The Local: Winter Garden—August 2022

WINTER GARDEN AU G US T 2 02 2

Let’s

Play!

Stephen Herron lets the foam fly more locals’ leisurely pursuits

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A la Cart

New School

Golf carts are a driving force in the Garden

A local rising senior reflects on pandemic.edu

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Shrub It In

How to make your homemade soda really pop 48

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Let’s Play

We scoured the city and found a dozen of Winter Garden’s most playful people and places to help you loosen up and have some fun!

A la Cart

More and more locals are cruising cart-style—as evidenced the area’s up-and-coming Golf Cart Clubs.

HEATHER ANNE LEE, KELSI-ANN BAILEY, MACKENZIE HANCOCK, TARIN SCARBROUGH

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The Lo’ Down

16 Tails to Tell

Daisy the Doberman is anything but intimidating.

10 Garden Variety

Feel like a kid again with oversize yard games Local History: Reliving the glory days of play for Lake Apopka Market Watch: Orlando City Pasta Charitable Spotlight: Eight Waves youth programs

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HEATHER LUXEMBURG

58 Rhetoric

How I became a childhood Elvis impersonator—twice.

44 Oh, Well!

One rising senior’s retrospective on a high school career colored by Covid.

ON THE COVER

48 Eats + Drinks

WI N TE R G AR DE N

Forget club soda; it’s all about shrub soda now!

Stay cool with fresh ceviche this summer.

Stephen Herron lets foam fly in his new pop-up party business venture.

F R E D LO PE Z

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The Lo’Down

Wanna play?

LOVING THE LOCAL?

I’m talking knees skidding in the dirt, torso strapped to an inverted rollercoaster, shoulders squared to the tee, body covered in foam … whatever it is that sets your heart skipping, adrenaline soaring, and laughter bubbling kind of play.

The support from our local advertisers make it all possible.

Please consider thanking them with your support.

If you’re scratching your head trying to remember the last time that happened, then consider this issue your personal permission slip.

Look … we all love hearing the cackling, giggling, and uninhibited screams of joy from children playing. So why do we deny ourselves that pleasure?

Choosing work and responsibility over freedom and fun. Yawn.

FIND US ONLINE

What if, instead, we tap into play as a way to enhance our life experiences, our professions, our relationships, and our family lives altogether? Who wouldn’t like to experience more moments of lightness and freedom in our days, right? Plus, what’s so fantastic about playing as an adult is that it’s very much a case of each-to-their-own.What works for you may infuriate someone else, and that’s prefectly acceptable. No trips to HR required. It’s all about doing what you enjoy for an extended period, so you can briefly forget about the world around you.

FIND US IRL

For Publisher Jamie Mark (and not-coincidentally soccer star David Beckham), it’s Legos. For Stephen Herron, it’s throwing outrageous foam parties.

For Derek and Ashley Anderson, it’s giant yard games. For Kim Drury, it’s pickleball. For Kat O’Brian, it’s exploring play as an indoor sport.

The most important point being—the choice is yours.

Personally, I have many go-to activities that give me the rejuvenating boost and balance I need. Live music. Paddleboarding the Springs. Sweating my way through a spin class or trail ride. Hiking switchbacks and slot canyons.

Swimming with whale sharks. Dating. Lord ,give me strength.

This month, I challenge you to engage in at least one new playful activity.

Take a chance. Say yes to something that scares you. You may be surprised by which activity sparks the most pleasure. It might not always be obvious— who knew we could have so much fun playing pickleball, painting with lemurs, and smashing bottles in a fit of rage? But we did, and we are all the better for it.

@thelocalwg

Abbott’s Frozen Custard Axiom Bank Hamlin Cariera’s Fresh Italian Foxtail Coffee Co. Jeff ’s Bagel Run Main House Market Pammie’s Sammies Pearle Vision Ocoee Pico Bistro Polka Dotz Puppy Dreams Rita’s Italian Ice Rosallie Le French Cafe Seacoast Bank Sweet Dee’s Cupcakery Thai Blossom The French Cafe Three Birds Cafe Tres Amigos W. Orange Public Library WG Heritage Museum Wheel Works E-Bikes Winter Garden Pizza Co. Writer’s Block Bookstore AntiquiTeas @Plant St Market and more!

A

Heather Anne Lee Editor

P U BLI CAT I O N

emagency.com 407-573-6061 @EMagencyinc

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THE ADVISORY BOARD

Dr. Kim Dawson

Ralph Disciullo

Healthcare entrepreneur and owner of Pearle Vision in Ocoee and Hamlin. 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.

Branch Manager with Success Mortgage Partners, setting the highest standards in the industry by putting people first. 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 17 years, Sandi, and their two daughters Daniella and Avery.

Tracey Forrester

Bryan Fifer

Tracey is a community advocate helping individuals, families and small business owners gain access to affordable legal coverage with LegalShield, as well as help protect against identity theft through IDShield. She has been a resident of Horizon West since 2007 with her beautiful teenage girls, Averie and Bryce. Cofounder of Horizon West Professionals and founding member of the Rotary Club of Horizon West, Tracey believes lasting relationships start with community .

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.

Becca Lanterman Pam Thomas

Mark Schmidt

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.

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.

Mark has been a resident of Central Florida for 34 years. He spent over 30 years in the Radio and Television industry and currently works for Boyer Building Corp. as the New Business Development Manager. Interests include cheering on the Buffalo Bills, golf and enjoying the next great glass of wine. He is married to his wife, Gina, and has a “Morkie” named Finley!

Angie Layfield NHA/CDAL

Iliana Ramos Jones Family, faith,

Kirsten Harrington

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.

and passion are the three major pillars of Iliana’s life. She and her brothers own Empire Finish Systems, of which she is the active CFO. A retired marathon runner, she has transitioned to the more tranquil pastime of acquiring house plants. When not working, she loves spending time with her amazing husband, Charlie, discovering new food, traveling and quiet evenings on Lake Apopka.

Kirsten is a freelance magazine writer who just returned to Winter Garden after two years of living in China. She loves to travel and explore new places, especially where food is concerned. You can often find her out on the bike trail, in the kitchen with her family, or checking out the local food scene and sharing her finds on Instagram, @ wintergardenfoodie.

WINTER GARDEN

August 2022 Vol. 1 No. 12

ADVERTISING Jamie Ezra Mark Publisher jamie@emagency.com 352-425-6400 Nicole Spooner Account Executive nicole@mpactorlando.com 407-595-4793

EDITORIAL Heather Anne Lee Editor heather@emagency.com Rheya Tanner Art Director Josh Clark Designer Wendy Mak Designer Andrew Ontko Designer Caleb Jensen Web Karen Pazik Production Director Fred Lopez Chief Photographer Tarin Scarbrough Writer Kelsi-Ann Bailey Intern MacKenzie Hancock Intern Maia Slowinski Intern

JOIN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY

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Want to write for the magazine?

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PRO U D M EM BER S OF

©2022 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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VOCAL LOCALS

THIS MONTH’S QUESTION

What’s the most fun thing you plan to do this month?

Will H.

Alivia B.

Jack R.

Ellie M.

Emmanuel D.

Starting middle school and learning new things.

Starting senior year by painting our parking spots, struggling to make them look like famous works of art.

Getting ready for the school year and meeting people at West Orange’s Warrior Welcome.

I’m excited to play volleyball in high school with my friends.

Finishing the music album I’ve been working on during the summer.

Big Game Shirk your big adult responsibilities in favor of oversized yard beer pong.

D

erek and Ashley Anderson are on a giant-sized mission to bring fun back to the backyard. This dynamic duo originally hail from the Midwest where yard games play a bigger role in entertainment.

“I can’t remember a time growing up where we didn’t have some kind of game going on in the back yard,” says Ashley. “Croquet, horseshoes, ring toss, cornhole … you name it. Even in the winter, we had games going on,

and as we got older, bars and restaurants always had games available. It was just part of the lifestyle.”

“So we were both kind of surprised that when we moved to Horizon West, games weren’t as popular,” adds Derek. “We quickly became known for bringing the games to our friends’ houses. And during quarantine, when we all started to get a bit stir crazy, that just ramped up even more. So we just starting thinking, ‘What if we could bring that same

playful energy to our community?’

And that’s where the idea of Giant Yard Games originally began.”

The concept is simple enough: All games are available as a rental for at least two days. Ashley and Derek deliver and set up the games, as well as break them down and pick them up.“Renting takes the hassle out of buying and storing a bunch of yard games that may not get used often enough,” Derek says.

“As far as games, we have all the classic favorites along with some brand new, trendy games; adult friendly, kid friendly, or both. With close to 25 options, and more on the way, we are sure to have something for everyone at your next get together,” Ashley says. “We’d love to make this our full-time business, but right now … we just like to have fun and we want to make it easy for everyone else to have fun, too.”

