The Pointe—January 2021

JANUARY 2021

WINTER GARDEN’S L AKE COVE POINTE COMMUNIT Y MAGA ZINE

THE

THE

VERNON FAMILY Taking life in stride

As a new year begins, let’s wave goodbye to all that has been, and look toward all that can be.

As your neighbor, and as a longtime local and business owner, I hope you’ll support me in this next election so I can represent our wonderful city.

Paid by Iliana Ramos Jones, non-partisan, for Winter Garden Commissioner, District 2

CONTENTS 14

Whims of Change

For the Vernon family, life happens one beautiful day at a time.

8 5 To the Pointe 8 Pointes of Interest Support childhood literacy and a local bookstore in one fell swoop; center yourself with a mindfulness mantra; or pooch of the month (and the cat who snuck in); recommended reads from your neighbors

13 11 The Dish Warm up with Janet Collins’s Pasta Fagioli Soup.

20 Our Backyard Lake Apopka is being restored to its former glory with a little help from its friends.

22 22 The Home Front How long to leave your lights up; The Thibodeaux‘s vertical garden; An in-depth about planting depth 25 Off the Vine The king. The classic. The Cab. 26 Pointes of View Xxxxxxx.

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TO THE

POINTE

While I don’t do New Year’s resolutions, I’m still planning to hit the reset button.

The year 2020 was a rough one for all of us. I know I’m not the only one who felt grateful when that shiny ball hit the ground on January 1. Last year, the goal was just to survive. But this year, the goal is to thrive.

It’s a fresh year, which means it’s time for a fresh perspective—a daunting ask for my family, as we still have some big hurdles to jump.

Some things are easier to transform in my head than others—particularly since I’m a planner and love to have a clear path forward. But I stay strong by remembering that even the small changes in perspective can lead to that Pixie Dust moment.

What do I mean? During most of my nights as an event manager at Walt Disney World, I was “on the floor” watching IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth while I worked, as most of us did. I’m thinking of one particular night 11 years ago; after nine straight days of work, with a new baby at home and hours of paperwork ahead, I was. Over. It. So I decided to call it a night and head back to the office before the end of the program. (For reference, the IllumiNations finale is a show-stopping spectacular with so many fireworks that the sky looks like daylight.)

As I turned to head home, I stopped watching the show and started watching the guests. And there was my Pixie Dust moment. The awe and joy on each person’s face was incredible. From that night on, I made a point of going out to see the crowds for those final moments.

Just that slight change in perspective made me ridiculously happy.

Every so often, that memory pops in and warms my heart, and inspires me to look with new eyes. Change your perspective. Find something new. Who knows what you’ll see when you turn around?

Happy reading!

Nicole Soulsby, Editor

HAVE SOMETHING TO ADD? Send your ideas and images to lcp@emagency.com

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5

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CONSULTING • BOOKKEEPING • TAX PREPARATION • QUICKBOOKS

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NUMBERS YOU NEED E M E R G E N C Y C O N TA C T S

HOA BOARD MEMBERS

Gabriel Irizarry President gabriel.irzarry@gmail.com Mary Langley Vice President marylangley3@gmail.com Cheryl Lessard Secretary cherless1@aol.com Erik Halluska Treasurer ehalluska@withum.com David Leon Director lakecove@peapage.com

ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMIT TEE

Marsha Bentley Joey Harkless

911 Fire, Ambulance, Police

211 Suicide Prevention 800-222-1222 Poison Control 407-254-9140 Animal Control

FINING COMMITTEE

Erica Diaz Ryan Hinricher

WELCOMING COMMIT TEE

Jana Beckwith

EVENTS COMMITTEE

Desiree Halluska Nicole Roach Tiffany Jensen

IMPROVEMENTS TEAM

Vickie Parrish Wes Parrish Sue Aduss

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES

Jamie Ezra Mark jamie@emagency.com 407-573-6061

N O N - E M E R G E N C Y C O N TA C T S

407-532-6797 407-836-4357 407-877-5775 407-656-3636

Florida Highway Patrol Orange County Sheriff Winter Garden Fire Dept.

