Central Florida Lifestyle: Horizon West November 2020

HorizonWest A P O P K A

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H A M L I N

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O A K L A N D

LIFESTYLE

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NOVEMBER 2020

INSIDE

DISCOVER: THE PALM BEACHES

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RECIPES FOR YOUR HOLIDAY TABLE

LET’S TALK GIFTS!

Lifestyle’s Favorites Photo Courtesy of Brady Gin Photography

LOOKING BEYOND 2020

At The Eye Place www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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+ LETTER From the Publisher

Honesty is the Best Policy As we quickly watch the remaining few weeks left in 2020, it is, (well in year’s past), the time to be dusting off our holiday silver, scheduling the traditions of family gatherings and being thankful for the last year’s abundances. However, this year is different, and we all have been reminded of that day in and day out.

So as we experience a much different type of holiday season this year, it is OK to feel different, think different and create different but new kinds of traditions. It’s OK to be honest about how you are feeling and thinking.

We at Central Florida Lifestyle are honestly THANKFUL that our company has continued to be able to come into your home each month to take your mind off of the unknown and hopefully give you a bit of joy. We could not have done this without you, our community, and our advertisers.

So as you open the pages of this issue, we hope you are inspired by the amazing people who are supporting their neighbors and causes that are deeply affecting our community. We hope you will recreate the holiday recipes for your loved ones, treat yourself to something from our gift guide list and support any of the causes you see that touch your heart as they have touched ours. After all, it’s the time of year to help others any way we can.

Have a happy Thanksgiving!

CEO/PUBLISHER Kristi Gomen kristi@karstmediagroup.com EXECUTIVE EDITOR Lyndsay Fogarty lyndsay@karstmediagroup.com DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA & SPECIAL EVENTS Catie Moore catie@karstmediagroup.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER Michael Feland CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Michael Brehne, Stina D’Uva, Christie Fogarty, Jessica Gilbreath, Nancy Glasgow, Kimbra Hennessey, Jack Shearer, Nathan Starr

Kristi Gomen Publisher

CONTACT US

FOR ADVERTISING INFO

407-449-2022

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

Follow us: • facebook.com/centralfloridalifestyle • instagram.com/yourlifestylemagazine • twitter.com/cflifestylemag A Product of Karst Media

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+ WHAT’S Inside

Contents | November 2020 Departments

Features 16

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36

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METROWEST MASTER ASSOCIATION

From making donations to local schools to naming new board members, discover what the MetroWest Master Association is doing to make their community a fun and safe place to live, work, play and connect.

16 GIFTS FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST

You’ve made a list and checked it twice. Now, here are our ideas for some of the top gifts of the holiday season.

3 RECIPES FOR YOUR HOLIDAY TABLE

Whether you want to keep it classic with a traditional spread or add in some twists, we have you covered.

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DID YOU KNOW

Set a Timer for the Pomodoro Method

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IN THE KITCHEN

Holiday Sweets

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SCHOOL NEWS

What are You Thankful For?

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

5 Tips for Avoiding the Flu This Season

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PLACES TO GO

The Palm Beaches

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WINE & SPIRITS

4 Festive Cocktail Ideas for Fall

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

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Your First Response to Pain Hope for the Holidays

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BON APPETIT

Orlando’s Best Brunch

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EXPERT ADVICE LAW

5 Tips for Filing Insurance Claims During the Holidays

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YOUR LOCAL

Support Edgewood Children’s Ranch West Orange Community Takes Care of Its Own

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HOSPITALITY SPOTLIGHT

“CFHLA Believes” to Support Industry

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SNAPSHOTS

Community Happenings

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SOMEONE YOU SHOULD KNOW

Nick Falcone

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Web Life

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Go online for stories and photos not seen in print.

• More stories from local communities • An expanded web calendar

Central Florida Lifestyle | November 2020

Highly Honored Dentist OF THE ACADEMY OF GENERAL DENTISTRY

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The dental staff was dressed in full medical grade Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and double masked. Every precaution was taken in ensuring a safe and clean environment from allowing only one patient in the lobby at a time to thoroughly disinfecting every surface area between patients to requiring the use of hand sanitizer and a temperature check before being seen. The level of care and attentiveness exhibited by the entire staff was nothing short of exceptional.

-Tina Le

Dr. Phan earned the prestigious Mastership Award from The Academy of General Dentistry (MAGD), placing him among the 1% of general dentists throughout the United States and Canada that hold this title.

7824 LAKE UNDERHILL RD., #G ORLANDO, FL 32822 (407) 282-7498 WWW.PHANTASTICSMILE.COM

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for new patient exam, x-rays & initial cleaning The $99 special offer is for new patients without insurance.

Not valid with any other offer. Good through 12/15/2020.

+ DID YOU Know?

Set a Timer for the

Pomodoro Method How this strategy can help you work smarter and faster while avoiding burnout.

By Jack Shearer

W

hen a task seems insurmountable or too huge to finish, procrastination is usually the result. You might think you work well under pressure, but getting stressed all the time in order to get work done isn't healthy. Even more, it could lead to burnout. The best way to tackle your work and stay focused throughout is by using the Pomodoro Method.

What is the Pomodoro Method?

This work strategy, which was created by Francesco Cirillo, involves working for 25 minutes then resting for five minutes. After the fourth work period, you can take a longer break of 15 minutes. However, this is completely customizable, so you can change the break times to make them work for your situation.

How is This Different From a Regular Approach?

The Pomodoro Method makes a task seem much more manage-

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Central Florida Lifestyle | November 2020

able because you're able to break it down into smaller segments. Instead of working for long, uninterrupted periods of time, these breaks allow you to rest and regroup. This helps to prevent burnout.

The Pomodoro Method is especially effective when considering what tasks you need to prioritize.

When you know exactly what you need to work on, you can determine what needs to be done first and outline the amount of time you will need for each step. Breaking it down into 30-minute intervals and giving yourself more time than necessary will make it easy to complete the task without experiencing burnout.

Flexibility with the Pomodoro Method

The best part about the Pomodoro Method is that it can be applied to anything. If you're a student, it's an amazing way to organize your study and homework sessions. It's easy to get distracted, especially in a social setting like a

college or high school, so planning out your studying and homework this way will make it much easier to do everything on time and efficiently.

It also applies to any other project or task. No matter what your job, you can use it to complete what needs to be done. It's the gift that keeps on giving — a habit that, once learned, can save you tons of time down the road. While hobbies shouldn't necessarily be as monitored and structured as work, it can also be used to work on passion projects efficiently.

This is just the start of the many benefits of the Pomodoro Method. As long as you focus during those 25 minutes without any means of distraction, it works wonders. Whether you're already productive and want to try something new, or you're someone who tends to drag out tasks that can be done quickly, consider trying the Pomodoro Method to save yourself valuable time.

COMPASSION IS CONTAGIOUS

There’s something going around. Only this time it’s not a cause for concern, but celebration.

At Nemours Children’s Health, an infection of courage, compassion and never giving up has been spreading unchecked since the day we opened our doors. Compelling us to do whatever is necessary for the health of children everywhere. Whether that means new and innovative medical breakthroughs or better, more convenient ways of bringing them to our patients.

Because at Nemours Children’s Health, we’ll never stop spreading the best of what the human spirit has to offer. Learn more at Nemours.org/WorthCatching

+ IN THE Kitchen

Holiday Sweets Every winter holiday has its own signature dessert from pies and puffs to cakes and cookies.

By Jessica Gilbreath

T

he best holiday memories come from spending time in the kitchen with loved ones, rolling cookie dough or mixing pie filling. There is always that one recipe that comes to mind while preparing the holiday meal; a dish that always has a spot on the table and in our hearts. For many, that’s dessert, and every holiday celebrated around this time of year has its own traditions, customs and favorite sweet recipes.

fried honey puffs from the Mediterranean region, particularly Spain, Greece and Turkey. Depending on the region, these delicious honey puffs are made in a variety of ways. Some are filled with jelly, while others are sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar or tossed in a sweet honey or citrus syrup. Other treats include rugelach, a rolled pastry with a sweet filling that resembles a croissant, and gelt, which are gold-wrapped chocolate coins handed out to children during the holiday.

Christmas Cookies

Kwanzaa Confections

Diwali Desserts

This holiday season, use these ideas from various cultures to fill your table with both sweets and love.

There are a variety of traditional Christmas desserts, including fruitcake and yule logs, but for many families, Christmas cookies are the staple for this holiday. Modern Christmas cookies can trace their history to recipes for Medieval Europe Christmas biscuits. These treats include ingredients such as cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, almonds and dried fruit. One of the most common (and delicious) treats that appear around Christmas is ginger snaps and gingerbread men.

Diwali, or the festival of lights, is a five-day Hindu festival. Days before it begins, the females of the family start preparing traditional delicacies for everyone to enjoy. On Diwali, there is a custom to exchange sweets with friends and neighbors so, naturally, Diwali can’t even be imagined without its traditional desserts and homemade sweets. One of the most common and loved desserts of Diwali is badam phirni, which is made mostly of almond, rice flour and milk, and is an irresistible festival favorite.

