Winter Garden, FL August 2021

AU G U S T 2 02 1

ALSO SERVING HORIZON WEST AND WINDERMERE

Kids &

Pets

Independent Living | Assisted Living | Memory Care WindsorAtCelebration.com | 407-917-4331 1370 Celebration Boulevard, Celebration, FL 34747

LIFESTYLE LETTER

AUGUST 2021 PUBLISHER

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

KIDS AND PETS Can’t Handle the Cuteness!

THIS ISSUE IS QUITE THE TREAT (AND NOT JUST KID’S CANDY OR DOG TREATS!) We have rounded up the cutest kids and pets in our area and put them all over these pages for you to enjoy.

As the school year begins, read about finding a tutor and the importance of teaching our kids about finance. Then, Pastor Wes of Hope Church shares his story, and we learn about the kid power behind Blue Flax Bakery. We’ve also rounded up

Michelle Malay Sanchez | michelle.malaysanchez@lifestylepubs.com ADMINISTRATI VE DIRECTOR

Carey Adams | carey.adams@lifestylepubs.com COPY EDITOR

Candice Hawks STAFF WRITER

Austin Arthur AD DESIGNER

Evan Deuvall L AYO UT DESIGNER

Jayme Emery

fido-friendly favorites, the best tips for taking awesome pet pics, and we’ve tracked

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

down the Poop Bandit!

Larry H. Oskin, Chris Ballard

Take this month to spoil your little ones, whether they walk on two legs or four, as summer comes to a close, and we watch them all get a little bit bigger and a little

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Michael Wright, Hope Church, Angie Torrez, Wesley Beacham

bit smarter.

Thank You, Michael Wright, of PoopBandit (407-604-1008 - https://PoopBandit.com @PoopBanditFL) for the cover image of Wallace, the French Bulldog puppy!

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

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

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

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

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

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

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

our community as we do.

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

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

Anthony S Adams, Publisher ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN

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Proverbs 3:5-6

ON THE COVER Wallace enjoying his Puppuccino!

Winter Garden Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Media Partners LLC. It is distributed

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL WRIGHT, OF POOPBANDIT

Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Media Partners’ opinions. No

(407-604-1008 - HTTPS://POOPBANDIT.COM - @POOPBANDITFL).

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Winter Garden Lifestyle | August 2021

via the US Postal Service to some of the Winter Garden area’s most affluent neighborhoods. 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 AUGUST 2021

FEATURES 10 It All Begins in Our Youth Story of a Local Winter Garden Pastor

20 Blue Flax Bakery Behind the Baked Goods

26 Pet Perfect Photography Pointers Celebrate Your Furry, Fin & Winged Friends!

20 30

30 The Poop Bandit Strikes Again!

Michael Wright Is Helping To Reclaim Your Backyard

26

10

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Around Town

10

Local’s Choice

14

Trend Setter

18

Financial Buzz

26 Animal Kingdom 30 Locally Owned 33 Realty Report 34 Lifestyle Calendar

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LOCAL’S CHOICE

IT ALL BE GI N S I N OU R YOU T H

STORY OF A LOCAL WINTER GARDEN PASTOR

10

Winter Garden Lifestyle | August 2021

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY AUSTIN ARTHUR

WESLEY BEACHAM WAS ONCE TOLD THAT

was established by recently freed slaves settling to the

OUT OF THE LAST 50 CHURCHES WHICH HAVE

area in 1880. This history is not lost on Wes. He spoke

OPENED IN WINTER GARDEN, 45 OF THEM HAVE

fondly of the memories he had walking to this church

CLOSED THEIR DOORS. However, this does not

with his whole family on Sundays from his grandparents’

reflect his story. Best known as Pastor Wes, the church

house, to which the church was only a two-minute walk.

he began in 2015 is thriving in our city, and Pastor Wes

Surely, as a result of his parent’s prescription of

of Hope Church is becoming a well-known and loved

“sports all the time” and church on Sunday, Wes never

leader in our community.

really got into too much trouble growing up, that is with

He grew up with both his parents in the Orlando

the exception of the one time of day when he was not

home his mother was raised in. Wes is not an only child,

doing sports or in church… when he was in school. Here

though; in fact, he has five siblings. Comprised of three

he found himself talking when he was not supposed to

boys and three girls, this family of eight had a primary

and not talking when he was supposed to.

focus on sports throughout their upbringing.