Winter Garden Police Dept.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT/SERVICES

407-656-4111 cwdgn.com 407-656-1117 oaklandfl.com 407-656-3344 407-836-2070 407-656-1304 407-835-7323

City of Winter Garden Winter Garden Official Website Town of Oakland Oakland Official Website Post Office Voter Registration The West Orange Chamber Winter Garden Public Library

844-219-5293 877-862-9343 407-629-1010 407-656-2734 407-656-4111 321-436-4559

Spectrum CenturyLink Duke Energy Lake Apopka Natural Gas Winter Garden Water & Sewer After-Hours Water & Sewer

UTILITIES

H O S P I TA L S / U R G E N T C A R E

JANUARY 2021 / VOLUME 2 NUMBER 1 A P U B L I C AT I O N O F

Jamie Ezra Mark Publisher Nicole Soulsby Editor __________ Rheya Tanner Art Director Lynette Azarow Photographer Matt Tullo Photographer Josh Clark Designer Wendy Mak Designer Caleb Jensen Web Garrett Reardon Digital 407-573-6061 hello@emagency.com emagency.com @EMagencyinc

PROUD MEMBER OF

The Pointe Volume 2 Number 1 Copyright© 2021 by Em Agency. All rights reserved. Published monthly. Em Agency is not affiliated with or contracted by Lake Cove Pointe (LCP). This publication, including the articles, opinions, and advertisements contained herein, is not authorized or endorsed by LCP. 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. Advertising or products does not imply endorsement. Em Agency can not be held liable for the business practices of these companies.

407-654-4965 407-614-0500 407-296-1000 407-656-2055 407-841-5111 352-394-4071

Centra Care AdventHealth Winter Garden Health Central Hospital Health Central Express Care Orlando Regional Medical Orlando Health South Lake Hospital

A N I M A L H O S P I TA L S

407-656-4132 407-901-4923 407-347-8514 407-656-1800 407-654-1800 407-449-1369

Winter Garden Animal Hospital Wintermere Pointe Animal Hospital Oakes Animal Hospital WOVH Vineland WOVH Stoneybrook Orlando Animal Hospital

QUESTIONS OR PROBLEMS

Will Gonzalez wgonzalez@vistacamfl.com 407-682-3443 vistacamfl.com

To create an account on the Vista portal, you will need your account number, found on your annual bill.

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POI N TE S

OF

INTEREST Book Buddies

Support a local child and a local business all at once.

Books are some of the most important learning tools for young children.And yet, many children from disadvantaged households have fewer than three— sometimes zero—age-appropriate books at home, which could have a lasting impact on the reading skills they’ll need for the rest of their lives.

The Early Learning Coalition (ELC) of Orange County is looking to change that with its Book Buddies program. Book Buddies are volunteers who commit to purchasing three books and exchanging

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THE POINTE JANUARY 2021 EDITION

three letters with a preschool-aged child throughout the school year.

In the past, the program’s books were purchased exclusively through Amazon.

But with a new partnership with Writer’s Block Bookstore in downtown Winter Garden, “We are committed to elevating education, literacy, and engagement in our community,” says owner Lauren Zimmerman. “I am thrilled and so optimistic about everything the Coalition and our store can accomplish by working together.”

The ELC of Orange County is currently seeking volunteers for a variety of education initiatives this month.

TO G E T I N VO LV E D :

elcoforangecounty.org/get-involved 407-841-6607

RESIDENT BUSINESS DIRECTORY _________

Dan Bessetti

Strength and Conditioning Coach 407-976-8738 totalathletetraining.com

Erik Halluska

THAT FIGURES

74

%

The number of US adults who made a New Year’s resolution for 2021—that’s 188 million Americans SOURCE: finder.com

CPA Partner 407-849-1569 withum.com

Ally Budnik

Attorney 407-499-2082 wgfamilylawfirm.com

Erica Diaz

Real Estate Agent 407-951-9742 ericadiazteam.com

Michael Collins Flame Boss 800-978-9078 flameboss.com

Sierra Clemmons

Young Living Essential Oils 352-636-0960 myyl.com/sierraclemmons

Halluska & Roach Families Winter Garden Bounce wgbouncehouse@gmail.com wgbounce.com

LET EVERYONE KNOW YOUR BUSINESS This is a FREE listing open only to residents of Lake Cove Pointe. Space is limited.

Include your: • Name • Profession/business • Phone number • Web address Send to: lcp@emagency.com

4000

How long ago the first New Year’s celebration took place in ancient Babylon.

SOURCE: history.com

1

NO.

STATE

Florida was the most popular state to move to in 2019.

