Lake Nona Lifestyle

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

DECEMBER 2018

LIFESTYLE

TM

INSIDE n

n

n

O ur Picks for Best Holiday Gifts H ot Home Tech for Entertaining C elebratory Cocktails from Around the World

THE GENEVA SCHOOL Where Education Meets Inspiration

Photo Courtesy of The Geneva School

B

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

>MESSAGE+FROM+THE+PUBLISHER

A Product of Karst Media NONA PHOTOGRAPHY

CEO/PUBLISHER Kristi Gomen kristi@karstmediagroup.com EXECUTIVE EDITOR Lyndsay Fogarty lyndsay@karstmediagroup.com VP OPERATIONS & EVENTS Catie Moore catie@karstmediagroup.com

Reflecting on a

Positive Year Wow, what a year it has been! From new partnerships and expanded coverage areas to the many opportunities we have had to support our community, 2018 has been both exciting and rewarding for the Karst Media Group team.

Throughout the year Central Florida Lifestyle Magazine sponsored charity events such as the Cattle Baron’s Ball, Taste of Dr. Phillips, the Cure Bowl and various events presented by our local chamber partners. We broadened our reach to include Apopka as well as the developing Horizon West area of Southwest Orlando, and we established many new partnerships that we’re looking forward to growing in 2019.

This wouldn’t be possible without the support of our loyal advertisers. We can’t thank you enough for walking with us on this journey for the past 16 years. Additionally, you — our valued readers — have welcomed us into your homes every month and, for that, we are grateful.

We hope you take some time to relax this holiday season and enjoy all that this issue has to offer. Merry Christmas!

Kristi Gomen Publisher

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Matt Richardson matt@karstmediagroup.com ONLINE OPERATIONS COORDINATOR Megan Bildner megan@karstmediagroup.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Leigh-Ann Anderson, Larissa Hamblin, Kristen M. Jackson, Damien Priester, Richie Sloan, Donna Stutts-Piras, J. Lang Wood ADVISORY BOARD Steve Gomen, Marisabel Wolfinger, Jason Post

CONTACT US FOR ADVERTISING INFO

407.810.0839

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

Orange

Windermere, Dr. Phillips, Bay Hill, Isleworth, Keene’s Pointe, Winter Garden

Purple

Horizon West, Apopka, Hamlin, Oakland

Blue

Lake Nona, Avalon Park, Waterford Lakes, Oviedo, Winter Springs

Green

College Park, Downtown Orlando, Thornton Park

Yellow

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

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

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

Visit www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

Florida Magazine Association

Follow us: facebook.com/centralfloridalifestyle

twitter.com/cflifestylemag

instagram.com/yourlifestylemagazine

4

Central Florida Lifestyle | December 2018

Your exclusive access to the ultimate lifestyle... www.fourseasons.com/orlando/club | 407-313-6778

>WHAT’S+INSIDE

Contents December 2018 Features 8

TicketSoft Deck

24

A Milestone Occasion

30

20

TicketSoft Cover

Victoria Jewelers celebrates 30 years of granting wishes in Central Florida.

Web Life

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

Tech Trends

6 Resolute Steps for Future Wealth

2018 Holiday Gift Guide

18

New Year, New Resolutions

Not sure what to buy for everyone on your list? We’ve compiled our favorite holiday gifts for 2018, covering everyone from your hard-toshop-for family member to your work bestie.

26

Go Beyond Pecan Pie

28

Follow us!

Expanding Minds The Geneva School announces a $14 million campus expansion. In 2019, upper school students and faculty will have a new home at the Casselberry campus.

Central Florida Lifestyle | December 2018

Must-Have Home Tech

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

6

10

16 Ask the Lawyer

• S napshots from other communities

•M ore stories about from local communities

•A n expanded web calendar

Editorial Notes

14 Someone You Should Know

A Heart for Healthcare

Back to the Basics

Keep your back muscles and your joints healthy all year long with these tips.

Whether you follow this guide exactly or customize it, the result will be a beautiful Christmas decoration.

4

12 Homestyle

6 Festive Place Settings

46 Make Your Own Wreath

Departments

34

Health & Wellness In the Kitchen

Wine & Spirits

4 Holiday Cocktails From Around the World

36 Expert Advice

38

40

Your Guide to Current Mortgage Rates 5 Healthy Holiday Survival Tips Yule Adore

Places to Go

Celebrate Creativity in St. Augustine

42

Top 5 Moments of 2018

44

A Symphony of Love

48

3 Momentous Orlando Events

50

Chamber News

54

Calendar of Events

Your Local Your Local

Hometown History

• Wrapping Up 2018

• WPCC Celebrates Success 52 • Momentum Into 2019 • Mingling and Jingling

What’s Happening

56 Snapshots

Community Happenings 58

Did You Know?

The Reason for the Red Kettle

A New Era in

E-Ticketing Solutions TicketSoft proves ultimate success with a fullservice e-ticketing solution for attractions, events and entertainment.

T

icketSoft Inc., the leading technology solutions provider to the leisure travel and entertainment industry, offers powerful and innovative ticketing and POS solutions that have now been accepted by over a dozen attractions in the No.1 meetings and conventions destination in the country.

With a one-of-a-kind check-in ticketing redemption process, TicketSoft offers attractions and ticket resellers a check-in ticketing redemption process that never interrupts an attraction’s current admissions operations.

“Attractions or resellers now have the ability to utilize our turn-key software system without any downtime from their previous system. So, basically, they have a new, full-service e-ticketing solution without ever missing a sale, all while creating the ultimate userfriendly experience for the consumer,” says Kristi Gomen, CEO of TicketSoft.

“In addition, we have developed and installed a desktop check-in version along with our check-in app for quick mobile guest entry.”

TicketSoft has been the buzz in the attractions industry with clients that include I-Drive NASCAR Indoor Kart Racing, Machine Gun America, Gatorland, Wild Florida Airboats and Wildlife Park, Fun Spot America Parks, Boggy Creek Airboats, Wonderworks, Medieval Times, Sleuths Mystery Dinner Shows, Merlin Entertainment, Kennedy Space Center

and ICON Orlando, just to name a few.

Recently, TicketSoft led the way in providing the first online, e-commerce solution for ticket resellers to adapt to the Walt Disney World Resort’s uniform, single-day ticket pricing. Kissimmee Guest Services, as well as several others, used TicketSoft’s full-service solution to launch their online web properties, including a box office solution for concierge desks and remote onsite locations that support guests with a seamless checkout process.

“With our continued growth in the leading tourism capital of the world, our technology is proving to make positive operational impacts for our attraction partners and resellers alike. The efficiencies of e-ticketing are creating an incredible experience for guests who are purchasing tickets and saving time with a turnstile-ready ticket. We couldn’t be more proud of the results,” states Gomen.

TicketSoft’s e-ticket check-in redemption software is changing the way tickets have been delivered over the last 30 years. Area resellers, tour operators, online travel agents and travel agents all over the world can now partner with TicketSoft to integrate their ticketing operations from a voucher format to an e-ticket/mobile ticket that is turnstile ready, ultimately making a seamless consumer experience.

A Solution for Events and Entertainment TicketSoft also offers a full-service, e-ticketing solution for networking events, special and private events, sporting events and concert venues. This includes staffing opportunities for assistance with checking in guests as they arrive.

The TicketSoft team has helped the following clients execute a seamless mobile check-in experience for their guests.

Tim Webber Events Taste of Dr. Phillips (Dr. Phillips Rotary) n Xpirient n Orange Lake Resorts

n Devereux’s Camp Holiday Cheer n British American Chamber n

n

407.519.9344 TicketSoftGlobal.com

• • • • • • • • • • Promotional Feature • • • • • • • • • • 8

Central Florida Lifestyle | December 2018

>TECH+TRENDS

7

Must-Have Home Technologies For Your Next Party

Entertaining comes with a fair share of stress. These handy gadgets will ease your worries and make your get-togethers much more enjoyable for you and your loved ones.

By Larissa Hamblin

Nest x Yale Lock

Don't worry about racing to the door to keep your guests from waiting. Instead, create a pass code for your front door lock so they can let themselves in. Once your get-together is over, reset it so only you and your house members have access again. www.YaleHome.com

Instant Pot with Bluetooth

Monitor your meal with the touch of your smartphone. You can adjust the temperature and cook time on your pot to your cooking needs from the comfort of your couch or while mingling with guests. www.InstantPot.com

SmartyPans

This smart pan makes cooking easier with built-in weight and temperature sensors.

You can even sync your pan with the mobile app to connect you with the recipe and limit the possibility of burning your food. www.SmartyPans.io

Philips Hue Starter Kit

Ambiance is everything when you’re throwing a party. The more festive and comfortable your space looks, the more your guests will feel the same. Through the controller, you can choose an array of hues to accentuate your space. It’s a small touch that will go a long way. www.MeetHue.com

iGrill Thermometer

Cooper Cooler Wine Bottle Chiller

Not only does this cooler bring wine down to the proper temperature, but you can also chill beer, water, soda or sports drinks in no time. Cans take one minute to cool down, bottles take 3.5 minutes and wine bottles take six minutes. Even better, it fits right on your countertop. www.CooperCooler.com 10

Central Florida Lifestyle | December 2018

Ensure that your meats are grilled to perfection at any gathering by monitoring the temperature in the easiest way possible. Simply connect your iGrill device with your smartphone to check the temperature of your meat on the Weber iGrill app to ensure that it's as tender as it can be. www.Weber.com

Voice-Activated Water Faucet

When you're busy preparing your party spread, keep your faucet handle clean with a voiceactivated faucet. Just hook it up to your Amazon Alexa and say, “Alexa, ask Delta to turn on.” You can also tap it to activate the water.

