Winter Garden, FL November 2021 by City Lifestyle

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

NOVEMBER 2021 PUBLISHER

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

Give Thanks WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR THIS YEAR? When we look around, we have so many reasons to count our blessings.

Michelle Malay Sanchez michelle.malaysanchez@lifestylepubs.com PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Carey Adams | carey.adams@lifestylepubs.com STAFF WRITER

Austin Arthur

If you’re coming up short, hopefully this issue will remind you of the thoughtful,

COPY EDITOR

kind and generous people we have living among us as our neighbors and friends.

Candice Hawks

Craft a cocktail from our lineup and read all about things we love in our community, United Way’s new leadership Board, a hidden sanctuary inside Doxology, and learn more about Winter Garden’s Mayor John John Rees, and go experience some of the things we love in our community! It always warms our hearts to see the myriad ways in which our community celebrates the holidays—family traditions, bountiful feasts and giving back to the community we call home. This month, we hope your home is filled with the aroma of freshly baked pies, the sounds of laughter around the table and the feeling of gratitude in your hearts.

AD DESIGNER

Evan Deuvall L AYO UT DESIGNER

Zane Smith CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Austin Arthur, Larry Oskin, Carey Adams CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Larry H. Oskin, Austin Adams, Carey Adams, Heat of Florida United Way (HFUW), Office of John Rees

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

Thank You, Larry H. Oskin (LOskin@MktgSols.com, 703-508-6800) of Art Beautique

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

in Clermont, for the vibrant cover image of pumpkins from Southern Hill Farm’s

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

Pumpkin Patch (SouthernHillFarms.com, 407-986-5806, @SouthernHillFarms).

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

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

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

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

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

magazine has been vetted by us and has the same involvement and dedication to our community as we do. Thank you for inviting us into your home and sharing your lives with us. Here’s to you and your family; live boldly, enjoy our community, be involved, and truly Live

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

Anthony S Adams, Publisher

ON THE COVER Pumpkins! The Pumpkin Patch at Southern Hill Farms. Photograph by Larry H. Oskin (LOskin@ MktgSols.com, 703-508-6800) of Art Beautique in Clermont, FL. 4

Winter Garden Lifestyle | November 2021

CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden

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

INSIDE THE ISSUE NOVEMBER 2021

FEATURES 14 United Way Announces New 2021-2022 Board Members United Way’s New Leadership Team

18 A Grateful Mayor Austin Arthur speaks with Winter Garden Mayor John Rees

24 Thanksgiving Cocktail Lineup The Turkey is in the Oven, now it is Time to Relax!

24 14

26 A Fashion Sanctuary Of Inspired Faith! Doxology’s Inspiring Chapel

18 DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

24 Culinary Creations 30 Inspired By 34 Lifestyle Calendar

OPENING DECEMBER 2021 Hamlin Town Center

IT’S A

HOME STATE OF MIND

BREWERY • TAPROOM • BIERGARTEN

16016 New Independence Pkwy., #100, Winter Garden | homestatebrew.com

GOOD TIMES

Heart of Florida United Way Invests in Five Local Agencies Heart of Florida United Way announced $250,000 in investments to five local nonprofit agencies to support the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population, which accounts for more than half of the tri-county area residents. It also represents households who are one paycheck and one crisis away from financial ruin, including prior to the COVID pandemic. The agencies awarded unrestricted grants to United Against Poverty ($80,000), Grace Medical Home ($75,000), Jewish Family Services ($50,000), Adult Literacy League ($40,000), and Christian HELP Foundation for case management ($40,000).

Monarch Project Gets Its Wings The Bloom & Grow Garden Society presented the Monarch sculpture to the City of Winter Garden in appreciation for for twenty years of help and partnership in making their Spring Fever in the Garden Festival so successful. Bloom & Grow commissioned noted sculptor and artist Don Reynolds to bring the gift to life. The sculpture’s official dedication was on October 5th at the Pavillion in downtown Winter Garden.

