Issuu

J U N E 2 02 1

ALSO SERVING HORIZON WEST AND WINDERMERE

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

JUNE 2021 PUBLISHER

Anthony S Adams | anthony.adams@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Let’s Hear It for the Boys!

Michelle Malay Sanchez michelle.malaysanchez@lifestylepubs.com COPY EDITOR

Candice Hawks

THIS MONTH IS ALL ABOUT THE GUYS OF WINTER GARDEN, HORIZON WEST,

ADMINISTRATI VE DIRECTOR

AND WINDERMERE! What are your favorite things about the men in your life?

Carey Adams | carey.adams@lifestylepubs.com

We are always inspired by the men in our community that do and create, engage and work to do better. We truly have some talented gentlemen in our midst, and we’ve taken this issue to highlight some of them and learn from their experiences in life. As you read about the men behind “We Are Winter Garden,” learn about the Sons of Thunder, get Pastor Scott’s take on homelessness, crave Brazilian spices and hot

STAFF WRITER

Austin Arthur AD DESIGNER

Evan Deuvall L AYO UT DESIGNER

Jayme Emery

chicken, or just want to browse a few of our bourbon choices, we invite you to go

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

ahead and start making your Father’s Day list!

Michelle Malay Sanchez

Thank You, Jon Burket (https://JonBurketPhotography.Shootproof.com, JMBurket@ gmail.com, Instagram @Jon_Burket) for the amazing cover image of The Gazebo at Newton Park on Lake Apopka in Winter Garden. We needed to let you know about a correction to the story “Outstanding Contributions By Women In Our Community”, from our May 2021 issue (on page 29) that stated Katie Aguirre used “...some professional trappers to help...”, when in fact she used volunteers.

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jon Burket, Michelle Malay Sanchez, Austin Arthur, Strates Shows, The Better Man Event, WWKA/Cox Radio, “We Are Winter Garden”

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

We also want to send some love to our Advertising Partners. We support Buying

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

Local! Every one of the businesses and organizations you see advertising in our

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

magazine has been vetted by us and have the same involvement and dedication to

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

our community as we do. Thank you for inviting us into your home and sharing your lives with us. Here’s to you and your family; live boldly, enjoy our community, be involved, and truly Live Your Best Life!

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ON THE COVER The Gazebo at Newton Park on Lake Apopka by Photographer Jon Burket

(https://JonBurketPhotography.

Shootproof.com,

Anthony S Adams, Publisher

JMBurket@gmail.com,

SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

Instagram @Jon_Burket) who shares, “patience, determination, and a keen awareness have helped me create many memorable images of wildlife and nature. I’m excited to share my work with you.” 4

Winter Garden Lifestyle | June 2021

CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden

Proverbs 3:5-6 Winter Garden Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Media Partners LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Winter Garden area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Media Partners’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Media Partners does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Winter Garden Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

INSIDE THE ISSUE JUNE 2021

FEATURES 12 THE MEN BEHIND “WE ARE WINTER GARDEN” Austin Arthur talks with Founders of “We are Winter Garden”, Marc Jablon and Chris Chan.

16 Pico Bistro Brings Brazilian Spice To Winter Garden 20 Obie Diaz - Making Good Men Better More To Our Community Than Just The K92.3 Morning Show Host

12 16

24 Scott Billue Helping Our Hidden Homeless

20 DEPARTMENTS

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

Our Town

City Scene

Culinary Creations

24 Giving Back 26 Hops & Vine 28 Locally Owned 30 Healthy Lifestyle 33 Realty Report 34 Lifestyle Calendar

GOOD TIMES 1.

Downtown Full Of Art Winter Garden’s Arts in April, a day and night event showcasing and supporting the local arts with outdoor and indoor exhibits, activities, and the ‘Art Night VIP’ fundraiser that washed downtown in a glow of purple, blue, and gold that brought the Arts to life.

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AROUND TOWN

VICES - THE ULTIMATE LUXURY SUBSCRIPTION BOX FOR FATHER’S DAY! A Vices subscription delivers curated collections of the finer things, delivered directly to your door each month. Opening your box is a journey designed for those with a profound appreciation for the authentic and unique. Each delivery is meant to stimulate our curiosity through storied treasures in the way of fine wines & liquors, foods, toys, tools, spirits, accessories, and tech items delivered to your door along with a beautiful booklet to tell their story. Visit https://read.wg.life/Vices to get $50 off your subscription.

