Central Florida Lifestyle March 2022 Winter Garden

OA K L A N D | C L E R M O N T | A P O P K A

Winter Garden LIFESTYLE ®

MARCH 2022

SPRINGcation!

YOUR GO-TO GUIDE

INSIDE

SPRING SPORTS

HOW TO KEEP YOUR CHILD SAFE

ENJOY LIVE LOCAL ARTS MEET THE

CUTEST BABIES www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

CHOOSE CARE CLOSER TO YOU

When it comes to your kids, turn to the experts who lead with compassion. Recognized nationally for 12 straight years — and the only children’s hospital in Orlando ranked in five specialties — Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children is nearby to provide the very best pediatric care.

For care, closer to you, choose Orlando Health.

ArnoldPalmerHospital.com

+ LETTER From the Associate Publisher

It Takes a Village Whether you are a parent, want to be a parent but are struggling to conceive, want to be a parent but just not yet, or have no plans to parent at all, one thing is true – it takes a village. Not just to raise children, but also to go along the journey of adulthood/parenthood – whatever that looks like for you.

From grandparents, to friends, to teachers, to pediatricians, to pediatric specialists who have devoted their life to providing children with the quality care they deserve, it takes all of us to raise the next generation.

As a mom of twin three-year-olds, I want to thank my village. Our family (by blood and by choice), our teachers, our pediatrician’s office, the countless specialists my girls have had to see just from being preemies, the many strong women in my life, and, of course, my Central Florida community.

It is with great excitement that we present you this month with Central Florida Lifestyle’s ® Cutest Baby Contest winners. You’ll also find an article on one of the best pediatric orthodontics in our community, and tips from a pediatric orthopedic specialist on how to keep your children safe against sport injuries.

In this issue, you will also find ways to spring into local travel, health, mindfulness, and the arts. We also invite you to celebrate Women’s History Month with us as we tell you about the woman who founded WOMANtrepreneur.

Would you like to recognize someone for Women’s History Month? Share your thoughts with us all month long on Facebook.com/CentralFloridaLifestyle.

Happy reading!

Kaitlyn Fusco Associate Publisher

Mindful March – Be Kind to Others!

CEO/PUBLISHER Kristi Gomen Kristi@KarstMediaGroup.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Kaitlyn Fusco Kaitlyn@KarstMediaGroup.com ASSISTANT EDITOR Alexis George Alexis@KarstMediaGroup.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER Michael Feland Michael Caibio EDITORIAL CONTENT COORDINATOR Gabriella Dedmore EDITORIAL INTERN Maya James WRITERS Tarre Beach, Mary Boza Crimmins, Michael Brehne, Stina D’Uva, Josh Garrick, Kristen Jackson, Maya James, Pat LaPorta, Don Long, Rich Maladecki, Alex Parr, Erica Rudnick Macalintal

CONTACT US

FOR ADVERTISING INFO

407-449-2022

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com Lifestyle® publications comprises multiple monthly editions, each mailed directly to homes and businesses throughout Central Florida. Lifestyle® publications are published monthly by Karst Media Group. Copyright 2021. All rights reserved. ALTAMONTE LIFESTYLE®, COLLEGE PARK LIFESTYLE®, HORIZON WEST LIFESTYLE®, LAKE NONA LIFESTYLE®, METROWEST LIFESTYLE®, OAKLAND LIFESTYLE®, WINDERMERE LIFESTYLE®, WINTER GARDEN LIFESTYLE®, WINTER PARK LIFESTYLE® and CENTRAL FLORIDA LIFESTYLE® are federally registered trademarks. Reproduction or use, in whole or in part, of the contents of this magazine or of the trademarks of Lifestyle® publications 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. March 2022.

Proud Member of:

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

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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+ WHAT’S Inside

Contents | March 2022 Departments

Features 6

SPRING FEVER

18

SPRING STAYCATIONS

30

34

Learn how to keep your children safe against sport injuries with insight from Dr. Zachary Stinson, MD of Nemours Children’s Health.

CREATIVE CORNER

10

YOU ASKED, WE ANSWERED

12

DANIEL’S CORNER

14

TALK OF THE TOWN

16

HOW YOU CAN HELP

24

EXPERT ADVICE BANKING

26

EXPERT ADVICE LAW

28

IN THE KITCHEN

32

DINING

Mask Up

House of Thieves Lightning Strikes

Conversations for Your Community A Close Look into IDignity

Investor Goals for 2022: Time to rebalance, reflect and remain calm Are you Prepared for Bike Week?

The Art of Mastering the Scotch Egg Orlando Dominates OpenTable’s Top 100 Restaurants

38

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Stay and play locally at Orlando’s attractions, golf courses and savor the flavors of a variety of dining options nearby or explore some of our favorite places just a short drive away for a fun springtime escape.

40

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

“JOSH RECOMMENDS” THE SPRING SEASON OF THE ARTS

42

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

44

YOUR LOCAL

46

YOUR LOCAL

48

ON TREND

50

SOMEONE YOU SHOULD KNOW

Josh Garrick dedicates his ‘Spring Recommendations’ to acknowledge ALL of Central Florida’s varied performance spaces.

LIFESTYLE’S CUTEST BABY WINNERS

Get to know the adorable winners of the 2022 Cutest Baby Contest!

Web Life Go to CentralFloridaLifestyle.com to see what’s happening near you!

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6

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Central Florida Lifestyle | March 2022

The Benefits of Rest and Recovery Movement as Medicine

Your Orthodontic Dream Team The Birth of a Business

Staycation with Your Community Opportunities The Eyes Have It

Her Help

Kate Spade New York ®

World of Disney® Store

havaianas®

Ever After

Jewelry Co. & Accessories

The Vault

at Marketplace Co-Op

1 0 0 + R E T A I L D E S T I N A T I O N S • W A L T D I S N E Y W O R L D ® R E S O R T 5 0 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y C E L E B R A T I O N M U S T- H A V E S

©Disney WDWDS_22_2485350

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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+ SPORTS & Recreation

Spring Fever How to keep your children safe against sport injuries.

By Alexis George

Y

ou can’t welcome spring without welcoming spring sports. And Spring is the season of youth and growth, especially for kids! Involving kids in sports brings about many benefits including staying fit and active. Still, there is always the risk of injury.

Dr. Zachary Stinson, MD who works in the Department of Orthopedics at Nemours Children’s Health provides both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options to take care of injured young athletes.

Here he provides insight on common injuries to look out for, how to prevent them and signs that you should seek medical attention.

Common Injuries: “The types of injuries that I commonly see in young athletes vary by the type of sport, as well as age and gender,” says Dr. Stinson.

■ ■

■

■

■

■

6

For teenage female soccer players, the most common injury is an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear.

For female gymnasts, injuries most commonly occur to the elbow. Gymnasts can also have overuse injuries to the growth plate below the wrist, called “gymnast wrist”.

Adolescent female distance runners are at risk for bone stress injuries, and this is especially true in underweight athletes, who may be at risk for a condition called relative energy deficit in sport (RED-S).

Male basketball players in their early teenage years are prone to inflammation of the patellar tendon attachment to the knee, called apophysitis. This can also result in a severe traumatic fracture of the patellar tendon attachment to the tibia, called a tibial tuberosity fracture. The most common injury for all basketball players, male or female, is an ankle sprain.

However, for younger athletes with open growth plates, an ankle “sprain” results in an injury that affects the growth plate at the end of the fibula, or outer ball of the ankle. We also call these lateral ankle injuries.

Baseball players most commonly experience shoulder or elbow pain. In younger players, especially pitchers, this is due to inflammation in the growth plate. In older players, this can lead to changes in the structure of the bone that has long term effects.

Tackle football players have a significant risk of injury, and there are multiple types of injuries commonly seen in football

Central Florida Lifestyle | March 2022

players. This includes ACL tears, fractures of the arm and leg, concussions, and shoulder dislocations.

These common injuries are especially seen in spring sports such as football, baseball, soccer, tennis, volleyball, and basketball just to name a few. Different sports require different needs, but there are a few general measures that can be taken to prevent your child from getting injured.

Prevention Measures: “I would tell parents that while it is impossible to eliminate injury risk, there are some proven methods to dramatically decrease the risk of injuries in youth sports,” Dr. Stinson says.

A few of those methods include: 1. The use of specialized ACL injury prevention training, especially for female soccer players.

2. Reviewing the pitching guidelines that should be followed for young baseball pitchers that vary by age.

3. Regularly asking throwing athletes if they have shoulder or elbow pain, and it is never appropriate to let a player continue to play through this type of pain.

4. Avoiding early sport specialization. This is defined as participating in any one single sport for 8 months or more out of a given year.

It is important to note that certain sports carry a much higher risk of injury than others.

“For instance, tackle football or motocross have a high risk of serious injuries that are difficult to avoid despite our best efforts at safety and injury prevention,” says Dr. Stinson. “Sports such as golf, tennis, swimming, and water polo have a very low risk of injury, especially if overtraining is avoided.”

When to See a Doctor: “If a child is unable to fully bend or flex at a joint, such as the wrist, elbow, knee, or ankle or if they are unable to put full weight on an injured leg, then those are definite indications to seek appropriate medical attention,” Dr. Stinson says.