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Garden Variety LOCAL HISTORY

Casting Calls

MARKET WATCH

Orlando City Pasta One man continues—and deepens— a quality pasta legacy.

Semolina flour, water, and eggs—all the core ingredients to make pasta from scratch. In 2010, a first-generation Italian-American used this simple three-ingredient recipe to start Orlando City Pasta and serve the central Florida area with fresh pasta for more than a decade. In 2020, the original owners decided to sell the company, but who better to continue the Orlando City Pasta legacy than a former employee?

Harry Herzig, a pasta and food enthusiast who worked for the company in high school, eagerly bought the business that once sparked his love for Italy and its great food. Even though it had been years since he worked for the company, Harry says “that passion never went away for making pasta and just food as a whole, good quality, wholesome food. And I jumped at the opportunity to make it my own.”

Introducing new flavors to a once traditional pasta has helped Orlando City Pasta stand out from your basic grocery store options. The brisket ravioli, garlic fettuccine, and a truffle pecorino cheese ravioli are house favorites, but there are options for any pasta lover and occasion. While continuing their journey in the Winter Garden Farmers Market, Harry and Orlando City Pasta are expanding into local retail and restaurants so that more people in central Florida can get a taste of their cuisine. —Mackenzie Hancock

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Baiting a hook … casting a line … and waiting hours for something to bite was a planned retreat for many northerners flocking to Winter Garden in the early 1900s. Today, this expedition would be unnerving, as venturing into the polluted waters of Lake Apopka deter most people.

So what happened exactly? With the rise of tourism, fishing lodges and hotels were constructed to house the influx of fishermen catching, selling, and eating fish. The establishment of pop-up fishing communities and the growth of the fishing industry businesses excelled quickly. But Winter Garden was not just a fishing destination.

By 1941, the Largemouth Bass Capital of the World, as the community was affectionately known, saw a exponential rise in farming and agriculture. Portions of the lake were drained, uncovering 21,000 acres to accommodate farming.

To preserve the lucrative crops, pesticides were used as a safeguard. But the runoff of these chemicals into the lake caused irrevocable damage to the viability of Lake Apopka.

As pollution and algae grew, the fishing industry came to an abrupt and disastrous stop, destroying the livelihood of an entire community forever.

It’s not all bad news, however. Since the Lake Apopka Restoration Act of 1996 was passed, Lake Apopka’s waters has undergone extensive repair. While commercial fishing may never support the community again, it’s largely considered one of the most successful water restoration projects in Florida’s history. —Kelsi-Ann Bailey

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THERE IS ALWAYS GOOD NEWS IN THE GARDEN

Love it or hate it, summer is coming to an end, which only means one thing—Back to School! That cheer you hear? Parents of littles ready for relief! More than a few will be headed to the newly opened Hand & Stone location in Winter Garden (@handandstonewintergarden). Le sigh.

It’s also been a busy month for eateries in the Garden.

Möge Tee is boba-ing people over with their refreshing sips.

Chicago Stop (@chicagostop) at Plant Street Market has been a welcome suprise, serving up Chicago style Hot Dogs & Italian Beef. Shout out to Piesanos in Horizon West, celebrating their one year anniversary, and to Home State Brewery on being nominated in the Orlando Weekly 2022 Best of Orlando Readers Poll! And more than a few people are anxiously preparing for Blizzard Season at the new Dairy Queen on S.R. 50.

But there’s also a few new faces around town this month.

Justin Inabnet, Derek Pruim and Andrew Davis took the oath of office at Winter Garden PD. Thanks for your service, officers! And Fiorella Perlloni joined the West Orange Chamber of Commerce as the coordinator of marketing and communications. Speaking of the Chamber, put August 31 on your calendar for State of West Orange Luncheon.

Last, in keeping with the issue theme, we’re inviting you to download some new tunes to your PLAYlists.

Jordan Mohr (@ jordanmohrmusic) dropped her new single, “Summer Vacation Auditions” and Open Late (@open_late_band) is streaming their latest single, “Strange Town.” P.S. Catch them live August 26 at Bynx Cafe in Orlando.

SHARE YOUR LOCAL GOOD NEWS! heather@emagency.com

CHARITABLE SPOTLIGHT

Eight Waves An estimated 12.7% of Orange County residents live in poverty. That is approximately 180,000 people. Even though Winter Garden continues to develop, there are still under-resourced communities in need of assistance. In 2019, Eight Waves was founded to provide support and advocate for vulnerable at-risk children, families, and schools in these underprivileged communities.

The Eight Waves Organization primarily focuses on eight initiatives dedicated to bringing “waves of opportunities” to both children and their families. By providing the following eight programs: reading intervention, mentorship, birthday parties, life experiences, a single mom program, family stability, hygiene help, and a books for babies community project, Eight Waves provides service to families throughout East Winter Garden.

“Ultimately, we would like to stay very focused because each child comes with such a case for support, that we don’t want to be one of those programs where we just keep kids safe for a few hours. We want to intentionally step into their lives and make a positive impact,” says Sarah Meyer, Executive Director of Eight Waves.

Lending helping hands and being advocates for children and families is a major focus of Eight Waves. With funds and needed volunteers, they hope to expand their now limited reach so that they can do more to improve the lives of the children and families they have grown to love as their own. —Kelsi-Ann Bailey

Get Involved! eightwaves.org

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DOWNLOAD THE GARDEN APP WINTER YOUR COMMUNITY GUIDE TO EVENTS AND DEALS CHECK OUT THE PORTALS AND SECRET GARDEN FOR AUGMENTED REALITY EXPERIENCES

Divorce, Paternity, Child Support, Modification and other family-related matters

Allison E.M. Budnik,Attorney 161 S. Boyd St., Suite 100, Winter Garden 407-499-2082 / WGfamilylawfirm.com

Tails to Tell Thriving Miss Daisy Daisy the Doberman, 2 Years What do you see when you look at me? Lots of people seem to see a big, scary dog, and that makes me feel sad. I’m not scary at all—and I’m pretty sure I’m actually very small.

Just ask my human. She always wanted a dog like me, ever since she saw the one in Disney’s Up. That dog was mean, but I don’t like to be mean like him. I like to be Nice and Good.

So if you see me around town, or if you meet another dog that kind of looks like me, maybe say hello. I will be super excited to meet new human and animal friends pretty much anywhere.

Except near the pool.

Does your pet have a tail to tell? in.thelocalwg.com/tell-tails

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

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She is passionate about caring for patients with advanced eye diseases and preventing the progression of myopia in nearsighted children. She is a native Floridian, a wife, and a mom of two girls.

See Dr. Washington at our NEW Hamlin location!

Ocoee: 11024 W. Colonial Dr. Winter Garden: 5736 Hamlin Groves Trail 407.565.9290 pearlevision.com

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Let’s

Play!

From foam to flapjacks, rage rooms to renegades, summer fun is all around if you know where to look.

HE ATHER ANNE LEE , KELSI-ANN BAILE Y, MACKENZIE HANCOCK & TARIN SCARBOROUGH FRED LOPE Z

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FoamTastic Stephen Herron is a magician: He turns ordinary soap into extraordinary fun every single day of the week.

The former Walt Disney World cast member (and actual magician!) is a foam evangelist. With his flashy outfits, splashy personality, custom playlists, and portable foam cannon, he’s always the life of the party. And he’s damn happy about it.

“I know I was put on this Earth to make people laugh, have a good time, and enjoy themselves,” Stephen says. “And I found how to do that with a foam cannon and a speaker and

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a DJ’d playlist and colorful outfits. And everywhere I go, I get to see people screaming and laughing with joy. It’s literally the best job in the world.”

And one that started just over a year ago thanks to a conversation with Stephen’s dad. “He started a similar business in Kentucky, and it was such a huge hit that he thought it might work here.”

Thanks to the encouragement and investment of Stephen’s now business partner, Shane Stults, a retired U.S. Air Force veteran, Florida Foam Factory was born in May 2021. One year later,

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the Central Florida business has grown to include husband-and-wife team of Brian and Brenda Porter, who are foaming up Tampa Bay. “People were just ready to have fun again,” Stephen says. “They wanted to laugh, to be with their friends, to have parties, but to also be safe. And what’s safer than foam? Our foam will not harm skin, clothes, pets, or grass; it’s biodegradable, non-toxic, and hypo-allergenic. Plus, it’s also really refreshing.

You can have fun and cool down, day or night!”