EPCOT INTERNATIONAL FLOWER AND GARDEN FESTIVAL FEATURES FRESH FLAVORS

REGIONAL PREMIERE OF THE BODYGUARD AT GARDEN THEATRE “Oh, I wanna dance with somebody!” Based on the iconic 1992 film, the stage musical The

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival

Bodyguard features all of Whitney Houston’s great-

is in full swing. This year is the longest running fes-

est hits. Garden Theatre welcomes Central Florida

tival to date, ending on July 5, 2021. The festival fea-

audiences to the regional premiere of this sensa-

tures topiaries, gardens, outdoor kitchens, and live

tional summer musical. Directed by Sara Catherine

entertainment. Park entry is required for the event.

Barnes, The Bodyguard runs July 9 - August 1, 2021. www.GardenTheatre.org or (407) 877-4736 for more information or to purchase tickets.

HEALTHY WEST ORANGE HOSTS A VIRTUAL 5K Healthy West Orange has created a virtual 5K for residents, where they can complete the 3.1 miles when and where they would like, between now and September 30, 2021. The mileage can be broken up if needed. Any resident who completes the 5k can

email a photo to westly@healthywestorange.org or

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would

use the hashtag #westlysvirtual5k on social media.

love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.

You can earn a free race T-shirt and medal. Register

com/WinterGarden using the Get In Touch link

at www.healthywestorange.org/5k

and let us know what you think.

Winter Garden Lifestyle | June 2021

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OUR TOWN

AUSTIN ARTHUR TALKS WITH FOUNDERS OF “WE ARE WINTER GARDEN”, MARC JABLON AND CHRIS CHAN.

the men behind “We Are Winter Garden” ARTICLE AUSTIN ARTHUR IF YOU LIVE IN OR VISIT WINTER GARDEN, YOU HAVE SEEN THE “WE ARE WINTER GARDEN” BRAND ALL AROUND THE CITY. The brand is completely about the Winter Garden Community, promoting and embracing everything the city is and has, from the World Famous Farmer's Market to the West Orange Trail. Since its inception, “We Are Winter Garden” has become a staple within the spirit of the community and has helped to bring the growing city together in new and modern ways. Between their mobile application, digital Winter Garden radio channel, and various Facebook groups, their reach is in the tens of thousands. Members on social media and downloads of their mobile application combine to boast nearly 90,000 accounts, all from the West Orange area. However, who is really behind this brand? I talked with two of the men largely responsible for this community blessing, Marc Jablon and Chris Chan. If you have been in the community, you have seen Chris and Patrick Bottinelli with their hoverboards or drones capturing beautiful imagery of our city on a regular basis. In community social media circles, Chris is a regular face that will pop on your screen, promoting or embracing something great about our city. If you have been in the business world inside our community, then you certainly have met Marc… for nearly twenty

Winter Garden Lifestyle | June 2021

“We Are Winter Garden”

“ T he bra nd is a bout the com mu n it y a nd ensu r i ng the cit y reta i ns a nd expou nds upon what ma kes it so wonder f u l, ou r sha red va lues wh ich a re rooted i n fa m i ly-based com mu n it y pr i nciples.” CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden

OUR TOWN (CONTINUED) years Marc has been a serial entrepreneur and business consultant here in Winter Garden. When Marc was searching for someone to capture great video content for Safety First Swim School owned by his wife, Tanya, she suggested he seek out “the guy who does all the cool videos for We Are Winter Garden.” Little did Marc know, this connection would blossom into a beautiful partnership. Between Chris’ passion and talent and Marc’s entrepreneurial experience, these two along with their team made Chris’ initial 2016 concept of “We Are WG” flourish into what we see today. Their brand, “We Are Winter Garden”, is much more than just a t-shirt, it is a brand that is helping the community by action-based initiatives. For example, a recent initiative, “Make Time WG” seeks to help out local businesses in our community by creating awareness regarding the need to support local businesses on “off days” such as Monday-Wednesday. “Have you ever been Downtown on the weekend and struggled to find parking? Perhaps you found a favorite store and then decided to go back on a Monday, only to discover it was closed. Why is that? The reason is that local businesses in Winter Garden have great success on the weekends when visitors come from all over to enjoy our great City, but struggle on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday to survive,” Marc explained. This initiative exists to help create awareness in the community so businesses can be supported on their slower days. An even more powerful way they have been supporting local businesses and community activity is through their free mobile app. Marc told me a bit about this aspect of their brand, while explaining how he feels it is the future of the brand and the most important aspect of what they do. “Readers should definitely check out the Directory Map, Events, and Deals. My favorite part of the Winter Garden App is the Food Section. We have attempted to solve most Family fights about ‘Where should we eat?’ by adding a fun wheel. Next time you have this fight, just say ‘let the Winter Garden App decide’ and spin the wheel!” Marc stated enthusiastically. As much as I tried to focus on Marc and Chris, they kept going back to their team and those around them in the community, “We have a fabulous team. Patrick, Michael, Tracy, Michelle, and Bobbi are constantly going above and beyond to support the Community,” Marc said. "The brand is about the community and ensuring the city retains and expounds upon what makes it so wonderful, our shared values which are rooted in family-based community principles."

Winter Garden Lifestyle | June 2021

WE ARE WG

Their humility was on display with Marc’s comments on this subject and when the topic of legacy was discussed Chris had this to say,“My faith is my foundation … following Jesus and living a gospel centric life. I want His message of love to shine through me, I want His name to be remembered and not mine.” It is clear that these good gentlemen have done great things for our community and for selfless reasons. I fervently believe that supporting the “We Are Winter Garden” initiatives and platforms is supporting our community at large, and I encourage our city to further embrace this brand. Marc, Austin, and Chris

CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden

CITY SCENE ARTICLE MICHELLE SANCHEZ

PICO BISTRO BRINGS BR A ZILIAN S P I C E TO W I N T E R G A R D E N

Three Bruschettas

Burrata

Pico Steak with Banana Tartare and Rustic Potatoes

Three Potato Gnocchi

Pico Fries Empanadas

Codfish

GISELE AND ROMULO RIBEIRO HAD OVER THIRTY YEARS OF SUCCESS IN THE CULINARY INDUSTRY IN BRAZIL WHEN THEY TOOK A CHANCE AND MOVED TO CENTRAL FLORIDA. They originally opened a food truck, serving their signature item, fried Brazilian empanadas. In 2020, they expanded to the Montrose Street Market in Clermont, and have continued their success with a new full course restaurant, Pico Bistro, in Winter Garden."There are three main pillars to the success of Pico Bistro," said Gisele, "fresh and locally sourced ingredients, family tradition, and fine dining options." Guests are now able to enjoy three courses of fine food with Brazilian Spice at their new location at 1201 Winter Garden Vineland Road, Suite 2, Winter Garden, FL 34787 16

Winter Garden Lifestyle | June 2021

Charlie’s

has been known for their excellent product and continued quality. Gary continues

to follow his father’s recipes and use only the finest ingredients to create all the delicious cookies, cakes, pies and pastries. The decorators create memories that are shared for years by your family.

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CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden

CULINARY CREATIONS

fat mike’s hot chicken is on fire ARTICLE MICHELLE SANCHEZ

Winter Garden Lifestyle | June 2021

MICHAEL SCORSONE KNOWS TASTY FOOD, IN FACT,

They opened with a limited menu and no grand opening

HE'S THE MAN BEHIND LOCAL SUCCESSES MICHAEL’S

celebration, but Mike's Nashville style hot chicken has been a

ALI COAL FIRED PIZZA MAC'D OUT, AND THE RECENTLY

hit! "I love this town, the people of Winter Garden are so good

OPENED FAT MIKE'S HOT CHICKEN! Fat Mike's Hot Chicken

to us" says Michael. While the opening year may have seen

opened in early 2020 "on the fly" says Michael, serving Nashville

some struggles, Fat Mike's Hot Chicken has undoubtedly been

Hot Chicken in a variety of options. As hours were cut at many of

a success. You can find Fat Mike's on Plant Street, with the

his locations, he wanted to keep his employees on staff. This led

main entrance facing the Crooked Can Brewing Company patio.

him to partner with a veteran chef from the Hyatt Grand Cypress

Brewery patrons can order online to enjoy this southern fried

to create his own signature recipes at Fat Mike's Hot Chicken.

chicken with a pint in hand. Fat Mike’s Hot Chicken 360 West Plant Street Winter Garden, FL 34787 www.FatMikesChicken.com

Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwhich

CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden

ARTICLE ANTHONY ADAMS

MORE TO OUR COMMUNITY THAN JUST THE K92.3 MORNING SHOW HOST

YOU MAY KNOW OBIE DIAZ FROM COX

OBIE DIAZ

MAKING GOOD MEN BETTER

RADIO’S COUNTRY CHANNEL K92.3’S

Winter Garden Lifestyle | June 2021

MORNING

SHOW.