EXCEPTIONAL CARE

for young athletes Sports injuries happen. Since children and teens aren’t just small adults, they need prompt care specifically designed for their growing bodies.

We’re here to help your young athlete with any type of sports-related health issue. Our team will create an individualized plan to tackle shortand long-term goals.

We have seven convenient locations across Central Florida: • Nemours Children’s Hospital (Lake Nona) • Downtown Orlando • Lakeland • Lake Mary • Melbourne • Narcoossee Road • Winter Garden

Call 407.650.7715 or visit Nemours.org to learn more.

Well Beyond Medicine J8664 (02/22)

+ CREATIVE Corner

Mask Up A guide on how to create the perfect Mardi Gras Mask

By Alexis George

O

riginating in France, the term Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday is a carnival traditionally held on Shrove Tuesday. The popular celebration is a Christian holiday and this year it falls on March 1, the day before Lent.

Tied to pagan celebrations of spring and fertility, the tradition dates back thousands of years to Europe. There are still debates between the states of Alabama and Louisiana as to where the first American Mardi Gras took place. But according to legend, French explorer Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville first introduced Mardi Gras to America in 1699.

Today festivities last in various locations for weeks, and Orlando is no different. So, if you and your family plan to experience Mardi Gras, here’s your guide to creating the perfect mask!

1. Determine what you want your mask to look like There is an abundance of options when it comes to making your Mardi Gras mask. Do you prefer a beaded mask or a printable one? A wearable mask or a handheld one? Answering these questions will help you put together a list of materials needed to bring your idea to life.

2. Gather your materials Now that you’ve selected the type of mask you’d like, it is time to gather your materials. Remember, materials can vary depending on the type of mask you are trying to make. So, here is a list of some of the most common materials you may need: ■ Hot Glue or Glue ■ Plastic Mask ■ Pile of Beads

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Central Florida Lifestyle | March 2022

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Hot Glue Gun Crayons/Markers Hole Puncher Scissors String Tape Feathers Gems/Jewels Glitter Paint brushes/Foam Brush Stick or Square Wood Dowel

3. Start designing the mask Now it’s time to get creative. Here are a few different sets of instructions for designing a mask based on the type of mask you have decided to make.

Instructions for a beaded mask Courtesy of MomDot ■ Warm up your glue gun and follow a line of glue around your mask.

■ Stick your beads together along the line of the glue ■ Make sure that you are pushing your beads together, leaving no space in between Instructions for a printable mask Courtesy of Kids Activities Blog ■ Color each piece of your mask using crayons or markers. This includes your decorations (feathers, gems etc.)

■ Cut out each piece of the Mardi Gras printables.

■ Proceed to use glue or hot glue and a hot glue gun to decorate the mask with all the pieces you’ve colored.

■ Once you are finished decorating your mask, use a hole puncher to create a hole on each side of the mask.

■ Tie string through each hole and then

■

you can tie the mask on to wear it.

If you don’t want to use string, you can glue the mask to a stick and carry it instead.

Instructions for a painted mask with glitter, jewels, and feathers Courtesy of Craft Project Ideas ■ Take your mask and cut the strings from it.

■ Use a paint brush or foam brush to apply the paint color of your choice to your mask.

■ Let the mask dry ■ Line the outside shape of your mask with glitter glue and then set aside to dry.

■ Take your paint brush/ foam brush and paint your Square Wood Dowel ■ Let the Square Wood Dowel dry ■ Glue your jewels onto your mask in a desired pattern ■ Once dry, flip over the mask and glue on feathers at the top center ■ Use duct tape or a hot glue gun to attach the Square Wood Dowel to the back of the mask And just like that, you’re ready for Mardi Gras!

+ YOU ASKED We Answered

House

of Thieves Learn how to avoid sibling rivalry and thievery of family inheritance and heirlooms following the death of a parent.

By Kristen Jackson, Jackson Law P.A.

Q:

Several days following my mother’s death, I discovered my older sister and brothers had days earlier scavenged the home for everything they could privately steal without the knowledge of others. I arrived to a House of Thieves. The only things remaining were a couple of chairs and my Mom’s dog, Smutny. My mother’s home was pillaged and purged of all her belongings including jewelry, toys we had as children, clothes, furniture, family keepsakes; just everything. All Gone! I had heard of inheritance theft stories about other families following the death of loved ones before, never imagining that my own siblings were anything but honest, loving and trustworthy. Imagine it, all of us now in our 40’s and 50’s. I still cannot look my sister and brothers in the eye without questioning which one of them, or all of them, are the family thieves. When we gather at family functions, I can still feel the sense of an untrustworthy doubt each holds for the other. How can family members, who are entitled to an equal share of a family’s inheritance, protect themselves from sibling greed and thievery following the death of their most beloved parents?

A:

Unfortunately, attorneys, to a certain degree, experience sibling rivalry, fraud, feuding, dissension and thievery in most inheritance cases when there is more than one beneficiary. It’s called Greed.

Does greed mean that the absconders of family inheritances are necessarily evil and don’t wish to maintain close relationships? No. More often than not, it is an entitlement factor. Brothers and sisters alike may see one another as more successful, wealthy or happier and believe that if they can abscond with most any family heirlooms, it will elevate them to the per-

ceived prominence of their siblings.

Although, to some beneficiaries, so long as they are first to the Antique Roadshow with mom’s valuables or collectibles, it is worth more than any closeness or love once felt prior their parent’s death.

Siblings can get their share of assets back. If monetary or cherished keepsake values are greater than the emotional bond of sisters and brothers, hiring a trust and estate attorney may be the most resourceful approach. It’s natural to become angry, sad or frustrated when siblings violate another’s trust, but remember that inheritance is a civil, not a criminal, action and estate attorneys experienced in inheritance distribution often help

resolve quarreling and mitigation of siblings clinging to tempers before and after inheritance disputes.

If your parents’ or other relative’s belongings and earnings during their life are what is important to you, then encourage them to consult with an estate planning attorney and establish a last will or revocable trust that distributes their estate equitably to beneficiaries. Parents’ obligation to their children is to provide them with the tools for individual success and sibling love for one another, something far greater than all of the antiquities you imagined inheriting from the Family Roadshow acquired by parents, not you, the adult children who can cultivate their own prosperity.

Kristen Jackson is the founding partner of Jackson Law P.A. (407-363-9020). She is experienced in estate planning, real estate law, business and contract law. Her firm has earned an AV rating by Martindale-Hubbell signifying the highest level of professional excellence as obtained through opinions from members of the bar and judiciary. For more information, visit www.JacksonFloridaRealtor.com

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Central Florida Lifestyle | March 2022

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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+ DANIEL’S Corner

Lightning Strikes PHOTOS COURTESY OF CAREY SHEFFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY

A would-be actor gets passionate about lighting design and sets his sights on a versatile career in light.

By Tarre Beach

L

iam Klingberg’s love of the theater began with acting in elementary school. Now, 18 and a senior at Dr. Phillips High School— one of only two schools in Central Florida with a performing arts magnet program—Klingberg has found he has a passion for lighting and scenic design.

The difference between the two is simple. Lighting design is the artistic use of lighting and scenic design is artistic use of architecture for theater.

Klingberg is currently a W. Daniel Mills Apprentice on the lighting track at the Garden Theatre. He says he got interested in working off stage when he saw a design crew work on a production at his high school. The team built staircases, walls and other large structures. “I was instantly struck by how exciting it would be to be able to create a sense of place sort of out of thin air,” he says.

Working as a lighting apprentice for the Garden Theatre’s production of “Parade,” Klingberg is getting to practice with lighting professionals that have extensive experience beyond the stage. The Garden’s lighting designer George Jackson is a master electrician who also has done lighting design for

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Central Florida Lifestyle | March 2022

theme parks, Orlando Repertory Theater, the Orlando Magic, and mixed martial arts (MMA) events.

“Seeing what George can do has given me a deeper appreciation for the importance of lighting,” Klinberg says.

Even better, Klingberg is also learning what a versatile career lighting can offer. Like Jackson, Klingberg hopes to do more than theater lighting and has his sights set on museums, special events, and hopefully even Cirque du Soleil. Interestingly, it was his parents who were a little broken-hearted when Klingberg stopped acting and singing and turned toward lighting instead.

“My parents have always been very supportive. I think they liked seeing me on stage and they miss that a little.

I miss it too, but they’re still really supportive and they can tell this is something I love doing.”

Klingberg says his dream theatre production to work on is “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” because of the potential he sees for multiple sets, huge moving flats, vibrant colors, and various light projections.

Up until his apprenticeship, Klingberg’s design work experience was only with scale models. He says he

spent hours making a scale model of a brick wall by hand and was pleased with how well it turned out. He can only imagine how much more empowering it will be to see his designs larger than life.

Growing up in Orlando has helped Klingberg recognize how much more there is to lighting design than the theater. Once he started to think about lighting on a deeper level, he saw its fine artistry. “I really love the work of all the theme parks in Orlando. The audience they reach and the technology they use is brilliant. I’d love to be a part of it someday,” Klingberg says.

For other lighting design hopefuls like himself, Klingberg suggests that they be passionate about it. He also stresses the importance of drafting and doing lots of research for time period, design style and other themes.

