Central Florida Lifestyle MetroWest: December 2020

MetroWest LIFESTYLE

DECEMBER 2020

RAISE YOUR GLASS

5 Cocktails to Celebrate the Season

TM

LIVING THE LIFE SEASON FOR GIVING

How to Live the Minimalist Lifestyle

Top 4 Apps for Giving Back

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS At Bella Collina

CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

Y

ELLIS

I CHOOSE EXPERT ORTHOPEDIC CARE

TO STAY ACTIVE. When Ellis’ lifelong commitment to fitness was threatened by a knee injury, he trusted orthopedic

experts at Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute. Through care and support from a physician who shares his passion for wellness, Ellis is getting back to the life he loves sooner than he ever imagined.

ChooseOrlandoHealth.com/Stories

+ LETTER From the Publisher

Hindsight is 2020 This year has officially made Santa’s naughty list! It gave us a rainbow of emotions, from worry and fear to hope and compassion. While 2020 has certainly been a rollercoaster, this December, we’re taking the holidays back!

Central Florida residents have spoken. As soon as the Thanksgiving dishes were done, we decked the halls, tested our baking skills, supported our local businesses and found creative ways to responsibly celebrate with loved ones.

That doesn’t mean we forgot what we all experienced this year. In this issue, we share some of the top apps that allow users to give back with the tap of a button and we shine the spotlight on several local small businesses that we’re proud to call neighbors. Then, on page 38, we take a look back at some of the moments that inspired us in 2020 — the moments where we saw our community come together to help one another.

Growing up in The City Beautiful has taught me what a resilient community we are a part of, and if people demand a little holiday magic, that’s just what they are going to get. It’s up to us to make this Christmas season unlike any other. With a little peace, kindness and generosity, we can show the world the true meaning of Christmas.

CEO/PUBLISHER Kristi Gomen kristi@karstmediagroup.com EXECUTIVE EDITOR Lyndsay Fogarty lyndsay@karstmediagroup.com DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA & SPECIAL EVENTS Catie Moore catie@karstmediagroup.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER Michael Feland CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Michael Brehne, Katherine Ceballos, Stina D’Uva, Christie Fogarty, Anne Halifax, Dan Hayes, Mark James

Kristi Gomen Publisher

CONTACT US

FOR ADVERTISING INFO

407-449-2022

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

Follow us: • facebook.com/centralfloridalifestyle • instagram.com/yourlifestylemagazine • twitter.com/cflifestylemag A Product of Karst Media

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+ WHAT’S Inside

Contents | December 2020 Departments

Features 8

14

LEADING THE WAY IN BRAIN TUMOR TREATMENT

How AdventHealth Celebration’s Brain Tumor Program is supporting patients at every stage of their care.

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HOW TO ADOPT A MINIMALIST LIFESTYLE

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These 12 steps can help you clear your mind and your space to make room for the things that matter most.

BELLA COLLINA: WHERE LUXURY MEETS NATURE

Discover luxury golf views, lakefront homes and amazing amenities and more when you live the Bella Collina lifestyle.

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RAISE YOUR GLASS

32

38

BETTER BEAUTY

How to Save Your Skin This Winter

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DID YOU KNOW?

Why Do We Kiss Under the Mistletoe?

12

HOMESTYLE

Top Tips for Storing Your Holiday Decor

18

LOCAL LIFE

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

5 Remarkable Health Benefits of Tumeric

22

MONEY MATTERS

Top 9 Advantages of Leasing a Car

24 TRAVEL

HOME IS WHERE THE SOUTHEAST STEEL STORY BEGINS

For 80 years, this local retail store has provided quality customer service and discounted pricing for the community’s appliance needs.

2020’S MOST INSPIRING MOMENTS

Let’s take a look at the year’s top moments and reflect on their importance.

Go online for stories and photos not seen in print.

• More stories from local communities • An expanded web calendar

Central Florida Lifestyle | December 2020

Meet the Manatees

28

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Almut Belote Jewelry

34

TECH TRENDS

Top Apps with a Purpose

36

EXPERT LAW ADVICE

What You Need to Know for a Successful Claim

42

YOUR LOCAL Support Local Businesses This Season

Celebrate the season with these five festive holiday cocktail recipes.

Web Life

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6

44

IN THE KITCHEN

6 Ways to Repurpose Your Holiday Leftovers

45

HOSPITALITY SPOTLIGHT

CFHLA Welcomes New Committee

48 SNAPSHOTS 50

SOMEONE YOU SHOULD KNOW

Lindsay Muscato

ULTRA-EXPRESSIVE | U N I Q U E LY B O L D Almut’s Hand-Crafted Pieces Make a Perfect Holiday Gift.

AlmutBeloteJewelry.com

|

407-203-0909

|

420 E. Church Street, Ste 113, Orlando, FL 32801

+ BETTER Beauty

How to SaveYour Skin

This Winter Your skin goes through seasons just like the weather. This water-based skincare line helps you achieve younger, brighter and healthier skin and is comparable to a visit with a professional.

Are you dealing with acne? Is your skin more dry than usual? Add these products to your skincare routine.

Using live and active probiotics to repair damaged skin and restore the skin microbiome, this mist works for all skin types.

Whether you're dry, oily or sensitive, you will see the same results.

Mother Dirt AO+ Restorative Mist, $69, MotherDirt.com

Dermovia Skin Cycle, $29-$73, Dermovia.com

Ten active ingredients renew your complexion while you sleep. This night cream exfoliates old skin cells, tightens pores, diminishes wrinkles, evens out skin tone and so much more.

Improve your blood circulation, cell vitality and oxygen absorption through the skin to get a healthierlooking complexion with the help of nano-ionic steam.

Pure Daily Care Nanosteamer, $39.95, Amazon.com

ElevĂŠ Cosmetics Ten (The Perfect Night Cream), $125, EleveCosmetics.com

This all-natural skincare line from Hawaii replenishes, hydrates and protects the skin. The skin repair cream soothes and fortifies dry, cracked skin with botanical oils.

UA Body Botanical Skin Repair, $34, UABody.com

Does your skin need a detox? With this mask, bamboo charcoal and wild plum work to quickly unclog pores and gently exfoliate dry, dull skin.

Formula 10.0.6 Draw It All Out SkinDetoxing Peel Mask, $6.99, Formula1006.com

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Central Florida Lifestyle | December 2020

For the special guy in your life — nourish dry skin with a combination of Argan oil, avocado butter, white beeswax and essential oils. There are six subtle scents to choose from.

Heathmade Manly Lotion Bar, $14.50, HeathmadeLA.com

Give distressed skin some love with this antioxidant blend. The Mad Hippie serum includes vitamin C, vitamin E and hyaluronic acid to deeply condition the skin, leaving behind a dewy complexion.

Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum, $33.99, MadHippie.com

How AdventHealth Celebration's Brain Tumor Program is supporting patients at every stage of their care.

R

eceiving a diagnosis of a brain tumor is a life-changing event. A growth of abnormal cells, a brain tumor can be cancerous or benign and can affect the brain’s ability to work normally. According to the American Brain Tumor Association, nearly 80,000 people will be diagnosed with a brain tumor this year. The newly expanded Brain Tumor Program at AdventHealth Celebration is here to help, combining world-class expertise with caring, compassionate support for patients and families at every stage of care and recovery.

The Team Approach

AdventHealth Celebration’s team provides multidisciplinary care, including neurosurgery, neuro-oncology services and radiation therapy — all from one clinic. “Our team approach helps streamline the time between a patient’s diagnosis and treatment,” says Herbert Newton, MD, Medical Director of Neuro-Oncology at the AdventHealth Cancer Institute. “Treating brain tumors in this way means there’s a collaborative continuum of care — a connected thread — as patients are seen by each specialist.”

A neuro-oncologist, a doctor who has special training in diagnosing and treating brain cancer using chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, biological therapy and targeted therapy, serves as the main health care provider for brain cancer patients and coordinates treatment by other specialists. When radiation is necessary, radiation oncologists utilize the latest technologies and techniques to deliver radiation therapy and protect the healthy tissue surrounding a tumor. Radiation therapists are on hand to guide each step of the treatment process. In cases of both malignant and benign tumors, neurosurgeons use leading-edge, minimally invasive techniques to optimize patient outcomes.

“Patients receive consultations in each specialty area,” adds Dr. Newton. “They have every opportunity to ask questions about their treatment options from the multiple specialists focused on their individual diagnosis. These treatments are designed to help reduce pain, scarring and damage to surrounding tissue — while promoting faster recovery."

