January/February 2019

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january | february 2019

features Fifteen years ago, Go Red for Women was born as a campaign to raise awareness among women about their great health threat — heart disease. Locally the women — and men — from the Circle of Red support the ongoing efforts. And the 2019 Go Red for Women Luncheon, chaired by Dana Bledsoe, president, Nemours Children’s Hospital, will raise critical funds in the fight against the No. 1 and No. 5 killers of women — heart disease and stroke.

105 Women of the Year

Brave. Bold. Dynamic. Daring. Leader. Believer. Open. Honest. Risktaker. Rule-breaker. That pretty much sums up our Women of the Year. They are all accomplished, articulate and passionate. Cheers to Sharon Line Clary, Elisha González Bonnewitz, Tiffany Moore Russell, Sandy Hostetter, Joanie Holzer Schirm and Amy Lockhart.

JENNA MICHELE PHOTOGRAPHY

112

CHRISTI ASHBY

Go Red! for Women

VICTORIA ANGELA PHOTOGRAPHY

98

Love Stories — Wonderful Weddings From vows shared on the 10th hole of the Waldorf Astoria Golf Club to scenic Isleworth Golf and Country Club to an intimate ceremony at The Capen House and rooftop reception at Reunion Resort, four couples share details about their picture-perfect days. Wedding Trends: Victoria Angela, a lifestyle and wedding photographer shares some advice regarding engagement portrait sessions.

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122 on the cover: SunTrust Bank Central Florida Market President Sandy Hostetter photographed by Christi Ashby. Story on page 109.

january | february 2019

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january | february 2019

columns 14 56 58

10 THE LIST

People, places and things: Stunning and intricate pieces from Ray Griffiths Fine Jewelry designs; Add a spark to your new year’s style with a dose of crimson; A milestone year for Easterseals with the 15th Annual A Pair to Remember; The Evening of Hope Gala benefitting The Faine House is an affair with a Mardi Gras flair; Women to Watch: Multi-tasking mom and meteorologist Amy Sweezey; ATHENA NextGen celebrates five years.

34 BEAUTY, BODY & SPIRIT

50 TASTES & EXPERIENCES

George Miliotes’ new venture Wine Bar George in Disney Springs; A meal to remember at A Land Remembered, located in the golf clubhouse at Rosen Shingle Creek; In preparation for the annual gastronomic gala — Heart of Florida United Way’s Chef’s Gala — a preview of offerings from La Luce at Hilton Bonnet Creek; A Spoon Full of Hope, a line of products, will help support and sustain the Culinary Training Program at Second Harvest Food Bank.

20

JEN ADAMS PHOTOGRAPHY

Soothing scents from Lovespoon Candles for a calm, refreshed new year; Women Who Inspire: Kimberly Bell encompasses passion, leadership and health; Drs. Deborah and Victor Harding discuss new research and treatments that may delay aging; and Dr. Romie Mushtaq explores the root causes of anxiety.

62 HOME & DESIGN

70 AGENDA

Community and charity events: National Philanthropy Day awards breakfast at The RitzCarlton Orlando; A Legendary Evening at Golden Gala XXXVIII; A Night with Nemours, Aura; Orlando Ballet’s A Tribute to Pink; YMD Eye & Face celebrates five years; ATHENA NextGen’s fifth anniversary; Foundation for Foster Children’s Chez Couture returns; Support Our Scholars Gourmet Tailgate; Council of 101’s Festival of Trees; Furball for the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando; Central Florida Women’s League 30th anniversary; and more.

128 GIVING BACK

The 306 Foundation's Taste4Toolbox will bring together some of the best chefs, confections and beverages in the area on March 7. The event will benefit the 306 Foundation and its community program Toolbox4Life.

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FOCUS/18 AT DESIGN CENTRE, LONDON DESIGN FESTIVAL

Succulents’ intricate and unusual shapes add interest while nature’s design makes them nearly indestructible; The New Year color forecast calls for connection, comfort and joy while Pantone introduces its 2019 Color of the Year with trending palettes.

welcome

B

Cheers And More Cheers!

rave. Bold. Dynamic. Daring.

She is genuinely connected to her commu-

Leader. Believer. Open. Hon-

nity and open to meeting with and hear-

est. Risk-taker. Rule-breaker.

ing from them. Last fall she successfully

That pretty much sums up

made her transition from the Seminole

our Women of the Year. They

County School Board to the Board of

are all accomplished, articulate and pas-

County Commissioners with a promise to

sionate. It was a pleasure to chat with

be a collaborator.

each of them — and I learned a lot.

For at least 20 years I have been able to

And you might wonder why we make

work with Sharon Line Clary in her mar-

our selections in the January/February

keting roles with Florida Hospital — now

issue instead of the year-end issue. Well,

AdventHealth. It’s been a big job, especial-

we are forward thinkers, so we choose

ly with a huge rebranding in process.

women who not only have past accom-

However, she always finds time and ener-

plishments but those who will be achiev-

gy for other outlets. She and her husband

ing much more in the future. It’s not a

chair the Dr. Phillips Center for the Per-

nomination process or voting competition

forming Arts Circle — a group of citizens

that steers us. Rather it’s a continual

engaged to spread the mission of the cen-

observation of dedicated women in the

ter — and she is on the board of Florida

community who may or may not be house-

Citrus Sports and Friends of The Men-

hold or boldface names (although they are

nello Museum of American Art.

all bolded here). We have intersected with

Elisha González Bonnewitz came to our

all of them and found them to be very wor-

attention a few years ago as she was spear-

thy of recognition.

then found herself detouring down a very

heading Valencia College’s mentoring and

I probably met Sandy Hostetter 20

personal road of discovering family secrets.

scholarship program for underserved

years ago. Yet I did not meet her through

The story of her father’s — and others’ —

youth. Her mother, Linda Landman Gon-

business connections — it was through

experience of escape and survival from the

zalez, has been a face of the community

nonprofit events. I would see her at each

Nazis has become two books.

for decades, but Elisha has paved her own

and every one — always with a welcoming

I only recently met Tiffany Moore Rus-

path. In addition to serving on five boards

smile on her face and a willingness to help

sell when we photographed her for the

now, she is a Heart of Florida United Way

in any way she could. We could not possi-

2018 Women’s Resource Center Summit

board

bly list all of her board positions and vol-

Awards. She was confident, kind, and pos-

charged with keeping the organization

unteer activities. And while she was being

sessed a self-assuredness that radiated.

relevant for future generations.

a good citizen, she was raising two chil-

Little did I know then that she had over-

While these women are shining stars,

dren and building an impressive banking

come many bumps in her life’s road. Her

they represent hundreds more. So, when

career.

director

and

campaign

chair

passion for making the judicial system

the news seems bleak and troubling, know

Joanie Holzer Schirm made her way

easier to navigate has no doubt helped

there are plenty of uplifting stories that

in the male-dominated engineering indus-

many in the community — especially vic-

may not get the big headline.

try, opening her own company here. How-

tims of domestic violence.

ever, her ability to get things done encour-

Over the past few years I have run into

aged her on a tedious and exciting journey

Amy Lockhart, primarily in Seminole

to bring World Cup soccer to Orlando. She

County, and was impressed with her

continued to make big things happen and

demeanor and dedication to public service.

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Happy New Year!

Follow us on

and

@OrangeAppeal.

EDITOR & PUBLISHER

Christi Ashby christi@orangeappeal.com ASSISTANT PUBLISHER

Kate Slentz kate@orangeappeal.com MARKETING ASSOCIATE

Wendy Tramell wendy@orangeappeal.com CIRCULATION CONSULTANT

Mollie O’Shea BUSINESS MANAGER

Robert Ashby CONTRIBUTORS

Victoria Angela Deborah Harding, MD Victor Harding, MD Karen LeBlanc Romie Mushtaq, MD, ABIHM PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

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thelist fit for a queen These stunning and intricate pieces feature a distinctive design element called Crownwork. It is the grid-like pattern in all Ray Griffiths Fine Jewelry designs that takes much of the weight from the jewelry while maintaining its presence. Crownwork’s design roots are in Ray’s early training restoring and repairing crowns for royalty. Originally from Australia, Ray moved to New York City to open his dream atelier on 5th Avenue. His jewelry is also featured in 40 luxury retailers across the country including Be On Park in Winter Park, where these pieces are available. (beonpark.com)

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thelist

Exciting, sexy, romantic, bold — however you define it, this hue commands attention. Add a spark to your new year’s style with a dose of crimson. From $26 to $4,045, there’s something

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for everyone.

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3

7

5

6 12

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1

Valentino Garavani Candystud shiny python top handle bag with platinum-stud trim.

2 Dior Pandore Vernis Gel Shine & Long Wear Nail Lacquer. 3 Saint Laurent Vicky patent leather trifold wallet. 4 Christian Louboutin Tornade Blonde Parfum, 2.7oz 5 Manolo Blahnik Hangisi satin crystal-toe pump. 6 Calvin Klein Cecily dress sandals created for Macy’s. 7 Nars Powermatte Lip Pigment in Light My Fire.

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thelist

A Milestone Year for Easterseals Sue Ventura, CEO of Easterseals Florida, didn’t truly understand the impact of the organization until she became a client herself. As the country’s largest nonprofit healthcare organization, Easterseals provides comprehensive health and wellness services for all disabilities throughout a person’s lifespan, from early intervention and child development to adult day care services. Sue, who has been with Easterseals for 32 years, reflects on her journey with the organization as it celebrates its centennial. Easterseals Florida CEO Sue Ventura (dressed by Bloomingdale’s Orlando)

A CEO’S PERSONAL PASSION

her siblings struggled with what to do. “We decided to move my dad to Orlando.

Easterseals evolved from the National

“I started with Easterseals in 1986. I call it

Given my professional background I

Society for Crippled Children started by

my first born because my daughter was

thought I knew what I was doing but I was

Ohio businessman Edgar Allen. After los-

born in 1987. And while I was pregnant

overwhelmed. I realized right here at my

ing his son in a streetcar accident, he

with her, we opened the first early inter-

fingertips was Day Break [adult day care

began a fundraising campaign to build a

vention center down in West Palm Beach.

services] and I enrolled my dad in Day

hospital in his hometown. Through this

When I was hired, I was given the keys to

Break at the Miller Center here in Winter

new hospital, he was surprised to learn

an empty office and I was given the

Park. The staff just put their arms around

that children with disabilities were often

instructions: Find out what this commu-

me and they said, ‘Just get him here and

hidden from public view.

nity needs, find the funding and start a

we’ll take care of the rest. This is what we

“Children with disabilities were pushed

program. What is now known as the Igoe-

do.’ I realized after 26 years with Eas-

aside, institutionalized. Easterseals was

Amar Child Development Center was

terseals, I found Easterseals. To the staff

really instrumental in helping bring peo-

opened in March 1988 with seven chil-

here, I was no longer their CEO, I was

ple with disabilities out of the shadows,

dren,” she explains.

another caregiver in distress and they

out of the institutions. And being a huge

embraced me that way,” she shares.

advocate for the Americans with Disabili-

“In 1995, I took an opportunity that

A BRIEF HISTORY

arose to be the chief operating officer of

Sue tells her story as often as she can to

the organization and that meant moving

help spread the mission and good work of

to Orlando. In 2005, our long-time CEO

Easterseals, which was founded in 1919.

In the spring of 1934, the organization

retired, and our board did a search and

“Even though we’ve been around 100

launched its first Easter “seals” campaign

selected me to be the new CEO,” she con-

years, we’re still the best kept secret in

to raise money for its services. To show

tinues.

town. There are certain age groups that

their support, donors placed the seals on

ties Act. Easterseals was big a part of the passing of that,” Sue adds.

In 2011, she started to have conversa-

know us more than others. We are actual-

envelopes and letters. The lily — a symbol

tions with her family about her dad and

ly the largest provider of early interven-

of spring — was officially incorporated as

some memory loss creeping in. That same

tion and child development services in the

the National Society for Crippled Chil-

year her mother passed away suddenly

country. We really try to get the word out

dren’s logo in 1952 for its association with

from cardiac arrest. This caused her

there — hands-on, boots on the ground

new life and new beginnings.

father’s condition to worsen and she and

every day,” she says.