1. Photo: Jason Simmes | 2. Photo: Jason Simmes 8

Winter Garden Lifestyle | November 2021

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AROUND TOWN as they continue to recover from financial losses due to the pandemic. Shopping local bolsters the local economy since for every $100 spent at locally owned businesses, $68 will stay in the community, whereas, only $43 remains in the community when shopping at a national chain, according to the Independent We Stand organization. In addition, a robust holiday event season launches this month providing the opportunity to enjoy one's hometown and make memories.

WINTER GARDEN FARMERS MARKET EXPANSION For 13 years, the nationally award-wining Winter Garden Farmers Market has served as a communal meeting place to enjoy the harvests of local farmers and the crafts of local artisans. The Farmers Market will expand to more than 100 vendors offering a diverse variety of foods and merchandise in addition to weekly family games on the lawn, a designated kids’ zone with child-oriented food and goods, as well as an arts market showcasing local artists. The expansion will include the return of weekly live music.

COMING SOON TO HAMLIN! Hamlin has announced the addition of Florida native Miller’s Ale House (a sports restaurant and bar), a Lakeside seafood restaurant, and a kidfriendly indoor adventure park. Also announced are Auto Zone, Hamlin Animal Hospital, Taco Bell, Tijuana Flats, Möge Tee, Spectrum, and SportClips. Visit HamlinFL.com for more information.

NOVEMBER DECLARED LIVING LOCAL MONTH The City of Winter Garden has declared the

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

month of November as Living Local Month to

love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.

promote the importance of shopping, dining, and

com/WinterGarden using the Get In Touch link

supporting independently owned local businesses

and let us know what you think.

CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden

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Winter Garden Lifestyle | November 2021

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Trust Your Project to Us HARDSCAPES | OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE DESIGN | SOD INSTALLATION

REALTY REPORT WINTER GARDEN & WINDERMERE WINTER GARDEN SOLD

% SOLD/ LIST

DOM

BED/ BATH

Lakeshore Preserve

$1,420,000

101%

4/4.5

Sunset Lakes

$1,230,000

95%

5/4

Avalon Cove

$1,200,000

100%

4/3.5

Waterleigh

$950,000

100%

4/3

Signature Lakes/Independence

$835,000

98%

6/4

Hickory Hammock

$770,000

103%

5/4

Oakland Park

$680,000

97%

5/4

Downtown Winter Garden

$625,000

96%

3/3

Westfield Lakes

$620,000

113%

5/4

Heritage at Plant Street

$615,000

100%

4/3.5

NEIGHBORHOOD

WINDERMERE

Paul Fedynich

Valerie Fairchild

The ViP Home Team

Your Most Trusted Real Estate Advisors

SOLD

% SOLD/ LIST

DOM

BED/ BATH

Casabella

$2,000,000

83%

180

5/7

Waterstone

$1,575,000

98%

4/5

C: 407.744.1681 | www.TheViPHome.Team

Keene's Point

$1,075,000

108%

3/3.5

Windermere Reserve

$935,000

94%

5/4.5

Local Residents 25 years of Expertise

Reserve at Belmere

$881,993

101%

5/4

Town of Windermere

$820,000

98%

5/4

Lake Burden South

$750,000

107%

4/3

Summerport

$667,000

105%

5/3.5

Lakes of Windermere

$630,000

103%

5/4

Windermere Trails

$586,000

104%

4/3

NEIGHBORHOOD

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

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U N I T E D WAY A N N O U N C E S N E W

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KAMRYN NORWOOD OF WINTER GARDEN AMONG NEW LEADERS

Winter Garden Lifestyle | November 2021

EART OF FLORIDA UNITED WAY (HFUW) HAS

ANNOUNCED THE ELECTION OF FOUR NEW COMMUNITY LEADERS TO THE 2021-22 BOARD OF DIRECTORS, BRINGING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVES TO 39. Kamryn Norwood of Winter Garden is one of the new leaders joining the Board. Serving a three-year term are Heidi DeBenedetti, Executive Vice President at Gilbane Building Company; Humberto Hormaza, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Entravision Communications Orlando; Karmyn Norwood, Deputy Vice President of Sensors and Global Sustainment and Vice President of Rotary Wing and Ground Programs for Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control; and Chad Wilson, Publix Supermarkets District Manager – Jacksonville Southern region.