Heat levels can be adjusted with your voice, too. www.DeltaFaucet.com

>HOMESTYLE

Festive Holiday Place Settings Deck your table along with your halls for a fun and festive holiday party.

By Leigh-Ann Andersen

A

ny holiday table can be enhanced with personalized place settings. When you get creative, your guests will even have a party favor to take home with them that will spruce up their own décor. Even simple ideas like these can make your holiday table unique, while at the same time letting everyone know where to sit.

1. Frosted Pinecones: Found at most craft shops, these decorations make wonderful place settings. Simply take a gold or silver pen and write your guests’ names on the pinecones.

Turn them into ornaments by tying a ribbon at the top. Make sure you write clearly and neatly so there is no confusion when it comes time to sit down for dinner.

12

paper reindeer, trees, Santas or even gift boxes. Use a felt pen to write the names of your guests on the completed place settings. They will appreciate these unique crafts and will certainly want to take them home at the end of the evening.

preparing an appetizer that requires a sauce, and use that sauce to write the names of your guests. Or offer a salad and use dressing for the writing instead. This requires some practice, so do two or three test runs before the actual event.

4. Homemade Treats: Purchase small gift boxes to send your guests home with chocolate, cookies or other treats. Write the guests’ names on the boxes and stuff each one with any goodie you would like.

You might also consider Christmas or holiday crackers personalized with the name of each guest. These can be purchased at most stores during the holiday season.

There are countless ways to use personalized place settings to make your table beautiful and unique. This is a chance to exercise your creativity in planning your holiday party. It usually takes only a few extra minutes, and your guests will certainly appreciate the effort.

2. Ornaments: A box of plastic or glass ornaments can be used for personalized place settings. Using coordinating pens designed for writing on glass or plastic, gently scrawl the names of your guests onto each ornament. Now each guest has a personalized ornament to remind them of your party to hang on their tree when they get home.

Personalize the Table: Al5. though this option doesn’t provide a party favor for guests, craftier hosts can personalize their glasses or dinnerware for the place setting.

Make sure to use food-safe paints if you go this route. If you don’t want to re-use your tablecloth, you could even get some fabric paint and write the names of your guests directly onto the tablecloth.

3. Origami: Whether you’re good at origami, or know someone who is, this technique can be used to make

6. Use the Food: A more difficult, but very unique idea, is to use actual food as personalized place settings. Try

Central Florida Lifestyle | December 2018

>SOMEONE+YOU+SHOULD+KNOW

A Heart for Healthcare How four sisters of the Catholic church brought one community together with a vision of healthcare for all.

By Lyndsay Fogarty

W

hen Sister Ann Kendrick arrived in Orlando with three other members of Notre Dame de Namur order of Catholic Nuns in the early 1970s, the bishop for the Catholic Diocese of Orlando tasked them with helping migrant workers who tended to the orange and vegetable crops. While the women assessed the needs of the community, in which they were the only white people who lived on the south side of the railroad tracks, they were threatened.

However, they refused to give up and wouldn’t leave when the church wanted to pull them out of the area.

“We’re not gonna go,” Kendrick said. “People won’t trust us. We’re just beginning to develop relationships and people are beginning to feel like we’re actually the real deal.”

The sisters befriended a man who lived on the street behind them. He in-

troduced them to others in town and joined them at community meetings.

During one meeting, the group of residents discovered that there was a chance the health department wasn’t going to apply for the migrant grant, which would help with healthcare immensely. So it was decided that the sisters would fight for a grant to introduce a healthcare option to this underserved community. They had their reservations though.

Kendrick said, “Listen, we are four white sisters who just arrived in town within the year. We can’t do that.

We don’t know how to do that.”

She was moved to tears when the neighbor they befriended stood up and said, “Four white sisters and one black brother.”

The comment was a game changer for the sisters. It meant they were trusted. With hard work and determinaPHOTOS COURTESY OF COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS

14

Central Florida Lifestyle | December 2018

tion, they got the grant and the Diocese donated a mobile home unit to start Community Health Centers, a private, nonprofit organization that provided outreach to agricultural workers who didn’t have another alternative.

In the past 45 years, Community Health Centers has grown to serve more than 66,000 patients annually via 13 state-of-the-art centers located across Central Florida. Patients in the Apopka, Bithlo, Clermont, Forest City, Groveland, Lake Ellenor, Leesburg, Meadow Woods, Pine Hills, Tavares and Winter Garden communities have access to services that include family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics, optometry, dentistry, behavioral health and so much more.

From its humble beginnings to now, the Community Health Centers goal has always been to provide quality healthcare for underserved communities while treating people with dignity and respect. It has always been a place where everybody belongs.

Kendrick and her sisters worked hard to make the healthcare vision of their community a reality, and they were passionate about the facility that they were able to create. The next generation of physicians and caregivers at Community Health Centers continue to lead by their example and pave the way for the insured, uninsured, underinsured and underserved children and adults of the Central Florida community.

SOPHISTICATED LIVING

Watson Realty Corp. and Luxury Portfolio International®: working together to help you every day.

At Watson, we know that some luxury affiliations are no more than a membership to a website or a magazine subscription. That’s why LeadingRE® and its luxury affiliate, Luxury Portfolio International®, have a real network of buyers they deliver directly to you. Not only does our network generate more referrals, but we also have an industry-envied closing rate. List with us, and you have increased your attraction of qualified buyers.

As a luxury brokerage, we connect tens of thousands of buyers and sellers each year.

Contact one of our professionals today to see how we can help you.

Watson Realty Corp. - Orlando SW 407.298.8800 7601 Conroy-Windermere Road, Suite 100 Orlando, FL 32835 WatsonRealtyCorp.com | LuxuryPortfolio.com | https://www.Facebook.com/WatsonRealtyCorpSWOrlando

>ASK+THE+LAWYER

6

Resolute Steps for

Future Wealth Your guide to personal and family financial planning and prosperity for the years ahead.

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

A

lthough the stock market crash of October 2008 experienced the largest point drop in history, there were no suicides on Wall Street that day. The real effect of the crash took a little longer to sink in.

By March 2009 the market had been obliterated and subsequently collapsed to half of all previous gains.

Over the years that followed, trillions of dollars were lost and the market continued to hemorrhage until 13 percent of the work force was gone.

It was the highest and longest period of unemployment since the Great Depression of 1929.

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

16

Central Florida Lifestyle | December 2018

After the 2008 crash, lavish lifestyles, which America experienced during the previous decade, ended in the highest home foreclosures, bankruptcies and college debt in U.S. history. The years of discretionary spending and savings had reached its end and families would not begin to recover losses until the job market returned in 2018.

The last time the American job market was as strong as it is today, Astronaut Neil Armstrong was first to set foot on the moon and uttered the immortal words, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” Those words clearly resonate with the current unemployment rate, which fell to 3.7 percent in September 2018, the lowest level since 1969.

In addition to “one small step” at the beginning of a strong job market, this year Congress passed new tax reform legislation that may affect your tax refund next year and give all of us “one giant leap” on the road to

financial recovery. You work hard for your money and a tax refund may be the biggest check you get all year.

The new tax law is the largest piece of tax reform legislation in 30 years and, overall, the changes associated with the new tax law may lower taxes for individuals and small businesses.

Highlights of the new tax law include lower individual tax rates, increased standard deduction, increased child tax credit, elimination of dependent and personal exemptions and elimination of certain itemized deductions.

Behind us are the days of home foreclosures, bankruptcies, business failures and other financial indebtedness that debilitated America for nearly 10 years. Having endured past unproductive years, your immediate future provides new tax incentives, job opportunities, and wage and savings growth, providing the opportunity to build personal and family financial success.

ASK+THE+LAWYER<

The following are six resolute steps to help guide you in the coming years toward personal and family financial planning and prosperity.

•D iscretionary Spending: One of the biggest pitfalls of financial planning is the failure to recognize unnecessary spending known as discretionary spending. It includes travel, hobbies, luxuries, entertainment and charitable giving. A restart to prosperity is to avoid keeping up with and competing with friends and neighbors and spending unnecessarily. For example, instead of buying the whole family the most expensive iPhones, purchase a less expensive brand on a minimal family plan.

•F amily Budget: More than 75 percent of all families fail to prepare a budget of any sort. If financial times are good, they spend lavishly as if the good economy will last forever. In times of financial decline or failure, most people fail to recognize or believe the obvious signs and cut back spending too late to recover their losses. There are many software apps currently available that enable you to manage your lifestyle by demonstrating where to cut discretionary spend-

ing to manage mandatory spending and begin saving.

• 50-30-20 Savings Rule of Thumb: This is a popular rule for breaking down your budget.

The rule puts 50 percent of your income toward necessities such as housing and bills, 20 percent toward financial goals like paying off debt or saving for retirement, and 30 percent may be allocated to wants such as dining or entertainment. However, without saving first, dining out, gym memberships, hobbies and holiday gifts become wasteful spending.

• Florida Inheritance Tax: If someone dies in Florida owning assets valued at under the exemption amount, their estate doesn’t owe any federal or Florida estate tax. The heirs and beneficiaries inherit all property, personal or business, free of estate tax and there is no income tax since inherited property is not considered income. Rather than spend your inheritance, add it to your financial growth and wealth.

• Decedent Assets: Although inheritance tax may not exist at the time of death, unfortunately, close

to 75 percent of those owning assets at death fail to prepare any estate planning to protect beneficiaries from unnecessary court fees, attorney fees and other costs of probate for them to obtain what you intended for them to have at your death. Probate can be avoided through effective estate planning.

• Family Lock Box: Estate planning is like having your own safety lock box in which all family assets, personal and business, can be held in trust during life for immediate disbursement to your beneficiaries following death. Effective estate planning protects your assets while living and passes assets at death without any need for courts or attorney costs.