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In 1945, the nonprofit expanded its

thelist vision across the country and in commu-

nate as an organization to stay true to our

nities nationwide when it opened its ser-

mission, serving people with disabilities

vices to adults and returning World War II

but reflect what communities need as

veterans. The overwhelming public sup-

times and technologies change,” Sue says.

port for the Easter “seals” campaign trig-

The help sustain Easterseals Florida

gered a nationwide expansion of the orga-

for the next 100 years, the Dreyfuss family

nization and a swell of grassroots efforts

has generously pledged a dollar-for-dollar

on behalf of people with disabilities. By

match for any gift made to the Easterseals

1967, the Easter “seal” was so well recog-

Florida Dreyfuss Family Endowment, up

nized, the organization formally adopted

to $1 million. Jody and Kathy Dreyfuss

the name “Easter Seals.”

became involved with Easterseals through their daughter, Paige Dreyfuss Cooper,

A LOOK TO THE FUTURE Today and every day, Easterseals is committed to the comprehensive health and wellness of the more than 1.4 million people it serves each year and is prepared to

who chaired the Orlando market’s signaKathy Dreyfuss and Paige Dreyfuss Cooper at A Pair to Remember event

Australia, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Canada.

ture fundraiser A Pair to Remember for several years. The Dreyfuss family often attends A Pair to Remember and is very committed to the mission of Easterseals.

respond to the needs of the 1 in 4 Ameri-

“Easterseals has always been able to

“We are trying to raise $1 million in the

cans living with disability today with out-

move and flex with the times. And so,

next 10 years in the endowment. This

comes-based services for all disabilities

we’ve seen the emergence of autism, and

endowment would allow us to innovate,

throughout the lifespan. Inclusive services

we’re providing a lot of services now in the

sustain, create new programming, and be

are provided through a network of 73 local

autism realm. Same thing with the adult

able to flex as an organization as things

Easterseals in communities nationwide,

day care — as the Baby Boomers age,

change over the next 100 years as they

along with four international partners in

there’s just such a need. We’ve been fortu-

changed over the first 100,” Sue says.

Local Programs

personal services like hygiene and general grooming. Everything is designed to make everyone comfortable and at home.

Day Break at the Miller Center

Day Break at the Elinor & T. William Miller, Jr. Center in Winter Park is an adult day healthcare program, serving those with disabilities and/or special needs such as Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related disorders as well as those with stroke recovery, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and mental illness. Participants enjoy a variety of educational and social activities that focus on five areas: cognition, gross motor skills, fine motor skills, socialization, and health and wellness. Daily activities may include current events discussions, arts and craft projects, poetry, cultural events, field trips, gardening, outdoor walks and simple exercises, music therapy, intergenerational activities, dancing, pet therapy and health education. Day Break also provides

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Camp Challenge

Easterseals Florida CEO Sue Ventura with Day Break member, David.

Camp Challenge, located off State Road 46 in Sorrento, offers 63 acres of recreation for children and adults with disabilities. Campers stay in climate-controlled cabins while still enjoying the beauty of Mother Nature. Overnight camp allows campers to gain independence and make new friends while providing respite for caregivers and families. Camp Challenge is an American Camp Association accredited facility offering swimming, zip lining, target-range activities, arts and crafts, nature trail hiking, scavenger hunts, camp fires, talent shows, drama, luaus, sports and games, camp Olympics, petting farm activities, and more.

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15th Annual A Pair to Remember Always fun. Always inspirational. Always in style. Beginning with a champagne reception and silent auction; followed by a beautifully presented luncheon and a lively live auction featuring deserving clients; and finished with an afternoon of more champagne and shopping, this signature fundraiser began in the Orlando market 15 years ago and continues to be a hot ticket, often selling out weeks in advance.

I

“

t’s just a magical event. The ladies who come together for this event come together in such high spirits to just have some fun and break out their

spring finery and enjoy each other’s company,” says Sue Ventura, CEO of Easterseals Florida. Held at The Mall at Millenia from 10:30am – 2pm, attendees make a day of it, often organizing their own pre-parties. Champagne flows as guests prepare to bid on exclusive live auction items that include designer shoes, luxurious trips and VIP experiences, and are presented by local celebrity men and Easterseals clients. After the luncheon and programming, stores in the mall host after-parties with a percentage of sales often benefitting the organization.

Scenes from past A Pair to Remember events.

A Pair to Remember 2019 Committee: Christina Redman, Paige Cooper, Sarah Grafton, Whitney Laney, Rachel Lombardi, Erin Freeman. Not photographed: Shannon Gunn, Terri Guitton, Marissa Colli, Sarah Taussig, Adrianna Sekula, Elizabeth Recca and Kate Slentz.

that works to procure designer shoes and

serve more children!” says Sarah Grafton,

high-value auction items, ensure a seam-

chair, A Pair to Remember 2019.

less and fun day, and raise critical funds for Easterseals Florida.

“A Pair to Remember is truly a wonderful event and the heart behind it is even

“Eight years ago, I attended my first A

more extraordinary. It’s an honor to be a

Pair to Remember event and I saw the joy

part of something that supports people liv-

in the children’s eyes as they described

ing with autism and other disabilities to

their day at Camp Challenge. I’ve seen

live, learn, work and play in our communi-

that same joy each year since and in those

ties,” adds Whitney Melton Laney, mar-

moments, they weren’t thinking about

keting chair, A Pair to Remember 2019.

what made them different or their disabili-

A Pair to Remember 2019 will take place

ty but they were dreaming like all children

Friday, March 1 at The Mall at Millenia.

their age should have the ability to do. Eas-

For more information on opportunities to

“The Mall is exceptional to work with

terseals gives the gifts of hope, love and ser-

get involved, contact MariaJose Cardenas,

and what they bring to the event and the

vice to children, elders and their families. I

special events manager, at mcardenas@

venue itself is just a dream,” Sue adds.

have grown to love the event more each

fl.easterseals.com or 407-629-7881 ext.

What also makes the event such a suc-

year and my goal is to make an even bigger

12103, or visit easterseals.com/florida/get-

cess is the dedicated committee and staff

impact this year, so the organization can

involved/events/a-pair-to-remember.

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thelist

GET JAZZED FOR THE FAINE HOUSE FUNDRAISER It’s an evening affair with a Mardi Gras flair. The Evening of Hope Gala benefitting The Faine House, Saturday, March 2, at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort, is an event you won’t want to miss. Photos by Jen Adams Photography Back row: Tiffany Payne Geyer, Kelly Tatro, Tiffany Gillotta, Debra Condello, Dianna Chane, Tyana Banks and Erica Miller

W

Front row: Mary Ashy, Brittnie Faine and Jasmine Persau

hat brings more than

Brittnie, set out to make a difference in the

600 community influ-

Central Florida community Jeff has called

encers together in an

home for more than 27 years.

evening

with

Acutely aware of the serious challenges

hope, inspiration, and

filled

many foster children face once they turn

fun for a Mardi Gras party in support of

18 and are thrust into adulthood alone

local youth? For the 10th year in a row,

without guidance or support, Jeff and his

charitable hearts will gather and join

family collaborated with CHS and mem-

together to support The Faine House, a

bers of the Central Florida business com-

program of the Children’s Home Society

munity to conquer many obstacles—

(CHS), which provides a home to youth

including homelessness, incarceration,

who have aged out of the foster care sys-

unemployment and early pregnancy—

tem without being adopted into perma-

that young people who were never adopt-

nent families. Why? Because NFL veter-

ed can face. Through this collaboration,

an, entrepreneur and philanthropist Jeff

The Faine House was born.

Faine— having himself been adopted into

Now in its fifth year, The Faine House

a loving home at just 7 days old— realized

has become a refuge of love where young

his incredibly good fortune and was determined to help those less fortunate. Jeff, together with his parents, and his wife,

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Tiffany Gillotta, Dianna Chane, Jeff Faine and Tiffany Payne Geyer

thelist adults from the ages of 18 to 23 can live for up to four years to successfully cross the bridge into adulthood. The incredibly dedicated staff and volunteers mentor these young adults while guiding them on their individual pathways to independence. Each resident receives instruction and assistance in creating a personal “life plan” for education, housing and transportation, employment, health and wellness, and financial management. Since opening its doors, The Faine House has served nearly 70 residents and more than 30 other young adults in the local community, each of whom created and worked very hard to achieve their individual goals under the watchful eyes of caring staff and community volunteers. Where there was once no reliable family or friend to help, The Faine House has become a fam-

Jasmine Persaud, Alex Smith, Jeff Faine, Kevin Vando and Tyana Banks

ily of support these young adults never had and so desperately needed.

lish their places in life and to grow into the

changing opportunities for individual

As described by Tiffany Payne Geyer,

best versions of themselves in a safe and

development and growth, and I feel

an attorney with BakerHostetler, LLP,

structured environment. I am delighted to

incredibly fortunate to share in the joy and

chair of the 2019 Evening of Hope Gala

have met many residents and excited to be

the love that this program provides. Fair

and member of The Faine House board of

a part of their pathways to success, as well

warning — several residents of The Faine

directors: “The young adults at The Faine

as supporting them should they stumble

House will be in attendance at the 2019

House are deserving of a chance to estab-

along the way. The Faine House offers life-

Evening of Hope Gala, and if you meet them, you just might fall in love with them. I know I did.” The 10th Annual Evening of Hope Gala on Saturday, March 2, at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort will be a New Orleans-style evening featuring great food, live music, dancing, and a spirited live auction. Whether you are able to attend, sponsor or volunteer for this funfilled event, you are offering hope to the young adults served by The Faine House. For more information regarding event sponsorships, tickets, or to schedule a tour of The Faine House, please contact Ashley Vann at avann@fainehouse.org.

Ashley Vann, Brittnie Faine and Mary Ashy

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WOMEN TO WATCH

Amy Sweezey:

Multi-Tasking Mom and Meteorologist As the WESH 2 News Sunrise meteorologist, you may wake up with her every morning. She’s been forecasting the weather at WESH for the last 16 years and recently received the National Weather Association Broadcaster of the Year Award. But Amy Sweezey is also a mother of three, part-time homeschooler, author and advocate for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) careers.

S

by Kate Slentz

he landed in her career “on

of the time,” Amy explains.

accident” as she studied to be

A member of the National Weather

a journalist at Loyola Univer-

Association (NWA), Amy was presented

sity in Chicago. “I thought I

with the Broadcaster of the Year Award at

would do newspaper or radio.

the NWA’s national conference this past

I thought maybe TV but that wasn’t neces-

August. The NWA is a member-led pro-

sarily my ultimate goal. I just wanted to

fessional association supporting and pro-

tell stories and be a journalist,” she says.

moting excellence in operational meteo-

But after graduation she had a difficult

rology, and the award is presented to an

time finding a job. She did various free-

NWA member whose activities have sig-

lance and part-time work just to pay her

nificantly contributed to the development

rent in Chicago. “I went all over the coun-

and presentation of weather information

try doing interviews just trying to get a job.

for public service.

And I had lots of people tell me, ‘You look

She is still among the minority in

too young, you sound too young, you’ll never

weather forecasting as about 29% of

make in television.’ It didn’t really dis-

females make up all weathercaster posi-

courage me. I felt like this is what I wanted

tions, according to a study by the Ameri-

to do so I just kept going until I got a job,”

can Meteorological Society. “I think for a

she reveals.

long time, women had to work harder

She eventually landed a position in South

than men; they had to prove themselves

Bend, Indiana, and would drive two and a

more. I still think we do have to work

half hours from Chicago. “I only did it for

harder to overcome some of those stereo-

three months, but it was still a haul. I

types out there,” Amy says of the statistics

would drive back to Chicago to sleep and

of women in meteorology.

do my radio job,” she says. But when she

Kalamazoo. She was there for seven years

And technology has made it even easi-

was in South Bend, she started training

and that’s where she met her husband. “I

er for people to comment or complain on

with the meteorologist there and he was

thought I would stay there forever and

Amy’s appearance and weather forecast-

the one that inspired her to pursue weather.

then I realized it’s cold and snowy. I had

ing. “When I first got in the business we

She went back to school for training in

been a Midwestern girl my whole life and

didn’t have social media so if someone

meteorology at Mississippi State University.

I was sick of being cold. So, I started look-

wanted to complain to me, they had to get

Her next move led her to Western

ing for jobs in warm places. We moved

out a piece of paper and pen, write it down,

Michigan for a weekend weather job in

here and now I’m warm and sunny most

put it in an envelope, pay for a stamp, and

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WOMEN TO WATCH

then mail it. I didn’t get as much criticism,

weather change. “I had the concept for

but nowadays it’s so easy for people to sit

this book for years, but I just didn’t know

behind their computers or phones. You

how to make it happen,” Amy explains.

develop a tough skin, but I will say 90% of

She self-published a fiction book first, It

the people are great. I also think that

Never, Ever Snows in Florida. “At the time,

because I’m in people’s living rooms every

my children were in kindergarten, first

morning, they feel like we’re friends, so

and second grades. I was part-time home-

they feel comfortable to say, ‘Hey, your

schooling them and we would talk about

hair looks terrible.’” she explains.

the seasons, winter and snow. My kids,

She wants to be a role model for other women and is passionate about getting

who were born in Florida, had no concept of that. So, an idea was born,” she adds.

young girls into STEM by conducting

She still part-time homeschools her

school visits and teaching students about

children, who are now in ninth, seventh

weather. “They’re a lot of work and they’re

and fifth grades, on Monday and Wednes-

on my own time, but there’s the personal

day afternoons. This way she gets to spend

benefit of knowing I may impact or influ-

quality time with them because her morn-

ence others to go into this,” she says.

ing newscast schedule requires her to

These visits inspired her book Let’s

wake at 2am.