“Each of these community leaders – and the companies they represent – has a passion for the Central Florida community and helping those in need.” — Jeff Hayward, President & CEO of Heart of Florida United Way

As Executive Vice President at Gilbane

Building

Company,

Heidi

DeBenedetti is responsible for the

H E I D I D EB EN ED E T T I

strategic

growth

and

profitability

of Gilbane’s Federal and Southeast Divisions. She is a Design Build Institute of America professional with more than 25 years of industry experience and knowledge. DeBenedetti received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and her Master of Business Administration from Colorado State University.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden

UNITED WAY (CONTINUED)

H U M B E RTO HORMA Z A Humberto Hormaza is a long-time media executive with 18 years in the broadcast industry. As Senior V.P. and General Manager of Entravision Communications – Orlando Market, he oversees Univision and UniMás TV affiliates. Since taking the helm in 2016, Hormaza has launched more local news programs with the addition of Despierta Orlando (Early Morning News) and Edicion Digital (Midday News). Additionally, Hormaza has created and produced the Salsa y Sazon Latin Food and Music Festival. During his tenure, Orlando has now become a Top 10 U.S. Media Hispanic market. He also serves on the Executive Board of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando and was recognized by Radio Ink magazine in 2016 and 2018 as Best Managers of the Year. In addition, Hormaza is currently nominated as General Manager of the year for the prestigious Medallas de Cortes Awards presented by Radio Ink Magazine in September 2021. Hormaza attended Miami Dade College.

K A R MY N N O RWO O D As Deputy Vice President of the Sensors and Global Sustainment Line of Business and Vice President of Rotary Wing & Ground Programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control Company, Karmyn Norwood provides strategic direction and execution oversight for all domestic and international products, in addition to performing and providing performance and risk assessments. She’s held leadership positions within this division for nearly 20 years. Prior to this, she worked as a signals analyst for the federal government. Her diverse background includes engineering, production, sustainment, and program management with proven performance and business growth track record. Norwood holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Jackson State University in Jackson, Miss., a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from George Mason University in Fairfax, VA, and an Executive MBA from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. She was most recently named the 2019 National Management Association Executive of the Year and 2020 National Society of Black Engineers Lifetime Achievement Awardee – amongst other recognitions. 16

Winter Garden Lifestyle | November 2021

Chad Wilson is the District Manager for Publix Supermarkets,

“Each of these community leaders – and the companies they

overseeing the Jacksonville Southern region covering Publix

represent – has a passion for the Central Florida community

stores in the Orlando metro market area. Having joined

and helping those in need,” said Jeff Hayward, President &

Publix in 1982, he’s responsible for all operational aspects

CEO of Heart of Florida United Way. “Their collective talent

of 10 Publix locations, including associate relations, training,

and diverse backgrounds in business provide greater depth,

quality control, operating and quality standards, merchandis-

insight, and leadership as United Way continues to address

ing and premier customer service. Wilson has also led the

the critical needs for our community.”

Publix Jacksonville Southern Region’s United Way campaign for the past seven years.