As we look ahead to the New Year, don’t wait until the next financial collapse before setting a course toward financial prosperity for you and your family. We are at the beginning of great opportunity and prosperity for all. So, take heed of the historical financial impacts of the past that we all endured and consult with an estate planning attorney to help guide you in setting up future wealth planning.

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

17

>HEALTH+&+WELLNESS

New Year,

New Resolutions These five wellness-based resolutions will boost your mood all year long.

By Larissa Hamblin

E

18

very year, we set New Year’s resolutions that usually consist of drinking more water, eating healthier and planning to exercise more. While they are set with good intentions, they typically fall off the radar by the time spring rolls around.

This year, challenge yourself to set realistic resolutions centered on your well-being.

Start a Gratitude Jar At the end of every day, write something you are grateful for down on a piece of paper, whether it be something that specifically happened during your day or something that you surround yourself with, then fold it up and place it in a designated jar.

On New Year’s Eve, open up your jar and take time to reflect on everything that made your year brighter.

Reserve 30 Minutes for You As a society, we rush from the moment we wake up to the time we get home, and in return, we overlook the things we can do to better ourselves and our minds. Resolve to take 30 minutes each day to do something that you find relaxing and meaningful. Whether that means reading a couple chapters of a new book, drinking a cup of coffee without distractions, watching a guilty pleasure TV show or taking a walk around your neighborhood, be intentional with choosing an activity that will boost your energy and productivity.

Write Letters to Loved Ones There’s nothing worse than coming home from work to a mailbox full of bills, but finding a letter from a loved one can brighten anyone’s day.

Offering a small act of surprise and love through simply mailing a letter shows someone how much you love them and that you are thinking of them. Not only will it help you spend time in your day spreading admiration and positivity, it will help bring light into your loved ones’ lives too.

Central Florida Lifestyle | December 2018

Unplug Before Bed The last thing we see before we go to bed should be our loved ones, not our screens. Make it a ritual to turn off your TV and phone at least 30 minutes before you lay your head down on your pillow. Instead, read a book, have a final conversation with a friend or loved one, or just drink some tea while writing in a journal. Countless studies prove that not only will you rest better but waking up in the morning will also be easier with a sounder sleep cycle.

Practice A Self Care Routine Whether it’s once a week or every day, take time out of your night to tend to yourself in the form of skin care. Light a candle, grab a new facial scrub and try a new face mask.

Don’t rush through the process — just relax and soak in the time that you have for you.

For even more wellness-based resolution ideas, visit bit.ly/AlternativeResolutions

y a d i HioftlGuide 2018

G

Compiled By Lyndsay Fogarty

Bottoms Up

Get your friends and family ready for New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve with this 7 oz. Champagne flute. Its triple insulation keeps beverages chilled through your countdown to midnight and beyond.

Stemless Flute, $19.95, Corkcicle.com

Stay in Touch

This Bluetooth tracker is the perfect gift for anyone on your list who consistently loses important items like their keys or wallet. With a 300-foot range and a replaceable battery, this gift is both practical and functional.

Tile Pro, $35, Tile.com Tile Pro 8-Pack with Free Echo Dot, $160 (for a limited time), Tile.com

Perfect Arrangement

Perfect for a hostess gift, the selection of arrangements at Bouqs include flowers that are grown on sustainable, ecoconscious farms.

Jolly Holly Centerpiece, $52 for one and $78 for two, Bouqs.com Warmth Wreath, $66, Bouqs.com Holiday Sweater Bouquet, starts at $54, Bouqs.com

20

Central Florida Lifestyle | December 2018

Find something for everyone on your shopping list with Lifestyle’s annual gift guide.

TBeoaupty

Stocking Stuffers Keep skin looking younger for longer with this hydrating lotion. Clinique will donate $10 from the purchase of this product to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Available through Jan. 31, 2019.

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+, $39, Clinique.com

Publisher’s

Pick!

This repair serum maximizes the power of the skin’s natural nighttime renewal to reveal smoother, younger looking skin. Twenty percent of the suggested retail price will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Available through June, 30, 2019.

Estée Lauder Limited-Edition Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II, $98, EsteeLauder.com It’s easy to take this perfume with you on the go, no matter the size of your bag. Twenty percent of the proceeds will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Available through Dec. 31, 2018.

Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Eau de Parfum Spray, $30, LordAndTaylor.com In just three minutes, this firstof-its-kind-mask reveals glowing, deeply purified skin due in part to the addition of Green Tea TEAOXI. GLAMGLOW will donate 20 percent of the purchase price to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Available through Dec. 31, 2018.

GLAMGLOW BUBBLESHEET Oxygenating Deep Cleanse Mask, $9, Glamglow.com and Sephora.com Give a classic, iconic gift this holiday season. This floral scent is created using 67 fresh flowers for each bottle, including 47 hand-picked Jasmine flowers.

Elizabeth Taylor White Diamonds Eau de Toilette Spray Naturel, $69, Macys.com

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

21

Cheers!

Receive a $15 additional gift card with a $200 spend, $50 for $500 and $125 for $1,000*. A selection of gift baskets and retail items are also available for purchase.

Gift cards and other items are available for purchase at Wine Bar George and at WineBarGeorge.com

Share the Sizzle

Purchase $250 or more in Ruth’s Chris gift cards and receive a 10% bonus*. Gift cards can be purchased at Ruth’s Chris Steak House locations (Winter Park, Orlando – Sand Lake and Lake Mary) or online at RuthsChris.com. * 10% bonus offer available through December 31, 2018 on purchases of $250+. All $250 must be purchased in a single transaction to qualify for 10% bonus. Bonus cards cannot be redeemed on the same day of purchase. Bonus cards are valid 1/1/2019 to 3/31/2019. Not valid on prior purchases. Bonus card usage cannot be combined with other offers, promotions, discounts or coupons.

* Offer valid through Dec. 31, 2018.

Sea for Yourself

Give the gift of Paddlefish this holiday season. Receive a $25 bonus card with any $100 gift card purchase*.

Gift cards can be purchased at the Paddlefish restaurant in Disney Springs or online at LevyRestaurants.com/gift-cards *Bonus card is valid Jan. 1, 2019 to March 31, 2019.

Soul Sister

Designed as a reminder to stay connected to your soul, this leather clutch works as an everyday bag that can go from day to night or a makeup bag that keeps all of your items organized.

Soul Carrier Connection Clutch, $136, SoulCarrier.com

The Gift of Year-Round Golf Four Seasons Golf and Sports Club Orlando Membership • Exclusive access to golf on the 18-hole Tranquilo Golf Course • Unlimited use of the golf practice facilities • Special rates for guests of members • Invitations to exclusive members-only events • Access to the resort’s state-of-the-art, 24-hour fitness center; complimentary daily fitness classes; access to Har-Tru tennis courts, lap lane swimming in Oasis adult pool from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. daily, basketball courts and sand volleyball; and special pricing for golf, tennis and personal training instruction • Special savings at The Spa & Salon at Four Seasons, banquet/catered events, golf shop and retail boutiques • Complimentary valet parking for up to one vehicle per day Visit www.FourSeasons.com/orlando/ club for individual and family pricing information.

22

Central Florida Lifestyle | December 2018

Team Spirit

Celebrate your favorite college football team or protect your eyes from the sun with a little bit of sass when you’re wearing these sunglasses. All versions feature round, oversized frames and UV protection lenses.

Playhaus Goods Sunglasses, $20, PlayhausGoods.com

Feel Good Gift

Give a gift that gives back this year. Proceeds from these cozy, limited-edition pajamas benefit Stand Up To Cancer and its efforts to fund and develop promising new cancer treatments.

PJ Salvage X SU2C Dog Print Pajama Set, $84, ShopSU2C.org

COMM_April18_P03.indd 1

3/28/18 4:47 PM

Granting Wishes

S

in Central Florida for Over 30 years

o why is jewelry still a favorite gift for the holidays? Our guess is that someone saw something beautiful and rare that reminded them of you.

It’s that same kind of feeling when a child makes something with a vision in mind and it’s meant just for you.

At Victoria Jewelers in Baldwin Park, you will find a showroom full of one-of-a-kind pieces that are custom designed and meticulously crafted by their master jewelers. Each of the diamonds in their showcases are selected for their exceptional quality and unrivaled brilliance. You can also work one on one with an experienced design specialist to create your own oneof-a-kind piece of jewelry. A combination of your budget, the designer’s education and years of experience help to bring your jewelry dreams to fruition. That vision is then brought to life when you receive your very own CAD rendering.

During this process you will be educated so you have the knowledge and clear understanding of the value of any diamond or gemstone you select — yet another experience that is unique to this store. Your design is then casted and finally hand crafted to perfection by their master jewelers. Because Victoria Jewelers is the designer, the level of craftsmanship has to be excellent. The finished product is unique to you. The quality of their jewelry is superior and unmatched in this area.

They are family owned and operated since 1987, and you can feel the family atmosphere as soon as you walk in. They are the only AGS store in Central Florida that is also a certified Forevermark Diamond dealer, which again, confirms their level of excellence in every aspect of their jewelry.

For over 30 years, Victoria Jewelers has been a part of celebrating Central Florida’s greatest love stories and granting jewelry wishes for everyone, from young couples ready to take the next step to special occasions and milestones to perfectly restoring family heirloom jewelry. We’re so grateful to have this trusted family jewelry store, with a staff that has over 250 years of combined experience, centrally located right here in Baldwin Park.

4844 New Broad Street • Orlando, FL 32814 407.895.0047 • www.VictoriaJewelers.net

24

Central Florida Lifestyle | December 2018

>IN+THE+KITCHEN

COURTESY OF THE AMERICAN PECAN COUNCIL

Go Beyond Pecan Pie Instead of going the traditional route with your holiday menu, try something new with a familiar ingredient.

