Winter Garden, FL August 2023

THE TIME TO PLAN IS NOW

Life doesn’t always play out the way you anticipate it. Unexpected turns can happen at any time, and it is important to be as prepared as possible when they do. At The LifeWealth Group, we will help you understand the challenges that may appear and how you may be able to mitigate them with appropriate financial strategies. We will work with you to take control of your retirement plan today — so you can be better prepared for the “what ifs” of tomorrow.

Call 407.299.4129 to schedule an appointment and take the first step in preparing for whatever life brings your way. We also encourage you to attend one of our upcoming events. Find us on social media to learn more about this and other impactful financial topics.

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August 2023

PUBLISHER

Sabrina Serrano | sabrina.serrano@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Andy Cingolani | andy.cingolani@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Shweta Patel MD

HEY WARRIORS, GET FIRED UP!!!

If that sounds familiar to you, you probably went to West Orange High School like I did. Cough cough, class of Y2K!

I’ve always been a cheerleader, but now I get to do it for an expanded community as the new Owner/Publisher of Winter Garden City Lifestyle magazine. I’m eager to be back in the very community that has nurtured me throughout all my life cycles.

Capturing the essence of the community and its people, promoting a sense of pride and connection among the residents, is what I strive to do.

LET’S

GO W.O.!!!

Whether it’s providing support to local causes, building and strengthening meaningful relationships with partners and residents, or providing a voice to the West Orange community, I am committed to creating a positive impact. Let’s celebrate the very things that make life worth living together.

I look forward to meeting you soon!

Your community cheerleader,

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

Learn

Proverbs 3:5-6

CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/WINTERGARDEN

Great Clips Stylists are trained in giving their smallest customers haircuts that will leave them smiling!

Start the year off right with a Jr. Varsity cut, and style from Sport Clips Stylists trained specifically for men’s & boys’ hair.

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Torchy’s Tacos Coming to Winter Garden Village

Torchy’s Tacos, based in Austin, Texas, will soon occupy the former location of the Red Robin restaurant, which had been in Winter Garden Village since 2012. Torchy’s menu includes a variety of tacos — including breakfast tacos — as well as burritos, salads, chips, guacamole, salsa and queso. According to its website, Torchy's has locations in 14 states, with one in St. Petersburg and a new store opening soon in Altamonte Springs. torchystacos.com

Disney Files Permits for Affordable Housing Project in Horizon West

Disney has proposed the development of a 1,450-unit affordable housing complex currently labeled the “Hartzog Road Attainable Housing Community.” The proposed location is in Horizon West north of Flamingo Crossings. The project will sit on roughly 114 acres, with 78 acres to be developed and 35 acres set aside as conservation. Construction is scheduled to begin some time in 2024, with units being made available about two years later.

Ocoee to Welcome Andy’s Frozen Custard

The newest location of Andy's Frozen Custard is currently under construction on Maguire Road just South of West Colonial Drive. Based in Springfield, Missouri, the chain opened its first store in 1986 and has grown to more than 100 locations in 14 states. They are known for their concretes, malts, sundaes, and splits, as well as the iconic retro design of their stores. An official opening date has not been announced. eatandys.com

Want to be featured?

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

A VISIT WITH MIKEY HALLIDAY

For 20-year-old Mikey Halliday, playing pro soccer in his hometown is a dream come true … and he’s just getting started. A starting defender for Orlando City Soccer of the MLS, Halliday is a Central Florida native who grew up in Apopka and is also on the U.S. men’s national U-20 team roster. He began his journey at the age of 12 when he joined the Orlando City Development League. That’s where we started our conversation.

CONTINUED >

HOW DID YOU GET ON THE TEAM’S RADAR AT SUCH A YOUNG AGE?

I played against them. I used to play for a youth team called FC America and we played against an Orlando City youth team. We got absolutely smacked, but their coach liked the way I played and asked me to come try out.

DO YOU THINK MAKING THAT TEAM PUSHED YOU TO GROW UP AND MATURE FASTER THAN OTHER KIDS THE SAME AGE?