Still,

anywhere

Downtown Winter Garden, when he yells out, “Whoo-Dee-Whoot!” you have no less than 10 people yell back, “Obie!” and it’s clear that he’s more than just a radio personality who calls Winter Garden home. “I was raised in the Tampa area and moved to Orlando to get into the music scene and start a Boy Band, but instead, I landed a job at POWER 95.3. It was a dance music channel way back then that ultimately transitioned into hip-hop. After almost 15 years there, getting married, and starting a family, I was looking for something different and asked them to put me on another station to show my diversity”, Obie shared about the early days of his over 22 years at Cox Media Group, and added, “About 7 years ago, there came an opportunity over at K92.3 for the Morning Show. In this industry, morning radio is the spot to be, and although I didn’t know much about country music at the time, I jumped right in.” Not able to easily move on from his long-standing on-air role at 95.3, Diaz ended up working at both stations. “I spent every weekend pre-recording parts of the K92.3 morning program and all my spare time researching country music and artists. I had spent over 15 years working at a dance and hip-hop channel and really wanted to prove myself. In addition to both on-air roles, I literally put myself through my own College of Country Music!”.

Obie and Erica Diaz

K92.3 Studio Obie Diaz - The Better Man Event

After 2 years of his grueling schedule, Obie gets a call.

studio, and out of the blue, my life flashed before me; It

“The General Manager calls me in, sits me down, and I

was a great life, surrounded by good things and amaz-

think I’m totally getting fired. The GM says, ‘your services

ing people; it felt perfect. Then the feeling… actually

are no longer required…’” Obie takes a long pause for

The Voice… ‘You Have More To Share,’ and that was it,

effect and with a straight face continues, “… at 95.3, we

we were on the journey of adoption.” Obie pauses for

want you full time for the morning program on K92.3”.

a minute and with a warm fatherly grin adds, “with our

Obie adds, “I’ve been at K92.3 now for 7 years, love every

kids being a little older (8, 10, and 11) you forget what

minute, and haven’t looked back.”

it’s like to have a baby in the house and it’s crazy, in the

“We moved to Winter Garden about 9 years ago, and

greatest ways, he’s such a smiley baby!”.

it’s really turned out to be a great community to raise our

Diaz is highly involved in the Central Florida community

family. Erica and I have been married for 14 years; we have

where he's involved with The Better Man Events, hosts

3 children and just adopted a beautiful baby boy 4 months

the Orlando Police Foundation’s “City’s Finest” podcast

ago,” Obie shared about his family.

(available on all podcast platforms), and works with

“God placed adoption in Erica’s heart early on, and

the Seminole County Sheriff Foundation and Maronda

it took almost 2 years for Him to have that ‘discussion’

Homes’ Hero Home initiative, where a new home build

with me,” added Obie, who reads scripture every day

is donated allowing 100% of the sale proceeds to benefit

with his family, “I remember it clearly. I was in the

First Responders and their families in times of need. CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden

OBIE DIAZ - MAKING GOOD MEN BETTER (CONTINUED)

Obie’s focus is also shining in our local community, being the Founder of Sons Of Thunder. “The last couple of years has really seen a new chapter in my life where I’ve turned from being the entertainer, you know, just the fun guy, into someone on a mission and more focused; I think that was

“THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS HAS REALLY SEEN A NEW CHAPTER IN MY LIFE WHERE I’VE TURNED FROM BEING THE ENTERTAINER, YOU KNOW, JUST THE FUN GUY, INTO SOMEONE ON A MISSION AND MORE FOCUSED.”

really the foundation for starting Sons Of Thunder.” He adds, “We’re a local group of

Erica and Obie Diaz

“MY LIFE FLASHED BEFORE ME; IT WAS A GREAT LIFE, SURROUNDED BY GOOD THINGS AND AMAZING PEOPLE; IT FELT PERFECT. THEN THE FEELING… ACTUALLY THE VOICE… ‘YOU HAVE MORE TO SHARE.”