Hanukkah Desserts

This eight-day holiday is a time to celebrate Jewish tradition and faith. Like most great holidays, it is accompanied by a delicious feast. Hanukkah bimuelos or loukoumades are 8

Central Florida Lifestyle | November 2020

For Kwanzaa celebrations, a homemade sweet potato pie makes a delectable dessert that also honors ancestry and tradition. The dessert honors the great black chemist and botanist George Washington Carver, whose landmark work highlighted dozens of uses for the sweet potato, which is now recognized as one of the most nutritious natural foods.

Including it on the holiday table is a tribute to culture and tradition.

• • • • • • • • • • Promotional Feature • • • • • • • • • •

Axiom Bank Expands PHOTOS BY BRADY GIN PHOTOGRAPHY

with New Flagship Winter Park Branch

Take a look at how Axiom Bank is dedicated to supporting the local community.

By Dan Davis, president/CEO

O

ver the past few months, we’ve been prompted to step back from life’s details and reflect on what matters most. At Axiom Bank, our top priority has always been building relationships with the communities we serve.

Founded in 1963 as the first minority-owned banking institution in Florida, Axiom Bank takes pride in providing families, businesses and community organizations with personalized, convenient service. On every visit, you will encounter familiar faces, warm smiles and a banking team that knows you as a person, not just an account number.

Whether you’re planning for retirement, starting a college fund, or helping your child open his or her first checking account, our team can collaborate with you to find a financial solution that works.

That’s part of the reason community banks are consistently rated higher for customer satisfaction than large national banks.

Axiom offers big advantages for small businesses, too. Because 10

Central Florida Lifestyle | November 2020

leadership and decision making are local, you’ll be able to share your business plan in person and get assistance throughout the application process. With short approval times and competitive rates, it’s a simple and stress-free way to finance your company’s development.

Banking local means a longterm relationship that we are here for you. When entrepreneurs were turned away for Paycheck Protection Program loans at other banks, Axiom’s team worked around the clock to provide the information and support needed to secure $66 million in relief for our customers during the global pandemic.

And that’s no coincidence: Our staff members live in the same neighborhoods, buy from the same businesses and send their children to the same schools as the customers we serve. It’s only natural that we’re committed to financial service that supports local enterprise and families.

Giving back isn’t an obligation at Axiom; it’s intrinsic to our culture. In spite of the challenges

facing our community, we’re doing our part to help through partnerships with local charitable organizations, including the BASE Camp Children’s Cancer Foundation, Feeding Children Everywhere, Matthew’s Hope and more.

No matter how quickly technology advances, a personalized, customer-to-banker relationship is still at the heart of good banking.

As Axiom expands to new locations — including our flagship branch in Winter Park — we remain committed to building brighter financial futures with the families, neighbors and businesses we serve.

We invite you to come by for a visit to experience the Axiom difference — we make lives easier.

862 Orlando Avenue Winter Park, FL 32789 407.636.3511 www.AxiomBanking.com

What Are You These Orlando locals have an attitude of gratitude for all things in life — ­ big and small.

“I’m grateful for my parents and family.”

Christian, 2nd Grade, The First Academy

For? “I am thankful for puppy kisses.”

Celia, Pre-K 4, Windermere Preparatory School

“I am thankful for all of the doctors working to try to make Covid-19 go away. They help us in many ways, always. The doctors brighten my day like the sun rising from the mountains.”

Layla, 4th Grade, Windermere Preparatory School

“I am thankful for hugging.”

Quinn, Pre-K 4, Windermere Preparatory School

“I’m thankful for my friends and family and first responders who have taken care of everyone during Covid.”

Kenlee, 1st Grade, Lake Nona

“I’m thankful for being a big sissy, my Bitty Baby doll, strawberries and green beans.”

Maddie, 1st Grade, Maitland

“I’m grateful for my new puppy.”

Elle, Kindergarten, The First Academy 12

Central Florida Lifestyle | November 2020

“I am thankful for my family and friends.”

Reagan, 1st Grade, The First Academy

COMMUNITY WEBINARS LEARN FROM OUR EXPERTS ON THE FOLLOWING TOPICS WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4 6:00 PM How to Navigate College Admissions THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5 6:00 PM Social-Emotional Wellness for your Child TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10 6:00 PM Taking the Manic out of Middle School: Addressing Adolescent Needs

REGISTER TODAY!

OPEN TO THE COMMUNITY To learn more about Windermere Prep: windermereprep.com 407-905-7737 info@windermereprep.com

New cancer research. New hope. Now in Celebration.

Florida’s most experienced cancer care leaders are joining forces to explore new frontiers of medicine. AdventHealth and Moffitt Cancer Center are committed to developing breakthrough treatment options for cancer patients through advanced research and clinical trials. Together, we’re bringing renewed hope for healing and recovery.

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Moffitt + AdventHealth

To learn more, visit

AdventHealthCancerInstitute.com/Moffitt. www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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Shop for Frames and Contact Lenses from the Comfort of Your Own Home on Our Online Store!

www.The-Eye-Place.com PHTOS BY NONA PHOTOGRAPHY

Looking Beyond 2020 Dr. Thuy Quach and her team at The Eye Place are committed to providing quality care as they adapt to the changing needs of the community they serve.

E

of myopia, on her three daughters.

As she transitions to her new role, The Eye Place has expanded its team of doctors to continue the practice’s commitment to personalized eye care.

Dr. Nicholas Le joined The Eye Place in 2019 to launch the new location in Hamlin. He previously practiced in the Millenia area for five years.

Dr. Jennifer Owen joined in 2018 after serving as an officer and optometrist in the U.S. Air Force. The newest addition is Dr. Rachel de la Riva Marcy.

She has spent the last few years helping patients in the Dr. Phillips area keep their vision clear and their eyes healthy.

“As we continue learning to deal with new challenges during this stressful time, we are grateful to the community

for their continued support,” says Dr. Quach. “Our goal at The Eye Place is to continue the same exceptional care and service we have become known for.”

7828 Winter Garden Vineland Rd. Suite 128 Windermere, FL 34786 407.876.1200 15996 New Independence Pkwy.

Suite 100 Winter Garden, FL 34787 407.877.0078

www.The-Eye-Place.com

• • • • • • • • • • Promotional Feature • • • • • • • • • • 14

Central Florida Lifestyle | November 2020

PHOTOS BY BRADY GIN PHOTOGRAPHY

ye exams used to be as simple as visiting an eye doctor, getting a pair of glasses and going on the rest of your day.

Unfortunately, blurry vision isn’t always that straightforward. Most times, we can attribute the issue to being nearsighted or farsighted. However, there can be underlying health issues like diabetes, hypertension or macular degeneration.

Also, as we work and play more from home, too much computer or device usage can lead to dry eyes and fatigue.

To adapt to these changing needs, Dr. Thuy Quach started The Eye Place in 2012. The practice includes a boutique optical and advanced technology to diagnose and treat the eye. Her vision was to create a fashion-forward practice that puts patients first. In the last eight years, she has worked to deliver quality eye care while building a support team to provide the best service from start to finish.

She and her team strive to stay involved in the community through partnerships with local schools, providing education about eye health and support for vision screenings.

Over the past few years, Dr. Quach has shifted her focus toward dry eye therapies, orthokeratology and myopia control. Being nearsighted herself, Dr. Quach has become particularly interested in myopia control, and she has used orthokeratology, or the use of special contact lenses to control the progression

MWMA Donations

Help Local Schools Soar

Through its annual donations, the MetroWest Master Association helps schools enhance and enrich the learning experience for teachers and students.

By Nancy Glasgow

T

he MetroWest Master Association (MWMA) donates $5,000 each annually to MetroWest Elementary School and Westpointe Elementary School. These funds allow the schools to enhance and enrich the learning experience for teachers and students.

“I want to thank the MetroWest Master Association for their generosity and for continuing to support our school,” says Westpointe Elementary School Principal Dr. Atresa F. Grubbs-Holmes. “Their donations allow us to do things that we would not be able to do otherwise.”

At Westpointe Elementary, funds previously donated by MWMA have been used to start the Green Schools Initiative. The Orange County Public Schools’ Green Schools Recognition Program challenges schools to be aware of the environment around them, to incorporate sustainability into education and to create a sustainable future for students. For Westpointe Elementary’s Green Schools Initiative, MWMA’s donation has funded items for a butterfly garden.

The MWMA donation also has been used to provide refreshments for an array of school events in the past,

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Central Florida Lifestyle | November 2020

including math challenges, door decorating contests, Teach-In, National Elementary Honor Society Induction, Student Honor Roll Breakfast, faculty meetings, and the AAA Safety Patrol End of the Year Celebration.

In addition, the school has used the donated money to purchase science lab experiments, and annual piano tuning services for the Music Department.