SOURCE: moving.com

4.2 BILLION The number of avocados Americans consume per year.

SOURCE: Washington Post

Clarifying Calm Cher shares how to find your calm with a centering meditation.

The Centering Meditation is done by sitting in a comfortable position and thinking of a word. It can be a sacred word or just a word you want to focus on, such as Soham (Sanskrit for “I Am That”) or Amen, or just a word you want to focus on, such as “content” or “thankful.” I find that two-syllable words work best, but it can truly be anything.

Prepare. Choose a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed for at least 10 minutes. You can put some soothing music on if you wish. Come to a seat, either in a yoga Easy Seat (cross-legged) or in a chair with feet flat on the floor.

Position. Elongate your spine by raising the top of your head toward the ceiling. Relax your shoulders.

Place your palms on your thighs, either facing up for receiving or facing down for grounding. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths before you start.

Practice. On an inhale, think of the first syllable of your word. On an exhale think of the last syllable of your word. If other thoughts intrude, acknowledge them and let them go. Just focus on your breathing, and on your word.

Process. Try to stay in your meditation for at least 10 minutes. When you are finished, take 3 deep cleansing breaths.

Proceed. Open your eyes and notice how you are feeling. When you are ready, get up from your seated position and continue on with your day.

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POINTES OF

INTEREST YOUR NEIGHBOR’S KNOW

WATCH

One of my favorite binge watches this fall has been His Dark Materials (HBO, 2019–Present, TV-14).

Based on the Phillip Pullman books, which I adored in the 90’s, the story tells of parallel worlds, dark forces fighting for control of the universe, and how a young girl named Lyra ended up being a hero. Unlike the disappointing 2007 movie adaptation, this series has faithfully reimagined that world in a wonderful production reminiscent of Game of Thrones. I highly recommend this to you and your dæmon.

Briand Lessard is a retired resident with a passion for books, music and shows as well as his wife, Cher, and his two puppies, Sadie and River.

READ

I’m going to admit that most of the books I read are written with children in mind. One of our favorite pre-bed books recently has been Waiting Is Not Easy! by Mo Willems. My children and I are fans of all of Willems’s books including the Elephant and Piggie series and the Pigeon series. (He also put out a very soothing web series on drawing at the beginning of the pandemic. Think Bob Ross meets Mr. Rogers.)

Waiting Is Not Easy shows the reader how much trouble Elephant Gerald has with waiting. As most of us have experienced, it’s not easy. This book is a great one to read when you’re waiting for a birthday, a holiday, or for COVID case numbers to come down. Check Mo Willems out of OCLS today. (Remember, they deliver!) You can also look for it and other children’s books at Writer’s Block bookstore. If they don't have what you're after, they may be able to order it for you.

Sarah Gatenby Originally from Atlanta, Sarah has lived in Lake Cove Pointe for 8 years. When not reading or working, she can be found chasing her kids around the neighborhood or sneaking out of the house to walk the dog alone.

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THE POINTE JANUARY 2021 EDITION

THE

DISH

Soup of the Day

Stay warm in our coldest month with Pasta Fagioli Soup.

This slow cooker soup recipe is a copycat from a restaurant that is known for its garden of olives. It may not be the same experience as endless breadsticks and multiple dessert options, but a bowl of hearty soup in the comfort of your home is always good for the soul.

Janet Collins When Janet isn't cruising on the water with husband, Michael, you can find her working for their business, Flame Boss, or enjoying all Downtown Winter Garden has to offer with family and friends.

Pasta Fagioli Soup I N GR EDI EN T S

• 2 pounds ground beef (Janet uses 1/2 beef 1/2 sausage) • 1 Onion, chopped • 3 Carrots, chopped • 4 Stalks of Celery, chopped • (2)28 oz cans Diced Tomatoes, undrained • 16 oz can Red Kidney Beans, drained • 16 oz can White Kidney Beans, drained • (3)10 oz cans Beef Stock • 3 teaspoons Oregano • 2 teaspoons Black Pepper

• 5 teaspoons Parsley • 1 teaspoon Tabasco • 20oz jar spaghetti sauce • 8 oz of pasta (ditalini) DI R E C T IONS

• Brown meat in a skillet.

Drain any grease.

• Put meat crockpot. Add all ingredients minus pasta and stir.

• Cover and cook low 4 to 5 hours in slow cooker. Add pasta for the last 30 minutes.