“At the school, which was a small Christian private

His parents believed firmly that if children and teenag-

school, you can only get three suspensions a year, and

ers are busy with sports, they will have less time to get

then they would kick you out. But there were six of us

busy with trouble.

there, so they basically always said they let me borrow

“My mom and dad took us to the ballpark every single

some of the suspensions from all my other siblings. You

week, and we would go to the arena to watch sports; as

know, losing me was losing six kids, or five other ‘cus-

a young kid, my dad would drive me to watch the Florida

tomers’ if you will, and so they basically said, ‘hopefully

Gators play in Gainesville. We were on multiple sports

he'll grow out of it, and I like to think I did,” said Wes

teams, so I played basketball for the school and did Little

about his times in school.

League- just always sports, staying busy. A lot of my identity was in that”, explained Wes on the subject.

Although his skirmishes with suspensions at school were for minor offenses, Wes did seem to struggle as a

Although it was sports all the time, both his parents

young teen with his purpose. His father owned a land-

were Christians, and as a child, Wes attended the same

scaping company, which Wes’s grandfather started. The

church his father grew up in, which was located in his

thought was that Wes would take the family business

father’s hometown of Eatonville, Florida. According to a

over as the oldest son. However, the passion was not

history offered by the official Eatonville website, the town

there for Wes, and to make things worse, things were

was “the first to be organized, governed, and incorporated

changing at home. By the time Wes was 14 years old, his

by African-American citizens in this country.” The town

father was not attending the same church as the kids, CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden

11

LOCAL’S CHOICE (CONTINUED)

and although his mother made sure the children got to church every week, she was not attending.

The house had become broken, and most nights, Wes’s father would stay out late into the evening.

and his wife led the youth to 40 years old groups.

Then, in 2015 they came to build their own church,

“I had a great mom and a great dad… but at the

here in Winter Garden, Hope Church. As lead

time, my dad was not modeling what it was like to be

pastor of Hope Church, Wes focuses heavily on

a great husband,” reflected Wes.

acceptance, as he insisted to me, “no matter who

Wes struggled with this, but everything would soon change for him when he met his new youth

you are, what you have done, or where you have been, I got a spot for you.”

pastor, Craig Killinen. That summer, the pastor took

It was an influential mentor and a summer camp

him and a group of other kids to a bible summer

that brought Wes to his purpose in life. That is

camp in Pennsylvania. With his parents’ approval,

why now he is working hard to continue getting

they drove all the way from Orlando to the camp that

as many kids as possible to bible camp every year,

would forever change Wes’ life.

including raising funds to send kids that otherwise

When he arrived at the camp, he felt a great spirit

would not be able to afford it. He told me that he

within the camp that he had never felt before; it was

has seen in our city, one of people’s biggest prior-

engaging and fun with peers that thought like him.

ities is their children, that Winter Garden families

On the fourth night, he recalls his youth pastor’s best

have a hyper-focus on their children. It is one thing

friend, who ran the camp, speaking to the kids.

that really draws him to our town as youth experi-

“The guy gets up there and basically says, ‘your

ence is a critical part of his mission.

youth pastor won't be a youth pastor forever, and

Regarding kids and youth bible camp, he stated,

someone has got to take his place, and that night I

“They're being taught what they're being taught from

felt like that could be me, that I could be passionate

somewhere, and if we can pull them out of Tik Tok, if

about this,” Wes stated while recalling the moment

we can pull them out of Instagram, social media, and

that triggered him to begin his life’s purpose.

pop culture for just a week, we know something great

Once he graduated high school, after much back

can happen in that environment.”

and forth with his father, it was finally agreed that he

Wes’s mission reminds us of the importance of

would go to seminary school instead of taking on his

faith-based youth mentorship and keeping our chil-

father’s business.

dren active and in good programs where they can

During his freshman year, a thousand miles away

interact with others face to face. It is critical that,

from home, he meets his future wife, Diana, only to

as a community, we stay focused on our children

find out that she is from Orlando and just 10 miles

by being mentors to them rather than allowing the

away from his mother’s house. So in 2004, immedi-

streams of social media “influencers” and pop cul-

ately after graduating, Wes took a youth pastor job in

ture dogma to take the lead.

Jacksonville, working under the pastor who gave the speech that inspired him to enter the ministry.

12

In 2008 he left to work for his father-in-law at a Baptist church on Lake Underhill, where he

At 38 years old, Wes continues his mission alongside his wife, Diana, and their four chil-

“I think environment matters, and so I think being

dren; Hope, Tripp, Judah, and Selah. The family is

in the environment with Craig [his mentor] fostered

enjoying the journey Wes began that day when he

my calling, and I think yeah, I think some people need

was 14 years old at a bible summer camp. He still

help figuring out what their calling is. I am built by

speaks to his childhood mentor regularly, and as

a bunch of people that poured into me, and I want

for his mother and father, they are both in atten-

to give that back to others,” explained Wes while

dance every week at Wes’ Sunday service in Hope

describing his journey to ministry.