Talk Weather, a non-fiction book where

“We’ve had to adjust our lives around it

she explains the science behind the fore-

for sure,” she says of her unique schedule.

cast and the tools she uses for predicting

“My husband, fortunately, is self-employed, so he can work his schedule around mine. He takes the kids to school in the mornings while I’m at work.” She does her best to participate in her children’s after-school activities — her eldest daughter dances, her son plays basketball and her youngest daughter plays volleyball — but with a 7pm bedtime it is challenge. “Because we homeschool, we will try and get all our work done and do special things on Mondays and Wednesdays. Instead of going to family dinners, we’ll go out to lunch on Wednesday afternoons,” she says. Amy also tries to carve out family time and quiet time on the weekends and is constantly

re-evaluating

the

family’s

schedule. “There’s pros and cons to every job. Maybe this won’t be worth it for me forever. We sit down and have those kinds of talks as a family. I think being flexible is important. I’m not a very flexible person but my husband and kids have taught me to go with the flow,” she says.

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thelist

WOMEN TO WATCH

Leading the Way: ATHENA Orlando Women’s Leadership by Kate Slentz ATHENA Orlando Women’s Leadership Board of Directors: Melanie DiVirgilio, VP of recruitment; Suzi Gaiser, VP of alumni relations; Karen Keene, president; Hope Newsome, secretary and general counsel; and Stephanie Gardner, treasurer

I had the privilege of participating in ATHENA NextGen, the eightmonth women’s leadership program piloted right here in Orlando. The program is just one of many created as part of ATHENA International, a global, non-profit organization founded by Martha Mayhood Mertz, a successful entrepreneur and business leader who wrote a book about the unique characteristics of women leaders entitled, Becoming

KAREN KEENE, co-founder and president of ATHENA Orlando Women’s Leadership, Inc.

more. So, we put our heads together and piloted the ATHENA NextGen program for professional women to help them realize their full leadership potential.

ATHENA: Eight Principles of

How did ATHENA NextGen get started?

Enlightened Leadership.

Like so many things, ATHENA Orlando

workforce after being stay-at-home moms

Women’s Leadership evolved from the

or entrepreneurs who decided to leave cor-

vision of a group of women who came

porate America to start their own busi-

together and dared to dream. In 2012, we

nesses. We intentionally select a diverse

held a leadership luncheon for 350 estab-

group of women, often representing as

lished women leaders and their up-and-

many as 16 different industries, who learn

coming counterparts. One year later, the

and grow with one another.

All the programs are modeled around these eight principles, including ATHENA NextGen, which recently celebrated its fifth

number of attendees nearly doubled.

Each year the class is a mix of millennials, as well as women re-entering the

anniversary. I asked the ATHENA

Following the luncheon events, we sur-

Orlando Women’s Leadership board

veyed attendees who told us the activity

In five years of the program, how has it grown?

they enjoyed most were the roundtable

Back in November, we celebrated our fifth

discussions. Prominent women leaders

anniversary. To date, 265 women leaders

steered the dialogue about ATHENA’s

have successfully completed the program.

eight leadership principles, from fostering

Also, we have fully funded a $100,000

collaboration to building relationships and

endowed scholarship at UCF to assist

advocating fiercely. However, 45 minutes

female graduate students in their pursuit

during lunch wasn’t enough time for a

of their educational goals.

some questions about the program, its impact, and about their own experiences, as they lead the way for current and future ATHENA NextGen classes.

deeper dive. Attendees were asking for 28

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thelist

WOMEN TO WATCH

Each year we accept 55 women into the eight-month program. Due to its popularity, the demand is increasing, and we’ve seen more than 100 applicants per year. Addi-

topics highlight ATHENA’s eight leadership principles:

1 Live Authentically

and community boards.

Anything new or different on the horizon?

tionally, the pilot program launched in

2 Learn Constantly

Orlando is now being replicated in other

3 Advocate Fiercely

ship with the Heart of Florida United Way

cities across the country, including Mel-

4 Act Courageously

to offer the Meredith E. Level Fellows Pro-

bourne.

What are the overall goals of the program? What kind of impact is the program making on members?

5 Foster Collaboration 6 Build Relationships

We just announced an exciting partner-

gram for emerging women leaders who desire a seat on Women United’s steering committee. Candidates will improve upon

7 Give Back

their knowledge of the community and

8 Celebrate

the challenges we face in the areas of edu-

exclusive access to a unique learning

Some alumnae have described their

needs.

forum facilitated by prominent business

experience as life-changing. Women are

Also for 2019, we’re adding new sub-

women who are passionate about mentor-

building their confidence to advocate on

stantive programming for alumnae. We’ll

ing the next generation of rising stars.

behalf of themselves and those they serve.

host a series of roundtable conversations

Imagine receiving pearls of wisdom from

Whether it’s for promotions, recognition

and training programs that address a vari-

Sandy Hostetter, Diana Bolivar, Annetta

or career changes, they’re finding their

ety of issues including: negotiation skills,

Wilson, Christi Ashby, Kate Slentz and

voice. They’re articulating their value to

wellness and care for aging parents, posi-

Maryann Barry in an interactive “master’s

team members and customers. And

tioning for corporate boards and public

class” setting. Guest speaker discussion

they’re being asked to serve on corporate

policy.

ATHENA NextGen participants have

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cation, health, financial stability and basic

thelist

WOMEN TO WATCH

STEPHANIE GARDNER, of RSM US LLP and ATHENA Orlando Treasurer, and SUZI GAISER, of Automattic and ATHENA Orlando VP of Alumni Relations What have you gained from ATHENA NextGen?

the facilitators and the members about

the support of life-long friendships, and

overcoming difficult situations or forging

the ability to proactively impact others in

a path other than the one you planned on.

the community.”

I learned there isn’t one path to your goal. sometimes you have to take a couple of

Why did you decide to stay involved in the program?

detours.”

STEPHANIE: “As you progress in your

Achieving our goals is a journey and

SUZI: “I’ve gained so much from ATHENA

career, you start to think about your legacy.

STEPHANIE: “I am inspired by ATHENA

NextGen. The program has provided me

How will you leave your organization bet-

NextGen. So many stories were shared by

with the self-confidence to change careers,

ter than when you joined it? As part of my legacy, I want to support women leaders. Going through the ATHENA NextGen program, I saw the impact it has on our community. The women who go through the program are better leaders and have a support network to help them reach their goals. I knew I wanted to be part of that!”

SUZI: “I was always energized after every interaction with my ATHENA family. I felt understood, heard, and had the confidence to take on any challenge.”

What kinds of things does the board do to keep members and alumnae engaged? STEPHANIE: “ATHENA NextGen is only the beginning. We host several socials each year to keep members and alumnae engaged. The socials are a great chance to catch up with your classmates and make new connections!”

SUZI: “The board holds multiple events throughout the year. Many of the events are social and help with professional development. Some have a charitable impact on the community because we raise money for organizations such as the American Red Cross to aid those impacted by recent hurricanes.” ATHENA NextGen is currently accepting applications for the 2019 class. Applications are due in March and the class begins in May. Visit AthenaLeadershipOrlando.com to learn more or call 407-718-1562.

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beautybody&spirit light & bright The Welsh lovespoon is a decorative piece of art carved from one piece of wood and traditionally presented as a romantic blessing to a newlywed couple. Originally from Wales, Lovespoon Candles founder Jenny Zack wanted to extend similar “best wishes� sentiments through a line of high-quality soy candles with intoxicating scents. Available in colorful glass containers or tins, there are more than 30 scents to choose from. (lovespooncandles.com)

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beautybody&spirit WOMEN WHO INSPIRE – AN ADVENTHEALTH FOR WOMEN SERIES

Kimberly Bell Encompasses Passion, Leadership and Health

Kimberly Bell is vice president of the AdventHealth Cardiovascular Institute, formerly Florida Hospital. In this role, she oversees a network of care for heart, lung and vascular services across the Orlando and Central Florida region encompassing 8 facilities. She has more than 20 years’ experience within advanced cardiac and vascular specialties, which has made her a highly valued leader at AdventHealth. Her decorated career in healthcare stems from a personal passion due to a loss at a young age. Her dedication and leadership allowed her to take charge of her own personal health and she shares some tips we can all easily incorporate into our everyday lives for a healthier self. Kimberly gained a passion for helping

cular ICU left suddenly — it was a very

“With that, the Cardiovascular Institute

others at an early age, becoming a volun-

stressful unit,” she says. The VP of nurs-

has grown quite a bit and we work as one

teer medic at age 16 and a paramedic by

ing asked if Kimberly would help and

team, one system. We are constantly pre-

the age of 18 in her home state of Virginia.

manage the unit. “I said of course because

paring the team to take on leadership

“What led me to that was my mom was

I knew I was leaving in three months [for

roles,” she says. Several of her teammates

killed when I was 4 in a hit-and-run acci-

school]. I really was thinking I wasn’t

have been promoted up through the ranks.

dent,” she shares. Her parents ran a con-

going to be in that job long, so I couldn’t

But as a busy executive in healthcare,

cession stand at a summer camp and her

really make any mistakes. It’s probably

she wasn’t always leading by example

mother was struck and killed crossing the

not the best way to approach a job but I

when it came to her personal health. Since

road to collect supplies. “She was taken to

think it worked because I really was there

July 2016, Kimberly has lost more than

a trauma center, which trauma centers

for everyone and made decisions based on

100 pounds and is committed to a healthy

were really new back then in the ’70s.

what was best for the patient and best for

lifestyle that involves running, weight

Unfortunately, she didn’t make it,” Kim-

the team,” Kimberly shares.

training and eating right. She’s excitedly

berly continues.

Instead of going back to school, she

awaiting the arrival of her first grandchild

She was further inspired by many of

remained in the unit and took on more

and is happy to have her energy back.

her female family members who moved in

responsibilities, eventually becoming the

“I came from a place of unhealthiness,”

after her mother passed to help take care

administrator of the Cardiovascular Prod-

she explains. “I’ve lost 110 pounds. Look-

of her. After working as a firefighter and

uct Line for Sentara Heart in Norfolk, Vir-

ing back, I realize I was feeding that busy-

paramedic for 10 years, she went to nurs-

ginia, overseeing 13 facilities across three

ness. I put the wrong things in my body

ing school because she wanted to continue

states for cardiovascular care.

which made me feel bad. And I didn’t feel

helping others. “I started working in the

Then she got a phone call from a recruit-

like I had control. And when you feel like

emergency room. I got to work in the same

er at Florida Hospital (now AdventHealth)

that it feeds into everything — your mental

trauma center that my mom was taken to,

who convinced her to come for a visit.

health, your relationships. It was holding

and I got to work with some nurses that

“They brought me back three times and it

me back from living the life that I wanted

actually took care of her,” she explains.

took one year from the time of that first

to live which was active, happy and embrac-

This led her to the cardiovascular ICU,

phone call for me to decide to come here,”

ing successes at work as well as my family.

where she would assume a leadership

she says. She was brought in for her leader-

I was not doing that as much as I should

role. “I was on my way to nurse anesthetist

ship qualities and forward thinking, always

have been because I felt terrible most of the

school and our director in the cardiovas-

looking for ways to enhance processes.

time. And then I felt terrible about feeling

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terrible. I was sort of ashamed.”

I Like to Move It, Move It — Be active. Mov-

But she finally sought help and under-

ing helps with blood flow and may help

went gastric sleeve surgery at the recom-

you live longer. “You should be standing

mendation of her doctors. Recognizing

up at least once an hour. It actually helps

that it is not a quick fix, she has taken

prevent heart disease,” Kimberly reiter-

steps to a much more active lifestyle. “You

ates. She sets reminders on her phone to

do have to work out and you do have to eat

the song “I Like to Move It” by Reel 2 Real.

right. So, I had to re-learn those things. But once I got the hang of it, I will now never go back. There’s no worry because I know how much better I feel when I eat healthy,” Kimberly says. To stay energized throughout the day and relieve anxiety from a demanding career, she also runs at 4am three days a week. “If I miss a week, I don’t beat myself up. I just do it again the next week. I’m not as hard on myself as I was before. I go to the farmers market on Sunday and meal prep for the week. I feel like I’m in a routine that’s doable for me now,” she adds. When she was recovering from her procedure, she decided one of her goals was to participate in an obstacle course race. She trained with the help of an app on her phone and now she does three obstacle course races a year. “Honestly, I just do it for fun and because I can. I enjoy it. I don’t want to go back and feel that way again,” she says. Through her personal journey and her position at AdventHealth, Kimberly hopes to encourage other busy women and professionals to adopt healthy lifestyle habits that can have a positive impact on heart health and beyond. She spoke at the 2018 Orlando Women’s Conference and shared the following…

10 TIPS FOR A BETTER YOU Be Here Now — Breathe. Start your morning with deep breathing to let go of stress, concerns and anxiety.