Courtesy of the American Pecan Council

W

hen deciding which dishes to serve at your holiday gatherings this year, consider going beyond traditional recipes and using beloved seasonal ingredients in new ways.

For example, while pecan pie is top of mind for many dessert-makers, it’s also a perfect time to make new dishes with an ingredient like pecans, also known as The Original Supernut. Naturally sweet and nutritious, the pecan lends itself to nearly endless holiday menu inspiration.

PECAN-CRUSTED PRIME RIB WITH HORSERADISH CREAM SAUCE Ingredients: • 1 boneless prime rib roast (8-10 pounds) • 1 tablespoon, plus 1/4 teaspoon, kosher salt • 2 teaspoons fresh black pepper, plus additional for pecan topping 26

Central Florida Lifestyle | December 2018

• 1 cup raw pecan pieces • 3 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped • 3 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter • 8 garlic cloves, divided • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, divided Horseradish Cream Sauce (optional): • 1 cup low-fat sour cream • 1/4 cup horseradish, grated • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard • 1/2 lemon, juice and zest only • 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely sliced • Kosher salt, to taste • Fresh black pepper, to taste Directions: To make Horseradish Cream Sauce: In a small bowl, combine sour

cream, horseradish, mustard, lemon juice and zest, and fresh chives. Add salt and pepper to taste. Sauce can be prepared 1 day ahead of time and refrigerated.

To make pecan topping: Heat oven to 325° F. In food processor, process pecans, rosemary, thyme, breadcrumbs, butter, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tablespoon mustard, remaining salt and pepper until combined. Set aside.

Season prime rib with 1 tablespoon salt and pepper; let sit at room temperature 1 hour. Cut small slits in fatty side of prime rib; stuff with remaining garlic. Rub remaining mustard over top of prime rib and apply pecan topping, making sure to press firm. Transfer prime rib to roasting pan.

Place rib roast in lower-third of oven, insert digital probe thermometer in middle and loosely cover top of prime

IN+THE+KITCHEN<

PECAN APPLE STUFFING

COURTESY OF THE

Ingredients: • Nonstick cooking spray • 1 pound mild Italian sausage • 1 tablespoon olive oil or pecan oil • 1 yellow onion, diced • 3 celery stalks, chopped • 3 garlic cloves, minced • 12 ounces herb-seasoned cubed stuffing • 2 cups tart apples, chopped • 1 1/2 cups pecan halves • 1 cup chicken broth, plus additional (optional)

• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Directions: Heat oven to 350° F. Grease a large casserole dish or 9-by-13-inch pan with nonstick spray. Set aside. In a large skillet, brown sausage, breaking into crumbles. Drain on paper towels. Discard excess grease. In same pan over medium heat, add olive oil.

Saute onions, celery and garlic 2-3 minutes or until starting to soften and fragrant. In a large bowl, mix sausage, onion mixture, stuffing cubes, apples and pecans. Add broth and stir to combine. If stuffing mixture remains dry, add additional broth as desired.

Season with salt and pepper; stir to combine. Transfer stuffing to a prepared baking dish. Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake 15 minutes.

COURTESY OF THE AMERICAN PECAN COUNCIL

rib with foil so pecans don’t burn. Cook 1 1/2 hours, remove foil and continue cooking until internal temperature reaches 120° F. Allow prime rib to rest covered for 30 minutes so juices can redistribute. Serve with Horseradish Cream Sauce, if desired.

CELEBRATE THE SEASON. And let us do all the work.

Our buffet features all the holiday favorites like Black Pepper Herb Crusted New York Strip, Blackened Florida Mahi and Sweet Corn Pudding.

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

December 25, 2018 | 2:00pm – 8:00pm $55 for adults* $18 for kids ages 3-9* FREE for kids under 3*

Florida residents receive 20% off.

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

Discount off buffet only, alcoholic beverages not included.

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

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

27

2018 volleyball state champs

The Geneva School

ANNOUNCES $14 MILLION CAMPUS EXPANSION

T

footprint in Winter Park has capped enrollment at about 500 students for several years. It’s been frustrating to turn away potential students and their families. We are excited about the potential for growth in our student population.

Our teachers are thrilled about the new resources and space. In fact, they have already been dreaming about new ways to enhance academic programming.”

The design of the middle and high school facility supports Geneva’s mission of teaching students how to think deeply and speak persuasively. In addition to classroom and office spaces, the design includes a full-sized gymnasium, locker and weight rooms, multiple science labs, and a black box performance theater that will include state-of-the-art amenities for lighting, sound, and audience seating. Other interesting features include a daVinci Lab used for group discussion, creative collaboration, and student thesis presentations, as well as a collaborative (multi-purpose) industrial space for drama set design, science experiments, large art projects, and digital photography shoots. Other adjacent spaces include an art lab with a kiln and sound-treated music rooms for lessons and practices.

Since the founding of The Geneva School in 1993, the faculty, staff, administration, and board members have relentlessly pursued this one mission:

inspiring students to love beauty, think deeply, and pursue Christ’s calling. This will not change. Teachers and staff are excited about implementing the mission using new spaces in new ways to engage the hearts, minds, and imaginations of their students.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE GENEVA SCHOOL

he Geneva School, a K4–12 Christian classical school in Winter Park, will open a new 59,000-square-foot upper school facility on its 40-acre campus on Seminola Boulevard, Casselberry in August 2019.

This phase of construction is the second in Geneva’s overall campus expansion plan, which began with a $6 million state-of-the-art athletic facility located on Seminola Boulevard. The athletic facility, which officially opened in November 2016, includes soccer, softball, baseball, and practice fields, a fullsize track with facilities for field events, as well as tennis and beach volleyball courts.

The new building will be home to students in 7th–12th grade. For a season, the school will be on two campus locations serving one mission. Grammar school students (K4–6th grade) will remain at the school’s current campus on Semoran Boulevard in Winter Park. As enrollment grows on both campuses, plans are in place for a third phase of construction on the new property to enable the entire school to be together on one campus.

“Geneva’s expansion is a gamechanger for the school,” said Board Chairman John Riley. “Our current

Founded in 1993, The Geneva School is a Christian classical day school serving 515 students, K4–12th grade. For more information, go to genevaschool.org.

• • • • • • • • • • Promotional Feature • • • • • • • • • • 28

Central Florida Lifestyle | December 2018

In 2019, upper school students and faculty at The Geneva School will have a new home at the Casselberry campus.

BACK to the Basics Keep your back muscles and your joints healthy all year long with these tips.

How to Protect Your Back

By Lyndsay Fogarty

F

rom shopping for the perfect gift to preparing a meal for your guests, there are plenty of opportunities for aches and pains during the holidays. The American Physical Therapy Association suggests the following ways to protect your back.

1. Distribute the weight of shopping bags equally on both sides of your body.

2. M ake frequent trips to the car to drop off purchases as you shop.

3. Carry a small backpack instead of a purse to disperse the weight across your back instead of carrying it on one side.

30

Central Florida Lifestyle | December 2018

4. When picking up packages or taking small appliances and holiday decorations out of storage, lift with your legs rather than your back and keep the weight close to your body.

5. Make sure your kitchen work surface is approximately at the level of your forearms when your elbows are bent at a right angle or at elbow height to decrease your risk of upper back, neck and shoulder strain.

6. Work on a padded surface such as an area rug with grippers while cooking, baking or doing dishes.

7 Benefits of Maintaining Good Posture

By Danette

M

aintaining good posture is critical to your overall health and well-being. When posture is good, there is no excessive strain on your ligaments and muscles.

While standing or sitting, you should keep your chin forward, shoulders back, knees bent at a right angle, feet aligned with the floor, and back straight with no slouching. Here are seven benefits of maintaining good posture: 1. Prevent Joint and Muscle Injuries Keeping your posture in check can help you avoid sprains, strains or injuries due to wear and tear, mainly if you work out.

It can also prevent damage to your joints that cause diseases such as arthritis, herniated disks or hunchback.

2. Breathe Easier If you have trouble taking deep breaths, it might be due to bad posture. Your posture affects the way your diaphragm moves, so straighten up, take a deep breath and feel how much extra air gets into your lungs.

3. Ease Back Pain Many back pain cases are caused by tense muscles or misaligned joints. Improving your posture releases that tension in your muscles and properly aligns the bones in your spine, gradually reducing or even eliminating back pain.

4. Strengthen the Core When you correct your posture, you will notice your abs working harder. This strengthens the core. Consider it an ab workout that you can do while standing or sitting.

5. Improve Digestion Standing or sitting with proper posture keeps your organs in a natural position, allowing for fewer kinks that can cause digestive discomfort. It also promotes good circulation, which is essential for proper digestion.

6. Boost Your Mood Research has shown that people who regularly practice proper posture feel better than those that donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. Amazingly, studies show a marked improvement in mental ailments such as depression or anxiety by merely correcting posture.

7. Enhance Attractiveness Having good posture can make you feel good while making you more attractive to others. Someone who is standing straight and confident looks far more attractive than someone who is slouched over, staring down at the floor.

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not sure which aspects of your posture need improvement, talk to your doctor or chiropractor for pointers. www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

31

What Women Should Know About Hormones & Joint Health

By J. Lang Wood

M

ost people are aware that joint health is a concern with age. However, fewer are aware of the connection between joint health and hormone depletion. Researchers at Boston University and California Pacific Medical Research Center have discovered a link between low levels of estrogen and joint pain.

About Joint Pain About 60 percent of individuals with osteoarthritis are women. Women are also twice as likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than men. This is due in part to the structure of their body. Women’s hips and knees are joined at a sharper angle to accommodate the larger pelvic cavity. In addition, women are subject to changes in estrogen levels, which causes changes in fluid retention and pain sensation.

