classes] at least once at the beginning of their diagnosis to help prevent further complications and help them with lifestyle changes,” she says.

At her practice, Rahbany finds that 80 percent of her patients have Type II diabetes while only 20 percent have Type I. She explains that Type II can be prevented by creating lifestyle changes that embody a balanced diet and exercise.

She suggests a balanced diet of low-fat, low-carb and high-protein meals. Fish and lean meats like

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Central Florida Lifestyle | November 2018

chicken or turkey are good sources of protein while red meat should only be consumed maybe once a week.

“We try to get our patients to eat, on average, 1,500 to 1,600 calories a day with low carbs — not no carbs,” Rahbany says.

Finding Support in the Community Orlando resident Christina Martin created a Facebook group called Diabetes Support Orlando in 2016 to offer another level of support for patients and families who are living with diabetes. After being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 13 — something she considered “a death sentence” at the time — it became her dream to help others who have the same illness.

The social circle calls themselves “the Diabtribe” and they are always welcoming new members. Its purpose is to provide advice and be a safe space for members to connect about what they’re going through so they can empower, motivate and support each other.

“We try to close the gap between what [patients] get from their family and what they get

from a medical professional,” Martin says.

While Martin’s Facebook group was coming to fruition, she was also working to establish the Type Zero Foundation. This nonprofit organization promotes health awareness and exercise. Through both groups, Martin and other community members gather once a month to participate in outings that benefit their health while facilitating a bond among Central Florida residents living with diabetes.

“We want people to know that we are always looking to expand and strengthen our community,” Martin says. “If anyone does want to join, we advise people to go through our Facebook group, and they can ask questions, meet people through our outings and share ideas with us about how we can continue to make our group even better.”

In November, Diabetes Awareness Month acts as a reminder to schedule an appointment with a physician to test blood glucose levels so any irregularities can be found early on. It’s also a time to inspire individuals who are living with diabetes to fight back and live to see many more years.

>ASK+THE+LAWYER

The Truth about

Timeshares Q:

Is it true that Florida resort timeshares are deeded properties, and if someone dies while owning a timeshare that their heirs must hire an attorney to retain ownership?

By Kristen M. Jackson, Jackson Law P.A.

A:

Yes. Resort timeshares are typically structured as either shared deeded ownership or share leased ownership.

If deeded, the owner receives a deed for their percentage of the unit, which is recorded the same as a home or vacant land deed. This is important to know if you’re gifting a timeshare to beneficiaries at your death.

Unfortunately, nearly 95 percent of all deeded timeshares end up in the hands of attorneys and courts because the owners don’t realize their timeshare was deeded property. This can be avoided by simply recording a life estate deed.

Timeshare vacation plans have been around in the U.S. since 1969. According to the American Resort Development Association

Kristen M. Jackson is the founding partner of Jackson Law PA (407-363-9020). She is experienced in estate planning, real estate law, business and contract law. Her firm has earned an AV rating by MartindaleHubbell signifying the highest level of professional excellence as obtained through opinions from members of the bar and judiciary.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | November 2018

(ARDA), which represents many timeshare developments worldwide, one out of 11 Americans owned a timeshare in 2017.

Many timeshare vacation plans are sold by brokers, individuals, resorts and hotels, ranging in purchase value from $500 to thousands for single or multiple weeks plus annual maintenance and escalation fees. Much too often, the hard sell approach is used by salesmen who apply techniques of browbeating, hype, coercion, luring and intimidation to persuade you to empty your pockets of hard-earned cash in exchange for an unintended purchase.

An educational panel presented

by ARDA titled “The Effects of Buyer Regret on Rescission: Recognizing, Revealing and Rectifying Regret” noted that 85 percent of buyers regret their purchase and only about 15 percent successfully cancel their contracts. Florida law permits you to cancel your timeshare contract until midnight of the 10th calendar day following the date the contract was signed or the day you received the last of the required documents, whichever occurs first.

What if you didn’t cancel the agreement? Consider the following example.

John and Mary bought a Walt Disney Resorts timeshare in 2007 for $5,366 plus an annual maintenance fee of $1,310 per year. A month later, they had buyer’s remorse. However, they owned the timeshare for life since they were past the 10 days permitted by Florida statutes for cancellation.

Failure to pay the required annual fee would put a black mark on their credit, so they decided to make the most of their Disney vacation week. Due to the initial pressures at the time of purchase and the anguish that followed, John and Mary overlooked the fact that the timeshare was a deeded property.

Following their deaths, their son, David, learned that the timeshare deed was never included in his parents’ revocable trust and would need to be probated before he could take ownership. The probate costs would be equal to 2 1/2 years of the annual maintenance fees. He decided to forgo taking ownership to avoid probate.

If you own a timeshare, consult with an estate planning attorney about how to transfer ownership to beneficiaries at your death.

>MONEY+MATTERS

Protect Your Identity

This Holiday Shopping Season Don’t let the Grinch steal your credit card information or your identity. What everyone needs to know about holiday shopping and identity theft.

By beconrad

T

he Christmas season is filled with friends and family, wonderful parties, delicious food and plenty of presents under the tree.

But to get all those presents, we need to do a lot of shopping. This raises the risk of identity theft.

Identity theft and Christmas are so closely linked that criminal gangs also look forward to this special time of year. With Black Friday and Cyber Monday around the corner, those criminal gangs ramp up their activity, increasing their efforts to separate consumers from their hard-earned money and even their very identities.

Enjoy a bountiful Christmas and avoid worry by implementing a few basic safety precautions. Here are some tips you can use to stay safe online and in stores this shopping season.

1. Dedicate one credit card to online shopping and another to offline purchases. Keep your online card in a safe place at home and carry the offline card in your wallet.

2.

Check your credit card statements with a fine-toothed comb.

Dedicating separate credit cards to 20

Central Florida Lifestyle | November 2018

online and offline purchases means you only have two cards to check, so check every purchase and match it up with your receipts.

3.

Turn down offers to save your credit card information. Some websites offer to save your payment information, but doing so will only increase your risk of fraudulent charges and identity theft. The extra convenience is simply not worth the higher risk.

4. Shop only at sites you know and trust. Identity thieves and other criminals sometimes set up fake shopping sites to lure unwary shoppers and steal their payment information. Be cautious when responding to offers or working with companies that aren’t familiar.

5. Protect your chip cards with a special case. PIN and chip cards are safer than their magnetic stripe counterparts, but thieves with special readers could capture the information remotely. Invest in a special blocking case for your credit cards and carry it with you whenever you shop.

6. Keep your receipts in a safe place.

Modern receipts don’t generally print the entire credit card number, but they can still contain information that would be valuable to an identity thief. Keeping your receipts in a safe place will make your life, and those post-holiday returns, a lot easier.

7. Be aware of your surroundings.

Look around you as you shop, watching out for purse snatchers and other petty criminals. Losing your wallet and your credit cards dramatically increases your risk of identity theft.

8.

Record the customer service phone numbers of your credit card issuers and keep them in a safe place. Having that information at hand will make it easier to cancel stolen cards, dispute fraudulent charges and notify issuers of suspicious activity.

Christmas should be a time of joy and family togetherness, not a time of risk and financial loss. Following the safe shopping tips outlined above can keep your identity safe and help you enjoy a merrier holiday season.

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>HOMESTYLE

5Home

Tips for Designing a

Gym

Learn how to turn a spare room into a custom workout space.

By Brittany Tai and Tarre Beach

S

ometimes the hardest part about going to the gym is actually going to the gym. For those who want to exercise but don’t want to leave the house, fret no more. Here are some helpful tips to get you started on creating your own home gym.

Designate Space First, find a room or area in your home that is large enough to house the equipment you will need and that has enough ventilation. Many houses have dead zones where the air conditioning putters out. That’s not the room you want to be swearing it out in.

Make it Look and Feel Like a Gym Include items that will contribute to your exercise. A TV is a great way to make your workout go by fast and can be useful when following

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Central Florida Lifestyle | November 2018

along to a workout channel. But if you have a couch or recliner in there, you may not work out. If you need to use it for guests when you have visitors, you may want to purchase a futon or an air mattress that can easily be put in the garage when guests are not in town. Remember, this is a workout room first.