First Things First — Protein. Eat protein first to stay fuller longer and to keep your blood-sugar levels stable. Send Love — Send Love. Send messages of love daily. Try sending an email, text or phone call to show your appreciation and gratitude for someone in your life. “It makes me smile,” Kimberly adds. “If you smile, you’re actually reducing your blood pressure and heart rate.” Show Me the Water — Stay hydrated. Drink water throughout your day by keeping a bottle of water with you. Replace “But” with “And” — Eat red. Try to eat one red food at each meal. Red foods such as apples, red peppers, strawberries and tomatoes are high in vitamins and fiber. Not YOU but ME — Forgive. Stress impacts our heart in negative ways. Forgive someone who has hurt you. You don’t have to tell them, but personally forgive them to help yourself move on and free your heart. Forget the Rabbit, Be the Turtle — Sleep. The more the better for rest and recovery. Read a book, listen to music or meditate to help you fall asleep. “Set an alarm for one hour before you actually want to be asleep so you can start to wind down,” Kimberly suggests. What if you FLY? — Know your numbers. Knowing your numbers helps you understand your current health status and your

NO Means NO — Stop smoking. Smoking

risk for heart disease — blood pressure,

causes your blood vessels to decrease in

weight,

size and directly contributes to heart attacks.

blood sugar.

cholesterol,

triglycerides

and

NEED HELP JUMPSTARTING YOUR HEALTH AND WELLNESS ROUTINE? One call to AdventHealth for Women’s Health Navigator Doreen Forsythe, BSN, RN, can help you coordinate all your healthcare. AdventHealth for Women understands the intricate role women play in their family’s healthcare decisions and needs. Doreen is a specially trained registered nurse who is available to help women access AdventHealth’s extensive network of services across Central Florida. This coordination specialist not only provides expert, clinical assistance, but also helps manage your overall care and identifies ways to speed up the process of scheduling physician appointments and procedures. The health navigator acts as your personal advocate — creating a seamless healthcare experience that focuses on health, wellness, hospitality and convenience. Doreen Forsythe, As a registered BSN, RN nurse, Doreen has been a valued member of the AdventHealth team since 2001. Graduating from Villanova University in Pennsylvania, she has more than 15 years of experience in multiple nursing disciplines including cardiology, neurology, surgery and nursing education. No matter what kind of women’s health services you need, Doreen can connect you with the right doctors and resources to ensure you receive the best treatment available. This complimentary service is available to all women.

Learn more at AdventHealthforWomen.com.

january | february 2019

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beautybody&spirit

ANTI-AGING: The Cure is Closer than You Think NEW RESEARCH AND TREATMENTS ON THE HORIZON MAY DELAY AGING FOR A MORE YOUTHFUL AND HEALTHIER LIFE.

E

by Deborah Harding, MD, and Victor Harding, MD, Harding Medical Institute

ach year we review important new concepts in antiaging. What is being done

Dr. Bill Andrews visits our office

to slow or cure aging and related disabilities? It is

unacceptable to us that most people who live beyond 80 will have suffered a third of their lives with mental or physical disabilities. Why does this happen, and is it preventable? How do we as individuals achieve quality longevity? We are very happy to report that over the past year tremendous progress has been made. Help is on the way. Recently, we attended RAADfest (Revo-

COURTESY DR. BILL ANDREWS

lution Against Aging and Death) in San Diego. This conference brings together

ger divide, causing the failure of cellular

therapy, which is the first treatment that

anti-aging leaders in multiple disciplines,

repair. This leads to the “wall of aging”

will actually lengthen telomeres, poten-

including experts in cellular biology, stem

with multiple age-related diseases and

tially reversing the aging process and

cells, computers, robotics and economics.

death. Age-related diseases due to telomere

related diseases. Similar gene therapies

Dr. Deborah Harding, this articles co-

shortening include many cancers, meta-

have already been approved in the U.S. to

author, was thrilled to be asked to serve as

bolic diseases such as diabetes, dementia,

cure some previously terminal cancers.

a RAADfest medical advisor by Dr. Bill

osteoarthritis, cardiovascular disease, neu-

At RAADFEST we spent extended

Andrews, RAADfest’s co-founder, who is

ropathies, macular degeneration, muscle

time with Liz Parrish, who several years

recognized as the world’s top expert on

failure, spinal disc disease, and endocrine

ago became the first person to receive

human telomeres and aging. Both of us

disorders including menopause.

telomerase gene therapy. So far, every-

Dr. Andrews is probably the most famous

thing is going very well. Her telomere

anti-aging researcher due to his discovery

lengths are now about 20 years younger

The major issue to be solved, discussed

of human telomerase and subsequent relat-

than they should be for her age of 44. Her

in detail at RAADfest by Dr. Andrews, is

ed research. Telomerase lengthens telo-

other biomarkers look excellent, and she

how to slow or reverse the degradation of

meres, which has been shown to reset the

says she feels great. She is founder and

telomeres, which are at the ends of each

biological clock of aging. He recently toured

president of BioViva, which in association

strand of DNA. Telomeres shorten each

our offices and we discussed the latest anti-

with Dr. Andrews tries to bring other

time cells divide. Telomeres are the mas-

aging advances, his current research, his

researchers’ work to clinical trials.

ter biological clock of aging. Human telo-

new worldwide companies, and our efforts

meres lengths are typically 15,000 units at

to work with him on upcoming projects.

are planning to speak at the upcoming RAADfest in Japan.

conception, 10,000 units at birth and 5,000 units at senescence, when cells can no lon-

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He has now become involved in very promising

telomere-lengthening

gene

Various dementias, including Alzheimer’s disease, are also likely caused or worsened by telomere shortening. In January, Dr. Andrews is giving a person with late-

beautybody&spirit stage Alzheimer’s telomerase gene therapy.

Elderly people will soon make up 20%

Later, if all goes well, a third patient, with

of the U.S. population, and advances are

early-stage Alzheimer’s, will receive telom-

coming quickly, but we need a few more

erase gene therapy. Dr. Andrews hypoth-

years to develop profound new treatments

esizes that their Alzheimer’s will be cured

for many terrible diseases, even aging

or markedly improved — a huge break-

itself. However, right now many things

through. We currently are advising him

can be done by patients working with

on aspects of this project.

their medical providers. The key point is

Anti-aging research goes well beyond

to reduce inflammation, thereby slowing

telomeres. Dr. Michael West, the 2017

telomere shortening and the aging pro-

RAADFEST keynote speaker, developed

cess. Equally important is screening for

gene editing techniques so that with a few

preventable diseases such as advanced

simple gene substitutions, breast and skin

colon cancer and eye disease.

cells can be made into stem cells that can

The earlier you start, the better. The goal

then be used to create organ replacements.

is not only a longer life, but a higher qual-

Other exciting work in anti-aging is

Liz Parrish with Dr. Deborah Harding at RAADfest

ity of life and prevention of disease. We

Important areas involve stem cells and

and nutrients, and excellent benefits are

anti-aging physicians is to give our patients

plasma or plasma factor replacement.

being shown with replacement therapies,

the power to live their life as most want it

Also, as we age, we begin to have issues

especially with IV treatments. We plan to

to be, a life full of energy, love, vitality,

absorbing and metabolizing many vitamins

detail these advances in a future article.

optimal health and total happiness.

being done by numerous researchers.

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call this “quality longevity.” Our goal as

beautybody&spirit

mind matters:

FINDING THE ROOT CAUSES OF YOUR ANXIETY by Romie Mushtaq, MD, ABIHM

C

lose your eyes. When was the

iety were either a temporary band-aid or

screening labs done in most primary care

last time you felt anxious?

harmful, addictive substances. Benzodi-

offices. In women, the most common missed

Why were you worried at

azepines are a class of drugs typically pre-

diagnosis leading to anxiety, panic attacks,

that particular moment?

scribed for anxiety and panic attacks;

and other mood disorders is subclinical

Was there a specific event

examples are Valium, Ativan, Xanax and

hypothyroidism or hypothyroidism due to

or person that triggered your anxiety?

Klonopin. In a report released by the Cen-

autoimmune disease. In these types of

Feeling anxious due to temporary life cir-

ter for Disease Control, death from drug

thyroid disorders, checking a routine TSH

cumstances such as public speaking,

overdoses continues to increase. After opi-

will not show abnormalities; a full thyroid

meeting with your boss, a first date, or the

oids, benzodiazepines drugs are the sec-

panel must be assessed. In addition to the

in-laws arriving in your home is to be

ond most common cause of overdose-

thyroid gland, other hormone imbalances

expected. The feelings of anxiousness typ-

related deaths.

that commonly lead to anxiety are with

ically subside.

As I speak around the country, high-

testosterone levels in men or adrenal

But what about when the feeling of

functioning, intellectual, success-driven

anxiety persists beyond the event that

professionals continue to report increased

gland dysfunction in both sexes.

triggered your shift in mood? Or perhaps

anxiety despite implementing time man-

you have had episodes of anxiety or panic

agement and improved productivity skills.

2. LIFESTYLE CHOICES — CAFFEINE & ALCOHOL

attacks that were unprovoked. Anxiety or

What if we could identify the root cause of

It is not atypical in our busy society to

panic that is persistent after removing the

your anxiety to treat and abolish the symp-

start the day with an excessive amount of

offending stimulus or attacks that are

toms? Getting to the root cause of anxiety

caffeine in either multiple cups of coffee or

unprovoked are a sign of imbalances root-

and panic disorders means identifying

energy drinks. The temporary boost of

ed in our minds and bodies.

what process in the body or brain is out of

energy comes at the cost of stimulating

On , about 25-30% of adults in the Unit-

balance and then restoring the imbalanc-

the stress response in the brain leading to

ed States suffer from anxiety disorder,

es to heal the anxiety. These imbalances

worsening feelings of anxiousness or an

and it is five times more likely to occur in

lead to inflammation in the brain and the

anxiety attack. At the end of the long day,

women, according to a study published by

body. Here are commonly overlooked root

it may feel temporarily calming to “take the

the National Institute of Mental Health in

causes of anxiety and panic attacks.

edge off” with a glass of wine or one beer.

2017.

Unfortunately, alcohol alters GABA recep-

certification in integrative medicine, I

1. HORMONE IMBALANCES IN WOMEN AND MEN

became acutely aware early in my medical

A complete evaluation of any mood disorder

induced neurochemical changes lead to

training that the typical medications pre-

in an adult includes a comprehensive anal-

increased anxiety. Both excessive amounts

scribed for feelings of anxiousness or anx-

ysis of hormones, not just the traditional

of caffeine and any dose of alcohol cause

As a neurologist with additional board

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tors in the brain so that when the alcohol metabolizes in our bodies, these alcohol-

beautybody&spirit inflammation in both the cells of the body and the brain.

3. LACK OF SLEEP With a long to-do list, sacrificing sleep may be the standard behavior for success in your life. Sacrificing restorative sleep comes at the cost of lowered production of melatonin and serotonin — the “sleep good” and “feel good” hormones. Also, inflammation in the brain is healed with restful sleep.

4. INFLAMMATION IN YOUR GUT The autonomic nervous system connects the gut and the brain. When infection, a food sensitivity, or a diet high in inflammatory foods (standard American diet rich in saturated fats and sugar) are present in our gastrointestinal tract, the gut bacteria are disrupted. The imbalance in our gut bacteria leads to chemical changes that cross into our brain and provoke anxiety, panic, memory impairment and other mood disorders. Getting to the root cause of anxiety and panic is beyond taking a pill for your illness or a supplement for your symptoms. Careful analysis of your entire medical history and current symptoms is a start to tracing the root cause of inflammation that could be leading to your anxiety. Once the offending reason of inflammation in your body and brain are identified, a customized treatment plan can be created to help you heal in mind, body and spirit. Romie Mushtaq, MD, is a neurologist with additional board certification in integrative medicine. She brings together brain science, psychology and meditation to speak and consult with Fortune 500 companies, professional athletes and associations. She also serves as Chief Wellness Officer for Evolution Hospitality. You can learn more from her free resources at DrRomie.com or join the conversation with her on social media @DrRomie. 46

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tastes&experiences perfect pairings

Fans of local wine expert George Miliotes will be thrilled to know he has opened Wine Bar George in Disney Springs. It is the only Master Sommelier-led wine bar in Florida and George’s attention to detail is on full display with a flavorful menu of small plates, boards, family-style plates and sweets that pair wonderfully with the carefully curated wine selections as well as beer, cocktails and cider. (winebargeorge.com) 50

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tastes&experiences

A LAND REMEMBERED: OLD FLORIDA FINE DINING by Kate Slentz

It was a meal to remember at A Land Remembered, located in the golf clubhouse at Rosen Shingle Creek. A belated birthday celebration for my husband, Mike, and me as illness and busy schedules sidetracked our original plans. We were excited to finally try the fine dining steak house at one of our favorite resorts and enjoy a much-needed night away, while the grandparents watched our 2-year-old.