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Central Florida Lifestyle | December 2020

PHOTO COURTESY OF ADVENTHEALTH

LEADING THE WAY IN BRAIN TUMOR TREATMENT

The variety of procedures available are as numerous as the types of tumors themselves. AdventHealth Celebration’s brain tumor treatments include: • • • • • • • • • •

Brain-port surgery Endoscopic brain surgery Endoscopic endonasal skull-base surgery Endoscopic microvascular decompression Endoscopic posterior fossa tumor surgery Gamma Knife® Radiosurgery Interventional neuroradiology Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) Neuroendovascular surgery Optune® tumor treating field system

Clinical Breakthroughs

New advances in treating brain tumors occur every day around the world through clinical trials. “AdventHealth Celebration’s Brain Tumor Program offers one of the most active clinical trial programs in the nation,” says Melvin Field, MD, Medical Director of Minimally Invasive Brain Surgery for the AdventHealth Neuroscience Institute. “As a result, our patients have direct access to promising new treatments that can’t be found anywhere else in the southeast.”

The constant striving for the best possible outcomes is all part of the program’s whole-patient philosophy. “Of course, we are here to provide excellence in clinical care, but to treat the whole patient, we must do more than that,” says Dr. Field. “Health is more than just medicine. Wholeness can only happen if, along with the latest and best treatment protocols, we address the emotional, nutritional and social wellbeing of our patients and their families.”

To learn more about AdventHealth Celebration’s Brain Tumor Program, call 407-303-7944 or contact NSI.Brain.Services@AdventHealth.com.

+ DID YOU Know?

Why Do We Kiss

Under the Mistletoe?

It seems like a simple Christmas tradition, but there are many stories explaining how it came about.

1. There are 1,300 species of mistletoe worldwide (more than 20 of them are endangered).

By Lyndsay Fogarty

K

isses under the mistletoe are common during the holiday season, though they should be reserved for people who live in your household this year. But where did this tradition come from?

Ancient Mistletoe Traditions

In the 1st century, the Celtic Druids believed the mistletoe plant held sacred powers, such as healing illness and protecting against nightmares, among several others, due to its ability to blossom even in the coldest winter months. It was foraged by the group during summer and winter solstices.

During the Roman era, mistletoe represented peace. Not only were homes decorated with the plant in the winter months, in an effort to keep their gods happy, but enemies at war would often reconcile underneath it.

A Mistletoe Myth

Another story involves Nordic mythology. It is said that Loki, the god of mischief, killed the son of Frigg, the goddess of love, with a spear that was carved out of mistletoe, despite her spell on all plants

5 Things You May Be Surprised to Know About Mistletoe

to ensure none could be used as a weapon against him. The spell didn't reach the mistletoe because it grows out of tree branches rather than from the soil of the Earth.

Some say that Frigg revived her son underneath a mistletoe tree and proclaimed that those who stand beneath it deserve both protection and a kiss. Others simply state that Frigg promised to kiss anyone who passed beneath it in honor of her deceased son.

Mistletoe Etiquette

It's widely thought that the mistletoe's meaning transitioned to Christmas tradition in England.

There, if a girl refused a kiss, it was said that she shouldn't expect any marriage proposals for at least a year. Other rules indicate that the man should pluck one of the plant's white berries with each kiss, which should be on the cheek, and there is only one kiss allowed per berry.

People have been kissing beneath the mistletoe for many centuries. While its origin stories may vary, this beloved tradition remains to this day.

2. Mistletoe flowers often provide the first pollen available in the spring for hungry bees.

3. It's toxic to people, but many mammals rely on its berries and leaves for protein in the fall and winter months. Researchers have documented elk, deer, squirrels, chipmunks and porcupines eating mistletoe.

4. The American mistletoe (the species associated with kissing) is found from New Jersey to Florida and as west as Texas. Its scientific name, Phoradendron, means "thief of the tree" in Greek, and it's considered a parasite due to the way it steals nutrients from host trees.

5. Chinese medicine, as well as traditional indigenous groups in Australia and Latin America, have used concentrated compounds from the mistletoe's host tree for medicinal purposes.

Source: U.S. Geological Survey

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Central Florida Lifestyle | December 2020

+ HOMESTYLE

Top Tips for Storing

Your Holiday Decor When the holidays are over, keep your ornaments, lights and more organized with these helpful tips.

By Christie Fogarty

N

othing makes a home feel cozier during the holiday season than a house full of decorations. From a Christmas tree full of ornaments to stockings and garland over the fireplace, it’s easy to collect boxes and boxes full of holiday decorations that need a place to go.

We know it's not nearly as fun to take everything down as it is to put it all up. But here, we'll give you some tips and tricks for easily storing all of your holiday decor to keep it in the best condition year after year while ensuring your garage and attic stay tidy.

Remove Clutter From Your Collection

Before you start putting everything away, go through each item to determine if it’s something you would like to keep for the following year. Maybe you have completely revamped your holiday theme this year or you took advantage of some major post-holiday sales. In either

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Central Florida Lifestyle | December 2020

case, make sure you purge what you don’t need before going through the steps of packing it all away for next year.

Collect the Necessary Supplies

Once you’re ready to start packing up, make sure you have the proper storage supplies. Nothing is worse than opening up your decorations the following year to find that there are holes in your boxes and your items don’t smell fresh and new anymore. We recommend using air-tight containers to get the maximum use out of each of your holiday items. You will also need bubble wrap and packing paper to keep all of your breakables safe and secure.

Pack by Room

You don’t want to have to dig through box after box looking for specific decorations when the holidays come around next year. The best way to avoid that

annoyance is to pack each box according to the room in which they were placed.

Label Your Bins

Eliminate questions next holiday season by labeling each box appropriately. Be as specific as possible about which items are in each box. This will allow you to locate items quickly, especially if you decide to decorate in stages rather than all at once. When labeling, don’t forget to include the room of your home that the decorations will be placed.

Store Your Decor

Now that everything is properly packed and labeled, you’re ready to store your decorations. Stack your boxes as neatly as possible, either in the attic or on shelves in the garage (and with the labels facing out so you know what's in them), and start counting down the days until next year!

How to Adopt a

MINIMALIST Lifestyle

These 12 steps can help you clear your mind and your space to make room for the things that matter most.

By Anne Halifax

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Central Florida Lifestyle | December 2020

M

aybe you’re interested in minimalism, but you don’t know where to start. Or maybe you’ve tried to adopt a minimalist lifestyle, but your old habits keep creeping back.

When you’re trying to simplify your life, it’s often easier to start with small steps than it is to change all your behaviors overnight. Here are 12 simple things you can do to create and maintain a more minimalist lifestyle.

1. Know Why You Want to Downsize Why are you interested in minimalism? Do you want a cleaner house, a less hectic schedule or more time with your loved ones? Spend some time thinking about your goals before you actually make any changes in your life. When you know what you want to achieve, you’ll have an easier time staying motivated.

2. Get Rid of Any Obvious Junk Most of us have some things sitting around the house that we just don’t need. In fact, a lot of clutter is just junk. Go through your house and throw out anything you don’t need or want anymore. If someone else might be able to use an item, put it in a bag for donation.

Once you clear out the obvious clutter, your house will probably feel much more orderly and spacious.

3. Identify Your Trouble Spots Maybe your bedroom is neat as a pin, but your closet is a wreck. Or maybe your kitchen is a clutter magnet, even though the rest of your living space is neat and tidy.

Figure out which areas you have trouble keeping clean and why. Then you will be able to make an action plan for dealing with them.

4. Go Through Your Closet Are you struggling to determine which part of your house to de-clutter first? Start with your closet, especially if you haven’t cleaned it out in months (or years). Sort through your clothes, your shoes and anything else you store in there. Keep the items you love and wear regularly and donate the items you don’t like or didn’t remember you own. You will feel accomplished when you’re done — and ready to take on another part of the house.

5. Focus on One Room at a Time Don’t try to clean out your whole house at once.

That’s a guaranteed way to end up overwhelmed. Instead, tackle one area at a time. Spend as much time as you need to on each room before you move on. It might take longer to get your whole house clean and clutterfree, but you will be able to maintain the change more easily when you do it bit by bit.

6. Get Rid of Duplicates Do you really need three identical t-shirts or half a dozen kinds of shampoo stashed in your bathroom cup-

board? If you really do use and enjoy all of your duplicate items, then keep them. There’s nothing wrong with buying several pairs of your all-time favorite jeans, for instance. But if you don’t use more than one of a certain item, donate the extras. You can always buy another one if you need to.

