The Pointe—June 2021

JUNE 2021

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

THE

THE

TAYLOR FAMILY A heart and a home for animals

ARCHITECTURAL D E C O R AT I V E F O A M

FA M I LY- O P E R AT E D

COMPANY

F OUNDED

550 Susan B. Britt, Winter Garden, FL 34787 407-905-3626 efoamllc.com @efoamllc

IN

2007

CONTENTS 12

Dream Team

Ryan and Laura Taylor have a heart (and a home) for animals.

11 5 To the Pointe 8 Pointes of Interest Recapping our first-ever food truck night; meet this month’s Lake Cove Pooch, Blue

20 20 The Homefront The Parrishes offer tips on summer blooms; we need your help to keep our neighborhood beautiful.

22 The Dish Learn how to properly eat a dog from Harrell’s Hot Dogs.

22 25 Off the Vine Make this the year of the Wine Dad with this month’s selections that pair perfectly with your favorite fresh-offthe-grill dinners.

26 Pointe of View Dawn of the ducks.

THE EXCLUSIVE PUBLICATION OF LAKE COVE POINTE

3

SPECIALIZING IN FAMILY LAW INCLUDING

DIVORCE PATERNITY CHILD SUPPORT MODIFICATION

AND OTHER FA M I LY- R E L AT E D M AT T E R S

Allison E.M. Budnik, Attorney 161 S. BOYD ST., SUITE 100 WINTER GARDEN, FL 34787 PHONE 407-499-2082 W G F A M I LY L A W F I R M . C O M

MENTION THIS AD FOR A CONSULTATION DISCOUNT

UNT DISCO E V I S EXCLU

!

F F O 15% CHNATHSISEAD R U P ANENYYOU MENTEIOPURCHASES

WH

STOR 2021 E ON IN VALID NLY IN JUN O

W !

NO ABLHEINE ILSUNS KS O AV2A 2 1- 2 E BO 20 TAT S

407-335-4192 writersblockbookstore.com

@writersblockbookstorewp

@WritersBlockWP

@writersblockbookstore

TO THE

POINTE

There are certain songs that instantly sweep me into a memory, no matter where I am or what I’m doing. Sometimes it is a sweet, head-tilting thought. Sometimes it is so bittersweet I clench and cry. Songs tied to family recollections or celebrations are particularly sensitive.

The worst public scenario was the time I heard Celine Dion’s “Because You Loved Me” while in the freezer section of Wal-Mart. I began sobbing. That was the father-daughter dance at my wedding and my dad had just passed. I don’t care how good an actor you are; no one believes you are devastated by the lack of frozen vegetable options in the case.

Luckily, the majority of memories coming from the speakers are happy and tender like the Aerosmith songs my toddlers would rock out to on their plastic guitars or the Maroon 5 tunes we would sing out loud on our way to the beach.

Lately it has been a plethora of songs that make me think of my husband—anything Van Halen, AC/DC songs from the Marvel movies he is obsessed with, “Another Brick in the Wall” by Pink Floyd because he reminds our kids they can’t have any pudding if they don’t eat their meat. The best are the handful of slow songs that automatically prompt a dance in the kitchen. While I may sniffle more, it’s worth the reminders of my favorite people—especially the man I married, built a life with, and share a family with.

Happy Father’s Day, baby. (And I hope all you other fathers and husbands out there have a wonderful day as well!)

Best Wishes,

Nicole Soulsby, Editor

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

THE EXCLUSIVE PUBLICATION OF LAKE COVE POINTE

5

WINTER GARDEN & HORIZON WEST Coming soon Learn more hello@emagency.com

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 Cheryl Lessard Secretary cherless1@aol.com Erik Halluska Treasurer ehalluska@withum.com David Leon Director lakecove@peapage.com

ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMIT TEE

Marsha Bentley Jordan Gatenby Keith Rosenbauer Kay Black

FINING COMMITTEE

Erica Diaz

WELCOMING COMMIT TEE

911 Fire, Ambulance, Police

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

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

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

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

JUNE 2021 / VOLUME 1 NUMBER 8 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 Fred Lopez 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 1 Number 9 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 Vista Management 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.

