Winter Garden, FL June 2023

LIFE + CULTURE

LOCAL HERO’S MAKING A DIFFERENCE

FOOD + BEVERAGE

A MOUTHWATERING MESSY MEATBALL RECIPE

LOCAL SERVICES

BEST NEW BUSINESS OF 2023

SPORTS + RECREATION

THE STORIES OF LOCAL TOWN

FAVORITES LEE LOVETTE & DENNIS JONES

JUNE 2023

A Thank You To The Men In Our Lives!

Our June issue is dedicated to celebrating the men in our lives and community. Whether you are a coach, mentor, Father, Grandfather, uncle, brother, or husband, the words you speak and actions you display have an overwhelming impact on the people in your life. When I think about the men who have impacted my life, I recognize the way they have shaped me into who I am today. So, I would like to write a thank you to my Dad.

My Dad, who has been my role model my entire life has taught me more than I could ever try to express, but let me paint a picture. I played softball my entire life and my Dad was always my coach. Through exhausting days at the softball fields, endless nights of hitting lessons, countless pitches to the shins, and miles traveled for games, my Dad was always there and never gave up. He sacrificed his time, money, and sleep to be right there with me.

Now that I am grown and married, I recognize that my Dad was soaking up every minute he could to be with me because it wouldn't last forever, and it didn't. One day, I played my last game ever, and we never got a proper goodbye, so Dad, one last time, thank you. Thank you for all you sacrificed and instilled in me. Thank you for your patience and hard life lessons. Thank you for always loving me. Always know, I will cherish those days together for all my life.

To the men of this community, know that you are cherished this way, not only by your family but by this community as well. In this issue, we cover the stories of Wheel Works Dennis Jones, Winter Garden Crossfit Lee Lovette, Michael Smart with Smart Mobile Detailing, and four other men who continue to pour out their time and love for our town of Winter Garden. And, there are so many others who are doing the same. All of you men are the pinnacle of our community and are making a difference in people's lives. As a voice of Winter Garden, I want to thank you all! Cherish the moments you have with the men in your life, they don't last forever.

As always, a big thank you to the entire Winter Garden community for always supporting us!

SMART, EDITORIAL COORDINATOR & WRITER  @WINTERGARDENCITYLIFESTYLE

June 2023

PUBLISHER

Nico Parra | nico.parra@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Mary Sloan Smart | marysloan.smart@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Devin Clifton | devin.clifton@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Luz Arboleda | luz.arboleda@citylifestyle.com

STAFF WRITER

Madison Lambert | Contact@GirlIntheGreenApron.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Madison Lambert, Mary-Sloan Smart

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Madison Lambert

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Josh Govero

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

Proverbs 3:5-6

MARY-SLOAN

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Westly’s Splash Challenge

Get active and stay cool this summer with Healthy West Orange! Jump into Westly’s Splash Challenge from June 23 – July 5. Complete 30 minutes of water activity, get a free splash packet, and you could win 4 tickets to Universal’s Volcano Bay! Register now at HWOEvents.org.

Cars & Coffee Winter Garden

Meet up with local car enthusiasts to enjoy beautiful new and vintage cars on Saturday, June 24th 8-10 am at LongHorn Steakhouse on Daniels Road. Locals get together on the 4th Sunday of every month.

Juneteenth Celebration at Waterfront Park

Don't miss out on the second annual Juneteenth event, a cultural and educational celebration of freedom! Join in for an evening of art, music, games, and authentic cuisine on Saturday, June 17th from 5-8 pm at Waterfront Park Clermont, FL 34711. For more information visit clermontfl.gov or call (352)708-7975.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden

Photography Healthy West Orange

local experiences

Grab your guys and plan a relaxed or adrenaline-induced day, weekend, or guys night out with any one of these local experiences made for the males. And don't forget Father's Day! Take Dad out for a day of bonding over food and fun!

Our Picks for The Man Clan

THREE BIRDS CAFE: Take your dad for brunch at Three Birds Cafe in Downtown Winter Garden and enjoy their fresh food, coffee, and juices! 2 W Plant St, Winter Garden, FL WINTER GARDEN FARMERS MARKET 15TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION: Come celebrate with the Winter Garden community and shop with the best vendors in town June 3rd!