7. Re-evaluate Your Diet Minimalism is about more than just your house.

You can apply its principles to every area of your life, including your diet. Ask yourself what kind of meals you eat and how often you need to buy food. If you tend to waste food, spend too much time and money on your meals, or eat food that isn’t nutritious, you might want to tweak your habits. Health, simplicity and frugality are good diet-related goals for a minimalist.

8. Say No to Something A packed schedule doesn’t mix very well with a minimalist lifestyle. If you have a habit of taking on every opportunity and invitation that comes your way, practice setting boundaries for a better balance in your life. Turn down a request you know you don’t have time for or say no to an invitation you don’t want to accept. Reclaiming your time is just as important as reclaiming your space.

9. Track Your Spending Minimalism is all about living within your means. If you haven’t done so already, create a budget for yourself and start tracking your spending. As you get more accustomed to managing your money, you can start setting financial goals, like saving a certain amount of money every month or paying down debt.

10. Adjust Your Sentimentality It’s hard to get rid of stuff you’re emotionally attached to. Whether it’s old baby clothes, souvenirs from a favorite vacation or a gift from someone you care about, sentimental items tend to gather over the years. Even more, they just become clutter.

If you have a hard time getting rid of sentimental items, adjust the way you think about them. Those souvenirs might be a nice reminder of your trip, for instance, but they’re not as important as the memories you made.

If you still can’t bring yourself to part with some of your mementos, there’s nothing wrong with putting them in a memory box.

11. Prevent Clutter From Returning Getting rid of clutter is one thing, but keeping it away is another. If you return to your old habits after cleaning out your house, your living space will soon look just the way it did before. Prevent this by setting some new rules for yourself. If you want to bring something new into the house, commit to getting rid of something

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old first. It’s also a good idea to create some simple tidying routines, so you can take care of clutter before it has a chance to accumulate.

12. Live Mindfully At its core, minimalism isn’t about owning a certain number of possessions — it’s about living mindfully.

When you’re in a mindful state, you will naturally gravitate toward owning and using only what you need. You will spend your time and money in worthwhile ways instead of wasting them. If you want to maintain a minimalist lifestyle for the long haul, cultivating mindfulness is one of the most important things you can do.

Simplifying your lifestyle doesn’t have to be overwhelming or difficult. In fact, you will be more likely to stick with minimalism long-term if you take small, manageable steps to get there. Start putting some of these ideas to work for you today, and you will be rewarded with a life that’s less stressful and more meaningful.

How Will Minimalism Benefit Me?

By Lyndsay Fogarty

It might not happen right away, but you will notice significant changes in your everyday life when you begin to live a minimalist lifestyle. Whether you choose one aspect of your life to apply it to or you shift your mindset in all the major areas, these are some of the benefits you can expect.

Freedom: Your life will no longer revolve around having the newest gadget or piles of name brand clothing. The less stuff you have to focus on, the more time you have for the things that are most meaningful to you.

Living with Intention: When you minimize the number of possessions you have and simplify your life using the minimalism technique, it’s easier to live with intention. You must purposefully work toward the goals you have set and make the decisions necessary to meet them.

Clarity: It’s tough to focus when you’re surrounded by

clutter or when you have a to-do list a mile long. Minimalism places purpose on certain things and allows you to clear up your space, your mind and your life and make room for what matters most.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | December 2020

+ LOCAL Life

Community Health Centers, Inc. Receives National Recognition The Rosen YMCA Aquatic Center Reopening Under New Ownership In October, the transfer of the Rosen YMCA Aquatic Center on International Drive to The Harris Rosen Foundation was announced. It will now be called the Rosen Aquatic and Fitness Center.

Due to the financial impact and growing community needs stemming from the pandemic, the YMCA leaders and board of directors have been actively re-imagining how to best serve the community with reduced resources.

“For the Aquatic Center, the Y’s long-standing community partner, Mr. Rosen, and his foundation were a natural fit to entrust the facility,” says YMCA of Central Florida Metropolitan Board Chair Pete Krzyzak. “We know it will remain in good hands.”

Harris Rosen, president and COO of Rosen Hotels & Resorts says, “The Harris Rosen Foundation is excited to bring back swimmers and jobs to the Rosen Aquatic and Fitness Center.

This special place is part of the fabric of our Central Florida community. I’m grateful to the Y for their stewardship for the past nearly three decades and look forward to both honoring and advancing the great sport of swimming for generations to come.”

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Central Florida Lifestyle | December 2020

Central Florida-based Community Health Centers, Inc. was recently announced as a Fall 2020 Best and the Brightest Company to Work For® by National Association for Business Resources (NABR) for the third consecutive year. The program honored 151 organizations from across the country out of 1,100 nominations.

“On behalf of our team members, leadership team and the Community Health Centers Board of Directors, we are pleased to accept the award for The Best and Brightest Companies to Work For®,” says CHC President/CEO Debra Andree, MD. “This national competition identifies and honors companies that deliver exceptional human resource practices and an impressive commitment to their team members. We will continue to focus on joyful, purpose-filled team members while delivering quality and compassionate primary healthcare services to Central Florida’s diverse communities.”

Winners will be honored during the virtual Illuminate Business Summit in spring 2021.

Drive-Thru COVID-19 Testing Available Through End of Year Since late April 2020, Orange County Government’s Health Services has been rotating COVID-19 testing locations throughout the county to provide a free drive-thru testing option to all residents. Now, both molecular (PCR) and antigen (rapid) tests are available at the Barnett Park testing site through the end of the year.

“We decided to transition to offer both molecular/PCR and rapid/antigen testing due to the demand we have been hearing from Orange County residents for faster COVID-19 results,” says Public Safety Director Danny Banks. “These tests are fast, free and for all ages. Rapid tests usually give results within about 20 minutes. However, we still want to stress that molecular/PCR tests are the most accurate and considered the ‘gold standard’ in testing.”

For more information, visit OCFL.net/testing and click on #1 on the testing map.

New cancer research. New hope. Now in Celebration.

Florida’s most experienced cancer care leaders are joining forces to explore new frontiers of medicine. AdventHealth and Moffitt Cancer Center are committed to developing breakthrough treatment options for cancer patients through advanced research and clinical trials. Together, we’re bringing renewed hope for healing and recovery.

20-CANCER-10352

Moffitt + AdventHealth

To learn more, visit

AdventHealthCancerInstitute.com/Moffitt.

ACADEMIC HONORS SCHOLARSHIPS APPLY TODAY Pre-K3 through Grade 12 Offering 5 and 7 Day Boarding International Baccalaureate World School

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SCHEDULE A TOUR TODAY! (407) 905-7737 info@windermereprep.com windermereprep.com

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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+ HEALTH & Wellness

5

Remarkable Health Benefits

of Tumeric Learn more about how this common spice can positively affect the body.

By Mark James

T

urmeric is a plant from the ginger family that is native to Southeast Asia. Its rhizomes are used as a spice to flavor curries, but it's also used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.

Rich in a natural phenol called curcumin, which gives it its characteristic yellow color and is a potent antioxidant, turmeric's therapeutic potential is currently being explored by Western medicine. Here are the five most important health benefits of this plant.

1. POTENT ANTIOXIDANT

The ability of oxygen to produce tissue damage has been known and researched for more than half a century. Oxidation of molecules such as DNA and lipids is associated with cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and premature aging. The antioxidant properties of curcumin, which have been studied extensively, are due to its ability to reduce the levels of COX-2 and iNOS, enzymes that promote oxidation and inflammation.

2. PREVENTS CANCER

Several clinical trials have shown that curcumin can kill can-

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Central Florida Lifestyle | December 2020

cer cells, prevent them from growing and even stop precancerous lesions from turning into cancer. The research was focused mainly on digestive, skin and breast cancers, afflictions that have much lower rates in countries where people consume large amounts of turmeric every day.

3. ANTIPARASITIC

Curcumin and genistein, two compounds that are isolated from turmeric, have been shown in multiple clinical trials to have antiparasitic properties. Trypanosoma and schistosoma, protozoan diseases that are still a health problem in the developing world, are susceptible to resistance to traditional drugs. Curcumin and genistein, combined or used separately, have been shown to work against these diseases.

4. ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

The main use of turmeric, both in traditional and Ayurvedic medicine, is for calming the pain associated with inflammatory diseases. Turmeric can relieve inflammation in various organs and systems of the human body, such as the muscles, digestive system, skin and tendons. Whether the inflammation is due to an

infection, autoimmune disease or is of unknown origin, the regular consumption of turmeric has been shown to reduce it by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins.