THE EXCLUSIVE PUBLICATION OF LAKE COVE POINTE

7

INTEREST POI N TE S

OF

Truckloads of Fun

Recapping our first (but definitely not last) Food Truck Night.

Friday, May 14, was full of food and fun for Lake Cove Pointers who participated in the neighborhood’s first-ever Food Truck Night!

“I think we had over a hundred people,” says Tiffany Jensen, the event’s organizer. “It was great to

8

THE POINTE JUNE 2021 EDITION

see everyone visiting together. It felt so inclusive.”

Two local food trucks pulled up on Lake Cove Pointe Circle: Ocoee Taco Company for dinner, and Sugar Rush Marshmallows for dessert. Neighbors chatted and

kids played in the bounce house from Winter Garden Bounce while the sun set over our newly renovated reservation garden.

“The feedback was overwhelmingly amazing,” says Tiffany.

“We’ll defintely make it a recur-

THAT FIGURES

46

percent

The percentage of Americans who never wear sunscreen. Only 11% wear sunscreen every day.

SOURCE: 2020 RealSelf Sun Safety Report

7

Billion

From Left: Nicole Schneider, Tiffany Jensen, Nicole Roach

ring event—but we’re not sure yet whether the next one will be summer or fall. Stay tuned for the next date!”

In the meantime, be on the lookout for other events coming up, including the LCP Member/ Guest Golf Tournament on September 18. If you’re a golfer, bring a friend and give Tiffany a shout if your team of two wants to participate!

Also, be on the lookout for the “Splash and Dash” kit making its way around the neighborhood throughout the summer. If you get splashed, pass it on!

“It was great to see everyone visiting together.

It felt so inclusive.”

—Tiffany Jensen

The number of hot dogs Americans will consume between Memorial Day and Labor Day. SOURCE: factretriever.com

1in3

The proportion of annual beachgoers who can’t swim.

SOURCE: bluesunvacations.com

284 MILES

The distance traveled (one-way) during an average summer longdistance trip.

RESIDENT BUSINESS DIRECTORY _________

Dan Bessetti

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

Erik Halluska 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

Pete & Karen Young-Vega

Vacation Rentals / Crystal River and New Smyrna Beach manateepropertymgmt.com

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

Sierra Clemmons

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

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

SOURCE: Bureau of Travel Statistics

THE EXCLUSIVE PUBLICATION OF LAKE COVE POINTE

9

POINTES OF INTEREST VOX

QUESTION: WHAT WAS YOUR BEST FATHER’S DAY GIFT?

KRISTIN HOLLINGSWORTH JEFF IANNUZZI

CHRIS DOERGER

GISEL PADRON

_________________

_________________

_________________

Mom Concierge

My Neighbor’s Beer-Tester

We always give him boxer briefs and socks—maybe some body spray.

Every Father’s Day my daughter makes me a card and gives me “coupons,” which are always phenomenal.

_________________

Arms Dealer

We don’t do gifts well in my family, but we did get my dad his very first cell phone.

He didn’t like it.

The Party Starter

I gave George a Rolex 11 years ago because I knew it would be our first family heirloom on his first Father’s Day.

RECOMMENDATIONS

*The Writer’s Block Bookstore in Downtown Winter Garden can order these or any other books. Curbside delivery available for those who pay online.

Submissions have been edited for length and clarity.

10

Read

Watch

Listen

Danielle Moss is a neighbor in LCP who can frequently be seen catching up with her friends on a driveway, sampling and taste-testing a brew homemade by her hubby.

You may know Micheal McGuffie from his time on the ARB. He loves his wife Ellen, the outdoors, and Winter Garden’s amazing restaurants.

Richard Gipson has been in LCP longer than most of us, but he is a ninja! He can only be seen running through the neighborhood, biking with his kids, or taking an evening lap with his wife.