Yeah, I would think so. Just because it was much more serious. Like with the team, we were a really good team, so being in that environment all the time made me focus at an early age and learn how to be disciplined with myself.

DID YOU ALSO HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO JUST BE A FAN OF THE SPORT AND OF THE TEAM?

I’ve always been a fan of this club. My family always had season tickets and we’d go to all the games. So it was definitely cool being in the stadium and watching the games. Now playing in Exploria Stadium is really a cool feeling. One of my favorite memories was the first MLS game in Camping World Stadium. That was crazy because the stadium was full and it was something new for the city. And then I’d say the first game in Exploria Stadium. Those are both just big, big steps for the club. So it’s very memorable.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE PREPARING FOR THE U-20 WORLD CUP IN ARGENTINA?

It’s definitely a great honor to be preparing for something like that and also a big

responsibility to be playing for our whole country. Just getting there was important and now trying to do well, just preparing the best we can. It’s definitely an honor and a responsibility.

IS IT A GOAL OF YOURS TO SOMEDAY MAKE IT TO THE U.S. MEN’S NATIONAL TEAM?

That’s definitely one of the biggest goals I have for my career, for sure. That’s just a huge thing to be able to do if you play for the top team and play for your country. Especially with the 2026 World Cup being here (in North America), that’s definitely a goal of mine, playing here in front of my family. That’d be crazy!

WHEN YOU WERE FIRST CALLED UP TO ORLANDO CITY’S FIRST TEAM, WHAT WAS THAT LIKE BEING SO YOUNG AND PLAYING WITH PLAYERS WHO ARE FIVE TO TEN YEARS OLDER THAN YOU?

The first time I ever played, which was in New York, I was nervous playing against dudes much older, much bigger than me. I still felt like a kid at the time. So being in that situation, it’s clearly going to come with nerves, but it was definitely cool. It feels surreal at that point in time because, in the past, you think of wanting that and then when it’s happening it’s just … it’s crazy.

AS YOU SETTLE INTO YOUR ROLE WITH THE TEAM, WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS? WHAT ARE THE AREAS WHERE YOU’D LIKE TO GROW AND IMPROVE?

The main goal is to keep a starting spot, which has always been a goal in getting on the team.

“I’ve always been a fan of this club. My family always had season tickets and we’d go to all the games. Now playing in Exploria Stadium is really a cool feeling.”

And now I’m playing a lot, so that’s good for me. Of course, getting noticed by teams from Europe is a goal for most players because who doesn’t want to play over in Europe? It’s the biggest stage in the sport.

OUTSIDE OF SOCCER, WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO FOR FUN?

I live on a lake, so I like to go out on the boat, like to fish, stuff like that. Wake surfing’s my favorite, just relaxing, but it’s fun. Anything outdoors really. I grew up being an outdoors kid, playing sports, anything like that. I don’t like to sit inside much. It’s boring to me.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MORE INTERESTING PLACES THAT YOU’VE TRAVELED TO INTERNATIONALLY?

This last trip with the national team in Spain, we got to go out and it was cool. It’s cool getting to experience all these places. We went to Mexico with first team earlier this year. That was pretty good. It’s interesting to see how different the world is in different places. It opens up your eyes to what the world is really like. Among the MLS cities, one of my favorites is Toronto. It’s just huge and it’s really clean. Toronto is one of my favorites, for sure.

FUN, FUNKY, NOT-TOO-FAR PLACES You Absolutely Want To Explore!

When people think of the Orlando area, they immediately think of Disney and Universal. But there’s more to life than roller coasters, character costumes, and corn dogs. Those of us who live here know that there is a lot more fun to be had if you just look around. We did some real digging and found four really cool places that even most locals had never heard of. So get out there and experience the “real” Central Florida!

SHOWCASE OF CITRUS CLERMONT

Long before Orlando became the theme-park capital of the world, people were traveling to Florida, first by train and later by automobile. As more highways crisscrossed the nation, families started driving here for the warmth, sunshine, and beaches. This created a business opportunity that quickly took off: the roadside tourist stand.