As soon as the school is permitted to do so, it will continue student celebrations and induction ceremonies and provide student incentives, as well as continue the Green School Initiative by purchasing more supplies for the butterfly garden, all with funds donated

by MWMA. MetroWest Elementary School has used its MWMA donations to have vibrant murals painted in the Front Office, Cafeteria and Clinic. The school has also used the funds to purchase umbrellas for rainy dismissal days, supplies for the art class, professional development books for teachers, breakfast for parents, holiday snacks, staff gifts, car loop signs, teacher awards and rewards, and flowers for the Teacher and Support Person of the Year.

This year, MetroWest Elementary is planning to use donated funds for projects such as creating plant/ rock gardens, painting events with staff, professional development, and purchasing a kiln for the art class, which will allow students to explore the creation of pottery.

“Through the generous donation from the MetroWest Master Association, a positive difference has been made in the learning of our students,” says MetroWest Elementary School Principal Dr. Xhuljeta Gjini.

MWMA began donating to MetroWest Elementary more than 20 years ago, and included Westpointe Elementary as a recipient as soon as the school opened.

“Our wonderful schools are an integral part of why MetroWest is such a great place to live, work, play and connect,” says Jim Drayton, MWMA Board President.

“It is a pleasure to give back to them and support the positive learning environment they cultivate.”

The MetroWest Master Association (MWMA) recently presented checks for $5,000 each to MetroWest Elementary School and Westpointe Elementary School. Participating in the check presentation were, left to right: Julie Sanchez, MWMA General Manager; Madeleine Francois, MWMA Board Secretary; Dr. Xhuljeta Gjini, MetroWest Elementary School Principal; Dr. Atresa F. Grubbs-Holmes, Westpointe Elementary School Principal; Jim Drayton, MWMA Board President; and Mary James, MWMA Assistant Manager.

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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MetroWest Master Association is led by a dynamic and involved board of directors who live in MetroWest. They are elected to two-year terms.

“I am very pleased to have the opportunity to serve on the MetroWest Master Association Board and look forward to working on the many projects that benefit our wonderful community,” she says.

MetroWest MWMA is Bidding Farewell to Departing Board Member Victor Garofalo A member of the MetroWest community for more than eight years and a business owner in Veranda Park, Victor Garofalo has served on the MWMA Board of Directors since 2018. A Brazilian immigrant who arrived in the United States in 2011, Garofalo graduated with his bachelor’s degree in business administration (B.B.A.) with a minor in economy from Rollins College. He is a commercial landlord and CEO of AFAM INVESTMENTS, LLC, a Florida-based company with real estate investments throughout Central Florida.

“It has been my honor to serve on the MetroWest Master Association Board for the past two years,” Garofalo says. “I’m proud of our community’s many achievements and confident that we will see even greater success in the future.”

MetroWest Master Association Welcomes New Board Member Jennifer Waters Jennifer Waters has joined the MetroWest Master Association (MWMA) Board of Directors. She has worked in MetroWest for the past five years, coming to the MetroWest branch of FAIRWINDS Credit Union with 20 years of banking center and management experience.

Her background also includes many years of giving back to the communities in which she has lived and worked. Since moving to Florida in 2008, Waters has been the race chair for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure for two years and she also held various positions on the board of Dress for Success of Greater Orlando. During her time in MetroWest, Waters has been a part of the Fine and Hearing and Design and Review Committees for three years and she has volunteered for various task forces and other committees when needed.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | November 2020

MetroWest Public Safety Offers Holiday Safety Tips With the holiday season just around the corner, MetroWest Public Safety would like to remind our community of some helpful tips to help keep you safe, both at home and while you’re out and about doing your holiday shopping.

Store Shopping • Make a mental note of where you park your car, or put a note in your cell phone.

• Be alert to your surroundings and have your keys in hand when approaching your vehicle.

• Bring a friend! Shop in pairs when possible.

• Don't buy more than you can carry.

• Save all receipts to help verify purchases.

• Keep credit cards out of view of others so they can't take pictures of them, and hide your pin number.

• Advise security officers if you observe unattended bags.

• Wear purses in cross body fashion and close to your body.

Keep your purse snapped or zipped closed.

• Lock all purchases in your trunk to keep them out of view.

• When shopping with children, designate a meeting place in case you get separated. Let them know to seek assistance from store employees or a person in uniform.

Online Shopping • Update the security software on your computer and regularly change your passwords.

• Use secure/well-known websites. Look for a locked padlock icon at bottom for PC or URL box on Mac. Look for “https" in URL address.

• Shop with companies that you know and trust. Google company names to obtain background information on unfamiliar sites.

• Be careful of bargains or deals from unfamiliar companies. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Around the Home • As you unpack your holiday decorations, check for damage. If you find damaged sockets, loose wires or bad connections, throw the decorations away.

• Don’t overload electrical outlets. Overloaded electrical outlets and faulty wires are common causes of holiday fires.

• Never connect more than three strings of incandescent lights, as more than three strands may not only blow a fuse, but can also cause a fire.

• Keep your Christmas tree fresh by watering it daily; a dry tree is a serious fire hazard.

• Switch to battery-operated candles. Candles start almost half of home decoration fires and battery-operated alternatives are plentiful and attractive.

• Keep combustible items, including decorations, at least three feet from heat sources (fireplace, space heater, etc.).

• Protect electric cords from damage. Cords should never be pinched by furniture, forced into small spaces such as doors and windows, placed under rugs, located near heat sources, or attached by nails or staples.

• Check decorations for certification label. Decorations not bearing a label from an independent testing laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Canadian Standards Association (CSA), or Intertek (ETL) have not been tested for safety and could be hazardous.

• Don’t leave the kitchen when something is cooking. Unattended cooking equipment can lead to a fire.

• When you’re leaving the house or going to bed, turn off, unplug and extinguish all decorations, especially candles (if you haven’t switched to battery-operated candles).

Have a safe holiday season!

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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+ HEALTH & Wellness

5 Tips for Avoiding the Flu This Season It's more important than ever to keep your immune system strong, so incorporate these habits into your daily routine to stay as healthy as possible.

By Margarie Taylor

T

he flu is a viral infection of the respiratory tract that can cause fever, chills, body aches, headaches and cough. It usually lasts five to seven days, but its symptoms can linger for two to three weeks.

There are steps you can take to minimize your risk of getting the flu this season. Frequent hand-washing and getting a flu vaccination can help, but also try the following.

1. Sip on Bone Broth

Bone broth can give your immune system the boost it needs to keep you healthy. It contains minerals, such as calcium, magnesium and phosphorus, that your body needs to fight viruses and infections as well as anti-inflammatory agents that can hinder the growth of infection.

Most canned varieties aren’t as nutrient-dense as homemade bone broth, so it’s best to make it yourself.

This is cost effective, easy to do and freezes well. While it's good enough to eat by itself, bone broth also makes delicious soups and can be used to

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Central Florida Lifestyle | November 2020

cook vegetables, rice or pasta to infuse them with its healthful properties.

to include them in your diet, consider taking a supplement instead.

2. Get Enough Sleep

4. Flush Out Your Nose

3. Add Probiotics to Your Diet

5. Get Plenty of Exercise

In a letter published in May 2016 in JAMA Internal Medicine, scientists documented that insufficient sleep can adversely affect the immune system and increase your chances of developing a respiratory tract infection.

Aim for seven to eight hours of restful sleep every night.

Research studies suggest that people who consume probiotics are less likely to get sick than those who don’t. Probiotics strengthen the gut so your body can ward off infections.

Found in fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, kombucha and sauerkraut, adding probiotics to your diet while decreasing your sugar intake, will give your immune system a healthy boost. While it’s best to get it from food, it can be hard to eat enough high-quality, low-sugar, probiotic-rich foods. If you’re struggling

Use a neti pot at night to cleanse your nasal passages. This will wash away any viral particles that may have taken root during the day, preventing them from entering your respiratory system. Make sure you use a saline solution or boiled and salted water that has cooled.

Exercise can help dispel bacteria from your respiratory system, reducing your chances of getting a cold or the flu virus. Physical activity also sparks positive changes in the immune system by helping white blood cells circulate faster and possibly allowing them to detect and fight infection sooner.

Sickness is not necessarily inevitable. There are plenty of measures you can take to strengthen your immune system and stay healthy throughout the flu season.

Family Medicine Excellence in Oviedo We’re taking extra precautions to keep you safe.

• • • • • • •

Dr. Jubeth Burlison is a family medicine physician who sees patients ages six and up. She previously served as a Chief Resident at AdventHealth and is fluent in English and Spanish.

Contactless registration Frequent sanitizing Masks worn by everyone Online check-ins and bill pay Social distancing Temperature checks Virtual waiting room

SPECIALTIES • • • • • • •

Annual physicals Flu shots and immunizations Men’s and women’s health Minor injuries Sick visits Skin biopsies Well-child exams

Now Accepting New Patients.

In-person and video visits now available.