Church, Winter Garden.

Winter Garden Lifestyle | August 2021

CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden

13

TREND SETTER

FIDO

F R IE N D LY

FAV O R I T E S SUMMER IS A TIME OF EXPLORATION, VACATION, AND RELAXATION, AND LIKE ANY DOG LOVER, WE LOVE INCLUDING OUR FURRY BEST FRIEND IN ALL OF OUR SUMMER ACTIVITIES. So we’ve pulled together a list of some of our favorite places to bring our pup around town in our summer fun.

ARTICLE MICHELLE SANCHEZ

14

Winter Garden Lifestyle | August 2021

WEST ORANGE DOG PARK

CROOKED CAN BREWING COMPANY

The West Orange Dog Park is a local favorite.

Crooked Can Brewing Company in Downtown

The park has “big dog” and “small dog” areas,

Winter Garden boasts a great patio and green

plenty of shade, and a large extra tall fence

area to relax with a pint and your pup. In addi-

around the park border to keep your pooch safe

tion, they carry dog merchandise, including dog

and cool during the summer months. In addition,

collars, leashes, and a toy bone adorned with

the dog park is a great place to socialize and get

the Crooked Can logo. They even host a 2nd

some energy out.

Sunday’s event in collaboration with Our Cause 4 Paws Rescue with live music, adoptable pups, and family fun.

WINTER GARDEN FARMER’S MARKET

WOOF GANG BAKERY

The Winter Garden Farmer’s Market is a great

Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming is a one-

weekend outdoor activity to bring your favorite

stop-shop for your pup, with full-service

furry friend along. In addition to the various ven-

grooming, gourmet treats and baked goods,

dors for humans, you’ll likely find vendors with pet

pet foods, toys, and more! Woof Gang has three

supplies and freshly made treats.

locations; in Downtown Winter Garden, Hamlin, and Windermere.

CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden

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Winter Garden Lifestyle | August 2021

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CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden

17

FINANCIAL BUZZ

ARTICLE CHRIS BALLARD, CFP®

hing ou c a r e kids t about fin ance

THIS YEAR MANY FAMILIES ARE FACED WITH UNPRECEDENTED FINANCIAL CHALLENGES. Our early experiences with money set the tone for how we approach career, spending, debt, and ideas about wealth.

We’ve taught them how to ride a bike, how to read, but have we taught them how to manage money? Without the proper education in dealing with money, children are at risk of becoming financially irresponsible in life. By engaging your child about how money works, you can save them and yourself some heartache by teaching them the basics of smart money management.

Have The Conversation – The best time to start teaching your kids about money is the age they begin to count. Start by identifying, sorting, and counting coins. Play games like “Store,” where kids exchange money for items, introducing them to the basics of shopping.

18

Winter Garden Lifestyle | August 2021

Let Them Spend It – An allowance helps teach the relationship between work and money. Age 6 or 7 is a good time to begin giving your child a small allowance and an opportunity to teach money management and good savings habits. In addition, youth checking accounts (start for children 13-years and older at most financial institutions) are practical and make sense for young people around the time they enter high school, get their driver’s license, and get a job.

The Power Of Interest - Encourage Savings by matching what they put into a savings account and let them see how interest grows their money over time. You can also use savings bonds.

Don’t Bail Them Out – If you loan them money, make them pay it back.

Create an IOU. What they learn, and you teach them, about the cost of money could pay them back later in life – when it really matters.

CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden

19

B l u e F l a x B a k e r y,

Behind the Baked Goods LOCAL BAKER AND MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE ANGIE TORREZ IS ALWAYS ON HER TOES, BETWEEN RAISING FIVE BOYS, WORKING PART-TIME AS AN ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT OF SALT OUTREACH, A FAITH-BASED NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION WITH A MISSION TO END HOMELESSNESS, STARTING IN ORLANDO, MARRIED FOR FOUR YEARS TO HER SPOUSE WHO IS ACTIVE IN

Blue Flax Bakery offers "quality plant-based baked

THE MILITARY, AND MANAGING AND BAKING FOR

goods that are wholesome and delicious. We don't

HER BUSINESS, BLUE FLAX BAKERY. Angie took a leap

fit any traditional molds - we're as rustic, unique, and

of faith in early 2020 to pursue her passion for baking and

ever-changing as the products we share. We are pas-

turn it into a business. "I couldn't do what I do without my

sionate about people, the environment, and working to

husband's steadfast support," says Angie.

live. From our family to yours, we put lots of love and careful attention into everything we do. We hope you enjoy our work as much as we enjoy bringing it to you." We sat down with Angie to talk about her boys Isaiah, Josiah, Adrian, Gabriel, and Leonardo and the resemblance she sees between them and her work in the bakery.