At Showcase of Citrus , located on U.S. Hwy. 27 south of Clermont, they have re-created that nostalgic look and feel and even combined it with a few modern touches. Billed as “Florida’s Fresh Air Attraction,” this family-owned business is located on a large citrus grove where you can pick your own oranges, lemons, limes, and other citrus fruit right from the tree, depending on the season.

Even in the off-season, there’s plenty to do here. One of the more popular activities is their Monster Truck Adventure. Climb aboard this tigerstriped monster truck and enjoy the sights as Park Rangers drive you into the vast Florida wild. Guests will explore native woodlands, citrus groves, and even Bigfoot territory.

EACH JUST AN HOUR’S DRIVE OR LESS FROM WINTER GARDEN, THESE UNIQUE ADVENTURES ARE WORTH THE TRIP

Finally, if you just want a place to kick back and relax with friends over a few beers, they’ve got you covered. There are always food trucks on-site if you get hungry, and you can even shop for souvenirs, as well as jars of locally produced honey, jams, and other treats. There’s even a petting zoo that kids will love!

Showcase of Citrus is located at 15051 Frank Jarrell Road in Clermont and is about a 30-minute drive from Winter Garden.

REPTILE WORLD SERPENTARIUM ST. CLOUD

Avert your eyes if you’re squeamish about snakes. On the other hand, if you find them absolutely fascinating, you’ll love this place! At Reptile World Serpentarium , which opened in 1972, you’ll find an extraordinary collection of snakes from around the world, from species that are fairly common, harmless, and even beneficial to some of the most exotic and deadly snakes on the planet.

If you’ve never seen a 13-foot king cobra, one of the deadliest snakes in the world, or a beautiful black mamba, your opportunity is only a short drive away! The exhibits include six species of cobra and 11 kinds of rattlesnakes. There are also several species of lizards – including a passel of iguanas – turtles, tortoises, and a Nile crocodile, as well as a 14-foot male alligator named “Pete.”

Reptile World Serpentarium is more than just a fun (or perhaps, terrifying) place to visit. They also provide a valuable, even lifesaving service. With more than 35 species of venomous snakes on site, they have supplied venom to over 300 universities and 40 companies for research and the production of antivenom. By the way, there’s also a gift shop!

Reptile World Serpentarium is located at 5705 East Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway in St. Cloud and is about a 55-minute drive from Winter Garden.

BARBERVILLE YARD ART

EMPORIUM BARBERVILLE

The best way to describe the Barberville Yard Art Emporium is that it is an explosion of color, kitsch, and creativity spread out over three whimsical acres. Located north of Winter Park near the Ocala National Forest,

you can browse among hundreds of thousands of locally produced chainsaw art, recycled cast aluminum statues, Haitian reclaimed oil drum figurines, rustic teakwood furniture, and a whole lot more.

One of the biggest draws at the Emporium is the collection of colorful and fun yard art – crafted into a wide variety of shapes – which numbers in the thousands. Most of these items are made from recycled materials, including aluminum, steel, and wrought iron. The figures range from smaller items like animals or sun figures to a 20-foottall giraffe and “life-sized” Sasquatch. There’s also a wide range of souvenirs and trinkets available, just in case you don’t need a giant statue of a space alien.

The Barberville Yard Art Emporium is located at 140 West S.R. 40 in Barberville and is about an hour’s drive from Winter Garden.

ORLANDO WETLANDS PARK CHRISTMAS

The Orlando Wetlands Park is a manmade wetland that at one time was part of the St. John’s River floodplain before settlers started moving into the area nearly 200 years ago. After the Civil War, much of the area was drained for agriculture and most of the trees were harvested for manufacturing and general construction.

In the 1980s, the City of Orlando purchased 1,650 acres to provide advanced treatment for reclaimed water, which, once released into the wetlands, slowly drains to the St. Johns River, a journey that takes 30 to 40 days. Today, the park features miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. A favorite destination for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts, the park is open daily from sunrise and sunset. And if you’d ever like to see alligators in their natural habitat, this is the place!

The Orlando Wetlands Park is located at 25155 Wheeler Road in Christmas and is about a 55-minute drive from Winter Garden.