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POINTES OF

INTEREST VOX

Question: What do you love about living in Lake Cove Pointe?

MATT CONNELL

AMANDA HINRICHER

TIFFANY JENSEN

CHRIS DOLD

______________________

______________________

______________________

______________________

Amateur Exterior Illuminator

Pug Mom

Unemployed Mom, Beer-Lover

So far, it’s the acceptance.

We’ve only been here a few weeks, but it feels like we’ve known our neighbors for years.

Everyone is out and about all the time. People aren’t just pulling into their garages . Our kids have made such good friends here.

This community has become a family. I know I can always count on anyone, any time, and I know I can do the same for them.

JANA BECKWITH

MIKE AZAROW

DESIREE HALLUSKA

______________________

______________________

______________________

Runner Girl

Mad Biker

I used to live somewhere where Four things: The neighbors. nobody even spoke to you. I love The neighborhood. The bike the neighbors living here. And it’s trail. The downtown. in the golf cart district, too.

Frustrated Chef

That it isn’t just a neighborhood—it’s a neighborhood with a downtown. And that makes it a special place to be.

MICHAEL COLLINS

Boy Wrangler

Old Sailor

How friendly and willing we are to help another person. All the kids play outside, and everyone just cares for each other.

The convenience of being so close to downtown—I think that’s the biggest draw. Oh, and our three-boat garage.

______________________

“Wait a minute—hey!

What’s with these mutts getting all the spotlight? Well, if you’re as over the whole pooch thing as some of us, I’m here to offer you some Cool Cat Content on my Insta, @andrewthefearless. I’ll see you there, babes.”

—Andrew

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THE POINTE JANUARY 2021 EDITION

LAKE COVE

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The Vernon Family doesn’t sweat what the future holds. They know better than anyone that life happens one beautiful day at a time.

Whims of Change Story: Rheya Tanner Photography: Matt Tullo

Y

ou probably know the house by the wind catchers—the five-foot-and-counting metal sculptures whose whimsical colors and geometries seem to change every time they catch your eye. If you don’t know them by that, then you definitely know the Vernons by their 2-year-old bundle of energy, who seems to catch the wind in much the same way.

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THE POINTE JANUARY 2021 EDITION

e THE EXCLUSIVE PUBLICATION OF LAKE COVE POINTE

15

have chosen to meet my lifelong The One Worth Leaving For husband at that age,” says Leah.

The year 2020 has offered a vari“But when it happens, it happens.” ety of changes for the Vernons— many for the better, considering both of them are now settling We Kept Coming Back into brand-new jobs.

It wasn’t long before they set The full story started in 2018. their sights on Florida. “We often vacationed here, and were “He got laid off from his previous IT job the day I went back to work always interested in moving from maternity leave,” says Leah. down,” says Leah.

But there was always some rea- David manages electronic health son or another that it didn’t work records for healthcare systems.

Bad timing, of course. But it out—that is, until the right time wasn’t all bad. “We were still trying came. “We didn’t even discuss it,” says Leah. “I just walked into to figure out exactly what we were my manager’s office one day and going to do with Bryce, since we asked, ‘Can I move to Florida and both worked,” says Leah. “When he got laid off, that ‘solved’ the keep my job?’ And when they When It Happens, It Happens told me yes, I told David that I got problem—though it created another problem. He ended up staying That first right wind blew in North- permission to move.”

“I’m handling a big project two home for a year and a half.” east Pennsylvania, where the two Unfortunately, things got a bit hours away and she says, ‘Hey, grew up. Although they lived just find out if you can move to Flori- worse before they got better. “He 13 miles from each other, they didn’t meet until they were adults. da!’” says David. “And I was like, started his first day at Lowe’s as a sales associate the day of COVID ‘I’m in the middle of something, “I had just started nursing school but … well, everybody’s here, so I lockdown,” says Leah. “He wantwhen I met him,” says Leah. ed to quit, and I said no.” guess I can ask.’”

The two were introduced at a “It made me question whether The two landed in Winter local hangout called The Ave. I should’ve done it because I was “It’s this area of a couple parking Garden and quickly fell in love with it. It wasn’t long before they exposed to the public,” says David. lots where everybody hung out stumbled upon Lake Cove Pointe. “But it would’ve been hard to quit with their hot cars,” says David.

“There was something about the because no one else was hiring.”