Find the Right Equipment for You When purchasing exercise equipment, make sure that it’s something that you will use. If you hate rowing, don’t buy a rowing machine.

Treadmills, stationary bikes or elliptical trainers are tried and true pieces that most find useful. For weight training, you may want to find one machine that can work out more than three areas of your body, rather than three different machines. That will save a lot of space and money.

Of course, free weights are great too.

Personalize Your Space Stock up on good music. There are great sites that feature music where you can pick measured beats to warm up, increase your heart rate and cool down to. You may also want to consider installing a music system to enhance the experience. Anything that makes your home gym more enticing is great.

This should be a place you want to go, not one you’ll avoid. An aromatherapy diffuser is a nice addition.

Orange, jasmine, peppermint and grapefruit fragrances are all known for energizing qualities.

Make Sure You Can See It Finally, keep your gym door open so you see it. This is not a room to be hidden away. Let it be a constant reminder of your commitment to exercise and improve or maintain your good health.

>WINE+&+SPIRITS

A Moscow Mule infused with pear vodka and garnished with cinnamon makes the perfect holiday cocktail.

The Perfect

Pear

This autumnal fruit can be mixed into cocktails and paired with a meal from now all the way through winter.

J

Infuse the Flavor Vodka is the way to go when infusing pear flavor into alcohol because it offers more of a blank canvas than other spirits. Add one cup of ripe fruit for every three cups of vodka, keeping in mind that you can add more fruit if you prefer a stronger pear flavor. Consider adding cinnamon sticks, cloves, ginger or nutmeg to really make it your own. The spices you would lean 24

Central Florida Lifestyle | November 2018

Courtesy of Seasons 52

With just the right amount of sweet and boozy, this pear-flavored cocktail will take you from fall straight into winter.

By Lyndsay Fogarty

ust like apples, pears are a pome fruit, or a fruit with a core of small seeds and a fleshy, edible outer layer. Harvested from late summer to late fall, pears are the perfect addition to Greek yogurt for breakfast, a salad for lunch or a flatbread with prosciutto and a rich cheese like Gorgonzola for happy hour.

Pears also make for a tasty cocktail throughout the year but most notably during fall months when the fruit is in season. Here are some ideas for using pear in your bar or kitchen.

PEARFECT STORM COCKTAIL

toward while baking, roasting or grilling pears are also perfect for drinking.

Drink it Up While pear-infused vodka goes well with typical mixers like club soda, tonic water or even lemon-lime soda, it can also be used for many recipes that call for plain vodka. Make a Peartini that can be served straight up or with a splash of citrus and simple syrup. Or take a traditional cocktail like a Moscow Mule and mix it with pear vodka instead of regular. For any pearbased cocktail, make sure to add some fresh fruit slices as a garnish.

Pear it with a Meal Any dish that you would smother in a pear sauce or include pear as a garnish for would provide balance for the sweet pear cocktail. On the savory side, go with pork. Sip it alongside a spiral ham during the holidays or roasted pork tenderloin any other time of the year. You can also use the

INGREDIENTS: • 1 1/2 ounces Absolut Pear Vodka •3 /4 ounce St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur • 1 ounce simple syrup • 1 ounce lemon juice • 3 slices Bosc pear • 1 sprig thyme DIRECTIONS: Place 2 slices of Bosc pear, 1 ounce simple syrup and 1 ounce lemon juice into a rocks glass. Muddle ingredients. Fill glass with ice and add 1 1/2 ounces Absolut Pear Vodka and 3/4 ounce St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur. Garnish with final Bosc pear slice and thyme sprig.

pear-infused vodka when making a sauce to pour over ice cream for dessert or to use as syrup on pancakes or French toast. Most recipes call for you to reduce the pear in a mixture of spices, lemon juice and water. To make the adult version, substitute the pear vodka for the water.

>PLACES+TO+GO COURTESY OF THE COLLECTOR LUXURY INN & GARDENS

Explore the city on a vintage bicycle.

Historic Old Florida In more than 450 years, St. Augustine has grown from a struggling Spanish settlement to a bustling tourist town.

By Lyndsay Fogarty

J

ust a short drive from Orlando, the nation’s oldest city charms visitors with stories and re-enactments of its rich past — more than 450 years of it.

In 1513, Juan Ponce de Leon discovered Florida after landing near present-day St. Augustine. Later, in 1565, Pedro Menendez claimed the city for Spain. It was founded 42 years before English settlers reached Jamestown and 55 years before the pilgrims 26

Central Florida Lifestyle | November 2018

landed on Plymouth Rock. It saw both Spanish and British rule, pillaging pirates and bloody battles. The city that it is today was made possible through the efforts of Henry Flagler, who imagined a winter resort town for the very wealthy. Although it has seen changes since Flagler’s heyday, the tourism industry continues to dominate the local economy.

A trip to St. August is made all the more relaxing with a stay at

Nights of Lights During the Christmas holiday, the Spanish culture celebrates the season by displaying a white candle in the window. St. Augustine pays homage to its Spanish roots by taking this tradition to new heights with the annual Nights of Lights celebration that is taking place Nov. 17, 2018 through Feb. 3, 2019.

All across the city’s historic district, three million tiny white lights shine on historical buildings, illuminate the streets and sparkle in the trees. Area businesses offer special tours and events specific to the season as well, from carriage rides along the city streets to tours on the water and in the air.

Now in its 25th year, the Nights of Lights celebration brings the whole city together to present a breathtaking display. With so much to see and do, it is recommended that you make reservations in advance for any tours or special events. Also make time to walk the streets, soak up almost 450 years of history, and take in the charm in celebration of the holidays.

PLACES+TO+GO< COURTESY OF THE COLLECTOR LUXURY INN & GARDENS

Relax by the cozy fire pit and forget about the stresses of everyday life.

COURTESY OF THE COLLECTOR LUXURY INN & GARDENS

The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens. The propertyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nine historic homes, which date back to 1790, have been repurposed to include

COURTESY OF THE COLLECTOR LUXURY INN & GARDENS

Savor a cocktail and charcuterie board at The Well Bar.

30 individually appointed rooms and suites. With the personal touches of a bed and breakfast and the modern amenities of a luxury

inn, a stay here is equal parts relaxing and indulgent.

On Jan. 1, 2019, The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens will become an adults-only paradise where you can disconnect from the stresses you left back at home. The secluded, 1-acre space is ideal for couples, empty-nesters and solo travelers and features complimentary history tours, vintage art, mixology programming, a complimentary continental breakfast and a heated outdoor pool.

Be sure to explore St. Augustine between cocktails and charcuterie boards at The Well Bar, a former automotive garage on property that was repurposed into an afternoon and evening hangout, and kicking your feet up with a glass of wine by the cozy fire pit. The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens is located near Flagler College, The Oldest House Museum and the historic Castillo de San Marcos, where you can dive into the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rich history.

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

27

>ARTS+&+ENTERTAINMENT

COURTESY OF THE MILLS FAMILY

Maya Mills and Daniel Mills in a performance of “13: The Musical” at Montverde Academy.

In the Spotlight The Montverde Academy theatre program started the school year with a stellar performance and has many more to come.

By Lyndsay Fogarty

B

eing involved in extracurricular activities is known to build confidence in students while teaching them valuable lessons about teamwork and communication, whether it’s participating in a sport, theatre or an on-campus club.

The Mills siblings of Windermere know first-hand the benefits of school involvement, as they are all heavily involved in the esteemed theatre program at Montverde Academy.

28

Central Florida Lifestyle | November 2018

Vanessa Mills, 17, joined the program to fulfill a graduation requirement four years ago and ended up falling in love with technical theatre. Her 16-yearold sister Maya’s involvement goes back six years to when she played a small role in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” in fifth grade. The role fed her passion for theatre, and she has been performing ever since.

“I’ve seen Broadway shows, and I just imagined myself on the stage,”

Daniel, 14, says of what led him to join his sisters in the school’s theatre program three years ago.