Though they are unclear about the exact connection between joint pain and hormones, medical researchers believe estrogen helps to protect joints and provide resistance to the perception of joint pain. When estrogen levels fall during menopause, joint pain increases, with pain most often felt in the knees, hips, shoulders, ankles, wrists and back.

Menopausal Arthritis Researchers noticed women who took estrogen-inhibiting drugs as treatment for breast cancer began experiencing arthritis-like pain in their fingers, wrists and other joints. This phenomenon gave rise to a new medical term: menopausal arthritis. This condition is temporary and isn’t related to degenerative joint conditions. Asian women appear to be particularly susceptible to menopausal arthritis pain.

Arthritis causes swelling of the joints, stiffness, inflammation of tissues and pain. The swelling and inflammation in the joint can inhibit movement. Over-the-counter pain medications and

32

Central Florida Lifestyle | December 2018

prescription medications can help to reduce pain, although some have significant side effects that should be discussed with a physician. Steroid injections are a traditional treatment for severe joint pain but can only be used on a limited schedule.

Treatment Options Menopause causes other physical symptoms, including hot flashes, thinning hair, increased abdominal fat and mood swings. Lower estrogen levels during menopause may also play a part in the perception of increased joint pain. When menopausal symptoms don’t respond to standard drugs or injections, some physicians may prescribe hormone replacement therapy. This treatment shouldn’t be used in patients with previous cancer diagnoses, blood clots or patients being treated for cardiovascular problems.

Bio-identical hormone replacement is an option that relies on hormones derived from plant chemicals that are compounded in pharmacies specifically for the patient, based on analysis from their saliva. There is no scientific data to suggest that these compounds are safer or more effective than laboratory produced hormones, and they may not have gone through the rigorous quality control measures that are performed on commercial hormone products.

Additionally, exercise such as yoga and tai chi can be helpful in relieving joint pain and stiffness. Heat packs and massage can improve circulation and mobility. Acupuncture, a method in which thin needles are used to block the nerve pathways, has been proven to give temporary relief for joint pain as well.

Not all remedies are advisable for all patients, and women should discuss the range of options with their physicians at length before undergoing treatment.

>WINE+&+SPIRITS

4

Holiday Cocktails

Cinnamon and oranges are added to traditional German Glühwein

from Around the World Celebrate the season by exploring the holiday cocktails that are consumed in countries across the globe.

By Larissa Hamblin

O

ne of the best ways to celebrate the holidays is by toasting with a traditional cocktail. In the U.S., we typically cozy up with a glass of spiked eggnog at Christmastime and sip Champagne on New Year’s Eve. Let’s take a trip around the world to see how other cultures salute the holiday.

Classic Coquito With a name that translates to “little coconut,” this cocktail originated in Puerto Rico. Coquito calls for coconut milk, condensed milk, vanilla, rum and your preference of warm spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg. Some recipes call for egg yolk, but this is not part of coquito’s traditional preparation. After all of the ingredients are blended together, the mixture should be refrigerated for at least an hour. Although many recipe variations can be found online, coquito is special because of the recipes that have been passed down through the generations. Many Puerto Rican households make it in large batches so they can give bottles as gifts.

34

Central Florida Lifestyle | December 2018

Sweet Scandinavian Glögg In Sweden and Norway, a version of mulled wine called glögg is consumed as a celebratory cocktail. Often served warm, glögg doesn’t include fresh fruit like other mulled wines. Instead, almonds and raisins are incorporated to soak up the alcohol. This cocktail is prepared with red wine, vodka, cinnamon sticks, cloves, dried ginger, cardamom pods, orange peels, raisins, almonds, caster sugar and vanilla sugar. Think of glögg as a winter sangria.

A Glass of Glühwein Germany also has a traditional mulled wine that is consumed during the holidays It’s called Glühwein. This red wine cocktail is more like sangria with the use of oranges and holiday spices such as star anise, cinnamon sticks and cloves. Take this cocktail up a notch by mixing in rum or amaretto. Though Germans tend to stick to tradition, many other cultures prepare a version of Glühwein with different spices, such

as vanilla, ginger or black pepper, to give the holiday classic a new leg.

Traditional Ponche Navideño In Mexico, a holiday celebration wouldn’t be complete without Ponche Navideño. This punch can be served in a huge bowl or portioned into wine glasses, depending on the formality of the holiday celebration. With water as the base, traditional ingredients include, but aren’t limited to, cinnamon sticks, apples, guava, oranges and pears. You can make an adults-only version with your preferred spirit included or keep it as a mocktail. What sets this punch apart is the addition of tamarind pods, which add a sweet and sour flavor to the mix, and tejocotes for a tart apple taste.

These holiday cocktails from around the world will add a bit more sugar and spice to your celebrations this year. Whether you stick to a traditional preparation or make it your own with additional ingredients, you will still be celebrating a cultural festivity.

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

35

>EXPERT+ADVICE+WEALTH

Everything You Need to Know About Current Mortgage Rates Mortgage rates are on the rise, but they are still near historic lows.

By Richie Sloan, IberiaBank

T

he 30-year fixed rate continues to climb steadily, according to data from Bankrate.com’s weekly survey of the nation’s largest mortgage lenders. At press time, it jumped from 5.06 to 5.10 in one week. Likewise, the 15-year, fixed-rate mortgage climbed to 4.46 percent and the 5/1 adjustable-rate to 4.45 percent.

At the current 30-year fixed rate, you will pay $542.95 each month for every $100,000 you borrow, up from $540.49 the week before. At the current 15-year fixed rate, you will pay $762.95 each month for every $100,000 you borrow, up from $760.40 the week before.

But before everyone panics, let’s put these numbers into their proper perspective.

Richie Sloan offers personalized, concierge-level service as a senior mortgage banker at IberiaBank Mortgage. He has served Central Floridians as an expert residential mortgage lending resource and trusted advisor since 2000.

36

Central Florida Lifestyle | December 2018

A Little History Over the past 45 years, interest rates on the 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage have ranged from as high as 18.63 percent in 1981 to as low as 3.31 percent in 2012. This proves that mortgage rates today (at less than 1/3 of the historical high) remain at historical lows.

In 1971, when Freddie Mac began surveying lenders for mortgage data, interest rates for 30-year, fixedrate mortgages ranged from 7.29 percent to 7.73 percent. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, mortgage rates steadily climbed as unchecked inflation contributed to a volatile national economy.

In the early 1980s, high-rate loans emerged as a part of the Federal Reserve’s plan to fight inflation. By October 1981, the average rate for 30-year mortgages reached its all-time high of 18.63 percent.

By the end of the 1980s, yearly inflation returned to a healthy 3.5 percent and mortgage rates dropped to around 10 percent. This downward trend continued throughout the ‘90s, as rates held between 6.49 percent and

10.67 percent. Over the past 20 years, rates for 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages have largely remained in the single digits, peaking at 8.64 percent in May of 2000.

Since (and because of) the housing crisis in 2008, rates have consistently stayed under 6 percent, with the rate on 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages bottoming out at 3.31 percent in November 2012. So while today’s rates are currently on the rise, they are still at all-time lows compared to previous decades.

Summary • Have mortgage rates risen recently?

Yes. • Is it likely that they’ll continue to gradually rise? Yes. • Are today’s rates still historically low?

Yes. • So when considering all of these factors, is right now an ideal time to buy a new home? Unequivocally yes.

Our team is always here to answer questions and assist clients with mortgage needs, so call us to learn more.

>EXPERT+ADVICE+FITNESS

5

Healthy Holiday Survival Tips Yule Adore

How to stay on track during the holidays without getting your tinsel in a tangle.

By Damien Priester, Certified Fitness Coach and Owner, SWEAT Gym

T

he holidays have arrived with all the high-calorie food and drinks of the season. It’s no wonder why most of us gain weight this time of year.

Sweet temptations are everywhere. Even healthy foods like sweet potatoes and green beans are somehow transformed into high-calorie dishes that make you want to do nothing but fall asleep. Even the drinks, such as eggnog and alcoholic beverages, are loaded with calories.

Want to fight these holiday pounds? Follow my SANTA plan.

S: Savor Everything. It’s unrealistic to think that you will skip that party or avoid that favorite treat you indulge in once a year. So go ahead and take that cookie, but savor it. Sip your eggnog and enjoy every drop. As long as you aren’t overdoing it, ‘tis the season to savor!

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

38

Central Florida Lifestyle | December 2018

A: Always Hydrate. Drink water before going out, while you are out and after you get home.

Most people are walking around mildly dehydrated all day, every day. If you’re enjoying alcohol or salty snacks at a party or dinner, make sure to up your water intake to compensate. A hydrated body functions better and keeps your metabolism revved. Water will also keep you feeling fuller, so you eat and drink less.

Try this 10-minute workout routine you can do anywhere: • 10 high knees • 10 squats • 10 burpees • 10 toe touches Try to complete as many rounds as possible within 10 minutes. If you’re feeling good, go for 20 minutes!

N: New Year, New Yule. Think about what changes you can make to improve the holiday for you and your family, friends or neighbors.

Is there a healthier recipe for your sweet potato casserole that tastes just as good or better? Are there some simple budget cuts you can make to ease the seasonal strain on your wallet? How about making gifts? Spending time, not money, is what’s important to most loved ones. Create new rules. Do it your way.

A: Adjust Your Mindset. Enjoy the goodness of the season in moderation. Trim calories where you can by limiting trimmings like cheeses, gravy and sauces. Be smart about what you choose to eat without depriving yourself of the foods you love or you will likely splurge and ruin all your good intentions. Start by surveying the available food items and indulge in your favorites instead of the everyday dishes that you can have another time. Also, limit the amount of alcoholic beverages you drink because, as you likely know, they’re filled with calories, too. Try alternating an alcoholic drink with a non-alcoholic drink.