“I tend to believe you’ve got to do the work, but also if you love it, it will happen,” Klingberg says.

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

5

+ TALK of the Town

Conversations for Your Community

By Rich Maladecki

S

pringtime often represents love, growth, renewal, and new beginnings. Find out all the season has to offer for our lovely Central Florida Community.

As our region continues to “re-open”, please view the newly announced 2022 concert schedule for Central Florida.

Several entertainers have confirmed Orlando appearances for the Spring and Summer Season (Garth Brooks, Foreigner, Alicia Keys, Journey, Melissa Etheridge to name a few).

Did you know that the Central Florida Fair is occurring at the Fairgrounds (on Colonial Drive) during the early weeks of March? For added information, please view the rolling website: centralfloridafair.com.

Quick Question: Have you finalized your Spring Break Plans???

“Top of the Morning” to You — it’s that time of the year (Thursday, March 17) to wear green and/or a shamrock and to enjoy corned beef, in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. Erin go Bragh.

It’s time to travel to the new and upscale Central Florida Butcher Shop, entitled: Southern Steer Butcher Ocoee. Grand Opening reviews have been extremely favorable by its first wave of customers! For your information, the shop is located at the corner of Colonial Dr and Maguire Road.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | March 2022

Goodbye Fuddruckers — it’s disappointing when a favorite restaurant or restaurant chain closes its doors to the public.

Sadly, it was announced recently that all Central Florida Fuddruckers Restaurants are closing permanently (Thanks for those hamburger-building memories).

As a Central Floridian, please support and enjoy a morning at one of the many Farmer Markets throughout our region.

Each feature fresh vegetables and fruit, foods, drinks, and unique household products.

Additionally, many have live entertainment for your listening pleasure.

PRESENTED BY:

&

Residences

Outdoor Street Party & Celebration

March 17th 2:00pm to 11:00pm

s” “The Hooleigan Liv

• “The Hooligans” Live Rock & Roll • DJ Scotty B • Lucky Leprechauns & Street Performers

Free Admission & Free Parking PRESENTED

&

BY:

Residences

AUTISM AWARENESS CAR & TRUCK SHOW SATURDAY APRIL 23 RD - 4PM

All Makes & Models Welcome Entry Fee - $30.00 VIP Parking / $20.00 Show Car Lot Parking 100% of proceeds benefit the Autism Society of Greater Orlando

TOP 11 TROPHY AWARDS 50 / 50 RAFFLE PLUS, MANY OTHER PRIZE GIVEAWAYS TROPHY CATEGORIES: BEST OF SHOW • BEST MOPAR • BEST FORD BEST IMPORT • BEST TRUCK • BEST HOT ROD BEST CHEVROLET • BEST EXOTIC BEST MODERN • BEST CLASSIC

SPECTATORS, FRIENDS & FAMILY FREE ADMISSION

+ HOW YOU Can Help

A Close Look into IDignity An organization focused on treating everyone with respect.

By Maya James

I

n Downtown Orlando, there sits an organization composed of a team of volunteers, attorneys, and staff members who are dedicated to helping people change their lives. That organization is called IDignity.

Based upon the concept of treating all individuals with dignity, IDignity is an organization that helps U.S. citizens and legal residents obtain identification such as birth records, driver’s licenses, and social security cards.

Communications Manager Ben Jimenez says that IDignity is a big resource for the homeless, with 56% of their clients being homeless and 76% being unemployed. According to the Homeless Services Network, there are 6,315 people experiencing homelessness in Central Florida.

Jimenez says receiving identification after struggling with factors like homelessness, unemployment or incarceration takes a large burden off all clients who use IDignity’s services.

“When you go running with weights on your ankles, when you take them off, you're going to feel incredibly light, and that's how these clients have to feel sometimes,” Jimenez says.

IDignity has now helped over 25,000 individuals obtain identification through their events that occur twice a week on Tuesdays and Thurs-

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Central Florida Lifestyle | March 2022

days. Attorney Sharlene Stanford says that volunteers are the driving force behind IDignity, with over 120 volunteers helping make appointments with clients and keep the operation going.

Stanford handles comprehensive initial interviews and immigration cases for the organization.

While she is unable to help with getting a client naturalized or have a change of status, she can request a replacement for immigration documents such as a green card.

Stanford says that her favorite part of the job is making a direct impact in her community and combining her love for the law and her love for helping people.

“It's a beautiful blend,” Stanford says. “It's a beautiful union of the two.

And I think that's what keeps me going.”

Several past clients such as Rahsaan Graham maintain a bond with IDignity even after acquiring their identification and starting new chapters in their lives. Jimenez spoke of Graham fondly as he recalled his journey of moving down to Florida without valid ID to work a temporary job.

In a self-written essay on IDignity’s website, Graham explains how the last names on his birth certificate and social security card didn’t match.

“I discovered that my birth certificate listed Johnson as my last name - the name of the father I had never met,” Graham wrote. “But my social security card had the name of my mother - the woman who abandoned me at birth.”

This discrepancy resulted in Graham being unable to obtain a valid Florida ID. No ID meant no work, and with no work came many years of homelessness for him and his wife.

Graham wrote that he spent three years trying to fix the issue with no luck, until a friend connected him with IDignity.

Graham wrote that IDignity petitioned the state of Pennsylvania to amend his documents, allowing him to finally get a Florida ID after getting his last name to match.

“Now, they're doing pretty well,” Jimenez says. “He moved to Atlanta, he's got a new job there and he’s doing freelance writing.”

With over 25,000 people served, Jimenez says he has high hopes that IDignity can expand to the point of becoming a nationwide effort, with the help of government agencies.

“The lofty goal that we have to take little steps toward every day is national presence,” Jimenez says. “That's the goal - to reach people who cannot make it to Orlando.”

BACK-To-School

Anxiety?

It’s normal to experience some anxiety while getting back in the swing of school. New classes, new routines, new responsibilities, and new faces. It can be overwhelming at times! Here are a few tips for calming down when everything is a bit much.

Try the 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique Use your senses to ground you to the present and stop those racing thoughts!

Find 5 things you see around you

sec on for 3

Find 3 things you hear around you

Bre

ds

on sec

in

3 for

ath e

ld

H

Find 4 things you can touch around you

Ho

ds

Try the Breathing Triangle

Find 2 things you can smell around you

Exhale for 3 seconds

Start at the star and follow the lines around the triangle.

Deep breathing exercises give your nervous system the “all clear” signal that the danger has passed and it’s okay to rest.

Find 1 thing you can taste around you

Want extra support? Give counseling a try!

TAKE HEART COUNSELING,LLC

Confidence in Self. Courage in Life.

Madi Farrell, LMHC madi@takeheartorlando.com 407-900-1617

Stay and play locally at Orlando’s attractions, golf courses and savor the flavors of a variety of dining options nearby, or explore some of our favorite places just a short drive away for a fun springtime escape.

Sarasota County

Devil’s Den

Travel time: 2 to 2.5 hours

Travel Time: 1.5 to 2 hours

Sarasota County is a diverse destination full of various beaches, community activities, events, attractions and restaurants that keep the area alive and active. The arts and culture spread throughout the county are second to none, and many can find themselves experiencing a highly acclaimed art show or getting a chance to gawk at some of the inspirational and breathtaking artwork done at different museums and studios.

Take a step back into prehistoric North America with a trip to Devil’s Den, an underground spring and dry cave right here in Florida. Devil’s Den, which dates back 33 million years, is home to many extinct animal fossils and ancient rock formations that will transport you to another time.

The Ringling Museum of Art is a place full of beauty and wonder on the grounds of The Ringling campus. In 1925, circus showman John Ringling decided to build an art museum, both as a legacy meant to outlast his business interests and as a memorial to his wife Mable and himself. As a platform for education, exposure and experimentation, the Sarasota Art Museum is a staple throughout Sarasota County. The Sarasota Art Museum partnered with Ringling College of Art + Design to transform the historic Sarasota High School into an art museum and visual arts educational center.

Of course, Sarasota is also home to Siesta Key Beach, Lido Beach and St. Armand’s Circle. Right around the corner is Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, where you can become environmental stewards and meets some otters, manatees, sea turtles and more!

Come see why the destination has been labeled Florida’s Cultural Coast.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | March 2022

The spring’s clear waters are 72 degrees year-round — the perfect temperature to cool you off on your scuba diving or snorkeling adventure. A certification level of open water or above and a dive buddy are required for scuba diving admission. No certification is required to snorkel.

The Devil’s Den property has onsite lodging options, including cabins, an RV park and tent campgrounds. While you’re there, you can prepare a meal on one of the charcoal grills, swim in the onsite pool and play a selection of lawn games.

A C I T Y T H AT P U T S

CULTURE

IN THE FRAME

F ind us on:

Sarasota thrives on the arts. With a profusion of fine-art galleries, world-famous collections, eminent museums—including The Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota Art Museum and Marietta Museum of Art & Whimsy—and too many cultural events to count, come see why this city has been dubbed Florida’s Cultural Coast.

be a che s a nd beyo n d LONGBOAT KEY | ST. ARMANDS | LIDO KEY

CASEY L O N G B O AT K E Y | S T. A R M A N D S | L I D O K E Y | S I E S TA K E Y | C A S E Y K E Y | V E N I C E | M A N A S O SIESTA TA K E YKEY | E |N G L E W OKEY O D || VENICE NORTH PORT MANASOTA KEY | ENGLEWOOD | NORTH PORT

VisitSarasota.com

Crystal River Outdoor Adventures

Cypress Cove

Travel Time: 1.5 to 2 hours

Travel Time: 1 to 1.5 hours

Crystal River is the perfect place to partake in the popular pastime of recreational scalloping. Scalloping season runs through September and is a safe and fun underwater opportunity for the whole family.