Through their individual experiences, all of the Mills siblings have taken away specific lessons. Daniel found camaraderie as he became “one troupe, one family” with the students in the program. Maya learned about respect for her craft and her fellow thespians through the teamwork it takes to bring a show together. Van-

ARTS+&+ENTERTAINMENT<

COURTESY OF THE MILLS FAMILY

COURTESY OF THE MILLS FAMILY

essa’s biggest takeaway has been growing through her mistakes. They have also developed memories that will last a lifetime.

“I was able to sing a very meaningful song to one of my best friends, Wariboko Semenitari. This was the beginning of our friendship,” Maya remembers of her most memorable moment. “It was a little while ago, but singing with a friend is my favorite thing to do. I always love the connection you make with the other person and it makes it all feel so real onstage.”

In September, Montverde Academy’s theatre students impressed the community with their performance of “She Loves Me,” a 1930s-era romantic comedy that follows two coworkers, who are by no means friends, as they realize they are actually in love. Maya was cast in the lead female role of Amalia Balash, Daniel played Arpad

Maya Mills singing to her best friend, Wariboko Semenitari.

Lazio and Vanessa was the show’s student technical director as well as a part of the construction and prop teams.

It was announced last month that “She Loves Me” was nominated for 20 Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts Applause Awards.

Along with several other classmates, Maya earned a nomination for Lead Performer and Daniel for Supporting Performer. The production also received nominations for Outstanding Musical, Ensemble, Orchestra,

Technical Achievement, Director, Choreographer, Stage Manager, Set Designer, Lighting Designer, Sound Designer and Costume Designer.

Next up for Montverde Academy’s theatre students is the International Thespian District Festival in Ocala on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, where they will perform individual pieces as well as a one-act of “Next to Normal.” The next school production will be “Into the Woods” in February.

for elite studies in music and theatre.

We offer dynamic programs in both music and theatre arts for students who wish to excel and realize their highest potential as artists.

•Award winning music and theatre programs •100% college acceptance rate •AP and Honors courses

For more information: 17235 Seventh Street, Montverde, Florida 34756 | 407.469.2561 | montverde.org | admissions@montverde.org www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

29

Local restaurants and markets share their modern versions of traditional holiday recipes.

Seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Eatings COURTESY OF TAPA TORO

30

Central Florida Lifestyle | November 2018

Cranberry-Orange Holiday Tart Courtesy of Lucia Davila Champeaux, Tapa Toro Yield: 6 tarts Pumpkin pie will always have a place on the holiday table, but this year, let cranberries take center stage with these individual desserts.

INGREDIENTS: For cranberry filling • 3 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, pitted • 1 cup sugar • Juice of one whole orange • Zest of one whole orange • 2 ounces corn starch For tart shell • 6.5 ounces butter • 4 ounces powdered (10x) sugar • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 3/4 teaspoon lemon zest • Vanilla puree or extract, to taste • 3 ounces eggs, beaten • 12 ounces pastry flour, sifted

For chantilly cream • 2 cups heavy cream, cold • 100 grams powdered (10x) sugar DIRECTIONS: In a small saucepan, warm the cranberries, sugar and orange zest.

Reduce to syrup consistency. Combine the juice of 1 orange and cornstarch to make a slurry. Add slurry to cranberry sauce and stir until it thickens slightly (should have the consistency of jam).

Allow to cool.

In a mixing bowl, combine butter, powdered sugar and salt. Mix on low speed, scraping the sides every couple of seconds. Add the vanilla.

Add in 1/3 of the eggs and bring speed up to medium. Add the remaining eggs in two stages at high speed. Mix until incorporated well, lower to slow. Add the flour in four stages until evenly incorporated,

making sure to scrape the sides. Take the dough and wrap in plastic wrap or cellophane, and form into a disk.

Refrigerate for one hour. Form dough into 5-inch round tart shells by hand, or by using an oven-safe ramekin large enough to accommodate, making sure to mold sides at about 1-inch deep (similar to a pizza crust).

Bake at 300°F, checking every 6-10 minutes or until shell is golden brown, semi-sturdy and dry. Allow to cool.

Add heavy cream into mixing bowl.

Using the whisk attachment, whip at high speed until soft peaks form. Add the powdered sugar and whip until stiff peaks form. Transfer to a piping bag with a rose tip.

Fill tart shell 3/4 of the way up with the cranberry jam and allow to set. Garnish with chantilly, a sprinkle of powdered sugar and sprig of mint.

WE’LL TREAT YOU LIKE FAMILY. And do all the work.

Our buffet features all the holiday favorites like tender roasted tom turkey, fajita spice churrasco, New England scrod, and our famous cream of pumpkin and sweet potato soup.

COURTESY OF TAPA TORO

With live Jazz music and additional selections of our chef’s signature appetizers, sides and desserts, it couldn’t be easier to have a memorable Thanksgiving.

November 22, 2018 | 1:00pm – 7:00pm $55 for adults* $18 for kids ages 3-9* FREE for kids under 3*

Florida residents receive 20% off.

*tax and gratuity not included (based on full price).

Discount off buffet only, alcoholic beverages not included.

Reserve today at 407-238-8000 Ext. 8020 C A R I B E R O YA L E . C O M

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

31

French Green Bean and Chanterelle Casserole Courtesy of The Fresh Market

COURTESY OF THE FRESH MARKET

You can go ahead and cross the cream of mushroom soup off your shopping list. This modern take on the classic green bean casserole walks you through making your own fresh version.

INGREDIENTS: • 2 1/2 pounds French green beans • 2 tablespoons salted butter • 5 cipollini onions, thinly sliced • 2 teaspoons paprika • Pinch of cayenne pepper • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1 /2 pound chanterelle mushrooms, rinsed and coarsely chopped • 8 ounces baby portabella mushrooms, sliced • 4 tablespoons flour • 2 cups chicken stock • 1/2 cup crème fraîche • 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed • 2 (4-ounce) packages Lars Crispy Onions

Lobster Mashed Potatoes Courtesy of Ocean Prime

Add some decadence to your holiday spread by spicing up one of your typical sides. The lobster in this dish puts a surf-and-turf spin on your turkey dinner.

INGREDIENTS: For Lobster Topping • 3 ounces lobster meat • 3 tablespoons paprika butter (1 stick butter whipped in mixer with 1/2 tablespoon paprika) • 1 ounce cream or milk • 1 ounce unsalted butter • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt • 1/4 teaspoon chives • 1 pinch paprika

DIRECTIONS: In a large pot of salted boiling water, add green beans and blanch until just tender, about 5 minutes. Drain beans immediately and rinse with cold water, then pat dry. Cut beans in half and set aside.

DIRECTIONS: Peel and halve the potatoes, then place them in a pot with water, bringing to a simmer. Cook until the potatoes are fork tender throughout. Immediately drain the potatoes and allow to steam for 3 minutes. While potatoes are steaming, heat the butter and cream in a small sauce pan until butter has melted. Whip the potatoes in a mixer for 30 seconds alone then add about 3/4 of the butter and cream mixture and continue mixing slowly. Increase speed as you go, whipping air into the potatoes and giving them volume. Add the remaining liquid as you mix, only if needed.

In a large, deep sauté pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions, sauté for about 5 minutes or until translucent. Add paprika, cayenne pepper, pepper and salt; stir until combined. Add mushrooms, cover and cook for 5 minutes. Uncover mushroom mixture and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Gradually add flour to mushroom mixture, stirring to combine. Slowly add chicken stock, stirring constantly until all stock has been added and mixture is smooth. Bring sauce to a simmer and cook for an additional 5-8 minutes or until sauce has thickened. Once thickened, stir in crème fraîche, lemon juice and French beans. Simmer, stirring occasionally until beans are heated through, about 8 minutes.

32

Central Florida Lifestyle | November 2018

Sauté the lobster meat in 2 tablespoons of paprika butter. In a separate pan, mix mashed potatoes, 1 tablespoon paprika butter and cream. Serve mashed potatoes in a dish with lobster meat and extra butter on top. Garnish with chives and paprika.

COURTESY OF OCEAN PRIME

Preheat oven to 400°F. Transfer French bean mixture to a 9 x 13 inch glass or ceramic baking dish. Bake casserole for 20 minutes or until bubbling. Remove from oven and top with 1 ½ container of Lars Crispy Onions, covering the top completely. Serve warm with additional crispy onions for adding to individual servings.