What Aren’t We Talking About?

Picture this. You are on your way to your doctor's appointment. It's taken the alignment of all the celestial bodies for you to even have time in your schedule to do this. The kids were dropped off. Your meetings, reassigned. Aunt Flo just cleared out the guest room and, wait for it...you even groomed!

Watch out world - you are filling your own cup!

The excitement from finally embarking on this self care journey is short lived, however, when you recall that you are currently headed to Stirrup City. Speculum exams are so awesome! (Said no woman, ever).

“It’s OK, you got this,” you tell yourself. “It’s only once a year!” (Your last visit was 4 years ago).

You have been experiencing changes in your cycles, mood, and even your energy levels. Not to mention your friend recently had a cancer scare. This is your chance to have all of these concerns addressed. Here. We. Go!

Except, they don’t get addressed. They don’t even get brought up.

Your visit doesn't start until 30 minutes after its scheduled time. You are seeing someone you have never met before. The paper gown shreds as you try to breathe without expanding your chest. And apparently, pap smears can be done with the doctor having one foot out the door. Who knew!? Wait, were they a doctor? Did you even have a pap smear?

Welcome to healthcare today.

Being a physician, I feel compelled to attest that, despite popular thought, it’s not because your “healthcare provider” made the wrong career choice or that they don’t care (at least not most of the time). They are scrambling to provide the best care to the most people possible in a finite amount of time. Wrong or right, the “best care” component is what is taking the hit.

So what can a newly minted self-care warrior like yourself do to have a more empowered experience, regardless of who you are seeing?

START BY MAKING A LIST!

Trying to recall what questions you need to ask on the spot can take up more time than the answer’s themselves. Having a list will keep you and your provider on track to efficiently address your concerns within the time allotted.

Have a better understanding of what you do and do not need so that you can nudge the time-crunched provider out of their autopilot mode. Pap smears are only every 3-5 years for women between the ages of 21-65*.

• Mammograms can start as early as age 35 and are recommended every 1-2 years.

• Colon cancer can now be effectively screened by pooping into a bucket* starting at age 40.

• Bone screening can wait until age 60 as long as you are taking Vitamin D and calcium daily.

• I also recommend that women over 40 have yearly screening for cholesterol and diabetes.

• Ask to have your mammogram and blood work orders sent to you a few weeks before your appointment. This way, you can discuss your results at your visit (rather than “no news is good news”).

ADVOCATE FOR YOUR COMFORT!

Give your provider a heads up if you tend to have challenging exams historically. If you are having a procedure, ask for something to help with the discomfort or anxiety. Ask for a smaller speculum to be used. For particularly sensitive cases, it is perfectly OK to request the exam be performed while you are under anesthesia.

MAKE MORE THAN ONE APPOINTMENT IF YOU HAVE MULTIPLE CONCERNS.

As difficult as it may be to get the time to do this, trying to discuss too many things in a limited time slot is less than optimal for you and the provider. You will most likely leave feeling very confused about many topics instead of being clear on at least one. Have realistic expectations and set up ample time in the form of multiple visits so as to truly have an impactful discussion.

ASK “WHAT ARE ALL OF MY OPTIONS?”

And remember that the option of doing nothing is also one of them. You should be in collaboration with your provider to develop your plan of care. You have the right to play an active role in the decision making of your health and wellness. And you can only do that when you know all of your options. Not just the ones that are considered to be the best, most popular, or convenient.

Lastly, remember that your health and wellness is not just the sum of all of your separate body parts. This means having those uncommon conversations - about

sex, your relationships, your nutrition, how you feel about your body, self worth, and purpose.

This is in addition to how your breasts and reproductive area are doing.

Whether it is because you haven’t been able to make the time, or because the healthcare system doesn’t allow for providers to give more time, is irrelevant. What is important is that women are left with a feeling of empowerment to take better care of themselves. And there is no one better to start these conversations about your Mind, Body, and Spirit, than you!