HOME STATE BREWING CO: Grab some cold craft beers with the boys and play some corn hole, cards, and board games all day and night! 16016 New Independence Pkwy #100, Winter Garden, FL PICKLE BALL AT VETERAN'S PARK: Summer is here and so are long summer nights! Grab some friends and find yourself a pickleball league.

AXE ON AXE OFF: Orlando's largest axe throwing venue to enjoy with friends and family. They even offer Knife throwing!

Scan

MEET THIS MONTH’S CURATOR

Mary-Sloan Smart | @mrs.marysloansmart

Mary-Sloan was born in Vero Beach and raised right here in Winter Garden. She works in Advertising at Anson-Stoner and has been a writer and Editorial Coordinator with City Lifestyle since 2022. After graduating from Ole Miss in 2018, she moved all over from New York to Detroit to Chicago to Atlanta until she made her back home. Her adventurous spirit leads her to spend her days off at the beach or on the boat, shopping the local thrift stores, or exploring the great city of Orlando! However, most days consist of spending time with her husband Michael, listening to music, taking care of her plants, and playing card games with friends.

Three Birds Cafe

The best places and things to do in our area.

MEN MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Our community is made up of some amazing people. These four men are just a few of the hundreds of incredible men that make an impact in Winter Garden. There is always more we can do as a community to help serve one another. If you are looking to get more involved, reach out to anyone featured in this issue and they will help get you started!

ARTICLE BY MARY-SLOAN SMART

THREE MEN WHO ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE WINTER GARDEN COMMUNITY

Garrett Johnson

GARRETT JOHNSON

Garrett is a born and raised Winter Garden local. He played football his whole life and went on to have a successful career at the University of Kentucky and then played professionally in Chicago. Ultimately, his football career ended and he knew he wanted to work with the youth.

In October of 2019 he established Built on Faith Sports. All his life he had coaches preparing him for the next step in athletics, but no one ever prepared him for what to do once athletics fell away. He feels as though preparing athletes for life outside of athletics is even more important.

With Built on Faith Sports, Garrett holds practices and workouts working on their skills and overall athletic performance but, he also gives young athletes mentorship. Mentoring is important to Garrett because it’s something he wishes he would have had. “Football, and all sports, isn’t going to last you forever. But everything you are doing at practice like showing up on time, giving your all, being a good teammate, taking that extra rep, is preparing you for life,” Garrett said. Garrett’s goal is to continue serving the WG community and help shape the next generation. “There are so many things we can’t control in life but you can always have Faith. Faith is bold, it isn’t lukewarm. So, whatever your purpose is, make sure it’s built on a solid foundation. Faith is what got you on this journey and it’s what is going to help you continue this journey.” CONTINUED >

Garrett Johnson

MATTHEW KRUG

Southern Cross Service Dogs (SCSD) has only been established for 2 years, but in that short time, they have made big strides. Matthew Krug and Brandon Marquez teamed up to build a nonprofit organization that will change the lives of thousands. Brandon is a former USMC Special Operations Command Dog Handler (MARSOC) who has a service dog of his own to help with his PTSD. In fact, his dog, Shimanski just received a National Medal of Bravery a few months ago. He and Joey Samuels, who is also a MARSOC and has helped train working dogs for the Royal Family, are the primary service dog trainers at SCSD. Matthew, who is former NYPD, helps with the networking and fundraising for the organization. Their goal is to enable an enriching and fulfilling life by pairing exceptionally trained service dogs with exceptional people to provide an increase in independence and self-reliance. “72% of veterans who have been given a service dog, have already attempted suicide” Matthew said. “Service dogs change these veterans’ life. They open the floodgates for them to receive more help from others.” With sponsorships from many celebrities like Bon Jovi and Johnny Damon, a feature on Netflix special “To Be of Service”, they have goals to eventually open a large facility to house and train 20 service dogs a year right here in Winter Garden. However, they still need local support. They held their first fundraising gala this past January, where they raised over $200 thousand dollars. Their galas are named “Always Beside You” which comes from a slogan MARSOC uses for a fallen teammate, “Never above you. Never below you. Always beside you.” SCSD plans on having a celebrity golf tournament and another “Always Beside You” Gala in Orlando in April of next year. “Charity begins at home,” Matthew stated. “Winter Garden is amazing, and the people have opened their hearts to us.” Mark Kirkland