For Ocean Prime Whipped Potatoes • 8 cups Idaho potatoes • 12 cups cold water • 1/2 cup cream or milk • 2 sticks unsalted butter • 1 tablespoon kosher salt • 1/8 tablespoon white pepper

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33

>SOMEONE+YOU+SHOULD+KNOW

Music

Discover the path Eric Jacobsen took to follow his dream of conducting some of the nation’s best orchestras.

Check out the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra in these upcoming performances.

NOVEMBER 24

Home for the Holidays

By Lyndsay Fogarty

E

ric Jacobsen, the current conductor for the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra (OPO), grew up in a musical household.

A talented cellist for many years, he switched gears as his career progressed to follow his dreams of one day conducting an orchestra.

In his younger years, Jacobsen was all over the place in terms of what he was interested in, both artistically and overall. It wasn’t until 1993, when he was 11 years old, that he discovered his specific love for music. He describes it as a tough year — one in which he lost his mother and also went to music camp for the first time.

“I totally fell in love, and the emotions were very intense and familial feelings all at the same time,” Jacobsen remembers.

As he was getting better at music camp, Jacobsen was simultane34

Central Florida Lifestyle | November 2018

ously trying to impress a girl. His father’s advice played in the back of his mind: The better you get at music, the more you’re going to enjoy it.

“That was kind of a snowball effect,” Jacobsen says. “I kept on wanting to get better for a specific reason, and the better I got, the more I liked the thing I was doing.”

At that point and through college, Jacobsen put all of his energy into his music.

“I went to Julliard, and I was very much about the artistry of what the cello is and the incredibly beautiful and noble act of playing an instrument, which is one of the most special things that a human can do,” he says.

He believes that being great at just one thing — in his case music — opens your eyes to being empathetic across all borders and through anything in life that is perceived as difficult.

2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Bob Carr Theater 401 W. Livingston St. Orlando, FL 32801 Ticket prices vary Guest Conductor Albert George Schram, Opera Orlando Youth Orchestra and The Holiday Singers will perform familiar favorites and new holiday tunes. Also, Santa Claus will be in the lobby before each performance to greet the entire family. Attendees are encouraged to bring shelf-stable food items to contribute to Second Harvest of Central Florida’s holiday food drive.

DECEMBER 1, 9

Symphony Storytime: ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas

Show times and prices vary The Plaza Live 425 N. Bumby Ave. Orlando, FL 32803 Children ages 3 to 7 will enjoy live music from Orlando Philharmonic musicians, along with narration and hand-drawn illustrations that bring this classic holiday story to life.

COURTESY OF THE ORLANDO PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

The Sweet Sound of

SOMEONE+YOU+SHOULD+KNOW<

his time between the two cities. In his fourth season with OPO, he will conduct concerts on each of the three main series.

“The thing that inspires me consistently is how we bring people together and how music is able to create empathy among humans,” Jacobsen says. “That art form, and the incredibly arduous task of be-

ing excellent, has you witness the musicians from the Orlando Philharmonic constantly get better and prove themselves day after day.”

The 2018-19 season began at the end of September and will conclude in April. Children can even get in on the fun with the orchestra’s Storytime Series through May. COURTESY OF THE ORLANDO PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

COURTESY OF THE ORLANDO PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

“You spend all those hours doing something, and you realize how lucky you are that you have followed a path and you have put in the time to be excellent at something,” Jacobsen says. “That gives you this incredible ability to see someone else doing something hard and realizing what it takes to do that.”

At that time, following a path gave Jacobsen focus. He went on to play cello in a string quartet with his brother and two friends for 10 years before he decided to leave the physical act of playing an instrument behind to follow his dream of conducting.

As the co-founder, artistic director and conductor of The Knights orchestra in New York City and music director for OPO in Orlando, Jacobsen now splits

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

35

>EXPERT+ADVICE+REAL ESTATE

It’s Time to Buy a Luxury Home Find out why now is the time to invest in Central Florida’s luxury real estate market.

By Guy Sanchez Jr., Watson Realty Corp.

C

entral Florida has become the destination for affluent buyers looking to purchase a luxury home. The local luxury real estate market indicates a buyer’s market; however, that temperature will shift as forecasts show the transition to a seller’s market for luxury homes in the next two years. Here, I share my insights into the Central Florida luxury home market, and why I, like many other real estate professionals, have followed the migration toward this area.

A market snapshot Almost all luxury homes are sold through a luxury real estate agent. The market indicators show that we are in a luxury buyer’s market with a 9 percent sales ratio in 2018. Luxury home sales in 2018 are selling at a median of about 95

Guy Sanchez Jr. is the Vice President Managing Broker with Watson Realty Corp. He has over 28 years in the real estate industry with experience in the luxury real estate market in South Florida, Central Florida and the Caribbean. He also serves on the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC).

36

Central Florida Lifestyle | November 2018

percent of the listing price. The most desired price range for buyers is from $1.2 million to $1,299,000.

The average days on the market for a luxury home is currently 84 days.

Additionally, there is an average of 581 luxury home sales and 43 luxury homes that have sold this year alone. The sales ratio is 7 percent on average per year. These numbers and ratios will change in 2019 as the market fluctuates.

Is it time to buy? What is the future of the area market?

Yes. Now is the time to buy.

In fact, it’s the best time to buy a luxury home in Central Florida.

Buying before the end of the year will be the most opportune time before the real estate market shifts in other areas of Florida and outside of the state, which is predicted to happen in the next two years.

Central Florida will feel the effects through a migration of affluent buyers, both on a national and international level, set on opportunism and a luxury lifestyle. It will then become a seller’s market, giving buyers less room to negotiate a good purchase on a luxury home.

Trends are showing that Central

Florida is seeing a migration from areas in Florida from other states and countries. The market is beginning to stabilize, but with interest rates on a slight rise in home purchasing, money becomes tight and less accessible. U.S. tariffs imposed on foreign countries, plus new trade agreements, are also affecting the foreign real estate market.

A great forecast The economic forecast for Central Florida shows continued future growth. We see expansions due to new home construction, theme parks, burgeoning infrastructure and new businesses escalating into the area. It’s time to buy, whether you purchase a luxury home or not.

While Central Florida is rapidly growing, local leaders have shared concerns regarding the lack of affordable housing. A decrease in construction of new luxury homes is also cause for concern. The inventory level for luxury homes will be low, with a migration of affluent buyers creating a seller’s luxury home market in the future. If you buy before the shift, your luxury home value and investment will increase — and that is a smart investment.

>EXPERT+ADVICE+WELLNESS

Let’s Talk Turkey About Thanksgiving

Manage temptations and keep your health on track with these holiday health and wellness tips.

By Damien Priester, Prestige Fitness

M

any find themselves traveling to spend the holidays with family where they will over-indulge on rich and fatty foods.

To avoid the pitfalls and the weight gain that usually go along with the fall feast follow these easy suggestions.

•P ack a snack. Whether driving or flying, pack a healthy snack to take with you. It will help you avoid stopping at fast food venues and convenience stores for nutritionally void, high-calorie foods.

•E at breakfast. A healthy, hearty breakfast will help you avoid overindulging later. Think oatmeal, yogurt, fruit and lean proteins.

•S tay hydrated. Most of us are walking around in a state of chronic dehydration, which contributes to fatigue, weight gain and the false sense of hunger. Drinking more water will

Damien Priester is a certified fitness coach and owner of Prestige Fitness.

He works with people of all ages and fitness levels to help them achieve their goals. As a speaker, trainer, instructor and healthy living expert, he has been featured at hundreds of conventions, expos, classes and corporate events.

38

Central Florida Lifestyle | November 2018

keep you satisfied longer and keep hunger pangs to a minimum.

•H ave a plate plan before heading to the Thanksgiving table. Turkey is a lean protein and should take up one-third of your plate. Fill the remaining two-thirds with vegetables like sweet potatoes or yams, which are high in fiber and potassium, broccoli, Brussels sprouts or green beans. Vegetables are low in calories and high in fiber, so you can fill up without packing on the pounds, and the vitamins and minerals they provide nourish your body while cutting down on cravings.