Back to School, Back to Connection

Westly here – back again to spread the word about all things health and wellness in our community with my friends at Healthy West Orange! This time, it’s all about one of the most exciting times of the year: back to school. So many exciting moments to be had: new backpacks, first day of school outfits and photos, and meeting new teachers and friends. Adjusting to new people, places, and challenges during the school day can be super overwhelming, and kids and parents/caregivers may need some extra support from each other at home.

I connected with a local children’s mental health expert from The Nurture Place, Summer Darnell, Licensed Mental Health Counselor. She’s here to teach the parents and caregivers out there to reflect, plan, and be ready to connect with your child with intention at the end of each day. Here are 6 quick tips!

KNOW YOUR CHILD.

Every child is different. Having a plan for reconnection that meets their unique needs helps this daily transition from school to home go smoother. Some kids may be ready to share all about their day right away while others may be grateful for a quiet moment and need some time to rest.

“I MISSED YOU.”

You may be full of questions and curiosity about how their day went or you may be reeling from a tough day of your own. Before you pick up your child, take a mindful moment for yourself and set your intention. Greet them with kind eyes and a warm smile. Let your child know you are happy to see them after a day of separation. Maybe share a simple, “I missed you!”

SNACKS AND WATER.

None of us are at our best when we are hungry or dehydrated. Kids are often not tuned in to what their bodies need especially in busy school settings. Since many children eat lunch mid-morning, most are hungry by pick-up time. Often, having a quiet and unhurried time to eat and drink is calming.

PLAYFULNESS!

It is so challenging to pause and be playful in the midst of busyness and stress but the impact is great! Mindfully investing 5-15 minutes of playfulness into your after-school routine can help the entire family de-stress as it injects a dose of positive, pleasant emotion and mutual enjoyment. Touch, eye contact, laughter and movement are good ingredients for a simple, playful moment.

EXPRESS YOUR OWN FEELINGS.

Your child learns so much from you! When children observe grown-ups expressing gratefulness, naming emotions, overcoming frustration and setting healthy boundaries they learn to do this for themselves. For instance, acknowledge the normalcy of experiencing hard or difficult moments sprinkled in with the great ones during the day.

LISTEN.

In the midst of our daily routines are opportunities to listen. Make these times a phone-free zone to reduce distractions. Listen not only to what your child says but how they say it. Take notice of their body language, facial expressions, movement. Are they smiling or looking down? Are they skipping into the house or dragging their backpack in? These are clues to what they might need from you as they transition back home.

Wishing all our local students, parents/caregivers, teachers, and school staff a wonderful, safe school year! Until next time, this is Westly signing off!

See ya around!

- Westly

“In the midst of our daily routines are opportunities to listen. Listen not only to what your child says, but how they say it.”

RAISING A MONEYSMART CHILD

AT ONE POINT, MILLS

WAS

It is a commonly held view that the topic that is most lacking in today's educational system is a focus on financial literacy. Schools offer plenty of opportunity to learn math skills, but there is so much more to know about managing money than simply how to add and subtract. As Mills Bender, founder and CEO of Mills Knows Bills LLC , says, “Kids are a lot smarter than we give them credit for. They're paying attention more than we realize and they desperately want to know this information.”

We sat down with Mills to discuss financial literacy and how parents can help their children understand money and how to manage it responsibly. Surprisingly, the best time to start is right from birth. That's where we kicked off our conversation...

WHAT IS THE YOUNGEST AGE THAT YOU CAN REALLY START HAVING CONVERSATIONS WITH KIDS ABOUT MONEY?

Honestly, I believe that conversations around money can start as early as birth. That doesn't necessarily mean that you're having a didactic, or high-level educational conversation with your child who is less than a year old, but how you and your partner or your spouse talk about money in your household has long-lasting impacts on your child. So, your conversations about money around your children should start right away. Just having those healthy conversations will help them foster a healthy relationship with money.

WHAT ABOUT AS THEY GET OLDER?

When it comes to a more didactic way of teaching them, rather than just modeling healthy conversations around them, I would say you can start as young as five, showing them that you collect a paycheck, that you pay certain bills. That doesn't mean that they have to take on the responsibility behind it yet, but letting them become aware of it. That way, it's not as scary when you start teaching them about it starting at around 10 to 12 years old. That’s when it can start making a positive impact on their future.