“Their collective talent and diverse backgrounds in business provide greater depth, insight, and leadership as United Way continues to address the critical needs for our community.” — Jeff Hayward, President & CEO of Heart of Florida United Way

CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden

AUSTIN ARTHUR

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY

Zander Arthur, John Rees, Austin Arthur

A GR AT E F U L M AYOR 18

Winter Garden Lifestyle | November 2021

AUSTIN ARTHUR CHATS WITH MAYOR JOHN REES ABOUT CHARACTER, SERVICE, AND WINTER GARDEN

WINTER GARDEN MAYOR JOHN REES WAS BORN AND RAISED IN THE CITY HE NOW LEADS. Apart from his college years taking place in Gainesville as a Florida Gator, he has lived in Winter Garden his entire life. As a matter of fact, there are few things he does outside of the city limits; when speaking to him about restaurants and businesses, he explained, "we have too many good places here and too many good people." Indeed, Mayor John Rees is a Winter Garden man, through and through. The Mayor's roots trace to Winter Garden as far back as 100 years ago. In the 1920s, his great-great-aunt built a house on Main Street across from the then "Winter Garden Elementary School," a school that was built in 1916. His father was principal at Lakeview High School, and Mayor Rees recalls growing up in Winter Garden during a time where the resident population was no more than 4,000; today, it is well over ten times that amount with annual visitors to the thriving city now in the millions annually. He recounts, "When we grew up, if you came to the corner at Dillard Street and 50, that was all orange groves. So once you left the downtown area, it was all orange groves and packing houses. We had more packing houses in Winter Garden than in any other city in the state … it was a very compact small community that was based on agriculture. What really changed that were the freezes of [19]85, 87, and of course the last killer of 89- that just wiped out the citrus, and when it did, that changed Winter Garden forever." CONTINUED >

John Rees

CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden

A GRATEFUL MAYOR (CONTINUED)

John Rees

He and his wife, Linda, have been together since they were 15 years old; they were both raised attending the First Baptist Church in Downtown Winter Garden. They went to college together in Gainesville, deciding to tie the knot just before their junior year and promptly returned home to Winter Garden after graduating. They have been married now for 51 years, and they have two sons and six grandchildren. Mayor Rees started his public service in 1986 as a city commissioner and first became Mayor of the city in 2008. Since his first entering public office, the city has seen striking changes. Many of which began during his commissionership and others during his Mayorship. As recounted by the Mayor, prior to the freezes of the 1980s, Winter Garden was primarily a citrus town with more orange groves than businesses. The beautiful City Hall building now on Plant Street was not there and the commissioners would meet at what is now the Winter Garden Police

Station.

The

historic

Garden

Theatre, which was originally built in 1935, had been closed since 1963, only to be restored to its former glory, which we now enjoy today, starting in 2008. A railroad once shot through Downtown Winter Garden where the current West Orange Trail lays and the buildings were primarily vacant or used for storage. More recent additions include the children's splash pad and the new parking garage, including some new flat level parking that is currently being built off Main and Plant Streets. It is not only Downtown Winter Garden that has been a focus for the Mayor; he has also paid attention to the needs of East Winter Garden, an area of the city historically known for low income and a

Winter Garden Lifestyle | November 2021

lack of development. For improvements over the

secure. You want to bring in destinations there, you

years during the Mayor's time in office, you can

know where people are coming, and when you do

take, for instance, the "Magic Gym" on Crown Point

that, it's going to bring dollars into that community

Road and the Maxey Community Center in the

and if it brings dollars into the community, it is going

heart of East Winter Garden. In 2018 the city rolled

to bring jobs into the community. The idea is not to

out the "East Winter Garden Plan," which, accord-

bring more people [into East Winter Garden] but to

ing to its official report, states a mission to "ensure

help those that we currently have living in the com-

that change in East Winter Garden diversifies the

munity now," explained the Mayor when discussing

neighborhood's economy, increases employment

the "One Winter Garden" concept.

opportunities, improves the health of residents,

It is evident that Mayor Rees is a great hyperlocal

improves homeownership and housing conditions,

government leader in our community by his actions as

and upgrades the quality of life," this action is still

a city leader these past 35 plus years. However, when

underway today. In addition, the city has donated

speaking to him, you instantly become aware he is a

land for affordable housing, some of which have

great man for much more than his official actions.

already been built.

