The Local: Winter Garden—March 2022

WINTER GARDEN MAR CH 22 02 02 22 M AR CH

The

Home Issue Featuring

Home at Last

The Schmidt family builds a sustainable life 22

Effievescent

Life, love, and 87 years in the Garden 30

House Blend Paint the town with Tony Piloseno & Jeff Grasty 38

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Good People.

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I feel healthier and more active than I was two years ago.”

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E WN O W A P ACCE T I PTIN EN G TS

C⚫ ntents FEATURES

22

Home At Last

For the Schmidt family, a sustainable lifestyle starts at home—from the floorboards to the finish.

MAR K McWAT ER S

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30

Effievescent

Effie Turner has lived in Winter Garden for nearly 87 years. Now she begins a new chapter in her old home.

R H E YA TAN N E R

38

House Blend

How Tony Piloseno (aka The Tonester) and Florida Paints are bringing color and paint to the next generation.

H E ATH E R AN N E LE E

C⚫ ntents DEPARTMENTS

16

44

50

58 20

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The Lo’ Down

Our editor talks finding houses and loving home.

20 Tails to Tell

Squirt the tortoise is excited about his new home—and not just the one he carries on his back.

14 Garden Variety

NEWS, NOTABLES, AND NEIGHBORS IN THE KNOW

14 Bald eagle family raises the next generation in Winter Garden 16 Local History: Marilyn Monroe’s house?

16 Market Watch: Mr. & Mrs. Pickle 18 Charitable Spotlight: 2022 Special Olympics

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44 The Homefront

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The finale of our 3-part home remodel series: the (nearly) finished space!

50 Eats + Drinks

50 Wild Shrimp Bobó is the comfort food you never knew you needed.

54 The pop-perfect champagne to gift at any housewarming.

58 Rhetoric

MUSINGS ON LIFE AS A LOCAL

It started with putting an unassuming cabinet together. It ended with a broken woman.

ON THE COVER

The Schmidt family home is platinum-certified sustainable with the Florida Green Building Coalition. So … what exactly does that look like?

F R E D LO PE Z

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M The Lo’Down

My home

is truly my sanctuary. It doesn’t matter where it is, it doesn’t matter if it’s an apartment or a house, the people I share that roof with and the nest I build twig by twig are what make my house a haven.

Like many of you, there have been more than a few nests in my lifetime. My first, living with my parents in a 1950s ranch in Rochester, New York, where my mother still resides. I walk into that house and see memories around every doorway, and I notice every little update she makes: a new curtain panel or chair, throw pillow or paint (page 38). Good, bad, or otherwise, my eyes see the new while memory recalls the old, and my heart trembles for both.

There was the apartment in East Lansing, Michigan, where I met and married my husband, Ed. Student budgets be damned, so much love and laughter filled that itty-bitty shack it nearly burst at the seams. Clearly, our new marriage needed room to grow, so we chased the sunshine to Central Florida in 1998 and never looked back.

Like a cicada tortoise (page 20), who carries its home wherever it goes, we traveled light, testing various suburbs from Kissimmee to Metro West to Ocoee, to see if they fit. When we added two more heartbeats to our family, we outgrew the moveable shell. It was time to find our forever home.

How lucky were we to land in a place as special as Winter Garden? I love raising my kids in a community for old and young alike (hello Effie, page 30). I love that our city leaders mindfully balance progress and historical preservation. I love the charming small town vibe of a city on the edge of a thriving metropolis. But most of all, what really makes Winter Garden feel like home is you. I’m so blessed to hear your stories, even more so to share them on these pages. A magazine for the community, by the community is more than a slogan—it’s our love letter to Winter Garden. This is our seventh issue, and like a brand new home, we’re only still getting settled in. Certainly, there are more stories to share, more people to meet, more layers to uncover, and with your generous support, The Local will grow … twig by twig.

And in this moment, I just realized that maybe, just maybe, a home doesn’t stop at the door; it only begins there.

Happy Reading,

Nicole Soulsby, Editor Something to add?

Send your ideas and images to thelocalwg@emagency.com

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Editor’s Endorsement: Downy Scent Beads in Romantic My laundry smells amazing, and that smell lasts— something I need with two stinky boys.

A welcome sight.

Our new location is now open in Horizon West!

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

THE ADVISORY BOARD

WINTER GARDEN

Dr. Kim Dawson

Ralph Disciullo

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

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

Becca Lanterman

Owner of Winter Garden Senior Home Care.

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

Pam Thomas Owner

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

March 2022 Vol. 1 No. 7 Jamie Ezra Mark Publisher Heather Anne Lee Content Director Nicole Soulsby Editor Rheya Tanner Art Director Mark McWaters Writer Tarin Scarbrough Writer Fred Lopez Chief Photographer Josh Clark Designer Wendy Mak Designer Miguel Martinez Designer Caleb Jensen Web ______

ADVERTISE LOCALLY! Jamie Ezra Mark Publisher jamie@emagency.com 352-425-6400

Tracey Forrester

Bryan Fifer

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

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

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.

A

P U BLI CAT I O N

O F

407-573-6061 • emagency.com @EMagencyinc

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Angie Layfield NHA/CDAL

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

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

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

Tamara Zotti

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

Nicole Spooner Account Executive nicole@mpactorlando.com 407-595-4793 ______

FIND US ONLINE @thelocalwg

FIND US IRL Cariera’s Fresh Italian Foxtail Coffee Co. Main House Market Pammie’s Sammies Pearle Vision Polka Dotz Rosallie Le French Cafe Sweet Dee’s Cupcakery

Thai Blossom The French Cafe Three Birds Cafe W. Orange Public Library WG Heritage Museum Writer’s Block Bookstore AntiquiTeas @Plant St Market and more!

PRO U D M EM BER S OF

The Local Volume 1 Issue 7 ©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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FEATURING THE AREA’S ONLY HYDROTHERAPY TANK ↑

T Pub Scrawl

hank you.

Two simple words, but they mean so much. And it was time you heard them. A little over six months ago, we asked you to embrace a new kind magazine—by locals, for locals—and you answered en masse. I felt it was about time to say just how much that means to me.

The story of The Local stretches back ten years. When I first moved here I looked for a magazine that matched the soul of the Winter Garden I’d fallen in love with. I didn’t find it. I know firsthand what a quality magazine can mean to a community, and while Facebook groups and scrolling posts are a nice, they are no substitute. Last year—after close to a decade of waiting—I decided it was time to change that.

The book you hold in your hands is that change, that labor of love. We don’t see this as our magazine. It’s yours. Every month, our issues fly off the racks at your favorite local haunts. First it took a month. Then a few weeks. Now, the issues are gone in a matter of days. We have been flooded with messages of gratitude confirming that I wasn’t the only one feeling a need for this. And while it is a small part of the work we do here at Em Agency, it has become a favorite part of our days.

But we didn’t do it alone. So thank you to The City of Winter Garden who welcomed us with open arms. Thanks to our Advisory Board who paved the way with introductions, ideas, advertising, and story leads. The familiar faces you see from cover to cover—your friend, your favorite waitress, that guy you’ve seen at the Attic Door a dozen times but haven’t actually met. Those people have allowed us to tell their stories and trusted us to create fun, memorable portraits of them.

That said, delivering the quality content we believe this community deserves requires investment. The businesses you see advertising here are what gives us the resources needed to shine that brilliant spotlight on the people of the Garden. I hope you will consider giving back to them by supporting their businesses. And if The Local resonates with you, if it has touched your life in a tangible way, that you would consider being a part of our continued success. Read it. Share it. Interact with @thelocalwg on social media.

Send us your story ideas. And if you’re trying to reach locals, you really should consider advertising.

