The Local: Winter Garden—February 2022

Up Stage

WINTER GARDEN FEBR UAR Y 20 22

t a s t e s The fashionable, fabulous, French foodie life of Ashley Morton 20

Leeward

The Garden Theatre talks creativity and inclusivity

How the Garden’s newest local followed her passion here

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C⚫ ntents FEATURES

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Acquired Tastes

Ashley Morton, owner of Three Birds Cafe, infuses life with French flair.

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Up Stage

Joe Walsh and Roberta Emerson talk passion and inclusivity in theater.

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Leeward

The many yesses of Winter Garden’s newest local.

H E ATH E R AN N E LE E

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DEPARTMENTS

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The Lo’ Down

18 Tails to Tell

Simone the Brussels Griffon knows a thing or two about fashion. How much? Certainly more than you.

12 Garden Variety

NEWS, NOTABLES, AND NEIGHBORS IN THE KNOW

12 The local legacy of William Maxey.

13 Vocal Locals 14 Recommendations from your neighbors 14 Market Watch: Farm Nine 16 Charitable Spotlight: Shepherd’s Hope

42 Oh, Well!

HEALTH, NUTRITION, AND FITNESS FROM AREA EXPERTS

Our first-ever Mrs. Winter Garden, Alyson Chu, is using her title to promote community health.

45 Eats + Drinks

45 A brand-new sandwich at Pammie’s Sammies gives you a whole new way to consume Local content.

48 Tarin tells the story of her first love: whiskey.

50 Rhetoric

MUSINGS ON LIFE AS A LOCAL

A vignette of digital dating to make you feel good about your love life

ON THE COVER

Three Birds Cafe owner Ashley Morton brings je ne sais quoi to casual Winter Garden life.

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W The Lo’Down

What is your passion?

That’s a hard question to answer, right? For me ,passion is often all-consuming— meaning even when I want to set it to the side, it lingers like 47 open tabs on my mental web browser. But what I can tell you is that there is a definite line between what I like and what I am passionate about. For example, I like a well-made cocktail; I am passionate about a hot and frothy cup of coffee. The more I chewed on this subject, the more I realized how quirky some of my passions are.

I am passionate about reading. Magazines, obviously, but books are my love language. I am an unapologetic chain reader: Once I find an author I love, I devour all their work.

I am passionate about food, in particular cooking and baking for family and friends.

I truly believe that is an extension of love and my cookbook collection is a testament to my continued effort to feed them my affection. Frequently with bacon. (Speaking of bacon, did you know we have a sandwich named after us? See page 45 for that delicious bite.)

I am passionate about my various little collections. My rolling pins, some of them antiques; my Nordic Ware Bundt pans; my ridiculous amount of nail polishes. Don’t judge.

I am passionate about my bed. I hunted for my furniture, I researched and tested brands of sheets, I have collected quilts and comforters to alternate with the seasons.

On those long workdays, I frequently fantasize about slipping between freshly washed sheets with a cup of tea and a good book.

New to my passion list is this magazine. Being editor of The Local has connected me to this community in a way I never imagined, breathing new life into old friendships, discovering exciting new businesses, meeting extraordinary people, and fanning the flames of my curiosity. Perhaps I can’t collect issues like rolling pins or nail polish, but I can certainly say that this crush is much better for my waistline than bacon or baking.

I consider The Local to be our monthly love letter to Winter Garden, and that’s something we can all be passionate about.

Nicole Soulsby, Editor

Something to add?

Send your ideas and images to thelocalwg@emagency.com

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THE ADVISORY BOARD

WINTER GARDEN

The purpose of the board is to guide our efforts to make The Local as reflective of our area as possible.

Its members are leaders who have roots, connections, expertise, and interest in our community and have volunteered their considerable time and talent. .

Elisa SpencerKaplan Managing

Director of the historic Garden Theatre. After more than 15 years leading professional theaters in NYC and around the country, she relocated to Winter Garden last year and loves exploring this special community with her husband, Broadway composer Russ Kaplan, and 8-year-old daughter, Emilia.

Dr. Kim Dawson

Healthcare entrepreneur and owner of Pearle Vision in Ocoee. Kim has been passionate about health and wellness for over 20 years. She received her doctorate in Health Science at MUSC in South Carolina. Kim has lived in Winter Garden for 10 years and is inspired daily by her two children, Symone and Desiree. In her free time, Kim likes to cook, travel, and read novels.

Ralph Disciullo

Branch Manager with American Financial Network, one of the largest residential mortgage lenders in the US. Prior to the mortgage industry Ralph played a key role in the startup of several businesses. Originally from Emerson, NJ, Ralph attended USF in Tampa and now resides in Winter Garden with his wife of 16 years, Sandi, and their two daughters Daniella and Avery.

Becca Lanterman

Owner of Winter Garden Senior Home Care.

Becca is a second-generation Winter Garden resident, and her local roots run deep. She is the true embodiment of joy, and has never met a stranger. Becca loves living the “bubble life,” where her golf cart is her primary mode of transportation. She has dedicated her life to tending to the special needs of our local senior adults.

February 2022 Vol. 1 No. 6 Jamie Ezra Mark Publisher Nicole Soulsby Editor Heather Lee Content Director Rheya Tanner Art Director Josh Clark Designer Wendy Mak Designer Miguel Martinez Designer Mark McWaters Writer Tarin Scarbrough Writer Fred Lopez Chief Photographer Caleb Jensen Web Garrett Reardon Digital ADVERTISING

Jamie Ezra Mark Publisher jamie@emagency.com Find us online @thelocalwg

Tracey Forrester

Realtor with Xcellence Realty, Inc. and Independent Associate with LegalShield. She has been in the Horizon West area since 2007.

She is cofounder of Horizon West Professionals and a founding member of the Rotary Club of Horizon West Chapter. Tracey believes in building lasting relationships and being an integral part of the community. She now lives, works, and plays in Horizon West with her beautiful teenage girls, Averie and Bryce.

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Bryan Fifer

Local agent with State Farm Insurance.

Bryan is a Central Florida native, Founding President of the Rotary Club of Horizon West, Horizon West Who’s Who Award Winner, and Team Captain for All-Pro Dad. He is married to his beautiful wife Angie and they have two wonderful children.

Bryan is highly invested in making Horizon West the best place to work, live, and play.

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Angie Layfield NHA/CDAL

Executive Director at The Blake at Hamlin, a senior living and memory care community in Hamlin Town Center.

Angie has been in the senior housing industry for over 20 years and brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and insight to our Horizon West seniors and their families.

Though originally from Maryland, she has called Horizon West home since 2016. Angie and her family reside in Village F’s Watermark.

Tamara Zotti

Tamara is a Charleston, SC, native who has lived here for eight years. After seven years as a teacher assistant at Windermere Preparatory School, she now enjoys local life with her husband of 17 years, Frank, and her two children, Nicholas and Samantha. Tamara believes in the value of community involvement and always tries to give back however she can.

Pam Thomas Owner of Pammie’s Sammies, a “thoughtfully sourced, tastefully adventurous” restaurant in the heart of downtown. She is a passionate foodie with a degree in Wine, Spirits, and Beverage Management at the International Culinary School in Tampa. Pam is a staple of the Central Florida community, having operated in Universal Orlando, Dr. Phillips, and now Winter Garden.

Find us IRL Main House Market Pammie’s Sammies Foxtail Coffee Co. Rosallie Le French Cafe The French Cafe Sweet Dee’s Cupcakery Writer’s Block Bookstore Winter Garden Heritage Museum West Orange Public Library and more!

A PU BLICATION OF

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The Local Volume 1 Issue 6 ©2021 Em Agency. All rights reserved. Published monthly. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed in the articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Em Agency. Reader submissions have been edited for length or clarity. Advertising of products does not imply endorsement. Em Agency can not be held liable for the business practices of these companies.