T

he restaurant reflects Florida’s rich heritage, named after the late Patrick Smith’s novel featuring Florida’s historical moments and landscapes. The menu is streamlined yet robust, offering fine dining staples including various cuts of Harris Ranch all-natural prime black angus beef and suc-

culent seafood options, as well as a wine list with ample selections by the glass and bottle. A Land Remembered features traditional décor with large wood beams covering the high ceilings, creating an intimate feel — we were seated at a cozy and quiet booth. Our server was knowledgeable of the menu and steered us toward our selections: a 20oz bone-in ribeye with Oregon blue cheese topping for Mike and the pan-seared Chilean sea bass for me. We also indulged in a shared order of the lobster macaroni and cheese as well as some asparagus with hollandaise sauce (you know, to get our greens). As we awaited our entrées and sides — we decided to forgo the appetizer to save room — we enjoyed warm, cheese-crusted dinner rolls (so good, we took some to go). We were most impressed by the emphasis on quality and service. When Mike thought his steak was cooked a little over his liking, our server immediately took it back to get him a new one, no questions asked. My sea bass was cooked

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tastes&experiences perfectly — flaky with a nice crust — and paired well with the accompaniments. However, the rich flavor of the four-cheese lobster mac was our favorite. Just when we thought the meal was winding down, the server surprised us with a birthday version of the restaurant’s signature chocolate mousse cake, a decadent, flourless dessert full of chocolate flavor. We were already so full but managed to enjoy a few bites each before retiring to our room for the night, plenty of leftovers in hand.

A LAND REMEMBERED Rosen Shingle Creek 9939 Universal Blvd. Orlando 32819 407-996-1956 (reservations recommended) landrememberedrestaurant.com Dinner: 5:30 – 10pm

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tastes&experiences

A TASTE OF CHEF’S GALA

In preparation for the annual gastronomic gala — Heart of Florida United Way’s Chef’s Gala — we previewed the offerings, and more, from La Luce at Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek.

T

he popular restaurant — No. 1

We truly could not decide which we liked

in the region on TripAdvisor

better. Next up were the two traditional

— continues its ongoing com-

Italian family recipes that will be featured

mitment to preserving and for-

at Chef’s Gala — Cannelloni Al Funghi

warding the legacy of famed

(wild mushrooms, ricotta, spinach and

Napa Valley chef and restaurateur Donna

truffle cheese) and Braciole Di Manzo

Scala, who passed in 2014. This is evident

(Italian beef rolls cooked in tomato sauce,

in the way the staff treats each guest with

saffron and olive oil potato purée with

knowledgeable and friendly service. In

pine nut gremolata).

fact, we asked out server to select our

And there was more! The beautifully

courses. After asking our preferences and

plated Silk Handkerchiefs (pesto, toasted

any allergies or dislikes, she went to work.

walnuts and pecorino romano) and tender slices of Berkshire Pork Chop were almost

Braciole Di Manzo

Flourless Chocolate Cake with Coconut Gelato

too pretty to eat. For dessert — yes, save

La Luce

some room — I highly recommend the

Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek

Butterscotch Pudding with house-made

14100 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane

toffee and the Flourless Chocolate Cake

Orlando 32821

with Coconut Gelato.

407-597-3712 | laluceorlando.com

For the 27th year, 24 of the region’s top restaurants will gather for Heart of Florida United Way’s Chef’s Gala, a fundraiser benefitting local hunger and homelessness programs. Hosted by Walt Disney World at Epcot Showplace, this culinary adventure offers unlimited sampling of signature dishes prepared by award-winning chefs, each paired with a fine wine or specialty beverage. The event will be held on Saturday, March 2, from 6:45 – 10pm.

And on the other side of the plate was

SAVORY: Ale & Compass Restaurant at Disney’s Beach Club Resort; Be Our Guest Restaurant at Magic Kingdom Park; blu on the avenue; Coral Reef Restaurant at Epcot Center; Fiorenzo Italian Steakhouse at Hyatt Regency Orlando; Hemisphere at Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport; Highball & Harvest at Ritz-Carlton, Grande Lakes; Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen at Magic Kingdom Park; La Luce at Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek; Latitude & Longitude at Orlando World Center Marriott; Le Cellier Steakhouse at Epcot; Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano at Disney’s Hollywood Studios; Morimoto Asia at Disney Springs; Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa; Primo by Melissa Kelly at JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes; Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort Area; Sebastian’s Bistro at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort; SLATE; STK Orlando at Disney Springs; Tiffins at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Asparagi Al Forno, baked prosciutto-

SWEET: Amorette’s Patisserie at Disney Springs; BoardWalk Bakery at Disney’s

But instead of selecting one dish per course, she carefully combined smaller portions of two different dishes, so we were enjoying a true tasting. Everything she brought out was simply amazing starting with the Fritto Misto that included a nice addition of rock shrimp, onions, fennel and green beans with a spicy aioli.

wrapped asparagus and fontina with a parmesan cream sauce. Next, we dove into the Cauliflower Salad with Tuscan beans, arugula, lemon and parmigiano, and the Stone Fruit with local greens, Shropshire blue cheese, candied hazelnuts and Moscatel vinaigrette. 56

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BoardWalk Inn; Gideon’s Bakehouse; The Glass Knife

Through the generosity of sponsors, like Walt Disney World, as well as the participating restaurants that donate all the food, 95 cents of every dollar raised at the event goes directly to community programs aimed at alleviating hunger and homelessness. Tickets are available by visiting ChefsGala.org. Individual tickets are $350, couple ticket package is $650, and corporate ticket packages are $3,500. Sponsorships are also available by emailing chefsgala@hfuw.org or calling 407-429-2129.

tastes&experiences Irina Pabis, Ricky Ly and Nora Galdiano

Second Harvest Launches A Spoon Full of Hope FOR YEARS SECOND HARVEST

FOOD BANK OF CENTRAL FLORIDA HAS BEEN SERVING UP SAVORY SOLUTIONS. To combat community hunger, the organization looked at the root cause — unemployment. Since 2013, more than 250 students have graduated from Dave Krepcho and John Moskos

the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida Culinary Training Program with a 100% placement rate. The program provides qualified, at-risk and economically disadvantaged adults with the culinary and life skills training needed to pursue a sustainable career in the food industry. And now they have launched a product line — A Spoon Full of Hope — that will help support and sustain the culinary

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training. “Three years ago, we decided to embark on a creative culinary journey in an effort to create sustainability for our Culinary Training Program,” says Dave Krepcho, president and CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. “The day has arrived where a dream has become a reality. I am so impressed by our talented chefs and am looking forward to providing more opportunities to those coming through the program.” Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida officially became the first Feeding America network member across the United States to launch a multi-product signature food line. A Spoon Full of Hope includes a tomato basil Soup for Good (16 oz,

Chef Jill Holland

tastes&experiences $4.99); Honey for Good including man-

tiple products as we took a look at our own

grove (2 - 20oz, $4.59 – $15.59), orange blos-

healthy recipes utilizing honey; and then

som (16oz, $7.49), palmetto (16oz, $7.49),

included our shortbread cookies as there’s

and wildflower (16oz, $7.49); shortbread

been an overwhelming response to them.

Cookies for Good, which can also be cus-

We knew this could be bigger than what

tomizable; and a healthy Lunch for Good,

we originally expected; and more chef-

for corporate and volunteer meals.

developed products are already under-

“We started with the tomato basil Soup

way.”

for Good, thinking this is what we’d

The Honey for Good trio of orange blos-

launch first,” says Nancy Brumbaugh,

som, palmetto and wildflower are locally

Second Harvest food service director. “But

sourced through 96-year-old Goldenrod

then we saw an opportunity to offer mul-

Apiaries; and packed raw, uncooked and unfiltered. The mangrove honey — otherwise known as the “Bee Keepers Special” — hails from Jester Bee Company in

that we use clean ingredients with no pre-

Mims. And the packaging and labeling is

servatives or additives. It was equally

all done by staff and volunteers in Second

important these ingredients were of the

Harvest’s production kitchen.

highest quality standards from vendors

The tomato basil soup was created by

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who share our vision,” Jill says.

Second Harvest Chef Jill Holland in col-

Visit ASpoonFullofHope.org to learn

laboration with packaging partner IPAC

more or to view and purchase any of A

in Winter Springs. “It was important to us

Spoon Full of Hope products.

home&design simple succulents House plants add so much life to a space but are sometimes challenging to maintain with a list of variables — light, water, temperature. That’s why succulents have become so popular. Their intricate and unusual shapes add interest while nature’s design makes them nearly indestructible. This lovely arrangement is from In Bloom Florist. (inbloomflorist.com)

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home&design 2019 COLOR FORECAST CALLS FOR CONNECTION, COMFORT, AND JOY

Pantone Announces its 2019 Color of the Year with Trending Palettes by Karen LeBlanc

As a counterpoint to our digitally saturated lives, color trends for 2019 embrace flesh tones that evoke a human touch and softer, mid-tone pastels that soothe. There’s also a playful side to color in 2019 with palettes expressing an exuberance for life as an antidote to stressful times and a counterintuitive dynamic to color pairings where opposites attract to express unique styles.

P

antone, the global color

For 2019, Pantone compiled two color

authority, recently picked

palettes promoting a more serene, centered

its Color of the Year 2019 as

existence. Musings conveys a relaxed, healthy

PANTONE 16-1546 Living

lifestyle with delicate, complex colors

Coral, and released its color

such as variegated greens, pale lilacs and

forecast for the coming year accompanied

supporting shades of gray. Cherish creates

by a probe into the human psyche and pop

a refuge for the senses through colors such

culture. Pantone’s Living Coral anchors

as romantic rose, wispy white, opal gray

these emerging color trends as a shade of

and frosted almond that emote comfort and

orange with a golden undertone. “With

contentment. Soothing tone-on-tone pal-

consumers craving human interaction and

ettes are being explored by designers for

social connection, the humanizing and

all interior spaces. The “elemental textures”

vivial Pantone Living Coral hit a respon-

The PANTONEVIEW home + interiors

sive chord,” says Leatrice Eiseman, execu-

2019 is a color road map to the future that

tive director of the Pantone Color Institute.

guides product design and home interiors

Consumers are looking to color to pro-

detailing key color directions into eight

vide connection, comfort, joy and stability

themes with 72 forecasted colors. Here’s

in 2019 as a counter-response to the impo-

what you need to know about emerging

sition of digital technology and social

trending colors in home interiors.

media. According to Laurie Pressman, vice president, Pantone Color Institute,

COLOR FOR COMFORT:

consumers are waging a “TechLash” (a

Color palettes that convey coziness and

backlash against technology) with a grow-

warmth accented with softer shapes and

ing demand for face-to-face social interac-

textures define the latest looks in home

tion. “A third of people say digital life is

interiors. The resurgence of the shag rug

harmful

happiness.

and textural handmade items are essen-

TechLash is looking for direct physical

tial elements of the style. “It’s about the

interaction and touch. The physicality of

artistry, a real appreciation of craft. People

doing something ourselves is vital,” Laurie

value what goes into the making of a prod-

says.

uct,” Laurie adds.

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to

health

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and

FOCUS/18 AT DESIGN CENTRE, LONDON DESIGN FESTIVAL

heartening qualities displayed by the con-

FOCUS/18 AT DESIGN CENTRE, LONDON DESIGN FESTIVAL

trend in home interiors dovetails with this palette. “Design elements with earthy appeal and a primal instinct that tie to organic matter and tactile connection add warmth and celebrate craftsmanship,� Laura explains. The look is about unique layering, grained-pattern contours and natural woven materials that enhance the coziness of a space with an artisanal aesthetic and material authenticity. WGSN, a trend forecasting agency, also notes a drive to celebrate the handcrafted

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65

home&design processes, honest material choices and traditional techniques. Natural materials such as bamboo, wicker, seagrass, cane, straw, rattan and raffia are being used in more modern ways, featuring simple lines and minimalist forms, with an occasional accent of color.

COLOR FOR JOY: Consumers also want joy in their living spaces tinged with a nostalgic touch that takes them back to the unbridled happiness of childhood. This year brings a rise in powerful, positive and exuberant palettes styled as color mixing and maximalism. “There is a playful release in design

an energizing mix of colors including

create joy with a spicy red combined with

as an antidote to the chaos and stress of

bright yellow, red, magenta, turquoise and

neutrals such as cappuccino shades.

life. This childlike experimentation con-

vibrant greens. “Expressing a unique style

Propelled by a penchant for maximal-

nects us back to simpler times to replace

drives color choice with a bold approach

ism, pink is fully indoctrinated as a life-

our stress with joyfulness and relaxation

and the mixing of opposite hues such as

style color, according to Pantone, across all

and helps us decompress,” Laurie says.

blue-green and yellow color combina-

ranges of design including interiors. “Pinks

Pantone’s color palette Syncopated ex-

tions,” she adds. Another Pantone palette,

have been popular for a long time and they

presses the more-is-more approach with

Cravings, draws on sensory experiences to

now cross the gender divide in hues ranging

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of the Year, Rose Quartz. Today, pink is the

magentas,” Laurie says. Pink became pop-

“new neutral,” a core color that gets rein-

ular in 2014 with the introduction of Mil-

terpreted and updated each trend cycle

lennial Pink, and later Pantone’s 2016 Color

and fashion season.