Mayor Rees is a great and good man. He being

"You have to get the whole community going

a great man, is self-evident by his tremendous

… it's getting homeownership there so that the

and positive hyperlocal government actions in

residents own their own homes and feel safe and

our community, fueling reform where needed and CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden

A GRATEFUL MAYOR (CONTINUED)

conserving our heritage where preservation is wanting. This makes him great, but there is something else that makes him good. Several years ago, my brother and business partner Zander and I wrote out what we felt were the core character virtues a person of great distinction should retain and constantly work on. We narrowed it down to Honesty, Integrity, Decency, and Humility. Regarding the virtue of humility, we felt it should be divided into three qualities: Modesty, Respect, and Gratitude. When talking to Mayor Rees, you instantly get the overwhelming feeling that he lives by and exudes each of these virtues and qualities. His record of honesty and integrity has been on public display for decades. His decency toward others is without blemish and to humility… few I know compare. When speaking about his achievements, rather than taking credit as many in executive positions are tempted to do, he uses the word "we,"; always showing great modesty and deference to his fellow commissioners, the city manager, and the city staff. "It's amazing what you can accomplish when you do not care who gets the credit and … you have a better management team when you use 'we' and 'us' rather than 'I' and 'they'" said the Mayor regarding longstanding beliefs he has held on leadership. His respect toward others, especially those

his wife, former Mayors Bob Barber or Raymond

who have run against him in political office,

Spears, former commissioner Theo Graham or

is staggering juxtaposed to the typical poli-

other officials in the government currently… he

tician we see in America today, small city or

is always displaying inspiring humility.

national government.

Winter Garden Mayor Jack Quesinberry, who

[Jack] Quesinberry, they were friends of mine

passed away in 2017, the current mayor stated

… I never ran against a person; I just ran for

with great emotion in his voice that Mayor

the seat because I wanted to have input … you

Jack Quesinberry "loved God, loved his family,

know, don't talk about the other guy and what

and he loved his town." I personally believe

they did wrong- just talk about your platform,"

that this is a perfect description of our current

said Mayor Rees on his experiences and how he

mayor, Mr. John Rees.

feels local politics should be run.

When speaking about his friend and former

"Whether it was Mr. [Theo] Graham or Mr.

We are blessed to have him as our leader in

What is outstandingly clear and probably most

this city, continuing the tradition of Mayors who

prevalent is his gratitude toward his community

place gratitude first… loving God, family, and

and others around him. Whether speaking about

this community.

Winter Garden Lifestyle | November 2021

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CULINARY CREATIONS

Thanksgiving Cocktail Lineup

Sparkling Cranberry Cocktail

YOU’VE PREPPED ALL OF THE SIDES, THE TURKEY IS IN THE OVEN, AND THE TABLE IS SET. Time to unwind with a creative Thanksgiving-themed cocktail to enjoy with your guests! We have a great cocktail lineup that is both festive and flavorful!

APPLE GINGER P O M E G R A N AT E V O D K A + 1oz Apple Juice + 1oz Pomegranate Juice + 2oz Vodka + 3oz Ginger Ale + Garnish with Pomegranate Seeds and Enjoy!

ARTICLE BYLINE | PHOTOGRAPHY BYLINE

Apple Ginger Pomegranate Vodka

S PA R K LI N G C R A N B E R RY C O C K TA I L + 2oz Unsweetened Cranberry Juice + 4oz Ginger Beer + 2oz Vodka + 2 Tablespoons Cranberries for Garnish

Winter Garden Lifestyle | November 2021

PUMPKIN SPICE MULE FOR TWO

Pumpkin Spice Mule

+ 1/2 Cup Pumpkin Pie Vodka + 1/4 Cup Apple Cider Cinnamon Sticks Garnish for Pumpkin Spice Mule

+ 12oz Ginger Beer + Garnish with Cinnamon Sticks

CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden

A FA S H IO N SA N C T UA RY OF I N S PI R E D FA I T H !