5. PAINKILLER

The main active compound in turmeric, curcumin, is a proven alternative medicine for the treatment of pain. It has been shown to calm arthritic pain but without the potential side effects of traditional painkillers, such as stomach pain, and liver damage. Curcumin has also been shown to reduce neuropathic pain that is associated with diabetes by inhibiting cytokines and even pain associated with depression by normalizing serotonin levels.

Millions of people consume turmeric regularly as an important part of their diet. It has been used for thousands of years as a spice and herbal remedy and has recently gained attention in Western medicine. Due to its main active ingredient, curcumin, or diferuloylmethane, turmeric has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticarcinogenic properties, which make it a miracle food and supplement.

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+ MONEY Matters

Top 9 Advantages of Leasing a Car

Not sure if you should buy or lease a car? Consider these pros and cons to help you decide.

By Dan Hayes

W

hether you should buy or lease a car depends on your situation. Perhaps you don’t want to commit to a long-term loan or you think your car needs may change after several years. In these cases and others, leasing may be the best choice. Consider the following advantages of leasing.

1. No commitment needed.

When buying a car, you don’t always know your long-term needs.

A compact coupe may suit you now, but you may need something bigger down the road. Purchasing for the short-term, say by getting a two-year lease, offers more flexibility.

2. Lower monthly payments.

Monthly lease payments can be up to 30% to 50% lower than payments on a loan. If the monthly burden of a loan is too high, a lease might be your best alternative.

3. Pay a lower or no down payment.

People pay, on average, 10% to 20% down on a car loan. Down payments for leasing are lower, and you can even lease a vehicle without one. However, as with a loan, paying a higher down payment on your lease will lower your monthly payments.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | December 2020

4. Drive the newest vehicles.

Leasing a new car every few years means you will always drive the newest model with the most upto-date technologies. This can get expensive after a few leases, but if your priority is to always have that new car smell (and the latest safety features), leasing may be for you.

5. Constant warranty coverage.

When purchasing a new car, your loan often outlasts your warranty. It’s much easier to get a lease with a warranty that lasts the full term, so you won’t get hit with additional repair bills while still making monthly payments.

6. Lower sales taxes.

Sales taxes on a purchased vehicle will be for the full price of the vehicle, but the sales tax you pay on a leased vehicle is only for the amount paid on the lease, a small fraction.

7. Free GAP coverage.

Many leases offer free GAP insurance to cover you if your car is stolen or totaled and you owe more than what it’s worth. Typically, you must purchase GAP coverage on your own with a new vehicle loan.

8. Get a tax deduction.

If you use your car for business purposes, you can write off some or all of your lease bill on your taxes.

Consult a tax professional to explore all of your deduction options.

9. Option to purchase.

Many leases give you the option to purchase the vehicle at the end of the lease for the remainder of the original sale price. Whether or not you should depends on how much the vehicle has depreciated over the lease term.

In the end, it’s all about what suits your particular situation. While leasing can sometimes cost more than buying in the long-term, there are many circumstances where it makes sense. It’s through educating yourself on the pros and cons that you can make the best choice.

Meet the

Manatees

By Lyndsay Fogarty

F

lorida’s Nature Coast lies 95 miles northwest of Orlando, a short hour and a half drive. From swimming with the manatees in the winter months to scalloping in the summer and early fall, Crystal River offers plenty of opportunities to explore unspoiled Florida at its finest. At this eco-tourism destination you can see wildlife up close while learning about how to protect the animals and maintain their homes.

Before you head out to play, drop off your bags at Plantation on Crystal River, a resort that is surrounded by the beauty of Kings Bay. Comfy accommodations with décor that mimics the natural landscape of the Nature Coast will make you feel right at home. The on-site Plantation Adventure Center is also one of the many tour companies in the area that offer up-close encounters with manatees. During both semi-private and private tours, the expert guides help you maneuver through the springs to the best manatee viewing spots.

The warm waters of Crystal River's surrounding springs become a sanctuary for the West Indian manatee from Nov. 15 to March 31 each year as they migrate from the Gulf of Mexico to escape the chilly temperatures. The air may be cold during your manatee swim experience, but the water in the springs remains relatively warm at a constant 72°F. Since manatees are an endangered species, tours are meant for passive observation only, especially when the manatees are resting at

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Central Florida Lifestyle | December 2020

Manatee tours get you up-close to Florida's beloved manatees.

KAYAKING: COURTESY OF VISITCITRUS.COM

Swim with the manatees in their natural environment and see wildlife up close with a visit to Crystal River on Florida’s Nature Coast.

MANATEE: COURTESY OF PLANTATION ON CRYSTAL RIVER

+ PLACES to Go

the bottom. That doesn’t mean these playful creatures won’t swim straight up to you and plant a smooch right on your goggles or roll over for a belly rub. In that case, when the manatee initiates contact, you're allowed to play along. Tour guides provide all the details about the dos and don’ts of swimming with the manatees so you can be sure you’re following all state laws meant to protect the animals.

Swimming with the manatees is a sought-after experience in Crystal River; however, there is so much to explore while you're there, from kayaking and paddle boarding to fishing and boating. Meander along the boardwalk of Three Sisters Springs Wildlife Refuge for a view of the crystal-clear springs and its inhabitants.

While you're there, you will also get to see manatee swim tours in action from above.

Three Sisters Springs consists of vents, sand boils and clear water that feed Kings Bay, which are headwaters of the Crystal River. It is here that hundreds of manatees seek refuge during the winter. Since this area is a wildlife refuge, there is no public parking. The Three Sisters Springs Center offers shuttle service to the refuge.

Crystal River provides an easy, not so out-of-theway weekend adventure complete with a one-of-a-kind glimpse at one of Florida's most beloved mammals.

THE GENEVA SCHOOL A CHRISTIAN CLASSICAL SCHOOL

407-332-6363 www.genevaschool.org

Serving families with students in grades K4–12

Creating relationally rich experiences of WONDER while equipping students to FLOURISH in life. www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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+ BUSINESS Spotlight

Designs Borne

Out of Passion This local goldsmith creates custom jewelry by hand in her downtown Orlando studio.

By Lyndsay Fogarty

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Central Florida Lifestyle | December 2020

fect from the beginning, and I think that shows in the jewelry that I produce.”

Every aspect of the business is personal to Belote, from her connection to her clients to her relationship with suppliers. Belote and her team make each delicate piece of jewelry by hand using recycled gold, platinum, diamonds and gemstones that are sourced from fair trade dealers.

She is often asked where she pulls the inspiration for each of her creations.

But the answer isn’t that simple.

“It’s so difficult to pinpoint what inspires my work because so many things will inspire it,” Belote says. “It can be something I see in nature or it can be something I’m feeling and thinking about. It can be a person that I’m talking to. It can be so many things.”

Belote says that her ideas are often sparked naturally — when the time is right. No matter where she finds the inspiration, there is one constant with her work: the pure joy that she sees on the faces of customers when they see the

piece that she has created specifically for them. Many of these pieces will likely be passed on, remaining in families for generations to come.

“I feel such a connection with the customer when they’re so extremely happy,” Belote says. “I can see them light up. It’s super rewarding.”

With technology what it is today, goldsmiths embrace their craft as a truly unique experience for their customers.

Even more, they make it part of their life’s work to share their knowledge.

“The other part that I love about what I do is that I get to pass it on to somebody else,” Belote says, referencing her apprentice, Gery, who she took under her wing three years ago. “I’ve watched him grow in his craft, and he’s just incredible.”

As a small business owner, Belote understands that passion propels you to success. For others looking to share their passion with the world, she shares, “If you love what you do and can work hard then nothing can stop you.”

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BEN VAN HOOK

I

n the heart of downtown Orlando, Almut Belote’s studio comes to life each day with the sound of tools meeting precious metals and the soft shuffling of gemstones being sorted and selected. This is the sound of creating in progress.

A recognized master goldsmith, Belote opened Almut Belote Jewelry in the Thornton Park District two years ago.

The studio doubles as her workshop, where she creates each piece of jewelry by hand alongside two goldsmith apprentices, and a boutique showroom where she works directly with clients to design the jewelry of their dreams. From concept to creation, it’s all done in-house.

Originally from Austria, Belote trained under a master goldsmith there, meticulously learning the craft from the ground up for many years. This experience shaped her entire career.

“My skill has developed over the last 30 years,” Belote says, noting that it takes five to six years to even begin to perfect this craft. “I wanted to be absolutely per-

LOSE THE STEM. KEEP THE COOL.

corkcicle.com

Raise Your Celebrate the season with these five festive holiday cocktail recipes.