CAN YOU GIVE US AN EXAMPLE OF HOW PARENTS’ ATTITUDES TOWARD MONEY IMPACT THEIR CHILDREN IN THE LONG TERM?

There are four buckets that most people fall into as they grow up. With Bucket A, money was a problem growing up and because it was a problem, it was always talked about and not in a healthy way. So, your child consciously or subconsciously associates money with that negativity and starts harboring these negative relationships with money.

Bucket B, money was a problem and because it was a problem, parents swept it under the rug. But there's still some of those subliminal messages that happen, having that stress or anxiety when you go to the grocery store saying, “We can't afford that. How many times do I have to tell you we can't buy that?”

MONEY MINDSET: THE 4 BUCKETS

BUCKET A

The child was raised in a home where money was scarce, and they observed a lot of conflict and negativity.

BUCKET B

The child was raised in a home where money was scarce and the parents never discussed it in front of their kids.

Bucket C, money was not a problem growing up. Parents did well so they weren't really stressed about money, and because it wasn't a problem, there was no need to talk about it. As a result, that child thinks that money is not an issue. They don't need to know about it, and it's just going to come to them naturally. It's a natural skill set that everyone has bestowed upon them at one point. So, that child struggles with money as an adult. And then bucket D is that household where money wasn't a problem and the child saw their parents have healthy conversations around money. They saw their parents talk through different financial goals. Maybe they didn't see the numbers, but they saw the fact that there was no fighting. They saw that there was no stress. They saw that there was no name calling.

HOW CAN PARENTS WHO WEREN’T RAISED IN A HOME WHERE THEY COULD OBSERVE HEALTHY CONVERSATIONS ABOUT MONEY IMPROVE THEIR OWN FINANCIAL ATTITUDES?

It starts with mindset. Take the time to go over your own finances, hold yourself accountable to go over your budget, go over your investments, go over your debt, whatever it may be, and have those conversations with your spouse in front of your child, even if they're playing on the floor. You can shift yourself from bucket A or B to bucket C or D by starting with your own money mindset. For example, stop saying to yourself, I can't afford that, and instead say, it's not my priority right now. That's the kind of thing that can make a big difference.

BUCKET

C

The child was raised in a home where money was never a problem, so parents didn’t discuss it and the child never developed an understanding of money.

BUCKET

D

The child was raised in a home where money wasn’t a problem and the parents modeled non-confrontational stress-free discussions about finances.

MILLS BENDER, FOUNDER OF MILLS KNOWS BILLS

Financial coach, speaker, author, and the founder/CEO of Mills Knows Bills, Mills Bender helps variable-income earners stop living paycheck to paycheck, pay off debt and reach their financial goals. She started her journey in 2014 when she found herself with only $1.50 to her name. She understands the frustration around money and the courage required to take ownership of your finances.

For more information about Mills Knows Bills, including client testimonials and online resources, check out her website at millsknowsbills.com.

It’s truly a collaboration between dog and master.

TRAINING YOUR DOG... AND YOURSELF

Talk to any dog owner and they will likely tell you that they consider their dog to be a part of their family. Dogs can be loyal, playful, and protective. So, it's only natural that people tend to become attached to their dogs because of the companionship they provide, as well as giving their owner a sense of safety.

And that's despite the occasional stain on the carpet or shoes that get tossed in the garbage because they've been chewed to pieces. Indeed, along with the love and affection dog owners receive from their pets, there can also be some collateral damage.

But what if you could enjoy all the warm fuzzies of owning a dog and minimize the behaviors that might make some people question their decision to bring a dog into the family, even if the doubt is only temporary? According to Kelsey Reinertsen, owner of Pho Paws and a Master Certified Mentor Dog Trainer, it's a question that almost every dog owner ponders.

“One of the most common questions I get among dog owners, especially those with young children, is ‘How in the world do I get my dog to stop playing so rough with my children?’” she says. “Especially

with certain breeds that like to herd sheep and they treat kids like little sheep. They don't know how to manage the energy of their dog and the energy of their kids, especially at the end of a workday.”