In gratitude,

Jamie Ezra Mark, Publisher

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NEWS, NOTES + NEIGHBORS WHO KNOW

Nesting Instincts

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Winter Garden is the perfect place for two eagles to raise their young and (quite literally) make their home.

VOCAL LOCALS

It’s never too late to…

Rebecca L.

Colin R.

Emma R.

Jack B.

Robert R.

It’s never too late to change your mindset. To have a positive attitude, wake up, and face the day.

It’s never too late to do what you want to do. And do it, and do it, and do it.

It’s never too late to achieve your dreams.

I’m going into broadcast for college to achieve mine.

It’s never too late to see things from a new perspective.

It’s never too late to enjoy what you do and do what you enjoy!

T Eagle photos by Diane Melesio @DianeMelesioPhotography

THIS MONTH’S QUESTION

welve years. That’s how long the mated pair of bald eagles have been nesting in the treetops high above the pasture on the corner of Plant Street and 429. For five of those years, Diane Melesio has been documenting their efforts to raise a new generation. One eaglet, sometimes two. On occasion, none have survived.

This year, we have one.

And by the time you read this, it will be learning to fly.

“It’s impossible not to get attached to these guys,” she says. “When you see them day in and day out, you get

invested in their success. Like neighbors. Their kids become your kids, you know? And when they learn to take flight, it’s just magical.”

Dozens of avid raptor-lovers and nature photographers have been chronicling Bald Eagle Nest OR066, sharing images to Facebook’s Winter Garden Community page. Like Diane, several voluntarily monitor the local nests and report back to the Audubon EagleWatch program, which collects data for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Today, Florida has one of the densest concentrations

of nesting bald eagles in the lower 48 states. An estimated 1,499 nesting pairs were recorded in Florida in 2014, compared to only 88 active nests in 1973.

Through concerted protection efforts, and the banning of DDT in 1972, the population has soared back to life.

How and why we know that is due, in part, to enthusiastic volunteers like Diane.

“Florida is an embarrassment of riches when it comes to photographing birds, but there is nothing like the eagles. I pass the nest on my way home every day, it’s like my own happy

hour,” Diane jokes. “I’m very worried about the construction and the impact it may have on the nest. Which is why I share my photos. It’s something I’m so passionate about, but the more people who know the story of our eagles, the better chance we have of protecting them.

Like I said, it’s impossible not to get attached.”

GET INVOLVED: Become An EagleWatcher

Audubon EagleWatch, one of Audubon’s premier community science programs, started in Central Florida in 1992. The program deploys citizen volunteers as boots on the ground and eyes in the field to monitor and protect Florida’s eagles. For more information email eaglewatch@audubon.org.

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Garden Variety LOCAL HISTORY

Marilyn’s Mansion?

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MARKET WATCH

Mr. and Mrs. Pickle Homegrown Floridian makes homemade pickles.

Caitlin Ruggiero has been marinating in the pickle-making business since she was a sophomore at Lake Mary High School. Mr. and Mrs. Pickle has been in Caitlin’s family since 2007, when the original “pickle people” sold their already-famous booth to her father. When she graduated from UCF in 2016, Caitlin was not only happy to preserve the business, but was brining to grow it into a successful woman-owned small business. In addition to continuing the business’s flea market legacy, Caitlin ventured out to other markets, including Winter Garden.

Mr. and Mrs. Pickle leaves pickle-lovers tickled with 13 types of pickles, as well as hand-stuffed olives, sauerkraut, pickled okra, stuffed peppers, marinated mushrooms, giardiniera, pepperoni sticks, and more—pretty much anything you need for the perfect charcuterie board for a cocktail party. Speaking of cocktails, they also have olive juice and pickle juice for your martinis or Bloody Marys. If you don’t want to assemble it, they have catering trays and platters and will work with you for your custom order.

If you can’t make it to the Farmers Market in Winter Garden, check them out on mrandmrspickle.com.

Images and research for Local History courtesy of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation

We have to debunk a Winter Garden rumor: Marilyn Monroe never lived at 244 N. Lakeview Ave. in Winter Garden. Many Hollywood celebrities vacationed in Winter Garden for fishing and relaxation in the past, with a few even buying homes in the area. However, while this stately home has been featured in a nationwide commercial for Aid Association for Lutherans, the film “Letters to God”, and perhaps an upcoming film we have seen filming on location, the golden bombshell that is Marilyn never resided in this 2,700+ square-foot 1920 historic residence. Originally built by J.D. McMillan, the first president of First National Bank, the home has seen few owners. It is known by most locals as the Barber house (for Bob Barber, an administrator for the former West Orange Memorial Hospital, and his wife, Nancy) or if you have been here a long time, it is known as the Bray house (for Cohen Bray, a citrus grower, and Edith Bray, a teacher who operated a kindergarten out of the small building in the back of the property).

Driving under the canopy of moss-dripping oaks on Lakeview Ave., this two-story Middle American design is sure to catch your eye. Ever wonder what is inside? The house has a living room, dining room, family room, two staircases, five bedrooms, three sunporches, two fireplaces, and an attic.

When the Barber family bought the home in 1973, they began the process of restoring the flooring and plaster to stabilize the infrastructure, taking care to keep any historic elements. Their loving legacy has been continued with the progressive owners, maintaining the charm and elegance of this vintage home. .

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

B Y

L E X I

13848 Tilden Rd, Suite 230, Winter Garden 407-725-9425

THERE IS ALWAYS GOOD NEWS IN THE GARDEN It feels like Winter Garden surged to life last month as a slew of new businesses opened their doors.

Home State Brewery poured to life at 16016 New Independence Parkway in Hamlin. Karem Rodriquez, of the popular blog, The Modern Host Life, opened her eponymous brick and mortar at 636 S. Dillard Street. As of press time she was still busy filling shelves with edibles and accoutrements galore. The same can be said for Swalty Sisters, a delightful gift shop located at 24 E. Joiner. Speaking of salty, Whiskey Wednesdays, Hangry Hours and Acoustic Thursdays are sure to be landing in your social feeds as The Hangry Bison finally opens this month at 250 West Plant Street. No, it doesn’t come with any new parking spots, but the city did begin construction last month on 124 more parking spaces at 63 N. Boyd. Hallelujah! Speaking of driving, you may have noticed two new vans trolling Garden streets.

Dog Dash Delivery (dogdashdelivery. com) is Uber for pets, getting your furry kids to their grooming appointments, daycare dates, or overnight adventures.

Likewise, Dr. Donita McCants (407-490-1652) fired up the engine on her mobile vet concierge services, bringing everything from X-rays to sick visits to dental cleaning to your doorstep. Our good friends, Dr. David and Jane Tran, cracked the door wide open at Tran Chiropractic at 11920 W. Colonial Drive. We almost forgive them for opening in Ocoee, which is also how we feel about Blaine Nelson from Mayson’s Wine Shop. But since he brought the winning People’s Choice Chili to the Central Florida Chili Cookoff in Hamlin Feb 19, benefitting Legacy Events for Education, we’ll happily keep visiting his wine shop at 2222 Ocoee Apopka Rd. You know, for the kids.

SHARE YOUR LOCAL GOOD NEWS! Email heather@emagency.com

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CHARITABLE SPOTLIGHT

2022 Special Olympics USA Games Orlando is making history by hosting the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games, the largest ever USA games event.

More than 5,500 athletes and coaches from all over the United States and the Caribbean will come together to compete in 19 different sports from June 5th through June 12th.