Winter Wonderland

Apple Pie Cocktail

Reindeer Punch

Courtesy of Morimoto Asia at Disney Springs

Courtesy of ABC Fine Wine & Spirits

Courtesy of Margaritaville Resort Orlando

Drink your dessert with this classic candy cane martini. It tastes just like Christmas.

While apple pie may be the star of your holiday dessert course, this after-dinner cocktail may just become a new favorite.

With its bright, raspberry garnish, this festive cocktail is perfect for Christmas Eve. Maybe even leave one behind for Santa.

INGREDIENTS: • teaspoon cinnamon • teaspoon sugar • Honey • 1 ½ ounces Cooper’s Mark Apple Bourbon • 1 ounce cinnamon whisky • 4 ounces ginger beer • Apple slices • Cinnamon stick

INGREDIENTS: • 1½ ounces Grey Goose vodka • ½ ounce Chambord • ½ ounce Margaritaville Triple Sec • 2 ounces Ocean Spray White • Cranberry Juice • Prosecco • Blueberries and raspberries, garnish

INGREDIENTS: • 1 ½ ounces vodka • ¾ ounces peppermint schnapps • ¾ ounces white chocolate liqueur • Mini candy cane and red sugar DIRECTIONS: In a large pot of salted boiling water, add green Mix and chill ingredients.

Pour into a red sugar-rimmed martini glass. Garnish with a candy cane hanging on the rim.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | December 2020

DIRECTIONS: Combine cinnamon and sugar. Run honey around the rim of your glass and dip it into the cinnamon and sugar mix. Add ice and combine bourbon, whisky and ginger beer. Stir gently and garnish with apple slices and cinnamon stick.

DIRECTIONS: Add ingredients into shaker with ice and give a healthy shake. Strain content into a Collins glass over fresh ice. Top with Prosecco. Garnish with raspberries and blueberries if preferred.

r Glass!

REA ER RECID PE!

Coquito

Bourbon Ball Drop

Courtesy of Stephanie Ruwell

Courtesy of Garrison Brothers Distillery

This traditional Puerto Rican cocktail is typically made in large batches during the holiday season. It’s similar to eggnog but has a tropical twist.

INGREDIENTS: • 2 (12-ounce) cans evaporated milk • 2 (14-ounce) cans sweetened condensed milk • 1 (15-ounce) can coconut cream, such as Coco López • 1 bottle (750 ml) rum plus more to taste, such as Bacardi White Rum or Bacardi Spiced Rum (the spiced rum will give it a more powerful spiced kick) • ¼ cup brandy (Spanish type is best) • Ground cinnamon • 10 cinnamon sticks DIRECTIONS: Mix all ingredients, except cinnamon and cinnamon sticks with a hand whisk and chill. Serve in glasses with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top and garnish with a cinnamon stick.

Ring in a brand new year by toasting with this twist on an old-fashioned. When served in a flute, you won’t even miss the champagne.

INGREDIENTS: • 1 ounce Garrison Brothers Small Batch whiskey • 2 dashes Angostura bitters • 3 ounces dry hard cider • Sugar to taste • Cherry, garnish • Orange peel, garnish DIRECTIONS: In a flute glass, add Garrison Brothers, bitters and sugar to taste.

Top with a dry, hard cider and garnish with a cherry and an orange peel.

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

31

Home is Where the

Southeast Steel Story Begins For 80 years, this local family owned and operated retail store has provided quality customer service and discounted pricing for the community’s appliance needs.

W

hen it’s time to replace a large appliance in your home, the task is often met with a sense of dread. From deciding on a product that covers all the bases, with both the needs of your family and cost in mind, there is a lot of information to review. Feeling overwhelmed at the process is understandable. However, a local company based in downtown Orlando is here to help.

Southeast Steel Appliance Warehouse is a family owned and operated appliance retail store that offers a large selection of brand-name appliances for all areas of the home at warehouse prices. For 80 years, the Kimballs have worked to make sure the home appliance needs of their neighbors in the Central Florida community are met.

As you shop, someone will always be there to explain the different features on each model and the benefits of each one. This allows customers to make the smartest purchasing decision for them.

“We know that selecting what’s right for you, your family and your

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Central Florida Lifestyle | December 2020

lifestyle can be daunting,” Southeast Steel President Stu Kimball says.

“Our staff knows the product thoroughly and is able to educate and guide customers in finding products that best fit their particular needs, budget and lifestyle.”

This is due, in part, to partnerships that Kimball has formed with brands like GE through the years. The well-known manufacturer offers both superior after-the-sale service for customers and support for the Southeast Steel team. The knowledge provided assists with guiding families to the appliance that best fits their needs, from smart cook tops and ranges from the Cafe Series to high-quality refrigeration units that fit any space. This is why Southeast Steel has become known as the “appliance experts” within the community it serves.

The company’s personalized customer service philosophy allows for the opportunity to provide a unique experience that has kept customers coming back again and again. Some families have even trusted Southeast Steel for their appliance needs for

multiple generations, with parents recommending the store to their children and their children’s children.

What makes this Central Florida staple so special is its ability to stand the test of time through three generations. Kimball’s father-in-law, Irving Lippton, founded Southeast Steel in 1940 and his son, Spencer, is set to take over the family business next.

For many families, the customer service provided by a caring and trusted staff, along with impressive discounts on brand-name products, are a huge draw. So as needs arise for appliances through the years, one thing is certain: At Southeast Steel, you get the best deal.

63 West Amelia Street Orlando, FL 32801 407-423-7654 www.SoutheastSteel.net

+ TECH Trends

Top Apps with

a Purpose Give back in a new way, and any time of the year, with these charitable apps.

By Lyndsay Fogarty

T

hese days, there is an app for everything. You use them for money management and investing and for tracking your health and wellness, among other things. So why not use them for doing good in the world?

Here are some of the top charitable giving apps around.

Walk for a Cause with Charity Miles

This app does double duty — it tracks your exercise (whether you're running, walking, dancing or biking) and it helps you give back. For every mile you move, you earn money for important causes from the app's corporate sponsorship pool. You can even ask your friends to sponsor you to raise extra funds. Charity Miles works with over 40 charities that cover a variety of needs, from healthcare to animals to the environment and more. This year, get your health on track and feel good about doing it.

Available on iOS and Android devices, Free

Fight World Hunger with ShareTheMeal

Created by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), ShareTheMeal supports a range of WFP operations, from school programs to food assistance emergencies. In the app, you can select the region you would like to help then share a meal with the tap of a button. Just 80 cents feeds a child in need.

You can also create challenges, such as a giving drive for

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Central Florida Lifestyle | December 2020

your birthday, unlock achievements through specific actions and receive content from the field to see your impact in "The Table" community.

Available on iOS and Android devices, Free

Become a Sighted Volunteer with Be My Eyes

Give back in an unconditional way with Be My Eyes. This app connects blind and low-vision individuals with sighted volunteers who provide visual assistance through live video calls. No request is too big or too small, from checking an expiration date on a food item to reading instructions or helping to navigate unfamiliar surroundings. Available in more than 150 countries and in over 180 languages, the goal of Be My Eyes is to make the world more accessible for everyone.

Available on iOS and Android devices, Free

Support Animal Causes with Walk for a Dog

Next time you walk your dog, log into the Walk for a Dog app to support the animal organization of your choice. With this app, all walks count, no matter the length; however, the more you walk, the more you can donate. Not only will you be getting healthy along with your four-legged friend, but you can feel good about helping other animals in need.

Available on iOS and Android devices, Free Now, download these four apps on your phone and start the new year off by giving back.

We

Our Foster Parents

Providing Hope to Children and Families in Need For children and teens without a safe, nurturing environment, the future can seem dark and uncertain.

Foster parents provide a gift of a lifetime by opening their home and their hearts. Their ongoing caring commitment is critical for giving children and teens in need a chance at fulfilling their potential and enjoying a life of success.

There is a great need for foster parents in the Central Florida area. Seek out ways you can support children and teens in foster care and assist those who have dedicated themselves to helping those in need.

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Florida is currently seeking potential foster parents to provide a stable and caring home for children in need, including survivors of sexual exploitation. Specialized training and ongoing professional support is provided for foster families.

For more information, call (407) 259-0056 or email FLFosterCare@devereux.org.

FLORIDA devereuxFL.org

+ EXPERT ADVICE | Law

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

What You Need to Know for a Successful Claim Take a look back at our top discussions to assist with your insurance claims.