For those of you who know me, you know my tastes run a bit to murder and mayhem. Feeling lost without The Walking Dead for quite some time, I turned to zombie reading. And boy was The Contagium Series* by Emily Goodwin a great replacement! Fun, fast, and wickedly funny, they’re great reading, but not for the faint of heart.

You’ll definitely want to get all four at the same time!

For the drama/thriller fans since Apple TV recently began airing Defending Jacob*, I have been compelled to re-read this amazing book by William Landay.

Guilt, fear, love—how far will a parent go to protect their child, even when no one else will? This is one you have to read before you watch the series!

THE POINTE JUNE 2021 EDITION

I’ve recently been nerding out on a series called TURN: Washington’s Spies (Netflix, TV-14, 2014–2017).

It’s based on the true story of the Culper Ring, which helped win America’s independence.

The story takes place in a small town on Long Island called East Setauket during its occupation by the British in 1776. Spy master Benjamin Tallmage pulled together a small group of friends (men and women) who risked their lives to provide information on British troop movements. Their efforts are now the basis of today’s espionage tactics.

I’ve always been interested in American history and have a fond place in my heart for Long Island, as I grew up in a small town on the north shore called Little Neck, less than 50 miles from Setauket.

In a world of overproduced sound, Chanté Moore’s voice seduces the soul. It’s exactly what you need after a long day of living.

Moore’s sophomore album, A Love Supreme (1994), starts off asking, “Who’s gonna love me? Will you? I open my heart to you.”

This is exactly what she does as she takes you on an emotional journey that searches (“Searchin’”) for unconditional love, defines what that perfect love looks like (“My Special Perfect One”), and when she finds it, boldly and beautifully claims, “I’m What You Need.” She doubts that love in “Am I Losing You?” and then refines it in “Thou Shalt Not.” This album pairs well with a rainy night, a glass of wine, and candlelit dinner for two.

LAKE COVE

POOCH

SPONSORED BY PUPPY DREAMS

Nice to meet me,

my name is Blue. I’m 9 years old, and it is my dream to be the most popular dog who ever lived. I might be an English Pointer mix, no one really knows. Not that it matters what makes me such a beautiful boy. Perfection needs no explanation.

If you see me on one of my daily constitutionals, I want—no, I need you to greet me. My humans do love me dearly and give me anyything I want, but I’m afraid it’s not all the attention I deserve, so I must turn to outside sources to get my fix.

You’ll know that I like you if I sneeze on you. It means I have bestowed you a sample of my greatness for you to keep. Call me if you need a beautiful dog to gaze upon in your free time (or if you have any squirrels you want taken off your hands).

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

P E T B O A R D I N G & D AY C A R E

Family owned by your neighbors in Lake Cove Pointe 703 Vineland Rd., Winter Garden (Near Downtown) 407-654-8885 Come find us on Facebook and Instagram @Puppy_Dreams_Pet_Boarding

THE EXCLUSIVE PUBLICATION OF LAKE COVE POINTE

11

12

THE POINTE JUNE 2021 EDITION

Ryan and Laura Taylor have a heart for animals that beats far beyond the walls of their business, Puppy Dreams.

D EAM TEAM I

Story: Rheya Tanner Photography: Fred Lopez

f you know nothing else about Ryan and Laura Taylor, know that their whole heart belongs to animals.

“We’re big proponents of adoption,” says Ryan. “We feel strongly that there’s no need to go to a breeder when there are so many dogs out there who need a home—and they’re often the best ones.”

THE EXCLUSIVE PUBLICATION OF LAKE COVE POINTE

13

The couple currently owns one dog and five cats—all rescues.

“When we lived in Orlando was when we acquired most of the cats, because there were just a lot of strays showing up on our porch,” says Ryan.

When they met, Ryan owned a dog named Lucky, and Larua owned a cat named Ross. Since then, they have always given their animals L- or R-based names. “When we took in our first stray, I named her Rachel, so the cats could be Ross and Rachel from Friends,” says Laura. “She was pregnant, and had a few kittens, one of which is Lynx, who we kept, and the other two now live with my mom.”