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NEWS, NOTES + NEIGHBORS WHO KNOW

From Left: William and Juanita Maxey with teacher Mrs. A.L. Ware at William’s retirement party. 1965.

Images and research information courtesy of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation

VOCAL LOCALS

THIS MONTH’S QUESTION

What do you feel most passionate about right now?

Tomi N.

Officer DJ B.

Megan A.

Robert R.

Matthew K.

We just closed on a house yesterday, so I’m excited to get everything done and move in by mid-February!

Trying to cook more eclectic new meals. I’m planning to make a spaghetti dinner completely from scratch.

I’m passionate about my new business venture.

I just had a baby, and now I get to be a stay-at-home mom!

Getting our ministry started. We’re helping people transitioning from other countries get connected to help them realize their potential.

I’m passionate about my business in real estate and making it grow. I’m all-in on helping my clients!

LOCAL HISTORY

Maxey-mum Impact

In the 1930s, the expectation for Black children to get an education was not the same as it was for white students. If a Black student received a few hours of learning each week, that was considered plenty—that is, until the Maxeys came.

William S. Maxey and his wife, Juanita, migrated to Winter Garden from Jacksonville in 1937 to serve as the principal and a teacher, respectively, at what was then known as the Winter Garden School for the Colored, a one-room wooden struc-

ture. Over the years, new grades and teachers were added, and the space expanded.

Eventually the school was moved to Center Street and renamed after Dr. Charles R. Drew, the Black scientist who, thanks to his findings regarding blood storage, organized the first large-scale blood bank in the United States. Maxey remained principal for 28 years. He was known to drive through Winter Garden in his yellow car, looking for students who were supposed to be in class. Juanita taught

for 45 years, while also working with the West Orange Hospital Auxiliary.

Today, the William S. Maxey Elementary School houses students of all ethnicities. Its vision “to ensure every student has a promising and successful future” is what helps the Maxey Wildcats grow stronger academically, socially, and emotionally.

A kindred school community that promotes oneness as it highlights and celebrates individuality and uniqueness—that’s a true testament to the Maxey legacy.

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Garden Variety

REVIEW

Watch

Listen

In the movie About Time (2013, Rated R), the main character learns that the men in his family can time-travel on their 18th birthday. This begins an interesting adventure about being able to control what happens in one’s life and learning that some things can’t be controlled.

I love the movie because it causes one to reflect and explore the notion that we should enjoy every second of life and make the most of it. The casting is superb (who doesn’t love Rachel McAdams?), and the best and most touching scenes are the ones between Tim and his father.

Old Church Basement is a live album by Maverick City (2021, streaming on Spotify, Pandora, and Apple Music) that I really enjoy listening to. The lyrics are encouraging and comforting to sing along to, and I love the happy, upbeat music and messages.I love that it’s a live album—I’m really hoping I get to see Maverick City in concert in the near future.

CeCe is a local high school student. She played piano when she was younger and currently sings in her school’s band. In her free time, she likes to exercise, write, play soccer, and hang out with friends.

Richard G.

Richard’s favorite movie meal is the Mellow Mushroom Mighty Meaty, with Jerk Chicken substituting for the pepperoni. (Fun opinion but probably fact: the bread is really good.)

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CeCe F.

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MARKET WATCH

Farm Nine

The fantastical farm life of Niesa Putigna Not far off the cobblestone path, you’ll find a farm of flowers, tilled, tended, and trimmed in ribbons to bring a wisp of whimsy to the local community. It sounds like the beginning of a children’s book, but it’s a day in the life of Niesa Putigna and her family. With the help of her husband and seven children (that makes nine!), Niesa transitioned from a career in nursing to a blooming business in bouquets and arrangements.

The Farm Nine family has been rooted in the Farmers Market for three years, and has grown a storefront and an online business in that time. With a staff of six plus the well-trained Putigna children, Farm Nine stays true to its mission to be with you on the walk of life. For birthdays, engagement parties, weddings, baby showers, and all steps along the way, the Putignas celebrate the flow of nature and the growth that comes with it.

In this vein, Farm Nine is collaborating with other local businesses to bring more beauty to the community, such as a February partnership with Sweet Dee’s Cupcakery. For more information, stop by the Farm Nine booth or go online to farmnine.com. There is no doubt you will appreciate the texture, colors, and aromas of their arrangements, knowing this family of nine is the amazing seed in the heart of the Garden.

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CHARITABLE SPOTLIGHT

Shepherd’s Hope How’s this for heart? On Valentine’s Day 1997, the first Shepherd’s Hope Health Center—staffed completely by volunteers, and supported by one church partner and one hospital partner—opened its doors to Winter Garden. Twenty-five years later, it’s

become the largest free and charitable clinic in Florida, both in the number of locations and patient capacity.

of $20 million in annual community cost savings.

That phenomenal growth has come at the hands of more than 3,000 licensed medical and general volunteers, three community hospital systems, and five free-standing health center locations providing 330,380 primary care and specialty care patient visits to uninsured men, women, and children since 1997.

The “caring people, caring for people” mission driving Shepherd’s Hope not only serves individuals, but has contributed directly to Central Florida’s healthcare economy by mitigating the financial impact to hospitals and healthcare providers for the services they provide to uninsured and indigent patients—to the tune

In spite of such successes, the pandemic has driven the number of uninsured and underinsured Central Floridians needing convenient access to acute and specialty healthcare to dramatic new heights.

Whether you’re a medical professional interested in donating your services, a community member wishing to volunteer, or a resident who would like to support this amazing mission with a donation, Shepherd’s Hope needs your help.

Get Involved! shepherdshope.org Turn to page 42 to learn how Shepherd’s Hope Ambassador Alyson Chu is helping to HEAL the community.

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Scene

YOUR BEST RESOURCES FOR LOCAL NEWS AND EVENTS

THE LATEST CITY NEWS, EVENTS, AND MORE, STRAIGHT FROM THE SOURCE Follow the City of Winter Garden’s official social media and subscribe to the Downtown WG blog for bimonthly articles on local businesses and initiatives.

FROM EVENTS TO DEALS, THE WINTER GARDEN APP IS YOUR COMMUNITY GUIDE Check out the Portals and Secret Garden for augmented reality experiences.

@officialdowntownwintergarden downtownwg.com

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Tails to Tell

Simone Styles Brussels Griffon, 6 months You call it a Farmers Market.

I call it a runway. I am the fashionista that trots along in my favorite couture, whether it be a dress, costume, tutu, or hoodie.

You name it, I’ve got it.

Before the big fashion debut, the paparazzi can typically find me at Rosallie, visiting my grandma and poppy, who love to get coffee there every week as soon as it opens. It’s a weekend tradition that I am going to keep up because I love meeting new friends and sharing my adventures with the world.

I just started a new instagram that already has over 10,000 followers and 350,000 video views (@simonethegriff ). So, not to point out that I’m more popular than you? But I’m more popular than you.

Does your pet have a tail to tell? Share it at thelocalwg@emagency.com

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Do You Love Your Health Plan?

Not in love with your current benefits structure?

Join us this Valentine’s Day weekend to enjoy a “first date” with each of our partner carriers and learn about the insurance options and benefits available to you, all in one place. Enjoy free food, games, and prizes while you meet your perfect healthcare match.

Annual Community Health Fair

Scan to RSVP for FREE!

Sat., Feb. 12, 10:30 a.m.–2 p.m. at MedHealth Clinical 1327 Winter Garden Vineland Rd., Suite 130, Winter Garden 321-214-8860 medhealthclinic.com

38 dog kennels of multiple sizes 1 indoor playroom 3 outdoor play yards 6+ play times a day!