While it seems a natural event for kids and daycares, Stephen’s on a mission to

spread the gospel of foam to a larger audience. “It’s so much more than kids’ parties or Ibiza-style nightclub events for those of us that remember those days. We just helped a woman celebrate her 101st birthday! We’re doing commercial events at water parks. We can add foam to your neighborhood barbecue or block party or Business After Hours. We can add foam to your charity event. We do gender reveal parties with pink or blue foam. We can add GlowFoam to your Trunk or Treat in October. That’s the beauty of foam parties. It’s limited only by your imagination!” www.floridafoamfactory.com

Horsing Around

Operation: Treehouse Solving a puzzle. Discovering a clue. Crying out to your teammates to hurry as you race against the clock. This is all a part of the thrill and excitement of an escape room. But if you’re struggling to find a clue on where to go for a great escape room, look no further. Located right in Winter Garden, The Escape Goat offers four adventurous rooms that will completely immerse you into a new world and create a memorable experience. But there is one that takes the cake, Operation Treehouse! In this room, you play as the Blue Goats, a team competing in an intense game of capture the flag against the undefeated champions, the Red Squirrels. After invading their

unguarded treehouse, you have an hour to find hidden clues to where their flag is concealed. Find all the clues to capture the flag or have the Red Squirrels remain the undefeated champs. Escape Goat also offers three other rooms you should try: A Fisherman’s Tale, an adventure to find treasure in a captain’s beachside hut; Area 51, surviving training as a new recruit in the top-secret location; and last but not least, The Quest, which takes you on a journey for survival against the threat of a powerful dragon. Escape Goat offers a great opportunity for team-building and spending time with friends and family. So stop by and give it a try! www.escapegoatroom.com

If your lifelong dream is to canter or jump, trail ride or race, Escape With Horses has you covered.

Located right off Avalon Road, owner Jessica Emard works with kids or adults to make all their equestrian dreams come true. You don’t need any prior experience, just come prepared to learn and connect with the beautiful horses they have at their stables. Whether you’re doing team-building events, birthday parties, or private lessons, don’t be afraid to grab the reins and enjoy all the wonders Escape With Horses has to offer. www.escapewithhorses.com

Board Appeal Looking for a place to drop in for alley-oops, ollies, and fakies? Then make your way to Fort Barachel on West Crown Point Road. Welcoming all riders, this indoor skate park is a sanctuary for groms and teens alike. The non-profit organization has worked hard to create a recreational space for the action sports community, including scooters, skateboards, BMX bikes, and rock climbing. While they offer a great opportunity for riders and climbers to practice their skills, The Fort Barachel Foundation also works with families to help support student athletes by offering life coaching, mentorship, and opportunities to serve the community. www.fortb.org

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Renegade Country If Mark Houghton had an anthem, it may just be this: “It’s fun having fun/There’s only so many trips ‘round the sun.”

Lyrical credit, of course, goes to Zac Brown Band, but for the 48-year-old local resident and country cover artist, that’s just part of the charm.

See, Mark didn’t sing a day in his life until he was 26 years old; and it was karaoke country that first got him to the mic. “It was just a way to have fun, pass the time,” he remembers. “But then people kept saying, ‘Dude you’re really good,’ I never took it seriously. I mean, who makes it in the music business, right?

But it was always fun.”

For 20 years, Mark just kept having fun. Sometimes it was behind the mic. Other times it was DJing and hosting karaoke events, in addition to his other jobs. “I’m a serial entrepreneur,” he jokes.

And then, on May 8, 2021—just over one year ago—Mark stepped on stage for his first solo show at Front Row Sports Bar and Grill in Ocoee, and he never looked back.

Part of his success is his authentic country timbre—a little Johnny Cash, a little Josh Turner. But it’s the genuine, mega-kilowatt Luke Bryan smile and hype he shares with the crowd that accounts for his success. Whether it’s five people or 500, Mark is always engaging and interacting with the people while his covers of old country, new country, and everything in between keep the crowd entertained and singing along.

“Music just makes people happy, you know? And what’s more fun than making people happy,” says Mark.

Catch Mark Houghton, a.k.a. Renegade Fusion, playing at venues all around Central Florida, including Graffiti Junktion and Cypress Cove Marina in Clermont, and September 2 in Winter Garden at Live Music Fridays on the Plaza. www.facebook.com/fusionbandorlando

“My girlfriend and I go out every weekend to listen to music locally, and this guy’s voice is second to none. Mark’s energy is fantastic, his shows are fun, and he is always such a nice guy and entertaining. I just think he’s something The Local readers should know about.”

— Jason Travers

Worth the Drive Two words: Floor it! No red lights, no speed limits, and no traffic … what’s more fun than channeling your inner NASCAR driver at K1 Speed. OK, it’s not really NASCAR. But K1’s all-electric fleet of GoKarts promises top speeds of 45 mph along a professionally designed indoor track, all year long, rain or shine … mostly rain, in central Florida. A little competition, especially against a co-worker, best friend, or little brother, never hurt anyone! www.k1speed.com

All Fore Stoneybrook Since 2018, many Winter Garden golfers have been left to wonder when the Stoneybrook West Golf Course would reopen.

With no other option, many would travel miles away to get their next putt. But the Stoneybrook West Golf course is coming back in full swing! After five long years, this course is preparing to reopen its greens in 2023. But before golfers can make any holes-in-one, the clubhouse, restaurants, and driving range will reopen sometime in the Fall of 2022, giving golfers and their families a chance to refamiliarize themselves with the updated scenery. In the meantime, golfers can go to the West Orange Country Club, the Golden Bear Club, and even the Forest Lake Golf Club.

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LEGENDS & PIRATES Orange County Pickleball Ambassador Kim Drury is the Grand Dame of Winter Garden’s pickleball scene,but it’s 5.0 Player Keith Valentine, whose Pickleball Pirates YouTube Channel is inspiring a new generation of players.

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Pickleball It’s only 8 a.m. and these people seem to be having an absurd amount of fun.

Even at this hour, there are easily 50 people, with more cars pulling into Veterans Park by the minute. There is laughter and smack talk everywhere, as players lucky enough to grab a court already send an assortment of whiffle-ball-ish things

tion, it’s usually too late, because by now your ego is involved. The addiction is fueled by the personal sailing across the net. That challenge of continuous improvement. Get ready to was the first hook. Who wouldn’t want to be one of sign up for lessons, workshops, and drills. these cool people?

This is the world of pickThe second and most leball, and it’s everywhere. deceptive lure is how easy This sneaky-fast amalgam the game appears. Most of tennis, badminton, of the players are at least middle-aged, and some are racquetball, and Ping-Pong obviously older. How hard has been embraced by Leonardo DiCaprio, the could it be?

Kardashians, Russell WilBy the time you realize son and Annika Sörenstam that the game involves have mastered the dink actual skill and coordinaand drive.Survivor winner

Tyson Apostol has parlayed his reality-TV fame into a career as a pickleball influencer.

Its origins remain murky, but most diehards agree the sport was invented by three dads on Bainbridge Island, Washington, in 1965. The rest is pure conjecture.

Does it matter? No. All you need to know is that this quirky hybrid is the fastest-growing sport in the country, and nowhere Continued on the next page

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and the area on either side of the net is known as “the is that more evident than kitchen.” You don’t want Winter Garden’s Veteran Park, where more than half to be in the kitchen until the ball has bounced in it. of the tennis courts have After that, you dink. been converted to pickleAnd whatever you do, get ball courts. And more are on the way. It’s accessible, up early so you can beat the paddle queue—an orgaaffordable, and allows nization system through an almost unparalleled competitive balance across which players place their paddles on a rack in the generations and genders. order they arrived at the What does matter? The courts. At the end of a three “secret” numbers match, the next players on called before each serve queue claim their paddles is actually the scoring system. Second shots must and proceed to the next bounce, “bangers” are play- available court. On this day, upon my arrival, 30 paddles ers who drive hard shots, Continued from the previous page

were already in queue.

Managing the chaos is local ambassador Kim Drury. She and fellow ambassador Martin Kratish are on the courts every day of the week, and if you are a newbie, it’s worth searching them out. It’s also worth joining the local pickleball Facebook Group page and going on a “beginner” designated day. Locals are friendly, but they are uber-competitive. There’s even several 5.0 players, including Pickleball Pirate Keith Valentine whose YouTube Channel is both

informative and inspiring. Don’t expect him or anyone to go easy on you, unless you’re paying for a private lesson. Consider yourself warned.

FAST FACT

Between 2019 and 2020, pickleball participation grew by a staggering 21.3%. The Economist declared it “the fastest growing sport in America.”

Slippery When Wet Who doesn’t want to end the summer with a bang? Skip the boring backyard barbecue and slide into something much more thrilling … a slip-n’ slide party! That’s the plan for Erin Herring, a senior at West Orange High School: “I saw the idea on TikTok and immediately put it on my bucket list,” she says. “My friends and I are planning it right now before we go back to school!” According to Erin, the sky’s the limit.

“We’re adding a bubble-foam pit, boogie boards, and tube floats for extra speed, and even adding washable paint so the water can create a giant rainbow slide!”