COLOR TO ROOT US: Our color choices for home furnishings in 2019 also arise from our desire for stabilizing tones that ground us in our living spaces. “Continued instability in our global culture is feeding our desire for grounding and warmth, leading us to rich, deep reds, flavorful browns and spicy oranges,” Laurie notes. Pantone sees orange making a comeback FOCUS/18 AT DESIGN CENTRE, LONDON DESIGN FESTIVAL

from paler shades to striking fuchsias and

from its heyday in the 1970s, but grounded with nourishing browns. Orange reemerges in home interiors as darker shades such as rust and smoky mandarin, pairing with earthy browns such as chestnut and chocolate. “Oranges are tempered gradually, increasing from petal softness to bright flavors, while browns are more golden,” she adds. Classico, a Pantone 2019 color palette, features basic and forever fashionable color combinations of caramel-colored tan, deep teal, burgundy and red apricot.

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home&design With so much competing for our attention and a pervasive cultural anxiety, colors that center us and bring balance to our

The colors of nature and the sea also

gray add a meditative dimension in home

connect us to what’s real as designers em-

style. “Greens express a sense of happiness

brace new material mixes, using warm

and connection to nature while teals and

brass design features and color combina-

turquoises evoke the colors of water and

tions from moss green to burnt orange and

sky that are both gender and age neutral,”

soft apricot. Violet-shaded blue and blue-

Laurie says.

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home interiors in 2019. Karen LeBlanc is host of The Design Tourist series. She travels the globe attending some of the world’s premiere design events in search of the latest trends, tastemakers and unique finds. Learn more at thedesigntourist.com. FOCUS/18 AT DESIGN CENTRE, LONDON DESIGN FESTIVAL

FOCUS/18 AT DESIGN CENTRE, LONDON DESIGN FESTIVAL

lives will dictate the direction of design in

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GO RED!

FOR WOMEN Photography: Victoria Angela Photography

|

Location: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

Fifteen years ago, Go Red for Women was born as a campaign to raise awareness among women about their great health threat — heart disease. Slowly, the campaign grew into a movement — one that not only brought together thousands of women annually but became the trusted, passionate, relevant force for change to eradicate heart disease and stroke all over the world.

Go Red for Women provides a platform for women and their families to lead healthier lives, and drive collective action for community transformation. It’s not just about wearing red; it’s not just about sharing heart health facts. It’s about: • Providing women with opportunities to prioritize and take charge of their own health; • Building communities that support and provide access to healthy choices; • Demanding equal access to healthcare for all women and their families; • Increasing women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) in upcoming generations. The Go Red for Women luncheon continues to serve as the cornerstone event of the Go Red for Women movement in local communities. This empowering event focuses on preventing heart disease and stroke by promoting healthy lifestyles, building awareness and raising critically-needed funds to support research and education initiatives. Cardiovascular diseases, which include stroke, claim the life of a woman about every 80 seconds, but about 80 percent of cardiovascular diseases may be prevented. “It’s an absolute honor and a delight to be involved in the 15th anniversary of the Go Red celebration in Central Florida. For 15 years the American Heart Association has been making an impact in the lives of women and yet, there is still so much more work that needs to be done. As a healthcare organization it was a tremendous opportunity as we employ a large number of women. It’s so important. And the numbers are absolutely stag-

2019 GO RED FOR WOMEN LUNCHEON CHAIR

Dana Bledsoe

President, Nemours Children’s Hospital and Enterprise Vice President, Nemours Children’s Health System

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gering when we think about the impact of heart disease on women,” says Dana Bledsoe, president, Nemours Children’s Hospital, and 2019 Go Red for Women Luncheon chair. To celebrate the milestone and bring more awareness, the 15 Reasons I Need You campaign was created to encourage people to share their reasons for “going red” on social media at #OrlandoGoesRed. “This is about the ‘15 reasons why’ because as women we are most motivated by the children in our lives. We want to inspire women to make time for themselves and do the things they need to do so they are around for those children,” Dana explains.

CIRCLE OF RED MEMBERS

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Front: WENDY BRANDON, ERICKA DUNLAP and KRISTEN ACKLEY; Back: BRITTANY GRUBER and VICTORIA ANGELA

The 2019 Go Red for Women Luncheon will be held on Friday, February 15 at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando. The event aims to raise critical funds in the fight against the No. 1 and No. 5 killers of women — heart disease and stroke. The luncheon will celebrate the 15th anniversary of Go Red for Women and feature delicious food, inspiring stories, a survivor fashion show presented by Macy’s, a silent auction and much more. “This is a time to celebrate what has happened in the past 15 years and look forward to and contribute to the advancements that will be made in the next 15 years. I have a great committee that is working so hard to make this luncheon extraordinary,” Dana says. To reserve your seats, visit OrlandoGoRed.Heart.org.

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The time is now. Women are leaning into the idea that when we take a stand, commit, and work together, real change is possible

Left to right: JILL SCHWARTZ, YOLANDA MCLEOD TERRY, KYLE SANDERS, KIM STRONG and BERNADETTE SPONG

january | february 2019

101

THEIR REASONS WHY

2019 CO-CHAIRS

“My reason why is my family. Women don’t typically take the time to care for themselves because they are caring for everyone else, but the importance of self-care is because our families need us! Know the signs, know your body, and do it for your kids!” – Jessica Kendrick, Kendrick Law Group and

Victoria Angela

Champion Title & Closing “I take care of myself and my health so I can be around those that I love (of course my husband and fur babies) but also for my business, which is capturing the love and first of many chapters that our couples will experience in life. It is

Jessica Kendrick

such an honor to be the one who is trusted to preserve their memories to cherish for generations.” – Victoria Angela, Victoria Angela Photography

Left to right: GLORIA CAULFIEND, JAYNE WILLIS, SECILY WILSON, MAGGIE BURDETTE and KARI FLECK

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Left to right: ANDREA MASSEY FARRELL, DARLENE STEVENS, MIKE CLELLAND, GABRIELE GANNAWAY and CAMILLE EVANS

CIRCLE OF RED

CIRCLE OF RED MEMBERS

Circle of Red is a society of individuals

Kristen Ackley

Megan Core

Brittany Gruber

Bernadette Spong

who have the passion, the motivation and

Rajia Ackley

David Cross

Leigh Ann Horton

Darlene Stevens

inspiration to drive and influence change

Rachna Atwal

Ellen Dadlani

Liz Jones

Kim Strong

regarding heart health of women in their

Kim Bell

Debra Davis

Dr. Swathy Kolli

Jayne Willis

community and across the country. Circle

Dana Bledsoe

Ericka Dunlap

Eva Krzewinski

Secily Wilson

of Red members help support the mission

Wendy Brandon

Camille Evans

Andrea Massey Farrell

Lisa Zacher

of Go Red for Women by making a per-

Tere Brun

Kari Fleck

Yolanda McLeod Terry

sonal financial commitment to the move-

Maggie Burdette

Gabriele Gannaway

Sonja Nicholson

ment.Â

Gloria Caulfiend

Chris Gearity

Lorraine Parker

Christy Clelland

Sarah Geltz

Cindy Reed

Mike Clelland

Dr. Deborah German Kyle Sanders

Beth Clift

Crystal Grohowski

CIRCLE OF RED CHAIRS Jessica Kendrick | Victoria Angela

Jill Schwartz january | february 2019

103

Left to right: RAJIA ACKLEY, SONJA NICHOLSON, CHRIS GEARITY, CHRISTY CLELLAND, LORRAINE PARKER, LIZ JONES and DEBRA DAVIS

GO RED FOR WOMEN LUNCHEON Friday, February 15 1O:30am – 2pm Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando For more information or to get involved, contact Christy Clelland at christy.clelland@heart.org or 407-481-6317 or visit orlandogored.heart.org.

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WOMENOF THEYEAR SHARON

ELISHA

TIFFANY

LINE CLARY

GONZÁLEZ BONNEWITZ

MOORE RUSSELL

SANDY

JOANIE

AMY

HOSTETTER

HOLZER SCHIRM

LOCKHART

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SHARON LINE CLARY A Central Florida native who grew up in her family’s resort business, she always knew she wanted to be in marketing, even clipping and creating ads when she was younger. But she never thought she would be in healthcare, yet through her sports marketing positions she was introduced to Florida Hospital. And now, 22 years later, as vice president of marketing she is overseeing one colossal rebranding — Florida Hospital to AdventHealth — and was recently inducted into the Hospital Marketing National Hall of Fame. In addition to her professional duties, Sharon Line Clary also serves on community boards for sports and the arts.

SHARON LEFT CENTRAL FLORIDA to

leadership team. I am always pushing the

attend Florida State University where she

boundaries. So, it’s always evolving,” she

earned a degree in sports information

says.

management and marketing and a mas-

The biggest challenge for her is that

ter’s degree in marketing and communi-

“there are so many great things we could

cations. She worked for famed football

be doing, but how do you prioritize and do

coach Bobby Bowden in sports informa-

it all? And what’s the best thing to do to

tion and then at Host Communications,

meet your objectives? Everybody has an

a leader in college sports marketing. And

idea and thinks it’s the best. Everyone has

sports brought her back home.

an opinion, especially with social media,”

“I came back to Orlando — I always

During her tenure, many novel pro-

for World Cup Soccer in 1994. From

grams have been launched, including the

there, I worked with the Olympics for

Pink Out events for breast cancer aware-

the games that were here in Orlando in

ness; the “Someday Starts Today” cam-

1996. I thought I would have this long

paign, which has won national and inter-

career in sports, but I ended up meeting

national awards; and a partnership with

the folks from Florida Hospital through

the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing

World Cup and the Olympics,” she says.

Arts on the Florida Hospital School of the

She was responsible for reaching out

Arts — now AdventHealth School of the

to potential medical partners. After successfully working with

Arts — of which she is particularly proud.

Florida Hospital, Orlando Health and HCA on the games,

“We wanted to find a great intersection for how our orga-

Florida Hospital offered Sharon a marketing position that was

nizations could work together outside of just a sponsorship.

sports related. “They had some 5k and 10k races and a partner-

So, we found this unique partnership to explore how the arts

ship with the [Orlando] Magic but wanted someone with a sports

and research and healing and medicine all come together to

marketing background to manage them. So that was my entry

make people feel whole, which is pretty much the philosophy

point here. Although I didn’t think I would ever be in health-

of Adventist Health System. We’ve just done our first pilot

care, I always knew I wanted to be in marketing,” she adds.

around Alzheimer’s and caregivers. I can’t wait to see the

In her 22 years with Florida Hospital, now AdventHealth,

106

she explains.

knew I would come back — and worked

results. This is just the first of many things,” she explains.

Sharon has been involved in community relations, the foun-

In addition to her demanding professional duties Sharon

dation, marketing, strategy, business development, and even

sits on the boards of Florida Citrus Sports and the Mennello

the recruitment of doctors. “It’s not like I’ve done the same

Museum of American Art; and she and her husband chair

things all these years. I never limit myself by my job descrip-

the Circle, an ambassador group, at the Dr. Phillips Center

tion. I come up with ideas and bring them to the executive

for the Performing Arts.

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ELISHA GONZÁLEZ BONNEWITZ As an immigrant, she suffered from a big culture shock moving from a huge metropolis — Mexico City — to tiny Inverness, Florida, when she was 13. And she learned her most important life lessons about surviving and thriving while working in her parents’ restaurant. As an educator, she went from the classroom to the principal’s office, from elementary school to high school, which taught her how to navigate different dynamics. Building a nonprofit gave her skills in making connections. As a community leader, Elisha González Bonnewitz has followed her mantra to give back where you live by actively participating on a variety of boards.

ELISHA’S FIRST FEW YEARS in the

Her next role as executive director of

United States were a big adjustment on

Valencia Promise/Orange County Take

many levels. “We were thinking my par-

Stock in Children utilized her education

ents would say, ‘We made a mistake, let’s

background. “I had met Sandy Shugart

go back.’ But my father said ‘No, we are

[Valencia College president] and was given

going to make it work.’ We moved to a

the opportunity to build from scratch a

mobile home in the middle of the woods

nonprofit where we provided scholar-

where we had never experienced the

ships, support and mentors. I got to really

sounds of nature before. My parents

make it my own and I learned then how to

opened a Mexican restaurant and it was

make connections within the community.

my first foray into entrepreneurship,”

That’s when I started getting engaged on

she says.

boards and learning the process of what it

Later while her mother — Linda

takes. There is no class on professional

Landman González, a vice president at

development that will teach you more

the Orlando Magic — was busy building

than serving on a board — the dynamics

her career, Elisha and her sister started

are fabulous,” she says.

building their own. She worked at Sea-

After a successful nine years at Valen-

World part-time while earning a degree

cia, Elisha worked as a government and

in education. But her experience as a

community relations regional manager

teacher, dean and assistant principal did

for Duke Energy. Now, she has paused to

not fully prepare her for her promotion to principal.

take on a full-time volunteer role as campaign chair for the

“I was in a school that was drug infested where parents

Heart of Florida United Way. “What I realized was the next

were managing their children from prison to sell for them.

generation doesn’t know what United Way is or what it does.

There were gangs. On my first day, undercover police came

I was tasked with creating a cabinet with a diverse genera-

to welcome me and give me the scope of what was going on.

tion of individuals to tell us what we need to do next to keep

It was fascinating and yet very tough as I had to ask myself,

it going. We are raising $14 million this year to help people in

how can they become successful when they are so in the

the community,” she explains.

deep?” she explains.