•O ffer to pitch in. Whether it’s preparing the food, clearing the table or doing the dishes, staying busy with a helpful activity helps the hosts and keeps you off the couch.

•D on’t sabotage yourself. There's no reason to skip your favorite item or dessert. Just keep the portion in proportion.

•D on’t forget to move. Exercise will help you burn off the excess calories and keep your immune system at peak performance to stave off anything you might pick up while traveling.

Stay on the move with these five, no-equipment-necessary exercises that

can be done anywhere. Try performing each one for up to a minute consecutively.

•S quats: Stand tall, squeeze your belly in tight, drop your butt so your legs are parallel to the floor, stand and repeat.

•B urpees: Stand tall, bend your knees and place your hands on the floor directly under your shoulders. Take a big step back with your right leg, and then the left.

Land into a perfect push-up position. Stand back up and repeat.

•P ush-up Hold: Hold perfect push-up position and squeeze through your triceps for as long as you can or until you start to shake a little.

• J umping Jacks: Everyone’s favorite warm-up exercise. Remember, big movements.

•P lank Hold: Hold a perfect plank position. Squeeze your belly button into your spine and hold it tight!

Having a plate plan and a work-out routine that requires no equipment will help you enjoy a stress-free, healthy and happy Thanksgiving holiday.

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/ FAMILY4

Building a Better Future Through a variety of behavioral health, intellectual, and developmental disabilities and child welfare services, Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Florida is a pillar of hope for youth in need.

O

ver the past three years, our partnership with Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Florida has taught us so much. Not only did we learn about the serious need for foster families in Central Florida but also about the many services that Devereux offers to our community.

Did you know...

1. Each year, there are 18,000 to 20,000 children in Florida who are part of the foster care system.

Drug abuse is the number one reason for children entering state care, and this trend has grown significantly over the past few years in Florida as a result of opioid-specific cases.

2. C entral Florida is one of the highest ranked areas in the country for human trafficking and there is not one child, regardless of age, race or social status, who is protected. Some signs of human trafficking in youth include: • Repeated runaways aving extra money or unexplainable •H access to new possessions requent school absences and/ •F or a sudden change in academic performance 40

Central Florida Lifestyle | November 2018

• Questionable friends or the presence of a controlling friend/ boyfriend • Fearful, submissive, depressed or anxious behavior • Withdrawn or lack of interest in preferred activities • Gang involvement If you suspect a child or teen is a victim, please call the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE. If you believe you are a victim of human trafficking or suspect an adult is a victim of human trafficking, please call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center at 1-800-373-7888.

3. Utilizing the skills of master’s level therapists, the Devereux Family Counseling Center provides individual, family and group therapy for youth and families.

Specialized trauma-informed therapeutic services cover a range of issues, including depression, anxiety, hyperactivity/inattention, relationships, anger management, behavior problems, self-esteem, sexual abuse and commercial sexual exploitation.

4. Devereux partners with Orange County Public Schools to provide therapeutic support to over 60 schools at the elementary, middle and high school levels through a contract with SEDNET, a multi-agency network that provides support and a system of care for students with or at risk of emotional and/ or behavioral challenges.

5. When youth and young adults in Central Florida are experiencing a crisis related to mental health needs, substance abuse issues or a trauma-related event, mobile crisis services can be accessed by calling 2-1-1 and, if determined to meet criteria, a mental health professional arrives onsite within an hour to provide immediate crisis intervention and stabilization. Since its conception in late 2015, Devereux’s mobile crisis response team has been dispatched over 1,145 times and has a stabilization rate of 91 percent, with a 100 percent satisfaction rate. This program is made available in partnership with Orange County Government.

• • • • • • • • • • Promotional Feature • • • • • • • • • •

Camp Holiday Cheer!

This holiday season, the Lifestyle Magazine team is working hand in hand with Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Florida to create a holiday wonderland for foster children and the families who are providing them a safe, loving home. We invite the community to join us in making this an extra special holiday party and giving these families memories that will last a lifetime.

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

1. Become a Camp Holiday Cheer sponsor.

2. M ake a donation for necessary supplies or food and beverage items.

3. Adopt a foster family for Christmas.

Contact Catie Moore for more information about how you can positively affect local foster children during the holidays.

407-499-1024 | catie@karstmediagroup.com

A Family for Every Child The decision to become a foster parent takes careful consideration but is extremely rewarding. For children and teens without a safe, nurturing environment to turn to, the future can seem dark and uncertain.

By opening your home, and your heart, you are giving kids in need a chance at fulfilling their potential and enjoying a life of success.

There is a great need for foster parents here in Central Florida, and far too many families miss the opportunity to foster because of misconceptions. Foster parents are just as unique and diverse as the youth in their care: single, married or living in a committed relationship with someone. Families of all types can make a difference in the lives of children in need.

“They are my family once they come into my home,” says Natividad, a Devereux foster mom. “We make them feel welcome by listening to them to ensure they know they are an important part of our family, which helps with the transition.”

For Shakira and her husband, Chaz, providing structure and a sense of safety for the children in the foster system has strengthened their connection. Not only have they been able to guide these children through some of the toughest times of their young lives but they have seen their eyes light up during brand new experiences, some as common as going for ice cream.

“Our first year of fostering had a lot of ups and downs, though we enjoyed our first year tremendously,” Shakira says. “We have grown stronger and closer as a couple and have truly learned unconditional love.

We were surprised by how deep and pure love can be, especially when children are here only a short time.”

Devereux foster parents receive ongoing support from a variety of

resources to prevent and reduce foster parent stress and family crisis, including ongoing training and assistance. Additionally, Devereux’s foster parents have found a support system in each other. Natividad and Shakira met through their shared experience, and now they’re close friends who can count on each other every step of the way.

For more information about becoming a Devereux Florida foster parent, visit www.DevereuxFL.org or email FLFosterCare@devereux.org.

FLORIDA

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

41

>HOMETOWN+HISTORY

3

Historical Moments for Central Florida

A look back at some milestone events that occurred for these three local institutions in the month of November.

By Larissa Hamblin and Lyndsay Fogarty

O

rlando is known for many things, including its growth.

In fact, a 2018 report by MagnifyMoney, a website that aids consumers through a variety of free financial tools and information, ranked Orlando No. 14 in its list of America's 100 Biggest Boomtowns after studying the ways each city has changed between 2011 and 2016.

With more people comes more patients and students, so local hospitals and colleges are in a constant state of change to keep up with the flourishing population and its needs. These are some of the highlights of several Central Florida institutions that have made history during the month of November.

Rollins College Found a Home

What started as a paper plan developed into one of the most beloved colleges in Central Florida â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Rollins College. Back in 1885, Edward Payson Hooker offered an outline of Rollins College to the Congressional Association in hopes of turning the dream into a reality. After contemplation, the design turned into action when it was accepted and founded as a coeducational institution by the Congressional Church. In that same year, classes began on Nov. 4 and the college officially took off under the presidential leadership of Hooker himself. The institution has remained the heart of Winter Park and home to thousands of students, degrees and professors.

42

Central Florida Lifestyle | November 2018

UCF Student Newspaper Gets a Name

ORMC Celebrates its Centennial

Orlando Regional Medical Center opened as Orange General Hospital on Nov. 5, 1918 with just two of its four floors completed, one functioning operating room and no gas, electricity or air conditioning. By 1945, it had become the third largest private hospital in Florida and grew from 100 beds to 263 beds and bassinets. Today, ORMC is part of an entire network of hospitals under the Orlando Health umbrella, which also includes Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies. ORMC has Central Florida's only Level One Trauma Center, a state-accredited hospital facility that offers highly specialized treatments for critical injuries.

More than 85,000 patients are treated at the facility each year.

On Nov. 15, 1968, University of Central Florida journalism majors and alumni Jonathan Gholdston and Linda Mettle named the school's independent, student-run publication the "FuTUre," a nod to UCF's original name of Florida Technical University, according to an article published in the paper's final issue. It ran as "F.T.U. ???" for the first five issues as the name remained undecided. After several masthead and name changes, the staff settled on "The Central Florida Future" in 1985. The paper gave countless UCF journalism students hands-on experience as they honed their skills. "The Central Florida Future" was shuttered in 2016 when Gannett, the publishing company that owned the paper, decided to shift its focus.