T: Ten Minutes A Day. Crank up the jingle bell rock and get moving. Doing a few simple stretches and exercises each day can keep the pesky fruitcake calories away.

Follow these simple tips to avoid holiday weight gain this season. Remember, if you want to sleigh the holidays this year, just remember the SANTA plan.

>PLACES+TO+GO

Celebrate Creativity in St. Augustine

Your guide to the 9th annual Saint Augustine Film Festival in January 2019.

By Lyndsay Fogarty

About the Festival Approximately 40 films will be shown, including foreign and American indies. Two of the documentaries are even about St. Augustine residents: Frosty Myers (The Life and Times of Frosty Myers) and Hurley Haywood (Hurley). A list of films will be updated frequently at www.StAugFilmfest.com, and an at-a-glance schedule will be available to download in late December.

40

Central Florida Lifestyle | December 2018

Where to Watch Three St. Augustine venues will present the films. Locations include Corazon Cinema and Café, which serves beer, wine and light bites in three intimate theaters, and the GamacheKoger Theater inside the Ringhaver Student Center at Flagler College.

All of the major films, including those that are scheduled for opening and closing nights, will be shown at Flagler College’s Lewis Auditorium.

All three locations are within a fiveminute walk of each other, making it easy to view multiple films in a short timeframe.

How to Volunteer Film buffs are invited to register as a volunteer on the festival website. Each theater needs volunteers to assist with taking tickets, manning the counters and greeting/ushering attendees. Opportunities at the gala events include support for set-up and breakdown as well as checking in ticket holders. Volunteers are required to attend an orientation session prior to the festival.

Individuals who commit to at least two four-hour shifts will be offered free tickets to attend films at the Lewis Auditorium.

COURTESY OF SAFF

T

he city of St. Augustine is known for its rich history, which draws millions of visitors each year to explore the many attractions that celebrate it. St. Augustine is also home to an annual film festival that supports creativity and a passion for the industry.

Founding sponsors, Barbara and Arnold Grevior, have been long-time supporters of the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF) and wanted to recreate that experience on the historic First Coast. Now regular attendees and filmmakers return year after year while introducing others to the experience.

The 9th annual Saint Augustine Film Festival (SAFF) will run from Jan. 17 to Jan. 20. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit.

ALL ACCESS PASS: Covers all films at all locations and provides entry to the screening rooms 20 minutes before a film begins as well as exclusive access to Preview Day on Jan. 17. Only attendees with this pass will be able to join the nightly parties. ​ ALL FILMS PASS: See any film at any location and receive early access to the screening rooms 20 minutes before a film begins as well as exclusive access to Preview Day on Jan. 17. ​ ALL LEWIS AUDITORIUM PASS: Access to any of the films that are shown in the Lewis Auditorium. This is usually where the most popular films are shown, including the opening and closing night films.

INDIVIDUAL TICKETS: See one film or several. Individual tickets are $10 for adults; $8 for seniors, military and first responders; and $7 for students with ID.

>YOUR+LOCAL

Top Moments of 2018 Take a look back at some of the biggest headlines coming out of Central Florida this year. see how many times it has exceeded its 36,000-mile warranty (currently over 11,000 times) and how many times Starman has listened to Is There Life on Mars? and Space Oddity.

By Lyndsay Fogarty

I

t seems like just yesterday that we rang in 2018, but a lot has happened here in Orlando since then.

Below we’ve outlined some of the top moments of the year.

1. T esla Roadster Heads to Space On Feb. 6, 2018, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk launched his red Tesla Roadster into space on the Falcon Heavy rocket from Cape Canaveral.

Also aboard was a mannequin astronaut named Starman, whose travels can be followed on www.WhereIsRoadster.com. The site notes that the Roadster made a close approach to Mars on June 8, 2018 and is expected to make a close approach to the sun on Aug. 9, 2019. You can follow along to track the car’s location as well as to

42

Central Florida Lifestyle | December 2018

2. Toy Story Land Makes Its Debut Disney fans got their first look at the much-anticipated Toy Story Land in Disney’s Hollywood Studios on June 30, 2018. Many lined up in the early hours of the morning to be one of the first to ride Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers. The colorful land transforms guests into toys as they explore all of the excitement of Andy’s backyard. It’s the first big step in the park’s re-imagining, which will include the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in fall 2019.

3. Dr. Phillips Center Breaks the Internet The most anticipated show of the upcoming season at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is Hamilton, and the venue’s website saw a record number of visitors when tickets went on sale on Nov. 16, 2018. While hundreds of patrons purchased tickets onsite, hundreds of thousands of others attempted to buy tickets online with varying levels of success. For those who didn’t get through before online sales closed, a lottery will take place closer to the show, which will run from Jan. 22, 2019 to Feb. 10, 2019.

4. UCF Knights Remain Undefeated On Aug. 30, 2018, the UCF Knights football team started their season undefeated in an away game against UConn. Their goal was to go 1-0 every single game. On Nov. 23, 2018 they ended their regular season undefeated once again after a 38-10 win over rival South Florida in the annual War on I-4, despite losing star quarterback McKenzie Milton to a leg injury in the second quarter.

5. I -4 Ultimate Project Continues Throughout 2018, Orlando commuters dealt with ramp closures and new traffic patterns as construction on the I-4 Ultimate Project continued from west of Kirkman Road in Orange County to east of State Road 434 in Seminole County. The 21-mile construction project is expected to be completed by 2021.

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

>YOUR+LOCAL

A Symphony

of Love

One church group’s experience with sharing their faith and their love with a town in need in the Dominican Republic.

By Donna Stutts-Piras

T

44

Central Florida Lifestyle | December 2018

were not on vacation but instead we paid or raised money so we could come and meet them. As we made introductions in English, diligent translators shared our message in both Spanish and Creole.

One group of men installed water filtration systems to cleanse the dirty water they drank daily while others played sports and set up a portable barber shop to cut the men’s hair and trim their beards. The women created a spa day for the women. I massaged lotion onto tired, worn, gnarled hands that never had one day of ease in this life.

Others filed and painted nails. We then sat in the dirt, giving joy and relief to dirty feet that had never been touched before. We became the hands and feet of Jesus. I never understood the phrase until that moment, as we showed love through touch and caress without thinking of ourselves.

Several members volunteered to work with the children, painting faces, playing games and sharing the story of Jesus. A small group of women, one named Daisy, rubbed the tummy of a young woman and prayed for the healthy birth of her baby, which was expected anytime. When we returned the next day, we were welcomed with

smiles, hugs and news that the baby had been born. To our surprise, the mother named the tiny girl Daisy, forever memorializing the moment our lives were entwined.

We provided school supplies for the children and distributed rice and beans to the adults. Our beautiful symphony’s crescendo was a touching moment where we collectively prayed for each person who came forward. Tears flowed freely. Hearts were changed.

Transformation took place as more than 12 forgotten people became Christians.

Many would praise our work, but our mission team members know that we’re the fortunate ones — forever changed by this experience.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DONNA STUTTS-PIRAS

wenty-two people, many of us strangers to each other, were brought together through Discovery Church, a non-denominational church serving Winter Garden, downtown Orlando and East Orlando, for a mission trip to the Dominican Republic. Our purpose was to minister to the forgotten people of the bateyes.

A batey is a company town that houses workers who harvest sugarcane fields. Multiple families live together in shanty homes with no running water, no electricity, no cooking facilities and no bathrooms. Workers often toil from sun up to sun down with a daily wage that’s barely enough to buy one meal.

Often, the cane cutters and their families have nothing to eat but the very sugarcane they cut.

This was my first mission trip, so I didn’t know what to expect. What I experienced was 22 people bonding together in a supernatural way to create a beautiful symphony of love. From singing on the bus rides to prayers, hugs and encouragement, we were aligned in sharing the love of Christ. We weren’t talkers; we were doers, immersed in the lives of the batey’s people.

We started with relationship — a smile and welcome to show that we

HOSPITALITY+SPOTLIGHT<

New Board of Directors and Executive Committee Elected The Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association elected their new Board of Directors and Executive Committee for the 2019 calendar year. The Board of Directors is comprised of 50 lodging executives from the tri-county area.

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

THE 2019 CFHLA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ARE AS FOLLOWS: CHAIRPERSON Jesse Martinez The Alfond Inn at Rollins

1st VICE CHAIRPERSON Brian Comes Hyatt Regency Orlando

2nd VICE CHAIRPERSON Marylouise Fitzgibbon Walt Disney World Resorts

SECRETARY Anthony Lazzara Crowne Plaza Orlando Universal

TREASURER Sonja Giselbrecht Marriott’s Lakeshore Reserve

ASSISTANT TREASURER Jorg Heyer Sheraton Vistana Villages

HISTORIAN Peter Kacheris Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek / Waldorf Astoria Orlando

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR Fred Sawyers Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort

Jesse Martinez, General Manager, The Alfond Inn at Rollins, 2019 CFHLA Board Chairman

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

45

HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN

WREATH

Whether you follow this step-by-step guide exactly or customize it with your choice of fresh greenery and adornments, the result will be a beautiful Christmas decoration.

By Catie Moore and Lyndsay Fogarty

What You Need • Wreath ring (18-inch) • Green floral wire (22-gauge) • Tree fern • Rosemary or clippings from a Christmas tree • Pine • Red berries • Berry pods

46

Central Florida Lifestyle | December 2018

Step 1 Cut floral wire into 2-inch strips. Prepare a small bunch of the rosemary or Christmas tree clippings (about four or five sprigs of equal size) and secure it on the ring with the floral wire. Continue this step until the entire ring is covered and all empty space is filled. This will be the base of your wreath.