There is no shortage of tours available in the area, and most require you to bring only a swimsuit and a towel. However, check with your tour operator before you go to find out if you need to bring your own equipment. Additionally, some seaside restaurants will cook your catch when you get off the boat.

The warm water of the area’s springs draws manatees throughout the year. Tour companies offer guided manatee swim experiences to provide an up-close look at these gentle creatures in their natural environment. While you can see manatees all year-round, the cold winter months of December, January and February are ideal and provide the most opportunities for a manatee encounter.

s e n i l n a t e s o h t s Kis goodbye!

enjoy your staycation in a safe judgment-free Environment...

Naturally!

Close to Walt Disney world® universal studios® Sea world® And all Orlando attractions

CypressCoveResort.com 20

Central Florida Lifestyle | March 2022

When planning a staycation, you’re often looking for a relaxing resort, complete with a selection of amenities, fun things to do on property and comfortable accommodations.

Cypress Cove, a 300-acre, family-owned resort in Kissimmee, has all of this and more. Complete with 84 luxurious villa hotel rooms and apartments, a modern RV park and campsites, this clothing-optional resort has something for everyone.

While the resort is just a short drive from the area’s theme parks, there are plenty of on-site activities to explore as well.

The property’s 50-acre lake, with its white, sandy beach, is perfect for a scenic boat ride or lounging on the shore.

Two sparkling pools offer a relaxing area to soak up some sunshine, and the tennis and pickleball courts are a place for some friendly competition. There are also weekly entertainment, themed weekends and annual special events scheduled for additional fun things to do.

Treasure Island Travel Time: 1.5 to 2 hours Just a short drive from Orlando, this West Coast beach town near St. Petersburg and Tampa is the perfect place to go for a relaxing getaway. While there are plenty of places to explore during your trip, many local resorts have so much to do on property that you’ll never have to leave.

The Bilmar Beach Resort, located on Gulf Boulevard, has 167 guest rooms in which 90% are beachfront. Not only will you have beautiful views from your room, but you can also kick back and relax on 500 feet of Gulf of Mexico coastline and participate in several beach activities while you’re there.

Stroll along a mile-long beachfront walking trail, kayak or paddleboard in the clear-as-glass water or go on a parasailing adventure during the day then enjoy beach fire pit areas as the sun dips below the horizon. Even more, all guest rooms come with two beach chairs per day, so you don’t need to wake up too early to claim your spot.

Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center Travel Time: 20 minutes to 1 hour Located in Central Florida, Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center offers an array of family-friendly activities. From March through May enjoy spring events and activities including the interactive live show Paint Me A Fairytale, a springinspired scavenger hunt, cookie decorating, and more.

If you’d like to spend some time in or near the water, the resort also features Crystal River Rapids, an action river, and Cypress Spring Water Park. But wait, there’s more! Enjoy the four-and-a-half acres of indoor garden atriums, nine award-winning restaurants, bars, world-class Relâche Spa, and state-of-the-art fitness center.

A bonus: The resort is only minutes away from Orlando’s theme parks and attractions.

Rosen Shingle Creek Travel Time: 20 to 30 minutes Spanning along 255 acres of Shingle Creek, Rosen Shingle Creek is a luxury hotel wrapped in Spanish revival architecture. Located on Universal Boulevard, the location is just a short drive from the Orlando International Airport and the Orange County Convention Center.

Ease your mind as you enjoy any of the four seasonally heated pools or stroll around the hotel. As a foodie you can explore dining at top-rated restaurants including A Land Remembered and Cala Bella.

As a golfer you can visit the Shingle Creek Golf Club designed by the Arnold Palmer Design Company. The golf club offers a handcrafted, championship course for golfers of all levels to enjoy. You are guaranteed to feel a challenge, but the reward will be worth it.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | March 2022

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

+ EXPERT ADVICE | Banking

Investor Goals for 2022: Time to rebalance, reflect and remain calm Follow these expert tips on how to prepare your finances for the year ahead.

By Pat LaPorta, Administrative Vice President of Trustco Bank

T

he winter doldrums – that seasonal lull when the New Year has started, the Super Bowl’s been played, the gardens aren’t yet planted and spring training hasn’t started – is a great time for Central Florida investors to take a look at their portfolios and consider their finances for the year ahead.

This simple but vital money checkup can be summarized in three words: rebalance, reflect and remain calm. The surging stock market of 2021 left most people with a happy problem – turbocharged results for many stocks most likely threw portfolios out of whack. While I haven’t heard anyone complain about the S&P 500’s 28.7% gain and the Dow Jones Industrial Average’s 20.9% climb last year, these outsized returns should prompt long-term investors to take some profits and rebalance their portfolios and take out cash for major expenses they expect in 2022.

Rebalancing is a simple but important part of an annual financial checkup. Investors – and their financial advisers – set up an initial allocation of invested assets, usually by percentages, so your investments might be something like this: 65% stocks or stock-based

funds, 30% bonds or bond funds, and 5% cash. The key is maintaining a diversified portfolio, so you aren’t dependent on one type of investment.

You wouldn’t put all your money into one stock and hope its value keeps rising, would you? Focusing on fixed income (bond) investment with strong credit quality and relatively short durations and maturities, and a variety of equity (stock) investments that aren’t concentrated on any one company or business sector.

After a year like 2021, the stocks portion of your portfolio will very likely be more than 65% of your invested net worth. Working with your adviser, it’s fairly easy to get your assets back to their original allocation, while also taking time to see if there are any big expenses you may have over the rest of the year. Ask yourself these questions: What’s your tolerance for risk?

What’s your time horizon?

What are your anticipated cash needs? n What’s your tax situation? n n n

Some of the answers may affect your portfolio allocations, and a good adviser can help.

If you have a big expense on the horizon, like a house purchase, tuition for a child or grandchild, property taxes, other tax liabilities, paying for a wedding, major home repairs or medical costs, you can convert some of 2021’s stock profits to cash while you rebalance your portfolio. Keeping your cash needs outside the market will ensure they can be met, regardless of what might happen with your investments.

And, when you ponder the future, look past the headlines and remain calm. Right now, many factors are affecting markets, and 2022 will probably be more volatile than last year. There’s a near certainty that the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates, geopolitical disputes are roiling markets, and inflation is on everyone’s mind.

It’s always been my policy to help investors take a long view, and in volatile time periods, it’s easier to weather that volatility with a well-diversified portfolio. So, when you’re doing your annual investment tune-up, don’t think about a bad week for the Dow, or a sudden slide on the NASDAQ. The greatest source of help for investors is time – the more time you have, the more it gives you the ability to weather a storm.

Patrick LaPorta is a graduate Magnum Cum Laude from Siena College where he holds a BBA in Accounting and Albany Law School where he received his J.D. He has over 30 years of experience dealing with estates, trusts and estate planning as an attorney and his 22 years with Trustco Bank’s where he is responsible for the day to day operations of Trustco’s Financial Services Department.

Trustco Bank operates 147 branches in total, 53 located within the state of Florida, 39 of which are in Central Florida. To learn more visit www.TrustcoBank.com or call 407-794-1441.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | March 2022

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

+ EXPERT ADVICE Law |

Are you Prepared for BIKE WEEK?

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

K

eep this information in mind when you head to Daytona this month to ensure a fun, memorable and safe Bike Week event.

The world’s largest motorcycle event will be taking over Daytona Beach on March 4-13, 2022. Over 500,000 local and out-of-town enthusiasts will enjoy activities such as motorcycle racing, concerts, parties, manufacturer showcases and street festivals. Multiple Central Florida venues will host events and many local Harley-Davidson dealerships put on quite a show.

Here are some tips for having a fun and safe Bike Week.

Don’t get a ticket. There will be abundant law enforcement officers present in the Daytona Beach area during Bike Week. The city often recruits officers from other jurisdictions to patrol the most congested areas, such as Main Street, Beach Street and U.S. 1. Of course, the I-4 corridor between Kissimmee and St. Augustine will also have police presence. Bikers and motorists must be cognizant of the dra-

matic increase in motorcycle traffic that will occur and take extra care to avoid accidents. Further, bikers will be subject to higher scrutiny than motorists by the police while driving on the interstate and local roads.

Complete preventive maintenance. Before you head out on your motorcycle, program your GPS and flag any stops you want to make. Also, make sure the bike has undergone a thorough safety check and that all maintenance is up to date. Check your tire tread and tire pressure. Make sure your brakes are crisp and responsive.

Check the fluid levels and address any fluids that require replacement. Check your lights and make sure your battery is fully charged or replaced.

Check the weather. No matter how good a condition your bike is in, having a plan in place for bad weather is important. Keep raingear on your bike or in your backpack. Have a plan for shelter in the event there is rain that’s too difficult to navigate through.