Diaz Family

guys, now over 400 strong, focused on being better men in our households, community, and careers. Most of the group never knew each other before attending a meeting. I guess an easier way to say it is; you should have a crew, a wolfpack, a good core group of guys you can hang out with and trust – that’s what Sons of Thunder is all about.” “We are just now getting back to meeting in person and meet the first Monday of every month at the Crooked Can Brewery’s VIP Room in Plant Street Market. We typically have twenty or so guys, and the first beer is on us, courtesy of Crooked Can. The group has many shared interests, and we try to schedule an activity (golf, fishing, hunting, skydiving, working out, etc.) monthly. There’s no cost or craziness to join us, just show up, meet some great guys, and have some fun!” For more information on Sons Of Thunder, visit SonsOfThunderGroup.com.

Winter Garden Lifestyle | June 2021

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GIVING BACK

Scott Billue

Scott Billue - Helping Our Hidden Homeless TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF: Most people would consider that I had a pretty traumatic childhood and have personally experienced drug addiction and homelessness from an early age. When I got out of the military, I worked as a Trader and being quickly successful allowed me to expand my addictions to new levels. When the markets crashed, it affected me deeply, and I found myself homeless again. Pulling myself up from zero, I built a successful 20-year career in sales and marketing until I got the Calling to go into Ministry. I enrolled at Reformed Theological Seminary and founded ‘NEXT Community Church’ in Winter Garden, where I was for 5 years. HOW DID MATTHEW’S HOPE GET STARTED? We had been serving the homeless community for a while, and I wanted to get Churches together to address the challenge head-on. Unfortunately, getting separate churches to work together is very challenging. The original concept in late 2009 was a stand-alone Ministry that others could rally around. In January 2010, we had one of the worst freezes in Central Florida, and we asked churches in the area to house our homeless population temporarily. Although most said no, the West Orange Church of Christ agreed, Channel 13 picked up the story of the “Freeze Warning Ministry,” and everything grew so fast. As the temperatures warmed, we just continued to provide services as we could not just walk away from the obvious, ongoing needs of the homeless in our community. I officially founded Matthew’s Hope on March 30, 2010.

Winter Garden Lifestyle | June 2021

WHAT ARE YOU SEEING NOW AND HOW DOES

value, and we want folks to often return for new sup-

YOUR OUTREACH TO THE HOMELESS WORK?

plies and help.

In the last 12 months, we’ve experienced a 300% jump in the number of weekly visits by homeless folks.

UNDERSTANDING THAT, WHAT SHOULD I

The needs are growing in terms of volume and service

DONATE TO MATTHEW’S HOPE?

required. Every Tuesday and Thursday, three teams go

We post our most critical need items weekly on our

out into the field. The first delivers personal protection

Facebook Page (@MatthewsHopeMinistries). We try

equipment and picks up dirty laundry; the second team

and make everything we give usable by someone living

provides food, clothing, and hygiene; and the third team

in the woods, on the streets, in their car, or in a camp.

is the medical crew that dresses wounds and makes sure

BOGO specials are an effective way to donate grocery

medications are available to those who need them. We

items (feed your family with one, feed another family

also provide weekly laundry service, showers, assistance

with the other). The key is shelf-stable, pre-cooked

with food stamps, Florida IDs, COVID testing, and more.

items that can be warmed if there’s the ability and no preparation required. Examples are Chef Boyardee

WE’VE HEARD YOU CAN BE PICKY ABOUT

pasta with meat, Vienna sausages, soups with meat

DONATED ITEMS, HELP US UNDERSTAND THAT:

and vegetables (not broth), small SPAMs, etc. For toi-

Let me start by saying that we are always grateful

letries, it’s the usual items you would take on a short

for donations! However, our staff and volunteers spend

trip, just travel-sized and single-use. All clothing helps,

a lot of time sorting through bags of donations where

especially white socks, underwear, jeans/pants (sizes

only about 10-percent is truly usable, and the Salvation

28, 30, and 32), ponchos, running shoes, steel-toe

Army has to pick up the rest (averaging 50 to 100 bags

boots. We also need other items and post weekly on

per week) of items dropped off at our Resource Center

our Facebook page (@MatthewsHopeMinistries) as

that our homeless population can’t use. As examples,

the needs change quickly.