She is also doing some consulting work while serving on

The emotional struggle led her to work for Senator Mel

five community boards including The Holocaust Memorial

Martinez until he left public office. “I had broken the stigma

Resource and Education Center, which is embarking on a $40

of a female high school principal — most women were in

million capital campaign to build a new center and museum.

elementary schools. But it was a good break for me — to step away,” she says.

Elisha is the mom of an 11-year-old daughter and credits her husband with being her steadfast supporter.

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TIFFANY MOORE RUSSELL She talked too much in school, got fired from her first job out of law school and lost two elections, but that did not deter Orange County Clerk of Courts Tiffany Moore Russell from a successful career in public service. Elected to the Orange County Commission to represent District 6 in 2006, she was its youngest commissioner ever. She made history again in 2014 as the first African American female Clerk of Courts elected in Florida and in Orange County. She believes all life’s bumps and turns have led her to where she is today and says adversity will not prevail in her life. Being a mother of two boys is her greatest accomplishment. A NATIVE OF ORANGE COUNTY —

allows her to combine her love of the law

Tiffany grew up in Tangelo Park, attend-

with assisting citizens through the legal

ed Dr. Phillips High School and worked

processes. As a child she witnessed her

part-time at Universal Studios. She

mother being abused, and now sits on the

received her undergraduate degree at

Domestic Violence Commission and the

University of South Florida and went on

Domestic Violence Taskforce, working to

to law school at Florida State University.

identify trends and reduce the incidence

“I always knew I wanted to be a lawyer. I think it was because my mom told

“If we can alleviate even one thing for

me I needed to do something with my

those who are victims by making sure

mouth — I used to talk too much in

they can navigate the justice system, it

school and get in trouble. I give my mom

helps a little bit. Many times, they just

credit for pointing out the positive from

don’t know how they can financially

that,” Tiffany says.

afford to live on their own. That drives me

But after landing her first job at a Tampa law firm she quickly learned she did not

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of domestic violence in the community.

a lot. It’s a special gift to have the ability to interpret the law,” she says.

have all the skills and experience to suc-

Tiffany speaks to a lot of women’s

ceed in that setting and found herself fired.

groups about running for office and says:

“I was clueless about the corporate world

“Women have the best skill set to serve in

and making relationships with partners

public office because we run our house-

and moving up within private practice. But it was okay, the fir-

holds. We manage kids, cooking, cleaning — we have the

ing brought me home. And that led me to work for a female

schedules for soccer practice, PTA, and that science project

lobbyist,” she explains.

that’s due in two days. I encourage women to take those skills

She flourished in the new role and one day her boss asked

and transfer them to serving the public. You bring a different

her if she would consider running for a state house seat. “She

perspective. Oftentimes women think holistically about what

was the first person to ask me about going into politics so I

we are leaving to the next generation.”

kind of tiptoed in. I ran for that house seat twice and lost both

She believes getting involved on all levels is important, not

times. I had to learn how to raise money, how to ask for money

just the elected positions. “It’s also about getting into the busi-

and thankfully people sponsored me to go to training sessions.

ness of governmental affairs — there are still way more male

It was hard. I had no name recognition, no donor base,” she adds.

lobbyists and staffers. We need good people behind the elected

But 2006 was a turning point with an election victory and

officials. Be that campaign manager, be that consultant or

Tiffany served two terms as an Orange County Commissioner.

grassroots organizer that’s going to draft good policy. We all

Her current position as Orange County Clerk of Courts

have a role to play,” she adds.

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SANDY HOSTETTER She is in a very small club of female bank presidents — this is her third such role. She never intended to be in this profession but a bad economy combined with a newfound love for banking early in her career led SunTrust Bank Central Florida Market President Sandy Hostetter to a long-term career where she has flourished. She credits her father with her belief that she could do anything and has found that she thrives when thrown a challenge. Her commitment to community is legendary and it has come full circle through her work as a board member of LIFT Orlando — a consortium of business leaders partnering with residents to break the cycle of poverty through holistic neighborhood revitalization. “I STARTED MY CAREER HERE and

them I was going to do it. It hit me that the

I think the irony of my story at this point

real reason I hesitated was that it was such

is really relevant. They say you make

a risk. That was one of the greatest life les-

plans and God laughs. That would be

sons for me,” she adds.

my story. I began my career in Central

She served as president of CNL Bank

Florida in 1981 in the Barnett Bank

from 2002 until it was sold to Valley Nation-

training program. The last thing I want-

al Bank in 2015 when she became Central

ed to be was a banker. But it was 1981

and North Florida market president. But

and women didn’t have a lot of choices.

then her dream job became available and

Rates were at their usury high — no one

she could not turn it down.

was hiring. It was one of the worst economies before 2007,” Sandy says.

“As a survivor of 2007 to 2010, I have had some of the worst days in banking that any-

She worked her way up to vice presi-

one ever could have had, yet I still feel I

dent of corporate banking for Barnett

have done the right things. When this job

Bank of Central Florida. Then the bank

presented itself — it came out of thin air —

sold in 1992 and she spent the next seven

I thought I had to do it. My original march-

years as CEO of Florida Community

ing orders from Barnett were to take mar-

Partners, an affordable housing consor-

ket share away from SunBank, the market

tium. Eventually one of her former boss-

leader. Thankfully we [SunTrust] are still

es approached her about joining a start-

the market leader. I want to leave this bank

up that would become CNL Bank. “I turned it down for about

with a predominate lead in this market. This was Orlando’s

six months but kept telling him I would help him find some-

original hometown bank,” she says.

one. I told prospects how great the team and opportunity

At a time when some would be considering retirement

was, and they all said, ‘If it’s so great, why aren’t you taking

Sandy is not slowing down. “When I talk to young people, I

it?” she explains.

tell them not to get complacent but to look for that next chal-

It hit home when her then 17-year-old son even asked her why she wasn’t. “I told him it was a huge risk — a startup

lenge. Push yourself. I think it’s breathed new life in me. If you love what you do, do it for as long as you can,” she adds.

bank with a legal lending limit of $1.875 million. I do multi-

She has always, and continues to, mentor young women

family projects and that wouldn’t even pay for the clubhouse.

and hopes “a lot of women want to be bank presidents one

Then he said, ‘So all this talk to me about no-risk, no-reward

day — or presidents of whatever industry they are in. We

doesn’t apply to you?’ I called the next morning and I told

have some amazing women in Central Florida” she says.

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JOANIE HOLZER SCHIRM An accomplished business woman who succeeded in the male-dominated engineering field without being an engineer, she was the founding partner of a Central Florida firm with a portfolio of projects including Florida High Speed Rail, Orlando International Airport, UCF Convocation Center, LYNX Central Station, Wekiva Parkway, Sunrail and Interstate 4. Against the odds, she brought the FIFA World Cup to Orlando in 1994. Joanie Holzer Schirm found a whole new purpose with the discovery of her father’s escape from the Nazis. It led her on a journey that resulted in two books and a continuing search for more details about the tragedy and triumph. JOANIE GREW UP IN INDIALANTIC

that led to remote Olympic soccer games

and after high school attended Oxford

coming to Orlando in 1996,” she continues.

College, Emory University and Florida

But for her second act — she aggres-

State University, but she dropped out to

sively planned to retire by 60 — she decided

get married — something she still ques-

she wanted to write and tell her father’s

tions at times. She moved to Miami

story. She had interviewed him in the ‘80s

where her daughter, Kelly Lafferman,

but discovered there was much more to

was born and then to Atlanta where she

share after her parents passed away in

started her career by accidently walking

2000 and she inherited their personal let-

into an engineering office and landing

ters and mementos. “Every now and then

an administrative position. “I did a study

I would look at the letters and realize it

on opening up an office in Florida and

was going to be a lot more interesting than

that’s how I ended up here,” she says.

I originally thought and there was a lot

She continued with the company for 18 years until a merger with Westing-

For the first book, Adventurers Against

house. “I was laid off but was already

Their Will, that was originally supposed to

working on the World Cup bid effort, so I

be her father’s story, she had to find trans-

thought maybe I would just do some-

lators to decipher the letters, which were

thing in sports. But then a former boss

not in any order and were by different

asked why I would throw away every-

people. “I would get them back and I

thing I had done,” she explains.

would make new discoveries. I was really drawn to certain

It was January 1991 when she started her engineering

people in my father’s life. And now I have found descendants

company, Geotechnical and Environmental Consultants

of some of these people. It kept happening and I was getting

Inc., with three of her former engineer colleagues, and in the

connected to the children who are my age,” she explains.

spring of 1992, Orlando was awarded the World Cup bid. She

The second book, My Dear Boy, due out in March chronicles

was also going through a divorce while sending Kelly off to

her father's trek from Czechoslovakia to China where he met

college and raising her son who is 14 years younger. “It was a

her mother, the daugher of American missionaries. “At first, I

pressure cooker. And then I met Roger [Neiswender] and we

was writing it in third person but because he said multiple

got married during the midst of everything,” she adds.

times in his letters that he was going to write his own story, I

“After we got World Cup, [then Orange County Mayor]

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more than my father had told us,” she says.

switched it to his voice like I am his ghostwriter,” she says.

Linda Chapin approached me about starting a sports com-

As she continues her passionate work, she shares her

mission to get all parties — the Chamber, Florida Citrus

findings through the Holzer Collection that has been shown

Sports, the tourism sector — to all work together to get sport-

in Orlando, Frankfurt and Prague. She is also the co-chair of

ing events here. I did that as a volunteer for a year [while still

the capital campaign for the new Holocaust Center in down-

running her company] — I probably shouldn’t have — but

town Orlando.

orangeappeal.com

AMY LOCKHART Growing up in a tiny town in South Florida, she learned how to be a team player — and a competitor. An early — high school and college — affinity for politics and the political process educated her well for future positions. But her first political battle was blocking a Walgreens from being built in her neighborhood. Two winning runs, in 2012 and 2016, for the Seminole County School Board allowed her to effectively make a difference, advocating for better and less testing in schools. As a newly elected Seminole County Commissioner, Amy Lockhart wants to be a collaborator who leads while listening. AMY GREW UP IN LIGHTHOUSE

who has a daughter in college and a son in

POINT, a town she describes as so small,

high school, ended up in Sanford, which

“it’s a mile wide and three miles long.”

Amy says is a “wonderful, eclectic place to

Her parents were teachers — he a coach

raise a family.”

and she an art teacher. She experienced

Not long after they bought their house,

the hard work and effort of entrepre-

Amy and her husband took action to stop

neurship when her father decided to

a Walgreens from being built down the

start his own small business selling

street. Through the process Amy got to

securities, mutual funds and life insur-

know Commissioner Brenda Carey and

ance. “My dad’s coaching style was car-

wound up working for the Seminole

ried with him into business, so I grew in

County Board of County Commissioners

a team-oriented, competitive family,”

for eight years.

she says.

As the parent of two kids in public

She attended Westminster Academy,

school, Amy began to have questions and

a Christian prep school, where her love

decided she needed to get on the school

of politics blossomed as the school was

board to make a difference. “I ran for the

very politically active and invited well-

first time, county wide, and just had an

known conservative public figures to

amazing experience getting to know peo-

speak. After graduation she attended

ple from all over the county. Even though

Florida Atlantic University but never

we are a relatively small county, it’s very

finished.

diverse.” she adds.

“When I was at FAU, I was president of the college repub-

After six years — halfway through her second term and

licans and got very involved in the 1992 Bush-Quayle cam-

the chairman — she found a new calling and entered the

paign. I just loved it – being part of a team that had a goal and

county commission race. Elected last November, Amy is

a focus. And I loved working for Lamar Alexander, the for-

hoping to bring different county entities together. “If I could

mer governor of Tennessee, when he was running for presi-

wave my magic wand, I would develop a joint-use facility

dent,” she says.

where the school district and the county commission could

No surprise, Amy met her husband at a Young Republi-

collaboratively work together. That’s not just a building in

can Broward meeting. “After we were married, he was trans-

one place but it would be a paradigm shift in the way we

ferred by his company to Central Florida in 1996. Our daugh-

work together. Our citizens expect it, and from a fiscal per-

ter was born here, and I was blessed to be a stay-at-home

spective there would definitely be advantages,” she explains.

mom for quite some time. I still dabbled in some politics and

She also serves as a trustee at Seminole State College and

did some consulting work for local races, mostly marketing

believes all three — district schools, county government and

– so much of politics is marketing,” she explains. The couple,

the college — can be the workforce engine for the area.

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The Wedding of

Nicole Rego Bruce Spooner and

Date: May 6, 2018 Venue: Reunion Resort/Eleven Restaurant Photography: Kathy Thomas Photography Videography: Brandon Kari Productions Wedding coordination: Everlasting Events Dress: Maggie Sottero gown, Lilly’s Bridal Hair and makeup: Laura Reynolds Entertainment: Leonard Brothers Band Cake: Party Flavors and Sweet by Holly (cupcakes) Linens: Over the Top Rental Linens Furniture rentals: A Chair Affair Honeymoon: Italy (Florence, Umbria, Rome, Amalfi Coast), planned by Art in Voyage Their story: “We met playing softball and Bruce had been

asking to take me out for a few months. One night I was actually on a really bad date and Bruce happened to be at the bar. Needless to say, he saved me, and I finally agreed to a date!” Nicole explains. Unfortunately, one year later his job relocated him to New York City, but the couple dated long distance for five years before he moved back to Orlando.