DOXOLOGY’S INSPIRING CHAPEL Christy Reynolds, Erika Swart

Winter Garden Lifestyle | November 2021

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY LARRY H. OSKIN

DOXOLOGY OF WINTER GARDEN IS A VERY

historic downtown. We opened Doxology in March

UNIQUE AND ECLECTIC FAITH-BASED STORE

2019, and we are excited to be now moving into our

WITH WOMEN’S CLOTHING, BABY OUTFITS,

3rd Holiday Season!”

PERSONAL ACCESSORIES, JEWELRY, BATH &

The Doxology Sanctuary: Doxology offers a very

BODY, LIGHTING, HOME GOODS, INSPIRATIONAL

special small sanctuary in the center of their store

BOOKS, BIBLES, DÉCOR, GIFT ITEMS, AND MORE

that is dedicated to prayer and praise. Their small

THAT REMAINS ONE OF THE AREA’S BEST KEPT

Sanctuary is aptly known as the heart of their store.

HIDDEN SECRETS.

Whether you find their chapel on your own or not,

Erika Swart and Christy Reynolds are two entre-

you will be gently encouraged to step inside for the

preneurial women who first met w hile serving on the

experience. Swart notes, “We want to share love from

Mom’s Ministry Board at the Mosaic Church in Winter

Jesus! We do encourage everyone to come in to write

Garden. With very supportive husbands, families, and

down your thoughts or desires for a needed prayer

three children of similar ages, they became more than

and to ask for help from God.” Complete with a cross,

friends over the past ten years.

candles, soft lighting, prayer notes, and a pew bench,

Stitched In Praise! The launch of Doxology started

you will genuinely find peaceful and organic solitude

as a somewhat crazy idea that the two of them talked

here. They have blank cards and pens available, so

about, yet actually thought was probably not a realis-

their visitors can leave messages requesting prayers

tic possibility. Swart shared, “Doxology was a dream,

or giving praise. Each morning, their owners and staff

yet we were not sure it was something we could suc-

picks several notes to be individually prayed over. In

ceed at. As we took the leap of faith, we watched as

addition, they regularly give larger amounts of per-

doors opened in every direction. Doxology, it seems,

sonal messages left by visitors to be prayed over

is something not only we wanted but also something

by their team of volunteers. Swart & Reynolds note,

our community wanted. We knew that the Winter

“Our customers are much more than transactions to

Garden, Windermere, and Horizon West areas are

us. We know that everyone who walks through our

rapidly growing. With that growth comes a desire

doors has a story to tell. We deeply love connecting

for unique shopping opportunities in our beautiful,

to every one of them!” CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden

A FASHION SANCTUARY (CONTINUED)

Why Doxology: The word ‘Doxology’ means

vendors, while many manufacture here in the USA.

prayer and praise to God, which is sung as part of

Some are fair trade companies offering products

a worship service. A doxology is a short hymn of

that contribute to the sustainability of impover-

praises to God in various forms of Christian wor-

ished areas and some are local artisans. They offer

ship, often added to the end of canticles, psalms,

two new fashion release updates each week. You

and hymns. The tradition derives from a similar

will see new styles before they ever hit their sales

practice in the Jewish synagogue, where some ver-

floor. Visit them online on Tuesday nights starting

sion of the Kaddish serves to terminate each sec-

at 8 PM on www.shopdoxology.com. Fashion

tion of the service. There are several “doxologies”

Friday is their second release, where they go live

throughout scripture. The most famous is “Praise

on Instagram to show you exciting details of what is

God from Whom All Blessings Flow,” often sung in

going out that day! They are open Monday through

traditional church services. A Doxology is a break

Friday from 11-6, Saturdays from 10-5 and closed

in scripture to offer prayer and praise, and we like

on Sunday. They offer extended hours through the

to compare that to our physical location of being a

year-end holiday season.

break in the heart of a downtown area. Swart and

The Nurture Place: While always sharing their

Reynolds added, “We feel our store is an experi-

love and success, a helpful percentage of their

ence, versus just another retail store or boutique

sales profits goes directly to support The Nurture

and with that in mind, we felt Doxology was the

Place. This non-profit organization offers free and

perfect name for our business!”