we ask for running shoes because they’re breathable and washable; white socks because there are no dyes

For information on donating or volunteering, you can visit

that cause major medical issues for our diabetics;

MatthewsHopeMinistries.org or call (407) 905-9500.

travel-size toiletries because of space, there’s no street

“In the last 12 months, we’ve experienced a 300% jump in t h e n u m b e r o f w e e k ly v i s i t s b y h o m e l e s s f o l k s .” CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden

OUR OURFAVORITE FAVORITE HOPS & VINE

THE “BEST BOURBON” IS TRULY UP TO THE INDIVIDUAL AND OCCASION WE WERE RECENTLY ASKED TO SUGGEST THE BEST BOURBON UNDER 150 DOLLARS AND AS I REFLECTED ON MY LIST OF FAVORITES, PROVIDING A SINGLE ANSWER WASN’T AS STRAIGHTFORWARD AS IT APPEARED. Think of it like this. If we asked 100 people in our community what their favorite restaurant is – some would say the Chef’s Table and Tasting Room, another would say the Gochi Sushi, another would say Winter Garden Pizza Company, and another would say Bosphorus. Each of these is “The Best” to that individual, either for their personal palate or in that moment! Here is our list of favorites that will have you covered at any price point

Blanton’s is recognizable on sight due to the round bottle with a brass horse and jockey for a stopper. Taken from the center-cut or middle sections of the famous Warehouse H. The taste profile is sweet, with notes of citrus and oak. The creamy vanilla nose is teased with caramel and butterscotch, all underscored by familiar baking spices such as clove, nutmeg, or cinnamon W W W. B L ANTONSBOURBON .CO M ($150 - $10 0)

BASIL HAYDEN’S RYE BOURBON – AGED 10 YEARS In a sea of cask-strength offerings, Basil Hayden’s stays true to its 80 proof roots. The high rye content of its mash bill charges the nose and palate with notes of caraway and spice, while 10 years in the barrel have added leather and an attractive nuttiness. If you aren’t looking for high proof, this is a remarkable bourbon W W W. BASI LHAYDENS .COM ($10 0 - $75)

PINHOOK ‘BOURBON WAR’ VERTICAL SERIES 5 YEARS

BOURBONS BOURBONS

or occasion.

BLANTON’S SINGLE BARREL BOURBON

Pinhook pulls 150 barrels from a special lot to create this straight bourbon whiskey with a lively nose of butterscotch, cinnamon stick, licorice, and vanilla. These aromas set the stage for a robust palate of cherry, chocolate, toasted brown sugar, and chicory. With the additional 5th year of age, what was tropical fruit transitions to darker fruit flavors and what was brighter candy is now rich and caramelized; hints of smoke now start to appear for the first time W W W. PI N HOOKBOURBON .CO M ($75 - $50)

UNDER UNDER $150 $150

ARTICLE ANTHONY ADAMS

Winter Garden Lifestyle | June 2021

EAGLE RARE 10 YEAR Eagle Rare 10 Year lives somewhat in the shadow of its 17-year-old elder sibling, but don’t let that shy you away. This is a sweet and mellow bourbon with definite signs of maturity and Its orange peel and toffee aromas are a little shy, but the palate serves sturdy sweet and spice notes and a toasty finish E AGLER ARE.COM ($ 30 - $50)

OLD FORESTER 86 PROOF While others in Old Forester’s impressive lineup claim the hearts of bourbon geeks (such as the 1920 Prohibition Style), this bottle stands head and shoulders above everything at this proof and price point. It oozes aromatic charm and follows with a palate that is lithe but in no way lacking flavor W W W.OLDFORESTER.COM ($20 - $ 30)

MCAFEE BENCHMARK OLD NO. 8 Sometimes you find a twenty-dollar bill lying round or just need a good mixing bourbon. Benchmark Old No. 8 is made at the same distillery as Blanton’s and the ever-coveted Pappy Van Winkle! The nose bears caramel notes with a delicate stone-fruit backdrop. A robust and sturdy palate with some fine leather notes mingling with dry tobacco, a touch of oak, and a hint of dried cherries. The finish is smooth and calming W W W. BUFFALOTR ACEDISTI LLERY.COM (< $20)

CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden

LOCALLY OWNED

THOSE WHO RIDE TOGETHER

ADAM DRAYTON - THE NEWLY OPEN CYCLEBAR HAMLIN’S GENERAL MANAGER

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF?