703 Vineland Rd., Winter Garden puppydreamspetboarding.com 407-654-8885 FAM I LY OWN ED

Also find us on

t a s t e s Ashley Morton’s joie de vivre is Parisian-born and Winter Garden bred.

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Chair courtesy of Danita Pepper Dunn

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There are two kinds of people in the world: People who wake up thinking about what to have for dinner and those who don’t.Twenty-four-year-old Ashley Morton is in the first camp. But you can’t really blame her. She’s French, you see. It’s in her blood.

Born in Paris and raised in Central Florida by French immigrants, Ashley grew up rooted in two very different worlds. Her parents, Dominique Delcourt and Jacques Morton, chose to make the United States home, but were equally determined to keep their French heritage alive.

“You’re almost living this double life,” Ashley says, leaning forward over a table at Three Birds Cafe, her dog, Harvey, splayed quietly across her lap. “At school, we were just regular American kids. Speaking English, talking about movies and music and boys.

A little loud, a little crass.

And then, voilà, at home, we’re speaking only in French, listening to French music, news, books, and, of course, eating French food.”

By way of explanation, she offers, “My parents were older. My dad was 52 when he had me. There’s my sister, Kimberley, my brother, Jack, and myself, the youngest of three. So he and my mom had different expectations for us. There wasn’t dinner and home-

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work in front of the television. No. We had long, leisurely meals, no cell phone in sight. We were American kids by day, French family by night.”

Similarly, every summer, the Mortons made their way back to France, visiting family and friends, making new memories in old, treasured places. And food … there was always food.

“Those summers were challenging for me,” Ashley remembers. “By the time we had become accustomed to our American life, we would take off to France for the summer. So, as a kid, it just got a little bit confusing and disorienting. But three things that I always loved about those summers in France: the food, the markets, and how the people really take the time to eat.”

Tastefully Made In France, pleasure, or plaisir, is not a dirty word. It’s not considered hedonistic to pursue—in fact, pleasure is more of a moral value, a compass guiding people in their actions. Especially as it relates to food, and fashion.

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fashion, but it’s like the universe was pushing me toward something else.”

The universe … and her parents.

Upon graduation, Ashley received a generous offer from the company she had been working with. She tenAnd nowhere is that more tatively accepted, but first, apparent than in Ashley’s she wanted to come home career path. and see her family, who had “I always dreamed of a some very strong opinions. career in fashion,” she says.

“Here I am, home from “So at 16, as a sophomore college and I have a solid job in high school, I went to offer from the company I New York and did a threehad been working for, and week summer internship at my parents kept asking me, Teen Vogue. And I loved it! I ‘Is that what do you really loved the city and the ener- want to do? Really? Are you gy and the fashion. I came sure?’ Over and over again. back from New York and It was so annoying,” she decided I was going to go to laughs. “Finally, my mom college and pursue fashion just came right out and said PR. And what better place I should really think about to do that than Paris?” something else. She was Thanks to her parents’ like, ‘We’re going to give strict French-only at-home you six months to think rule, and a dual citizenship, about it. Bring us a concept Ashley was able to attend and a solid business plan, college in Paris for free. And and we’ll invest in it.’” though her studies led her And that’s the story of to graduate with a degree in how, inspired by those communications, during sun-soaked, food-forward those three years, a new summers in France—and passion was growing. her three years at university “At the time, during my in Paris—Ashley Morton last year in college, I was gave up fashion to carve a working for this company delicious path through the and we were always—alWinter Garden landscape. ways!—at restaurants.

Style and Substance I must have eaten at a hundred restaurants in two Admired everywhere, the French aesthetic is unpolmonths. And with every bite, I fell more and more in ished, yet elegant. Sophisticated, yet effortless. love with food. I still loved

“Part of my high school hustle was making cake pops.

I loved them! I would spend nights baking and decorating, and then sell them for a dollar or two before class.”

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A little bit of glamour. A whole lot of charisma.

It’s a mix of perfectly tousled hair, the best-fitting jeans, a cool, flat shoe, and some variation of a t-shirt and blazer that somehow comes together to make the chicest ensemble imaginable.

Which is exactly how you will find Ashley most days: neutral jacket, white tee, denim, and a pop of color along the lip. A warm, ready smile and an unpretentious demeanor. And unapologetically youthful.

Catherine Deneuve meets Vanessa Paradis, if you will.

It’s a recipe for success when it comes to style, and for restaurants. For while Three Birds Cafe—each bird representing the three Morton siblings—doesn’t serve traditional French cuisine, it remains quintessentially French in the best possible way. Effortlessly classy with a whole lot of charisma.

Take, for example, the light and airy vibe, a space designed for you to linger.

Much like cafes in Paris where un café is an invitation to sit and converse, not dine and dash.

Or perhaps, the delightful wine tasting flight paired with delicious new bites and live music. A mood evoking late nights along a chic Parisian boulevard, where sipping, savoring, and people-watching is all the entertainment necessary.

And, of course, the seasonal menu, crafted much the way villagers in France source their ingredients from neighbors and friends — trading eggs and butter for duck and goose.

Only at Three Birds, that

looks like Bekemeyer Farm strawberries. Honey from Clermont hives. Black Letter Bread coffee cake.

Cheese from La Femme Du

Fromage. Every vendor, every ingredient, is hand selected to represent the best of her community. Eat local together, indeed.

A family affair.

Ashley and Jack, two of the Three Birds, in Paris. Her mother, Dominique (center), and her father, Jacques (below).

around here?’ He just kind of started laughing,

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“With every bite, I fell more in love with food.

I still loved fashion, but it’s like the universe was pushing me toward something else.”

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F R ED LOPE Z

Tramaine Berryhill’s scenic design for Felichia Chivaugn’s production of The Mountaintop

Garden Theatre greats Joe Walsh and Roberta Emerson talk passion and authenticity in their new take on creative acting spaces.

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The Garden Theatre’s rich

history is in the midst of a historical and creative reckoning.

Developing a voice for the voiceless and positioning itself to be a stage for all, by all.¶ Recently, The Local sat down with Joseph Walsh and Roberta Emerson, two key personalities driving this evolution, to have a conversation about friendship, diversity, inclusivity, and passion for theater arts.

The Local: How did the partnership between the two of you begin?

Roberta Emerson: He’s a stalker.

Joe Walsh: (Laughing) She’s not wrong.

an artistic director who is willing to see everything.

So when you see somebody at every show, every event, every reading, you start to wonder, “Who is this guy?”

Joe: I felt like it was important. How could I ask Well, that’s a whole pasthe community to support sion unto itself, right? the Garden Theatre and [Laughter] what we were doing here if I wasn’t willing to support Joe: So, I first met Roberta the greater community? I after a stage reading in remember seeing Roberta Orlando. I was the new kid do a reading, and I was on the block, and I wanted blown away. I had to meet to engage with the comher. So there she was, munity, so I started seeing everything that was playing. standing by herself before the actors came out, and Nothing was too big or too I walked over and said: small. It was really import“Excuse me, I need to know ant to me to experience what the greater communi- you.” It was so awkward. ty was working with …

Roberta: It really was. And that’s when I thought, “He’s Roberta: Talk about a stalker.” passion! I can tell you from experience that this community is not used to 28

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Joe: It was horrible. So awkward. And, of course,

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my eyes, saying this performance was so amazing. And she still doesn’t even know who I am. So, I just decided to send her an email and asked her to meet for coffee.

I laid it all out: I wanted to talk about local theater, and the Garden’s place in it.

How we might partner to make a difference, to build a partnership that of itself is inclusive, that can then create a change within the community. It was a lot.