Even the cats without alliterative names follow a theme of their own. “It was always our

14

THE POINTE JUNE 2021 EDITION

thing to name the street cats after rappers,” says Ryan. “We had a cat named Tupac. We still have Biggie and Macklemore.”

It was only a matter of time, then, before their fervor for their furry friends led them to becoming the owners of Puppy Dreams Pet Boarding. “Laura’s always had this dream of owning a farm with hundreds of animals,” says Ryan.

“So this kind of scratches that itch for both of us.”

Puppy Dreams represents both the past and the future for the couple. The dogs who rest and play during their boarding or daycare stay have many fun-filled adventures ahead. While the dog who peers out from the left of the Puppy Dreams logo—the late Lucky—reminds them of what has always mattered most.

Sweet Dreams

Ryan and Laura first met in downtown Orlando 17 years ago. “It was the fourth of July,” says Ryan.

“I went to see fireworks with my friends, she had gone out to dinner with her friends, and we went to the same bar afterward.”

“I knew sooner than he did, maybe around three months in, that this was going to be a longterm thing,” says Larua. “But he took forever to figure that out.”

“I definitely thought it had promise!” says Ryan. “I’m a very analytical person—I’d rather look over things a hundred times from every which way possible.

I eventually realized that I was a better person all-around with her in my life.”

The two have lived in and around Orlando for all these

FA ST FAC T S

Married for: 13 years Pets: One dog named Leo; five cats named Rachel, Lynx, Biggie, Macklemore, and Xander Occupations: David works in sales, and Laura is an accountant Fave local hangout: Plant Street Market Favorite Activities: Travel, enjoying downtown Winter Garden Secret talents: Ryan is an Iron Man triathlete No. 1 rule in our house: Laura is always right TV family that’s like us: The Brady Bunch but with fur babies Most used phrase: Leo, come inside!

One time we cried happy tears: When I found out my CF medication worked for me. It was life-changing.

Favorite vacation spot: Key West, NYC, or Italy Last book read: Shoe Dog by Phil Knight Fave TV show: The Office A cause that matters to us: TNR efforts, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, animal rescues

years. “We built a home in Bronson’s Landing and lived there for six years before moving to downtown Orlando,” says Ryan.

Specifically, the Thornton Park District. “It was the best neighborhood you could live in downtown,” says Ryan. “We loved the restaurants and bars; we could walk to see a concert or a Magic game and then walk home.”

Though the area was perfect for them, the century-old house they lived in was less so. “We wanted to upgrade it, but being in a historic neighborhood and not having a huge lot, we were just so restricted in what we could do,” says Ryan. “So we had to decide between dealing with the house or moving.”

Eventually, they chose the latter, and began exploring their options. “Because we’d been in Bronson’s Landing before, we knew downtown Winter Garden was up-and-coming,” says Ryan.

“Plus, if we could get into the golf cart district, we can have kind of the same atmosphere we fell in love with at Thornton Park.”

But even Laura, who is wellversed in real estate, was surprised to discover Lake Cove Pointe. “We didn’t even know it existed,” she says. “We first saw a house on Highland, but it was an older house, which we didn’t want to get into again. So when I found this place, I was like, ‘Oh my god, this is so pretty.’”

“It’s like the best-kept secret of Winter Garden,” adds Ryan. “I like the diversity of home styles.

It doesn’t feel cookie-cutter like a lot of newer neighborhoods do.”

So they packed their things— and their cats—and departed for LCP. “A few of them were outdoor cats, but we didn’t

want to just leave them,” says Laura. “That’s why we wanted to enclose the patio. They’re inside cats now, but they still love to use the cat-io!”

Though Winter Garden’s downtown is different from Orlando’s, Ryan and Laura are delighted with the lifestyle. “Sometimes people ask us if we miss being downtown, and there are some things we totally do miss, but this is honestly just as good,” says Laura.