“I had my Dodge Neon!” adds Compared to that experience, neighborhood when we drove Leah. “And I think he had the his new position at Orlando Health through,” says Leah. “It wasn’t Dodge Ram at the time. I always is a breath of fresh air. “What’s loved when he had those trucks.” the ideal house—everyone has a cool is that they reached out to big list of wants, and this didn’t But love at first sight? That’s a hard no. “At first, I wanted noth- have all of them. But it felt right, me,” says David. “They said the fact that I was coming with that IT ing to do with him,” says Leah. “I and we kept coming back.”

The two closed on the house on experience made me a great candidn’t want a relationship. But he didate for them. It’s great to finally Leap Day 2016, and have never was persistent.” be back in my field again.”

To even get a first date it took, of looked back. “The neighbors, Leah, meanwhile, had begun a all things, a bet. “I was trying to get really, are key,” says David. job migration of her own. “When “We very briefly considered, my friend to go out with a guy who work was down, I wasn’t the prior‘Should we buy a house that was really into her,” says Leah. “I ity to get it,” she says. “And with already has a pool?’ But no, we told her if she went on a date with him being unemployed, I needed don’t want to leave,” says Leah. him, I’d go on a date with David.

“So when we get to it, we’ll build something more consistent.”

Let’s just say it worked out far betSo, after eight years with her a pool, but we’re content for now. ter for me than it did for her!” company, she began to search for We could win the lottery and we The two were married six years something new. “I applied to a wouldn’t be going anywhere.” later. “Even now, I say I wouldn’t “Bryce is a very social kid; he loves people,” says Leah Vernon as her son tugs on her shirt sleeve, pestering to greet the neighbors. “Honestly, we might not have had a kid at all if we didn’t move to this neighborhood. We waited nine years of marriage to decide to have him, because until we moved here, there was never a place where we felt like we wanted a child.”

Leah and her husband David have shaped their entire lives with that attitude. Enjoying the time together, taking things as they come, waiting for the right wind to blow.

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THE POINTE JANUARY 2021 EDITION

bunch of jobs. I had many offers. I declined some,” she says. “And the one I eventually took just seemed like the one worth leaving for.”

But the best part for both of them is the opportunity for advancement. “I was stuck where I was. I made the same income for eight years,” says Leah. “I needed to be where I could achieve more.”

“There’s always room for growth,” says David. “I can move to a different position within the hospital system if I wanted. They let me know there’s opportunity for me no matter where I go.”

If There’s Time, It’s His Time

With change for the grown-ups comes change for the kids. “Now that David isn’t home during the day, Bryce had to go to daycare for the first time ever,” says Leah.

He currently attends Firm Foundation Preschool. “It was definitely an adjustment, but he loves school. He’s learning so much.”

According to Bryce, his favorite subject is playing outside, specifically as it pertains to going down (and sometimes up) the slide.

The family also completely cut their TV cable this year. “Between watching TV and having time with Bryce?” says David. “If there’s time, it’s his time, until about 7:30 when he goes to bed. We haven’t even really gotten into Netflix much.”

“We don’t have the mentality at that hour of the night to focus,” adds Leah. “Like, if I’m gonna have something on in the background, it’s gonna be junky reality TV that I don’t actually have to watch.”

Their free time, as promised, is spent doing pretty much whatever Bryce wants to do.

“Or lets us do,” adds David.

And these days, that tends to in-

volve a train. “He is obsessed with trains,” says Leah. “We’ve been going down to Disney just to ride the monorail. We haven’t been to the train museum yet because he still sleeps during the day, and the hours aren’t favorable for that.”

Bryce also noted for the record that, in addition to trains, he is quite fond of trucks.

To Be Able to Go and Do

New jobs aren’t the only thing to look forward to in 2021. “This may be a first-world problem, but I’m looking forward to going

“He is obsessed with trains.

We’ve been going down to Disney just to ride the monorail.”

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FA ST FAC T S

LCP residents since: 2016 Married for: 11 years Pets: Five unnamed fish Children: Bryce, age 2 Fave spot in WG: Crooked Can Jobs: Leah, Medicare review nurse; David, IT support for Orlando Health Where we’d live if not LCP: Pennsylvania, closer to family Most used phrase in our house: “Oh yeah” Fave family meal: Tacos Secret talents: Leah is an epic tie-dyer Fave local restaurant: Servandos TV Family most like us: The Baxters, Last Man Standing Fave time of day: Naptime Next on our improvement list: Exterior paint (but we really want a pool) What we miss most about where we’re from: Besides family and friends? Fried Pizza!