Roberta: And at that time in my life, I was so jaded. Jaded she politely said, “Oh, thank by the Orlando community.

Maybe that’s not the right you so much,” and turned back to her friends. Not one word. But no one was doing of my better moments. But work that I truly felt was inthen I went to see Nine Cities clusive. There were so many things I thought needed to at Penguin Point. And Roberta was tour de force. We be done, but people weren’t listening. And yet, I agreed were in this tiny room, in this amazing little theater in to meet with Joe. I can’t even say why, exactly. But when the Oviedo Mall of all placwe sat down and started es. I’m surprised it had any talking, I just gave it to him walls left, it was just such an straight: “Here are the issues, amazing performance and here’s what’s wrong, here’s such a great conversation what I think.” I didn’t really starter, for the community hold back in that conversaand for everyone. And that’s tion. And so, of course in my when I thought, “I’m going head, I’m like, “He’s either to go back and do this right.” going to run for the hills Roberta: And you didn’t. because he doesn’t want to actually get into that fight or Joe: Nope. Still awkward. he’s going to stay.” And not (Laughs) Mark Edward only did he stay, but we’ve Smith had sat next to me, kept that conversation going a local director who knows every day since.

Roberta as well, and he made the introduction. And Joe: And I’m so grateful I’m standing there, staring for it. I need to be able to at this woman, with tears in have conversations that I

ple as you want to into your fold, but if they don’t feel like they have a seat at the table, if you’re not listening to their voice, then you’ve done nothing for inclusivity.

You’ve done nothing but invite them into a culture that is already traumatic and you are making it more traumatic. If you’re going to bring me Inclusivity is such a keyinto the space, you’re going word for you. When you say that real, true inclusive to have to listen to what I theater was lacking in this have to say, and the second you’re not going to do that, community, what does I’m going to walk away. that mean to you?

Joe: That’s why advocating Roberta: There’s been a specifically for inclusion is so big movement in theater important. We’re bringing towards this discussion, new perspectives in here right? But people get hung up on the diversity side of it. because we need to change As if casting people of color, how we work. It not your face we need. It’s your voice, your or gender nonconforming actors, is enough. But that’s perspective, your thoughts.

We need to change how this not the point. I get so ancommunity views who you noyed with the word “diverare, who we are. sity,” because it’s so easy to don’t have the tools to have.

I need someone I trust to call me out. And right then and there, an hour and a half into our meeting, she did just that. It really did change everything for me in my perspective of what this relationship is and what building inclusive theater is.

throw out there. The better question is how? How are we diverse? How do you tell me what diverse means without actually using that word? For me, the most important part of diversity is inclusion.

Joe: So often people of color, women, gender nonconforming, and gay individuals are brought into spaces just to give the illusion, the picture of diversity, without actually being diverse.

Roberta: You can bring as many diverse-looking peo-

What gave you hope that the Garden Theatre was going to be receptive to such bold ideas?

Joe: We’re very passionate about this idea of inclusion, but there’s also that other part of it, which is, you have to service the theater as part of the community. You have to give it to them in a way that they will embrace and accept.

Roberta: If they don’t, they’re just going to get walked over a little bit.

And I don’t mean that in a

“I just gave it to him straight: ‘Here are the issues, here’s what’s wrong, here’s what I think’ … And so, he was either going to run for the hills or he was going to stay.

And not only did he stay, but we’ve kept that conversation going every day since.”

negative way. Hear me out: Yes, we have to service the community. We are serving people, that’s what theater is. But service doesn’t mean I’m giving you what you want all the time.

Joe: However you give it to them, it has to be authentic.

And I have to say that our theatre community is receiving it. Our audience has grown.

That’s fantastic!

By how much?

Joe: There are 300 more subscribers this year than last. So by being inclusive, we are inviting everybody into the space, and I have made it very clear that by including one, I’m not excluding another. Here’s the thing: Inclusion is for everybody, whether you see it that way or not. We are only stronger together. And we’ve become more and more powerful. I’ve actually been really impressed and moved by how much this community has embraced the work we’re doing at the Garden. And that work has to be clear and consistent.

Roberta: I’m going to add to that because that’s all on the inside. Theatre talk. Our vision. But it hasn’t been all nice. There’s been pushback. Why did we choose that show? Why did we cast those people? And that’s going to happen everywhere. When you’re being

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so intentional and when the people inside understand the change, it’s really easy to look at the people outside and go, what are you pushing back? And let’s have that discussion.

Let’s clarify here: Was the pushback to your vision for the Theatre, specifically, or was it just the idea of inclusion?

thing to do. And then you see pushback and then you realize that not everybody sees it the way you do. So now it becomes intentional because you have to answer the pushback and you have to work harder.

How? What’s a recent example? What kind of pushback is happening?

Joe: For example, look at the sign on the front of the Joe: You’ve asked two very theater. Love is love. Black different questions. One is, people have said, have you al- lives matter. Science is real. ways been like this? Have you That sign was put up to say, “If you come into this space, always wanted this? For me, personally, the answer is yes. even for just these two hours, you agree to these My parents did instill in me an openness, a willingness to terms.” We did it to protect push boundaries, something our actors. And I have had people screaming in my face that is truly important to me in the lobby over that sign. as an adult. But I don’t think I identified it until I had a Really? friend like Roberta, who said Joe: Yes. They haven’t even to me at one point, “Your eyes seen the show. They’re just are open now. What are you reacting to the sign. I have going to do with it?” to explain that that sign is Roberta: Once you see or not for you, that sign is for witness an inequality, you the actors. For their safety. have to decide: What are If we’re going to create a safe you going to do with that? space for these actors to tell these stories on our stage, Joe: You can never unsee it.

And now, I’m part of a bigger we must work with them, and enter into a covenant. conversation. I have been blessed to be invited to Roberta’s table, to CFEA’s table. I have been embraced in a way that has taught me so much, and that’s where the center of our work starts. I don’t think it started on purpose. I don’t think it started intentional.

I think it started as the right

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Roberta: I love that you’re so shocked by this. You’re like, “Really?” But it’s true.

I was called the N word right outside of this theater not even two years ago.

Because I accidentally bumped into someone. Accidentally. Simply dropping

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my child off at camp here.

Wow. Just wow.

“If we’re going to create a safe space for these actors to tell these stories on our stage, we must work with them, and enter into a covenant.”

Roberta: But your reaction is the way it is because, I assume, you’re just really good human beings. My reaction is I live that all the time. And yet I became the first Black director to direct in the Garden Theatre, the very theater I wouldn’t have been allowed to attend just 50 or so years ago.

Joe: In the 1930s, when it opened as a movie house.

Roberta: And even when I was allowed in, I had to go through the back door. Do you see what I’m saying? That history is still here. Yes, I can direct a play. Yes, I can walk in through the front doors. But there are still people who don’t believe I have a right to be here.

So, let’s bring this back around. With such experiences, not just in Winter Garden, but being jaded with Central Florida theater in general, why answer Joe’s email to begin with?

Why give him a chance?

Joe: Good question. Maybe she just likes stalkers.

[Laughter] Roberta: What I realized right away is that this is a man who understood that giving me power, giving me a voice, doesn’t take away his.

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I love that.

Joe: That’s my real passion.

We’re talking about passion, right? It is the rehearsal space we can create that we have 100% control over. The way we treat actors and the way we inspire them to use their voices. That is something nobody can take away. And the more of us we find, the stronger we get. Two years after Roberta and I had our first conversation about the spaces we wanted to create, I’m watching it in front of me.

Roberta: This space is about education. Everyone walks into this space to learn, including the director. Everyone walks into this space with the intention of creating a positive and respectful and open rehearsal environment where we work hard together.