reduced-cost mental health services for local Winter

Faithful Entrepreneurs: Erika Swart is originally

Garden children and families. The Nurture Place is

from New Jersey and Christy Reynolds is from

committed to a neighborhood model of care. For

Ohio. Christy is a sign language interpreter. She

more information, visit thenurtureplace.org.

moved down to the Orlando area in 2003. Erika

Doxology is more of a family than just a team

attended high school in Orlando and obtained her

of co-workers. Swart and Reynolds note, “We love,

Bachelor’s Degree from Florida State University.

support, and encourage each other daily. It is not

Each with three children, they manage to juggle all

just a job that you clock in and clock out of. We

the demands of running a business, raising kids,

are always inspired by our amazing customers that

and enjoying family time. They note, “We are grate-

visit us each day. It is transformative for us to step

ful to have each other through it all. It wouldn’t be

into the lives of others. Sometimes, we see them

possible any other way. The most exciting and ironic

on their best days, picking out new outfits for

piece of this story is that prior to owning Doxology,

family pictures and weddings to their worst days,

neither one of us had any retail business experience.

deciding on what to wear to a loved one’s funeral.

So we figured that we would dive in and figure it out

In every situation, we get the opportunity to be a

as we went. It’s been quite a journey!”

small part of their lives, celebrating and rejoicing

Extras: Doxology offers a wide variety of afford-

or praying with them and consoling.”

able products from women’s clothing sizing XS

to 3XL Doxology offers online shopping and ship

Doxology is located at 49 South Main Street

anywhere in the continental US. They offer free

in Winter Garden, FL 34787. Phone: 407.347.3275.

shipping over $50 and a flat rate of $5 shipping for

Visit: https://www.shopdoxology.com/ and follow

any order under. They represent about 75 different

them on Facebook at @shopdoxology

Winter Garden Lifestyle | November 2021

CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden

INSPIRED BY

ARTICLE CAREY ADAMS

w s g e n i l o h v e r c u T om o y t in muni

Plant Street Market

Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas

Garden Theatre

WEEKEND HANGS: Plant Street Market - Grab some food inside at one of the many delicious eateries and a beer (or cider) from Crooked Can and enjoy some time outside at the picnic tables. Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas – Movie theaters have changed over the years, and the ability to have dinner and drinks while enjoying a movie is one we love! Garden Theatre – You don’t have to travel far to catch a great show! We are looking forward to seeing Big; The Musical performed November 19 – December 19, 2021

Winter Garden Lifestyle | November 2021

FAMILY ADVENTURES: Apopka Wildlife Drive - Though not technically in Winter Garden, this 11-mile drive is an excellent way to spend some time checking out Florida’s wildlife. West Orange Trail – This 22 mile stretch of paved trail that goes from Winter Garden to Apopka has someApopka Wildlife Drive

thing for everyone. Our favorite family jaunt is a walk from downtown to the butterfly garden, followed by brunch

West Orange Trail

back in downtown Winter Garden. Oakland Nature Preserve – The Oakland Nature Preserve has six hiking trails, each under a mile long, a museum, an education center, and a turtle exhibit. Stroll along the boardwalk to capture stunning photos of the nearby wildlife and nature. Newton Park – Beautiful any time of day. The sunsets make this location spectacular. Downtown Interactive Fountain & Pavilion – The splash pad is a great way to let the kids cool off after an Oakland Nature Preserve

Newton Park

afternoon in the sun.

Downtown Interactive Fountain

CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden

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Winter Garden Lifestyle | November 2021

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WeekLy Service starting at

Never Pick Up Dog POO P Again!