To schedule an appointment, call 407-366-6004 or visit CentralFloridaPrimaryCare.com.

Jubeth Burlison, DO AdventHealth Medical Group Family Medicine at Oviedo 8000 Red Bug 8000 Red Bug Lake Road, Suite 200 | Oviedo, FL 32765

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9/3/20 1:04 PM

+ PLACES to Go

Any Season

Is a Good Season to Play Around at the Palm Beaches Discover where to stay, play and eat along Florida’s beautiful southeast coast.

By Kristi Gomen

‘Tis the season to be jolly! And the Palm Beaches have plenty of reasons to make everyone’s holiday time, staycation or special occasion one that will certainly not be forgotten.

So this holiday season, take some time to discover the beauty, fine dining and exquisite shopping, golf and spa experiences that are only a few hours drive away.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. We believe these will convince you that The Palm Beaches will delight all ages. Here are some of our favorite picks this season.

Spend a weekend or a week at The Seagate Resort and Spa Born from the distinguished Seagate heritage of hospitality, experience the luxury of a resort with the intimacy of a retreat, where island ease meets urban chic and the ocean soothes you as the city stirs you. Beyond the charming, beach-chic façade, relax in contemporary comfort surrounded by 7,000-gallon aquariums, a 2,500-gallon shark tank and sea-inspired fixtures evoking tropical tranquility.

Enjoy luxuriously appointed guest rooms with the finest features, a full-service spa and fitness center, a poolside paradise, six distinctive dining venues and endless amenities that capture the tranquility of the sea — all in Seagate style.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | November 2020

Savor fresh seafood at The Atlantic Grille The flavor of Delray comes alive on the Avenue at the Atlantic Grille. Savor deliciously inventive cuisine that takes the contemporary to the extraordinary. Bold flavors, inspired techniques and the freshest ingredients make every meal a culinary adventure.

Enjoy beautiful views during your meal as well.

The Atlantic Grille is home to a 450-gallon aquarium featuring tranquil moon jellyfish as well as a 2,500-gallon shark tank.

Explore the Town of Palm Beach Delight in a savory breakfast at Johan’s Joe then work off those delectable pancakes with a bike tour of the town of Palm Beach as well as walk and shop along Worth Avenue.

Island Living, led by Leslie Diver, provides tours of the famed Town of Palm Beach. Fun and educational, all tours highlight the town’s architecture, its colorful history and its residents, both famous and infamous. The tours showcase the town’s high-society life from past to present.

Worth Avenue is one of the most beautiful shopping venues in the world. Along the Avenue, find the world’s top retailers, while on the romantic side alleys, known as vias, uncover celebrated independent boutiques selling designer fashion, art, antiques, jewelry, leather goods and home furnishings. It’s all available in a captivating atmosphere rich with charm, architectural character and historical glamour.

Treat yourself at the Seagate Resort Spa Escape to the 8,000-square-foot spa in Delray Beach where every detail has been carefully designed to create the ideal environment for your relaxation and renewal. Feel your cares melt away as you enjoy a complete range of massage, skincare and body treatments. The Seagate Spa features seven private treatment rooms, a Vichy shower and a manicure and pedicure suite.

Jump up to Jupiter Climb the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse, one of the oldest and most iconic structures in The Palm Beaches.

Afterward, wear your best flip-flops to the Square Grouper Tiki Bar, two low-key local favorites for fresh-caught seafood, tropical drinks and killer views.

Ocean views share the spotlight with South Florida’s abundant harvest at the Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa’s signature restaurant. The 3800 Ocean menu reflects a “collective kitchen” inspired by the cultural backgrounds of each of its chefs — from New England and Long Island to Mexico and Jamaica — who bring their own personal influences to a rich bounty of local seafood and produce. Complementing the menu is an extensive wine list. Elegant interiors and an expansive covered patio give guests a choice of dining environments. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

COURTESY OF DISCOVER THE PALM BEACHES

Discover Singer Island and stop for lunch along the ocean

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4

+ WINE & Spirits

Festive Cocktail Ideas for Fall

For all of the feels this fall season, shake up a cocktail with these in-season flavors.

By Lyndsay Fogarty

T

his time of year, the bite of a crisp apple or the pop of a juicy cranberry give you all the seasonal feels. It’s easy to integrate these fall flavors into a cocktail with these ideas.

An Apple a Day

For many, apple cider is a goto mixer for fall cocktails. Replace orange juice with apple cider to make an Apple Cider Mimosa or prepare an Apple Cider Moscow Mule by topping the classic cocktail with a splash of apple cider.

Consider infusing your own apple pie vodka to add another layer of flavor to your apple cider cocktails.

Simply place sliced apples and cinnamon sticks in a mason jar then fill it all the way up with vodka. Seal it and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.

Call for Cranberries

It’s not unusual to find cranberry in a cocktail any time of year. But skip the typical Cosmopolitan and use the flavors of fresh cranberry this fall. Muddle the fruit into the bottom of a rocks glass then mix in vodka and soda for a classic cocktail or make cranberry simple syrup to add some festive flavors to a Moscow Mule or Mojito.

There are endless possibilities.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | November 2020

The Perfect Pear

Just like with apples, vodka offers a blank canvas for infusing pear flavor for seasonal cocktails.

Add one cup of ripe fruit for every three cups of vodka (use more fruit if you prefer a stronger flavor). The spices you would use while baking, roasting or grilling pears are also good for drinking, so consider adding cinnamon sticks, cloves, ginger or nutmeg to really make it your own. Then, shake up a Pear-tini that can be served straight up or with a splash of citrus and simple syrup.

Herb Garden Cocktails

The herbs you would typically use to roast your holiday turkey, including thyme, rosemary and sage, are also great for cocktails.

Not just as a garnish either, but with herb-infused simple syrups instead.

Just bring water and sugar to a boil and stir until the sugar is dissolved.

Remove from the heat and steep your herb of choice for 20 to 30 minutes. Once it’s ready, use it to mix up a classic Old Fashioned or French 75. It also makes for a fun hostess gift or stocking stuffer when you bottle it up.

Spiced Cranberry Margarita Courtesy of Margaritaville Resort Orlando For a spiked version of this holiday fruit, prepare a batch of margaritas with warm spices and cranberry juice. It’s perfect to sip on over appetizers or the main course.

Ingredients: • 1 1/2 ounces Patron Reposado • 1/4 ounce Grand Marnier • Healthy squeeze of cinnamon-infused simple syrup • 1/2 ounce of lime sour mix • Cranberry juice Directions: Pour first four ingredients into shaker over ice. Shake, pour contents into rocks glass over fresh ice. Top with cranberry juice.

Garnish with a cinnamon stick or orange slice, if preferred.

You’ve made a list and checked it twice. Now, here are our ideas for some of the top gifts of the holiday season.

Compiled By Lyndsay Fogarty

The embodiment of unique, authentic bourbon, Garrison Brothers’ Single Barrel Bourbon is hand-picked by Master Distiller Donnis Todd from the distillery’s best barrels. Each one is at least four years old, and once they’re bottled, they’re gone.

Garrison Brothers Single Barrel Bourbon (750 ML), $109.99 GarrisonBros.com This cocktail kit combines high-quality barware with a fun experiential element. In addition to stainless steel barware, including two shakers, a four-prong Hawthorne strainer, a two-sided jigger and a bar spoon, it includes a cocktail recipe book and digital access to an Intro to Cocktails class that demonstrates how to use each item.

Bar Hill “All the Basics” Cocktail Kit, $95 CaledoniaSpirits.com

There’s something exhilarating about giving a gift that’s unlike anything else. The fine jewelry in this collection is modern, bold and created by Almut and her select team of goldsmiths in her Thornton Park studio using gold, platinum, diamonds and precious gemstones.

Almut Belote Jewelry, $1,260 to $4,600 AlmutBeloteJewelry.com

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Central Florida Lifestyle | November 2020

Crafted from real marble, travertine or lava rock, Eggtronic’s Wireless Charging Stones are Qi-enabled and can charge any compatible device by setting it on the stone surface. Each stone features the highest-quality braided cable integrated into it and comes with a wall adapter.

Eggtronic Wireless Charging Stone, $69.90 Eggtronic.com

Be the star of your own show with this lightweight, multi-function product that features a tripod to keep your phone balanced and a phone mount to keep it secure. Super-bright LEDs keep everything in the frame perfectly lit so you can focus on creating the perfect content.

All-in-One Vlogging Kit, $80 GPX.com

The professional male in your life will love this gift. This tote’s vegan leather, two-compartment design allows them to carry their lunch in a way that match es their personal style. It’s hand-sewn and durable, so both hot and cold items can be tucked away into its insulated sections. T|W Lunch Tote, $49.99 TWTote.com

Celebrate the 40th anniversary of “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back™” with a Corkcicle collection that includes five modern interpretations of fan favorite characters in a 16-ounce canteen, a 16-ounce tumbler and a 12-ounce stemless cup. May the force be with you.