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Leaping Lemurs Normally, if you spilled water and food all over your paint-and-sip canvas, there’d be curse words and catfights. Here, under a treetop canopy in Webster, there are squeals of delight. Mostly because the party at fault isn’t your slightly inebriated friend; it’s a troop of ringtail lemurs wreaking havoc instead. Bushy tails with 13 alternating black and white stripes swoosh over paint palettes and topple

rinse cups, streaking color on canvas and clothing alike. The more active lemurs leap from canopy to shoulder, down the arm onto the canvas, leaving a trail of footprints. The smarter ones simply totter on hind legs, station to station, reaching into a plethora of open palms holding a wet assortment of bananas, blueberries, and strawberries.

Chase Animal Sanctuary may be 30 miles from

downtown Winter Garden, but the drive down State Road 50 to a dirt road is certainly a scenic adventure. Far from the usual fun of wizarding worlds, Painting with Primates is quite possibly the most fun you can have on a summer Sunday.

The cost is a $75 “donation,” which allows you to paint a pre-sketched canvas as Chase’s lemur troop weaves and scampers around the yard and uses your body as a jungle gym. The facility is a rescue mostly for these adorable

primates, but there are other exotic animals that have been rescued from neglect, abuse, or exploitation.

Owners Nina and Donna Vassallo, who started Chase 14 years ago, operate the facility solely on donations, which can be challenging in any economy. Offering private tours and various types of classes involving unique animal encounters, including Painting with Primates and the equally popular Lemur Yoga, is both a fun and philanthropic way to keep the sanctuary running. But they also accept financial donations in addition to food and potted plants, like ferns, purslane, and spider plants, both great sources of edible enrichment. www.chasesanctuary.org/painting-with-primates/

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Word Play The housewife next door has a spicy secret! You wouldn’t imagine by looking at her, of course. Kat O’Brian is just your average wife, mom of two, and an Information Resources Manager at a local law firm.

And yet, she also happens to be the scribe behind Chains and Pearls — a sizzling hot novel about love, sex, power, and control.

She loves life, she loves her family, and yes, she loves to play.

The past decade has seen a boom in women turning to the page to detail sexy stories that would very likely make your mom turn 50 shades of blush. But for anyone who knocks erotica as anything less than an art form, it’s worth noting that nearly 30% of the top 130 erotic authors have formally studied literature.

For some authors, it’s a business opportunity; for others, it’s a way to safely explore sexual fantasies.

For Kat, it’s both.

“While I’m firm of the mindset that fiction is just that, fiction, I do think it’s a positive for women that erotic fiction has become

more mainstream. Erotica gives us permission, in case we didn’t have it already, to acknowledge ourselves as sexual, and sexy beings, whose desires may be far more complicated than we’re often led to believe.”

Of course, like other playful endeavors, this foray happened by accident, actually. “I was, and still am, a huge reader. I usually have two or three books going at any one time. For a long time, romance novels were my favorite. I’d devour a romance book every two days, and it got to a point where they became the same. Different character names, but a similar formula. Then, 50 Shades of Gray came out, and my entire world turned upside down.

Not only was I intrigued by the lifestyle, but I found myself wanting to read — and write!— erotic fiction.

Now, I can’t get enough. It’s changed my life, and has given me new perspectives on my own sexuality as well as those of my friends, family, neighbors, and even strangers.”

Kat’s first book, Chains and Pearls, coming this fall,

Kat’s first book, Chains and Pearls, coming this fall, is a dark romance regarding overcoming tragedy and relearning desires.

is a dark romance regarding overcoming tragedy and relearning desires. Releasing soon after is Pearls and Cuffs, which brings forth the heart of what makes this form of “play” a delight by capturing the lusty, down-and-dirty moments right alongside the emotional nuances that make these stories worth reading — and re-reading. Download with an open mind on Amazon.

LOVE IS ART: If the idea of play intrigues you, but you don’t know where to start, Kat suggests the Love Is Art kit.

“It’s a fun date night with your partner that’s both sexy and sensual. Plus, you might even get a great piece of art out of it!” us.loveisartkit.com

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Rage Room

bored, you decide, but I caved to marketing peer pressure and convinced my best friend, Kim, to go with me. And boy, did we have a smashing good time.

Located about 25 minNeeding a way to let out utes away, Rage Room pent-up frustration and a Orlando has a variety of glass of wine (or two) is no packages for your stress longer cutting it? I can relate! relief. From fax machines That’s where I found myself during the pandemic, and by the power of the internet, as soon as I thought about it, up popped an Instagram for a place called “Rage Room Orlando.” To be fair, I’m not the type to even punch a pillow, so I scrolled past at first. But since Instagram is persistent, the next time the ad popped up, I clicked. Intrigued, or

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to vehicles, you can pick anything you desire to break and bludgeon.

We even got to play our own music! We chose wine bottles (naturally) and were more than disappointed when we had none left to shatter. I had no idea that

breaking something would bring so much joy. It felt incredible being in control of the destruction, and I’ve never laughed so hard while doing something that felt wrong. With our adrenaline pumping, we were already planning our next visit. If you’ve ever felt joy breaking something, then this might be your broken cup of tea. www.rageroomorlando.org

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Cart H E ATH ER LUX EM B U R G F R ED LOPE Z

I

t’s Saturday morning in Hamlin, still early enough that summer’s convection-oven breeze circulates, tickling the hair on your beard, but not dense enough to draw a sweat. Yet. A lawn mover cranks to life in the distance, drowning out the birds, but not your music — Elvis Presley’s “Blue Hawaii” on repeat. It’s a great day to go for a drive.

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At least, that’s what Jack Oakes is doing, taking his Club Car DS out for a spin, running errands before things get crazy.

Why take the car when you can take the cart?

That’s Jack’s mantra, as well it should be seeing as though he’s the co-founder of Horizon West Golf Cart Club (HWGC).

Jack discovered his love for golf carts a few years ago. “I got jealous,” he laughs. “That’s why I wanted a golf cart. Some other guy was taking his daughter to the park, and the cart was loaded with all these toys, and they were driving in the shade, and I was like, ‘I’ve got to get one of those.’”

Little did Jack know that this simple thought would lead to an entire change in lifestyle and mindset. He is not the only one either. Amid finding a new hobby, Jack discovered— and since fostered— the rapidly expanding HWGC and its very active Facebook Group Page with co-founder Matt Aguiar.

But it’s not just Horizon West and Hamlin. Downtown Winter Garden is flush with carts every day of the week, filled with families making the most of a growing niche of cart-friendly community.

One passionately supported by the city itself.

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“The City of Winter Garden is fortunate that there are many neighborhoods and parks located on pedestrian-friendly streets making them suitable for golf carts. In fact, the City adopted a golf cart resolution last summer to create golf cart-friendly zones, creating a wonderful amenity for many of our residents while ensuring safety,” says Tanja Gerhartz, Economic Development Director for the City of Winter Garden.

Fun Patrol

“I’ve been working with Orange County to get some signage letting drivers know that golf carts are present and legal on the main roads in our community...

It’s a small victory toward making this a golf cart legal community.”

So, what is so great about driving a golf cart anyway?

“Everything just comes slower. You leave 15 minutes earlier because you —Jack Oakes don’t want to be in a hurry. It’s about the journey.

You enjoy that time,” Jack explains. He also revels in the fact that he is no longer getting destroyed by the sun consistently, and his need for air conditioning dissipates into the breeze blowing into his face while he delightedly drives his cart.

Bryan Fifer, an active HWGC group member and golf cart evangelist, agrees. “It’s a different feel than just being in your car. You can connect with people, wave to your neighbors, and stop for a quick chat. This is a lifestyle … it’s becoming more

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of a trend too, just a more fun way to get around.”

Bryan sees the HWGC Facebook group as a great way for people all over Winter Garden to connect on a common passion, and to share resources, contacts, and connections with one another. What started with fewer than 50 members has mushroomed to more than 500 members in about two years. “There is just something great about having a sense of community, and this community of people are all family-oriented and are simply having fun with their hobby,” he says.

“It’s really about hanging out and connecting with people in the neighborhood. We do a lot of stuff together, and host a ton of events. Cart people want to be active, they want to have fun,” says Jack.

Look no further than the wildly popular Winter Garden Christmas Golf Cart Parade, which draws hundreds of spectators and probably just as many carts. Organized by the West Orange Junior Service League for the last nine years, 100% of the money is donated and distributed to local non-profit organizations in West Orange County. Benevolence certainly plays a role, but really it’s about the “friendly” competition

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for the most unique carts, costumes, and lights.

Similarly, the HWGC club is notorious for its events and parades, including its infamous Halloween and Christmas parades. The Halloween parade might just be Jack’s favorite: “That was excellent! We had somebody decorate their cart as the Haunted Mansion carriage, and someone else did the Flintstone’s car, and everyone had a lot of fun. You can measure the success of the club by the events we have.”