“Plus, now that we’re a little older, downtown Orlando doesn’t have quite the same appeal,” says Ryan. “That was the whole idea of moving here. It’s the same atmosphere, but for a different audience. Our lifestyle hasn’t changed a whole lot—just the people we’re around. There’s nothing like sitting outside at the Crooked Can with the huge oak trees overhead. It’s just a vibe.”

Living the Dream

One of the Taylors’ favorite pastimes is entertaining. “Because we don’t have kids, we decided to make the most of our lives together,” says Ryan. “We have made our social lives a priority.”

“Normally we entertain family or a few friends,” says Laura. “I love cooking, and our kitchen is open to everything, so it’s easy to socialize no matter where you are in the house.”

They also make it downtown often. “Maybe more often than we should!” says Ryan. “Restaurant-wise, we love Market to Table. We frequent all of them.”

“We go to Plant Street Market every weekend,” adds Laura.

“Every restaurant is super great; we try to visit them once or twice a week.”

THE EXCLUSIVE PUBLICATION OF LAKE COVE POINTE

15

As for making neighborhood friends, well, they’re working on it. “Because we’re the third house in, we rarely end up going into the neighborhood,” says Laura. “We know a few of our neighbors, but not as many as we’d like.”

“We did recently meet one of our neighbors, the Soulsbys,” says Ryan. “We were out on our patio watching a Michigan State game, and they must have been out on theirs watching it as well.

It was a close game, but we beat

16

THE POINTE JUNE 2021 EDITION

them in the end, and we heard them cheering. So we shouted, ‘Go Green!’ and heard back, ‘Go White!’ That was a pretty cool way to meet.”

Of course, they’ve also met a few neighbors through Puppy Dreams. “We know the McNultys because they bring Lucy. The Panabakers have Sugar and Spice. The Comstocks have Boise,” says Laura. “We’re not always there when they drop off the dogs, so we usually know the dogs before their parents!”

Dream-Come-True

It wasn’t long after they’d settled into their little piece of the Pointe before the opportunity to own Puppy Dreams came to their door. “We’d lived in this house for maybe a year when I found the listing,” says Laura. “The folks who started Puppy Dreams ran it for 20 years and wanted to retire, so they put it on the market—the business and the property.”

“At first I was like, ‘yeah, right,’” says Ryan. “But it was a pretty good chunk of land in an up-and-

coming area. Plus, we both really care about animals, so it was a business I could see us doing.”

So, the couple went in on Puppy Dreams, and manages it while they balance their day jobs. “The plan was that he would take care of the marketing and I would do the books,” says Laura. “We rely on the staff to keep it going.”

“We’re fortunate to have an amazing staff,” says Ryan. “That’s the key, is the wonderful people working there. There are times when we get involved to fill in the gaps, but for the most part, we let the staff do what they do best.”

Puppy Dreams currently employs seven people, most of whom have been working there for several years. In fact, Ryan and Laura are some of the newest people there. “We’d only owned the place for six months when COVID hit,” says Laura. “That was nerve-wracking.”

“Everybody had their own worries, but as new business owners, we were especially nervous,” says Ryan. “We didn’t have anyone boarding, so we started doing daycares, since people still had to work. Now we have a huge client list for daycares.”

But if they had to say which dog loves daycares the most, it’d probably be their own puppy, Leo. “It’s almost embarrassing,” says Larua. “He runs to the door to get in, and then I literally have to drag all 60 pounds of him to the car and physically pick him up and put him in the car every time we leave.”

Leo is the first dog the couple has had since their Puppy Dreams mascot died four years ago. “It took him that long to be ready for another puppy,” says Laura.

RED, WHITE, AND THE BLUES

Though the fireworks of Independence Day were what brought Ryan and Laura together, the day takes on a whole new meaning now. “The Fourth of July is such a different thing for us now because fireworks scare the animals,” says Ryan. “We’re definitely far less focused on that holiday.”

“I think what triggered it for me was the adoption events they were doing up at the Crooked Can,” says Ryan. “There was one dog I was enamored with, but someone was already looking at adopting it. At that point, it flipped the switch, and I realized I was ready.”