By Michael B. Brehne, Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A

This past year, we’ve reviewed many insurance-related topics. Here’s a brief review of claims that could affect you and your family.

Whose insurance company do I report a car accident to?

In short, the answer is both your insurance company and the other party’s. You have a duty to timely report the accident claim to your insurance company, which will be liable to pay your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits if you’re injured, regardless of fault.

PIP benefits are part of every standard auto insurance policy issued in the state of Florida. It pays 80% of your medical expenses, lost wages and/or household expenses that you were unable to perform, up to $10,000.

Additionally, your insurance company might be liable to pay uninsured motorist coverage if the vehicle that you collided with doesn’t have any or enough insurance. It may also be liable for your car damage if you have collision coverage and comprehensive coverage, even if you aren’t at fault. The only detriment to using your insurance company when you’re not at fault is your obligation to pay your deductible.

The at-fault driver’s insurance company will be liable to pay for your medical bills beyond PIP and covering your “pain and suffering.” They will likely contact you to offer a rental car and inspect your damage. However, you have no obligation to speak to them directly. They ask questions designed to minimize your damage and injury, so

it’s best to consult with an attorney who can guide you before you respond.

My house was damaged by a storm, fire or burglary. Who do I call?

If your home was damaged in a storm, contact your homeowner’s insurance company immediately. They will send an adjuster to inspect the home, take measurements and photos of the damage and write an estimate for repairs. Also take your own photos to ensure nothing is missed.

The same holds true for a fire. The only difference is that many items in the home become smoke-damaged, which is difficult to reflect in photos. Point out the strong odor of smoke in your furniture, your ducts and your clothing to the adjuster so it’s documented.

For a home burglary, photograph

the point of entry where there is broken glass or doorframe damage and areas of the home where items used to be. Then find photos you took at your home previously showing the missing items.

Your insurance company will ask you to complete paperwork describing the incident and a “proof of loss.” This is a sworn document that lists all damaged or missing items and their amount to the best of your ability. If you’re asked to give a recorded statement under oath, have an attorney present so you don’t jeopardize payment of your claim. You may be telling the truth, byt that doesn’t mean something bad can’t happen.

Consult with an experienced attorney with any insurance claims. They are the experts in guiding you through the claims process successfully.

Michael Brehne has dedicated his 24-year career to representing injured people in motorcycle and car accidents, and represents people when their insurance claims have been denied. He has earned a reputation as a tenacious and skilled trial lawyer when representing his clients against large corporate defendants and insurance companies. He is also the author of “Watching Out for Florida Motorcyclists: Legal Rights of Injured Bikers.”

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Central Florida Lifestyle | December 2020

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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2020’s Most Inspiring Moments It’s been a tough year, but here we celebrate the positive actions we’ve seen from nonprofits, residents, businesses and local leaders.

By Lyndsay Fogarty

E 1

very December, we take a look back at the year’s top moments and reflect on their importance.

This year was different though. It’s been heavy. There weren’t many “top moments” to come by.

But we shifted our thinking. Who inspired us? What made us feel good? The answer was finding the good in the bad.

Fighting Hunger Locally

Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida has always had a mission to create hope and nourish lives.

This year, the nonprofit saw the needs of the community change significantly due to the pandemic.

Since mid-March, Second Harvest has provided more than 300,000 meals daily to its six-county service area — roughly double its pre-pandemic distribution numbers. To this point, over 50 million meals have been provided to the Central Florida community.

This includes 421 mobile food drops consisting of 11,828,054 meals for local families, 551,538 nutritious meals to over 33,827 individuals unable to travel through the Bring Hope Home program, and more than 770,000 meals for kids through the Summer Food Service Program.

Additionally, Second Harvest’s Catering for Good team shifted its focus to assist the production kitchen with preparing, packing and distributing over 2.4 million meals to families and seniors in food deserts.

2

Caring for the Homeless

Throughout the pandemic, the Matthew’s Hope team has worked hard to care for Orlando’s homeless population. Every Tuesday and Thursday, the nonprofit’s bus delivers nonperishable food items, hygiene products and clothing to those in need. Its healthcare team takes to the streets to ensure individuals are taking their medication as well as checking temperatures and blood pressures, dressing wounds and caring for them as a whole. Another team delivers warm, prepared meals. Their

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commitment to caring for the basic needs of individuals in need occurred before the pandemic as well and will certainly continue after.

Central Florida Lifestyle | December 2020

3

Promoting Local Businesses

Visit Orlando’s support was needed more than ever as local restaurants transitioned to take out only and small businesses had to shut down in the springtime.

“Orlando has always been a caring and resourceful community that bands together during a crisis, and 2020

was no exception,” says Becca Bides, vice president of communications for Visit Orlando.

In partnership with Orange County government, Visit Orlando created programs to drive traffic to the local restaurant community in a safe way. This included Orlando to Go, a web directory of more than 400 local restaurants that were offering takeout and delivery; #407Day, which encouraged residents to support local restaurants and post selfies or foodie photos in honor of the county’s long-time area code on April 7; and a revamped Magical Dining Month with enhanced safety measures and takeout and delivery options in September and October to raise funds for Feed the Need Florida. The #407Day initiative even transformed into #407Dates, a month-long campaign in May that featured special virtual events.

4

Providing Job Search Support

The economy suffered significantly this year, resulting in millions of Americans experiencing unemployment, loss of income, reduced hours and loss of health benefits. Goodwill Industries of Central Florida recognized that this need aligned with one of its many specializations: helping people secure jobs through career counseling, resume help, practice interviews and more.

Since mid-March, career specialists at Goodwill have not only continued to provide free, one-on-one help, but they have also been working virtually to connect at least 18,000 contacts across Orange, Osceola, Lake, Seminole, Volusia and Brevard counties. The team has also hosted free monthly webinars with topics that include career exploration and networking. For a list of upcoming webinars, visit the Goodwill website.

5

Making Sure No Child Went Hungry

A huge concern when schools were shut down in March was how students who relied on the school cafeteria for healthy meals were going to get them.

Central Florida school systems, including Orange County Public Schools and Seminole County Public Schools, worked throughout closures to ensure students had access to breakfast and lunch on a daily basis. In fact, they’re still providing grab and go services at select locations.

Some local restaurants jumped in to help as well. At one point, Toasted locations were offering free grilled cheese sandwiches to kids and Git-N-Messy BBQ was offering free kids meals, among others.

6

Caring for the Community

Orange County Government received $243.2 million in coronavirus relief funds as part of the Federal CARES Act. It has been used for both local government expenses related to the COVID-19 response and to provide aid for both small businesses and residents.

Through a series of categories, local leaders have been able to meet the immediate needs of residents, business owners, nonprofits, municipal and community partners.

Currently, funds are still available for residents to assist with rent/mortgage payments as well as utility and medical bills. The resident portal opens periodically for new applications and can be accessed at OCFL.net/OrangeCares. The COVID-19 Eviction Diversion Program is accepting applications to help residents facing eviction through the end of the year.

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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7

Shifting Gears to Raise Funds

Local nonprofits plan all year for annual fundraisers that bring in a huge chunk of their funding. With large-scale, in-person events out of the picture in 2020, nonprofit leaders had to find another way to fundraise. Many chose to go virtual.

In June, Center for Independent Living was one of the first to completely pivot to a virtual event, celebrating diversity inclusion with presentations, award recognition and silent auctions on its social media platforms. In October, Shepherd’s Hope shifted to a hybrid event that included a virtual broadcast and a small, in-person event at St. Luke’s Methodist Church to spotlight its mission and celebrate healthcare heroes. Most recently, Nemours raised more than $210,000 to impact local children at Nemours Children’s Hospital through the Nemours Health Care Heroes Virtual Celebration.

These are just some of the local nonprofits that worked quickly to keep fundraisers going safely so vital funds could still be raised.

8

Providing Easy Access to Testing

An important resource that has been provided during the pandemic has been access to COVID-19 testing for everyone. The Orange County Convention Center was set up as a free testing site early on

by Orange County Health Services, with local healthcare providers such as AdventHealth and Community Health Centers providing other options for residents shortly after.

Now, free testing is still available at the convention center, and a new location at Barnett Park was established for daily testing through the end of the year. Both locations offer both PCR and rapid tests for Orange County residents.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | December 2020

9

Supporting Each Other in Tough Times

With so many Central Floridians struggling, making a positive impact felt impossible at times. However, many locals stepped up to help.

A group of furloughed and laid-off Disney cast members created the Ear for Each Other Facebook group to support the side hustles of other cast members who were out of work. It’s currently up to 30,000 members who have spent the holiday season shopping locally through the group.