In reality, training a dog is as much about training the owner as it is about training the dog.

“I think one of the biggest reasons why we have behavior issues with our pets is that we give them too much freedom too soon, before they've earned it,” she said. “For example, giving them free reign of the house before they've stopped chewing on household items that they shouldn't.”

One mistake she said many dog owners make is feeling that keeping them in a crate for long periods of time is mean or inhumane.

“They're den animals. If you look at wolves, who dogs descend from, you realize that they dig. They're in small dens, very small dens, and it's normal. It's instinctual, it's primal for them to dive toward a bathtub or dive under the couch or under the bed when there's a thunderstorm because it's safety for them.”

For more information about Pho Paws and to download a free guide titled “10 Keys to Creating a Happy

>

and Healthy Relationship with Your Dog,” visit phopaws.com or call 386-956-4908.

For Craig Fizer of Dog Training Elite, they offer a wide range of programs, including specializing in training service animals.

“We train a lot of service dogs,” he says. “It's a big part of the business that we love doing. We're working with a lot of PTSD psychiatric service dogs, training dogs to help kids with autism. We've worked with hearing dogs. We're currently working with a seizure alert dog.”

The main reason dogs make such great service animals is that they are incredibly intelligent.

“Dogs are very smart. They know every little manipulation cue. They figure out pretty quickly who the weak link is in the room. And they really have to be. When we work with a service animal, the first thing we do is put them through our advanced obedience training because they have to be really disciplined. If they're out in public and a kid walks by with an ice cream cone, they need to know they can't have it even if it's within reach.”

From there, the next step is to teach the dog all the important tasks, depending on what the client needs.

“Our program is a hundred percent customized based on the tasks they need to know and whatever condition they're working with,” he says. “With the seizure alert dog we're working with, it's for a boy who has seizures in his sleep. We'll simulate that seizure in his bedroom and teach the dog to interrupt with barking. We also train him to go find somebody if needed."

To learn more about the services provided by Dog Training Elite and to request a demonstration, visit their website at dogtrainingelite.com/orlando

Backyard Chickens

Everything you need to get started on your backyard coop.

Chickens have become increasingly popular as pets in both suburban and urban areas during the last 20 years. Backyard chickens may seem to be an unsuspecting animal to keep as a pet but the tried and true egg producers are back in fashion as food costs are soaring and families are looking for more food independence in light of recent supply chain shortages. There’s a lot to like about raising chickens in your backyard. Surprisingly, chickens are relatively low maintenance. And bonus – unlike dogs, they don’t need to be bathed or groomed, and they don’t shed on your clothes or require training. Oh and bonus – they make you breakfast.

The eggs from backyard chickens are the best—tastier and fresher than any store-bought eggs. Much of the day, the birds entertain themselves, picking at grass, worms, beetles, and all of the good things that go into making those delicious farm eggs. Plus, with their keen eye for insect pests, chickens make for great gardening companions.

Chickens can provide family companionship, fun, entertainment, sustainable fresh food, and plenty of poop that gardeners prize as a natural fertilizer/composting material. Could backyard chickens be the perfect pet/producer to add to your home?

Backyard Chicken Q&A:

HOW MANY CHICKENS SHOULD I KEEP?

Chickens are sociable creatures, so plan to keep three to six birds at least. With this amount, you’ll always have a steady supply of eggs, since an adult hen lays about two eggs every three days, on average. Local ordinances also dictate how many chickens one household can keep.

HOW MUCH DOES KEEPING CHICKENS COST?

All of this costs money, of course. The materials to build and furnish a coop and a 20 x 5-foot run—including wood, fencing, and hardware—are going to set you back at least $300. If you can’t do this work yourself, you’ll also be buying skilled labor.

Overall, expect to spend between $500 and $700 when getting started depending on the size of your flock, coop and run. For prefabricated coops, expect to pay $600 or more.

WHAT KIND OF SHELTER DO THEY NEED?