It wasn’t long before they stumbled upon a social media post from a rescue with Leo’s picture in it. “I just showed her the picture and gushed about how cute he was, and she took it upon herself to contact them,” says Ryan. “We drove down to south Florida on Valentine’s Day to pick him up.”

Dream Away

Though animals are the Taylors’ greatest passion, they are far from their only passion. “My biggest claim to fame is completing Iron Man,” says Ryan. For the uninitiated, the Iron Man Triathlon is considered one of the most challenging one-day sporting events out there, consisting of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike, and an on-foot marathon to cap it all off. “I’ve done a lot of smaller triathlons, but Iron Man was definitely the life goal.”

Ryan has also completed the Boston marathon and the Chicago half-marathon, among other footraces. “I was supposed to run

THE EXCLUSIVE PUBLICATION OF LAKE COVE POINTE

17

the New York Marathon last year to raise money for cystic fibrosis, but it got postponed. It’ll happen either this year or next year.”

The two also do plenty of traveling for pleasure. “We have emphasized a lot of the things that people who have kids sometimes sacrifice,” says Ryan. “So we try to capitalize on travel.”

Locations to date include Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Italy,

Greece, Hawaii, and Turkey, as well as visiting the Florida Keys once per year. Cruising has played a huge role in helping them decide on their next destination.

“One of our favorite vacations was the Mediterranean cruise we took in 2014,” says Laura. “It gave us an opportunity to see a lot of different coasts and decide which ones we wanted to take a longer trip to later.”

“It gave us a taste of so many unique places that were so far and away from where we’d been before,” adds Ryan.

The next destination on their travel itinerary is (hopefully) a trip to Mexico for their 13th wedding anniversary on June 5. “If this issue drops while we’re there,” says Larua, “we’ll be ready to come back and say hello!”

Breathing Easy Most of us take each breath without thinking about it, and take that for granted. But for more than 30,000 Americans, a genetic condition called cystic fibrosis (CF) can turn every breath into a battle. Laura Taylor is one of those Americans.

“I struggled to breathe. I was tired all the time,” says Laura. “It was hard to get around, and I had a lot of sinus infections.”

CF affects the cells that produce certain bodily fluids—mucus, stomach acid, sweat—causing them to produce more viscous, stickier fluids that clog the body’s passageways. Most people are diagnosed by the time they are 2 years old, but Laura didn’t receive a diagnosis until she was 19.

“Some people have it in their GI tract as well, but my cystic fibrosis is all lungs,” she said. “I was really sick for a few years before I started reaching out to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation through my doctors.”

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation gladly let her participate in research studies for new treatments for CF, including the study for the medication she takes now. “I was lucky to be able to be on it long before it was approved by the FDA,” she says. “Thanks to it, I have had no symptoms for years.”

Because she is symptom-free, Laura is no longer eligible to participate in the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s research studies. But she still stays involved with the group however she can. “ They have an annual walk called Great Strides in Baldwin Park,” she says. “They also do Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month every May. “When we first met, she would get really sick once a year and have to have an IV put in,” says Ryan. “But ever since she’s been on her new medication, she’s been able to live a normal life.”

“I was even able to run the Chicago Half-Marathon with him,” says Laura.

“That was a big deal.”

18

THE POINTE JUNE 2021 EDITION

www.inperspective.co

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

THE

HOME FRONT

Summer Color Picking out the right flowers for Florida’s climate can help you enjoy their bright colors all summer long.

Coreopsis do well in dry conditions and come in a wide variety of colors. With minor maintenance, they can last several years.

Florida has a climate unlike any other in the country—its humidity and heat are a challenge for gardeners. But those who choose carefully, working with Florida rather than against it, will enjoy the rewards of stunning summer colors in their gardens.

Here are the flowers that thrive best in the Sunshine State, divided into perrennials and annuals. A combination of both is always ideal.