To thank healthcare workers who were putting in long hours, Kaitlyn Fusco created a nonprofit called Orlando Feed it Forward that supported both the hospitality industry and healthcare workers. With the help of donated funds, Fusco purchased meals from local restaurants and delivered them to hungry, overworked staff at Orlando area hospitals.

These are just some of the amazing stories of neighbors helping neighbors.

10

Being Heroes in the Healthcare Field

Last, but certainly not least, our local doctors, nurses and medical providers, who stepped up to face this pandemic head on, have been a true inspiration to our community.

Not only have they worked tirelessly to save lives but they have sacrificed time with their families to do so. In their jobs, they have experienced long days and nights as well as a range of emotions that those outside the field can never truly understand.

And for that, we thank them. To the teams at Orlando Health, AdventHealth, Nemours, Community Health Centers and so many others, both locally and nationally, your work is appreciated.

6535 NEMOURS PKWY, ORLANDO, FL 32827

Brighten a Child’s Life Today Grounded in innovation and a leader in health equity, Nemours Children’s Hospital offers world-class pediatric care for families across the state, the nation and the globe. From complex to common conditions, no family is turned away.

This December, help light up the faces of our special patients by donating to our virtual toy drive.

Scan code with your smartphone or visit www.nemours.org/ToyDriveFL

+ YOUR Local

How to Support Local Businesses

This Season

By Stina D’Uva

T

his festive month is a perfect time to acknowledge the change in the West Orange Chamber’s leadership, to celebrate their service and show the ways we can support them and all our business members. This year, we’re doing all of that at “It’s A Wrap — Celebrating and Honoring Our Own,” an event that will see the passing of the gavel from 2020 Chairwoman Deborah Rios-Barnes with CenturyLink to our incoming Chairwoman Camille Evans with Virtus Law. This transition is momentous in our chamber’s history because Deborah is our first Hispanic, female chair of the board of directors, and she passes on the leadership to our first African American, female chair. Also notable is that the leadership is passing from big business to small business, demonstrating that our chamber is made up of businesses in varying sizes, industries and geography.

This event will also honor business and community leaders who shaped the

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Central Florida Lifestyle | December 2020

Deborah Rios-Barnes

economic recovery efforts in Orange County. We will name our big business and small business members of the year and celebrate many others who made a difference in our community, especially during this most challenging year.

There will be something for everyone and, most importantly, our members will get a first-hand view of the many products and services our members provide all year, which also make wonderful holiday gifts. The door prizes donated by the chamber’s board of directors are all purchased from our member businesses to demonstrate doing business with our own. We’re happy to have the opportunity to showcase them to our members so that they, too, have local options for gift giving.

You’ve all seen shop local campaigns.

The chamber has always been about shopping local and shopping chamber.

You can join the effort to support our businesses by shopping for gifts that are both usual and unusual, representing both the “wants” and the “needs”

Camille Evans

on the lists of your loved ones. We have restaurants, boutiques, hardware stores and wine shops, if your gift tastes go to the more common. However, you may want to purchase less common gifts that provide services ranging from car detailing to window washing.

Discover our membership by visiting wochamber.com and typing in search words to find the member that can provide uncommon, thoughtful gifts for your friends and family. They will love the gift even more because they know you shopped local and you supported a business that supports the community.

Here’s another thought: For the business person who has everything, or almost everything, give the gift of a membership in the West Orange Chamber of Commerce. We have many levels to choose from and can mail the membership packet, wrapped nicely in a bow.

All of us at the West Orange Chamber of Commerce would like to wish you a happy holiday season!

PHOTOS COURTESY OF WEST ORANGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Discover the many ways you can celebrate, honor and support local businesses this month.

DECEMBER

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4PM UNTIL 2AM ROBIN ZANDER UNPLUGGED

“Collective Soul” live in Concert plus, Robin zander of “cheap trick”

• STREET PERFORMERS • COMPLIMENTARY 2021 PARTY FAVORS & NYE FACE MASKS • MIDNIGHT FIREWORKS DISPLAY & CONFETTI STORM

• 2 LARGE SCREEN VIDEO WALLS • ADMISSION TO ALL PARTICIPATING PROMENADE VENUES

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT SUNSETWALK.COM/EVENTS/NYE ADVANCE PRICING: ALL AGES • $62.00 LIMITED CAPACITY

LATIN AMBIT ION • DJ Scotty B • Hosted by Cori Yarckin

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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+ IN THE Kitchen

6

Ways to Repurpose

Your Holiday Leftovers

Tired of dry, reheated turkey but not sure what to do with it? These ideas will help you give new life to your holiday meal.

By Katherine Ceballos

T

he holidays are always full of memories with loved ones, whether you're making them virtually this year or safely in person.

But, at the end of the day, they may have also filled your fridge with leftovers. We’ve compiled some of our favorite Pinterest ideas that will change the way you prepare the leftovers from your holiday spread.

Leftover Stuffing Waffles

Your leftovers can help you spice up your usual waffle brunch.

Simply moisten your leftover stuffing with some chicken stock or an egg then place it in the waffle maker. When it's ready, place it on a plate as a base then some stack mashed potatoes, turkey and cranberry sauce then drizzle some gravy over the top. It's like a holiday version of chicken waffles.

Loaded Turkey Panini

Don't just make any old sandwich. Instead, prepare a warm, fresh panini containing only the best ingredients — yours. Make sure to choose a sturdy bread, like a French baguette or Ciabatta,

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Central Florida Lifestyle | December 2020

and consider adding some leftover cheese from the charcuterie board to hold it all together. If you don't have a panini maker, put your cast iron skillet to work.

Holiday Leftovers Pizza

Pizza is probably the last thing on your mind after a traditional holiday meal, but rather than pack everything into separate dishes, pack it all onto a pizza. Simply substitute the pizza sauce with your gravy then layer mashed potatoes, cheese, turkey, cranberry sauce (and maybe some veggies) on top.

Make it deep-dish style in a pie pan or pile the toppings on a prepared pizza crust.

Turkey Pop Tarts

Completely change up the turkey sandwich routine with this tasty recipe. You can either use leftover homemade pie dough (if you have any) or grab an extra tube of prepared pie dough from the grocery store in advance. Pull all of the ingredients together into the dough for a wonderful treat right out of the oven.

Holiday Egg Rolls

For a fun twist on leftovers, stuff the turkey and all your favorite fixin's, such as mashed potatoes or stuffing, inside an egg roll wrapper. Then fry it up and dip it in cranberry sauce or gravy. You will be happy you did.

Holiday Leftovers Lasagna

One thing that is just as comforting as sharing a holiday meal with loved ones is a nice, hearty slice of lasagna. With this dish, you get the best of both worlds. All you have to do is layer all of your favorite leftovers in a casserole dish and bake it together. Leave the mashed potatoes for the final layer so you can top it with cheese and broil it to a bubbly finish.

Of course, you can use pieces of your leftovers in a variety of dishes, such as turkey enchiladas using the main dish or mashed potato croquettes that are prepared with the holiday's star side dish.

But if you prefer to use all of your leftovers in one shot, these ideas have you covered.

HOSPITALITY Spotlight +

CFHLA Welcomes New Executive Committee

The Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association elected its new Board of Directors and Executive Committee for the 2021 calendar year. The Board of Directors is comprised of 50 lodging executives from the tri-county area.

The 2021 CFHLA Executive Committee is as follows: 2nd VICE CHAIRPERSON Anthony Lazzara Crowne Plaza Orlando Universal SECRETARY Jeff Swirsky Flamingo Crossings Hotels, Yedla Management Company CHAIRPERSON Jesse Martinez The Alfond Inn at Rollins 1st VICE CHAIRPERSON Sonja Giselbrecht Marriott’s Cypress Harbour

HISTORIAN Fred Sawyers Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek/ Waldorf Astoria Orlando IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR Brian Comes Hyatt Regency Orlando

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

ASSISTANT TREASURER Mark Politte DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando

Illuminate Your True Path Learn how to live with meaning and purpose when things are falling apart.

For a FREE 20-minute consultation with Angela Jackson Life Coach visit

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Bishop Moore Catholic High School, Orlando

Morning Star Catholic School, Orlando

orlandocatholicschools.org 14 private schools in Orange and Seminole counties

Discover the nurturing and faith-filled environment of Orlando Catholic Schools. Whether in the classroom or via Livestream Learning at home, students learn and thrive in an atmosphere of respect, spirituality, and moral development.