Fave vacation: Cruising— doesn’t matter where on vacation again,” says David.

“We really want to take Bryce on a cruise, but that might be more like a 2022 thing at this point.”

They’re also eager to see their folks up north again. “Our immediate family is 900 miles away, so obviously we’re missing them,” says Leah. “We had a trip to Pennsylvania planned for the day after Christmas, but we ultimately decided to cancel.”

“I just want some sort of normalcy again,” says Leah. “I don’t know what normal is, but I want to be able to go and do and not think about it.”

For now, normal for the Vernon family is found in Downtown Win-

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THE POINTE JANUARY 2021 EDITION

ter Garden. “We go all the time, like multiple times a week,” says Leah.

Their favorite restaurant is Moon Cricket Grille. “David always gets the same burger, and I usually order the wings,” says Leah. And of course, everyone loves the Crooked Can. “My favorite brews are Tri Wishes and Florida Sunshine—two very different beers, so it depends on my mood.”

Driftwood is their go-to destination for home decor for themselves and as gifts. And Leah gives rave reviews to the newly opened bookstore, Writer’s Block. “We’ve gone there twice

Cause we care about : Dementia Society of America Looking forward to: 2021 Our most prized possession: Bryce

now, and have bought quite a few books for Bryce both times.”

With how often they took their downtown treks, they felt a new change coming on the wind. “We invested in a golf cart in the middle of COVID,” says Leah, for example.

“Like literally, one day I told David, ‘Let’s go buy a golf cart when Bryce wakes up from his nap.’ And we got in the car and went.”

That golf cart, parked in the garage and lined with holiday lights, was the backdrop of 2-yearold Bryce’s playtime, which he spent gleefully propelling his toy trains down their sloped driveway.

The afternoon breeze sends the wind catchers spiraling in their own time, and it might send the Vernons on one last downtown trip before bedtime.

“happy new year, neighbor! vote march 9th!

Many of you know me as an HOA board member, an activist in our community, and a two-term City Councilman in Missouri.

With your support, I will work to make 2021 our best yet.”

RONMUELLER.ORG Paid for by the Ron Mueller for City Commissioner

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19

L

ake Apopka is Florida’s fourth largest lake. The 30,000-acre lake is part of the Ocklawaha Chain of Lakes, and is fed by Gourd Neck Spring. And in the 1970s, it was known as the most polluted lake in Florida.

But there was also a time when Lake Apopka was a crown jewel of Florida. In its heyday, the then50,000-acre lake was known as the bass fishing capital of the Eastern U.S. Anglers from all over—including the likes of Clark Gable and Al Capone—traveled here with hopes of landing a trophy largemouth bass. So … what happened?

How We Got Here

Things took a turn for the worse during World War II, but to find

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where the trouble really started, we have to go back to 1880.

At that time, Lake Apopka supported a thriving agricultural economy. Its farmers sought a way to transport their crops to Jacksonville’s ports more efficiently, so construction began on a canal system that connected Lake Apopka to Lake Beauclair (with Lakes Dora, Eustis,Harris, and Griffin in between). Thirteen years later, the Ocklawaha Chain of Lakes was born—and was immediately rendered obsolete by the incoming railroad system.

Timing is everything.

Unfortunately, the canal system lowered Lake Apopka’s depth by three feet, exposing the shallower, marshy sediment on the northern

portion of the lake. And as it turns out, that lake-bottom “muck” is perfect for growing corn and raising cattle. Fast-forward to the 1940s, as World War II strained America’s agricultural production.

In response, a levee was constructed to drain the northern portion of Lake Apopka, exposing more of its fertile muck for farming.

For decades,these 20,000 acres of farms shed fertilizers into the already-weakened lake, raising its phosphorus levels to nearly 300 parts per billion (ppb)—more than five times what it should be.

The resulting algae starved Lake Apopka of oxygen and sunlight, choking out much of its aquatic life and turning the once-scenic lake into a pea-green eyesore.

connect them. Orange County has places—is a balancing act. If the already started engineering work water level gets too low, the phosto connect the West Orange Trail phorus becomes more concento Magnolia Park. Lake County trated; if it gets too high, Florida’s is working on connecting Green rainy seasons can cause flooding.