Check traffic reports and consider that rush hour may be extended by a few hours in the morning and evening for bikers coming and going to Daytona.

Bring your bike home. Motorcycle thefts are a common occurrence at Bike Week. Task force police officers work undercover to apprehend bike thieves, but preventing the theft is your best defense. Always keep your keys with you. If your bike has a front fork lock, use it. Place your helmet, jacket and valuables in your locked saddlebag or locked under the seat.

Safety first. Most deadly motorcycle accidents are alcohol-related.

Although it’s easy to get swept up into riding to the next venue without a care, leave enough time between drinking and riding so that you don’t feel the effects of alcohol. While it’s not the law for those over 21, consider wearing your helmet whenever you ride. Most accidents during Bike Week occur in high traffic areas and at slower speeds. A helmet can prevent injury or significantly reduce the severity of injury.

As my mother would remind me, this is Florida. Use sunscreen when enjoying the scenic rides and festivities.

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 | March 2022

+ IN THE Kitchen

The Art of Mastering the Scotch Egg Start off St. Patty’s Day the right way with this recipe on how to make the perfect scotch egg inspired by The Pub Orlando.

By Maya James

W

ith St. Patty’s Day coming up, Irish food and drink will once again be the subject of millions of people’s cravings. If you’ve ever been to The Pub Orlando on International Drive, a place that looks torn right out of the streets of Dublin, then you’ve had the pleasure of tasting all sorts of delicious Irish fare. While The Pub offers some traditional favorites like bangers and mash, fish and chips, and shepherd’s pie, there’s a lot of American fusion as well, such as buffalo chicken pub sliders. Of all the menu items, the most captivating was the scotch egg, a soft-boiled egg cooked expertly and enveloped by a crispy layer of sausage.

Trying this dish for the first time was a game changer - it seemed like the perfect hors d’oeuvre for tailgates, a savory snack, or even the quintessential St. Patty’s Day party. Here’s how to make a scotch egg inspired by the one served at The Pub.

What You Will Need • • • • • • • • • 28

6 eggs 1 cup of all-purpose flour 1 cup of breadcrumbs or panko 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese 7 ounces ground sausage of your choice Canola oil for frying Salt and pepper to taste Wholegrain mustard Stout ale

Central Florida Lifestyle | March 2022

DIRECTIONS 1. First, start on the eggs themselves as those will take the longest. Only use 4 eggs as the remaining two will be used as an egg wash for the crispy parmesan breadcrumb coating. Place the 4 eggs in boiling water for about 7 minutes. When those are cooked, remove eggs from boiling water and transfer them to an ice water bath to halt the cooking process.

Life Hack: use a spoon to crack and peel the eggs by running the spoon underneath the shell once you’ve found an “in” point. Be gentle to avoid damaging the egg. Set peeled eggs aside.

2. Prepare an egg wash and coating station first before handling the raw sausage. Designate one bowl for the breadcrumb and parmesan cheese mixture, and another bowl for flour. Lastly, whisk the two eggs that were set aside prior and put them in a separate bowl.

3. Now, it’s time to prepare the meat.

Split the sausage into 4 equal parts and flatten one serving with your hands to form a patty. Lay a softboiled egg in the middle of the patty and wrap the sausage around the egg, forming a cocoon. Seal it completely and do the same with the remaining 3 eggs.

4. To coat the eggs, gently place them in the bowl of flour and roll them around to coat completely. Shake off excess flour. Next, coat the eggs in the egg wash mixture before lastly rolling them in the breadcrumbs and parmesan.

5. Scotch eggs shouldn’t be deep fried, but rather shallow fried. In a large pot, fill oil to about 2 inches. Set the pot over medium heat; the oil should reach 375 degrees. Place the coated eggs in the pot and let them cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side. Cooked eggs should be transferred to a plate covered with paper towels for the excess oil to drain. Season eggs with salt and pepper to taste.

6. As for the dipping sauce, The Pub serves their scotch eggs with an incredible spicy mustard. Therefore, regular American mustard just won’t do. Take 5 tablespoons of whole grain mustard and two tablespoons of stout ale to create a tangy, Irish mustard.

Enjoy!

JRoescohmmends

By Josh Garrick

The glorious Grand Opening of Steinmetz Hall at the Dr. Phillips Center has welcomed us all to, once again, share the joys of LIVE performance. With that in mind I’m dedicating my ‘Spring Recommendations’ to acknowledge ALL of Central Florida’s varied performance spaces. Read on -- there are shows at each of our favorite venues, from the brand-new Steinmetz Hall to the magically adaptable theater at the Shakespeare Center. NOW is the time to reserve your tickets to become a part of it all…

Orlando Shakes

Much Ado About Nothing

March 9 – April 2, 2022 Including love and marriage, passions and jealousies, lies and deceit and laughter, this romantic comedy is Shakespeare at his sharp-tongued best. Enjoy the plots, sub-plots – and heroes and clowns – as (spoiler alert) – it all works out in the end. Visit orlandoshakes.org or call 407.447.1700.

Dr. Phillips Center

Frankie Valli March 20, 2022

The original “Jersey Boy” himself, Frankie Valli is a true American legend. His incredible career with the Four Seasons, as well as his solo success, has led to countless hit singles – and two Hit Broadway shows. He’s a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee with unforgettable tunes like “Sherry,” “Walk Like A Man,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Rag Doll,” “Oh What A Night,” and of course, “GREASE,” and he still gets standing ovations on the concert stage from his generations of fans. Visit drphillipscenter.org/events

Dr. Phillips Center

America’s Wonders March 18, 2022

America’s Wonders is a unique cinematic and musical celebration of our nation’s incomparable parks and cities. From the wonders of a sunrise over the Grand Canyon, to a walk through New York’s Times Square, this spectacular 3D cinematic journey features popular music and original compositions from our nation’s most talented composers. From “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” to “New York, New York”, “ Concertgoers will thrill to orchestral selections aligned to the action in the film.

Visit drphillipscenter.org/events

Dr. Phillips Center

ABBA the Concert March 25, 2022

For sheer FUN – and happy memories – ABBA the Concert presents a celebration of one of the most iconic bands to ever grace the stage. The group plays all of ABBA’s chart topping hits like “Mamma Mia, “S.O.S”, “Waterloo”, “Money, Money, Money” and just watch what happens when the crowd hears the first chords of “Dancing Queen.” Come along and sing, dance and, have the time of your life. Visit drphillipscenter.org/events

Winter Park Playhouse

The Marvelous Wonderettes: Dream On March 18 – April 16, 2022

Dr. Phillips Center

CATS

March 29 – April 3, 2022 In this Off-Broadway Musical Comedy, ‘The Wonderettes’ are back for their 20th Anniversary High School Reunion, and we’re invited to the party as the ladies reminisce about love, life and changing times. Singing their way through 20 of the greatest ‘girl-group’ hits of the 60’s the nostalgic score is performed on yet another interesting stage that is small but powerful and always audience-friendly. Call 407.645.0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org 30

Central Florida Lifestyle | March 2022

The all-time, record-breaking musical spectacular CATS by Andrew Lloyd Webber has thrilled audiences in over 30 countries and 15 languages. One of Broadway’s longest running hits of all time, this production now adds new lighting and sound design to the beloved original score by Andrew Lloyd Webber. This is a ‘new’ Cats for a new generation of music theater lovers. Visit drphillipscenter.org.

Orlando REP

Disney’s “Freaky Friday: the Musical” April 1 – May 8, 2022

With two flexible stages, Orlando Rep will present Disney’s all-new musical, “Freaky Friday: The Musical.” In this ‘MotherDaughter’ tribute, an over-organized mother and her ‘notorganized’ teen-age daughter magically swap bodies, and they have just one day to put things right. Spending that day ‘in each other’s shoes’ allows Katherine and Ellie to love and respect each other in ways they never could have imagined.

For this newest production of Disney magic, visit orlandorep.com or call 407.896.7365.

Steinmetz Hall at Dr. Phillips Center

The Warsaw Philharmonic April 2, 2022

The National Orchestra of Poland – the Warsaw Philharmonic has a rich history of performing with the greatest musicians of the 20th and 21st centuries. As the 2nd international orchestra to perform in the acoustically superb Steinmetz Hall, the program will include the Overture to the Opera Paria, Chopin’s First Piano Concerto, and Brahms’ Symphony No. 1. Andrzej Boreyko, Music and Artistic Director will conduct, and Bruce Lio, winner of the 18th International Chopin Piano Competition, will perform the Piano Concerto.

Visit drphillipscenter.org/events

Orlando Philharmonic

Carmina Burana May 7-8, 2022

Carl Orff’s intoxicating Carmina Burana is one of the greatest works ever written for orchestra, chorus, and soloists, and it is a perfect introduction to the acoustics of Steinmetz Hall. Beginning with the ‘hymn’ to the Goddess Fortuna, with its bold and primal rhythms, the music is earthy, rowdy, risqué – and breathtakingly beautiful. Plus, Mozart’s celebratory Symphony 35 and George Walker’s beautiful Lyric for Strings complete the program. Eric Jacobsen, conductor. Visit orlandophil.org or call 407.770.0071.