SCSD Always Be With You Gala

Matthew Krug and Brandon Maruez

MARK KIRKLAND

Born and raised in Apopka as one of 9 kids, Mark has always been a part of this community and had a passion for baseball. “I have a really strong foundation in baseball and family but also community and service” Now that his son plays at WGLL, Mark realized there was a need to revitalize the entire brand. With a background in business development and negotiation, Mark knew he could help WGLL. His idea was to build all artificial turf fields, but it was so much more. This is something our community can take pride in. This is Winter Garden, where good things grow. Mark was able to negotiate to have Legacy Construction build all new synthetic turf fields at an incredible cost, saving thousands. While Mark is the catalyst of this project, he wants everyone to understand there are so many people who have been an integral part of this story. Our city manager, Jon Williams, and Laura Caur, director of parks and rec, were both very involved and a major reason they were able to accomplish this so fast. There were many others including Mayor Rees, James Mooney, president of WGLL, Bo Stock, who redesigned the new WGLL logo and exterior of the concession stand, and Julie ONeil who remodeled the interior of the concession stand. “This is a small example of the amazing things we can accomplish in our own communities when we work together for the benefit of others,” Mark stated. Field one was completed in time for spring season, and they had Mayor Rees throw out the first pitch on opening day! The remaining fields are set to finish at the end of the year.  Since the finish of field one, WGLL has been awarded to host the State AllStar finals in July. “All of this is for the kids,” Mark said. “Some of my best memories growing up were playing baseball with my friends and dad. I saw an opportunity to provide the kids with fields we all wish to play on and thankfully it worked out.”

New WGLL Turf Field

Mark Kirkland and Family

THE WOLF’S DEN

ARTICLE BY MARY-SLOAN SMART | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEE LOVETTE

Winter Garden CrossFit, The Wolf’s Den, is an extremely well-known gym in our community. With over 20 accolades including Winter Gardens' best gym for the last 6 years, 4 nominations for Orlando Weekly’s best gym, and Southwest Orlando’s best gym for 4 years, owner Lee Lovette has built a legacy in our town.

Born and raised in Key West, FL, Lovette considered that home and never imagined leaving. He had been a police officer for 15 years, was a defensive tactics trainer, and SWAT trainer, and had his dream home with his wife and son.

CONTINUED >

The Incredible Story of CrossFit Winter Garden and Lee Lovette

In 2009 a friend took him to his first CrossFit class and according to him, it totally kicked his butt. After that, he jumped in headfirst and began competing and eventually getting into coaching and programming. In 2016 he came to Winter Garden to visit family and fell in love with the area. After returning home, Lovette couldn’t shake the feeling that he had another calling. “It wasn’t a whisper, it was an echo in my ear to move to Winter Garden and start my own CrossFit,” Lovette said. “God was telling me that this was our path.” Five years away from retiring from the Police department, Lee left everything he had ever known and set off on a new adventure.

In September 2016 Winter Garden CrossFit officially opened. It was a struggle those first few months. Not knowing anyone in the area, business was slow to grow. He and his wife were sacrificing all their time and money into making this dream stay alive. That Christmas, he even sold his truck to make sure he could take care of his wife and son. Then, in February 2017, they won Best New Business in the Winter Garden Rants, Raves, Review page, which now has nearly 50 thousand members. From then on, the gym continued to grow and never stopped.

In 2017 Lovette decided to form a Special Olympic team. After just one month, he took his team of five to the Area Games to compete and swept the competition winning all gold medals and all athletes qualified for the State games. They went on to sweep the State games with all gold medals as well. Since then, the program has completely transformed into 27 Special Olympic athletes and qualifications for the World Games and USA Games. Lovette continued to push the boundaries when he found out there was no CrossFit for this team. Not only did he give

all his Special Olympic athletes completely free access to his CrossFit gym, but he and his wife also wrote a special program called Functionally Fit. “Functionally Fit is an entire CrossFit program for enhanced athletes. We call them enhanced because it’s not a disability in my world, they are enhanced,” Lovette explained. They presented their new program to the Special Olympics and got complete support to pioneer this. Since the start of Functionally Fit, they have transformed the health of numerous people. In 2019 Lovette took his athletes to the Atlantic Coast Classic, which is one of the largest CrossFit competitions in the state and they were able to compete in a completely enhanced program. “We have completely broken down the barriers for these athletes,” Lovette said.

