The Chases of Maitland:CARE, COMMUNITY, AND KEEPING HISTORY ALIVE
Cover photo by Luna Mia Artistry
PUBLICATION TEAM
Brownlee Publisher Denille Brownlee Content Coordinator Erin McKnight Designer Christina Lee Contributing Photographer
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CONTACT: Justin Brownlee
EMAIL: jbrownlee@bestversionmedia.com
PHONE: 407-221-2180
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Have feedback, ideas or submissions? We are always happy to hear from you! Deadlines for submissions are the 1st of each month. Go to www.bestversionmedia.com and click “Submit Content.” You may also email your thoughts, ideas and photos to: dbrownlee@bestversionmedia.com.
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November is here, and my heart is full of gratitude. Every Thanksgiving display—going back to those cardboard cutouts from elementary school—seems to feature a cornucopia, such a simple yet powerful symbol of abundance. I love that this time of year encourages us to pause, reflect, and take stock of the blessings in our lives. Even in challenging seasons, there’s always something to be thankful for.
At the top of my gratitude list are our veterans. Their service and sacrifice have given us the freedoms we enjoy and the opportunity to live abundantly.
I am very excited to introduce you to John and Marian Chase. John reached out to me back in April to share that he had retraced his grandfather’s steps in World War I, and I knew it would be a perfect feature for November, Armistice Day. It has been a true pleasure getting to know them and learning about their family. His book, “Searching for John DeWitt,” is mentioned in their feature, and I encourage you to buy a copy—John does a wonderful job of keeping history alive.
Of course, I’m grateful for our incredible sponsors and expert contributors. Because of their partnership, Maitland Neighbors reaches your mailboxes each month. If you’re a local business owner and want to connect with your neighbors in a meaningful way, I’d love to chat about how you can be part of this growing community.
And thank you, neighbors, for making Maitland such a special place to live, work, and raise my family. Denille and I (Celebrating our 18th anniversary this month!) wish you and yours a joyful Thanksgiving filled with abundance, gratitude, and maybe even a slice of pumpkin pie (or seven).
Thank you for being my neighbor.
Justin
Expert Contributors
■ CHIROPRACTOR
Dr. Sean Olenek, D.C. (Acupuncture Certified) Insight Chiropractic Health & Wellness Center 321-926-2997 www.insightchirohealth.com
■ COSMETIC DENTISTRY
Dr. Charles Curley Distinctive Dentistry on Maitland 407-830-9800 www.dentistryonmaitland.com
■ HOME SERVICES
Courtney Carroll Cool Today 407-502-8456 www.cooltoday.com
To learn more about becoming an Expert Contributor, contact Justin Brownlee at jbrownlee@bestversionmedia.com or 407-221-2180.
■ MORTGAGE LOANS
Tom Flood SimpLend Mortgage 321-438-6120
■ PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
Dr. John Tawadrous Pediatric Dentistry of Central Florida 407-628-2286 www.ibrushteeth.com
■ PRIVATE SCHOOL
Bianca Moore, Head of School
Park Maitland School 407-972-0232 www.parkmaitland.com
■ RESIDENTAL REAL ESTATE
Allison Hunter Luxe Hunter Real Estate 407-221-4669 www.luxe-hunter.com
AN
Give Yourself the Gift of a Balanced Nervous System This Holiday Season
BY DR. SEAN OLENEK, D.C. | PHOTOS BY JUSTIN BROWNLEE
“The master system of the body is the nervous system, and all health depends on its proper function.” – D.D. Palmer, founder of Chiropractic.
As the holiday season approaches, stress levels tend to rise. What is meant to be a joyful time often comes with added obligations, financial pressure, family conflict, and high expectations. Many jobs remain demanding as well, leaving little space to relax. So how can you manage stress and still experience joy?