Joe: Once we find people that create that space, we want to keep them, we want to nurture them, we want to develop them. I think we first saw glimpses of that during Man of La Mancha, but even more so last night, during rehearsal for The Mountaintop. I left last night so excited because it was a conversation that happened two years ago with Roberta that I was watching come to life with another human being.

“This space is about education.

Everyone walks into Roberta: Yes! Joe: This is actually the most this space important thing we could be to learn, doing because you can choose to come to The Mountaintop. including Directed by a Black director the director. about Black people. That’s Everyone expected. And unfortunately, the people who should walks into see it, won’t. But the people this space who come to see Beauty and with the the Beast … well, that’s for everybody. And when evintention of erybody comes to see Beauty creating a and sees a representation of themselves onstage, that can positive and change the world. respectful So, Roberta, you’re and open directing Beauty. What’s your lens on it? What are rehearsal you bringing to this iconic environment show that people are going where we to walk in already having expectations of? work hard Roberta: I love Beauty and together.” the Beast. It’s been my favorite Joe: Beauty and the Beast.

Yesterday in the first production meeting for reviewing The Beast, I said, “This is actually the fruition of the work.”

Disney movie since I was, like, 8. And now, I have a chance to take the ultimate Disney classic and reinvent it in a way that represents everybody. When I grew up, I didn’t have Moanas, Tianas, and Mulans. It was Cinderella and Snow White. So when I And what now? Now that had to imagine what it would be like to be a princess, it was the conversation is finally coming to life, what’s next? harder for me to put myself

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in that situation than it is for my daughters. Now we have a chance to take this show and make it look like their imagination, not what the expectation is. And it doesn’t make it any less magical.

It doesn’t make it any less Disney. It doesn’t make it any less anything. You’re going to get Beauty and the Beast, but it’s going to look like the world as it is today.

What is it about directing that draws you in?

Roberta: The voice. I have a voice, I can shape something.

Joe: Very few directors watch like Roberta does. To watch Roberta in a rehearsal space is to watch love and care spill out from every fiber of her being. I went in and watched so many evenings, just even for five minutes, just to stand in the room and bask in it. I think that’s the secret of her success. Roberta’s able to care for everyone and everything within a production when it’s hers. What she is going to do with Beauty and the Beast is truly revolutionary.

Beauty, in a way, is a kind of culmination of your relationship over the last couple of years, but we know that that relationship isn’t ending. It’s only just beginning. So paint us a picture of life after Beauty and the Beast.

Joe: I mean, you know…

to the stage, and having Roberta: We haven’t gotten that support, that mutual support, having someone that far. to have those conversations [Laughter] with is so important.

We’re going to make you Roberta: I think I rememthink about it. ber there was a question

It took his voice to make other middle-aged white men listen.

Joe: And one day we will get to a place where that is not needed.

Roberta: One day, it won’t matter whose voice comes first, but he was willing to use his voice, to educate, to inform, to enlighten, and to Joe: I am a middle-aged white love everyone else’s. See what man. [Laughter] And I had to I’m saying? It was the same ask myself the question and I thing he did for Godspell. I had to ask the team the ques- hate Godspell with a passion. tion, and I had to ask people And somehow, he takes this that I trust the question, story that’s not made for ev“Have I conceptualized myself erybody, and made it exactly out of this production?” that. And suddenly you’re like, “Wow, OK.” All it takes Roberta: Right. is for somebody to be willing, Joe: So, I called every single and able, to flip something actor and I asked them that and amplify someone else. question. I told them what And you’ve got a whole other Roberta: Yes. And the other the concept was, and I asked insight into something. I them if they felt comfortquestion is, “Can you supwill never see Godspell again able being led through the port that decision?” Which because it will never be, it is often the harder question. process by me? Was I the won’t be his Godspell. right person? And I knew Joe: Yes. But so important.

[Laughter] that I had to be prepared If you’re doing this work, for the answer because if I Roberta: That’s what I love you have to ask the question didn’t go in prepared for the about him. He’s so passionand be able to answer it. And answer, the way I asked the ate, and so willing to take sometimes it’s answering it question was going to sway risks. Not for himself, but for to my friend Roberta, and the conversation, which us, with us. He wants things Roberta to me. I think a good meant that they wouldn’t to be the way they should example of this was during feel comfortable to tell me so much—probably even Man Of La Mancha. That jour- what they thought. more than me. And so to ney was terrifying. There was a put myself around someone Roberta: And that’s why I moment that I got scared and who wants it that much, he’s told him he was the right Roberta said, ‘You chose it.’ willing to fight for it, but he person. Not many people Roberta: You can’t back gets so passionate. Then, are willing to do that. Joe down now. when people walk out—and is a middle-aged white they did—that hurt him.

Joe: Right. You have to man, but it took his voice bring this conversation to amplify everybody else’s. That hurt him to his soul Joe: It’s ever-evolving. It’s continuing the conversation and partnering to make sure we are evolving with the world. We do have a new season planned, but we’re still waiting for it to be approved by the board. But conversations are already happening amongst ourselves, where we’re baking the rooms we want to create into the work, into the teams, into everything. And you know, Roberta is always pushing us to ask, “Where’s the intentionality in this decision?”

where you were like, “Well, is this too much?” And I was like, “Yes. But that’s what you chose to do.”

because he can’t understand why. But I remind him that it’s OK. You’re going to get that when you’re doing what needs to be done. If you didn’t get that …

Then you weren’t pushing at all.

Roberta: Exactly. Then you aren’t doing the right things.

You’re not doing it for the right reasons. So the story isn’t about that, the story is definitely about who this man is and what he is doing for this community, because you know what, those people who walked out will come back.

They will … they have to.

Well, there are 300 more subscribers.

Roberta: Right.

Joe: But as an audience member, you are getting exposed to so many different stories and different ways of storytelling, that’s exciting.

Another place that is the future of this theater and other regional theaters is how exciting it is that we have an opportunity to not always hit the mark. We have an opportunity to be interesting, to do something different, and to not always hit the mark.

I love that.

Joe: Yeah. We’re pushing hard. We’re pushing hard at this show. We’re pushing hard at whatever it is. And two actors said that’s why I’m here. I came here to be

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he’s that good … He’s never

talking about, coming to the

Roberta: I will—and Joe’s going to hate me for it, and I don’t care. I hope you amplify who he is.

Garden to have a different

Joe’s the driving force.

did this. You do this. You

in this space. And I thought, well, that is success. That’s the action the community is

experience and to have an

Roberta: He is. [Tearing up] experience that is educationBut I don’t know, I honestly al all around. do not know, what would Anything about this happen to this community conversation you feel like if he ever decided to leave we didn’t address? it. And he could because

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wanting his own acco-

Roberta: He’s one of my favorite humans.

lades, but sometimes it just

Joe: The funny thing is…

needs to be said, “Joe, you are this. You don’t have a seat at the table. You are the table.” And I think he deserves that.

You guys are each other’s biggest fans here.

… the stalking paid off.

(Laughs) Turns out, what started as a story about theater and inclusivity is really just another wonderful love story.

Joe: In so many amazing ways.

Life on the

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wa

By following her passions, Heather Lee crafted an adventurous life.

Now she’s in Winter Garden, looking for more.

H E AT H ER AN N E LE E

R

emember back when you were a kid? You would just do things. You never thought twice about belting Blondie’s “Call Me” from the stairs in your mom’s sequin shoes. Or that doing backflips on your parents’ bed might land you in the ER with nine stitches. You never asked yourself, “Is this a good idea?” or “What

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could go wrong?” All you needed to know was, “Is this gonna be fun?” And the answer was always yes.

You didn’t debate the merits of kickball versus soccer in gym class.