Perrennials

Perennials regrow and can last for many seasons or years. They generally have a shorter bloomAbove: Pink Pentas Below: Purple & violet Torenia ing period and are often not as Opposite Page: Marigolds spectacular as annuals.

20

THE POINTE JUNE 2021 EDITION

Some of the lowest-maintenance perennials are Coreopsis, lantana, and Pentas, which take full or partial sun and attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Blue daze and Bulbine thrive in the summer heat and prefer full sun.

They both are great for accents in

flowering beds. For shaded areas, look for Crossandra,which comes in oranges and yellows.

Annuals

Annuals live for one season but have a burst of color that’s hard to beat! Some of the most dura-

ble annuals that need at least partial shade in the summer are Begonias, New Guinea Impatiens, marigolds, vinca, Salvia, Torenia, and Angelonia.

Caladiums and Portulaca can take partial or full sun. They all will give you a stunning display with the proper care.

Care Tips

Add fresh potting mix to containers and possibly flower beds that have not been cultivated or amended. Be sure to soak the pots and beds initially to eliminate air pockets. Regular watering will keep the plants growing until the seasonal rains begin.

Use a slow-release fertilizer to provide nutrients through the growing season, and try to weed regularly. Remember: small weeds are easier and less damaging to remove then large weeds.

You’re already well on your way to a yard full of color and life. Happy gardening!

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

CALL TO ARMS Times are a’changing in Lake Cove Pointe—and so are the people living here! We are looking for volunteers to assist with various positions on our boards. Some groups looking for new members include: • The Home Owners Association Board • The Architectural Review Board • The Fining committee If you’re interested in being a part of what keeps our neighborhood beautiful, please contact Cher Lessard, Secretary of the Board, at cherless1@aol.com for more information.

THE EXCLUSIVE PUBLICATION OF LAKE COVE POINTE

21

THE

DISH

Tale of the Dog Have your days away from stadiums and theaters got you hankering for a hot dog? Harrell’s will help you get your frankfurter fix.

Story: Mark McWaters Sometimes, you just want to eat a dog. Not that dog. C’mon.

The other kind, the kind that starts with that tiny craving we all get every once in a while— the urge, the need for a hot, juicy dog nestled in a fresh bun.

I know. You can almost feel the mustard dribbling down your chin now. Well, you’re welcome.

The good news, you don’t need to plan a trip to a ballpark

22

THE POINTE JUNE 2021 EDITION

to get your fix. A trip to Harrell’s in downtown Winter Garden will do you just fine. The bad news—if you can call it that—is you’ll have so many choices to make you might need a few trips to Harrell’s to settle on your favorite dog.

First, you pick your protein— all beef, vegan, brat, or chicken (as in grilled tenders or fried nuggets.) Second, you get your

bun on—classic, brioche, poppy seed. Third, now the real fun begins. Before you eat your dog, you’re going to have to dress it—and the choices will blow your taste buds. You can choose from the usual—mustard, relish, sauerkraut, jalapeños, and about a dozen others. You can opt for “game changers” like Fire Cheetos, banana peppers, Fritos, or potato sticks. Or, you can go

PRO TIP: CHOOSE YOUR BUN WISELY.

If your dog will be sporting some of the “wetter” sauces—buff-bleu, onion, chili, cheese—we’d recommend a brioche bun over the classic to avoid the “sloppy soggies.” The dogs are all served up in their own handy little cardboard tray, which is especially helpful if your hot dog tastes tend toward saucier toppings.

premium, as in homemade cheese sauce, chili, bacon, or macand-cheese.

Harrell’s has several recipes they’ve created to jumpstart your selection process if you’re stuck on go. The Stadi-

um Dog is a personal fave with onion sauce, sauerkraut, lemon garlic, and mustard. The Fried Buffalo Chicken Dog is just what you think with buff bleu sauce, chives, and bleu cheese crumbles.

There’s also the Carolina Dog, Chicago Dog, Chili Cheese Dog,

and Classic Brat. (The brat is another personal go-to. One snappy bite through that grilled brat skin and you’ll be convinced.)