Turns out, the events appeal to cart and non-cart goers alike. At first, Tom

Terrusa wasn’t a fan of the golf carts in the community, but that’s since changed: “It has become a part of life around here for me and my family. These events truly seem to bring our little town together.”

More recently, HWGC hosted a poker run this past April to raise money for immigrants displaced by the war in Ukraine. “You know, it inspires people who might not be in the club or have a cart to join us if it is for a cause,” Jack says.

Crowd Sourced If fun is the name of the game, a little friendly

competition doesn’t hurt.

When two or more cart owners are together in one space for more than a few minutes, the conversation almost always turns to customization. Sound systems, tricked-out lighting, custom paint, engines, rims, wheels, tire lifts, vinyl wraps, dashboards, you name it, there’s a cart that has it.

Locally speaking, the man making that happen is most often Sean Courterier, owner of the Extreme Golf Cart Customization. Sean’s an active admin on the HWGC Facebook group page,

freely offering advice to cart owners looking to purchase, repair, trade, improve, or otherwise outfit their new lifestyle.

Sean began cart customization at the mere age of 14 with his father in their garage, so he’s seen it all over the years.“It comes in trends. One guy will come in for a custom job on his speakers, and a few days later all his friends will be in as well.”

Of course, golf carts tend to reflect on the owners’ personalities as well, and Sean definitely has a few favorites. “I did a golf cart that looks exactly

MEMBERS ONLY (below) Just a handul of the more than 500 members of Horizon West Golf Cart Club. Co-Founders Matt Aguiar (center) and Jack Oakes (right), with Sean Courterier (left), help manage an active Facebook Group, member events, community initiatives.

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like a 1965 Ford Mustang.

It has a body on it that actually makes it look like a real car. That cart was custom painted, custom wheels, I even built a trailer that goes behind it that has extra seats on it, a storage trunk, and speakers and lights.” Sean explains that he also built this cart from the ground up. Right now, he is even working on a Kermit the Frog-themed cart!

“They’re having me paint it lime green, so it looks like Kermit, and then they are getting a sticker made for the back of it that says, ‘It ain’t easy being green!’ It is things like that, that I can do with a golf cart that makes it personal to each owner.”

Design. Community.

Friendship. Philanthropy. Winter Garden’s golf cart lifestyle is certainly bringing people together. For Jack and Bryan and Matt and a host of other owners, however, safety is as much a factor as having fun. But those nuances vary from area to area, even within Winter Garden.

There are various technicalities when it comes to driving the carts around town, especially in the Horizon West area. Jack explains: “In downtown Winter Garden, you don’t need to register your golf

cart with the state. You can drive your golf cart wherever you want within the city limits. I want the same thing for [Horizon West]. I’ve been working with Orange County for months to get some signage letting drivers

know that golf carts are present and legal on the main roads in our community. The signs were just recently installed, so we feel the need to thank the local Orange County government for meeting our needs. It’s a small victory

toward making this a golf cart legal community.”

Jack continues, “It’s all about safety, saving gas, entertaining our kids, and being able to roam around the neighborhood,” Jack says. But truth be told, his ambitions don’t stop

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“The City adopted a golf cart resolution last summer to create golf cart-friendly zones, creating a wonderful amenity while ensuring safety.”

there. “If [the commissioner] lets us make this a golf cart legal community, other communities will take note. They’ll start to do the same thing, and before you know it, Florida has the cheapest gas prices, the least gas usage, etc.”

The rise of golf cart usage is gradually increasing around the community year by year, and cities like Winter Garden are —Tanja Gerhartz taking notice. The city

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recently added specific new parking spots just for golf carts, something Jack would like to see become more prevalent.

Ultimately, Jack’s overall goal is to “make a blueprint for what we can do in Florida. It is about influencing everyone to drop the habits that we all have, which is constantly sucking up gas wherever you are going. It’s up to the people in charge of building our towns. I

wanted to live in a place that is safer and cleaner.

And we’ve done that.

Every time you take a car off the road and replace it with a golf cart, even if the golf cart is gas, you’ve taken so much carbon footprint away from that.

Your neighborhood is becoming safer; people are driving slower… More fun, safer, cleaner, healthier, everybody’s richer, that’s the goal, and it all starts with leading the way.”

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PR O MOT IO NAL F E AT U RE

P

ower outages have become as Floridian as oranges and vacations, but they’re not nearly as much fun. And not surprisingly, natural disasters account for many of those power interruptions—can you say, hurricanes?

Every year, hurricane season in Florida comes with its share of crossed fingers, prayers, and panicked rushes to purchase and install generators. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, more than 80 percent of major power outages are due to severe storms, affecting 15 million households yearly. Other causes of power outages may arise due to local utility companies’ maintenance and other random events.

We at Complete Power Resources want to change that.

We provide our customers with suitable backup power systems to prevent interruptions during power outages.

Complete Power Resources is a Thermo King of the Southeast subdivision specializing in sales, service, and installation of residential and commercial standby generator systems. We are located right here in Winter Garden and are an authorized dealer for all the major national generator brands.

Peace of mind

Hurricane season runs from the start of June through the end of November. ’Tis the season, as they say, and this season, why not go ahead and do what you’ve thought about year after year? Install a generator in your home or business before the storm clouds gather, and the rush begins so the lights can stay on, the oven keeps

cooking, your medical equipment and C-PAP machines functioning, and your heat or AC keeps running for optimum comfort.

sle-free way to be sure your generator turns on when the power goes out.

Our certified technicians perform a variety of safety and reliability checks at regular intervals on: • Fuel and Oil Levels Light commercial & • Fuel and Oil Age healthcare benefit • Unit Wiring In healthcare, one aspect that re• Physical Inspection of Unit mains constant is a facility’s capacity • And Unit Environment Inspection to provide clients with a comfortable and reliable environment that keeps Your backup power system will power-reliant tools running. Those perform its self-tests, but routine criteria tie back to having electricity maintenance on your system just 24/7, which is non-negotiable for once a year will help ensure that it some facilities depending on the works when you need it. niche. Our light commercial fleet has best-in-class standby generators Special options to keep small doctors’ offices, labs, Another advantage to working with and boutique pharmacies equipped Complete Power Resources is the with backup power systems to fight choice of options we can bring against potential blackouts. to your installation to add to your

Professional installation

Don’t wait for the big box stores to come to your rescue. They may only have one or two brands to choose from—Complete Power Resources has them all. Those stores may even say they can provide installation.

But likely, that will be hit or miss with whichever subcontractors are available at the time. At Complete Power Resources, our technicians are factory-authorized and certified to install and service every brand we sell. That’s all they do. We handle the permits with the designated county, prepare the foundations, install the systems, test them, and train our customers from start to finish.

Service packages that save you money

To keep our systems in peak form year-round, most of our customers opt for a service plan that’s a has-

PR O MOT IO NAL F E AT U RE

experience. We guide our customers to choose power solutions that suit their preferences, such as quiet packages (Did you know liquid-cooled generators run much quieter?), friendly financing through a partnership with Synchrony Bank and Load Management Systems that save you money by prioritizing when to power high-wattage items like your AC, electric oven, and dryer.

Briggs and Stratton

Complete Power Resources is fortunate enough to have fostered a strong working relationship with a leading manufacturer in the country, Briggs and Stratton. We are proud to be able to feature a company with over 110 years invested in developing power technology and innovation. Its engines are commercial grade, built for long lifetimes and dependable efficiency. Every Briggs and Stratton generator has the

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industry’s best warranty for added peace of mind.

Getting started

Complete Power Resources has one more advantage, and it is, in a word, availability. We’re all too familiar with the supply chain interruptions in today’s climate; Complete Power Resources has enough generators in stock to get you up and running in a matter of weeks. For example,

current stock numbers show 70+ Briggs and Stratton generators in our inventory. The wait at other outlets is clocking in at 30 to 40 weeks to get units ordered and installed. Our average wait time at Complete Power Resources is considerably less!

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PR O MOT IO NAL F E AT U RE

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A month later, we had it installed.

No, we haven’t needed to use it yet.

We did have a power surge a while ago and our generator kicked right on like it was supposed to!

Just put yourself back in the mindcall with a question—they’d get right set of watching the weather maps, We have some crazy weather here in back to me. I called them one night listening to the news, and waiting on Florida and after going through sevat 11 p.m. and they got back to me another hurricane: There are people eral hurricanes, we determined that a lining up for gas, raiding the grocery standby generator was something we 10 minutes later!

They were so friendly and human.

No stores, scrambling for emergency had to have for peace of mind and the supplies. Everyone’s afraid they’ll safety of our family. So, we contacted pressure at all. They answered all my questions, looked at all we had to powlose power and dreading it.