Not only will this event transform the lives of those living with intellectual disabilities through training and competing in various sports, the 2022 Games are dedicated to creating lasting, meaningful societal change in support of the Special Olympics movement in Florida, the United States, and around the globe. This cherished event will reach billions of people internationally, and approximately 125,000 family, friends, and spectators at the competitions. You can be one of the volunteers to make it all happen. “This is an incredible opportunity for residents, and especially students who need community service hours, to make a big difference while having fun as a volunteer team member”, says Winter Garden resident Jeanne Ford, Director, Operations responsible for Volunteers & Sustainability. “The 2022 USA Games is the largest humanitarian event in Florida’s history. You don’t want to miss it!”

Get Involved!

2022SpecialOlympicsUSAGames.org volunteer.2022usagames.org

DOWNLOAD

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

Scene

Follow the City of Winter Garden’s official social media and subscribe to the Downtown WG blog for bimonthly articles on local businesses and initiatives. @officialdowntownwintergarden downtownwg.com

ELLEN PR OB ST R E ALTOR ® R N, N P ElleSellsFlorida@gmail.com 407.815.4420

ElleSellsFlorida.com

Tails to Tell

Mobile Home African Spurred Tortoise, age 17

Hello. My name is Squirt. My humans adopted me when I was just a little squirt. They didn’t expect me to grow

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to nearly 50 lbs. and live as long as 70 years. But they didn’t get worried.

Instead, they gave me a new home.

As a tortoise, I’m at home wherever I go. But I still love having a nice new enclosure to snack and lounge in. I even have a new neighbor: another African Spurred tortoise named Tommy.

When I’m out of the house, I love spending time with my humans and their weird, hairy tortoises. (They are too tall and their ears are too floppy, but I love them anyway.)

Does your pet have a tail to tell?

Share it at thelocalwg@emagency.com

Your Winter Garden Real Estate Advisor Russu Realty & Associates

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

Also find us on

ANNA RUSSU

NATALIE JACOBY

Broker Owner

Realtor

D: (407) 515-0723 E: Anna@Russu.us W: Russu.Us Winter Garden FL

D: (407) 913-1389 E: Natalie@Russu.us W: Russu.Us Winter Garden FL

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For the Schmidt family, a sustainable lifestyle starts at home— from the foundation to the finish and everything in between.

M AR K McWATE R S

G

oing by its simple yellow facade and minimalist landscaping, it’s easy to gloss over the Schmidt family home as one of many custom houses throughout the area. But take a look at their $12 electric bill, and you’ll realize this house is built of different stuff.

F R E D LO PE Z

The unassuming home is platinum-certified sustainable with the Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC).

It’s the highest rated single-family sustainable home in Orange County and the 25th rated home in Florida. “I’d rate our life even higher,” says Arielle Schmidt who,

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The Schmidt home is platinum-certified sustainable with the Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC). It’s the highest rated single-family sustainable home in Orange County and the 25th rated home in Florida.

alongside her husband, Stephan, built their lean, green dream home in their favorite town. “We have all of Winter Garden within walking distance. The trees in the front bring us joy every time we look at them. And our children will be playing under them for years and years to come.”

So what does it take to build a platinum-certified sustainable home? Turns out, it’s a little creativity, a lot of planning, and a heaping helping of compromise to transform less into more.

Sense and Sustainability When Stephan first moved to the US in 2005, he was

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shocked by the amount of waste he saw in peoples’ homes. Being from Germany, he was accustomed to a lifestyle that followed the less-is-more aesthetic, with much smaller homes that lasted longer and performed more efficiently.

So, when his wife, Arielle, proposed that their next home be built as a sustainable home, he was all for it.

However, when it comes to home building, profit often overrides performance in terms of building materials, home designs, energy delivery, building techniques, and more.

While homebuilders are familiar with many of the concepts and offer sever-

WI N TE R G AR DE N

al optional features that qualify as sustainable, to carry the concept through an entire home is rare.

A frustrating reality that the Schmidts routinely experienced. That is, until they met the owner of Groninger Custom Homes during the Parade of Homes in Winter Park.

While delighted by Groninger’s designs and the quality of his work, Arielle and Stephan were equally impressed by the builder’s creativity and openness new ideas. The fact that Groninger had never built a sustainable home didn’t deter anyone. Together, the Schmidts and Groninger embraced the challenge.

With Arielle contributing significantly to the planning and design, the home began to take shape—on paper.

All they needed was the perfect lot, in the perfect neighborhood, in the perfect city, in a perfectly walkable area. Having been spoiled by their European lifestyle, the Schmidts were committed to finding a community where people walked or biked to get to work, to school, to shop, or to go out to eat.

Against all odds, they found the perfect place, one that checked all their boxes: Winter Garden!

Their next hurdle?

Neither the homebuilder nor the prospective home buyers were exactly experts

“We splurged on our floors. They’re extra-thick hardwood. Besides being beautiful, they’re more durable and can be refinished several times over their lifetime.”

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when it came to sustainable homes. Lucky for them, they found the FGBC. Says Arielle, “They were so helpful and gave us tons of information. First thing the FGBC did was give us a huge three-ring binder full of everything we needed to know, from choosing paint colors to choosing yard plants and everything in between.

“We studied and learned and when we were through, we had chosen an infill lot in a great neighborhood, which upped our sustainability score with the FGBC. We arrived at a final home design, after lots of give and take between us and Groninger Homes. And we were

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off and running, building the perfect sustainable home in the perfect community.

We made a few mistakes here and there. But with a willing builder and plenty of help from the FGBC, we did most things right.”

Beauty and the Budget Building a sustainable home is all well and good, but it simply has to be more expensive, doesn’t it?

The answer to that seems to be: It depends.

According to Arielle, careful planning and intelligent design helped minimize their costs. Their home scored very high with the FGBC for having a tight

WI N TE R G AR DE N

envelope. Its overall design featured a minimal use of concrete—“We didn’t add a driveway, for example.”— and it had a low ratio of outside walls to square footage. “We basically live in a beautiful cube.” By movein, they had managed to keep their home energy neutral while reducing their water usage.

If it sounds a bit expected, or even easy, it certainly was not. Through diligence and savvy planning, they saved where they could.

But, like most people who build their own home, their eyes were often bigger than their budget.

“We wanted everything right away and that was

just not financially feasible.

It forced us to prioritize.

For instance, we wanted to install solar panels right from the start, but the expense required us to wait until we could afford it.

So, we waited a year. We wanted a water cistern.

Nope. That one was just too expensive. I also thought a thermal tunnel would be a great addition to our house.

It funnels sunlight down into your home. Again, our budget said no, sorry. You can’t have that, either.

“However, what we do have is something very special. We have some really magnificent live oak trees in our front yard. In fact, the big oak tree is actually on

The Schmidts think sustainably whenever they can, from food to furniture to clothing and toys, opting for locally sourced goods and a whole-house water filter to reduce waste from plastic bottles.

the list to be included in the Bloom and Grow Society’s heritage tree listing. We wanted to protect those trees, which is one reason we limited concrete use.

Non-permeable ground cover could damage the trees’ water system.”

(That had to be in that big binder somewhere.)

“To keep our trees, we needed to reposition our house on the lot, which caused a bit of a drainage issue with a neighbor. The expense to fix that problem came out of our overall build budget. But the trees were worth it. They pay us

back by shading the front of our house and give our kids a comfortable place to play year-round.”

Even so, the compromises Stephan and Arielle faced were tough. “I’m someone who appreciates good design and style,” says Arielle. “I admit, a part of me wants that big, beautiful yard with the lush green lawn, the newest furniture, the nicest decor. But Stephan and I have a mindset that prioritizes functionality over the shiny new thing.”

For example, there was the decision to not lay any

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sod that would require fertilizer, pesticides, and irrigation. (You read that right: no irrigation.)