All that mattered was playing. (The bonus was seeing your name on top of the record board in the elementary school gym.) And you certainly didn’t care that your underwear would show

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F R E D LO PE Z

when you practiced hip circles and cartwheels on the playground.

You simply wrote books and played tag and asked silly questions and pretended to slay the monsters hiding in the closet.

There was no bullshit. If you liked something, you just did it. If you didn’t, everyone in a 10-mile radius would know about it.

That’s kind of how I’ve lived my entire life. Pas-

sionate curiosity, excitement, and stubbornness leading the way. Sometimes it paid dividends.

Other times, not so much.

Either way, all my reckless yeses curated an unimaginable life.

Pen and Ink Five-year-old Heather loved to make books. I would spend hours half-drawing, half-writing stories on mismatched sheets of stray

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paper and then bind them together with the same colorful, thick, twisted, puffy yarn I used in my hair.

Then in first grade, I discovered the library. After that, if I wasn’t playing sports—soccer, fast-pitch softball, indoor and outdoor track—I was reading.

Voraciously reading. There was a constant stack of books on my bedside—Judy Blume’s Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, and Blubber. (Also, much to my mother’s chagrin, Forever and Wifey.) L. M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables series, and, of course, every single Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden. As I got older, my tastes moved into science fiction and fantasy, devouring J.R.R. Tolkien, David Eddings, Terry Brooks, Piers Anthony, Orson Scott Card.

Like the heroes in my favorite books, I said yes— albeit reluctantly sometimes—to most things that scared me. I said yes to sports and school plays, playing the oboe, and Girls State. I said yes to Honors classes, and AP classes, and study groups on Friday nights.

Gratefully, that witty pen, expansive vocabulary, and strong athleticism earned me honors in high school and in college.

And no one, literally no

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one, was surprised when I decided to major in journalism at the University of Central Florida. And neither was anyone surprised when I decided—on a whim—halfway through my junior year, that one degree wasn’t enough. I doubled up on classes and layered photography into the mix. I wanted a career in magazines, and the best I could figure, journalism and photography would get me there.

No door, no problem. Taking photography to new heights in South Africa, circa 1999.

Liquid Courage And that it did. An internship at WaterSki Business magazine landed a job offer with WakeBoarding magazine. Within months of accepting, I was on a plane to Japan for a feature story I would write and photograph. First trip west of the Mississippi, first international flight, first time using chopsticks.

It took me three days to get hungry enough to try tomago, unagi, and shabu-shabu, but those eye-opening flavors ignited a whole new passion for the culinary arts.

All told, I spent eight years with World Publications, the company that published WakeBoarding.

But through the years, my role expanded to include WaterSki, Boating Life, and WindSurfing magazines.

I loved everything about

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that job—the creativity, the youthful energy, and oh my god, the travel.

World Publications turned a sheltered North Country girl into a globetrotting adventurer. For that, I will be ever grateful.

In between photoshoots and international flights, this new version of Heather devoured cookbooks and food magazines, transforming a girl who could burn water into a woman who hosted fourcourse dinner parties.

I dreamt of becoming the next editor of Food & Wine. Or the next Food Network Star, whichever came first. Only, I had zero food knowledge.

My watersports portfolio

didn’t open a single door at Hearst or Conde Nast.

So I did what anyone would do: I left my job and went to work in restaurants, the price of entry to The Culinary Institute of America.

Let me be blunt: Culinary school at 30 years old sucked. The cooking, the wine, the eating, that was fun. But chopping onions at 5 a.m. sucked. Snowstorms and blizzards in Hyde Park, NY, suck. Zero financial assistance sucked the most. So unlike most of my fellow students, in addition to the rooster-crowing alarm, I also clocked in at 5 p.m. on nights and weekends to fund this grueling experiment.

By the time culinary school ended, I was 25 pounds heavier, a Canadian shade of pale, and 9/11 happened. The city shut down, magazines weren’t hiring, and I was still a nobody to the Food Network.

So I tucked tail, came back to Central Florida, and took a job with a caterer in Winter Park.

I lasted one holiday season. One. I call this chapter of my life Death by 10,000 chocolate chip cookies. Holiday orders and festive parties stacked upon one another causing staffing nightmares and morale wreckage. There were cots in the store room for sleeping. For six weeks I worked and

Although Food Network Star wasn’t in the cards, the love of food never ended. Private party, circa 2003.

scooped and cooked and cried and slept on that cot, right up until I collapsed and was taken to the hospital with pneumonia.

Here’s the thing about passion: Sometimes it will lead you wildly astray. All the best intentions won’t be enough to make up for the colossal mistakes, and those are very painful lessons. Like every other choice in life, there is no way but through, no matter how hard it hurts.

Bitter Sweet Beginnings Without a doubt, culinary school was a sidestep.

An off-road adventure I’m grateful to have experienced, but definitely would

Here’s the thing about passion: Sometimes it will lead you wildly astray. All the best intentions won’t be enough to make up for the colossal mistakes, and those are very painful lessons.

not do again. However, it did throw open the doors to an exciting new decade.

After the catering disaster, I spent five years in Ocala, playing to my strengths—working in editorial, meeting incredible people. And when good friends launched a restaurant concept in Tampa, I leaped. The lure of a bigger city, closer to the water, too tempting. And with it came a new challenge to conquer: restaurant PR. I developed an eye for food photography and a flair for social media, that led to freelance work galore. Ten years ago, I made the biggest leap yet and stepped away from W-2 life for solopreneurship.

Fast-paced, creative, and incredibly diverse, career-wise, I was thriving.

Of course, the best yeses aren’t always glamorous.

For all the delightful peaks there were dismal valleys.

Falling in love with the wrong man in my 20s.

Rather than accept that I made a mistake, I doubled down and bought into His Big Lie for four tragic years. There was a very public professional failure in my 30s that delivered a solid blow to both career and self-worth.

And most recently, a beautiful love story profoundly impacted my life in a much deeper way than any. other. single. event.

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in my entire life — good or bad. My husband of 12 years died by suicide two years ago.

If grief is the price of love, then I’m rich beyond measure, but the “why” still haunts me. I miss his lopsided smile. His laugh.

your big picture. Only you know the journey you’re on. Others can contribute, and you should absolutely surround yourself with smart people who lift you higher, challenge to you to be better, think bigger, push your boundaries.

little faster. I’m excited.

And scared shitless. But I don’t have to convince myself to move forward.

I simply know that it’s the right thing.

That’s the kind of passion I’m pursuing now.

In October, that yes led

ever bus or train schedule would get me to Croatia and, eventually, Albania.

In November, saying yes to an art/yoga retreat I discovered on Instagram led me to dance under the full moon on a black sand beach of El Paredon, Gua-

Adventures Big & Small (from left): Musee d’ Orsay in Paris (2019), Fort DeSoto Sprint Triathlon (2016), Hiking Alta Via 1 in the Dolomites (2021), Libraire Aqua Alta in Venice (2021), and Canyoneering in Costa Rica (2017).

His tenderness with our dog, Rylee. His effervescent joy for fishing. I miss his hugs. When I could stand next to him, tucked partly under his arm, and bury my face in his chest.

Mostly, I miss what could have been.

But there is beauty in this season of grief, too. Beauty in finding resilience, leaning into my faith, and discovering new passions.

For many years, I looked for someone outside of myself for affirmation and acceptance. Finding my worth in “winning” and “awards.” And yet, this season has truly shown me that no one can see

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But the truth is, even with wise counsel, all of my best decisions have come when I’ve turned inward, prayerfully leaning into what felt like the best move for me.

I know what a resounding yes feels like. It’s undeniable. It makes my heart rise up and beat a

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A YEAR OF

me to Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, to hike the Dolomites. No hiking boots, no elevation experience, but I said yes. I said yes to switchbacks and blisters.