Complete Power Resources. I made Not me. Not now. Thanks to Coman appointment and they came to our er up—appliances, pool, A/C, all that— showed us the diff erent brands and told plete Power Resources, I won’t have home to see what we’d need. us what we’d need. We ordered a 20kW to think about all that. I’m not going I wanted to learn everything I Briggs and Stratton, mainly because of to be that guy anymore, and for my could about the whole process and money, that is one awesome feeling. they were patient and responsive. I’d their longer 10-year warranty.

Mark Litwin gives his family peaceof-mind with a new generator.

PR O MOT IO NAL F E AT U RE

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Oh Well!

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Un-interrupted Rising Senior Kelsi-Ann Bailey reflects on what was, what is, and what could still be in the wake of a high school experience completely affected by Covid-19.

M

y ninth-grade year, the year of freshman acclimation, would be abruptly cut short by Covid-19, followed by an awkward phase of silence and uncertainty over the course of the next few months.

My tenth-grade year would solely consist of Microsoft Teams, naps during class, cooking during English period, and wearing silly blue-light blocking glasses to “protect our eyes.”

Eleventh grade, otherwise known as the most important year of high school, would be a failed attempt to get back to the way things once were. But for me and my classmates, what does that really mean when our entire high school experience has been displaced by a global pandemic, with no precedence.

I get asked all the time, what have I learned from this experience? Am I more able to adapt because of it? How have I been changed?

The truth is: I don’t have the answer because I have

no reference point. There is no high school before the pandemic; there is only high school during the pandemic. If anything, my classmates and I simply got used to not knowing.

“I feel as though my high school experience was cut short due to the worldwide pandemic,” says Khiya McLamb, a rising senior at West Orange. “It left my high school experience more about catching up than having fun.”

She’s not wrong. How do you “catch up” when the drive and motivation we once had for school—sixth, seventh, eighth graders— essentially disappeared?

How do you break the bad academic habits formed over the pandemic? What about friendships and sports and clubs and anything else fun that had been shelved for two years?

Simply: We did the best we could. And yet, this fall, we will be seniors. Luckily, the upcoming school year’s itinerary is jam-packed with fun events that have me both excited and stressed.

“I feel as though my high school experience was cut short due to the worldwide pandemic...

It left my high school experience more about catching up than having fun.”

—Khiya McLamb

Prom, Homecoming, Spirit Week … you name it! It’s my last year to do everything and anything I didn’t get a chance to do. And with the group of friends I’ve managed to keep around, I hope to make the best high school memories.

Khiya agrees. “I hope that my senior year is filled with lists of fun experiences and less work. Since I only need one more credit, I want to focus more on my college credits, having a good time, and meeting new people,” she says.

As my last first day of high school approaches, the feeling to prepare for the year grows stronger. School supplies and Quizlet will only get you so far, and the thrills of senior year don’t come cheap. Being ready for anything the year throws my way is key. I want to enjoy all that my senior year has to offer until I have to tackle a whole other beast: College.

Forward Motion For any senior, preparing for life after high school can be a challenge. As a

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Oh, Well! pandemic survivor, that challenge feels more like Everest. We’re all a little unsure about the path to take, and every step forward feels nerve-racking.

Finding guidance at a time like this is important; it can help you take a step in the direction right for you. I’ve been lucky in that my mom is a career mental health and behavioral specialist. She’s been a fantastic resource for me, and my friends, during these years, helping keep me level headed and focused on the few things that were within

my control. The idea of college is scary because I’m not sure I’m academically or socially prepared, but then again … at 18 years old, who can ever really be sure?

But I do know that our high school experiences, or the lack of, have my peers exploring options they hadn’t imagined before.

“College is important, but it isn’t the only way to get a good career,” says Vanessa Marceline, a rising senior who has decided that technical school is a better fit for her at this time. “You

can always go into a trade school and have a stable job at the end of it.”

On the other hand, Paola Castellucci has “… made the decision to go to an out-of-state college, mainly because I have family living out of Florida. Being separated during the pandemic made me appreciate family connections more.

Since my goal is to become a dentist, I’m moving closer to my aunt, who’s already in the profession. I hope to get a lot of experience from her.”

So, what will senior year look like for me and the rest of my Class of 2023 classmates? Different, I hope.

I won’t lie; Covid made us all a little edgy. I look at things warily and do things differently. Life during our senior year feels a bit like driving a car—having to focus on the road in front of you, but constantly checking the rear view mirror to make sure you can safely merge and exit. Truthfully, the only thing we can do is take one step, or one decision, college or otherwise, at a time.

Preparing for the Future

Bob Lourdel and Judith O’Donnell are helping postpandemic seniors navigate the new academic frontier.

F

rom full remote learning in 2020, to hybrid classes in 2021, to moving fully in-person for the 2022 year, rising juniors and seniors have been pushed academically, socially, mentally, physically, and professionally. It’s no wonder that high school

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seniors, fatigued by online learning, are reconsidering their options.

“So many of our seniors didn’t have the opportunity to visit campuses, or speak with college admissions officers about their options,” says Judith O’Donnell, a writer, editor, and academic coach at The Guidance Guru.

WI N TE R G AR DE N

“It’s left them less confident in their decision and next steps, and for good reason.”

So how does a post-pandemic junior or senior prepare for college? How do they figure out which path is right for them?

“It’s all about priorities, evaluating your personal goals,” says Bob Lourdel,

Bob Lourdel, Hi-Lite Coaching and Consulting

a life coach with Hi-Lite Coaching and Consulting.

“I have talked to several students regarding the pandemic, and many have struggled with the online learning methods. There is a lot to be said about how isolation affects attitude.

Another effect of the pandemic I have heard from students is lost opportunities, especially as it relates to social events and scholarship opportunities, sports, music and theater performances. Both of which is having a significant impact on their desire and confidence in choose to go to college, let alone where or how to get there.”

Bob says, “When I work with kids in this situation, we first try to discover where their real passions and goals align. If college is still front and center, it’s important for them to know that they have options.

There is nothing wrong with taking a gap year, or choosing to work while you take the time to vet the right colleges. If Fall 2023 seems too fast, consider Spring or Fall 2024. Take the pressure off yourself.”

“If finances are a concern due to lost scholarship opportunities, we help identify the affordable options that are still available to them, such as Bright Futures, dual enrollment, Direct Connect programs

like Valencia to four-year school, and more. Finances do not have to be an obstacle for continuing their education. There is a wealth of resources available to both students and parents of students,” he continues.

“Some include financial literacy, resume writing for college or future employment, college application tips and tools. All provide great experiences, which translate well in their next steps into adulthood.”

Judith adds, “No matter where you are in your college decision process, taking the time to prepare for SATs/ACTs, even in your senior year, can reap great financial rewards through scholarship opportunities.

Taking advantage of a senior year of in-person learning can also help students that feel behind academically gain a new confidence in their academic skills.”

Its worth noting that after the pandemic, many colleges have changed their admissions processes to test-optional. During the pandemic, SAT and ACT test centers were shut down and 80% of four-year colleges and universities switched to test-optional.

Now there are two different ways colleges have students apply: there are numbers and holistic. When colleges use the numbers process, they look at your SAT,

WELLNESS COUNTS

-20% Judith O’Donnell, The Guidance Guru

ACT, AP, and GPA. When colleges use the holistic process, they look at the whole student and how that student could make an impact on the school.

While Judith can help students prep for formal testing, she specifically excels at working with students on their personal essays, crafting a unique narrative that helps their holistic application stand out. “Creating a theme and brainstorming sessions can help students create an outline for a personal essay that truly stands out,” she says.

Lastly, Bob says, “Learning how to network is one aspect that I think would help seniors, and juniors, the most. A lot of students are hesitant to take the initiative in asking adults for help. Whether it be a teacher or coach or boss or guidance counselor, students can tap into a wealth of connections and resources which could turn into life-changing opportunities for them.”

The likelihood of attending a four-year school sank 20%, from 71% to 51%, in the past two years

3/4

of high schoolers think a direct path to a career is more essential for postsecondary education

16%

decline in immediate transitions to two-year colleges and a 6% decline in transition to four-year colleges

-1 Million College enrollment is now down 6.6% compared to two years ago — a loss of more than 1 million students

4.25% Average increase in annual college tuition nationwide, the largest increase in 14 years

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WI N TE R G AR DE N

Eats+Drinks

Shrub One Out Thirsty for something different? Look no further than the garden to make your homemade soda really pop.

TAR I N SCAR BR O UG H

I

’m not big into TikTok, but unless you’ve been living under a rock you’ve likely seen the viral “healthy Coca-Cola” videos. The premise: By adding a splash of balsamic vinegar to any sparkling water, you can emulate the distinct Coca-Cola flavor. It’s been met with mixed reviews, and it should be, since Coke is quite possibly one of the most authentic beverage flavors of all time. But what is exciting, at least to this connoisseur, is that it’s brought attention to shrubs—a vinegar-based syrup commonly used in cocktails. And as someone who loves vinegar, I feel like my voice is finally

F R ED LOPE Z

being heard. TikTok be damned.