Dr. Phillips Center

Jesus Christ Superstar – the 50th Anniversary Production June 7 – 12, 2022

In celebration of the musical’s 50th Anniversary, a magical new production of this all-time audience favorite – Jesus Christ Superstar – is being called a “Re-invention for a new Millennium.”

Appealing to both theater audiences and concert music fans, the iconic music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Superstar’s legendary score reflects the rock roots that defined a generation. Visit drphillipscenter.org/events

Garden Theatre in Winter Garden

Orange County Convention Center

April 22 – May 22, 2022

April 28 – May 1, 2022

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast

As we continue our overview of Central Florida’s stages, there is no more “magical” stage than the one at the Garden Theater in Winter Garden. The town of Winter Garden is like a movie set of nostalgic America and a great setting for Disney’s very magical Beauty and the Beast. Great music, magical staging and a “happily ever after” couple complete with Prince Charming will be quite ‘at home’ in this theater.

Call 407.877.4736 or visit gardentheatre.org

World Ballet Competition at the Chapin Theater Every summer in June, Orlando is honored to host the World Ballet Competition. In one week, young dancers from around the world compete for prizes and recognition of their youthful artistry. The week ends with a Gala that brings together the winners with guest performances by some of the world’s greatest dancers. This greatness occurs on the stage of the Linda Chapin Theater, a great stage for dance. Visit worldballetcompetition.com or call 407.849.4669.

Josh Garrick has been creating, fundraising and writing about the Arts for all of the 24 years he’s lived in Orlando. In recognition of his service to the Arts, Mayor Buddy Dyer named June 27 as “Josh Garrick Day” in the City of Orlando.

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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+ DINING

Orlando Dominates OpenTable’s Top 100 Restaurants Next time you dine out, try one of these award-winning local spots!

By Maya James

L

ocal food aficionados will be delighted to hear that three of Orlando’s very own restaurants Bites & Bubbles, Orlando's Eddie V's, and The Boathouse were featured in OpenTable’s Top 100 Restaurants list. Why is this a big deal? Well, according to the folks at OpenTable, the reviews of over 10.5 million verified OpenTable foodies across America are analyzed to determine the list.

First up is Bites & Bubbles the restaurant, which features fine selection of luxurious wines and gourmet cheeses, cemented its place on the Top100 list. OpenTable designated this restaurant as “Best Outdoor Dining” in Orlando, thanks to its stunning visuals. With a menu that changes daily and a rustic atmosphere complete with a romantic rooftop terrace, it’s easy to see why - Bites & Bubbles looks like it was plucked right out of the French countryside. As for Bites & Bubbles’ food identity, the owners describe the restaurant as an “American Restaurant with a French Kiss!” in reference to the French-American fusion filling the menu. One can expect to find the classic American staple dish of steak and potatoes elevated to steak frites (that’s steak and fries) or the standard hamburger transformed into a duck fat burger with muenster cheese.

Next comes Eddie V’s, the pinnacle of seafood, which descended like a wave onto Orlando. Eddie V’s earned the title of “Best Overall” in Orlando / Central Florida East.

Mixing fine dining and live jazz, Eddie V’s and their several

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Central Florida Lifestyle | March 2022

nationwide locations offer fresh seafood and steak in a stylish and sleek setting. Alongside the massive collection of fresh catches, Eddie V’s grants seafood lovers the opportunity to turn their own kitchens into an oasis by offering to buy raw fish and steak selections, as well as EddieV’s very own Black Tie seasoning blend to make their own mouth watering surf and turf. This dining experience alone solidifies Eddie V’s place on the Top 100 list, with factors such as romantic atmosphere, being a good place for anniversaries and special occasions, and delicious sea bass being emphasized by OpenTable.

Last but not least, The Boathouse, the beloved eatery in Disney Springs overlooking Lake Buena Vista made OpenTable’s Top 100 list as the “Best Scenic View” in Orlando / Central Florida East. Having collected accolades in the past such as earning the title of #1 Restaurant at Disney

by USA Today, it comes as no surprise that The Boathouse is recognized for either its robust seafood menu or gorgeous waterfront visuals. One half of The Boathouse’s charm is its extensive menu filled with everything from fish to shrimp to oysters, and the second half is the sheer pleasure of dining outdoors right on a lake. The gorgeous scenery is taken full advantage of as The Boathouse offers a Captain-guided tour on one of their restored Amphicars or guests can climb aboard The Venezia the 40-foot Italian Water Taxi.

Lifestyle’s®

BO

ADVEN RN AT T HEAL TH FOR W OM EN

Sponsored by:

Get to know the adorable winners of the 2022 Cutest Baby Contest!

Special thank you to Rollins College for hosting us at this year’s photo shoot. Check out the “A BEAUTIFUL DAY FOR A NEIGHBOR” sculpture on the campus in Winter Park!

1st Place: Aria

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Central Florida Lifestyle | March 2022

BRADY GIN PHOTOGRAPHY

Age: 9 months Parent Names: Breanna and Luis Echavarria Community: Kissimmee/Orlando What are some of your baby’s favorite things?

She loves her lovey, her bobo (pacifier) and food!

What is your baby’s most precious moment?

Aria has a big brother in heaven, and she loves to look at his pictures on the wall and just stare and smile at him.

What is your favorite story to tell about your Cutest Baby? Aria is a tiny little girl with a huge personality, she is always on the go. She thinks she is so big, she loves to just be on the floor crawling and climbing on things, she was so upset with us one day because we were carrying her and she wanted to be down being a big kid.

We told her sorry “we forgot you’re 27” and she just laughed at us.

2nd Place: Kaisley

Age: 1 year, 10 months Parent Names: Adam & Pamela Powell Community: Williamsburg What are some of your baby’s favorite things?

Kaisley loves Mickey and Minnie Mouse and playing with her fur brother, Buddy Benjamin.

What is your baby’s most precious moment?

When Kaisley said Momma at 4.5 months old and Dadda at exactly 8 months old.

What is your favorite story to tell about your Cutest Baby? Kaisley’s biggest adventure has been traveling to Perú when she was 7 months old in December 2020. We were very nervous because we were still in the middle of the pandemic but she was so good during both flights. Once we arrived to Perú she could meet her Mamita Patty (grandma), Papa Lucho (grandpa) and all her aunties, uncles and cousins. It was so amazing seeing her getting along with all our relatives so well, like she had known them for a long time. Kaisley got baptized in Perú on her 8th monthsary and we could celebrate other important dates like Mommy and Daddy’s 3rd wedding anniversary, her cousin Daphnae’s 6th birthday and her 1st Christmas.

BRADY GIN PHOTOGRAPHY

BRADY GIN PHOTOGRAPHY

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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3rd Place: Lucas

ADVEN RN AT T HEAL TH FOR W OM EN

Age: 1 year, 4 months Community: East Orlando - UCF area What are some of your baby’s favorite things?

His favorite of all time is his big brother, Liam. He could have all his toys right in front of him and still would choose to run around with his brother over everything. Another two of his favorite things include time spent on the playground and music that he can dance to!

What is your baby’s most precious moment?

The most precious moment was when he learned how to give kisses. We were with family and asked him for a “besito”(kiss in Spanish) and he poked out his lips and gave not one, but mulitple kisses. He then went around trying to show everyone his new talent and tried to kiss everyone.

What is your favorite story to tell about your Cutest Baby? My favorite story to tell about Lucas is his reaction when daddy gets home.

One day I was sitting on the sofa and the door started to open. As my husband walked through the door, all I heard was Lucas scream “Daaaeeee” (his way of saying daddy). He still does it til this day. He could be anywhere in the house and as soon as he hears the door, he runs in that direction saying “Daaa-eee” and runs into my husband’s arms.

BRADY GIN PHOTOGRAPHY

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Central Florida Lifestyle | March 2022

Honorable Mentions Shout out to these honorable mentions.

Adonis

Isabelle

Brandon

Madison

Ezra

Samiyah

BRADY GIN PHOTOGRAPHY

AdventHealth for Women’s Focus on Whole Person Care

AdventHealth for Women offers a whole person approach to health care that embraces women at every stage of their lives. The AdventHealth for Women care network includes four Baby Place locations and an extensive support network for new parents, including Birth Experience Coordinators, parent education, lactation services and more. Our world-class physicians provide personalized expertise close to home. From well-woman checkups and mammograms to OB care and pelvic health, you’ll always have a choice of experts in a variety of specialties. And our specially trained Women’s Health Navigator helps manage your health throughout your lifetime by finding providers and helping to coordinate your whole family’s care. Our nationally recognized care is focused on delivering health care that is coordinated, streamlined and convenient. Learn more at AdventHealthforWomen.com. www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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+ HEALTH & Wellness

The Benefits of

Rest and Recovery

By Erica Rudnick Macalintal

A

dulting is a constant parade of to-do lists and responsibilities –sometimes it feels like it never ends.

Then again, if we were truly as productive as we wanted to be, we’d probably never allow ourselves the rest we needed, and without rest, we can’t recover from the dayto-day stresses that make up our lives. Rest and recovery are critical to ensuring that we can continue being productive and healthy, not just for ourselves, but for those around us.