I said yes to dinner with strangers, and yes to meeting up with a dear friend in Venice. I said yes to what-

yes!

tamala, with a lovely tribe of beautiful strangers.

And most recently, I said yes when my good friend, Jamie Mark, called with an offer: “I have this magazine, and it could really use your touch …”

I have a feeling the best yes is yet to come.

Hello, Winter Garden! Will you help me get to know my new town? I’m looking to say to yes to 52 new-to-me Winter Garden adventures. Harvesting honey at a bee farm? Paddleboarding a secret spot? Climbing the water tower at night? No idea is too big or too small. Send your best ideas to my email, heather@emagency.com, and share a time when saying yes changed your life!

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Oh Well!

Heals in Heels Alyson Chu is using her title as Mrs. Winter Garden to facilitate Healthy Eating, Active Lifestyles.

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n a chilly January afternoon, the rare Central Florida day where temperatures don’t rise with the sun, Alyson Chu is standing in a vegetable garden, rake in one hand, crown in the other. Her bright, welcoming smile all the sunshine needed for the kale leaves to perk up.

It’s no wonder the former Disney entertainer and healthy living advocate was plucked off the treadmill and crowned the very first Mrs. Winter Garden. (This writer’s words, not hers.)

Alyson laughs. “Actually, I was nominated by my friend, Nina, whom I met at the gym. We would see each other at different classes and struck up a friendship.

We were really just getting to know each other when she told me about the Mrs. Winter Garden opportunity.

“Most people don’t know that at the local level, women in the Mrs. America system are nominated and then selected by a committee to hold the title.

Nina was connected to the Florida America Pageant system and when she found out about my history with Disney and my passion for health at every level—fitness, food, mental health, addiction, and recovery— she suggested I apply.”

Through a lengthy application and interview process with the local pageant com-

mittee, Alyson accepted the sash and crown in October 2021. For her, the opportunity is less about stage presence and more about community presence.

Indeed, advocacy is at the heart of the Mrs. America Pageant, and it’s here that Alyson’s passion becomes palpable.

“Healthy living is more than a weight loss goal or pageant platform,” she says.

“It’s something my family and I practice every day, but it is a practice. It’s a skill we can learn, and teach, and cultivate. So, if my work as Mrs. Winter Garden and my advocacy for Shepherd’s Hope can empower others to be more proactive about their health, then it’s all been worth it!”

Alyson has been involved with Shepherd’s Hope long before earning the sash, but she’s thrilled to shine a larger spotlight on the newest program.

“I’m an ambassador for HEAL, which is Healthy Eating, Active Lifestyles.

Our goal is to reach every community—elementary school students, the homeless, families who are struggling and still out of work, even senior citizens.

Every group has different needs, but HEAL helps meet them where they are. Maybe it’s learning about healthy eating, how to grow healthy foods, how to eat healthy on

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The recommended amount of physical activity in minutes per day to maintain a healthy lifestyle. That can simply be walking the dog or taking a yoga class.

SOURCE: CDC

80

%

The percentage of the US food supply that contains added sugar.

SOURCE: NIH

9.7M The number of US consumers following a plant-based diet.

1/2 SOURCE: epa.gov

The proportion of Millennials—the healthiest generation— who are “always” looking for healthy foods (51%) versus 38% of Baby Boomers.

SOURCE: Physical Activity Council

a budget. For other groups, it’s about getting outside, working more movement into every day, practicing mindfulness. Motivating people to take action on their health in simple, tangible, ways. It’s so much more than gym memberships and organic produce—both of which are good things—but they aren’t required to living a healthy lifestyle. And that’s what I’m excited to show people.”

It might seem that Alyson’s 13 years with Walt Disney Company would have been the catalyst behind this passion, but it goes much deeper. As a child, she had epilepsy. Seizures colored her childhood experience, and the medication needed to control those seizures impacted her weight, energy, and overall activity. “Early on, I had to be careful about what I ate,” she shares.

“But that paid off. In fourth grade, my neurologist suggested weaning me off the medications to see how I responded, and I was medication-free by fifth grade!”

Alyson firmly believes that listening to her body, eating healthy, and staying active played a role in that early success, and those lessons stayed with her throughout life.

These days, Alyson chooses a vegetarian lifestyle, but Ryan, her husband of nine years—and

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high-school sweetheart—is an omnivore. “Everyone’s body is different. We all handle food in different ways. For me, I feel best when eating plant-based.

My husband performs best when there is meat. And when it comes to raising Aliyah, who is 3, we are just encouraging her to be open-minded. We go to the farmers market each week and she picks out healthy foods that she wants to try.

It’s been really fun to see her get excited about trying new fruit and vegetables.”

With fresh-from-the-garden being such a healthy pursuit, it’s only natural

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that the Chu family has started cultivating a small home garden. They have planter boxes full of herbs, notably parsley, mint, and basil. Peppers, tomatoes, and eggplant will make an appearance this year. And the Chus have a growing collection of edible trees— moringa, guava, citrus, and tropical cherry.

“It’s so much fun! Plus, growing your own produce motivates you to want to make something with it.

Even Aliyah loves it. Right now, she likes to go out into the garden to pick herbs for dinner. And just like going to the farmer’s market, if

WI N TE R G AR DE N

she’s picking it our herself, she is more inclined to want to try it. For her, it’s just fun. Being healthy is fun.

And really … s houldn’t it always be that way?”

You can cheer for Mrs. Winter Garden at the Mrs. Florida America Pageant April 22-24 at the Westgate Resorts. Meanwhile, you can learn more about healthy living and Alyson Chu by listening to Wellness Wednesday, live on Alyson’s Instagram page @_alysonpaige_

7 Genius tips to HEAL your way to wellness 1. Move your body at least 30 mins a day. Go out for a walk, ride a bike, take a fitness class.

You can even borrow or download fitness programs from the library!

2. Hydrate! We need to drink half of our body weight in ounces a day. Not there yet? Make it a goal to add one more glass of water to your daily intake each week!

3. Grow your own herbs. If a garden feels overwhelming, start with herbs. They are easy to maintain in small spaces and can be incorporated into healthy meals and cooking.

4. Plant a fruit tree. Lemon, orange, avocado, papaya. My daughter loves our tropical cherry tree. She helps pick the cherries and eats the fruit as a healthy snack!

5. Avoid eating processed foods—but start small. It’s a challenge when packaged food tastes so good. So challenge yourself to incorporate more whole foods in at least one meal a day. If it grows in the ground or comes from a tree, it’s a whole food.

6. Practice self care. Even five minutes a day aids in confidence and mental health. This can be taking a relaxing bath, reading a book, or even stretching.

7. Take a breath. Incorporate breathing exercises to calm your nervous system throughout your work day and keep your stress level in check. There are great free apps available online.

Eats+Drinks

Chews Local

A taste worth getting out of bed for—at any time of day.

MAR K McWAT ER S

W

hat’s not to love about a sandwich space with so much funk woven into its atmosphere and baked into each dish? Nothing, if you ask Orlando’s famous

F R ED LOPE Z

food critic Scott Joseph, who anointed Pammie’s Sammies with one of his coveted Foodster Awards.

On this particular lunch break, we let fate be our guide. We closed our eyes

and let our menu-picking finger land on a brand-new tasty treat called The Local.

We swear, it happened just like that. It’s in the magazine, so it has to be true.

But the big nom nom news here is not the name

(though who are we to argue?)—it’s that this is one sensational sandwich.

Just like its published namesake, The Local starts with a blank canvas—in this case, a fresh-baked Kaiser roll, toothy and soft.

A thick smear of mayo acts

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as a primer, giving the egg a place to nest.