Over the years Lovette has built a place of gathering for the community. They have Super Hero Sundays from 8-9:45 am where they honor those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice and from 10-11 am they have a Sober Sunday class free and available to anyone that needs a sanctuary for recovering addicts. During COVID, he wanted the gym to be a place of serenity for people. They turned to all outdoor workouts so they could still gather safely, and held small weekly events for people to just get together. They even gave free memberships to any members who had lost their jobs during COVID. “It was never about the money. It was about being blessed and giving back to others,” Lovette said. “If I wasn’t giving all my success and surrendering to God each day, I wouldn’t be where I'm at. This is His grace and His glory, and I just happen to be living in it.” The Wolf’s Den is so much more than a gym. It’s a place of friendship, community, family, love, and support.

“If I wasn’t giving all my success and surrendering to God each day, I wouldn’t be where I’m at. This is His grace and His glory, and I just happen to be living in it.”

SPLASHING SUMMER Thru the Struggle

ARTICLE BY WESTLY PHOTOGRAPHY BY HEALTHY WEST ORANGE

Westly

Hey y’all, it’s Westly with Healthy West Orange! I don’t know about you, but I seem to find myself riding the struggle bus every summer. I have a really hard time finding the motivation to exercise when it feels like we live on the surface of the sun! Am I right, or am I right?

To combat the summertime sadness, I’ve created a plan for myself and my fellow Floridians. I’m determined to get active, stay cool, and enjoy this season! June also happens to be Men’s Health Month! So, guys – there’s an extra reason to get up and moving! Follow these tips for a healthy, safe, and comfortable summer in Central Florida.

PICK THE RIGHT TIME OF DAY

Unless you are conditioning for an event in the daytime heat, avoid exercising outside from 10am to 5pm, which is the hottest part of day. Exercising outside in the early morning will help to avoid the heat and sun, and crush your workout before you start the day! If you’re getting a move on at night, wear bright clothing, move with/against traffic (depending on the exercise), and wear reflectors or lights.

STAY HYDRATED

Before you go out, drink a glass or two of water. Be sure to bring a water bottle with you, or even a hydration pack. Take a drink every 15 minutes, even when you’re not thirsty. If you’re thirsty, you’re already dehydrated! When you’re done with your workout, cool down with a few more glasses of water.

DRESS FOR THE OCCASION

Wear breathable, light-colored clothing. A lighter color will help reflect heat, increase your visibility to motorists, and moisture-wicking material will help with sweat. Wearing a hat can protect your head, face, and neck from the sun. Oh – and of course wear a bike helmet with a sun visor if you’re putting the pedal to the metal.

SEEK THE SHADE

If you can, choose shaded trails or pathways to stay out of the sun. The local West Orange Trail is a great spot to walk, run, and ride bikes under shady trees.

WESTLY’S SPLASH CHALLENGE

The ultimate way to stay cool in the heat is to incorporate water into your workout! Here at Healthy West Orange, many activities count towards completing Westly’s Splash Challenge. Have a water balloon battle, run through the sprinkler, or even wash the car! Register the whole family for Westly’s Splash Challenge and complete 30 minutes of water activity between June 23 – July 5, get a free summer goodie bag, and you could win 4 tickets to Universal’s Volcano Bay! Register now at HWOEvents.org.

Wishing you a safe and healthy summer!

See ya around!

- Westly

Smart Mobile Detailing

A STORY OF TRIALS, SUCCESS, AND DREAMS TO COME

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY

BY MARY-SLOAN SMART

Smart Mobile Detailing was voted Best New Business of 2023

This year Smart Mobile Detailing was voted Best New Business of 2023 by the people of Winter Garden. While this is a huge milestone and win for owner Michael Smart, it’s his journey that led him to where he is today that he is most proud of.

The story of what led Michael to open Smart Mobile Detailing goes back to his teenage years. “When my family moved from Massachusetts to Winter Garden, I was able to play baseball yearround in a more competitive league.” Becoming a professional baseball player was all Michael dreamed of, and he had the talent. Unfortunately, after being diagnosed with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) and having nine surgeries before the age of 18, that dream was ripped away. Not knowing what was next, Michael tried to enlist in the military but was denied due to his medical history. All this led him to become a police officer where he won Rookie of the Year and a life-saving award just two years in. As much as he loved his time as a police officer, God had another plan.