I was born in Central Florida, was raised by an amazing single mother, and have a sister and brother. I moved to the area from Orlando in 2018 because of the great community. I got engaged to Kaitlin in January 2019 (more on that in a minute), and we think the wedding will be next year at a venue in Sebastian, FL. In my spare time, I’m either at the beach, riding/teaching at CycleBar or visiting local breweries. Even from an early age, I’ve had a strong work ethic and had my first job at 14. Over 10 years ago and during the recession, I started and owned a lawn-care service that I’m proud to say is still in operation today. I sold my half of the business to follow my passion - CycleBar! WHY CYCLEBAR? Like for so many of our Members, it’s all about the Ride, the Music, the Energy, but most of all, it’s the Friends and Community I found at my local CycleBar that got me hooked - So much so that I had over 750 rides in 2.5 years, which fueled my over 65lbs weight loss and journey. Fitness quickly turned into my passion, and I wanted to be a CycleBar Instructor. Our "Bar" for instructors is very, very high, to the point where I tried out twice for CycleBar before being accepted. For me, the third time was a charm, and I’ve been fortunate to have taught over 350 classes in the last year. I’m now the General Manager of the newly opened CycleBar Hamlin. CYCLEBAR PROPOSAL?? I met Kaitlin, my Fiancé, online actually, and she moved here from Pennsylvania. After 4 years of being together, she started riding at CycleBar with me, and it brought us even closer than we already

Winter Garden Lifestyle | June 2021

CYCLEBAR were – “Those Who Ride Together Stay Together” and together with Kaitlin sounded pretty awesome!

I decided one day that I would propose, and the opportunity

came to me as I had just won a CycleBar Rider Challenge. My prize was to teach on stage alongside an instructor, and I thought this would be a perfect way to propose as our friends and CycleBar community were such a part of our lives. Not wanting to let her find out my plans and to throw her off the trail, I made the entire day about me and my prize, so much so, she was over it all before the class even happened! I remember it perfectly; a full, 5:30 am class with 43 friends and fellow riders (only 5 knew what was really going on). It was the longest, most nervous, most exhilarating, most epic ride I’ve ever had, both because of being on the stage with the instructor and the pending proposal!

When the last song came on ("Say You Won't Let Go" by James Arthur), I got off my bike and pulled Kaitlin up on stage, got down on one knee, and with 43 of my friends and other riders cheering me on, I proposed. She said... YES! WHAT’S YOUR KEY TO SUCCESS? I’m a risk taker, and always will be. I believe that you must follow what you're passionate about in life. I'm driven by my abilities to see that I will succeed no matter what challenge or what obstacle gets in my way. Adam and Kaitlin CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE THE PRO GOLFER’S FITNESS JOURNEY

SCOTT

STALLINGS’

WORKOUT ARTICLE CITY LIFESTYLE

SCOTT STALLINGS DISCOVERED HIS INTEREST IN GOLF AT THE YOUNG AGE OF 3. But it was the “aha moment” for his love of the game that came in 1997 when Tiger Woods won the Masters and would forever change the entire landscape of the industry, as well as what Stallings would aspire to achieve in his future professional endeavors. Little did he know at the time, however, not just how successful he would become, but also how an unforeseen health compromise would also rock his world, and his cross training, for the better. He was a seven-time tournament winner and was an All-American while attending Tennessee Tech, and he has won on the PGA Tour three times as a professional golfer. Flash forward to the year 2016: It became a life-changing year he never would have anticipated; one filled with strife as he learned he had been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and acute adrenal fatigue. It was a result of some unhealthy nutritional habits, both of which affected his ability to continue effectively as a professional athlete. With the guidance of doctors, surgeons, and his good friend Rich Froning, a four-time Crossfit champion, Scott developed a workout to trim 60 pounds, boasting 10% body fat, revising his daily eating habits, and sleeping healthily through the night. Had Scott not gone to the doctor because of that innate fear, he never would have known the diagnosis of sleep apnea that needed to be addressed. Luckily for Scott, he didn’t have an overwhelming, crazy life overhaul. Instead, he was able to find one small thing, delivering simple systematic changes in his workout that led to his improvement in fitness and quality of life. “You only get one body,” he says. “Golf is a grind, but don’t let physicality get in the way of your game,” Scott says.