Isaiah (13) – "Out of all the desserts I currently make at Blue Flax Bakery, Isaiah reminds me of the Brownie Cookie the most, which is kind of ironic because, just like me, he’s not a big chocolate fan. But can you really go wrong with a brownie? I think not. To me, the perfect brownie is chocolatey enough without the bitter aftertaste, but

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY MICHELLE SANCHEZ

20

Winter Garden Lifestyle | August 2021

Adrian, Leonardo, and Angie in Big Sur 2019

Family Photo 2020

not too sweet that makes you want to puke. It’s soft and gooey in the middle, crispy on the edges and crackly on the top. And that’s Isaiah. He’s got a soft and tender heart but is comfortable with enforcing his own boundaries, giving his personality and character true structure. But he’s still a fun, and goofy kid, and so through the “cracks” are his random ideas and comments that leave you thinking, 'Where does your mind go, kid?'”

Josiah (12) – "I love a good blueberry muffin. It’s one of those bakery staples that’s perfect for breakfast with morning coffee or just at any time. It’s simple but so delicious, and even though it’s been reinvented over time, its core remains the same. That’s

Rose Almond Cookie Brownie Cookie

Josiah. He’s constantly discovering new things he likes and ideas about the kind of person he wants to be. It’s exciting and keeps us guessing a lot of the time, but in the end, he’s still Josiah. Always there and happy to be. Blueberries are easily one of my favorite fruits. It’s an ingredient I associate some of my happiest childhood Wedding Day

memories with. Particularly the summers growing up in southern Georgia when my mom would take me blueberry picking at a family-owned farm. I’ve been lucky enough to recreate some of these memories with my own boys. Josiah loves blueberries and blueberry picking just as much as I do, and I cannot begin to tell you just how happy that makes me feel."

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden

21

BLUE FLAX BAKERY, BEHIND THE BAKED GOODS (CONTINUED)

Family Photo Antelope Canyon

Deployment Ceremony 2019

Adrian (10) – "If I had to compare Adrian to one of my

a slice of sweetened dried orange. He definitely loves

desserts (which I am since that’s the whole point of this,

chocolate, has a zest and zeal for life, and is layered with

right? Haha), I would have to go with my Rose Almond

surprises. Gabriel’s entire life is a bold statement and

cookie. Rosewater and almond are two very distinct,

testament to being unapologetically different."

strong, and complicated flavors but somehow are magic

Leonardo (2) – "Leonardo is my Lemon Poppyseed

together. Before I became a bonus mom to Isaiah, Josiah,

Bun – bright, sweet, and tangy. He’s the perfect bundle of

and Gabriel and had Leonardo, I was a single mom for 6

soft and quirky and makes you not want to miss a single

years to Adrian. We’ve been through a lot together, and

bite of life. He’s made our lives more full, our family more

life has been far from easy, but the most unlikely beauty

complete, and is an instant crowd-pleaser. Our brighter-

has come from it all. Not to mention, my Rose Almond

than-the sun miracle."

cookie is my best seller."

22

Gabriel (9) – "Gabriel is my chocolate orange muffin.

You can find Blue Flax Bakery products at Three Birds

It’s a decadent chocolate muffin filled with an orange fla-

Cafe in Downtown Winter Garden, Infusion Tea in College

vor pastry cream and topped with crunchy streusel and

Park, and online for pick up at www.blueflaxbakery.com

Winter Garden Lifestyle | August 2021

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finding a tutor for

your child

TUTORS ARE AN EFFECTIVE WAY TO GET KIDS BACK ON

Does the tutor have the right personality?

TRACK AND KEEP THEM THERE. But how do you find a good

A tutor should be patient, empathetic, pos-

reliable tutor you can trust? What if hiring a tutor isn’t in your

itive, passionate, creative, and fun. These

budget? Today, there are many options.

characteristics help ensure your child can learn from the tutor and will walk away with

HOW TO FIND A TUTOR Your child’s teacher and the school administrator are an excellent

self-confidence. Also, be sure the tutor's personality should connect with your child.

place to start. They might be able to recommend a tutor in your com-

Is the tutor flexible? Each child has their

munity and online resources to help your child. Also, chances are

own best learning style. It might be visual,

that one of your child’s friends at school has a tutor. So, ask other

aural, physical, verbal, logical, or any combi-

parents for recommendations as well.

nation of these. Also, some kids are solitary

There are also several websites for helping parents find tutors.

learners, whereas others are social learners

VarsityTutors.com has a searchable database of tutors. Just enter

and enjoy learning in groups. Look for a set-

your zip code, and the school subject, the site also shows tutors’

ting and tutor that fits your kid's style.

ratings, specialties, and fees per session. Another resource is Care.