Step 2 Trim the pine to approximately half the length of the wreath. Secure small bunches to each side with floral wire to add texture to the bottom.

Step 3 Make a bow using the tree fern and the berries.

Just as you did with the pine, prepare two bundles of the tree fern at the size that you prefer. Place the stems of each bundle together, pointing the leaves outward, then secure it around the entire base of the wreath with one large piece of floral wire. Tuck the berries into the middle, using floral wire where necessary to keep them in place.

Tip! Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to water your wreath throughout the season by spritzing it with a spray bottle every couple of days.

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

47

>HOMETOWN+HISTORY

3

Momentous Orlando Events

This December, take a look back at these milestones in The City Beautiful’s history.

By Larissa Hamblin

D

The Winter Park Christmas Parade Kicks Off

ecember is a festive time of year that brings families together to celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year’s Eve, all within the same couple of weeks. Specific to Orlando, however, there’s even more history to commemorate this final month of the year.

Orange County Convention Center Milestones

The Orange County Convention Center is widely known in Orlando for hosting regional, national and international conventions as well as meetings and trade shows throughout the year. While Orlando was marketed as a convention destination beginning in 1969, it wasn’t until 1983 that the facility (then called Orange County Convention & Civic Center) officially opened with a concert by The Boston Pops. In December 1990, Phase IIA was completed, adding 100,000 square feet that increased the lobby and registration areas as well as 5,000 square feet of office space. Two years later, in December 1992, “civic” was dropped from the name, ultimately making it the Orange County Convention Center. Now, OCCC attracts more than 230 events and 2.4 million attendees each year.

48

Central Florida Lifestyle | December 2018

The Candlelight Processional Comes To Disney World

Trumpets, violins, a choir — these musical masterpieces are just part of what makes up Disney’s Candlelight Processional, which dates back to 1958 at Disneyland. It wasn’t until Dec. 18-19, 1971 that the Christmas affair was brought to Florida. Rock Hudson was the very first narrator of the Disney World event that was held on Magic Kingdom’s Main Street.

It wasn’t until December 1993 that the procession moved to the American Gardens Theatre in Epcot, where it has been held every year since. This year, Neil Patrick Harris, Whoopi Goldberg, Pat Sajak and John Stamos, among other celebrities, will narrate the story of Christmas as a 50-piece orchestra and choir perform holiday favorites on select nights through Dec. 30.

In December 1952, the city of Winter Park created a Christmas tradition that has lasted through the decades. For the past 66 years, the Winter Park “Ye Olde Hometown” Christmas Parade has traveled down Park Avenue, lighting up the hearts of children, elders and everyone in between. This wintertime celebration is the longest-running Christmas parade in Central Florida. Over 80 organizations come together to put on the festivity, including school marching bands as well as local police officials and fire stations. In true Christmas spirit, the most exciting celebrity of them all to march down Winter Park is Santa Claus. Before the parade commences, guests can enjoy a pancake breakfast offered

by Leadership Winter Park.

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

49

>CHAMBER+NEWS

Wrapping Up 2018 As 2018 nears its end, the West Orange Chamber is excited to show off the final product of our Growth Matters campaign. Many are aware that we've been hard at work over the course of this year, working through the various stages of transition as our headquarters is transformed. Now complete, our renovated building offers numerous benefits and opportunities for members.

On Dec. 6, we invite you to join us for a first-hand look at the newly renovated West Orange Chamber headquarters.

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

Enjoy light appetizers and drinks as you experience the many benefits available as a result of this campaign. Visit wochamber.com to learn more and RSVP. Later this month, the chamber will hold its annual Member Appreciation Brunch — a “who’s who” among chamber members. The event, to be held on Dec. 13 at Valencia College, will feature a celebration of the many successful organizations that work together to make our chamber and business community strong.

At the breakfast, we will also celebrate our board members with the passing of the gavel ceremony. Outgoing board members, Commissioner Scott Boyd, Greg Ohe, Bobby Olszewski and Bruce Young, will be recognized for their service, and we will install new Chairman Keith Bradford of Walt Disney World. Tables will be adorned with unique favors created by members, and each attendee will take home a gift item from a sponsor business.

WOCC ambassadors celebrated the ribbon cutting of Home2 Suites (above) and the 5th anniversary of Kings Dining and Entertainment (below).

December Events: December 6

West Orange Chamber Open House 3-6 p.m.

Presented by: CenturyLink West Orange Chamber of Commerce 12184 W. Colonial Dr. Winter Garden, FL 34787 Free admission December 13

Member Appreciation Brunch

11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Series Sponsor: Florida Hospital Winter Garden Presenting Sponsor: Duke Energy Participating Sponsor: Fifth Third Bank Venue Sponsor: Valencia College Valencia College West Campus Special Events Center 1800 S. Kirkman Rd. Orlando FL 32835 $26 in advance, $234 corporate table of 9 For more information, visit wochamber.com or email kjones@wochamber.com

Winter Park Chamber Celebrates Successful Year It’s been an amazing year for the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce. We’ve found innovative ways to close the Relevancy Gap, which is a very real threat to our counterparts across the country, through digital engagement, tourism outreach, expanded programming and advocacy.

To be more digitally relevant, we want our members and the

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

50

Central Florida Lifestyle | December 2018

community to experience us in a virtual space and at in-person events. We’re also reaching our audience with more specialized content and, judging by our growing digital audience, we feel we’re meeting its needs.

On the tourism front, we continued to expand our outreach to international guests and visited the World Travel Market in London. We’ve experienced significant growth in our international web traffic and even greater growth in our United Kingdom traffic, translating to even higher numbers of international foot traffic. Our Tourism Task Force’s work will only enhance our efforts.

Our second class of Relaunch: Career Reentry for Professional Women began in September. The program is designed to help wom-

en build their resume, confidence and network through sessions that cover everything from how to get the most out of LinkedIn to building a personal brand. It's the jewel of our expanded programming, which also includes Young Professionals Winter Park, a program designed to develop the future leaders of our community.

Finally, our advocacy outreach took off in new, exciting ways in 2018. We provided legislative updates and click-to-send email campaigns, streamed live events on Facebook and hosted the only House District 47 candidate debate.

These are just some of our key highlights. We will continue to improve our services and support for our members and the community in 2019.

>CHAMBER+NEWS

Momentum into the New Year During 2018, the East Orlando Chamber implemented many new benefits and perks for our business members. One of the most exciting new member perks is a health benefits package. These benefits provide healthcare options for our members and their employees. Many small businesses cannot afford health insurance, so the chamber has built a program EAST

ORLANDO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Serving East to Southeast Orlando

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

that includes a telehealth, accident and catastrophic plan providing coverage for unforeseen medical needs.

These plans start at $14 per month with no additional co-pays or fees. If you would like to learn more about our benefits, call the office today.

We also launched OPTIC, Orlando’s Professional Technology & Innovation Collaborative, where we strive to connect solution seekers with problem solvers. We held two informative events this year: the Commercialization of Innovation and a Cybersecurity Briefing. We kick off four more events starting on Jan. 18, 2019 with Cybersecurity Compliance. These events are aimed toward technology sector professionals and businesses without the interruption of sales pitches from fellow attendees.

If you haven’t seen what we're doing differently, check us out. We have numerous events and benefits to assist you in growing your business and to get you connected within the 440 square miles east of I-4 in Orange County. More information is available at www.EOCC.org or call the office at 407-277-5951 to discover all the possibilities.

December Events: December 6 Coffee Club East 8:30-9:30 a.m.

Bonefish Grill – Waterford Park (New Location) December 13 Coffee Club Goldenrod 8:30-9:30 a.m.

Baldwin Fairchild December 20 Coffee Club Semoran 8:30-9:30 a.m.

Bonefish Grill – Gateway Orlando

Mingling and Jingling The Oviedo-Winter Springs Chamber of Commerce has had an exciting 2018. Our chamber hosted four signature events plus the Ovations Awards and a variety of monthly luncheons, events and meetings. We will end the year with our Chamber Awards and Business Expo on Dec. 6 at the Tuscawilla Country Club. Chamber President and CEO, Bridget Lake, will present awards to those who excelled throughout the year. She will also

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

52

Central Florida Lifestyle | December 2018

give an update about what to expect in 2019.

Our Chamber Holiday Parade is scheduled for Dec. 8, starting at 4 p.m. It will feature dressed-up floats, businesses, sports teams, troops, bands and let's not forget Santa! This is a free, family friendly event where lots of candy will be thrown for the kids. Snow Mountain follows the parade, starting at 5 p.m.

We hope all of Central Florida has a joyous holiday season. If you are considering membership for 2019, please visit our website for more information and join us at our Annual Regional Update Luncheon on Jan. 10. There’s no better way to start off your year than joining us for great networking and fellowship with business and community leaders.

“The Oviedo-Winter Springs Regional Chamber of Commerce: An advocate for business and civic interests within our communities.” Membership information at www.oviedowintersprings.org/join/ membership-benefits/

December Events: December 6 Monthly Luncheon - Chamber Awards and Business Expo 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Tuscawilla Country Club December 8 Chamber Holiday Parade 4 p.m.

December 12 Jingle Mingle 5:30-7 p.m.

Chamber Office For more information, visit www.oviedowintersprings.org or email halie@oviedowintersprings.org

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

53

>WHAT’S+HAPPENING

M O N DAY

9

Symphony Storytime: ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas

11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

The Plaza Live 425 N. Bumby Ave. Orlando, FL 32803 $10 general admission 407.770.0071 OrlandoPhil.com The Orlando Philharmonic presents the iconic Christmas poem to kick off the holiday season.

16

Trans-Siberian Orchestra: “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve”

3

Light Up UCF

10

5-10 p.m.