Michael Smart Winning Best New Business of 2023

In 2020 Michael felt called back to Winter Garden to start his own business. With his experience working as a detailer at Classic Car Wash and then managing at Cactus Car Wash, he knew this was going to lead him to success. “I have always felt a calling to help others. I wanted to do that in the military and was denied. I was able to do that as a cop but felt there was more, I was meant for,” Smart stated. “As a business owner, the sky is the limit on how you can impact people and that’s what I wanted.”

Michael and Smart Mobile Detailing have a mission to leave not just people's cars in better shape, but to leave the people he interacts with each day better off. “No matter how small the interaction, there is always a way to improve someone's day,” Smart says. Smart Mobile Detailing gave over 5 thousand dollars in donations in its first year as a business. “I want to continue making a difference in this community,” Smart said. “I owe everything I have to God, and I try to love others the way Jesus loves me.” As a member of Mosaic Church, which has a mission to help children in foster care, this is also an essential part of Michaels's core values. Michael has plans to establish a mentorship program that would help children in foster care work with mentors and learn valuable life skills. “I want to give them access to tools and knowledge they wouldn’t normally have and show them how to build any career and future they want,” Smart stated. “Growing up, our family had a total of 18 foster siblings. I know the kind of impact a good role model can have on these kids who don’t really have much.”

Smart Mobile Detailing has quickly gained recognition in this community, and while the work they do is exceptional, it’s the way Michael Smart treats his customers that has made him stand out. “I want the community to know how grateful I am for the support you have given me. I will work every day to give my best to all of you.” Smart said. If you know Michael, this is only the beginning of what is to come.

“I owe everything I have to God, and I try to love others the way Jesus loves me.”

Wheel Works

Owner Dennis Jones is Cycling With a Purpose

ARTICLE BY MARY-SLOAN SMART | PHOTOGRAPHY BY WHEEL WORKS

Remember that feeling of getting your very first bike as a kid? There was that thrill of riding as fast as you could over to your friend's house to show off your new ride, learning to ride with no hands, and maybe even learning how to pop a wheelie! Well, my first bike was bought from Wheel Works in Winter Garden, as I am sure many of you can say the same.

Dennis Jones with Wheel Works has been a part of the Winter Garden community since 2008. Over that time, he has sold hundreds, if not thousands of bikes to the people of this community, creating memories for kids, families, and adults for the rest of their lives. He has also raised thousands of dollars for charities and local community events through fundraisers. Wheel Works is an essential part of our community, but many people don’t know the story behind the owner, Dennis Jones.

Dennis grew up in Clearwater, Florida and joined the Air Force where he served for 20 years. During his time in the military, he fell in love with fitness and

rehabilitation and decided to become a personal trainer during some of his time. While he was stationed in Tampa he decided to race in a triathlon they had on base and from there it was history. “Once I started getting into biking, I was visiting many bike shops and loved the atmosphere and hanging out and seeing all the people they help,” Dennis said. After retiring from the Air Force, he decided to move his family to the Winter Garden area and took a job with the City of Winter Garden for four years. During that time, he worked on his dream to open a bike shop, he just needed the right location. One day after work he passed by a shop with a “For Rent” sign in the window and immediately went in to look and knew it was the one, which is now the very store we know and love today.  That day, he quit his job then went to bike school for two weeks, and then officially opened Wheel Works. They now have three locations along Plant Street, the Main Shop, the E-bike store, and the Bike Rental Store which is located right off the West Orange trail.

Dennis Jones

“It’s a great event for the community to come together and recognize those people and realize that we need to have safe places for cyclists to ride in this community.”