>SCHOOL+NEWS

Being Thankful In school, we learned about the origins of Thanksgiving and the traditions surrounding the holiday. Now, more than ever, it’s important to count our blessings instead of the things that are going wrong. So we asked some of our youngest neighbors what they’re thankful for this year as an adorable reminder.

“ I’m thankful for my friends, toys, and Mommy and Daddy.”

-Mackenzie, 6

“ I’m thankful for hugs, presents, kindness, friends, and Mommy and Daddy.”

-Kenlee, 4

“ I’m thankful for my family, a tablet, my friends and my mom.”

-Ryker, 5

“ I’m thankful for Grandpa sending me postcards in the mail.”

-Zoey, 6

“ I’m thankful for my family, Jesus, Native Americans who made this holiday, my cousins and my grandparents.”

-Adley, 7

“ I’m thankful for my family, baseball and money.”

-Jayden, 10

“ I’m thankful for going to school.”

-Sadie, 3

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Central Florida Lifestyle | November 2018

“ My mommy.”

-Lucas, 3

>YOUR+LOCAL

Lights, Camera,

Action!

The International Christian Film and Music Festival will be heading back to Orlando in May 2019.

By Lyndsay Fogarty

O

nce a year, filmmakers, actors, producers and other entertainment professionals travel to Orlando to participate in the International Christian Film and Music Festival. Known as one of the largest Christian film festivals in the world, the goal is to help filmmakers and musicians get to the next level of their careers.

“When we started seven years ago, we had about 60 attendees,” Sue Crampton, the executive director of operations for the festival, says. “This year we’re expecting over 1,000.”

The next festival will be held May 1-4, 2019 at Wyndham Orlando Resort International Drive.

While organizers are working to finalize all of the details, submissions are being accepted in 10 categories, including feature film, documentary, music video, script, animation and music. The submission deadline is Jan. 31, 2019.

During the festival, film submissions will be reviewed by a group of 10 judges. There will be five industry professionals who have the experience to provide input on a technical level

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Central Florida Lifestyle | November 2018

and five everyday people who just love to watch movies. This allows each submission to be judged from a variety of perspectives.

“There’s a sense of balance,” Marty Jean-Louis, the executive festival director, says. “The people that are in the industry will look for more of the technical stuff, and the people that are not, they look more for the story that relates to them.”

Additionally, musicians will have the opportunity to present their submissions live in front of a group of judges for those specific categories.

There are two aspects to this family friendly festival. Not only do filmmakers present their films to an audience of movie-goers and judges in the hopes that their submission will take home the big prize, but there is also an educational element.

“For these people, it’s a learning process to basically learn more and to sharpen their skills,” Jean-Louis says.

This is done through seminars as well as networking events where industry professionals can connect on multiple levels. While winning awards is extremely gratifying for

TOP 10 REASONS TO SUBMIT IN THE INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN FILM AND MUSIC FESTIVAL 1. Win up to $100,000 in prizes articipate in an Oscar-style 2. P award ceremony 3. Screen movies to distributors creen movies in France at the 4. S Cannes Film Festival et a distribution deal during 5. G the festival alk the red carpet and do 6. W interviews with the media eet industry/like-minded 7. M professionals 8. Learn from the best in the industry 9. Meet some of the best actors 10. B e a part of what’s known as the friendliest festival

participating artists, the additional opportunity to meet with distributors and pitch their films is an added bonus.

Past celebrity guests and speakers at the International Christian Film and Music Festival have included Kevin Sorbo, Kirk Cameron and the Newsboys. Stay up to date with announcements regarding the 2019 festival and submit your work for consideration at www.internationalcff.org.

>YOUR+LOCAL

COURTESY OF THE SALVATION ARMY

3

Ways to Give Back These local volunteer opportunities are a great way to support your local community.

By Larissa Hamblin

T

he holiday season serves as a reminder to give back, not only to the people who help you in day-to-day life but also to your community. Orlando is home to countless nonprofit organizations that are dedicated to caring for the community, and they are constantly looking for volunteers to help them achieve their missions.

Below are some local organizations that invest in helping those in need year-round. So gather a group of family and friends for an afternoon of giving back.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | November 2018

Serve Your Neighbors What better way to help your community than to serve a hot meal to individuals who don’t always have access to one? One Heart for Women and Children plans monthly outreach events where volunteers serve a hot meal to homeless and impoverished individuals in the community.

This month, volunteers are needed on Nov. 25 to donate food items for a Thanksgiving meal and to serve the meal to up to 300 people. Volunteers of all ages are welcome to offer a hand. If you would like to extend aid but will be out of town, the or-

ganization is accepting donations of beverages, clothing and sanitary items for those in need as well as monetary donations to cover utensils and plates on the day of the event.

Ring the Bell for Change Every Christmas season, when we walk out of our local grocer or department store, we’re met with the sound of a ringing bell and a person wearing a red Santa hat and a smile. Luckily for Floridians, these volunteers don’t have to brisk the winter snow, so they get the best of the winter season. The Sal-

vation Army is looking for volunteers with outgoing personalities who are eager to help out with the endeavor. Bell ringers are needed from mid-November to Christmas Eve, and the money raised per hour is enough to provide a family with two bags of groceries or shelter an individual for one night.

Raise Awareness with a Walk or Run Getting involved in a walk or a 5k is a great way to show your support for a cause close to your heart. Many organizations host these events from January through summertime because of Floridaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beautiful weather. Track Shack has already posted a list of events that need volunteers to provide instructions, cheer on runners and coordinate individual races for 2019.

Additionally, Harbor House is hosting its 8th annual Paws for Peace Walk at Blue Jacket Park in April to raise awareness and end abuse. The organization is always accepting volunteers as individuals or groups to help assist with other fundraisers, become social media ambassadors and play with kids in the child care center.

COURTESY OF THE SALVATION ARMY

Endless volunteer opportunities are available in Orlando, whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re interested in working at a hospital, with children at care centers or with teams that are giving back to the homeless.

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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>CHAMBER+NEWS WOCC ambassadors celebrated the fifth anniversary of The Sacred Olive (above) and the first anniversary of European Wax Centers (below).

OCPS Teach-In Here in Orange County, workforce development is an increasingly important topic. The economy is thriving and businesses continue to flock to the Orlando area. But are we, as a community, doing enough to provide qualified employees to fill these jobs?

On Nov. 14, business leaders have the opportunity to reach stu-

Stina D’Uva is president of the West Orange Chamber of Commerce, which won the 2015 Chamber of the Year Award.

dents directly via the annual OCPS Teach-In program. Participants can take advantage of this unique opportunity to become a teacher for the hour, showcasing some of the qualities they are looking for in their next great employee while inspiring students and getting them to start thinking about their next steps after school.

You can read a book; share an educational experience about your career; or talk about a favorite vacation, hobby or how a special teacher touched your life. Whatever your skills and no matter the what topic you choose, there is a classroom of students waiting to hear from you! Learn more about this valuable program by visiting www.foundationforocps.org.

November Events: November 8 Lead and Feed Series Sponsor: Orlando Health - Health Central Hospital 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Dragonfly Robata Grill and Sushi 7972 Via Dellagio Way Orlando, FL 32819 $20 in advance and $30 at the door for members, $30 nonmembers November 15 Business After Hours Series Sponsor: Winter Garden Village at Fowler Groves Event Sponsor: Orlando Health – Dr. P. Phillips Hospital 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Orlando Health – Dr. P. Phillips Hospital 9400 Turkey Lake Rd. Orlando, FL 32819 $5 in advance and $10 at the door for members, $25 nonmembers For more information, visit wochamber.com or email kjones@wochamber.com

November Luncheon Offers Advice To Future Leaders The Winter Park Chamber's Young Professionals of Winter Park program includes a robust curriculum that provides leadership courses and networking opportunities for its participants. On Nov. 13, the chamber is hosting a luncheon that is open to any young professional, regardless of whether they’re enrolled in the current class.