Does the tutor have excellent references?

com, which connects people with various professional services,

Online tutoring services often have reviews

including tutors. Online tutoring is another popular choice, though,

from previous clients. Look for those with

it isn’t right for every child. Experience in tutoring varies widely, so

overall high ratings and positive comments.

check reviews and ask for references.

But beware of reviews directly on the tutoring company's website since these can often

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A TUTOR

be manipulated. If you find your tutor offline

Is the tutor qualified? Your best bet is to look for someone with

or find very few reviews, ask for several ref-

a teaching degree since tutoring requires skills that not every-

erences. Still, the references a tutor provides

one possesses. For younger students, if the tutor has a teaching

might not be an entirely accurate depiction

degree, specialization in a particular subject isn't necessary.

of their character and experience either. So,

From high school and beyond, look for a tutor with expertise in

use due diligence for your child's safety and

the subject your child needs help with.

to ensure your child receives quality service.

24

Winter Garden Lifestyle | August 2021

CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden

25

ANIMAL KINGDOM

PET PERFECT PHOTOGRAPHY POINTERS

CELEBRATE YOUR FURRY, FIN & WINGED FRIENDS! Orion M. and his baby chickens

EVERYONE LOVES TO SHOW OFF THEIR CUTEST AND FUNNIEST PET PHOTOGRAPHS. Whether it be dogs, cats, birds, hamsters, turtles, fish, peacocks, or whatever pet you have, we all want to celebrate our creatures with email blasts and Facebook posts. Here are a few tips to help you get prize-winning photographs. So whether you are planning to shoot photos of your family pets with your cell phone or a 35mm digital camera, make sure it is fun!

Get Ready: Set aside some special time for you and your pet when the lighting will be best for indoor and outdoor photo sessions. Make sure your pet is well-groomed, bathed, brushed, clean, and rested. Select photo session locations where your pet is most comfortable.

Couches, chairs, beds, and backyard play spaces make perfect backdrops. If you have more than one dog or a variety of pets, consider posing them together.

Natural Lighting Is Best! In order to best capture their expressions, looks, and movements, use fast shutter speeds with soft yet bright natural lighting.

Avoid overly harsh lighting situations.

Natural light will help avoid the bright

26

Winter Garden Lifestyle | August 2021

P

PET PERFECT ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY LARRY H. OSKIN

flash, which many pets are afraid of. Plus, diffused natural light will eliminate the bright light flash that is unattractively reflective in their

eyes. Flash photography also works for indoor poses. I like to pose our pet dogs perched up on a couch with a big solid-color blanket for the background, so their faces and images will really pop out.

American flags and other colored blankets and sheets work well. I have used professional studio lighting with seamless backdrops, yet it really isn’t necessary.

Focus On Creative Angles! If you have a cat or dog, get on the floor with them for some of your best photographs. Try to shoot from a low angle at their eye level or lower. Whether you shoot close-ups or full body shots, focus on capturing their eyes so that they will look right at you. Shoot a variety of creative angles! For example, you may want to put your pet puppies and kittens on top of glass tables while crawling underneath for a bottoms-up angle.

Like most of our greatest photos of people, everyone wants to feel they are making eye contact with you and your pets. So wave a toy, treat, or something over your camera and head – so your pet

will look directly at you. Use squeaky toys, whistles, and other visually eye-catching devices that will get your pets to look at your camera lens. You may even share a bit of peanut butter for your puppies to enjoy for extra fun tongue-licking images.

Create Fun Poses: Research a variety of good pet photo poses on the Internet, so you can try to replicate some of the poses while creating your own imagery.

Powerful Props: Get ready to use some small extra hats, toys, balls, colorful bandanas, miniature flags, and Americana props when photographing dogs and cats. Keep your photographs neat and simple. Avoid background clutter.

Spark Their Character! The most basic goal in dog photography is to capture your best friend’s character and personality.

Getting their attention for your preferred action poses may be tricky. The use of fast shutter speeds and adjusted ISO camera settings will help you freeze the action. DSLR cameras will allow you to shoot in a burst of ongoing snapshots, so you will be able to select the best pose. Pet photos make terrific Facebook posts CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden

27

ANIMAL KINGDOM (CONTINUED)

PHOTOGRAPHY

Help Dogs & Cats In Need! Volunteer to help your local

pet shelter and pet rescue center by taking photographs of

the furry friends who are waiting for adoptions. This will give

you extra practice, and the published photographs will help the pets find new homes.