SLAP

Wheel Works Triathlon Team

Aside from running Wheel Works, Dennis stays busy participating in numerous marathons and triathlons throughout the year. In fact, he just ran in the Boston Marathon where he participated to raise money for the Massage Therapy Foundation (MTF). The MTF does a lot of work rehabilitating cancer patients and veterans, which holds close to Dennis’ values. Dennis and Wheel Works love working with the community and are always putting on events such as their annual Breast Cancer Ride in October which raises money for the Moffitt Cancer Research Center. They also have their annual Ride of Silence coming up which is an 8 mile ride in Clermont. It takes place at the same time across the country in all major cities to honor and remember bikers who have been injured or died from a bicycle accident. “It’s a great event for the

community to come together and recognize those people and realize that we need to have safe places for cyclists to ride in this community,” Dennis stated. Wheel Works also has the largest triathlon team in Central Florida which is made up of adults and children and is free for anyone to join! Dennis and his team are always hosting events, whether it’s for the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts or their free bike clinics, they are always finding a way to provide and take care of our community.

“Riding bikes is something that brings people together. You get your first bike as a kid and your parents teach you how to ride. You don’t have to be a professional with all the gear and competing all the time. Biking can be just for fun, and we have so many great trails for people to enjoy around here,” Dennis said.

“Riding bikes is something that brings people together. You get your first bike as a kid and your parents teach you how to ride. You don’t have to be a professional with all the gear and competing all the time. Biking can be just for fun, and we have so many great trails for people to enjoy around here.”

Dennis Jones

MAKE AN IMPACT FOR DAD

What do you buy for the man who has everything? Perhaps an experience oriented around what dads value most – time together – is just what he needs. Fathers and father figures are invaluable in our lives. They help shape and mold us. They’re there for us and support us. If you haven’t already planned something special, take a look at our list of ideas and circle your favorites. If you have kids, let them join in the fun too!

Whether you decide to spend a day at home or enjoy a day on the town, these innovative celebration ideas will include fun for the whole family and make Dad feel loved. Whatever activity or surprise you land on to show your dad, husband, brother or father figure your appreciation for all they do, the most important thing is that you all get to spend some quality time together.

Memorable Ways to Celebrate The Father Figure in Your Life

LEARN ABOUT HIS FAMILY TREE

Family heritage websites can offer insight into dad’s past and be an interesting way to study the history of your family. Present Dad with a report on his ancestors or dig in together!

PLAN A STAYCATION

You don’t need to go very far to have a great time with Dad! Explore a new neck of your own woods with a family staycation. You can go out on the town, stay at a fancy hotel and maybe even enjoy some room service!

GO BIRD WATCHING

Lay out a blanket in your backyard and grab your binoculars for a peaceful, naturefilled day. Make a list of how many different kinds of birds you see and guess if you can identify them.

GO BOWLING

Bowling is a timeless classic Dad is sure to enjoy. Bonus if the bowling alley has an arcade, chicken wings and Dad’s favorite beverage of choice.

PLAY FRISBEE GOLF AS A FAMILY

Find a local frisbee golf course and grab a slot for the family to play. This activity is fun for both young and old and helps you take advantage of being in the beautiful outdoors together.

SPOIL HIM WITH BREAKFAST IN BED

Breakfast in bed isn’t just for Mother’s Day. Dads can enjoy it too! Whip up some of his favorite brunch treats and start Father’s Day off the right way.

06 09

HAVE A WINE AND PAINT NIGHT

Sign up for an artistic experience at a local wine and paint shop so Dad can let his creative side show and you can have a custom piece of art for years to come.

TACKLE A TASK TOGETHER

Is Dad a hands-on guy? Why not spend the day constructing a tree house or painting a birdhouse? Or better yet, help him organize the garage or start a garage redesign.

07 10

DO A FITNESS CLASS TOGETHER

Consider signing him up for a fitness class together. Whether he likes cycling, boxing or HIIT, encourage him to be adventurous and try something new.

08

COOK SOMETHING ADVENTUROUS

If some of Dad’s role models include Gordon Ramsay and Bobby Flay, consider thinking outside the box and create a meal with something you wouldn’t usually go for like bison burgers or grilled octopus tentacles. Tackling a complex recipe may seem challenging but the memories and the meal will be worth it.

11

HAVE AN OUTDOOR FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT

out after all your hard work.

13 14 15

FIRE UP THE BACKYARD GRILL

There’s no greater way to get to a Dad’s heart than the word “barbecue”. Grab extravagant meats like a rack of ribs or wagyu beef burgers and go to town.

CONSTRUCT SOMETHING OUT OF LEGOS

Harken back to Dad’s childhood with a specialty kit of legos. Embark on a family project of helping Dad build models of favorite movie props like the Death Star or Hogwarts castle.