CFE Arena 12777 Gemini Blvd. N. Orlando, FL 32816 Ticket prices vary 407.823.3070 LightUpUCF.com Take a ride on a Ferris wheel, skate through an outdoor ice rink. ponder at the Holiday Light Show and more. This event runs through Jan. 1.

17

7 p.m.

Universal Studios Florida 6000 Universal Blvd.

Orlando, FL 32819 Included in regular theme park admission UniversalOrlando.com On select nights in December, the bestselling holiday artist of all time returns to Universal for live performances of their classic Christmas tunes.

Christmas Bricktacular at LEGOLAND Florida

23/30

10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

LEGOLAND Florida Included in regular theme park admission 888.690.5346 Legoland.com Marvel at the Christmas tree light shows, enjoy the festive decorations and meet LEGO Santa and a LEGO soldier. The event will run select dates through Dec. 31.

54

T U E S DAY

2

COURTESY OF WALT DISNEY WORLD® RESORT

DECEMBER Calendar of Events

S U N DAY

Central Florida Lifestyle | December 2018

24/31

4

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

11

7 p.m. – midnight Disney’s Magic Kingdom $99 adults, $94 kids 407.939.5277 DisneyWorld.disney.go.com Join in with Mickey and Santa for a holiday celebration with live shows, hot cocoa and special attractions. The event will be held on Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays until Dec. 21.

“White Christmas”

18

8 p.m.

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts 445 S. Magnolia Ave. Orlando, FL 32801 Ticket prices vary 844.513.2014 DrPhillipsCenter.org Based on the 1954 movie, “White Christmas” will offer a display of dance, laughter and a medley of Christmas songs.

25

W p

6 C 1 O $1 40 Fl So at ho ho

WHAT’S+HAPPENING<

W E D N E S DAY

8

.

5

F R I D AY

S AT U R DAY

2

4

1

T H U R S DAY

6

5

Wednesday W.I.N.E. presented by Corkcicle

SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration

7

10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

SeaWorld Orlando Included in regular theme park admission 407.545.5550 SeaWorld.com Meet Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, enjoy live shows, marvel at the lights and take in the Christmas magic. This event runs daily through Dec. 31.

1

8

Manilow: A Very Barry Christmas

7:30 p.m.

Amway Center 400 W. Church St. Orlando, FL 32801 Tickets start at $56 407.440.7900 AmwayCenter.com Watch singer Barry Manilow take the Amway stage for a special holiday show.

12

Garden Theater Presents “A Christmas Story”

13

Violetric Holiday Show

14

AutoNation Cure Bowl

15

19

Get Your Jazz On

20

Holiday Movie at Lake Eola Park

21

Winter Wonderland

22

Orlando Citrus Parade

29

6 p.m.

Camping World Stadium 1 Citrus Bowl Place Orlando, FL 32805 $10 general admission 407.423.2476 FloridaCitrusSports.com Socialize, share ideas and make connections at this bimonthly event that features a onehour yoga class on the field as well as happy hour in the Dex Imaging Skyline Suite.

7:30 p.m.

Garden Theater 160 W. Plant St. Winter Garden, FL 34787 $30-$35 407.877.4736 GardenTheater.org Based on the 1983 holiday movie, “A Christmas Story” will follow Ralphie and his turmoil as he tries to convince the adults in his life to get the one gift he truly wants: a genuine Red Ryder BB Gun. This show runs through Dec. 23.

6:30-9:30 p.m.

The Alfond Inn at Rollins College 300 E. New England Ave. Winter Park, FL 32789 $49 per person 407.901.9155 TheAlfondInn.com This live jazz concert under the stars features unlimited select wine, beer and seasonally blended cocktails as well as the hotel awardwinning roasted pig, vegetarian selections and other food items.

26that you would like to 27 Is there an event share with the community?

Email it to lyndsay@karstmediagroup.com

7-9 p.m.

Walt Disney Amphitheatre at Lake Eola Park 99 N. Rosalind Ave. Orlando, FL 32801 Free admission Violectric.net This live concert presented by the City of Orlando Department of Families, Parks and Recreation will feature traditional holiday songs mashed up with classic rock tunes and modern hits. Bring your pets and a supply or donation to the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando to receive a pet photo opportunity with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

7 p.m.

Walt Disney Amphitheatre at Lake Eola Park 99 N. Rosalind Ave. Orlando, FL 32801 Free admission CityOfOrlando.net Gather the family and enjoy a showing of “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” under the stars.

Lake Nona Holiday Festival

28

3-10 p.m.

Lake Nona Town Center 6900 Tavistock Lakes Blvd.

Orlando, FL 32827 LakeNona.com This inaugural festival for the whole family includes a skating rink, live entertainment, occasional snow falls, festive food and drinks, holiday movies and visits from Santa. On this date, a showing of “Frozen” begins at 7 p.m. and Santa visits run from 5-9 p.m. This event runs every Thursday to Sunday in December.

1 Citrus Bowl Place Orlando, FL 32805 1:30 p.m.

Camping World Stadium Ticket prices vary CureBowl.com This college football bowl game is the primary event for the Orlando Sports Foundation, whose mission is to bring teams together to find a cure for cancer. All funds raised through the game and ancillary events are donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

6:30-9:30 p.m.

Rosen Shingle Creek 9939 Universal Blvd.

Orlando, FL 32819 $10 general admission, children 10 and under free 407.996.9939 RosenShingleCreek.com Walk through the lit-up garden with extravagant lighting and décor, creating a Winter Wonderland right here in Orlando.

There will also be rides on the Shingle Creek Express, face painters, a photo booth and holiday karaoke.

11 a.m.

Downtown Orlando Ticket prices vary 407.423.2476 FloridaCitrusSports.com Watch the annual tradition that is one of the largest sports-affiliated parades in the nation, featuring marching bands and other performances.

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

55

>ON+THE+TOWN

Snapshots 1 GARY BASSING

Orlando Magic Give Thanks 1. Magic player Aaron Gordon joins Amway Corporation and staff to distribute Thanksgiving meals to local underserved families.

2. Magic President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman serves Thanksgiving breakfast at the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida on Thanksgiving Day.

Monster Truck Madness 3. On Nov. 15, the Hall Brothers racing team and monster truck Raminator visited Walt Disney Pavilion at Florida Hospital for Children to brighten the day of patients.

2

Get Cookin’ Last month, Prestige Fitness hosted a two-hour cooking class with Chef Manny Washington (Next Food Network Star) that was focused on healthy holiday dishes at Hebni Nutrition.

3

4. Damien Priester of Prestige Fitness (left), Chef Manny Washington (right) and participants of the healthy cooking class.

5. Chef Manny Washington and Lyndsay Fogarty

Rosen Holiday Night of Lights 4

Rosen Hotels & Resorts hosted an evening of hotel hopping to view the holiday offerings at the properties.

5

6. L to R: General Manager Albert Gallof, Karst Media Group CEO/Publisher Kristi Gomen and Santa Claus at Rosen Inn International.

7. Representatives of the Orlando Union Rescue Mission with their charity tree at Rosen Shingle Creek.

6 56

Central Florida Lifestyle | December 2018

7

COURTESY OF THE SALVATION ARMY

>DID+YOU+KNOW

The Reason for the Red Kettle Find out the history of the red kettle straight from a story told by The Salvation Army.

E

very year, volunteers don red aprons and ring the familiar bell to solicit donations for The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign from Thanksgiving Day to Christmas Eve. The red kettles and the experience of giving back is a staple of the holiday season. But where did the idea of the red kettle come from?

The story of Joseph McFee and the red kettle from The Salvation Army’s website is told below.

“

In 1891, Salvation Army Captain Joseph McFee was distraught because so many poor individuals in San Francisco were going hungry.

During the holiday season, he resolved to provide a free Christmas dinner for the destitute and poverty-stricken. He only had one major hurdle to overcome — funding the project.

“Where would the money come from?’ he wondered. He lay ” awake nights, worrying, thinking and praying about how he could find the funds to fulfill his commitment of feeding 1,000 of the city’s poorest individuals on Christmas Day. As he pondered the issue, his thoughts drifted back to his sailor days in Liverpool, England. He remembered how at Stage Landing, where the boats came in, there was a large, iron kettle called ‘Simpson’s Pot’ into which passers-by tossed a coin or two to help the poor.

The next day Captain McFee placed a similar pot at the Oakland Ferry Landing at the foot of Market Street.

Beside the pot, he placed a sign that read, ‘Keep the Pot

Boiling.’ He soon had the money to see that the needy people were properly fed at Christmas.

Six years later, the kettle idea spread from the west coast to the Boston area. That year, the combined effort nationwide resulted in 150,000 Christmas dinners for the needy. In 1901, kettle contributions in New York City provided funds for the first mammoth sit-down dinner in Madison Square Garden, a custom that continued for many years. Today in the U.S., The Salvation Army assists more than fourand-a-half million people during the Thanksgiving and Christmas time periods.

Captain McFee’s kettle idea launched a tradition that has spread not only throughout the United States, but all across the world. Kettles are now used in such distant lands as Korea, Japan, Chile and many European countries. Everywhere, public contributions to Salvation Army kettles enable the organization to continue its year-round efforts at helping those who would otherwise be forgotten.

”

Now in its 128th year, the Red Kettle Campaign has adapted to the digital age. While many individuals still place dollars and coins into the red kettles at their local grocery or retail stores, they can also give by texting KETTLES to 91999.

Amazon Alexa is getting in on the donating as well. New this year, those wishing to donate can say, “Alexa, donate to The Salvation Army” then specify an amount to give to the organization.

Source: www.SalvationArmyUSA.org

58

Central Florida Lifestyle | December 2018

A DIVISION OF KARST MEDIA GROUP

PRST STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID TAMPA, FL PERMIT # 2397