So, how do you eat a dog? Any way you want to, and Harrell’s in Winter Garden has about a hundred ways to get you started.

THE EXCLUSIVE PUBLICATION OF LAKE COVE POINTE

23

This is business on the

CONSULTING • BOOKKEEPING TAX PREPARATION • QUICKBOOKS

gofigureaccounting.net 407-855-6648

24

THE POINTE JUNE 2021 EDITION

OFF THE VINE

Year of the Wine Dad

J E F F A N D TA R I N ’ S J U N E S E L E C T I O N S

Juan Gil Monastrell

Mont Gravet Rosé CINSAULT ROSÉ / $12

RED WINE / $14

Chappellet Mountain Cuveé BLEND / $40

Skip the usual beer or whiskey and pair one of these wines with your freshly grilled dinner.

Father’s Day is coming up. If you’re celebrating at home, fire up the grill and try out some stunning wines to accompany any protein!

Our first wine is Mont Gravet Rosé, hailing all the way from the South of France. Made from 100% Cinsault, this wine is approachable, refreshing, and well balanced. Cinsault is aromatic and adds perfume notes as well as luscious fruit content. This wine screams of berries and watermelon. It drinks more delicate that other rosés, so pair it with grilled mahi or shrimp tacos. The best thing about it is the bottle fits perfectly into two Solo cups, so you could enjoy it as an aperitif before the main meal!

The next wine begs for barbecue; so whether it’s ribs, chicken, or brisket, drink the Juan Gil Monastrell (look for the silver label). Juan Gil is a big, full-bodied red wine that is aged for 12 months in French oak. It just became certified organic this year, and the type of care the winemakers put in shows. It delivers soft tannins, a light smoky finish, and the jammy fruit of black plums, summer berries, and wild cherries is sure to complement whatever’s on your grill.

The big boy of the month is none other than Chappellet Mountain Cuveé. This California blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc has rich, grippy tannins with an aroma that will remind you of leather and cigar boxes. Notes of blackberry, dark cherry, black currant, cassis, and dried herbs scream across your palette and you hope they never go away. This wine deserves to be accompanied with grill marks, so cook up a porterhouse or ribeye, grab your Montreal Steak seasoning, and get a good hard char going. Save the last two sips and have chocolate nearby to finish off the bottle in the most spectacular way possible!

Tarin Scarbrough, Sommelier at The Attic Door, and Jeff Kundinger, Sommelier at Chef’s Table Featured wines can be sampled at the Tasting Room or at Chef’s Table.

THE EXCLUSIVE PUBLICATION OF LAKE COVE POINTE

25

POINTE OF VIEW

“If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere.”

— Vincent Van Gogh

26

THE POINTE JUNE 2021 EDITION

A flock of early birds (ducks) greet the sunrise at the Jessie Brock Community Center.

Taken 2021

W I L L S • T R U S T S • E L D E R L AW

Attorneys At LAw

FLoridA BAr BoArd CertiFied eLder LAw speCiALists

MAry F. trotter, BCs

edwArd w. souLsBy, BCs

FLoridA BAr BoArd CertiFied eLder LAw Attorney

FLoridA BAr BoArd CertiFied eLder LAw Attorney

Wills • Living Trusts • Special Needs Trusts • Probate Avoidance Planning Medicaid Planning • Elder Law • Trust Administration • Probate Advanced Planning • Asset Protection • Estate Tax Law

352-205-7245

People Focused. Results Driven.

Trotter & Soulsby, P.A. 11834 CR 101, Suite 100 The Villages, FL 32162 In The Lange Eye Institute Building www.trotterlaw.com

F R E E E S T A T E P L A N N I N G C O N S U LT A T I O N

4 3 3 L O N E H E R O N WAY

4 1 0 W H I P P E R W I L L WAY

717 LAKE COVE POINTE CIR

701 LAKE COVE POINT CIR

ERICADIAZTEAM.COM INFO@ERICADIAZTEAM.COM 407-951-9742