Lisa Broesch-Weeks, an author and consultant who frequently speaks

Betsy Gardner Eckbert is the President/CEO of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce. The WPCC convenes people and ideas to create value for members, support entrepreneurs in the community and extend a warm welcome to Winter Park’s domestic and international guests.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | November 2018

on leadership development, will present “How to Lead and How to Follow: Influence and Engage Anyone, Anywhere.” The interactive program will give attendees tools to motivate and inspire their teams to raise the bar and strive for excellence, even if they don’t have an official leadership title. Based on real-life experiences and results, it shares positive reinforcement and basic behavioral principles that are transferable to all leaders and anyone who wants to motivate and engage others.

Additionally, the chamber invites you to relax and experience the charm of Park Avenue at Sip, Shop & Stroll on Nov. 15. This uniquely Winter Park wine walk is an opportunity to visit your favorite Park Avenue shops and restaurants. Discover new merchants and check out the latest fashions, gift ideas and seasonal menu items while enjoying wine and hors d'oeuvres along the way.

Don't just take our word for it. The Orlando Date Night Guide has voted Sip, Shop & Stroll the Best Periodic Event three consecutive years in a row.

This event is held twice a year and always draws a fun crowd.

November Events: November 13 Young Professionals Development Luncheon 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Winter Park Welcome Center 151 W. Lyman Ave. Winter Park, FL 32789 $10 for members, $20 for nonmembers November 15 Sip, Shop Stroll Presenting Sponsor: Thomas Family & Cosmetic Dentistry 5-8 p.m.

Morse Boulevard and Park Avenue $25 admission November 28 Chamber Connect 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar 933 N. Orlando Ave. Winter Park, FL 32789 $25 admission For more information and to register, visit www.WinterPark.org.

Hosted by The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce

CHRISTMAS PARADE

Saturday, December 8 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Presented by:

Park Avenue | Winter Park

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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>CHAMBER+NEWS

Giving Back to Our Community There are numerous organizations that support our community.

They give their time, treasures and talents to help individuals and support a cause or initiative to improve our community. Each year the East Orlando Chamber of Commerce recognizes nine organizations, providing them an opportunity to showcase their initiative.

EAST

ORLANDO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Serving East to Southeast Orlando

Andrew Cole is the executive director for the East Orlando Chamber of Commerce, which serves the needs of members through a variety of member-only benefits, networking events, educational seminars and promotional opportunities.

This year, the organizations that are being featured are Boy Scouts of America Central FL Council, Bridges of Light Foundation, Chef ’s Honor Guard, CRU, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Foundation for Foster Children, Hands on Orlando, Health Council of East Central Florida and Turning Point of CFL. Our featured speaker is Dick Batchelor, who has been a successful businessman, politician as well as concerned and caring neighbor with a commitment to our community. Join us on Wednesday, Nov. 14 to meet and support these charities. If you are interested in adopting one of these charities for the luncheon, contact Dorothy Hardee at the chamber office for information.

Did you know the chamber has health benefits that start at $14 per month? We offer telehealth, accident and catastrophic plans to keep you covered in case of an unforeseen illness or injury. Contact the office or visit our website today to learn more.

The East Orlando Chamber of Commerce covers over 440 square miles east of I-4 and has benefits you won’t believe. Visit our website at www.EOCC.org or call the office at 407-277-5951 to discover more.

November Events: November 14 Local Charities Luncheon 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Holiday Inn - UCF 1724 N Alafaya Trail Orlando, FL 32826

Chamber Gives Back November is here and it’s the season for giving. We're proud to host our 9th Annual Chamber Gives Back Nonprofit Appreciation Luncheon on Thursday, Nov. 1, sponsored by Florida Hospital. We are honored to welcome nonprofits from Central Florida to this event.

Our chamber believes in helping nonprofits thrive as much as possible, so we always offer 501(c)(3) organizations a lower membership rate of $100 annually.

Halie DeLoach is the director of programs and events at the OviedoWinter Springs Regional Chamber of Commerce (OWSRCC).

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Central Florida Lifestyle | November 2018

Also in November is our 31st Annual Oviedo-Winter Springs Regional Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Golf Tournament. The continued success of this event is always of importance because the proceeds benefit our chamber’s Phil Cloninger Memorial Scholarship. Each year, we award a high school student from the Oviedo or Winter Springs community with a scholarship to the school of their choice. We're proud to have continued this tradition for 31 years and appreciate the support from all of our members. If you would like to participate in this event, it’s not too late! Contact us today for additional information.

“The Oviedo-Winter Springs Regional Chamber of Commerce: An advocate for business and civic interests within our communi-

ties.” Membership information at www.oviedowintersprings.org/join/ membership-benefits/

November Events: November 1 Monthly Luncheon 9th Annual Chamber Gives Back Nonprofit Appreciation Luncheon 11:30 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.

Tuscawilla Country Club 1500 Winter Springs Blvd.

Winter Springs, FL 32708 November 14 Oviedo Businesswomen Network Luncheon 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Tuscawilla Country Club 1500 Winter Springs Blvd.

Winter Springs, FL 32708 November 16 31st Annual OWSRCC Scholarship Golf Tournament 8 a.m. registration 9 a.m. shotgun start Twin Rivers Golf Club 2100 Ekana Dr. Oviedo, FL 322765 For more information, visit www.oviedowintersprings.org or email halie@oviedowintersprings.org

Council of 101 Presents

FESTIVAL OF TREES

Special Events Friday, November 9 Tree Lighting, Champagne Reception and Gala

Saturday, November 10 + 17 Breakfast with Santa

Saturday, November 10 Havana Nights

Tuesday, November 13 Festival Salutes Seniors

Wednesday, November 14 Reindeer Romp Children's Party

Thursday, November 15 India Hicks Lecture

Friday, November 16 Ugly Holiday Sweater Date Night

at the Orlando Museum of Art

November 10-18, 2018 General Admission: 10am - 5pm | Adults: $15; Children (3-11): $5

More Information 407.896.4231 x254 councilof101@omart.org omart.org/FOT

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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>WHAT’S+HAPPENING

NOVEMBER Calendar of Events

S U N DAY

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M O N DAY

T U E S DAY

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9

12

13

20

A Taste of Dr. Phillips

11

Epcot Festival of the Holidays

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19

FusionFest

25

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1-4 p.m.

Dellagio 7940 Via Dellagio Way Orlando, FL 32819 $75 general admission ATasteOfDrPhillips.com The Rotary Club of Dr. Phillips presents its annual fundraiser that features samples from some of Restaurant Row’s most popular restaurants, including The Capital Grille, Eddie V’s, Morton’s the Steakhouse, Pharmacy, Seasons 52 and more.

Regular park hours Epcot Included in park admission 407.939.5277 DisneyWorld.Disney.Go.com Begin the holiday celebrations early by discovering the holiday traditions of the 11 World Showcase nations. This event includes tastes from a variety of holiday kitchens, costumed performers and the Candlelight Processional. Event runs through Dec. 30.

12-7 p.m.

City Commons Plaza 400 S. Orange Ave. Orlando, FL 32801 Free admission 407.836.3873 FusionFest.org This two-day celebration of cultural inclusion includes multiple stages, a food court, a marketplace and interactive activities along Orange Avenue.

Performances focus on original cultures while also reflecting fusions from different world regions. Runs Nov. 24 to Nov. 25

Central Florida Lifestyle | November 2018

Festival of Trees

10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Orlando Museum of Art 2416 N. Mills Ave. Orlando, FL 32803 $5-$15 407.896.4231 ext. 254 OMArt.org Now in its 32nd year, the Festival of Trees transforms the Orlando Museum of Art into a winter wonderland filled with sparkling trees, holiday vignettes, custom hand-designed wreaths, a gingerbread village, tabletop displays and more. This event runs daily Nov. 10 to Nov. 18.

“Hello, Dolly!”

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8 p.m.

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts 445 S. Magnolia Ave. Orlando, FL 32801 Ticket prices vary 844.513.2014 DrPhillipsCenter.org Tony Award winning Broadway legend Betty Buckley stars in “Hello, Dolly!” which pays tribute to the original work of legendary director/choreographer Gower Champion. Show runs through Dec. 2

“

7: 81 O $1 40 O C gh th

WHAT’S+HAPPENING<

W E D N E S DAY

T H U R S DAY

F R I D AY

1

2

3

Is there an event that you would like to share with the community?