“It’s too hard on the land and wastes too much water,” Arielle explains.

“Likewise, all plant species currently on the lot were there when we purchased it in 2012. Any plants we added had to be either native to Florida or otherwise not invasive.”

The outdoor seating was equally mindful. “We have two benches in our front yard. One is an old picnic bench we acquired from the German American Society in Casselberry. It’s huge, 16 feet or so. We cleaned it up and refinished it and it’s beautiful. The other bench is one my father found and refinished years ago. You can’t buy that in a store for any price!

“We found a pile of bricks from a walkway that was originally here. We reused them to create something we like, something for us.

That’s just how we are. We decorate only with things that have meaning for us.”

generation. How Stephan and Arielle choose to incorporate the ideas of sustainability into their everyday lives certainly affects their children.

“We have three young children: Rosalyn is 10, Hendrik is 8, and Johannes is 5,” says Arielle. “Of course, they are too young to really grasp all that we are trying to do here or why it may be a bit unusual. But, over time I am confident they will absorb a lot of it.”

The Schmidt family thinks sustainably whenever they can, from food to clothing, opting for locally sourced goods and a wholehouse water filter to reduce waste from plastic bottles.

“The kids and I make all our own cleaning products.

They enjoy it. They know by now that the stuff in those pretty plastic bottles you buy at the store is mostly water. Why pay for those when vinegar and water is a very efficient cleaner?”

We asked Arielle what her plans were for the future.

Once all the excitement of a new home dies down and they’ve settled in to enjoy it, Inside and Out what then? Of course, their Sustainability is one thing careful planning accounted when you can apply all the for that, too. “We didn’t data points, technology, expect to build a quality susdesign, and building techtainable home that would niques to a finite structure be completely evolved on like a home. But it’s also a the day we received the lifestyle, one that continues certificate of occupancy. We to gain traction with each couldn’t afford it.”

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Why is this home sustainable?

• A tight building envelope • Lot choice, positioning, and drainage • Low ratio of outside walls to square footage • No sod, no fertilizer, no pesticides, and no irrigation • Native plants and trees • Limited use of concrete. Notice: no driveway!

• Highly insulated windows and doors • Energy efficient heating and cooling • Non-toxic and ecologically responsible building materials • Renewable or recyclable materials and decor choices • The detached garage, allowing for better ventilation of colorless, odorless, potentially lethal gasses

Instead, they see their home as a long-term project, lasting their lifetime and beyond. “It will certainly be standing as long as we are. I hope it will continue to be a beautiful home for our family for generations. Our goal was to build a home and a lifestyle that could evolve over time. That’s how we planned it, anyway.

“For instance, we splurged on our floors.

They’re extra-thick hardwood. Besides being beautiful, they’re more durable and can be refinished several times over their lifetime. We had an electric charging station installed in our garage. We don’t even have an electric car, so that might sound strange. It’s not though, because we plan for our next car to be a hybrid or all-electric vehicle.”

So, has it all been worth it? Are they happy with their sustainable home and lifestyle? More importantly, would they do the whole thing over again?

Arielle didn’t hesitate.

“One hundred percent.

Absolutely. We wouldn’t do it any other way.”

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Effie Effie Turner has spent a lifetime in Winter Garden, building a family and a home in the community. Now she begins a new chapter in her old hometown.

R H E YA TAN N E R

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E

ffie Turner is the definition of chic— her sleek gray-and-black ensemble embellished with a string of pearls and a bedazzled headband to tame any stray wisps of silver-white hair. A gentle smile graces her face as her delicate fingers trace a photo album one of her granddaughters made.

photo from that first day, Effie is as sharply dressed as ever, wearing her signature pearls alongside a pair of old dog tags. “They were the only thing I found of his that I can wear.”

Collie also left his wife a lifetime of good times to think about. From house to house, moment to moment, with Winter Garden as the backdrop through it all.

Be it Ever so Humble “Isn’t he precious? You’ll just die when you see how tall he was,” she says, pointing to a photo of her and her late husband, Collie, from when they first met. She was just 18 then.

“I’m holding a Terri Lee doll in this one because I’d just bought it when he came in the drugstore. Maybe I was too old for dolls, but I loved them anyway.”

“It’s how I got my name,” says Effie’s daughter, Terri Morabito, as she turns the pages for her mother. “This is always how I saw them— in the kitchen, laughing, always with a bowl of fruit on the table.”

The cover on the album reads “Think About the Good Times,” a phrase Collie said when things got tough, before his unexpected passing last year. “I wasn’t ready for change,” says Effie, dabbing away a tear. “But the day I moved

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in, the staff was all in the front room singing a song to me. That meant a lot.”

At the beginning of this year, The Blake at Hamlin, a new assisted living facility, became the latest of many Winter Garden residences

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Effie has called home. She celebrates her 87th birthday this month. “I’m doing just fine,” she says. “The only thing I have is a little arthritis in my hip that everybody has when it rains.”

In her Welcome Home

Effie was born in Ocoee on March 11, 1935. Her childhood home was at 212 Valencia Ct., in a Winter Garden that looked quite different, but felt nearly the same. “There weren’t as many houses, for sure. It

“He really wanted to marry me before he [deployed] again, and I wanted to marry him, too. I didn’t mind waiting for him.”

—Effie Turner was more country-like, a lot more orange groves,” she says. “There wasn’t a whole lot to do, but we made up our own fun. I broke my arm twice—once sliding onto a base we made on Story Road to play baseball, and again while riding bikes.”

While it was a small agricultural town, Winter Garden still felt the impact of World War II. “They couldn’t get rubber to make balls. I played jacks with a plastic ball. I even sewed a ball from the toe of a sock.”

Things remained quiet and simple until one Sunday in 1953, when she met the love of her life. “Me and a girlfriend were downtown at the pharmacy, on our

way to church, when he walked in.” That “he” was 21-year-old Collie Turner, back visiting his hometown while on leave from the Navy. “He asked us to go out with him, but I asked him to come to church with me instead.”

He declined that invitation but agreed to come to her house the next day.

“We spent the night riding around singing Christian songs,” she said. “He loved me from the very start.

And I loved him.”

The two were together just three months before Collie was deployed again—but even after such a short time, they knew it was meant to be. “He

really wanted to marry me before he left, and I wanted to marry him too. I didn’t mind waiting for him.”

The newlyweds were separated for almost a year, sending letters whenever they could. “I could have gone with him, but I thought it would be better for me to keep my job and stay with my parents,” she says. “I made some chocolate chip cookies and sent them to him once.”

When they finally reunited, Collie and Effie began to settle down in the place they’ve always called home. “He knew everybody around Winter Garden,” Effie says. Within a few months, those connections

brought Collie to his first (and last) job. “Two people from Continental Can came to our house to tell us they were gonna be hiring that day. So he went down there and they hired him.”

Collie started with the Continental Can Company at the bottom, cleaning floors and often working nights. “I quit my job when he moved to night shift because I wanted more time with him. We’d already been apart for so long.”

Where the Heart Is It was two years before their first child, Terri, was born, and another two years before the birth of their son, Craig. “We had to work

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“Mom was always the silent person behind everything.

She always made sure everything was taken care of and everybody felt loved.”

—Terri Morabito

everything around Collie’s schedule, but he spent lots of time with the kids, playing ball and playing outside.”

“They always put us first, even if Dad didn’t have a lot of time,” says Terri. “He would come home after second shift, pick us up, and go to this restaurant called Chastain’s that was open all night so we could have dinner together.”

The young Turner family grew up in a little house on Palm Drive. “Goodness, it was so small,” says Terri. “But it was very Old Florida—cedar cabinets

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with the knots in them and huge sliding glass doors that would shake when the hurricanes came.”