The proposal: “Bruce planned to propose during a Morrissey

concert because we saw him live on our first date, but a few weeks before the show, it was cancelled! He then surprised me with a trip to New York City but said it was for business,” Nicole says. Instead of a business dinner, he took Nicole to a Bon Iver concert, where he proposed during one of their favorite songs.

Ceremony and reception: The couple married at Reunion

Resort and held their reception at the resort’s rooftop restaurant, Eleven. “We watched the sun set on the rooftop and had a spectacular view of the Disney fireworks. The reception was incredibly elegant filled with floating orchids, candles and crystals. We are both Italian and hosting an evening that felt like home, filled with good food and laughter, was very important to us and not easy to pull off. Reunion flawlessly managed every detail of our family-style seating and fivecourse meal,” Nicole shares. 112

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Personal thoughts: “I am a bit of a micro-manager and my bridesmaids and amazing wed-

ding planners constantly reminded me to relax, eat, and enjoy the moment. Our photographer captured some pretty amazing images during the first look when it began to rain on us the moment we were in the middle of a bridge. Just before walking down the aisle, my maid of honor handed me a book filled with song lyrics written in calligraphy that Bruce worked on all year. Each page represented a song that reminded him of our relationship; it was beautiful!”

Where they are now: “We have a home in Windermere, a beautiful daughter and a funloving Shorkie. I own a local marketing agency, Mpact Orlando, and mostly work from home. Bruce is a software engineer for Sailpoint and also works from home,” Nicole says.

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The Wedding of

Gladi Colón Bill Friedrich and

Date: October 22, 2017 Venue: Waldorf Astoria Orlando Photographer: Luvelle Photography Wedding coordination: Andrea Grier, Weddings Unique Dress: Pronovias gown, Calvet Couture Bridal Floral: Cheryl’s Distinctive Creations Catering: Waldorf Astoria Orlando Entertainment/DJ: White Rose Entertainment Chairs: A Chair Affair Rehearsal dinner: La Luce Their story: The couple met at work as both

were employed at the same resort. “We had an instant connection upon meeting for the first time,” Gladi says. “Our first date was at Vines restaurant three weeks after meeting and we became inseparable after that.”

The proposal: The surprise engagement

was Gladi’s “prize” for winning her family’s annual gingerbread house competition. “As per tradition, the winner is blindfolded and given a prize, usually something silly like a throw blanket or house slippers. This time when I took my blindfold off, Bill was down on one knee asking for my hand in marriage as my family stood by for support,” she explains.

Ceremony and reception: The wedding

was held on October 22, 2017 at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando. Guests were carted over to the 10th tee box on the golf course. “It was the first time a couple had ever said their vows on the course. However, what made this location extra special to us is the place where we met, Hilton Bonnet Creek Resort, served as the backdrop of our ceremony,” Gladi shares. The reception was held in the Central Park Gardens; an outdoor area at the hotel complete with brick pavers, tent for shade, string lights and pergola with hanging flower bulbs.

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Personal thoughts: “I was having the time of my life on our wedding day. I felt so blessed to

be surrounded by so many people that genuinely cared for our well-being and future happiness. It was pouring all day. I had a feeling the ceremony would be moved inside but didn’t want to be involved with the decision. I remember being overwhelmed with joy when the wedding coordinator put me in the golf cart and we were headed toward the golf course.�

Where they are now: Bill and Gladi live in Orlando. She works as assistant director of events

and catering at Hilton Bonnet Creek/Waldorf Astoria Orlando and he works as a general manager of a marina.

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The Wedding of

Jeiran Osouli Ryan Smith and

Date: October 6, 2018 Venue: Isleworth Golf & Country Club Photography: ´ Wedding coordiVictoria Angela Photography Videography: LUXECINE nation: Caitlin Jones, Plan It Event Design & Management Dress: Galia Lahav gown, Bridal Reflections, New York Floral: Raining Roses DJ: FyerFly Productions Musician: Jolie Crapo Hair and makeup: Makeover Station Rentals: A Chair Affair Officiant: Teresa Knox Stationery: Dogwood Blossom Stationery

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Their story: Jeiran and Ryan met each

other in San Diego in November of 2016. “On our first date we spent over five hours laughing and talking until the restaurant closed. The staff saw the sparks in our eyes and were kind enough to let the romance continue. We both knew that night we had met our soulmate!” Jeiran shares.

The proposal: Ryan planned a breathtak-

ing proposal on a romantic hot air balloon ride overlooking the Pacific Ocean at sunset. He swept her off her feet with a beautiful oval ring she had always desired. But the most endearing part to Jeiran was that Ryan arranged for her parents to be there.

Ceremony and reception: “Our outdoor

ceremony was held at the most beautiful golf course I have ever seen, Isleworth Golf and Country Club. The view of the lake, sunset and Spanish moss was only among a few magical components of the day,” Jeiran explains. “The reception was held inside the ballroom with chic and luxurious white décor. The ceremony was accompanied by an angelic live performance by Jolie Crapo that made walking down the beautiful aisle so much more dreamy.”

Personal thoughts: “I felt like a true prin-

cess who was at her fairytale wedding. The most important part of the day was being able to celebrate it with the most lovable group of friends and family.”

Where they are now: “We are back in Daytona Beach living our happily ever after and reliving our special day by looking back at our photos,” Jeiran says.

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The Wedding of

ChristyWilson Delk Joe North and

Date: November 17, 2018 Venue: The Capen House/Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens Photography: Jenna Michele Photography Wedding coordination: Heather Snively Dress: Monique Lhuillier gown, The Collection Bridal Floral: Kelly Shannon Floral Catering: Chef Scott’s Creative Catering Cake: Sprinkles Hair: Stella Luca Salon Makeup: Kroma Makeup Ceremony musicians: Nik and Reema DJ: Our DJ Rocks Lighting and rentals: Orlando Wedding and Party Rentals Invitations: Maureen H. Hall Stationery & Invitations Officiant: Joe Maclaren Their story: Christy and Joe met in the fall of 2015 when Joe, needing a place to stay in

Winter Park, checked into Christy’s Airbnb rental. Ironically, they both went to Winter Park High School, and while knew of each other, did not know one another. Their relationship started slow, as Joe, who works for Boeing Corporation, was living in Houston. By spring, they decided they had something worth investing in and the relationship blossomed.

The proposal: “Joe proposed while we vacationed in Lake Tahoe — December 2017. It was on the slopes and it was a complete surprise,” Christy says.

Ceremony and reception: The ceremony was held at 4pm at the Albin Polasek Museum

and Sculpture Gardens with a reception following at The Capen House. Christy says she wanted the guests to experience the beauty and cultural elegance of these Winter Park treasures. “The day felt special from the beginning — the first true change in tempature, a cool, crisp day with energy in the air. The sun was setting by the end of the ceremony and it was quintessential Winter Park with the boat tour riders cheering for us as they passed by the garden,” Christy shares. The décor was “elegant French country” and the farm tables were adorned with burlap, lace, silver votives, pearls, and exquisite lavender roses, antique hydrangeas and eucalyptus from Kelly Shannon Floral. The dinner was served, as Christy says, hybrid family-style — with salads and first course on the table while the entrées were presented and served by the wait staff.

Personal thoughts: “The entire event felt magical and I was beaming with excitement for

my new life (single for 20 years!) and the love that was shown by all of those who were there.”

Where they are now: Joe continues working for Boeing from the couple’s Winter Park home and Christy teaches business courses at Rollins College. 122

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WeddingTrends

“Travel Chic” Engagement Sessions by Victoria Angela, Victoria Angela Photography

Victoria Angela is a lifestyle and wedding photographer (and fashionista) with more than two decades of experience. She often travels nationally and internationally to photograph some of the most special times her clients’ lives. Here she shares some advice regarding engagement portrait sessions, which could also be sound advice for all portrait sessions.

Congratulations on your engagement! This is such an exciting time in your life together and the planning process should be memorable and fun. It is often that you will see an engagement session offered with a wedding photography package. Now is the time to make the most out of your wedding planning process, considering you probably never have had professional portraits done.

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The professional photographer you invest in should assist you with tips on what to wear, how you should have your hair and makeup, and also the best time of day and location for the photo session. Research your desired locations to find out if they have specific hours of operation or if you need to acquire permission, permits or any entry fees. If you are unsure what type of location

WeddingTrends you want, consider incorporating how you met, how he/she proposed, and what hobbies you share together. Ask your photographer if they are willing to travel and what fees would be associated with it. Sometimes it is only a quick day trip with a fee for mileage or the location may require airfare and lodging to be covered. While it may seem appealing to hire a photographer in an area for the engagement session and another for the wedding day, it is not advised. Your experience with your photographer starts with your

ument all those beautiful colors?

is more in that area. Look into renting a

engagement session. It is important to

And don’t forget about your attire!

gown for an ultra-glam look. It’s great to

build a relationship and maintain consis-

What you wear is an important part of

have a variety with your portraits, so con-

tency in quality and service.

your session — for both your confidence

sider a semi-casual outfit as one look and a

and the result of the finished images.

more formal one as a second option.

Are you outdoorsy? How about a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park? Do you

Never wear anything with large logos

The most important rule when it comes

two love spending time in New York City?

or writing on it. Accessories can add a

to taking your engagement photos is to

You can’t go wrong in Central Park. It is

great element to your portraits, but we

have fun and relax. You will enjoy these

hard to capture the change of seasons in

don’t recommend a chunky necklace

images forever and they will be cherished

Florida, so why not go where you can doc-

paired with large statement earrings. Less

for generations.

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givingback

THE 306 FOUNDATION’S

Taste4Toolbox 2019 WHERE THE BEST OF CENTRAL FLORIDA GASTRONOMY AND INSPIRATION MEET Taste4Toolbox will bring together some of the best chefs, confections and beverages in the area on March 7. The event will benefit the 306 Foundation and its community program Toolbox4Life.

I

“

am honored to be involved with

struction) and are paid for their time both

to share my own story of love and loss that

Toolbox4Life because I greatly

in class and on the job site.

might inspire a stirring of hope and faith

respect the work they do in train-

“After meeting with, talking to and

that a new life can be had with hard work

ing life skills and providing job

researching other programs across the coun-

and commitment,” explains Trina Gregory-

opportunities to those less fortunate

try, we wanted to create something mean-

Probst, chef/ owner Se7bites and another

in our local community,” explains John Riv-

ingful that would be helpful to the Central

chef participating in Taste4Toolbox again

ers, 4Rivers Smokehouse. “I have seen, time

Florida community and bring different

this year. “I am truly grateful and hum-

after time, the true gift is in the giving. I am

communities and demographics together,”

bled to be a small part of the big picture for

humbled and grateful to serve and be a part

says John Hursh, 306 Foundation president.

the students of the Toolbox4Life program

of Taste4Toolbox again in 2019.”

Both men and women who apply for

and the 306 Foundation.”

The evening will offer savories, sweets,

the classes are working to leave lives

Someone who’s also benefited from

wine and beer from purveyors who’ve

impacted by homelessness, incarceration,

being a part of Toolbox4Life is Sharon

been partnering with the organization

mental health issues, domestic violence,

Baumgartner. She was a student four

since the event began four years ago. It

trafficking and addiction. Toolbox4Life is

years ago. “Toolbox4Life saved my life.

also features a short program, where the

a path to continue the healing, and build

They took me in when I didn’t know what

most recent graduates will be introduced

into the student for a career and life, rather

I was doing or where I was going. They

to offer guests context and intimacy with

than merely job training.

gave me direction. You feel the love. You

Toolbox4Life’s impact in the community.

Even more unique to the model is that

know they are concerned with your well-

Toolbox4Life is the outward program-

the curriculum is entirely volunteer-based.

being, your future. I’m now a certified chef

ming of the 306 Foundation, directed by

From the professional chef and general con-

and I owe that to Toolbox4Life,” she shares.

John Hursh. The mission of the Founda-

tractor, to the yoga instructor and bank exec-

“Where there is common ground, there

tion is to build strong community. Concen-

utive teaching personal finances, it is the

is greater understanding and empathy.

trating on the culinary and construction

Foundation’s intention to bring people to-

We hope our model is a way of contribut-

industries, the eight-week classes (offered

gether, to learn from one another where they

ing to a healthier, stronger Central Florida

three times annually) introduce students

might not otherwise have the opportunity.

community,” John adds.

to a holistic curriculum, involving health

“Once I met Jane and John [Hursh],

Taste4Toolbox will take place on

and wellness, professional and life/per-

heard their story, and the work they are

Thursday, March 7 at All Saints Church

sonal skills. Students also work on the job

committed to providing to women in need

in Winter Park. Purchase tickets to the

according to the track (culinary or con-

in the Orlando community, I was compelled

event at Taste4Toolbox.org.

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