GO AXE-THROWING

Axe-throwing venues are still going strong across the country. Make an evening of it and practice your throwing skills!

THE ART OF THE CIGAR

Tulsa Hills Cigar Cellar and Market can help you find the perfect smoke.

BY BILL HERMANN

Cigar lovers often wax poetic when describing the pleasures of a good cigar. Their experiences are tactile. Dreamy. Famous cigar smokers — Sigmund Freud among them — have frequently compared cigar-smoking to romance. And it’s not just men who opine about the virtues of lingering over a Perdomo or Montecristo. “There’s something about smoking a cigar that feels like a celebration,” reflected actress Demi Moore. “There’s a quality, a workmanship, a passion that goes into the smoking of a fine cigar.”

Andrea Gardner, General Manager of Tulsa Hills Cigar Cellar & Market, oversees the operation of the store, and also is an impassioned consumer and connoisseur. “My first cigar was a Romeo y Julieta Reserve Real — an excellent smoke for newcomers,” she recalls with relish. “It was a spontaneous purchase while I was vacationing on the Isle of Capri. I remember sitting at a café in a beautiful, cobblestoned Italian piazza and being absolutely blown away by what I was tasting and feeling. At that point, I was in love.”

Cigar-smoking has grown in popularity among women and young adults, advises Gardner. She notes many people enjoy the socializing aspect of it, while some prefer to use it as a form of relaxation. “A good cigar calms me down and helps me detox from everything else going on in my life. It forces me to sit still and be present in that moment.”

Stepping inside the 300-square-foot humidor at the Cigar Cellar, browsers are surrounded by 900 premium, hand-rolled cigars from 57 brands.

“As with wine, what people look for in a cigar can vary by individual,” she explains. “Each person’s palate is unique and each experience with a cigar is distinctive. In general, when people buy a premium cigar, they are looking for quality craftsmanship and often something that has specific taste, aroma or even burn characteristics.”

Gardner appreciates the attention to detail involved in producing a superior product. “Every cigar is a beautiful, handcrafted piece of art,” she says, with devotion. “I love getting a new smoker in the store because it is exciting to be at the beginning of what may become a life-long love affair. We can teach that person how to get started and guide him or her in finding something they will love.”

“AS WITH WINE, WHAT PEOPLE LOOK FOR IN A CIGAR CAN VARY BY INDIVIDUAL. EACH PERSON’S PALATE IS UNIQUE AND EACH EXPERIENCE WITH A CIGAR IS DISTINCTIVE.”

“I Need a (Meatball) Hero”

The perfect recipe for a man who’s not afraid to get his hands dirty

If you’re anything like my man, you leave much of the cooking to the lady of the house. And if she’s anything like me, I can’t say I blame you.  But, on those special nights when my guy feels like venturing into the kitchen and treating me to a delicious meal, this is his foolproof go-to. All it takes is a bit of chopping, mixing, and rolling and you’re on your way to impressing your lovely dinner companion. Fair warning, you will get your hands dirty in the process, but if you can bait a hook, you can make a meatball…

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY

BY MADISON LAMBERT

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 pounds ground beef

• 1 pound ground pork or veal

• 1 large loaf fresh Italian Bread

• 1 small can tomato paste

• ¼ cup Half n’ Half

• ¼ cup Canned Beef Consommé

• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 eggs

• ¼ cup grated parmesan

• 1 tbs fresh parsley, finely chopped

• 2 tbs Ranch Seasoning

• Sprinkle of red pepper flakes (optional)

METHOD:

1. Sautee onion and garlic until soft and translucent, let cool.

2. Tear out insides of Italian bread, discard crust. Pour half n’ half and beef consommé over and let soak.

3. Add soaked bread, eggs, tomato paste, parsley, seasoning, and parmesan to a food processor, and run until combined.

4. In a large bowl, add meat, bread mixture, onions and garlic, and combine with your hands until everything is evenly distributed.

5. Roll 1 ½ inch meatballs with your hands, and place close together on a parchment lined baking sheet.

6. Bake @ 350°F for 30 minutes. Allow to cool and top with your favorite, high quality marinara. Enjoy with a hefty plate of pasta or inside a hero roll.