With the tight-knit neighborhood and the city’s growth during that time, the Palm Drive house is home to their fondest memories. “All us kids would camp out all night and then come back to my house in the morning because Mom would make pancakes for the neighborhood,” Terri recalls. “Some days they’d load up the car and take us through the woods out to a lake in Windermere and we’d go

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swimming. We had a lot of adventure in that house.”

Meanwhile, Collie worked his way up the ranks, eventually being offered the position of Plant Manager. “We had to move to Winter Haven for a couple years, because that’s where Collie got his training,” says Effie. “But then they put him right back in his old plant, and the people loved him there.”

“We all wanted to come back to Winter Garden anyway. Just because it was home,” adds Terri. “There’s never going to be a better town to live in.”

Collie retired at 72 after 50 years at Continental Can, and the couple enjoyed an independent, retired life playing grandparents to both their own grandchildren and the whole community. Collie continued to teach Sunday school, coach little league baseball, and play Santa Claus for the better part of a decade. “The kids would still call him ‘coach’ after all these years.

Some of the kids he taught are old themselves now,” says Terri. “Mom was always the silent person behind everything. She always made sure everything was

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“Winter Garden makes Going Back Home In his mid-80s, Collie fought her feel and won a battle against bladder cancer. “In February comfortable, 2021, the doctors at the even though cancer center said it was all gone,” Terri said. “But he it’s changed. just kept getting weaker.”

The family started We still see it looking into assisted living and discovered The Blake. a lot the way “It was dirt when we first it was, so to saw it,” says Terri. “He and Mom had planned on see it as it is coming here together.”

Their best-laid plans now brings couldn’t have accounted for Collie being re-admitback old ted to the hospital and discovering that his cancer memories.” taken care of and everybody felt loved.”

“And Collie was the one behind me,” Effie adds.

was not only back, but had metastasized. But even

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—Terri Morabito

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while he was in the hospital, he was still putting Effie first. “He’s so brave,” she says. “He saw that he was going to pass away, and he wanted me to be taken care of. He paid for my stay here and told me he wanted me to come.”

Collie passed on Aug. 4, 2021. His funeral was attended by his two children, five grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and countless members of the community who saw him as their own family. “I have to know he is with God,” says Effie. “He was a good force.”

Honoring her late husband’s wish, Effie moved in January 2022 and has enjoyed the freedom of assisted living. “Bless her heart, her and my dad were so locked in with the pandemic. It’s wonderful that

all the services can come to her,” says Terri. “If she gets sick in the middle of the night, she doesn’t have to go to the hospital around all the sickness.”

“They can come over here and eat with me,” Effie says of her family— four generations of family now residing in Winter Garden. “My little 4-yearold great granddaughter can come visit.”

Her new home offers another opportunity to think of the good times, as well as create new ones. “Winter Garden makes her feel comfortable, even though it’s changed. We still see it a lot the way it was, so to see it as it is now brings back old memories.”

After all, a home is just a house until the memories are made.

THE PERFECT A MORTGAGE FOR AN IMPE RFECT WORLD

ntonio Stewart of Florida Mortgage Providers is that rare breed of mortgage agent that gives all potential homebuyers hope, especially those with less than perfect credit. He has access to a wider variety of lending options, from the more traditional conventional and FHA loans to, as he describes them, the more out-of-the-box products. He is certainly a breath of fresh air for anyone on the hunt for a mortgage.

His pricing is aggressive: “We have some of the best rates in the country and can offer loans that require as little as 3% down.”

His portfolio of products is broader: “We regularly originate bank statement loans for self employed people whereby positive cash flow from their business is used to determine income instead of having to provide tax returns.”

And he is fast: “We can often close our clients’ loans in 21 days or less!”

Antonio served his country as a U.S. Marine before settling into a 15-year

stretch working in finance with the U.S. Government.

Since then, he has amassed over a decade of specific real estate experience and is carefully building his reputation as a mortgage agent who understands today’s markets and what people are facing in today’s up-and-down world.

“I like to think that I provide my clients with personal, responsive service they won’t find at other institutions. I can offer lending solutions that a bank simply cannot.

Florida Mortgage Providers has access to unique loan products with very flexible requirements. All I ask is that anyone who is in the hunt for a mortgage—conventional, VA, investment or even a construction loan— spend a couple of minutes with me. We’ll figure out the right mortgage solution for you. And then we’ll get you closed and in your next new home faster than you can say, Thank you Florida Mortgage Providers for making my whole mortgage process quick, easy, and painless!

antonio@flmproviders.com / 321-360-2565 floridamortgageproviders.com PR O MOT IO NAL F E AT U RE

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H By mixing business and pleasure, Florida Paints’ President Jeff Grasty (left) and TikTok Legend Tony Piloseno (right) are introducing an entire new generation to the beauty of paint.

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House Blend Behind every color is a story of chance, experimentation, and science. And when two color stories collide? Everything changes.

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t all started with an idea and a blender. For Tony Piloseno, aka Tonester, that blender contained a gallon of white paint, and the idea was to add color, texture, and whatnot, and blend it live for a million-strong army of TikTok followers.

For Jeff Grasty, Don Strube Jr., and Rick Strube (that’s strew-bee), it was blending one part family legacy with three parts proprietary ingredients to create the iconic business Florida Paints.

Blend them both together, and you get paint for an entirely new generation.

“Paint is one of the most inexpensive, yet substan-

tial changes you can make in your home,” says Jeff.

“Which is why this partnership works so well. Tony’s creativity is introducing an entire new generation to the beauty of a product we already know and love.”

pigment can create different colors, and how very small increments, even a fraction of an ounce, can change everything. It was fascinating, and I absolutely loved mixing colors. It’s all I talked about,” he jokes. “So I started creating videos of Feeling the Blues my color experiments, just What started as a fun way for fun. Everything was an to share his passion for experiment, which is where paint quickly changed the the blueberries came in. I course of Tony’s life. And had tried coffee and sauces blueberries are to blame. and other things, but I like “When I first started work- the color blue, and I thought ing at Sherwin Williams in blueberries would be fun.”

2018, I had no idea how Seemed innocent color was created. I thought enough. Until someone paint was something you filed a complaint to corbought off the shelf. I porate, and in July 2020, had no idea about tinting Piloseno was fired from his formulas or how colors work job of four years. For blendtogether, but I absolutely ing paints. That he paid for. fell in love with it. How Although he was banadding the right amount of ished by the world’s largest

paint producer, Tony’s passion for pigment was undeterred. He bootstrapped a studio in a friend’s basement, bought a cheap Lightbox and blend tool, and started collecting off-the-shelf paint products for his videos.

The videos kept getting noticed, and his follower account grew, but Tony still didn’t have a job. Pandemic and all. So he took to the camera and simply shared the story with his community.

Instant virality. To date, it’s one of his most widely-viewed videos with more than 8 million likes. Job offers flooded his inbox.

“It was cool to feel validated,” he says. “But I had a bad taste in my mouth working in a big corporate

Face Your Fears Tired of neutrals but scared that a splash of color will be “too much”? Here’s Tony and Jeff ’s advice on how you can welcome color back into your interior with confidence: Don’t fear the flashy. If you love a bold color but worry it will be overkill, paint just one wall.

Strong color instantly changes a room.

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Don’t fear the dark. If you have a dark room, don’t paint it a light color and pretend it’s a bright room. Painting a dark room a dark color can give it real presence.

Don’t fear the ceiling. Too many people ignore it. Paint your ceiling in any hue, light or dark, or add texture with architectural detail. When you address the ceiling, it lifts the eye.