Star Wars™ × Corkcicle Collection, $29.95-$37.95 Corkcicle.com

Give the gift of beauty with Urban Hydration’s natural products that nourish and hydrate the skin.

Through its “1 product = 1 gallon of water” promise, a donation is made for each product sold with the goal of providing clean water to individuals in need.

Urban Hydration Castor & Shea Facial Mask, Daily Lotion and Face Wash, Pricing Varies UrbanHydration.com

In this children’s book, Zoey the golden retriever eagerly anticipates her visit to the ice cream shop. A portion of book sales will be donated to animal charitable organizations, starting with Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando and Pet Pal Animal Shelter in St. Petersburg.

Zoey’s Adventures to the Ice Cream Shop, $12.99 ZoeysAdventuresBooks.com www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

27

A Selection of Stocking Stuffers

Give the gift of a good night’s sleep this sleep mask made from 100% pure mulberry silk. Its protein-rich fibers contain 18 different amino acids that your skin naturally absorbs and retains, so it hydrates your skin while you sleep. It’s available for both men and women.

Silken Pure Sleep Mask, $42 SilkenPure.com Sharkbanz is the world’s first shark deterrent band and leader in shark deterrent patented magnetic technology to deter predatory shark species and reduce the risk. For the person on your list who stays active on the water, this gift will make them happy and keep them safe.

Sharkbanz, $84 Sharkbanz.com This scratch-off book set features 50 creative adventures for the whole family and a camera to document it all. Each adventure, which is a mystery until you scratch it off, is designed to explore outside your habits, dive deeper into your relationship and make meaningful memories.

The Adventure Challenge Family Camera Set, $147.99 TheAdventureChallenge.com

For the pop culture fan in your life, Funko’s lines of Pop! figures will make a fun gift. From retro toys to movies, they are themed for every fan. This Disneyland 65th anniversary line features figures on some of the theme parks most popular rides as well keychains featuring fan favorites.

Funko Disneyland Resort 65th Anniversary Pop! Rides, $29.99 EntertainmentEarth.com Funko Disneyland Resort 65th Anniversary Pop! Keychains, $7.99 Gamestop.com

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Central Florida Lifestyle | November 2020

This all-in-one hair tie doubles as a stylish, stackable bracelet. Get a three-pack in Candy Cane or All is Bright or a five-pack of Who’s Your Santa’s festive colors. A donation is made to FORCE, a nonprofit that improves the lives of individuals affected by cancer, for every purchase.

Teleties Hair Ties, Teleties, $7.99-$14.99 Teleties.com

Feel good about your skincare with products that leave the bad stuff out and the good stuff in. Using natural active ingredients, these products are vegan, gluten-free and free of man-made chemicals, toxins, parabens and animal and petroleum products, making them the perfect gift. nyl skincare Products, $18-$150 nylskincare.com

This tiny product has big power. Maglite’s rechargeable flashlight system can recharge up to 80% in 30 minutes, runs for more than three hours on high mode (and even more in eco-mode) and shines up to 500 yards. Weighing less than a pound, it can charge at home or in the car.

Maglite ML150LRS (X) Rechargeable LED Fast-Charging Flashlight, $112 Maglite.com

ULTRA-EXPRESSIVE | U N I Q U E LY B O L D Almut’s Hand-Crafted Pieces Make a Perfect Holiday Gift.

AlmutBeloteJewelry.com

|

407-203-0909

|

420 E. Church Street, Ste 113, Orlando, FL 32801

+ HEALTH & Wellness

Your First Response to Pain How traditional and integrative treatments can help patients get back to living a pain-free life.

By Lyndsay Fogarty

W

hen you dream of a career in childhood, you don’t necessarily think of the toll it could take on your body. For some, the job can lead to pain.

Dr. Troy Yeomans of Phoenix Integrated Medical Center in Winter Park understands the strength required of first responders in the fire service, law enforcement and emergency medical services fields.

Following years of research on integrative methods, he helps patients deal with the effects of physical stress on their bodies, specifically the joints of the lower back.

“If these joints aren’t moving or positioned correctly, it can set you up for increased wear and tear (arthritis) or traumatic injury, such as disc herniation,” he says.

For local police officer, Scott Smith, and firefighter, Pat Kelly, the physical demands and safety gear their jobs require can put their bodies under an immense amount of stress. Back, shoulder and neck pain is common in these fields due to increased pressure on the spine

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Central Florida Lifestyle | November 2020

and surrounding muscles.

Smith’s 28-year law enforcement career has included 24 years on the SWAT team in Orlando.

Law enforcement officers generally carry approximately 20-25 pounds of weight between their belt, safety vest and other necessities, while SWAT officers carry an additional 25-30 pounds of gear, throughout a 12-hour shift that could include a range of physical responsibilities.

For Smith, neck and shoulder pain was the result.

“Dr. Yeomans was very familiar and had other patients in the same career, so he understood the uniform that we wear,” Smith says.

“He’s always been understanding and full of ideas to keep me at work.”

The weight of Kelly’s gear also took a toll through the years.

Combined with constant movement, heavy lifting and going from a full sleep to full speed in a matter of seconds, he began to experience pain in his neck and shoulder.

With a nagging injury and a herni-

ated disc, Kelly was trying to avoid pain medication but was at the end of his rope when Dr. Yeomans recommended Class IV Laser Therapy.

"He not only knows the benefits of what he can provide, but he also knows the limitations,” Kelly says of his experience. “He’s fully invested in the result.”

A variety of regenerative medicine treatments can help heal patients who are experiencing jobrelated pain. Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy (PRP) uses the patient’s healing properties from their own blood to start the body’s inflammatory process over again to heal the area better the second time than it did the first. Similarly, Class IV Laser Therapy stimulates the tissues in an affected area at the cellular level to speed up the healing process.

Dr. Yeomans believes you shouldn’t have to live with pain on a daily basis. Whether your career is causing increased stress on your joints or you’re feeling the effects of aging, there are many options for living a pain-free life.

+ HEALTH & Wellness

Hope for the

Holidays Four tips for managing grief and depression during the holiday season.

By Nathan Starr

H

olidays should be a time of happiness and laughter, but that’s not always the case.

When you lose a loved one close to this time of year, experience a layoff or feel overwhelmed with caregiving responsibilities, you may not feel very festive.

Difficult life events come with feelings of sadness and grief that, for some, could lead to depression.

Individuals who suffer from depression may find that holidays tend to be harder.

It’s especially important this year to take your mental health seriously. Here are some easy ways to manage and reduce holiday depression.

Get Plenty of Rest

Depression can be worse during the holidays because of how stressful and hectic the season can get when you’re juggling gift purchases with planning a holiday meal and making sure the kids are taken care of on their break from school. If you’re prone to depressive feelings, make sure you’re getting

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enough sleep. Schedule your time around a normal sleep schedule and take naps as needed. On days when you are planning a family meal or going shopping, make sure you don’t overdo it.

Give Yourself Time to Grieve

When you put your feelings aside, assuming the busy holiday schedule will distract you enough, your grief is going to build and make you feel worse once you get the chance to breathe and relax. If you’re experiencing any type of loss, whether a loved one, a job or something else important to you, take some time for yourself to grieve.

Know that it is OK to feel sad, and talk to someone if you need to, whether it’s a loved one, a therapist, a friend or a support group.

Avoid Substances to Ease Depression

Alcohol and drugs provide short-term relief but long-term consequences. Having a few drinks to take the edge off might seem like a good idea, but alcohol is a

depressant that can trigger panic attacks. As soon as you sober up, you will feel much worse than you did before, making your depression worse. Instead of reaching for a cocktail, choose a healthy distraction, such as exercise, and take time for yourself when you’re feeling overwhelmed.

Ask for Help

Depression isn’t something you need to deal with on your own.

When you feel stressed or overwhelmed, reach out for help. Have someone watch your kids on a particularly bad day or ask a loved one to assist with errands. Reach out to others when you need a shoulder to cry on or someone to just be with you on a bad day.

Depression isn’t something that should be taken lightly. If you’re unable to manage your grief or depression on your own, consider contacting a mental health professional or your primary care physician for help.

RELIEF IS POSSIBLE WITHOUT SURGERY!

SOLUTIONS WITHOUT SURGERY HAVE YOU BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH THE FOLLOWING? Knee Pain Shoulder Pain Neck and Back Pain Arthritis Pain Rotator Cuff Injury Meniscus Injury Elbow or Hip Pain

NO ONE SHOULD LIVE IN PAIN. KNOW YOUR OPTIONS! • Platelet-Rich-Plasma Therapy (PRP) • Regenerative Medicine • Class IV Laser Treatment

• Viscosupplementation for Osteoarthritis Relief • Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression

Have you been told the only option to relieve your pain is surgery?

Regenerative medicine therapies are proven effective and safe alternatives to surgery.