Just like phones that need to be recharged, we as mere humans also need to ensure that we are allowing our minds and bodies downtime so that we can absorb all the stimuli around us and process it into something beneficial.

When we think of rest, we tend to think of good oldfashioned rest – the lying-in-bed-drinking-tea-watchingNetflix rest – which is fantastic! But that kind of rest is only part of the battle. Unwinding is important but ensuring that you get actual sleep is critical. Sleep allows our brains and bodies to reset and incorporate all the things we have experienced during the day. The National Sleep foundation recommends anywhere from 7-9 hours of sleep for adults, and while this is merely a recommendation (and may sound like a pipedream to some), a good rule is to allow yourself to get as much restful sleep as you can.

Getting proper fuel for your body is just as critical to recovery as rest. It’s important to eat what your body is craving (and keep in mind that might be different than what your feelings are craving). Everyone’s nutritional requirements are different, so make sure that you are getting what you need by including a wide variety of whole foods into your diet.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | March 2022

Exercise is another key component of rest. While this might sound counterintuitive, intentional physical activity is a wonderful way to take your mind off mundane tasks and allow your body to move in a way that feels good and gives you release. Cardio training, yoga, or even just walking are all effective ways to rest your mind while giving your body the movement it needs. Outside activity can be refreshing on nice days, but if you prefer to stay indoors, most studios are offering virtual classes for those not looking to share open space with others.

Finally, hydrate. In the hot and humid climate that is Florida, it’s especially easy to get overheated and dehydrated, so it is crucial that you are drinking enough water. Drinking half your body weight in ounces of water is an effective way to remember how much liquid you should be including to make your rest as beneficial to you as possible.

Our culture puts a lot of emphasis on productivity, but little on what goes into making productivity useful.

Make sure you are giving your body everything it needs to succeed.

+ HEALTH & Wellness

Movement as Medicine

By Alex Parr, LNPC Sports Performance Manager

M

ovement as Medicine is to educate everyone on understanding the functional movement patterns of the body, and how to use movement to optimize performance and overall daily function. Understanding how the body moves, how to train movement, and utilizing movement are all essential in developing pain free longevity and performance.

Movement in life and in athletics happens in three planes of motion: ■

■ ■

Sagittal plane: Any movement that happens “front to back” or forward.

Frontal plane: Any movement that happens “side to side” or laterally.

Transverse plane: Any rotational movement.

All movement in life falls within these planes, either one at a time or some combination of them together.

Understanding that all three of these planes need focus within your training can help to optimize your movement quality and performance.

Every joint in the body has a function, and either acts as a mobile or a stable joint as it pertains to movement. As we work our way up the kinetic chain from the ground up, the needs of each joint alternate between mobility and stability. This is a simple way to understand how to program

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Central Florida Lifestyle | March 2022

movements. Using the joint-by-joint approach, we can now understand if these joints lack the mobility or stability that they require and then program to correct those deficiencies.

For training, we focus on movements and not muscles- multi joint, multi planar “bang for your buck” movements that help to optimize the functionality of your body. To properly plan and program it’s important to understand various categories of movement. For our upper body training, we simplify our exercises by categorizing them as a horizontal pull, horizontal press, vertical pull, or vertical press movements. For our lower body training, we look at bilateral squat patterns, unilateral squat patterns, posterior chain dominant movements and hinge patterns. For our core work, we categorize movements as rotational movements, antirotation movements, anti-extension/ flexion movements and loaded carries.

By categorizing movements, it allows us to essentially “plug and play” exercises based on the movement goal and the progress or regress each of these movements based on the individual needs of the client.

In terms of progressing or regressing movements or exercises, we focus on manipulating four variables: ■

Increase or decrease the intensity of the movement through higher

■

■

■

or lower weight.

Increase or decrease the overall volume of the movement by adding or taking away reps.

Increase the time under tension for each movement by manipulating the tempo of the eccentric, isometric or concentric portion of the movement.

Challenge the difficulty of the movement by manipulating the plane of motion by focusing on triplanar patterns.

• This could include changing from a reverse lunge to a lateral lunge, a bilateral dumbbell bench press to a unilateral bench press, a strict shoulder press to a combination squat to press, etc.

At the end of the day, there are numerous ways to achieve success in your training but focusing on movement and understanding how the body functions can get you on the right track to every day optimized performance.

Scan the QR code to learn more and see what services EDGE has to offer at the Lake Nona Performance Club.

Accepting New Patients Evening and Weekend Appointments Available

Southwest Orlando Eye Care Dr. Ben Konynenbelt

Pediatric Eye Care Specialist

407-271-8931 www.southwestorlandoeyecare.com

Vision Therapy We create customized programs to improve overall functional vision performance.

Symptoms may include: • Blurred vision • Headaches • Double vision • Tired eyes • Trouble reading/writing • Poor reading comprehension

Myopia Management These treatments are intended to slow the progression of myopia (nearsightedness).

If your child has myopia, most likely they will need stronger eyeglasses year after year.

Treatments may include one or a combination of the following: • Eye drops • Multifocal contacts • Ortho-K lenses

Come to us for your everyday eye care needs!

Comprehensive eye exams for all ages • Emergency eye care • Award-winning Optical Boutique

BRAND NEW LOCATION 7208 Sand Lake Road, Ste. 202 Orlando, FL 32819 www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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+ HEALTH & Wellness

PHOTO COURTESY OF BRADY GIN PHOTOGRAPHY

Your Orthodontic Dream Team Get to know Dr. Randy Gittess from Gittess Orthodontics as it merges with Premiere Orthodontics, Orlando’s top orthodontic practice.

By Kaitlyn Fusco

Y

our dental care just got even better! Gittess Orthodontics is now part of the Premier eOrthodontics family. Dr. Randy Gittess now operates alongside Dr. Jason Battle as part of Central Florida’s leading team at Premiere Orthodontics, and together they will deliver top quality, fast and effective orthodontic treatment to the Central Florida community.

With the same high-quality dental care and professional teams that Gittess Orthodontics has always had, this merger brings the two practices together to offer patients access to two highly trained doctors, more office locations, and a bigger team devoted to delivering beautiful smiles across Central Florida.

Dr. Gittess believes education is a life-long endeavor. As a precocious and bright student, he skipped two grades in school and entered college when he was 16. He then went on to earn a degree in chemistry and philosophy at the age of 20 from the University of Miami.

Wanting to combine his love for science and working with his hands, Gittess decided to pursue dentistry.

“Dentistry gave me the opportunity to be scientific and also creative,” says Gittess. He continued his education at the Medical College of Virginia, becoming a Doctor of Dental Surgery.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | March 2022

After Gittess opened his private practice in Miami, he found that more and more of his free time was spent in the nearby orthodontic office. That’s when he decided to further his dental education and pursue orthodontics.

Dr. Gittess attended the Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia for three years to receive his certificate in orthodontics.

When not devoting time to his practice, Gittess enjoys cycling, golf, cooking and travel – and now spending time with his grandchildren.

“Dr. Battle and I have been colleagues for 14 years, sitting together at professional meetings and working out ways to include new information and techniques into our practices,” says Dr. Gittess. “When I made a decision to reduce the hours of my professional career to pursue different kinds of adventures with my family, our practices were philosophically so similar it just made sense to join our practices together.”

While Dr. Gittess plans to spend more of his time with family, he will be bringing his expertise to Premiere Orthodontics.

“Dr. Gittess has been an industry and community leader for decades,” says Dr. Battle. “From treatment and branding to even the after school van to/from appointments, he’s always been on the cutting edge of technol-

ogy and how to implement it in patient care. I’ve admired him for the way that he is always looking to improve the specialty of orthodontics.

I am beyond excited to work with Dr. Gittess and merge our styles. He has a great 40-year history in central Florida and we hope to continue that for many decades to come at Premiere Orthodontics.”

The highly trained team at Premiere Orthodontics works hard each and every day to provide friendly, high-quality orthodontic care to children, teens, and adults with a focus on accelerated and cosmetic (nearly invisible) orthodontics. The practice offers new, revolutionary technology that corrects common orthodontic concerns quickly and invisibly through an option called InBrace, as well as clear braces, lingual braces, metal braces and clear aligners.

“Ours is a wonderful specialty, that allows us to make dreams of beauty others wish for themselves and their children a reality. It’s a goal both of us share, Dr. Battle and myself, to understand what the patient and family hopes for, and to make that vision function at its highest level of health,” says Dr. Gittess.

Premiere Orthodontics offices are located in Dr. Phillips, Waterford Lakes and now Winter Springs!

+ YOUR Local

The Birth of a Business

By Stina D’Uva

G

iving birth to a baby and surviving the first year of parenthood can easily be compared to the birth of a business and its first year of survival. Most people give serious thought before starting a family. They consider is it a good idea and when is the right time. They wonder if they will be good parents and have the time that should be devoted to a child. Will they have enough money to raise the child? Will they have the patience? Those are the same types of the considerations that should go into starting a new business as well.

With 20% of new businesses failing within the first year and an even higher number not making it to year five, the more a person knows, the more successful they can be.

There is so much an entrepreneur must know besides their own product. First time business owners must consider what’s the name of their new company and is anybody else using that name. They must apply for an occupational license, a sales tax number, and a federal tax identification number. If you incorporate your business, you must apply for the charter from the Secretary of State and file with Sunbiz. This list just begins to touch the surface of what needs to be done on a regulatory basis.