Email it to lyndsay@karstmediagroup.com

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9

10

3

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Gary’s Ultimate Thanksgiving Tutorial

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0

21

Thanksgiving Feast

22

7

S AT U R DAY

“A Christmas Carol”

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7:30 p.m.

812 E. Rollins St. Orlando, FL 32803 $18-$40 407.447.1700 OrlandoShakes.org Celebrate the holidays with this classic ghost tale by Charles Dickens. Show runs through Dec. 30.

Popcorn Flicks in the Park

8 p.m.

Central Park in Winter Park Free admission 407.629.0054 Enzian.org Put together a picnic dinner and enjoy a showing of The Pit and the Pendulum under the stars.

7-10 p.m.

Quantum Leap Winery 1312 Wilifred Dr. Orlando, FL 32803 Free admission 407.730.3082 QuantumLeapWinery.com Wind down from the work week with wine and live music. Complimentary valet parking available.

“A Christmas Story”

29

7:30 p.m.

Garden Theatre 160 W. Plant St. Winter Garden, FL 34787 $30-$35 407.877.4736 GardenTheatre.org Get in the holiday spirit with this nostalgic holiday story of Ralphie Parker and his quest for a genuine Red Ryder BB Gun.

Craft Beer Festival

Classic Albums Live: Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here

23

7-10 p.m.

Hard Rock Live 6050 Universal Blvd.

Orlando, FL 32819 $16-$31 407.351.5483 HardRock.com Studio musicians will perform some of the world’s greatest rock ‘n roll classics note for note.

Holiday Concert: Brass Band of Central Florida

10

Regular park hours SeaWorld Orlando 7007 Sea World Dr. Orlando, FL 32821 Included in park admission 407.545.5550 SeaWorld.com SeaWorld celebrates beer Nov. 3-4 and Nov. 10-11 with over 100 craft beers on draft from breweries across the state plus some domestic and international craft favorites.

Pair your selection with over 20 unique food items at culinary marketplaces throughout the park.

17

16

5:30 p.m.

Dr. Phillips YMCA 7000 Dr. Phillips Blvd.

Orlando, FL 32819 Free admission 407.896.9220 YMCACentralFlorida.com/fall-food-tour As part of the YMCA’s Fall Food Tour, Director of Healthy Eating Gary Appelsies will share all of his expert tips for prepping for Thanksgiving Day in a healthy way.

Registration is required.

1 p.m. and 4 p.m. seatings The Alfond Inn at Rollins 300 E. New England Ave. Winter Park, FL 32789 $69 adults, $29 children (5-12), free for kids 4 and under 407.998.8090 TheAlfondInn.com Gather your family and friends to enjoy a chefinspired Thanksgiving feast. Complimentary valet parking is included.

9

Wine Down

Home for the Holidays!

24

2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Bob Carr Theater 401 W. Livingston St. Orlando, FL 32801 Tickets start at $25 844.513.2014 DrPhillipsCenter.org Conductor Albert George Schram leads the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, choirs and guest artists in a musical celebration of the holiday season.

30

7 p.m.

St. Luke’s Lutheran Church 2021 W. SR 426 Oviedo, FL 32765 Free admission 407.365.3408 SLLCS.com/concert-series Director Gareth Pritchard and the Brass Band of Central Florida bring the spirit of the season to families in Central Florida.

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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>ON+THE+TOWN

Snapshots 1

2018 Golf Tournament On Oct. 12, the Florida Attractions Scholarship Foundation hosted its annual golf tournament at Falcon’s Fire Golf Club in Kissimmee.

1. The Wild Florida team on the course.

2. Andretti Indoor Karting & Games served tasty snacks and drinks.

3. The Karst Media Group team in front of the club house.

2

4. The youngest golfer in the tournament won the putting contest.

3

4

Women’s Golf Academy

5

6

The Mall at Millenia hosted the first annual Women’s Football Academy on Oct. 21.

Proceeds directly benefitted Orlando Sports Foundation and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

5. L to R: Kay Stanney, Dr. Annette Khaled, Alan Gooch, Vanessa Echols and Megan Dowdy.

6. Retired college and professional football players escorted breast cancer survivors down the runway during the morning’s fashion show.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | November 2018

7. Megan Dowdy and the Cure Bowl team who helped to make this event a success.

HOSPITALITY+SPOTLIGHT<

CFHLA Adopt–A–School Kick Off On Wednesday, September 26, The Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association (CFHLA) hosted its annual Adopt-A-School Kick-Off Luncheon at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando International Drive I-Drive 360.

This luncheon featured a keynote presentation by Orange County

Rich Maladecki is president and CEO of the Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association, the world’s largest regional hotel association (www.CFHLA.org).

School Board Chair-Elect, Teresa Jacobs.

Celebrating its 17th year, the CFHLA Adopt-A-School program began with the mission to identify, develop and promote positive community partnerships between every public school in Central Florida and CFHLA member lodging establishments and companies. To date, for the 20182019 school year, 106 partnerships have been finalized in cooperation with the school districts in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties. The goal for the 2018-2019 program is to establish 110 partnerships.

This program is another example of the hospitality industry Giving Back to Central Florida!

CFHLA Adopt-A-School Kick-Off Keynote Speaker, Teresa Jacobs, Orange County School Board Chair-Elect with CFHLA members Charles Fisher, Four Season Resort at Walt Disney World Resort; Matt Grier, Greenery Productions, Inc.; and their Adopt-A-School partner, Betsy Shaw of Windermere Elementary

Orange County School Board Member-Elect, District 6, Karen Castor Dentel and Orange County School Board Member-Elect, District 1, Angie Gallo

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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>HOW+YOU+CAN+HELP

Understanding

Epilepsy

This neurological disorder affects 3.4 million Americans, with 150,000 new cases being discovered each year. Read on to learn more about it.

By Larissa Hamblin

F

lashing lights, lack of sleep and stages of stress. To most people, these circumstances don’t mean much more than a headache, but to someone with epilepsy, it could mean the difference between life and death.

For those who aren’t familiar with this scary disease, it may be difficult to understand its affects on everyday life. The first step to understanding is awareness, and you can learn more about it during National Epilepsy Awareness month.

From young to old, anyone can be affected by epilepsy. It’s the fourth most common neurological disorder, according to the Epilepsy Foundation. This disorder is characterized by unpredictable seizures and can cause other health issues, such as heart disease, diabetes, infection, inflammatory disorders, migraines and sleeping disorders.

Epilepsy is identified as a spectrum condition with various seizure types and control that differ from person to person. This includes focal seizures; which limit seizure activities to a single brain hemisphere; generalized seizures that cause widespread activities across brain hemispheres; and infantile seizures. The degree of dam58

Central Florida Lifestyle | November 2018

age varies by case, and intensity of the seizure is unpredictable.

Epileptic seizures can arise for different reasons. While some people struggle with brain injury, others are met with the disorder strictly from family history. Testing and examining family histories are essential to diagnosing the disorder and its cause.

Hereditary epilepsy does exist, but it isn’t a major concern when having a child. Most children with an epileptic parent won’t become epileptic or experience seizures themselves, but there is a risk. If both parents have epilepsy, the risk is higher for a child to have the disorder, but the odds are still low. Less than 5 out of 100 people will develop epilepsy from the mother and the risk is just a little higher if the father has epilepsy.

Not only can having seizures put one’s safety at risk, it can also affect other qualities of life, including relationships, work and social life.

For some, going out for a drink with friends is out of the question, while others can’t go out at night for risk of flashing lights.

One common misconception is that someone who experiences a head injury will get epilepsy closely after

the incident. That isn’t always the case, although it does happen in some circumstances.

Now that you know more about epilepsy, consider finding a local organization where you can help advocate and bring awareness to this neurological disorder in your community.

How You Can Help: 1. A dvocate for epilepsy awareness. Learn about epilepsy from local organizations like the Epilepsy Association of Central Florida and get involved with awareness events.

2. L earn what to do. Educate yourself through resources like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention so you know how to assist someone who is having a seizure.

3. S hare on social media.

November is National Epilepsy Awareness month, so educate your friends and followers on the disorder.

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