Winter Garden Lifestyle | June 2021

CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden

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Winter Garden Lifestyle | June 2021

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REALTY REPORT

REALTY REPORT WINTER GARDEN & WINDERMERE

NEIGHBORHOOD

ORIGINAL PRICE

SOLD PRICE

%SOLD/ORIG

DOM

BDRMS

BATHS

Overlook at Hamlin

$1,295,000

$1,250,000

97%

5.5

Canopy Oaks

$949,000

$935,000

99%

Waterside/Johns Lake

$785,000

100%

4.5

West Lake Hancock Estates

$690,000

$695,000

101%

3.5

Oakland Park

$675,000

100%

Lake Cove Pointe

$649,999

$650,000

100%

3.5

Twinwaters

$579,000

$577,000

99%

Hickory Hammock

$567,500

$575,000

101%

3.5

Bronsons Landing

$525,000

$529,000

101%

Casabella

$1,879,000

$1,830,000

97%

5.5

Sawyer Sound

$1,550,000

100%

3.5

Waterford Pointe

$1,450,000

$1,398,000

96%

3.5

Waterstone

$1,075,000

100%

Providence

$975,000

100%

Manors at Butler Bay

$825,000

$913,000

111%

Tildens Grove

$899,000

$900,000

101%

Enclave

$799,900

$821,000

103%

4.5

This data is a sampling of sold properties from March 23rd to April 22nd. Source: MLS

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JUNE

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

TOP CHOICE EXHIBITION OPENING RECEPTION

WHITE SWAN ACADEMY PRESENTS VIVA LA DANCE

The Winter Garden Art Association,

Catch Viva La Dance, the White

during the June and July 2021

Swan Academy’s end of the year

Exhibition, is hosting an Opening

revue featuring dancers ages three

Reception

127 S Boyd St, Winter Garden, FL

for

SOBO’s

160 W Plant St, Winter Garden, Florida

Annual

to eighteen in various dance styles at

Awards Exhibition. Awards will be

the Garden Theatre in Downtown

given for Best of Show, People’s

Winter Garden with showtimes at

Choice,

2:00pm and 5:00pm on Saturday

Curator’s

Choice,

and

Multiple Medium Categories.

June 12, 2021. Visit gardentheatre. org/events for tickets and details.

5 WINTER GARDEN FARMERS MARKET 13TH BIRTHDAY 104 S Lakeview Ave,

Winter Garden, Florida

22 ORLANDO CITY SOCCER CLUB VS. SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES 655 West Church Street

The Winter Garden Farmers Market

Orlando, FL 32805

turns 13 on Saturday June 5, 2021!

Orlando City Soccer Club returns

Head down to the Farmers Market

to Exploria Stadium for the 2021

to enjoy fresh produce, meats, dips,

MLS

and more to celebrate this commu-

head-to-head

nity accomplishment!

Earthquakes. Attendance will be

season.

Watch with

them San

go Jose

limited. Visit orlandocitysc.com

9 HOME SELLERS WEBINAR BY THE VIP HOME TEAM

Online - www.TheViPHome.Team/ Seller-Webinar

Are you thinking of selling your home?

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26 HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX™ IN CONCERT

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing

Come learn from trusted profession-

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als how you can better prepare your

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Relive Harry Potter and the Order

Learn what it takes to buy a replace-

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ment home, sell your current home

a live symphony orchestra in the

without a double mortgage payment,

Harry Potter™ Film Concert Series

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with scoring by Nicholas Hooper.

us? We would love to hear from you!

lars in your home sale and purchase.

The series runs June 26 - 27, 2021.

Visit www.drphillipscenter.org for

WinterGarden using the Get In Touch

Seller-Webinar

tickets and information.

link and let us know what you think.

Winter Garden Lifestyle | June 2021

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