Before even any of these things happen, an entrepreneur should develop a business plan which demonstrates a solid financial plan; one that will sustain it until there is a steady flow of income. Whether the income is for the owner or for employees, revenue is key.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | March 2022

Seeking good employees is also another major consideration, especially in this “employee’s market.” The good news is that there is so much help available to get a business set up and to give it better odds of surviving year one and continuing for many years thereafter.

The WOCC is proud to partner with the Small Business Development Center of UCF. They have all the resources to help people take the glimmer of an idea for a business and help it grow into a business. Luckily, once a month on the fourth Tuesday of every month, our SBDC representative, Chuck Wheeler, sets up appointments right here at the Chamber. We also have a great partnership with CareerSource Central Florida, now conveniently located at West Oaks Mall. This partner assists employers in finding talent and helping existing and new talent to learn skills each employer needs specific to their business.

Visit wochamber.com for more information.

Logically, once a business is set up and ready to go, the next step is to join our Chamber! The opportunities for networking, continued learning to grow the business and excel in leadership are what we are known for and offer!

PREPARING THE NEXT GENERATION OF

GLOBAL LEADERS International Baccalaureate Diploma & Certificate Program Collaborations with MIT, The Juilliard School, and UNICEF 100% College Acceptance Rate Differentiated Curriculum for PreK-3 to Grade 12 Award winning Fine Arts programs Athletic program that offers over 21 different sports for Grade 6 - Grade 12

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

LAKE NONA'S

PREMIER

PERSONALIZED

MEDICAL SPA

Schedule Your Appointment Today NonaEyeMD.com | 407-993-6479

Med Spa www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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+ YOUR Local

Staycation with Your Community Opportunities

By Don Long, Lake Nona Regional Chamber of Commerce

A

s the arrival of March begins to announce Spring is on the way it also presents the opportunity for Spring Breaks. Though many will want to travel over the break, a staycation may present attractive options within the Central Florida region. Additionally, staying local presents an opportunity to support local businesses and organizations. Saving some of the money needed for travel may also be appealing for many families.

Southeast Orange County boasts plentiful recreational, gastronomic, and restful opportunities that correspond well with the arrival of warmer weather. Readers are invited to visit within the Lake Nona environs for exciting recreational opportunities. While most local communities enjoy community pools and splash parks, readers should also research other family fun spots to visit. Among them include trips to Nona Adventure Park for in the water wakeboarding or obstacle course fun with the added challenge of a climbing tower. The Adventure Park borders on Heroes’ Park, one of the best public soccer centers in the region. For climatecontrolled sport, indoor soccer is available through XL Soccer World, one of the largest indoor soccer facilities in the country. Both Nona Adventure Park and XL Soccer World also offer food and drink while visiting at the facilities.

If you prefer a round of golf, our Lake Nona region offers opportunities at Eagle Creek Golf Club and a newer

golfing addition at Drive Shack. Eagle Creek is a well-maintained public course with a beautiful club house. Drive Shack according to their website is, “Where fun meets a little friendly competition, skill comes secondary to a good time, and golf takes on a new form”. Either of our local golf options bring almost a full day of fun.

If you are more into an artful mood, then you are in luck to live in or visit our Lake Nona community. The Lake Nona website mentions, “…arts truly affect our health and wellbeing in positive ways, so they play a major part in planning the community. When people engage with art, it stimulates learning”. Plan a trip around Lake Nona to visit with the local

Participate

Attend

art including statuary, impressive architectural designs, and fun concepts. Of particular interest is the new Sculpture Garden at Lake Nona’s WAVE Hotel.

Add to that one can travel the world gastronomically by visiting the outstanding variety of eateries in the Lake Nona region. Different continents of food excitement are easily found within a few minutes’ drive.

If you are interested in Staycation options, we invite you to visit our member directory on our website, www.lakenonacc.org . The destinations mentioned on this page are all community supporters in the Lake Nona Regional Chamber of Commerce.

INTERNATIONAL CELEBRATION SATURDAY, APRIL 23 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

DRIVE SHACK, 7285 Corner Dr, Orlando 32827

LNRCC is a membership not-for-profit organization with offices located in Lake Nona at 6555 Sanger Rd, Orlando, FL 32827.

It is not affiliated with, or sponsored by, Lake Nona Property Holdings, LLC, or its affiliated entities. Comments or requests for information are encouraged at Administration@LakeNonaCC.org.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | March 2022

+ ON Trend

The Eyes

Have It

Your look at the latest trends in eyewear

By Mary Boza Crimmins

E

yewear trends in 2022 span a wide field of vision. Extensive frame options, new technologies and online convenience will reflect your style and values.

Your priority, of course, is selecting the perfect frame. After all, you want to look great while seeing clearly. Visionworks of America, a retail optical company, lists retro glasses as the number one trend for 2022. You can trend-set with 1950s inspired cat frames. Versace also offers a classic cat-frame shape in an updated translucent gray. For a more distinct look, eyewear designer Vint & York offers their geometric cat-eye frame. No worries if the feline look is not for you. The retro look provides other options, such as round wire-frames to the classic aviator.

Want more options? Both Visionworks and Orlando Eyecare optometrist Dr. Kirk Smith foresee the demand for oversized frames continuing through 2022. Large frames are in high demand due to COVID-19 because,

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Central Florida Lifestyle | March 2022

according to Visionworks, they “offer more protection for the eyes” from viruses.

Smith adds that popular frame colors are blue, green and matte metal. Translucent frames with muted colors are also a favorite, especially with oversized styles.

Want style and eco-friendly eyewear?

Then you’ll want to look into Dragon’s options. Each frame is made from five recycled water bottles. Sires Eyewear, a U.S. custom frame manufacturer, also specializes in eco-friendly. Sires designs frames made of recyclables such as vinyl records, but it is most well known for its wood frames.

Your unique frames also need lenses.

Dr. Smith anticipates that the interest in blue light filtering lenses will continue to grow because of increased screen time due to COVID. Research by Harvard Medical School has found that the blue light emitted from digital screens inhibits melatonin, the hormone essential for sleep. “Some patients,” explained Smith, “also believe the lenses prevent macular

degeneration, a condition causing blurred or reduced vision. While there is currently no proof of blue light filters preventing macular degeneration, there are several studies due to be released soon.”

Depending on the findings, demand may increase. Nevertheless, blue light filtering lenses do provide many benefits.

Ultimately, eyewear choice is focused on frame style. COVID and improved technologies have led to an increase in virtual try-on apps and online purchases.

Consumers select the style most pleasing to their eye from the safe comforts of home.

Online retailers such as Warby Parker, GlassesUSA.com and Eyebuydirect.com offer virtual try-on apps you can use from a phone or webcam. Warby Parker’s website also provides an eight-item quiz to help you narrow your selections.

There’s no other way to frame it; the 2022 eyewear trends in frames, lenses and convenience are spectacular.

www.MetroWestCommunity.com (407) 601-5995

+ SOMEONE You Should Know

Vanessa Perez

Her Help As this Lake Nona small business owner found out, sometimes running a business takes a village.

By Tarre Beach

L

ake Nona resident and long-time entrepreneur Vanessa Perez has learned a lot about starting and growing businesses. She’s since turned her experience into a business that helps other women do the same.

WOMANtrepreneur is a business development working group that Perez started in 2020, which brings women entrepreneurs together. Perez calls it a business advisory board and shouldn’t be confused with a social or networking group. While members may make great friends and practical business connections within the group, the aim is to hold women business owners accountable and on track to meet their business goals.

Like most good business ideas, Perez came up for the concept of WOMANtrepreneur when she found she needed something like it herself. “I was struggling with growing my own business and I wished I had a group of like-minded businesswomen I could turn to.”

Perez, who holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Central Florida and a certification in nonprofit management from Rollins College, has experience running both for-profit and nonprofit businesses, including a corporate wellness business and a neighbors in need nonprofit.

Perez’s nonprofit work earned her a grant through the City of Orlando. Recently WOMANtrepreneur was honored to be one of the recipients of the Avalon Park Group’s (APG) million-dollar entrepreneur fund. These accolades are wonderful, but Perez says for her one of the greatest rewards of her work is being able to help other women entrepreneurs.

Across the country there has been a big uptick in the number of people who have started their own businesses in response to the pandemic.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | March 2022

Tara Hill of Orlando is one of those. She, along with her husband, decided to start two businesses in January 2022. Hill says that after years of doing painting and landscape design work for other companies, it was time to take a “leap of faith” and open their own businesses.

“I love the vibe of my (WOMANtrepreneur) group. They put pressure on me which is something I need and want. It helps me make sure I’m doing everything I can to make my businesses successful,” Hill says.

Lasheena Williams says because of Vanessa’s vision, she was able to quit her 9-to-5 job and will be opening a physical office for her nonprofit just one year after joining the working group.

Perez says she needed both a pat on the back as well as little (or sometimes big) pushes when she started her first business. She encourages other women interested in starting a business to stop putting off their dreams. “I can’t tell you for sure if your business is going to be successful. But I can say it made a big difference for me to finally just “go for it.”

Provide a Home and a Future

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