Chickens need to have an enclosed coop that provides adequate space, protection from the elements and predators, and good ventilation. A modified shed, barn, or stable with an outdoor run is a good option for a coop. The outdoor run should be fully enclosed if you have predators like hawks or owls nearby. Ideally, coops are slightly elevated off the ground to prevent flooding and have windows on each side, enough nest boxes to allow several chickens to nest simultaneously, outlets for lighting, fans if they’re needed, air inlets or ventilation holes on the roof, and a concrete floor treated with a pet-safe waterproof coating that allows for easy cleaning and drainage.

Want to go the fancy route?

Search Pinterest for “chicken coop building plans” if you’re building your own or consider going the luxury route with a gorgeous custom-built coop from a company like CutestCoops.com

WHEN DO CHICKENS START LAYING EGGS?

Most hens will start laying eggs when they’re about 18 to 20 weeks old, although it may take more time for them to reach their peak output. Often, the first eggs are laid irregularly or are smaller or oddly shaped when compared with a typical egg. This is nothing to worry about! Once a cycle is established, most hens will lay one egg per day.

events

A

curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

FRIDAYS AUGUST 2ND-6TH AUGUST 11TH-13TH

Windermere Farmers Market

TOWN SQUARE PARK, 520 MAIN ST, WINDERMERE FL | 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM

Windermere hosts a weekly Farmers Market every Friday from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (weather permitting). A wide range of vendors offers fresh produce, seafood, breads and pastries, coffee, hummus, candles, soaps, essential oils, clothing, jewelry, craftwork, flowers, and more! Friendly, leashed pets are always welcome. Please remember to clean up after your four-legged friends! town.windermere.fl.us/farmers-market

Dreamgirls

THE GARDEN THEATRE, 160 W PLANT ST, WINTER GARDEN, FL | 7:30 PM

Effie, Lorrell, and Deena, are three young and talented African-American singers in the revolutionary 1960s. Dreamgirls will take you on a journey as the three friends embark on a musical roller coaster through the ruthless world of show business. Their relationships will be tested by fame, fortune, and romance as they discover that their dreams come at a cost. gardentheatre.org

Paw Patrol Live! Heroes Unite

ADDITION FINANCIAL ARENA, 12777 GEMINI BLVD N, ORLANDO FL | 6:00 PM

The PAW Patrol is yelping for help as they face their greatest challenge yet. Mayor Humdinger has dognapped Robo Dog and cloned him, chasing chaos all over the world. It's up to the pups to catch these clones, rescue Robo dog and show that when the going gets "ruff," lending a paw makes you the ultimate TOP HERO! additionfiarena.com

AUGUST 14TH

The Sunshine Corridor: Passenger Rail in Central Florida

CENTRAL FLORIDA RAILROAD MUSEUM, 101 S BOYD ST, WINTER GARDEN, FL | 7:00 PM

Presented by Bob O’Malley, this presentation will cover Bob’s experience working on freight and passenger rail projects, and his insight into the future of passenger rail in Florida. Bob has a long career in the industry and he played a key role in developing the 61-mile SunRail corridor, Brightline’s expansion to Orlando. cfrhs.org/events

AUGUST 26TH AUGUST 30TH

MLS: Orlando City SC vs. St. Louis CITY SC

EXPLORIA STADIUM, 655 W CHURCH ST, ORLANDO, FL | 7:30 PM

Don't miss Orlando City SC’s only home game in August as they take on expansion team St. Louis CITY SC at Exploria Stadium. Despite being in just their first year in the league, St. Louis has taken the MLS by storm, so this promises to be an exciting, action-packed game! orlandocitysc.com

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Live in Concert

DR. PHILLIPS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, 445 S MAGNOLIA AVE, ORLANDO, FL | 7:30 PM

Featuring a soundtrack that blends symphonic orchestral music with hip-hop, this show pairs a screening of the Academy Award®-winning animated film with live musicians and turntables featuring a DJ scratcher live on stage. Emmy® winner Daniel Pemberton composed a sprawling hip-hop based score of boundary-pushing original music complemented with song contributions by Post Malone, Lil Wayne, and Nicki Minaj. drphillipscenter.org

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