Mountain Scenic Byway to HanWe can all help the continued The Turning Point cock Road Trail. When that is com- recovery of our lake by keeping In 1991, concerned local biolpleted, there will be a safe 40-mile nutrients from fertilizers out of ogist Jim Thomas founded the cycling route around Lake Apopka. the lake. All our lawn runoff goes Friends of Lake Apopka (FOLA).

And finally, the Fish & Wildinto street drains that feed directThe collective voice of this citizen life Conservation Commission ly into the lake. Swales, seawalls, advocacy group prompted the and native vegetation in conserstate legislature to buy back all the has stocked the lake with more vation areas along the lakefront farmland and restore it to natural than a million largemouth bass also help protect the lake from wetlands, eliminating the largest fingerlings. Next year, FOLA and FWC are partnering to host the damaging runoff. contributor to the lake’s demise.

Several of our neighbors are FOLA has been crucial to the lake’s inaugural Lake Apopka Fish Tag Challenge. Anglers who catch one on the FOLA Board of Directors. recovery. Thanks to more than 20 of 500 tagged fish from February Rachel Comstock is Secretary, Ed years of concerted effort by several to May will be eligible to win prizes Aduss is Treasurer, Wes Parrish of Florida’s water and conservation of up to $1,000. and Joe Dunn are on the Board, agencies, Lake Apopka has been and Cher Lessard is the Memberbouncing back. Phosphorus levels ship Chair. Each of us thanks you have fallen to 80 ppb—still too high, How You Can Help but progress is progress—and there The last mile is always the hardest, for your thoughtful effort in keeping Lake Apopka beautiful. are ongoing innovative efforts to fur- and restoring a shallow lake like ther reduce pollution, reintroduce Lake Apopka—whose waters can Special thanks to Joe Dunn for providing the wildlife, and restore this beautiful be as shallow as three feet in some information used to construct this article. lake to its former glory.

There are also two exciting pilot projects in the works, such as specialized phosphorus removal facilities and sump dredging measures, that will kick restoration efforts into high gear.

Lake Apopka By the 1970s, Lake Apopka earned its title as Florida’s most polluted lake—and it would stay that way for more than 30 years.

Duda Road / Jones Avenue

Parking area

Zellwood

Apopka-Beauclair Lock and Dam

Information kiosk

St. Johns River Water Management District field station

Restrooms

Jones Avenue Stormwater Park

Picnic area

Astatula

Picnic shelter

Observation tower

McDonald Canal Boat Ramp

Observation location Boat launch

North Shore

Emerging Ecotourism

Marsh flow-way

Historic pump house

Clay Island

LAKE COUNTY

0.5

1

ORANGE COUNTY

Green Mountain Trailhead

0

Wildlife drive entrance

Lake Apopka Loop Trail

Magnolia Park

2

Lake Apopka

Approximate scale in miles

Ferndale

F lo

Montverde

r id a ’s r Tu np ik e

The lake’s recovery has spawned a wave of local ecotourism.

The Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive attracts more than 120,000 visitors a year. The restored wetlands of the North Shore have become the No.1 inland birding destination in the U.S., with more than 350 species in winter months. Orange Audubon hosts the annual North Shore Birding Festival each winter.

In 2017, FOLA started its annual FOLA 40 bike ride around the lake to raise awareness about its great trail systems and the need to

Field station

Wildlife drive

Newton Park

Minneola South Lake Trail

st We

Or a

ng e

Trail

Winter Garden

Ocoee

Oakland

Florida’s Turnpike

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21

THE

HOME FRONT

Holiday

De-lights Leaving the lights up: a tradition or a travesty?

Today we tackle a holiday hangup that is a pineapples-on-pizza level of controversy: when do you actually take down your holiday lights?

Turns out, there is a real honest-to-goodness answer. According to Good Housekeeping, it is traditionally appropriate to keep your halls decked through the 12th day of Christmas: January 5.

But that answer assumes a lot of things. It assumes that the “first” day of Christmas was De-

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THE POINTE JANUARY 2021 EDITION

cember 25, and that we haven’t been collectively sucking down eggnog and Hallmark movies since at least Thanksgiving.

It assumes that it’s possible to do anything at all outdoors in January, like climbing a ladder, scaling your roof, and being careful enough to not shatter your tempermental strands of holiday lights that are probably older than your children.