CALL US TODAY AT 407-637-8300

FOR A NO-COST, NO-OBLIGATION SCREENING 407-637-8300 | www.phoeniximc.com 1936 Lee Road, Suite 137 | Winter Park, FL 32789 Dr. Aida Reyes M.D | Natalie Glover, APRN | Dr. Troy Yeomans DC | The patient & any other person responsible for payment has the right to refuse to pay, cancel or be reimbursed for payment for any other service, exam or treatment which is performed as a result within 72 hours or responding to the advertisement for the free, discounted or reduced fee service, exam or treatment.

• • • • • • •

+ BON APPÉTIT

Orlando's Best Brunch These four brunch spots are at the top of the list for Central Florida foodies. Find out why.

By Christie Fogarty

B

runch became popular in the United States in the 1930s thanks to many Hollywood stars. Now it's a staple for foodies on the weekends. Here, we’ll take you on a tour of Orlando’s best brunch stops.

Café Tu Tu Tango

This fun and quirky restaurant in the heart of International Drive is known for its delicious small plates and live entertainment. Café Tu Tu Tango also offers a bottomless brunch until 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

It includes some of the menu's most popular items, including the avocado hummus, butter chicken tikka masala and lamb meatballs. There are also specialty brunch items available.

Indulge in the breakfast tacos, Cubanstyle pulled pork benedict or the churro waffle. Bottomless Brunch is a steal at $26.62 and you can add bottomless Bloody Marys or Mimosas for $16.

Canvas Restaurant & Market

For Latin-inspired cuisine along the lakefront of Laureate Park Village

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Central Florida Lifestyle | November 2020

Center in Lake Nona, try Canvas Restaurant & Market. It's known for its beautiful views but also the amazing food. Particularly stunning is the lobster eggs benedict. Vanilla butter poached, cold water lobster is served over a buttery biscuit with poached eggs and béarnaise sauce. It doesn’t get much better than that, but the chilaquiles, Meyer lemon pancakes and sweet tea fried chicken biscuit come close. Bottomless Mimosas and bubbles, which are always a brunch favorite, are available but be sure to try the restaurant's perfect seasonal cocktails, too. Brunch is served until 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Dexter’s New Standard

Dexter’s in Winter Park was recently re-imagined into the New Standard with American comfort food, live music and brunch on the weekends.

Dexter’s New Standard offers individual plates of brunch classics along with endless mimosas and a fantastic wine list. The Chicken + Waffles, featuring crispy chicken over cornmeal waffles

and hot honey, is a must try, along with the biscuits and sausage gravy.

The most intriguing dish is the mushroom toast, which puts a twist on the classic avocado toast. This version is topped with mushroom mousse, sautéed mushrooms, radish and pickled red onion.

Wine Bar George

The Wine Country Brunch puts a spin on some old brunch classics.

The avocado toast, served on buttery ciabatta bread with thick slices of bacon, tomatoes and creamy burrata, is a crowd favorite. Other staples include French toast topped with decadent caramel sauce, steak & eggs frites with a spicy sriracha hollandaise, and a classic wine country omelet with artichokes, asparagus and an olive medley. Wash it all down with a selection of wine or brunch cocktails, including the Dole Whip mimosa. Aperol Spritz and sangria are offered by the carafe.

You can indulge in the flavors of wine country every Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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3

Recipes for Your Holiday Table

Whether you want to keep it classic with a traditional spread or add in some twists, we have you covered.

Oven Roasted Cornish Game Hen with Pumpkin Seed Pesto Courtesy of YMCA of Central Florida Switch up the star of the holiday table this year by serving Cornish game hens instead. Of course, if you can’t give up the turkey, roast it with these tasty fall flavors.

Ingredients: • 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil • 1/2 cup shelled pumpkin seeds (raw unsalted if you can find them) • Kosher salt • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika • 1/2 cup water • 1 cup roughly chopped fresh parsley • 2 green onions roughly chopped • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice plus zest • 1 small garlic clove minced • 4 Cornish game hens, gizzards discard Directions: In a large skillet over medium heat add 3 tablespoons olive oil, the pumpkin seeds, 1/2 teaspoon salt (no salt needed if you are using pre-salted seeds) and 1 teaspoon paprika. Cook, shaking the skillet, until the seeds begin 36

Central Florida Lifestyle | November 2020

popping and some turn brown (be careful not to burn them), about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool completely. Transfer the seeds and oil to a food processor, add 1/2 cup water, the parsley, green onion, lemon juice and pulse until pureed. Remove about 3 tablespoons of the pesto for the hens and set aside the rest for serving.

Slide your fingers under the breast skin of each hen to loosen. Slide 2 heaping teaspoons of the pesto under the skin of each hen, and rub the pesto all over. In a separate bowl, mix the garlic, tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon paprika and lemon zest, then rub all over the outside of the hens. Refrigerate, uncovered, at least 2 hours or overnight.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Put the hens on a rack in lower half of the oven in a shallow roasting pan or rimmed baking sheet and tie the legs together with kitchen twine. Roast, rotating the pan halfway through, until the skin is golden brown and a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165 degrees F, about 1 hour. Let rest 15 minutes, then cut each hen in half. Serve with the reserved pesto.

Lifestyle Recipe!

Cranberry Chutney Courtesy of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida Is it really a holiday spread without the cranberries?

Make yours anything but ordinary with this sweet and tart side dish.

Ingredients: • 3 cups dried cranberries • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries • 2 cinnamon sticks • 10 whole cloves • 10 whole allspice berries • Orange juice • Water Directions: Make a pouch with cheese cloth containing cinnamon sticks, cloves and allspice berries.

Add cranberries and spices to sauce pot. Cover ingredients ¾ with orange juice and then cover the rest of the way with water (fresh and frozen cranberries will float, so don’t add too much). Simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.

Fresh/frozen cranberries should pop. Blend slightly with stick blender, leave mostly chunky. Or if you don’t have a stick blender, remove approximately 1/3 of the sauce and blend it in a regular blender then mix it back into the sauce.

Sweet Potato Casserole Courtesy of Lyndsay Fogarty From our table to yours, this family recipe puts a twist on your typical sweet potato dish. With creamy sweet potatoes topped with a flavorful crunchy topping, you will definitely go back for seconds.

Ingredients: For Potatoes: • 3 cups cooked and mashed sweet potatoes (approximately 3 potatoes) • 1 stick butter • 1 tsp. vanilla • 1 cup sugar • 2 eggs, beaten • 1/3 cup milk For Topping: • 1 cup brown sugar • 1/3 cup butter • 1/2 cup flour • 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (or mix both) Directions: Mix all ingredients for the sweet potato base together and add to a greased casserole dish. Combine brown sugar, butter, flour and chopped nuts then distribute evenly across the top of the potatoes. Bake at 350° for 25 minutes.

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

37

+ EXPERT ADVICE | Law

• • • • • • Promotional Feature • • • • • •

5During the Holiday Season

Tips for Filing an Insurance Claim

Navigate the challenges that come with filing a claim during this busy season for insurance companies by following these tips.

By Michael B. Brehne, Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A

W

ith masses of people traveling, shopping and decorating over the holiday season, there is a higher risk of car crashes, home and car burglaries, and property loss and damage than the rest of the year. During this busy season, insurance companies have more to contend with, which makes filing a claim all the more difficult. To successfully file a claim in the event of a holiday emergency, follow these simple tips.

1. Contact the Cops First

Police reports are important pieces of evidence for a crime-related claim. In the event of a crime, contact the local authorities before anyone else, including your insurance company. They’re more likely to answer first during the busy holiday season, not to mention they can help ensure the safety of everyone involved. They also begin the investigative process necessary to prove your claim with the insurance company.

3. Keep Track of Your Case

Keep a record of all interactions with local authorities, insurance claim agents and repair companies. This can strengthen your case and protect you against unfair claims handling practices by your insurance company. Insurance companies are the busiest this time of the year, making mistakes and cutting corners on claims more likely.

4. Document All Repairs

Most homeowners’ insurance policies compensate policyholders for any temporary repairs made before or immediately after filing a claim. Remember to photograph or take video of the initial state of the scene to help expedite the insurance company’s decision and get you the most coverage quickly.

5. Be Mindful of Social Media on Vacation

Some insurance companies try to deny home burglary claims if the homeowners posted on social media that they were on vacation around the same time the crime occurred. They do so under a clause that indicates that homeowners must take necessary precautionary steps to prevent crimes, such as burglary.

Filing an insurance claim during the holiday season has several challenges. Insurance companies are likely to decline more cases to ease their workload, but this can negatively affect policyholders. For the best protection of your rights, schedule an insurance dispute consultation with a trusted insurance lawyer.

2. Don’t File Too Many Claims

Filing too many claims in a short amount of time can increase your monthly premium significantly. As a general rule of thumb, only file a claim when repair and compensation costs are considerably higher than your deductible. If you could pay the difference out of pocket, it’s often better to do so. For homeowners’ insurance policies, for example, we advise that policyholders only consider filing up to two insurance claims per five-year period.