While I love infusing bar cocktails with homemade shrubs, it’s actually a healthy, non-alcoholic option. In fact, I credit my cousin Kyle, a total health fanatic, for turning me on to the art of shrub sodas.

His pantry is loaded with a variety of homemade shrubs that he mixes with different flavored soda waters, giving a plethora of options for each day and mood. I’ve learned to appreciate “soda” on a whole new level, especially when it’s not bogged down with unhealthy junk like corn syrup or chemicals.

With the rise of flavored sparkling water, this is a

fun way to entertain yourself and your palate with creating your own unique libations.

Of course, you can buy any number of shrub syrups from your favorite culinary stores, but the fun is really in making your own. And I promise, it’s super easy. You can either simmer fresh fruit in simple syrup, aka the hot way; or you can toss fresh fruit and herbs with sugar and let it sit for a few days, aka the cold way.

No matter which method you choose, I will tell you that shrubs are a matter of ratio: The sweet spot is a 1:1:1 ratio of fruit, sugar, and vinegar. A good place to start for cold

Shrub 101 First-time shrubber? Get your creative juices flowing with these recipes.

Straw-Bury My Sorrows: Strawberries, white sugar, red wine vinegar, and a splash of balsamic vinegar Wanna Peach of Me?: Peach, cardamom pods, honey, and cider vinegar Don’t Take it for ‘Granate: Pomegranate, peppercorn, white sugar, red wine vinegar Losing My Rind: Watermelon, Basil, white sugar, and apple cider vinegar

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Eats+Drinks process shrub is 1 pound chopped fruit, 2 cups sugar, and 2 cups vinegar; for the heated process, go for 1 pound fruit, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, and 1 cup vinegar. Each method should yield about 3 cups of shrub syrup, which will keep in the fridge for a month, possibly longer. Choose your fruit seasonally and you can have your own soda-of-the-month.

Don’t limit yourself to just fruit though: consider fresh herbs like mint, rosemary, and thyme, or spices such as cinnamon, bay leaves, or peppercorn.

Most vinegars work in shrubs, but always consider your fruit while choosing your style. I tend to favor apple cider vinegar, but white or red wine vinegar, champagne vinegar, or rice vinegar will do the trick. Like the TikTok trend, balsamic brings out a real depth, but go easy on it. Dilute it with another vinegar or it will take over.

Also, you can experiment with white or brown sugar.

White sugar will really let the fruit shine, while the brown sugar will add a richer, more molasses element to the finished product.

To create your soda, fill a glass with ice, pour in a splash of shrub, and top it off with seltzer water, stirring a bit to incorporate the shrub. It’s just that easy.

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WI N TE R G AR DE N

Drink Me A Shrubbery Hot or cold? Does it matter? Both methods will give you a tasty end product, but each has its own qualities that change the flavor. Here’s how to make that decision, and a step-by-step guide to bring your shrub into being.

THE HOT PROCESS Works well on any ingredient you would make jam out of. Also great if you’re pressed for time or want to pull out a heat-activated flavor like cinnamon.

• Make a simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water) in a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved.

• Add your sliced fruit and bring the syrup-fruit mixture to a low simmer.

Let it bubble away until the syrup is the same color as the original fruit.

• Stir in the vinegar and bring the mixture just to a simmer; strain out and discard the fruit (or serve it over vanilla ice cream), and pour the shrub into a mason jar. Keep it in the fridge.

THE COLD PROCESS For those who want a more authentic shrub experience. It’s slower than the hot process, but more rewarding—the fruit won’t be so jammy and will be closer to its original flavor.

• Slice or gently mash your fruit in a bowl. Toss with sugar.

• Add all ingredients into a jar and muddle. Shake for about 20 seconds, and allow it to infuse at room temperature for about one week, giving it a good shake once a day.

• Strain out the solids through a cheesecloth and pour into a glass jar with a lid. Refrigerate for about one week, but add more sugar or vinegar if needed to taste.

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Eats+Drinks

True Peru

Taste ceviche as it was intended at La Piccolina.

H E ATH ER AN N E LEE

T

here’s so much to love about August: the easy, carefree days; the additional hours of sunshine; and of course, some much-need-

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ed vacay. What I love less is the scorching heat. When it’s pushing three-digit temps with 100% humidity... I’m.

Not. Cooking. Full stop.

WI N TE R G AR DE N

So, it’s no surprise my ceviche cravings have kicked in full force. Aside from a summer salad, or a hefty serving of ice cream, what better way to beat the

heat than with a no-cook dinner of fresh fish spiked with citrus?

Which is why I’m headed to La Piccolina. This Peruvian-Italian treasure nestled in the Stoneybrook West Plaza is pure delight.

And with ceviche being as essential as breathing in Peru, there’s no better place to get your fix.

Here’s what you need to know: These people are ceviche purists. Any tomatoey concoction prepared with avocado is an unacceptable imposter.

Here, the only way to eat ceviche is the old way— chunks of raw fish, thin slices of red onion,and flecks of aji pepper, all mixed up in a refreshing bath of fresh lime juice.

For texture, there’s the meaty addition of choclo, a kind of white Andean corn, both raw and popcorn style for crunch. And sweet potato. But that’s it.

No more, no less.

Those are the rules—and in Peru, you don’t dare to break them. This is, after all, where ceviche was actually invented. And the Pisco Sour, of which you should absolutely partake.

Who am I to argue with authenticity?

Editor’s Note: La Piccolina is a beautiful blend of Italian-Peruvian cuisine. Even if you don’t love ceviche, don’t skip this charming restaurant. There’s literally something for everyone on the menu, in the best possible way.

DINING GUIDE I

INFO HOURS Tues-Fri 5PM-9PM Sat 11AM-2PM & 5PM-9PM Sun 11AM-3PM

JOIN US FOR

BRUNCH Saturday 11am - 2pm Sunday 11am - 3pm

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Eats+Drinks

Market To Table 146 W Plant St, Winter Garden / 407-395-9871 market2table.com / Private Dining Available Nestled in the Heart of Historic Downtown, Market To Table creates Modern American cuisine with classical influences. Chef/Owner Ryan Freelove’s seasonal dinner menu offers a delightful mix of traditional, yet elevated, dishes, like the Filet Mignon or Braised Short Rib, along with an exciting array of specials. But it’s the newly inspired brunch menu that is truly buzzworthy. Come for the giant Bloody Deluxe (trust us!), House Cured Gravlax, and Parmesan Truffle Fries. Stay for the “Fry Up” English Breakfast and Market Steak & Eggs.

Before you leave, you’ll be making dinner reservations. It’s just that good.

The Hangry Bison 250 W Plant St, Winter Garden / 407-347-9099 thehangrybison.com / Reservations Available

HOURS Sun-Wed 11am–10pm Thu-Sat 11am-12am

$5 SINGLE WELL COCKTAILS +MORE

HANGRY HOUR SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS

The ultimate build-your-own-burger experience has landed in the heart of Winter Garden! The Hangry Bison is known for quality bourbon, craft beer and cocktails, and award-winning bison burgers, but our vast menu of savory appetizers, fresh salads, and hearty handhelds of all kinds has a little something for even the hangriest appetites.

Check us out on weekday evenings* for discounted selections of drinks and small plates. Your parents did happy hour; we do Hangry Hour! *4–7pm Mon-Thu and 4–6pm Fri.

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Eats+Drinks I D I N I N G G U I D E

Cariera’s Fresh Italian 1041 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden / 407-554-3622 carierasfreshitalian.com If there’s two things most people can agree on, it’s that a hearty plate of pasta is always a good choice, and the best place to get that fix is Cariera’s. Heavy with Italian tradition, Cariera’s features timeless favorites, such as spaghetti and meatballs to chicken Saltembocca, white Cacciatore to Eggplant Parmigiana. There’s even a lite menu featuring Keto versions of your Italian favorites! Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply feeding the family, Cariera’s strives to make every guest feel comfortable enough to laugh out loud, reminisce, and be indulged.

HOURS Mon-Sat 11am-9pm Sun 11am-8pm

L MEAADTNBEASLS MSELECT MEAATRBEALL MEALS BOGO!

David Ramirez Chocolates 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.

The French Café 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 one-of-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!

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

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STK Steakhouse HOURS LUNCH Mon-Fri 11am-3pm DINNER Sun-Thu 3pm-10:45pm Fri & Sat 3pm-11:15pm $30 BOTTOMLESS

BRUNCH MIMOSAS & BLOODY MARYS BRUNCH HOURS: SAT & SUN 9:30AM-3PM

ORLANDO 1580 Buena Vista Drive / 407-917-7440 stksteakhouse.com/venues/orlando/ STK is “not your daddy’s steakhouse,” offering a high-energy dining experience combining the superior quality of a traditional steakhouse with a Vibe Dining atmosphere.