One teacher. One Classroom.

INNOVATIVE LEARNING Visit our website to schedule your personal tour today!

St. Margaret Mary Catholic School, Orlando

Holy Family Catholic School, Orlando

St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School, Orlando

Enhanced cleaning and safety protocols now in place at all Orlando Catholic Schools.

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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+ CALENDAR of Events ALL MONTH LONG Night of a Million Lights

5-10 p.m.

Give Kids the World Village 210 S. Bass Rd. Kissimmee, FL 34746 Ticket prices vary based on date 407.396.1114 GKTW.org Enjoy sparkling lights, complimentary ice cream and hot cocoa and unlimited access to wheelchair-accessible rides and attractions. Runs through Jan. 3.

ALL MONTH LONG SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.

SeaWorld Orlando 7007 Sea World Dr. Orlando, FL 32821 Included in regular theme park admission 407.545.5550 SeaWorld.com Enjoy holiday shopping, delicious food and joyous entertainment on select dates throughout the holiday season.

ALL MONTH LONG Dazzling Nights 5:30-9 p.m.

Harry P. Leu Gardens

1920 N. Forest Ave. Orlando, FL 32803 $22 DazzlingOrlando.com Enjoy a 3/4-mile journey of awe-inspiring light experiences. Masks are required and entry timed for social distancing. Runs through Jan. 3.

ALL MONTH LONG Pompeii: The Immortal City

Times vary Orlando Science Center 777 E. Princeton St. Orlando, FL 32803 Included in regular museum admission 407.514.2000 OSC.org View a selection of artifacts that allow you to experience the destruction of the ancient city and identify with the inhabitants of that time.

Event runs through Jan. 24.

Dec. 1-24 The Santa Workshop

Experience Monday to Thursday: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Friday to Sunday: 10 a.m.

- 8 p.m.

ICON Park 8375 International Dr. Orlando, FL 32819 407.601.7907 TheSantaWorkshop

Experience.com Expect the same Christmas tradition in a Santa-tized experience. A reservation includes a free Wheel ride in a private holiday capsule with a photo purchase.

December 1-30 Taste of Epcot International Festival of the Holidays

Times vary Epcot Included in regular theme park admission 407.939.5277 DisneyWorld.Disney.

Go.com Celebrate the season by experiencing the holiday traditions from cultures around the world.

Central Florida Lifestyle | December 2020

January 19 Pompeii’s Table at The Alfond Inn

7-9 p.m.

The Alfond Inn 300 E. New England Ave. Winter Park, FL 32789 $100 per person PompeiisTable.com Experience a four-course crafted dinner influenced

by Pompeii’s worldspanning trade, courtesy of Chef Stephen Doyle.

Seating is limited to 30 guests.

Dec. 4-6, 11-13, 18-20 Orlando Ballet’s The Nutcracker Show times vary Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts 445 S. Magnolia Ave. Orlando, FL 32801 Tickets start at $24 407.839.0119 DrPhillipsCenter.org This beloved holiday tradition welcomes you into the magical world of Clara’s dreams.

December 12 8th Annual Violectric Holiday Show

7 p.m.

Lake Eola Park 99 N. Rosalind Ave. Orlando, FL 32801 Free admission This 90-minute show features traditional holiday songs, classic rock tunes and modern hits.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their pets and/or donation for Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando.

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AROUND THE CORNER

January 21-24 Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions

Times vary Tranquilo Golf Course at Four Seasons Golf and Sports Club Orlando Tickets start at $30 Golf.DiamondResorts.com A unique event on the LPGA Tour, this event brings together some of the world’s top professional women golfers to play alongside world-class sports and entertainment celebrities.

www.MetroWestCommunity.com (407) 601-5995

+ SNAPSHOTS On the Town Dave’s House Party On Oct. 10, the virtual Dave’s House Party event raised over $103,000 to support housing, programs and services for the community’s homeless men and women who have serious mental illnesses.

1. Hosts Pete Regules, CORT, and Lori Trainer, Dave’s House board member.

2. DJ Freefall from CRB Entertainment.

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Walk to End Alzheimer’s On Oct. 24, more than 800 people across the Greater Orlando area participated in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, raising more than $164,000 to benefit the care, support and research programs of the Alzheimer’s Association. Fundraising continues through Dec. 31.

3. Due to COVID-19, participants walked as individuals and in small groups on sidewalks, tracks and trails around Orlando.

First Responders Day In honor of National First Responders Day on Oct. 28, Buca di Beppo and Operation BBQ Relief, a nonprofit disaster relief organization, served 1,000 meals to local Orlando hospitals, police departments, fire stations and 9-1-1 dispatch centers.

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4-5. The Celebration, Florida Mall and Maitland Buca di Beppo locations provided a lunch of baked chicken rigatoni, bread and butter, and a chocolate chip cookie to Orlando first responders.

Pepsi Stronger Together Program The Orlando Magic and the Shaquille O’Neal Foundation partnered with Pepsi to tip off the program at Harbor House of Central Florida with a groundbreaking for new and refurbished basketball courts at Harbor House. This is the first in a series of donations and activations for the Pepsi Stronger Together program.

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6. L to R: Orange County Sheriff’s Department UnderSheriff Mark Canty, Orlando Magic guard Terrence Ross, Pepsi South Division President Derek Lewis, Harbor House CEO Michelle Sperzel, State Attorney for Ninth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida Aramis Ayala, Shaquille O’Neal Foundation CEO Shaquille O’Neal, Orlando Magic Head Coach Steve Clifford, Orlando Magic President of Business Operations Charlie Freeman, Orlando Police Department Deputy Chief Jose Velez, Close the Gap Foundation CEO Rich Baker.

Orange County Government Award

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On Nov. 10, the Orange County Government Procurement Division received the 2020 Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award from the National Procurement Institute.

7. L to R: On behalf of the Orange County Procurement Division, Carrie Mathes, Division Manager and Zulay Millan, Assistant Manager present the award to Mayor Jerry L. Demings and the Board of County Commissioners.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | December 2020

+ SOMEONE You Should Know

COURTESY OF TELETIES

Lindsay Muscato built the TELETIES brand from the ground up right here in Central Florida.

The Community Tie How one Central Florida entrepreneur's strong ties are revolutionizing the hair industry.

L

indsay Muscato, founder and CEO of TELETIES, never intended for her idea to become a household name.

“In my heart of hearts, I knew that it would be a very successful product, but I think, like anything else in life, you just kind of wanted to start small,” Muscato says.

Growing up playing soccer, Muscato often found herself on the sidelines with her head upside down, frantically trying to pull her hair back before returning to the field. Even at a young age, she thought there had to be a better solution. Later, as a busy mom on the go, she decided to create the solution herself.

Muscato boldly embarked on a mission to create a strong-grip, no-rip hair tie that gives back. She conceptualized designs, researched materials and tested prototypes to develop a hair tie that was not only functional, but also fashionable and less damaging to hair. Above all, Muscato wanted to create a product she would be proud to wear herself.

And, thus, TELETIES were born.

Muscato’s solo mission soon became a group endeavor as she recruited her friends to help bring her vision to life. Operating initially out of her living room and garage, word of this revolutionary new hair tie got out and TELETIES took off. Needing more help and space, TELETIES moved into its current headquarters in Maitland, a location that is now home to new collection development, quality control and fulfillment departments.

Today, the brand can be found in retail stores in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. International retailers in

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Central Florida Lifestyle | December 2020

Canada and Bahamas have helped launch the brand’s global expansion. Since its inception in 2017, the company has sold over 4 million packs of TELETIES, which is the equivalent to 12 million single TELETIE hair coils.

“We have heard so many stories about people trying our product once and never turning back to a traditional hair tie again,” Muscato says. “We are so fortunate to have so many people who really believe in our products and believe in the TELETIES story.”

As the business has prospered, so, too, has its charitable giving strategy. With every TELETIES purchase, the company donates to FORCE (Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered). This nonprofit works to improve the lives of those affected by hereditary cancers, a cause that hits close to home for Muscato.

Her grandmother passed away from breast cancer at the age of 36.

“I was never able to meet my grandmother," Muscato says. "I’ve heard amazing stories about her, but it’s heartbreaking that she passed away at such an early age and there was nothing she could do about it."

The Rollins College graduate promised to do her part to educate others and bring awareness to the BRCA1 mutation. Today, TELETIES has donated more than $160,000 to FORCE. Muscato's advice for other entrepreneurs beginning their journey?

“Tie your goals back to your mission. Stay true to yourself, stay true to your team and stay true to your mission.”

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