When in doubt, think 60/30/10.

If you are nervous or unsure about adding color into your home, consider using the 60-3010 color rule: 60% of the room should be a dominant color, 30% should be the secondary color or texture, and 10% should be an accent.

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environment, so I wasn’t excited about joining another high-profile corporation.”

He filtered offers and took a few interviews, but his interest wasn’t truly piqued until he received a LinkedIn message from Don Strube Jr. “I liked him from the start,” says Tony.

“Florida Paints was a smallto-midsize, family-based company in Winter Garden, which I wanted. And Don was really passionate about paint and color.

When I got off the plane, the first thing we did was tour the area, looking at all the colorful murals and buildings. He wasn’t just talking the talk. Don was truly passionate about color, and I loved that.

Plus, one thing he told me straight from the beginning was that he was willing to help turn Tonester, my brand, into its own line of paint and color. What 23-year-old doesn’t want that? A dream come true.”

Wheel has been reborn as Florida Paints, but its proprietary formula — made to fight harsh elements like wind, salt, and sun — lives on. As does the Strube legacy, with sons Rick and Don Strube Jr. co-founding Florida Paints in 2012 alongside now President Jeff Grasty.

Even Jeff and Tony share a unique backstory—college students needing a job. “I actually started working with Color Wheel in 1994. I had just graduated from Rollins College.

Driving a paint van wasn’t what I had in mind at the time, but I was in my 20s, starting a family, and I needed to work. Thankfully, I figured out pretty quickly that paint was a very interesting business.”

Although it may be the business of paint that keeps Jeff busy all day, and color that keeps Tony’s creative wheels turning, they agree on one thing: Color, above all, is about giving human Blended Reality beings the means to exFlorida Paints, which is press themselves. now housed in the former “At some point in life, evWinter Garden Citrus ery person will buy a gallon Growers Association pack- of paint. They may do it at ing plant, is a legacy ex18 or 25 or 52, but it will periment. Don and Charlie happen. And once they roll Strube were the first to that color onto a wall or blend the idea into reality a building, it will change back in 1960, with Color the way they think and feel Wheel Paint & Coatings. about paint,” says Tony.

Sixty years and 70 million “Color is everywhere,” he gallons of paint later, Color continues. “It touches near-

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A Fresh Coat of Paint The Winter Garden Citrus Growers Association packing plant was left unoccupied and dilapidated for more than a decade until Florida Paints renovated it in 2018.

“When Rick and Don purchased this building, it didn’t look anything like this,” says Jeff. “They were filming horror movies in here. It was pretty bad. But it’s a rich part of this community’s history— Florida’s history—and that’s important to all of us. We feel honored to carry on this plant’s legacy, from packing Florida oranges to making Florida paint.”

ly everything, and nowhere else is that more important than in our homes.”

“We’re wired to look for color,” Jeff explains. “But for many years, color has been excluded from our homes. The whole notion of white walls and neutral spaces being more soothing. But we’re seeing a real love for color and people wanting it in their home.”

“The power of color can completely alter your experience,” says Tony. “So many people come into the store worried about making the ‘wrong choice.’ There is no wrong choice. It’s all about finding the colors you respond to and that make you feel good. And the beauty is, if it doesn’t work out, it’s just paint. $30, $40, $50 later, and you can try again.”

IT ALL COMES OUT IN THE WASH

been making roofs, driveways, homes beautiful for about five years now.”

But don’t confuse Softwash for a simple pressure wash. “The force that comes out of those nozzles can harm roofs and siding. It can even do a number on concrete driveways,” Andrew says of typical pressure washers. “No, the pressure we use is more like your garden hose. Our secret is the soaps and chemicals—harmless to your home, but dirt, algae and mildew can’t escape.”

The Safely Softwash soap acts as Safely Softwash puts a surfactant, spreading the effects the pressure on typical of the chemicals so they can get pressure washing services superior results from less product. with a gentler process and “People worry about their plants and bushes. But there’s a reason ‘Safely’ is superior results. the first word in our name.”

As for the “Softwash” part, Andrew f Andrew Wilburn, owner of Safely didn’t coin the term. Instead, he is part Softwash, has heard it once he’s of a national network: Softwash Sysheard it a hundred times: “I didn’t know my roof was that color!” It’s a tems. “[The network] continues to supsentiment he never gets tired of hearing ply us with the information, equipment, and training we need to do the job. The because Andrew is in the business of training our service techs receive is making a difference in his community absolutely the best in the industry.” one home, one roof, at a time.

Andrew is so sure of the stunning “Safely Softwash is a family business. results Safely Softwash treatments I started it with my father, and we’ve

I

deliver that he warranties his work for a whopping five years! “Pressure wash guys can’t match our five-year warranty because mold and mildew grows back too quickly. It would be a bad business decision for them.”

If you give Safely Softwash a call, expect free estimates on every job, before-and-after drone shots of your home (How cool is that?), and of course, a five-year warranty. Is there anything more to say?

“I would say,” says Andrew, “that our level of professionalism is simply better than the other guys. We tell you exactly what we’re going to do, and we follow through. We do what we say. Simple as that.”

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Homefront

Kitchen Revelry For the past six months, we watched this renovation go from drab to demo. At long last, Karen’s Winter Garden kitchen is ready for its big reveal.

W

e did it!

Well,almost. While most of the remodeling project is completed, we have fallen victim to the same supply chain challenges frustrating all homeowners, designers, and tradespeople. The real 36-inch counter-depth refrigerator is on backorder until late April. (Thank you to Aggressive Appliances for graciously loaning one).

The gorgeous 8-foot-wide French door with sidelites that will open the dining room to the lanai, flooding the space with more light and flow-through seating?

Also on backorder, along with mirrors and windows for other parts of the house.

Certainly frustrating, but we’re all in this together.

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My advice for homeowners currently renovating or considering a project: Be patient, expect delays, but keep moving forward!

If you wait for it to come back in stock before ordering, you’ll be so far back in line that it will sell out or be discontinued before you get delivery. Start now, and get in line!

Here’s the good news: The space is simply stunning! As a designer, it’s so rewarding to look back at the before photos and see what you’ve accomplished in just six months. We’ve transformed a typical “cut up” plan by removing walls and outdated tile and enlarging the space to accommodate an updated look. Nine feet of beautifully appointed cabinetry

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and a large pantry provide ample storage, even in a tight space. Plenty of entertaining and dining space to relax with friends and enjoy a leisurely dinner. Speaking of dining, we will repurpose Karen’s dining table and

change the oak color to a new, dark-gray stain, playing off the dark gray veining in the quartz countertops.

A little bit of “old” integrated with the new.

There’s more to be done, of course. A new roof is

(Below) Humble beginnings. (Opposite page) Taking down the wall created a gorgeous open concept, flooding the kitchen and dining room with gorgeous natural light and ample room for entertaining.

Wide, faux-wood luxury vinyl plank stretches from the front door to the patio. White shaker-style cabinets and a charcoal island are enhanced by the charcoal-veined quartz countertop. In April, 8-foot French doors will open the dining room to the outdoor patio.

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planned, shutters are on order, and furniture will come. But all the hard work is done, and I’m grateful to have worked with some incredible trades. Kitchen Solvers of Orlando, Impact Electric, Art Harding Construction, Ark Plumbing, and US Design Source made this heroic effort come to life.

It has been my absolute pleasure to work on this

project, turning a charming house into the kind of home Karen looks forward to living in. To make new memories and new friends in a new season of life.

From Windermere to Winter Garden, with love.

Owner of Stones Design.

She has been a licensed interior designer for 35 years, with 8 of those years spent working in and around Winter Garden.

(Top) The room before renovation.