Worst of all, it assumes that January 5 is a realistic compro-

mise. For the bah-humbugs and power-bill-watchers, the 12th day is about 13 days too far off. For the people who make the holiday season a literal three-month season—or for people who don’t make their bed in the morning because they’ll just have to unmake it later—the 5th is far too soon.

Our official concensus: we put our decorations up in 2020, so we’re taking them down before 2021. Some old acquaintences should be forgotten.

Growing Up The Thibodeauxs’ vertical garden

While everyone else was staying inside, Charlie and Mandy Thibodeaux decided to while away their time outside. With a few simple materials, they put together their very own vertical garden.

“Mandy and I wanted to do a fun outdoor project together during lockdown,” says Charlie Thibodeaux. “Using an old salvaged pallet, we stapled weed screen on the bottom of each section, filled with potting soil, planted the seeds, and voila!”

To add a more personal touch, Mandy gave it some color with leftover paints. As indicated by her handpainted labels, the garden has dedicated sections for green onions, basil, chives, and cilantro.

If you are interested in trying this out for yourself, Charlie says it’s not too complicated. All it needs is full sun—maybe lean it against a fence—and daily watering during the growing season (April and May).

A DEEP SUBJECT

Let’s get in-depth on planting depth.

Replanting from pots is as easy as 1-2-3, but be careful.

Planting depth is critical for the health of your plant.

The surface roots of your plant should always be just under the surface of the new soil, whether repotting or planting in the ground. Even one inch too deep can be a death sentence for your plant, especially in heavy clay soils.

Why does this happen? The surface roots are the ones that get all the oxygen for the entire root system. If planted too deep, soft, herbaceous plants suffocate within days or weeks, while woody plants or trees can languish for months, even years before succumbing.

This condition can also be caused well after planting if mulching is done improperly. If mulch is piled too high at the trunk or stem, it can cause a similar condition as it breaks down. Coarse mulches are less liable to cause issues, but will still break down eventually. The general rule is to apply no more than three inches of mulch, and to keep it away from the trunk or stem.

Wes & Vickie Parrish These LCP residents know their landscaping. Each has spent years spent studying the science of horticulture, and previously owned their own nursery. Wes frequently travels around Florida to give seminars about his passion and knowledge.

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23

www.inperspective.co

Orlando, FL contact@inperspective.co | Tel: 863.443.4623

OFF THE

VINE

Hail the Cab

On chilly nights, a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon warms the soul.

BRIAN’S JANUARY SELECTIONS

Around the world, Cabernet Sauvignon is known as the king of red wines. What’s not to love?

Cabs are filled with bold dark fruit aromas of black cherry, blackberry, and plum, along with spices, licorice, and a chocolatey character. You’ll find it full-bodied, often characterized by higher tannins to provide structure and complexity.

All you need to do to find a great bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon is to look here in the United States. Cabernet is the hallmark grape grown throughout California’s Napa Valley. Great value Cabs are often produced in California’s Paso Robles. The Cabs from Washington’s Columbia Valley overdeliver.

Cabs are your ideal partner for grilled steaks, braised short ribs, or lamb chops. Pungent herbs like rosemary, basil, and thyme really work to pull out the fruit and herbal elements of these wines.

Bitter-edged veggies like broccoli rabe, radicchio, and brussels sprouts compliment Cab. Aged Gouda is my favorite cheese to enjoy with the wine. But for no-frills perfection, enjoy it with a simple piece of dark chocolate.

VALUE

PREMIUM

SPLURGE

Estancia Cabernet Sauvignon

Milbrandt Family Cabernet Sauvignon

Shafer Vineyards Hillside Select

PASO ROBLES, CA

COLUMBIA VALLEY, WA

NAPA VALLEY, CA

Brian Koziol, Master sommelier Brian has decades of training in the mysteries of wine and its varietals, with roles within Walt Disney World Resort and other prestigious distributors throughout Florida.

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25

POINTE OF

VIEW

COVID-Safe Santa hosted in the Diaz Family’s front yard Erika and Obie are always looking for ways to give back to the community. This year, they thought the best (and safest) gift they could give was to invite the Clauses to bring smiles and goodwill to the children of Lake Cove Pointe.

Photograph: Matt Tullo / Shot with a Fuji XT-3 / Taken December 20, 2020

26

THE POINTE JANUARY 2021 EDITION

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