Exotic Pets & Animals: Many people love to photo-

graph more exotic animals. Venture out to the local animal reserve, a zoo, or a nearby farm, to create some exciting photographic images.

Creative Artistry: Consider the use of Photoshop or some other photo enhancing software to posterize your pet and animal photographs, making them look like paintings.

Patience, Personality & Practice Makes Perfect! Since your pets won’t take directions or any call to ‘smile’ or ‘look

here,’ it takes patience. Share very soft and gentle comments

to keep your dog relaxed and your cat calm. Don’t scream

or raise your voice. Plan to make it fun, so you will all have a good time while capturing their personality. Be ready to shoot dozens and dozens of images just to get one or two terrific

photographs. The more you photograph your pets, the more comfortable they will become with the experience.

and computer screen savers while sharing fun birthday, holiday, and seasonal greetings. Use Photoshop or a software program to add clever messages to your pet photographs.

Whether you use automatic or manual camera settings, plan for you and your pets to have a good time.

Be In The Photos! Get someone else to help with your pet family photos. You will capture the best heart-warming images when you and your children are in the photos with your pets. Within limits, pets will make great additions to your family portraits, engagement, and wedding photos!

Pet Rewards! Share their favorite treats, affectionate pats on the head, and gentle belly rubs if appropriate for your dogs and cats throughout your photo session.

28

Winter Garden Lifestyle | August 2021

WE DO THE HARD WORK, AND YOU...

... Just Relax and Dive In. WEEKLY POOL SERVICE, REPAIR & MAINTENANCE | 407.234.1702 | DIVEINPOOL.COM

WeekLy Service starting at

Never Pick Up Dog POO P Again!

$15

www.poopbandit.com mike@poopbandit.com (407) 604-1008 CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden

29

MICHAEL WRIGHT IS HELPING TO RECLAIM YOUR BACKYARD

POOP BANDIT (NOUN - /POOP ˈ BANDIT/): AN UNKNOWN DOG WHO POOPS

MYSTERIOUSLY

IN

ODD

PLACES AND NEVER TAKES CREDIT FOR IT. The Poop Bandit may strike at any time in any place. “All dogs are Poop Bandits,” says Michael Wright, Owner of PoopBandit.

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY? I was born in Detroit, raised in Southeast automotive

Michigan, family;

and

my

from

Dad

an

retired

from General Motors along with other extended family members. We relocated from Michigan to the Horizon West area in 2012 and currently live in Waterleigh, although we’ve lived in the Summerlake and Independence communities. Mandi and I have been married for 23 years and have 3 kids; Lucas, Phoenix, and Stella.

We also have 4 dogs; 3 were added to our family during the Pandemic. My oldest

30

Winter Garden Lifestyle | August 2021

THE POOP BANDIT STRIKES AGAIN!

LOCALLY OWNED

Wicket the Shorkie

Michael Wright

Michael Wright

is Wicket, a 7-year old Shorkie); Lenny, a 1-year old Chorkie;

HOW DID POOPBANDIT COME ABOUT?

Bougie, a 1-year old female Chihuahua; and the latest addition (and

My oldest son was having a hard time finding

PoopBandit Mascot), Wallace, the French Bulldog puppy! Wallace

a job when he turned 16. So, I said, “why don’t

came to our family from one of our clients and local breeder Billy

we just start a company and create a job for

Davis of Foreal Frenchies (928-848-6294, @ForealFrenchies).

you.” He said, “we can do that?” So, over a taco dinner one night, Mandi and I came up with the

WHAT DID YOU DO BEFORE STARTING POOPBANDIT?

idea for PoopBandit.

For the last 15 years, my career was dedicated to the private ser-

To herd our 3 kids when they were little and

vice industry; I spent 10 years as Executive Director of an industry

as my 30th birthday present, we adopted the

trade association for butlers, private chefs, personal assistants, basi-

perfect Border Collie, Bandit. Unfortunately,

cally anyone that works in private estates for Ultra High Net Worth

as time went on, Bandit started to suffer from

Families & Individuals (UHNW). The trade association had over

anxiety and confusion like most Border Collies

5,000 members, with chapters in 22 states and overseas chapters

do as they age. Our veterinarian recommended

based in London & Monaco. For the last 5 years, just before found-

that Bandit would do better if he lived out his

ing PoopBandit, I was a consultant and partner in multiple recruit-

remaining days on a farm and do what Border

ment firms specializing in working for top 400 Forbes list clientele.