$15

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

www.DiveInPool.com We do the hard work, and you... ... just relax and dive in. Pool Service Repairs

Pool Shock Remodeling

Call us at (407) 234-1702 to handle all of your maintenance and remodeling needs. CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden

NOVEMBER

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

provides a free 8 week summer camp

WINTER GARDEN FALL HERITAGE & MUSIC FESTIVAL

which supplies holiday gifts and meal

for 140 underprivileged and at-risk kids

Downtown Winter Garden

and Holiday Gift’s for Kids Program vouchers to approximately 400 local in-need children.

ing this month 118 years ago, the City of Winter Garden and the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation will host a daylong celebration of the community’s historic roots with old-fashioned family fun.

Fall is here so lets decorate! Learn to

create a beautiful centerpiece for your

HAMLIN FALL FESTIVAL

and expert instruction included for this 2

home. Wire pumpkin, wood base, florals, pumpkins and ribbon. All materials hour class for $50.00.

14111 Shoreside Way - Hamlin

Fall Festival 14111 Shoreside Way | Hamlin

10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

HEALTH & HARVEST FESTIVAL AT THE WINTER GARDEN FARMERS MARKET

Fall Festival. Enjoy artisan and craft

Shop a variety of unique small businesses at the Apartment 20 Events, vendors, music, raffles, food, and fun

19 BIG, THE MUSICAL AT THE GARDEN THEATRE The Garden Theatre

at this pet-friendly event! Food drive

Based on the book by John Weidman,

Downtown Winter Garden

benefiting the Cast Co-Op.

and the 1980's Film. 13-year-old Josh

As an expansion of the Winter Garden

https://fb.me/e/YltHc2Xb

Baskin is transformed into a 30-year-old

Farmers Market, enjoy family fun games, fitness and cooking classes, and much more at the annual Health & Harvest festival, hosted by Healthy West Orange. Activities are complimentary and include health screenings, CPR classes, bike safety checks;

nutrition, health and

man, and knows this is his chance to

10-28

have the time of his life! He navigates a

THE VENARDOS CIRCUS

childhood in this fun-filled musical.

grown-up world and reminds his new colleagues and himself of the joys of

16406 New Independence Pkwy - Hamlin

November 10 – 28

fitness classes, giant-sized yard games,

The Venardos Circus

hay maze, live DJ, and other seasonal fun.

16406 New Independence Pkwy | Hamlin

HARVEST OF HOPE GARDEN PARTY FOR MATTHEW'S HOPE

Created by former Ringling Bros.

MASONIC LODGE FALL FESTIVAL AND THE ARTS

Venardos Circus is a traveling Broadway-

Scott

style Circus in the vintage Americana

Sentinel will encore another Harvest

tradition featuring an amazing cast of

of Hope Garden Party for Matthew's

230 W. Bay Street | Winter Garden

performing artists in a musical show

Hope. Light hors d'oeuvres will be

Featuring dozens of local artists, face

that captures the entire audience.

served to start the evening, followed

painting, art and games, hayrides, sea-

https://fb.me/e/186LFRs9V

by live entertainment, a silent auction,

Ringmaster

Kevin

Venardos,

The

sonal photo booth, food & drink to benefit local charities. This event has free entry.

At The Ocoee Lakeshore Center

Maxwell

the

Orlando

raffles, and more! To reserve a table,

call 407-905-9500 or visit matthewshopeministires.org/gardenparty

FLAVOR FEST OF HORIZON WEST 14111 Shoreside Way | Hamlin

DONUT DASH 5K

Flavor Fest of Horizon West is returning

1 Surprise Drive | Winter Garden

with local food, arts, music, culture, and

Would you like to get in touch with us?

The Donut Dash 5K will take place

entertainment. The event takes place

We would love to hear from you! Contact

in Downtown Winter Garden. Support

from 5:00pm to 9:00pm on Saturday

us at CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden

the Winter Garden Police Athletic

November 13, 2021.

using the Get In Touch link and let us

League. The Police Athletic League 34

ARTISAN WORKSHOP WIRE PUMPKIN CENTERPIECE PROJECT Driftwood Market

& Surrounding Parks

In celebration of Winter Garden’s found-

Winter Garden Lifestyle | November 2021

know what you think.

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