Michael Brehne has dedicated his 24-year career to representing injured people in motorcycle and car accidents, and represents people when their insurance claims have been denied. He has earned a reputation as a tenacious and skilled trial lawyer when representing his clients against large corporate defendants and insurance companies. He is also the author of “Watching Out for Florida Motorcyclists: Legal Rights of Injured Bikers.”

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Central Florida Lifestyle | November 2020

Advanced Diabetes & Endocrine Medical Center

Major insurance plans accepted Aetna • Ambetter • AvMed • BCBS • Careplus • Cigna Medicare • Oscar • Tricare • United • Wellcare

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Call Dennis to learn:

• If you qualify for a stream of guaranteed lifetime income payments • Tips to protect your portfolio from wild, volatile swings • Strategies for preserving portfolio value

407-246-4976

Dennis.Michels@RaymondJames.com

Dennis E. Michels, CFP®

Senior Vice President-Investments

Visit ticketsoftglobal.com or call 407.402.0063 for more information.

www.raymondjames.com/michelswm Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP® (with plaque design) and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements. Investing involves risks and investors may incur a profit or loss. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Raymond James and its advisors do not offer tax or legal advice. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional. ©2020 Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC // 301 E. Pine St. Ste 1100 // Orlando, FL 32801

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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+ YOUR Local

Through sponsorships and gift card donations, organizers hope to fill the fundraising gap left by COVID-19.

By Kimbra Hennessy

D

espite these challenging and uncertain times, the community can still help at-risk children and families find hope by supporting the Edgewood Children’s Ranch and participating in the MetroWest Master Association’s 2020 Community Charity Challenge.

Now more than ever, Edgewood Children's Ranch (ECR) is needed to help make a difference in the lives of children across Central Florida. The faith-based nonprofit provides children and their families a safe environment to change negative behaviors and the direction of their lives. ECR’s residential program allows children to attend school onsite and live with others in a family-style unit emphasizing responsibility, accountability, selfcontrol and self-reliance.

Since 2014, the MetroWest Master Association (MWMA) has organized a successful communitywide Charity Challenge that resulted in a large quantity of food and other important necessities being

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Central Florida Lifestyle | November 2020

donated to ECR at MetroWest’s annual WinterFest event. Due to the pandemic, WinterFest has been cancelled and the format for this year’s Charity Challenge had to be modified to keep participants safe.

MWMA is still seeking donations from residents; however, they are asking that the community donate gift cards from local businesses that ECR can use for ranch and school supplies, family night events, student recognition and other special occasions/needs.

Examples of gift cards that would be the most useful include Sam’s Club, Walmart, Publix, McDonalds, Chick-fil-A, Josie’s Pizza, Marco’s Pizza, Pizza Hut, Office Depot and, of course, Visa or MasterCard.

In addition, MWMA is asking local businesses to help sponsor the Community Charity Challenge.

Sponsorships are available in increments of $2,500 and $1,000. So far, FirstService Residential, BrightView Landscape Services, Garda-

World and Critical Intervention Services have committed to sponsorships. MWMA also has donated this space in MetroWest Lifestyle to ECR. “Due to COVID-19, this will be the first time in 37 years that we are unable to host our annual Country Round-Up Dinner and Auction,” says Bruce Jordan, Edgewood Children’s Ranch Executive Director. “This has been our major fundraising mechanism, so we are hoping that this year the community will step up and help us by donating gift cards and businesses will sponsor the Community Charity Challenge.”

Donations (in any amount) will help ECR continue to provide a safe and loving environment where kids can learn to thrive and succeed in life and where families can find healing. ECR relies on community support, sponsors and individual donors to keep the program affordable for families in need.

COURTESY OF EDGEWOOD CHILDREN'S RANCH

MetroWest Challenges the Community to Support Edgewood Children's Ranch This Fall

COURTESY OF EDGEWOOD CHILDREN'S RANCH

COMMUNITY CHARITY CHALLENGE Benefitting

Edgewood Children’s Ranch October 1 – December 10 Donate Gift Cards Now! Go To MetrowestCommunity.com Or Call 407-601-5995 Examples of gift cards that would be the most useful include: • Josie’s Pizza • Sam’s Club • Marco’s Pizza • Walmart • Pizza Hut • Publix • Office Depot • McDonalds • Visa or MasterCard • Chick-fil-A

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SPONSORS

Critical Intervention Services

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West Orange

Community

Takes Care of Its Own

Volunteers from a previous year’s food drive.

How you can help the West Orange Chamber of Commerce and its foundation help families in need this holiday season.

By Stina D’Uva, West Orange Chamber of Commerce

T

he COVID-19 pandemic has created an even greater need this year for individuals and families for the basics, especially nutritious food. With Thanksgiving fast approaching, in which many of us will be having small, physically distanced family dinners, those in need deserve the same.

An easy way for the community to help those in need this year is by making a financial contribution to the West Orange Foundation. This is the philanthropic arm of the West Orange Chamber of Commerce.

The West Orange Foundation’s Thanksgiving Food Drive

For decades, even before the formation of our foundation in 2017, members of the chamber adopted families at Thanksgiving through Orange County’s Health and Human Services. The families were identified for assistance by the Maxey Center in Winter Garden, the Jennings Center in Pine Hills and Lila E. Mitchell Center in Orlando.

Each business was given a family name, a family size and a shopping list. Once all was purchased, our members delivered the baskets of food to the centers. As the need grew, industrious chamber volunteers collected donations and shopped in bulk for the best pricing and packaged the food for various family sizes and delivered them to the centers.

This operation continued to grow, as did the size of donations. This is where the foundation came in to help by allowing online charitable donations.

This year, donations are still being collected. However, due to limited center hours and operations, the food purchase process has had to change. Now, the foundation will purchase gift cards from Publix and Walmart, which are both chamber trustees, and deliver them to the centers so that each family will be able to purchase what they need.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | November 2020

The community can help us be there for our community during this year of great need by making a donation to the 2020 Thanksgiving Drive. The process couldn’t be easier. Simply visit WOChamber.com/foundation/annual_thanksgiving_basket_ drive and make a donation. We will take care of the rest, and you can rest assured that your dollars will help families in need.

Charitable Giving to Local Nonprofits

Our foundation, through its Committee of 101(C101), also provides grants to charitable organizations. Over the years, charities have been granted over $300,000 with projects benefitting the homeless, arts, environment, healthcare for the uninsured and other issues impacting our community.

This year, 21 charities applied for grants and the recipients will be announced later this month. To learn more about C101, the organizations that received grants in the past and how to support this endeavor or be considered for a future grant, visit WOChamber.com/foundation/west_orange_committee_of_ one_hundred_and_one There is so much need this year. By working together, we will make a difference in many lives. Happy Thanksgiving!

Representatives from local nonprofits that have received a grant.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF WEST ORANGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

+ YOUR Local

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Don’t miss the fun on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Like, follow, comment, and share as together, we build the healthiest community in the nation.

+ YOUR Local

3

Ways to Get Into the

Holiday Spirit

By Christie Fogarty

T

he holiday season is upon us, and Central Florida elves are ready to help you make memories. Whether you’re looking for new family traditions, a fun night out with friends, or the perfect date night, we’ve put together a list of some of the mustsee attractions of the season. Each one has protocols in place to ensure safe festivities for all guests.

Night of a Million Lights

There’s a winter wonderland in Kissimmee! Give Kids the World Village has been adorned with more than 3 million glimmering lights for a walk-through holiday spectacular that is sure to get you in the spirit.

Guests will make their way through a 150-foot lighted tunnel, which will lead to 33 decorated villas, over 50 holiday-themed wire frames and so much more. Most of the village’s wheelchair-accessible attractions, including The Enchanted Carousel and Kelly’s Sunny Swing, will be open during the event and are also decorated for the season.

Open daily from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. through Jan. 3, GKTW is staggering entry times to promote

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Central Florida Lifestyle | November 2020

social distancing and masks will be required of all ages. Tickets include complimentary hot chocolate and ice cream as well as unlimited access to the rides and attractions.

Proceeds will support GKTW’s mission to provide wishes for critically ill children and their families.

I Love Christmas Movies

Gaylord Palms will be switching things up this year, offering their brand new pop-up event titled “I Love Christmas Movies” from now through Jan. 3. Guests will be immersed in some of the most classic Christmas movies of all time in the 17,000-square-foot exhibit space. It will feature scenes from “The Polar Express,” “A Christmas Story,” “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” and “The Year Without Santa Claus,” and guests will have the opportunity to interact with characters, view replicas of film props and more.

Due to limited capacity at this event, advance online reservations are required through the virtual box office. All 15 immersive scenes were created with social distancing mea-

sures in mind. Masks are required for any guest over the age of 2.

Dazzling Nights

Leu Gardens will be transformed with holiday cheer beginning Dec. 1. This family friendly walk-through experience will include interactive displays featuring over 1 million lights. Get immersed in a 65-foot tunnel of magical lights, journey through a forest of light and fog similar to what you would experience viewing the aurora borealis, and enjoy a photo opportunity in front of a 30-foot Christmas tree. The experience will be complete with snow and holiday music throughout the display.