Collies do best: herding animals. Luckily, we

I’ll share that working for the Forbes 400 list is to work for the most

found a great place for him to roam! Brandi

demanding people in the world; every skill I honed for years in that

came up with the name, and our company is

industry is woven into every business that I've run.

named in his honor, RIP Bandit.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden

31

LOCALLY OWNED (CONTINUED)

“We are meticulous with our ser vices, take our time and do as thorough of a job as possible with the hope that our clients w i l l t e l l t h e i r f r i e n d s a n d n e i g h b o r s .”

Lucas ran PoopBandit for the first few years, and

“fail forward” and learn the lessons and know mis-

when the pandemic started, he pursued his dream

takes will happen. I’ve always made a habit of going

of becoming a Marine. At the same time, my prior

over the top, trying to make a mistake right. When a

businesses basically dried up, and I was ready for a

mistake happens, you really get to see if a company

change and decided to take over the business.

is GREAT. A great company will own the mistake, sincerely apologize for it, make amends and do whatever

WHAT ARE THE BEST PARTS ABOUT

possible to make the situation right.

RUNNING POOPBANDIT? We are passionate about helping people and their 4-legged family members by providing a luxury ser-

WHY DO I NEED POOPBANDIT, AND WHY YOU AND NOT YOUR COMPETITION?

vice and taking care of a task that no one in the house

Anyone who is too busy or doesn’t want to pick up

really wants to do. Many of our clients would not use

dog poop in their yard needs our service. Pet waste

parts of their yard, or worse, argue with each other

buildup makes backyards unusable. Using PoopBandit

and the kids about whose turn it is to “pick up the

allows you to reclaim your yard AND we stop the family

poop.” So basically, we’re helping our clients reclaim

argument of “who’s turn is it to pick up the poop?”

their yards. Also, we love dogs! Whenever our furry

Also, about half of our business is residential,

friends are out, we’ll throw the ball around, give them

and the other half is commercial; HOA community

some of our treats, have a little ‘playtime.’ The dogs

services that include installation, maintenance, and

are excited to see us each week!

service of pet waste stations; community dog park cleanup; and trash can emptying services where we

32

ADVICE ON STARTING OR RUNNING

properly dispose of the waste according to EPA stan-

A SERVICE BUSINESS?

dards and ensure it properly makes it to the landfill.

First and foremost, Do It! Most people have great

We are a local family-owned business, and our

ideas but never get the courage up to act on them. To

reputation is everything! We are meticulous with our

run a service business, you must be passionate about

services, take our time and do as thorough of a job as

the service you deliver and really care; care about the

possible with the hope that our clients will tell their

quality of service you provide and care about the

friends and neighbors. Our business relies on our

client you work for to bring your best to work each

clients becoming Cheerleaders for our company, so

day. Lastly, don’t be afraid to fail. Everyone has set-

we must offer the best service possible. (PoopBandit

backs or fails in some way when starting a business -

– PoopBandit.com – 407-604-1008).

Winter Garden Lifestyle | August 2021

REALTY REPORT

Windermere

Winter Garden

NEIGHBORHOOD

REALTY REPORT WINTER GARDEN & WINDERMERE

ORIGINAL PRICE

SOLD PRICE

%SOLD/ORIG

DOM

BDRMS

BATHS

West Lake Hancock Estates

$1,780,000

$1,780,000

100%

3

5

5.5

Sunset Lakes

$1,350,000

$1,350,000

100%

4

4

3.5

Canopy Oaks

$1,075,900

$1,090,000

101%

23

5

6

Waterside on Johns Lake

$775,000

$775,000

100%

29

4

4.5

Park Place

$790,000

$772,500

98%

163

3

3.5

Waterleigh

$749,000

$760,000

102%

2

5

3.5

Hamlin Reserve

$620,000

$620,000

100%

5

4

3.5

Orchard Hills

$550,000

$625,000

114%

3

4

3

Reserve at Carriage Pointe

$599,000

$599,000

100%

2

5

4

Bellaria

$1,689,000

$1,625,000

96%

43

5

6

Magnolia Park

$1,500,000

$1,465,000

98%

7

5

5

Oxford Moor

$1,100,000

$1,105,500

101%

4

5

4

Les Terraces

$889,000

$889,000

100%

3

5

4.5

Crescent Lake Estates

$850,000

$850,000

100%

8

4

3.5

Westover Reserve

$810,000

$830,000

102%

2

5

4

Windermere Club

$729,000

$756,000

104%

4

4

3

Windermere Trails

$595,000

$630,000

106%

2

4

3

This data is a sampling of sold properties from May 23 - to June 22. Source: MLS

Your Most Trusted Central Florida Real Estate Advisors Paul Fedynich & Valerie Fairchild Call Us Today or Visit Our Website to Schedule Your Confidential Property Evaluation

C: 407.744.1681 | www.TheViPHome.Team Learn how to prepare to sell your home and save thousands of dollars when you join us for a

Home Selling Webinar · August 11th at 7pm Register Today at www.TheViPHome.Team/Seller-Webinar or scan the QR Code for more information.

CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden

33

AUGUST

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

1

SUNDAY BRUNCH AT FEATHER & QUILL

Works will feature 2D & 3D Artworks

2021, from 1 pm - 5 pm. During this

that showcase the artist’s interpreta-

Progressive Wine Tasting Experience,

tion of “Unconventional Beauty.”

you may sample up to 15 wines from the featured 50 wines at host loca-

11

4757 The Grove Suite 100 Windermere, Florida 34786

Sunday Brunch is now available at Windermere restaurant, and craft cocktail bar, Feather & Quill. From

HOME BUYER’S & SELLER’S WEBINAR BY THE VIP HOME TEAM Online - https://www.TheViPHome.

plex. More information at https:// read.wg.life/TheGroveEvents.

27

11:30 am to 2:30 pm each Sunday,

Team/Seller-Webinar

you can enjoy favorites like fried

Learn from the Trusted Professionals

green tomatoes, scratch buttermilk

at The ViP Home Team to navigate the

biscuits, bread pudding french toast,

current real estate market and get your

and bottomless mimosas or sangrias.

home purchase offer accepted or sell

Winter Garden, FL 34787

Reservations are recommended.

your home for top dollar! Learn what

Man of La Macha starts showing

it takes to buy before you sell without

on August 27, 2021, at the Garden

4

a double mortgage payment. Avoid

Theatre

making the top most common mistakes

Garden. The play is written by Dale

WEDNESDAY NIGHT LIFE DRAWING AT SOBO ART GALLERY AND STUDIO

in the purchase and selling process

Wasserman, with music by Mitch

to save thousands of dollars. Ask The

Leigh and lyrics by Joe Darion. The

Expert about buying or selling your

story focuses on an adventure begin-

home. Register at www.TheViPHome.

ning from the isolation of a prison cell,

Team/Seller-Webinar

where Miguel de Cervantes becomes

127 S. Boyd Street

MAN OF LA MANCHA AT THE GARDEN THEATRE 160 West Plant Street

in

Downtown

Winter

the legendary hero Don Quixote.

Winter Garden, FL 34787

Drop in each Wednesday from 6:30 to 9:30 pm for a weekly Night Studio at Sobo Art Gallery and Studio to draw from live nude or clothed models. Details are shared weekly

12 CITRUS AUGUST STORYTIME

14393 Bridgewater Crossings Blvd,

31 DR. ALBERT GLEASON EXHIBIT PRESENTED BY THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION

on their Facebook page. All skill lev-

Suite 130 Windermere, FL 34786

els are welcome, and no instruction

Citrus Story Time guests will enjoy

is provided. Must be 18 years or older.

books, songs, movement, and crafts,

Bring your own drawing/painting

with a focus on children four years

Dr. Albert Gleason, a community phy-

materials. No photography is permit-

and younger. This month's theme is

sician in Winter Garden in the early

ted. Fee Collected at sign-in:.$10 for

Back to School! Storytime will start at

1940's, helped form the West Orange

members / $15 for non-members

10:00 am and lasts roughly 30 min-

Memorial Hospital at North Dillard

utes, followed by free playtime.

Street in 1952, where he served

5 127 S. Boyd Street

Winter Garden, FL 34787

The

300 West Plant Street

as the Chief of Staff. The exhibit is

UNCONVENTIONAL BEAUTY OPENING RECEPTION AT SOBO ART GALLERY AND STUDIO

34

tions scattered throughout the com-

opening

reception

21

available through August 31, 2021,

WINE-DERMERE AT THE GROVE IN WINDERMERE!

Public Places Gallery.

Monday through Friday, 8 am – 5 pm, at the Winter Garden City Hall Art in

The Grove - Windermere

4750 The Grove Drive Windermere, FL

for

the

34787, 1 pm - 5 pm.

Would you like to get in touch with

August and September Exhibition,

Explore over 50 interesting wines

us? We would love to hear from you!

Unconventional Beauty, will be held on

and champagnes as you walk around

Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/

August 5, 2021, from 5:30 pm to 8:30

The Grove Shopping Center in

WinterGarden using the Get In Touch

pm at the Sobo Art Gallery and Studio.

Windermere on Saturday, August 21,

link and let us know what you think.

Winter Garden Lifestyle | August 2021

Your new home is almost ready!

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