(Right) Marilou and Karen celebrate the finished kitchen design. Next up: Move in and plan a housewarming party!

(Opposite page) Karen was adamant about mixing old with new. Her own kitchen table, which holds precious family memories, anchors the dining space. Eventually, the wood top will be refinished in a dark charcoal to coordinate with the island.

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Marilou Stones, ASID

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Communities are strongest when everyone plays a role. For Evergreen Lifestyle Management it starts with a yellow bus, a friendly elephant, and a contagious working environment in the heart of Winter Garden.

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elephant named Emmy. An Improv enthusiast, a singer, and a computer geek. A diverse team of hyper-enthusiastic cheerleaders and problem-solvers, and an English Ringmaster to wrangle them all. If that sounds like a colorful cast of characters akin to The Greatest

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Showman, you wouldn’t be wrong. And the people working at Evergreen Lifestyle Management wouldn’t have it any other way.

While you may not know the people on third floor offices of the Exchange Building, the Evergreen team certainly knows you, having woven themselves into the fabric of the community as

seamlessly as they manage homeowner disputes at more than 200 communities. That’s 90,000 rooftops from Florida to Tennessee and the Carolinas.

Their job, much like the circus, is to bring joy and fun wherever they go. That was the dream initiated in 2010 and that’s the mission carried out today

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by CEO Kraig Carmickle and COO Mandy Morgan— now being solidified by a powerhouse partnership with RealManage Family of Brands, creating the third largest management company in the US. The Evergreen success story can be directly attributed to the team that Carmickle and Morgan

have hand-picked in the nine years they’ve been working together. “We didn’t want to be just another HOA. Who likes their HOA?” Mandy jokes. “So yes, while we solve traditional community challenges, our staff is trained to be positive ambassadors and lifestyle directors. Our team is responsible for a wide range of events, including theme parties and cooking classes, sports and fitness events, neighbor appreciation. And they do it with optimism, trust, enthusiasm, purpose, joy and passion.”

This unique focus on community has ignited Evergreen’s growth and with the new partnership between Evergreen and RealManage, they get to share their passion in 19 states, 2,000 communities and 2,100 staff.

Mandy explains: “We truly want people to love where they live and choose that as a destination to enjoy life.

And we believe that starts here, in the workplace and in the community where our people work and live.”

It was Mandy’s dream to elevate the Evergreen headquarters by moving to beautiful Winter Garden.

A process that took more than two years, thanks to a pandemic and construction delays, but “totally worth it in the end,” she says.

“If we look out the window right now, we’re going

to see families, we’re going to see couples, we’re going to see people being active and doing things together,” Mandy says. “Neighbors become friends, friends become family, and that’s the heart of community…

Which is the core of who we are as a company.

We’re all on the same bus.”

The bus refers to Jon Gordon’s book, The Energy Bus, and it’s the guiding force driving Evergreen’s positivity dynamic. Mandy says: “No one goes through life untested. But the answer to those tests is positive energy—the kind that defines great leaders, great companies, and great communities. That’s the bus we’re on.”

It’s a culture and ethos imbued into every member of the Evergreen team. Take Gris Romero, Director of Support Services and Evergreen’s 2021 Employee of the Year: “What we sell isn’t something you can hold in your hands. But it’s what makes a community come alive. It’s the thing that makes someone excited to tell you about where they live,” she says.

Mallory Ertel agrees. Her job as Officer Manager is eclipsed only by her role as Emmy the Elephant, the indefatigable Evergreen mascot. “It’s a feeling, an emotion. We’re creating memories that a lot of

“

NO ONE GOES THROUGH LIFE UNTESTED. BUT THE ANSWER TO THOSE TESTS IS POSITIVITY. THAT’S THE ENERGY BUS WE’RE ON.” —Mandy Morgan

management companies simply don’t take the time to do. You think of an HOA and you think of rules and regulations. And yes, that’s part of the job.”

“But what people really remember is the epic holiday party where noone left the dance floor all night,” adds Amy Malinder, Director of Lifestyle and Communication. “In our communities and at the office, we’re proud of the fact that strangers start out as neighbors, but become friends and family.”

“Everyone here really is family,” adds Todd Moseley, Director of Training and Development. “Sure, we fight, but we really do love each other. And that love carries over into our work.

It’s what makes Evergreen so successful, because it’s authentic.”

Authenticity. Passion.

Positivity. That’s the secret formula behind Evergreen’s success in crafting community wherever they land.

The dancing elephant?

That certainly doesn’t hurt.

270 W Plant Street, Suite 340 877-221-6919 / Evergreen-LM.com Mmorgan@Evergreen-LM.com

PR O MOT IO NAL F E AT U RE

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Bobolicious o o co Wild Shrimp Bobó is the comfort food you never knew you needed.

H E AT H ER AN N E LEE

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nprepared. That’s how I felt when I walked into Pico Bistro in Winter Garden.

Tucked in an unassuming plaza behind yet another 7-Eleven, I admit, my hopes were not high. Maybe an empanada, a glass of wine, and then I’d split.

With four decades under my belt, I should know by now not to judge a book by its (strip mall) cover.

Some of my favorite haunts have been in much seedier locations. Still, judge I did, and thankfully I was wrong.

So very wrong.

The atmosphere: charming in its simplicity. Fewer than 10 distressed wood tables simply adorned with bud vases. Fresh herbs, vibrant and overflowing, grow in well-tended plant-

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F R ED LOPE Z

ers along the window, their fresh scent dancing on the air to the tune of soft Bossa Nova. With nary a hint of pretentiousness, Pico Bistro feels like someone’s home.

I ordered a glass of Vinho Verde and settled in for the experience.

You should know, I’m a girl who likes to eat. I’ll order 10 things on a menu just to have a taste. And since I don’t do leftovers (it’s a thing), if you’re dining with me, you have the pleasure of toting home the extras. That said, it’s best to know the price for said take-home luxury is my fork in your plate.

When it comes to food, sharing is caring. I will not be swayed.

So yes, I ordered a sampling of the empanadas,

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of which there is already a cult-like following.

They did not disappoint.

Delightfully light, housemade pastry dough, lovingly wrapped around your choice of traditional or inventive fillings, lightly fried in oh-so-clean oil. Truly a pocket-sized delight. Then again, you already know that.

What piqued my interest was the Wild Shrimp Bobó.

From the description, I knew it would be owner and chef Romulo Costa’s version of the iconic Brazilian shrimp stew, Bobó de Camarão. Bobó, a popular dish from the Bahia region in northeastern Brazil, epitomizes the sweet, creamy, seafood-focused cuisine of the Atlantic coast, while paying hom-

age to the West African influence on the region.

Afro-Brazilian comfort food, if you will, meant to be served over rice.

Romulo’s version is infinitely more interesting. Baby shrimp and Andouille sausage swim in a chowder-like Brazilian puree made with yucca, coconut milk, amazon oil, herbs, and yellow and red pepper. It’s the amazon (aka dendê) oil that lends the glorious orange hue and a subtle heat. Warm and deliciously comforting, you could simply eat this with a spoon and no one would judge. But then you’d miss out on what is obviously the best part of the dish: the yucca puffs.

Starchy-sweet, but still paleo (if that matters to

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Eats+Drinks you), the yucca mash is ever-so-gently fried just long enough to form a tender crust and bind the yucca.

An important detail, for this Truth be told, I also ordered the bacalao. Why? Because you rarely find it on Central fritter is meant to be a veFlorida menus, and I’m a sucker for the word confit. Confit cod in homemade extra virgin cover-guest-mar-2022-us.jpg.pdf hicle for the chowder.