Presented by AdventHealth and the creators of IMMERSE Festival, Dazzling Nights will run through Jan. 3. This socially distanced event will be held outdoors with timed entry, and masks will be required for all guests.

No matter how you plan to celebrate this year, these local events are sure to get you into the holiday spirit.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF GAYLORD PALMS

This month, several community events will kick off the holiday season with festive lights and immersive experiences.

HOSPITALITY Spotlight +

CFHLA Believes to Support Industry Due to the ramifications of COVID-19 within the hospitality industry, CFHLA has rebranded the annual CFHLA Hospitality Gala for 2020. This new CFHLA gathering will be entitled: CFHLA Believes: A Night to Support Hospitality Industry Employees.

CFHLA Believes is scheduled to occur on Saturday, Dec. 12, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Hilton Or-

lando. This networking activity will feature partnerships with Central Florida charitable organizations that help and support furloughed hospitality employees, including Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida as well as a GoFundMe account for direct donations.

This activity will continue to feature the following CFHLA annual awards: Lodging Member of the Year, Engineer of the Year, Allied Member of the Year and the Charles Andrews

Memorial Hospitality Award for Community Service.

Additionally, CFHLA will be collecting new sneakers for the over 10,000 homeless students in Orange and Osceola counties as well as gently used flat-style shoes for Operation Shared Shoes, a nonprofit organization that collects and distributes shoes to those in need.

CFHLA looks forward to supporting the hospitality industry.

Rich Maladecki is president and CEO of the Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association, the world’s largest regional hotel association (www.CFHLA.org).

NOVEMBER • 12-29 • 2020 Closed Mondays and Thanksgiving Day

JO

O THE WO Y T RL D

Presented by Council of 101 Orlando Museum Art 10 AM - 5 PM

F E S T I VAL

of

TREES

Advanced Tickets and Infomation

407-895-4231 Ext. 254

Councilof101.org | omart.org

C E L E B R AT I N G A S E A S O N O F J OY

BENEFITING ORLANDO MUSEUM OF ART

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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+ CALENDAR of Events November 12-29 Festival of Trees

10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Orlando Museum of Art 2416 N. Mills Ave. Orlando, FL 32803 $15 adults, $7 children ages 3-11, $12 seniors and military/first responders 407.896.4231 ext. 254 OMArt.org This event features designer holiday trees, handdesigned wreaths, gingerbread houses, vignettes and more. Each piece is available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting Orlando Museum of Art.

November 13 Night of a Million Lights

5-10 p.m.

Give Kids the World Village 210 S. Bass Rd. Kissimmee, FL 34746 Ticket prices vary based on date 407.396.1114 GKTW.org Enjoy sparkling lights, complimentary ice cream and hot cocoa and unlimited access to wheelchairaccessible rides and attractions. Entry times will be staggered to promote

social distancing and masks are required. Runs through Jan. 3.

November 13 I Love Christmas Movies™

10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center 6000 W. Osceola Pkwy.

Kissimmee, FL 34746 $28.99 adults, $14.99 children ages 4-11, free for children age 3 and under 407.586.0000 ILoveChristmasMoviesExperience.com Walk through and capture special moments from 13 of the most iconic Christmas movie scenes.

Advance online purchase required. Capacity is limited per time slot due to social distancing. Runs through Jan. 3.

November 19 Roald Dahl’s “Matilda the Musical” 7:30 p.m.

Garden Theatre 160 W. Plant St. Winter Garden, FL 34787 $25-$40 407.877.4736 GardenTheatre.org This beloved story of a

little girl with a vivid imagination and endless magic comes to life on stage.

Runs through Dec. 20.

November 21 SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.

SeaWorld Orlando 7007 Sea World Dr. Orlando, FL 32821 Included in regular theme park admission 407.545.5550 SeaWorld.com Enjoy holiday shopping, delicious food and joyous entertainment on select dates throughout the holiday season. Runs through Dec. 31.

11:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Rosen Shingle Creek 9939 Universal Blvd.

Orlando, FL 32819 $59.95 per adult, $24.95 per child ages 4-11 and free for children 3 and under 407.996.3663 RosenShingleCreek.com/ Thanksgiving Savor creative twists to traditional favorites prepared by expert chefs.

Complimentary self parking is included and takeaway options are available.

10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Legoland Florida Included in regular theme park admission Legoland.com Celebrate the holidays with seasonal shows and treats, special LEGO characters, twinkling lights, fireworks on select nights and more. Also runs selects dates in December.

Central Florida Lifestyle | November 2020

5:30-9 p.m.

Harry P. Leu Gardens 1920 N. Forest Ave. Orlando, FL 32803 $22 DazzlingOrlando.com Enjoy a 3/4-mile journey of awe-inspiring light experiences. Masks are required and entry timed for social distancing. Runs through Jan. 3.

November 26 Return to Rosen Thanksgiving Dinner

November 27-29 Holidays at Legoland

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December 1 Dazzling Nights

December 17-19 Die Fledermaus: The Revenge of the Bat

7:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts 445 S. Magnolia Ave. Orlando, FL 32801 Ticket prices vary 844.513.2014 DrPhillipsCenter.org Celebrate the launch of Opera Orlando’s fifth anniversary season.

+ SNAPSHOTS On the Town Orlando Magic Baskets for Books Program an effort to develop lifelong learners In through literacy and education, the Orlando Magic and Florida Blue celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Baskets for Books program presented by Florida Blue.

1-2. Since program inception in 2010, more than 54,000 total books have been donated to the Early Learning Coalition through this program, in which one book is donated for every point made by the Orlando Magic during home games.

1

4

“Best of” Burger Edition On Oct. 3, Sunset Walk Orlando hosted the inaugural “Best of” Challenge: Burger Edition, where 12 restaurants competed to be a fan and judge favorite.

2

3

3. First place winner, BurgerFi. 4. Second place winner, Ford’s Garage.

5. Third place winner, Capone’s Coal Fired Pizza.

5

Ribbon Cuttings

6

6. Oxford Eyes, a family-owned eyewear shop celebrated the move to its new Ivanhoe Village location with a ribbon cutting that was streamed virtually. (L to R:) Debora Ramirez, Michelle Williamson, Verbelee Nielsen-Swanson, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Lisa Sarles, Commissioner Robert Stuart.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | November 2020

7. On Oct. 7, Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista celebrated its rebranding and new name, Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista, with a ribbon cutting. This is the fourth Rosen Inn in the Rosen Hotels & Resorts collection.

+ SOMEONE You Should Know

Giving Back:

Serving Central Florida

This Central Florida resident has grown his hospitality brand while giving back to those in need within the community he serves.

By Lyndsay Fogarty

N

ick Falcone has deep roots in the hospitality industry. From a young age, he learned valuable lessons about service and what it means to bring a smile to someone’s face. These experiences paved the way for him in adulthood.

As a child, Falcone grew up around restaurants. His father is a 40-year industry veteran and the first franchisee for McDonald’s. Now, at 33 years old, Falcone has followed in his footsteps to become an accomplished leader in Central Florida’s hospitality sector.

Not only is Falcone a founding franchisee of BurgerFi along with his brothers, with one location in Kissimmee and six others in south Florida, but he is also the managing principal of NDM Hospitality. The group operates multiple resorts, restaurants and entertainment centers across Central Florida, including Margaritaville Resort Orlando, Island H2O Live! water park, The Promenade at Sunset Walk and Encore Resort at Reunion, among other ventures.

As a whole, Falcone leads NDM Hospitality with a feeling of commu-

nity at the forefront. In addition to developing a company culture around the ability to “win from within,” he places emphasis on giving back to the communities they serve.

“We’ve always built our company on a pillar of mutual success,” he says.

“We want to be the best at what we’re doing professionally and be the best at being there for our community and supporting those around us.”

From volunteering as a team at local organizations such as Give Kids the World, The Boys & Girls Club and Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida to hosting charitable events at the resorts, the company has a culture of giving back.

“With most things we support, there’s a common theme associated with youth and younger children,” Falcone says. “I have two young children. Becoming a father, it became a big passion to help as many kids as possible.”

His long-time commitment to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America developed through a personal experience of his own. At 11

years old, Falcone was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, and his work with the foundation has given him the opportunity to give back to kids with similar diagnoses by helping them normalize their situation. His dedication has even become a family affair, with his wife, Jaclyn, joining his efforts in chairing foundation events.

For Falcone, growing his brand, creating community partnerships and supporting his team go hand in hand with giving back. He says, “We’re all about putting smiles on people’s faces and giving back lends itself to that.”

The Falcone Family

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Central Florida Lifestyle | November 2020

SCOTT COOK PHOTOGRAPHY

Nick Falcone, managing principal for NDM Hospitality has made giving back a family affair.

A DIVISION OF KARST MEDIA GROUP

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