Delectable cuisine, upscale cocktails, elevated Happy Hour and chic décor along with an in-house DJ, all come together to offer a memorable fine dining experience. The menu features reimagined classic American cuisine for lunch, brunch and dinner — the brand’s beef program focuses on the highest quality craveable steaks while emphasizing transparency and traceable sourcing practices.

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Thai Blossom 99 W. Plant St. Winter Garden / 407-905-9917 mythaiblossom.com

HOURS Mon-Fri Lunch: 11AM-3PM Dinner: 5PM-9PM Sat: 11AM-9PM Sun: 12-8PM

NO.1 BEST

THAI RESTAURANT

ORLANDO READER’S CHOICE ORLANDO MAGAZINE MULTIPLE YEARS INCLUDING 2021

Fragrant curries and soups, silky noodles, stir fries, and grilled meats, with plenty of options for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free diners, too—Thai Blossom serves some of the most delightful and crave-worthy experiences on Plant Street. Authentic, easy and always cooked to order, it’s the perfect choice for workday lunch, go-to dinner dates, and special celebrations alike. Experience our culinary flavors and your love of Thai will blossom.

Recognized by The Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Magazine for having delicious and A-grade Thai cuisine.

Foodie Award Critic’s ChoiceOrlando Sentinel | Orlando Dining Awards- Orlando Magazine

Tres Amigos Grill HOURS Mon-Sat 11 am-8 pm Sun Closed

GET A FREE PINT OF OUR FAMOUS

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ONLINE ORDERS ONLY

JUST TYPE LOCALWG IN THE SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS SECTION

1025 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden / 407-614-3975 tresamigosgrill.com Born in faith, created with love. That’s how John “The Take Home Chef” Kresl built his craveworthy Tres Amigos Salsa brand. And now there’s nothing more satisfying than to pair it with Chef John’s made-fromscratch, Tex-Mex-inspired platters, bowls and tacos.

Choose from authentic carnitas, Certified Angus beef skirt steak, wild caught jumbo shrimp, USDA Grade A chicken, or seasoned local vegetables. All served with homemade corn or flour tortillas, pico de gallo, guacamole, black beans and rice. Do yourself a favor and order online—it’s the fastest way to get your fix.

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Eats+Drinks I D I N I N G G U I D E

Main House Market Kombucha Bar 108 S Main St. Winter Garden / 407-919-5402 mainhousemarket.com

Eats+Drinks I D I N I N G G U I D E

You’ve heard about kombucha, possibly tried it once or twice, but have you tried a batch professionally brewed right here in Central Florida? Treat your gut to something not only good but good for you! 11 locally-brewed kombuchas on tap! Take home a refillable growler to keep your gut happy or stay awhile and order a kombucha flight! Main House Market celebrates the area’s best, from the artists and vendors to the vegan eats.

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

NOW SERVING FOOD BY

BUKU VEGAN

Naan Stopp Indian Restaurant 5845 Winter Garden Vineland Rd., Windermere / 407-347-5487 naanstopp.com If you haven’t soaked warm, garlic naan into velvety butter chicken sauce or scooped chana masala with tandoor roti, get ready to be delighted. Fresh, flavorful and well-priced modern Indian cuisine is finally here! This mouthwatering West Orange outpost glimmers with its roster of succulent tandoori, rice dishes, and fragrant curries—a world of vegetarian and non-vegetarian delights, each imbued with vivid seasonings that never lose their spark. You’re sure to be coming back naan-stopp.

HOURS Every day 11am-3pm 5pm-10pm

TRY ONE OF 4

LUNCH

PLATTERS SERVED 11AM–3PM

Pico Bistro 1201 Winter Garden Vineland Rd, Winter Garden / 407-395-9012 793 W Montrose St, Clermont / 321-315-9197 wintergarden.picobistro.com

Eats+Drinks I D I N I N G G U I D E

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WI N TE R G AR DE N

Come discover a slice of Brazil in the heart of Winter Garden. Inside this cozy space, you’ll find Chef Romulo Costa’s family traditions paired with elevated technique, fresh and locally sourced ingredients, and always-happy-to-see-you service. Come for the housemade Brazilian empanadas; stay for Brazilian specialties like Wild Shrimp Bobo, Grilled Picanha Steak, and vegan Gnocchi. An unpretentious drinks menu offers wine, beer and house-crafted cocktails, and no meal is complete without at least one dessert pastel. Bom apetite! WITH A  YELP RATING

HOURS Tues-Thu 5pm-9pm Fri 5pm-10pm Sat 12pm-10pm

WEDNESDAY

SELECT EMPANADAS

BOGO!

DINING GUIDE I

MENU HOURS Tues-Thurs 11AM-7PM Fri 11AM-8PM Sat 11AM-7PM Sun 11AM-3PM

MENU

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Pammie’s Sammies 121 S. Boyd St / 407-730-3212 / pammiesammies.com Feed the Soul. Craft with Love. Serve from the Heart. That’s the record-setting recipe behind Pammie’s Sammies, a fun sandwich space with funk woven into its atmosphere and baked into every dish. And yet, the Pammie’s Sammies Experience is more than just great food. Our goal is to create a vibe where everyone feels like family. Go ahead, come as you are. Rest your head, put up your feet, sing to the music, and talk with your neighbors. Eat with your hands, if you must! With food that is thoughtfully sourced, earth friendly, and tastefully adventurous, our menu is composed of old family recipes alongside new and tasty trends. Each visit delivers something new and different on the plate, perfectly paired with great tunes and better conversation among friends.

Rita’s of Winter Garden 119 S Boyd Street Winter Garden / 407-347-8698 ritasice.com

HOURS Sun-Fri 1pm-9pm Sat 11:30am-9pm

TRY OUR

SUGAR

BLAST

Carrying out its motto of “Ice Custard Happiness,” Rita’s is now making downtown Winter Garden a whole lot sweeter. Passionate about scooping, scraping, swirling, and blending, Rita’s famous Italian Ice is made fresh daily. And with a rotating selection of over 95 mouthwatering flavors, your favorite is almost always available. At Rita’s one thing is always true: Our treats may be frozen, but our hearts are always warm. Open Year round!

BLENDINI LIMITED TIME ONLY

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Rhetoric Rheya Tanner muses on life as a local

Dressed to Impresley I develop a hunk of burning love for theater, whether I ought to or not.

N

o shade to the new Elvis movie, but why would I pay to see some guy play Elvis Presley when I already played him 14 years ago— twice? Sure, it was for a kids’ musical and I was, like, 10.

But aside from that? It’s basically the same thing.

That five-year theater stint is a chunk of my childhood I usually try not to think about. Mostly because I was a tween in musical theater and, therefore, cringe, but also because I more or less sucked at it. I could sing OK and knew my lines, so they kept giving me decent parts, but I was always the kid who laughed before the punchline and cried if I didn’t get to be in the front row during the

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dance numbers. (The directors loved me.)

I do, however, look back fondly on the times I got to do the infamous leg shake in that white bedazzled jumpsuit, my long blond hair tucked into a cheap, grody black wig that was more like an afro than a pompadour, not that I cared. I just felt proud to play a part that, in a way, I was being prepared for my whole life.

My dad was a musical man who loved many genres, barring anything that came out after 1980.

He spent many a car ride playing golden oldies from his various “Greatest Hits” CDs and teaching me how to sing the doo-wah parts while he took the lead vo-

WI N TE R G AR DE N

cals. Elvis was among his very favorites to play, and he would often do a little impression of him between tracks to make me laugh.

So when the need arose for an Elvis impersonator, as it always does, I found the whole routine to be familiar. I even knew to do the lip thing! I imagine the theater directors’ jaws hit the floor, given my track record up to that point and my being a 10-year-old girl. But they knew what they saw, and they let me have the part.

And, not to brag, but I knocked it out of the park.

By which I mean I was terrible—but Elvis impersonators are supposed to be terrible, so I kind of failed upward? (If anything, it made it even better that I

was complete garbage at acting, just like the real Elvis.)

So when the time came around not too much later for another Elvis, as it always does, I was practically handed the part. In hindsight, the directors probably shoehorned him in just to give me something to do, not that I cared. It felt good to finally feel like I had talent.

Community theaters everywhere will be relieved to hear that I have since retired from acting.

But I do still perform as a musician now and again, and I believe both those performances gave me the lip-curling confidence I needed to keep on playing.

And lice. The wig gave me lice both times.

Yummy House Seafood Clubhouse is a seafood-centric resturant featuring Cantonese & dim sum cuisine. A fresh dining experience with traditional flavors.

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