You• Feb 16, 2022 at 6:24 AM Saved to Dropbox oil on top of a potato and Portuguese sausage bed with apricot cubes. Yes, please. cut it in half, revealing the Here’s the thing about bacalao. Culinarily speaking, it’s a Spanish term for creamy, yet toothsome cendried and salted codfish, a method of preservation used long before there was ter, layer the wild shrimp on refrigeration. Before it can be consumed, the fish needs to be rehydrated and the top, and generously spoon excessive amount of sodium reduced by soaking and changing the water several the chowder over it. times over many hours. A laborious effort, indeed.

Yes, it was messy. There is Pico Bistro’s cod celebrates the salt cod experience, then elevates it by no elegant or discreet way to poaching the bone-in fillet in extra virgin olive oil. What is delivered to your fork a chowder, even with a table is noticeably salty, yet melting tender cod. The potato and Portuguese caravan of yucca puffs. But sausage lend an earthy, roasted contrast, but it is the sweet slivers of apricot that’s part of the charm. It’s that are the unsung hero. To be sure, bacalao is an acquired taste. My dining meant to be unctuous and companion was not a fan, but I remain enthralled. messy and comforting, all at once. Just like life. Just like home.

Bistro Bacalao

post-product-new-products-ss22.jpg.pdf Saved to Dropbox • Feb 16, 2022 at 6:23 AM

SHERRIE NEMETZ pamperedchefbysherrie@gmail.com / 321-436-0709 R E Q UE S T A C ATALO G

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Champ A housewarming gift that will get things popping.

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ote to self: Your recently relocated friends don’t need any more coffee mugs or candles. With so many people migrating to the area, it’s inevitable you know someone trying to settle into a new home. I meet people who just bought their first home, people transitioning from different states, I even know people hopping into new digs only a mile away from their current spot.

Moving can be arduous and expensive, so I always like to show up to the new pad with something amazing to celebrate the occasion. I’m at that age when a lot friends are settling into their new home, and after MANY attempts, I have perfected the quintessential housewarming gift … and that gift is Champagne!

Buying a new house is a cause for celebration, and what better way to celebrate than with a nice bottle of bubbles?

And I’m not talking about cheap bubbles you hide in mimosas (Sorry Cook’s), I’m talking true French Champagne.

The kind you pay more for all because it’s from a certain region in France. The kind that follows the many rules of said region to put it in a category all its own.

The kind you would never shake and spray all over the room because it would be a drag to waste such precious liquid.

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While many brands exist, my favorite of all is Taittinger.

One of the best nonvintage bruts of all time, I’ve read Taittinger described as “racy, elegant, and totally charming.” They’re not lying. Taittinger screams to be drunk with friends in a celebratory setting. Even with its high prestige, it’s a solid bottle you can pick up at your neighborhood grocery store. While you may think you know the perfect gift for the moment, it could be a toss up if they’re truly appreciative. However, with Taittinger, it always delivers. My sneak trick is to force them to open the gift while

I’m checking out the spread, and maybe they’ll be encouraged by my high energy to pop the bubbly while I’m there. Even if they don’t, it leaves room to be shared for a tender moment later down the road. Taittinger is the epitome of perfection, to be shared at any time and place without disappointment. It’s important to be celebrated as a gesture as well as a gift, but if they’re going to drink it, it’s better if it tastes good.

Tarin Scarbrough

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

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

DINING GUIDE I

MENU

Eats+Drinks

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

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

NO.1 BEST

THAI RESTAURANT

ORLANDO READER’S CHOICE ORLANDO MAGAZINE MULTIPLE YEARS INCLUDING 2021

Authentic traditional Thai food presented in a warm atmosphere where you will receive multiple choices of affordable and delectable dishes. Thai food can be as spicy or as mild as you choose, and every menu item we serve is cooked to order. 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.

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

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

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.

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

Main House Market 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

Main House Market and Kombucha Bar is our love letter to Central Florida’s past, present, and future. We celebrate the Sunshine State by showcasing the work of home-grown artists as well as products made and sourced by various local vendors, including plants, pottery, garb, antiques, baked goods, and—the MAIN attraction—locally brewed kombucha.

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

ENJOY

13 TAPS FROM OUR LOCAL BREWERS

Market To Table 146 W Plant St, Winter Garden / 407-395-9871 market2table.com 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. 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 Shakshouka. Before you leave, you’ll be making dinner reservations. It’s just that good.

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WI N TE R G AR DE N

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

EXPERIENCE

OUR NEW

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

DINING GUIDE I

MENU

Eats+Drinks

The French Café

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

FRENCH TOAST

10

% OFF

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!

THRU MARCH

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

Experience

OUR BRAND

NEW

PASTRIES MENU

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.

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

HOURS Mon-Thur 2pm-8pm Fri 2pm-9pm Sat 11:30am-9pm Sun 1pm-8pm

1

$

OFF

ANY LARGE TREAT MARCH ONLY

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!

ON MARCH 20TH—The First Day of Spring

Come enjoy a FREE cup of ice

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Rhetoric Rheya Tanner muses on life as a local

The Turn of the Screw

N

ot long ago, I would have told you that I love assembling furniture. I’d have said I found it therapeutic to turn my brain off and turn a pile of parts into the picture on the front of the box.

But then I came face to face with the Real Living® Farmhouse TV Stand. And everything changed.

I offered to put one together for my dear mother, neither of us aware of what evil she’d wrought upon us.

With a smile on my face and a podcast in my ear, I sliced the box open and got to unpacking, careful not to miss any white parts among the equally white styrofoam.

Geez, I didn’t think this box could hold this much stuff, I thought in passing.

I should have realized it then. But not until opening the manual to the first diagram did I discover what fresh hell had befallen me.

It might as well have been the schematics of the freakin’ Hadron Collider. Parts labeled A to ZZ (not a typo—it

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needed two alphabets), plus a hardware store’s worth of bolts, hinges, and other instruments of torment.

As I sat on the floor, taking in the scene like a toddler who’d just shattered a vase, it occurred to me, a little too late: I didn’t have a drill.

This isn’t so bad, I thought, courageous fool that I was.

At least it’s alphabetized.

I lined all the letters up, nodding approvingly as I turned to Step 1.

It began with Part O. Oh. It shouldn’t be legal to subject innocent people to such dense and chaotic instructions. Cam bolts, barrel nuts, wood screws, each demanding their own wrench (or pliers if they needed discipline). At one point, I was holding one section up with my feet while twisting nails into another, jabbing my screwdriver into pre-drilled holes that were too small for reasons known only to the monster who drilled them.

The worst part is, I let it get to me. I got sloppy—

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misplaced parts, miscounted holes, stepped on a bag of nails once or twice—which only compounded my frustration. I was spiraling. But I refused to let some stupid planks of stupid wood win this war of attrition.

As if calling my bluff, the manual presented Step 9. It needed four Part Hs. I had three. I started scouring my inventory for that short, cube-y piece that looked a bit … like styrofoam.

In that moment, my mind went blank. I watched my body fling the manual, lurch for the box, and rip it apart with my bare hands, rending cardboard and packing tape, grasping for Part H

like it had killed my family.

I was beyond feeling. Beyond weakness. There was nothing left of me but vengeance.Even if it destroyed me, Real Living® would be Real Dying today.

Six hours. I wrestled for six hours with this wretched cabinet. I was glassy-eyed, drenched in sweat, my screwdriving arm in ruins— but victory was finally mine.

And for a brief moment, it was so beautiful; I wondered if this was how new mothers felt after giving birth. “This one looks great,” mom says.

My eyes widen in horror as she pats my shoulder. “We’ll do the other next week!”

She bought two.

Illustration: Josh Clark

How putting one cabinet together tore me apart