And the egg is the superstar here—scrambled, by the way. Many argue for building a sandwich with fried eggs, but we contend that this choice allows the cheddar to meld into the scramble folds, with strips of fresh bacon crushing into the cheesy eggs. Follow that up with a creamy, healthy, fatty mix of garden-fresh avocado, and you’ve got yourself a finger-lickin’ Local layered masterpiece.

The one thing we can’t pin down about it, though,

is its taste taxonomy.

For lunch lovers, it’s a two-fisted feast that keeps the best part of a BLT and trades out the LT for way better sandwich stuff. For the egg-all-day, hangover crowd, what we’re really talking is BEC—bacon, egg, and cheese.

Whatever you call it, one bite will have you grinning till breakfast bits crumble out of your mouth.

Next time you’re at Pammie’s, ask for The Local.

Let them decide whether you mean the magazine or the meal.

We saved a space for you.

thelocalwg.com/advertise

DINING GUIDE I

Eats+Drinks

The French Café

MENU

HOURS WG Sun-Sat 7am-3pm WIN Sun-Sat 7am-5pm

ENJOY PASTRIES

20

% OFF THRU

WINTER GARDEN 16412 New Independence Pkwy / 407-500-4050 WINDEMERE 5855 Winter Garden Vineland Rd / 407-500-0306 thefrenchcafe.com Do you feel like you’ve been transported to a cozy neighborhood café in Paris, sipping a French coffee while the smell of fresh pastries fills the air? You may be surprised to find you’re not in France at all; instead, you’re enjoying a meal at The French Café. Try our oneof-a-kind pastries baked fresh daily by our acclaimed chef. Join us for a relaxing breakfast on the weekend or stop in before that evening movie for a delightful dinner. We can’t wait to say bienvenue to you!

FEB ‘22

David Ramirez Chocolates WG HOURS Mon-Thur 12pm-8pm Fri 11am-9pm Sat 10:30am-9pm Sun 11am-6pm Experience

OUR BRAND NEW

PASTRIES

WINTER GARDEN 426 West Plant Street / 407-614-8278 ORLANDO 2154 Central Florida Parkway / 407-816-7400 davidramirezchocolates.com At David Ramirez Chocolates, we place a high value on using the best ingredients available, sourced from across the globe. Our goal is to bring you a superior product, and create an immersive and memorable culinary experience. We approach every creation with a focus on quality and artistry. Our team is trained in the old-world style, while incorporating innovative and pioneering techniques and flavors.

Main House Market HOURS Tues-Fri 10am-7pm Sat 9am-7pm Sun 9am-4pm

ENJOY

108 S Main St. Winter Garden / 407-919-5402 mainhousemarket.com Main House Market and Kombucha Bar is our love letter to Central Florida’s past, present, and future. We celebrate the Sunshine State by showcasing the work of homegrown artists as well as products made and sourced by various local vendors, including plants, pottery, garb, antiques, baked goods, and—the MAIN attraction—locally brewed kombucha.

13 TAPS FROM OUR LOCAL BREWERS

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Eats+Drinks

Life, Love, and Whiskey, Neat W

hiskey might have been my first love. I spent my college days waiting tables and mingled with adults who had been in the drinking game much longer than I. Maybe in an effort to seem more grown up and to help fit in, I started drinking as they did.

One day, I followed suit, ordered a whiskey and ginger ale, and everything changed. I actually liked what I was drinking! It had so much flavor and character compared to those other lackluster drinks.

Turns out, one could drink alcohol without simple syrups and fruity juices and still enjoy the taste.

When I joined The Chef’s

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The Local

Table team in 2012, my passion for whiskey strengthened. I met a group of likeminded people who knew so much more about the spirit than I did, and I craved their knowledge. We would spend countless hours dissecting American versus Canadian whiskey, analyzing the different styles of Scotch, opening my mind and palate to showcase the depth and range that is whiskey.

During this time, I met my other first love, and he also loved the spirit.

We started traveling the country in search of great whiskey bars. We had a private collection that grew to more than 75 bottles, and graciously welcomed all to our home to sample them.

WI N TE R G AR DE N

He encouraged me to teach classes, which I did, educating women in business on the basics of whiskey and how to enjoy the spirit properly. We went to cocktail events, watching bartenders demonstrate their craft, using the liquor in unique, spirited (pardon the pun) ways. We were

involved in a lottery for rare bourbon and drained our savings buying rare or limited-release bottles we would never get our hands on again. Whiskey became as much a part of our identity as anything else, so much so that we even named our dog after Booker Noe, the grandson of Jim Beam.

As we all know, even great love stories sometimes come to an end.

After six years, my romantic relationship ended and so followed my relationship with whiskey. We split our collection, and my half of the bottles sat in boxes for months, untouched and unseen, to avoid facing the

memories they contained.

Eventually, I realized that other drinks, like seltzers and vodka, made me feel less heavy, both metaphorically and physically. I shifted my interests to wine and beer, and stumbled on the opportunity to run my own program at The Attic Door. Life kept going,

and somehow I was able to leave this huge part of my life packed away with it.

A couple weeks ago, I had a rough night at work and went to the bar afterward to sulk silently. “Whiskey, neat,” came out of my mouth quickly and involuntarily. I needed comfort, I needed refuge, and whis-

key came to my rescue.

It just goes to show that passion can be found in the most curious of places and true love will always leave a lasting impression, even if that true love is whiskey.

Tarin Scarbrough is the Sommelier at The Attic Door. If you like what she pens, you’ll love what she pours!

Be sure to stop by and let her know what you think or drink.

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Rhetoric Rheya Tanner muses on life as a local

Not OK, Cupid

A vignette of digital dating to help you appreciate your Valentine.

I

t’s a beautiful day at the Crooked Can, and I am losing my mind.

I’d agreed the week before to meet here with a guy from OKCupid (so, not a blind date, but the next worst thing), and now, to my introverted dismay, I am doing just that.

I arrive 20 minutes early, walk directly to the bar and order the first non-beer I see. Hard seltzer? Cool, whatever, it’s already in my mouth.

I sweep the area for a table and—shocker, at noon on a weekend—there isn’t one. I descend upon the only empty seats left and accept that there will be an audience to my suffering.

I take another sip from my

50

The Local

glass and hope the alcohol will help me unclench just enough that I may be capable of normal human communication.

It’s 12:00. I scan the parking lot. Nothing. It’s 12:01.

I consider breaking my own femur to stage a believable escape. At 12:02,oh god, he snuck up on me from the other side of the building, but it’s too late to freak out now because we’ve already said hello and shaken hands. The date is on.

We exchange the usual pleasantries and nice-tofinally-meet-yous before he gets up to order lunch.

He glances at my glass and says, “Do you want anything or are you just gonna have water?”

WI N TE R G AR DE N

I look that man dead in the eyes and say, “Yeah, just water for me.” He walks off, and I take a long, long swig—you know, to hydrate.

While he’s gone, I scroll back through our DMs to pinpoint exactly where I convinced myself this was a good idea. It was a pleasant enough conversation; sparks weren’t flying, but we had similar worldviews and he didn’t offer to rub my feet, so I must have let my guard down.

But you know what? I think to myself. He seems plenty nice. Maybe I’ll be pleasantly surprised?

Spoiler alert: I am not surprised. What transpires over the next two hours is

the blandest date imaginable. There’s no chemistry and no common ground, so we endure short dialogue and long swaths of silence. (And listen, I know it takes two to tango, and not only am I not exactly amazing at small talk, I’m also the one practically brown-bagging a seltzer at the bar I bought it from. He’s not the antagonist here.)

Eventually, we run out of things to disagree on, so it’s time to part. He asks about a second date and I mumble something that might have been English before retreating into the anonymity of downtown.

As astute readers have inferred, I am indeed still single.

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