A well-regulated nervous system is crucial for health. Imbalances—caused by structural, chemical, or emotional stress—are often multifaceted, which is why a holistic approach works best. The nervous system is the body’s communication network, sending electrical signals to control muscles, senses, and reactions. When it’s balanced, the body can handle stress more effectively.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care focuses on the relationship between the nervous system and spinal health. Misalignments, or subluxations, interfere with nerve function and overall wellness. Chiropractic adjustments restore alignment, improve nerve flow, and help shift the body from “fight or flight” into calm. Benefits include better mood, immune function, digestion, sleep quality, reduced tension, and improved stress response.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is another way to awaken the body’s natural healing process. By stimulating specific points, it activates the parasympathetic nervous system to reduce stress and encourage relaxation. Acupuncture supports vagus nerve function, which regulates heart rate, digestion, and respiration, and encourages endorphin release. The result is less pain, better sleep, and improved digestion.
Aromatherapy
At home, aromatherapy offers simple support for calming the nervous system. Essential oils like lavender, bergamot, and chamomile can lower cortisol and quiet the mind. Frankincense, a seasonal favorite, helps deepen meditation and alleviate stress. Diffusing essential oils or adding them to a bath is an easy way to bring peace into your daily routine.
Nourishing Foods
Your holiday plate can also support your nervous system. Anti-inflammatory foods such as leafy greens, berries, salmon, turmeric, almonds, walnuts, and ginger promote balance
and resilience. Dark chocolate, cinnamon, green tea, and chamomile tea are not only seasonal but soothing, helping reduce inflammation and promote restful sleep.
Breathwork & Mindfulness
As Thich Nhat Hanh wrote: “Breathing in, I calm my body and mind. Breathing out, I smile.” Breathing with intention allows us to anchor in the present. Simple breathing exercises lower heart rate, clear the mind, and restore calm—and they can be practiced anywhere, anytime.
Sound Bowl Therapy & Connection
Positive social connections also support nervous system health by creating safety and trust. One powerful way to connect is through sound bowl therapy. This practice uses vibrational frequencies to calm the mind and body, while group sessions enhance connection and collective well-being. Benefits include improved mood, sleep, clarity, energy flow, and relief from anxiety.
Prioritize Self-Care
Whatever you choose; time outdoors, connecting with loved ones, mindful breathing, chiropractic care, acupuncture, or sound bowl therapy, make self-care a priority. By taking small, intentional steps, you can give yourself
the gift of a balanced nervous system and experience the peace and joy you deserve this holiday season.
Holiday Stress Tips for a Balanced Nervous System
• Breathe Intentionally – Pause for a few deep breaths to calm your body and reset your mind.
• Choose Calming Scents – Use essential oils like lavender or frankincense to ease stress.
• Eat to Nourish – Add anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens, berries, salmon, and walnuts to your holiday meals.
• Stay Connected – Positive social connections or group activities like sound bowl therapy boost calm and well-being.
• Prioritize Care – Schedule chiropractic or acupuncture sessions to help your body shift from stress to balance.
INSIGHT CHIROPRACTIC HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER
Dr. Sean Olenek, D.C.
321-926-2997 | www.insightchirohealth.com
The Chases of Maitland: CARE, COMMUNITY, AND KEEPING HISTORY A LIVE
BY DENILLE BROWNLEE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY NINA SMITH, LUNA MIA ARTISTRY
IF YOU’VE LIVED in Maitland long enough, you’ve likely waved to Dr. John and Marian Chase on a morning pickleball court, spotted John on a golf tee box, or seen them cheering at a local swim meet or soccer match. The Chases moved to Maitland in 1986, built their home in the Oaks of Maitland in 1989, and never looked back – drawn by the safety, friendships, and easy neighborliness that still define their corner of town.
John and Marian’s story began in Gainesville in 1981, she on the faculty at UF’s College of Nursing, he a resident in Orthopedic Surgery. Three daughters and a growing crew of grandkids later, their family branches now reach from Central Florida to Texas and Georgia. Daughter Megan and her husband Patrick Emerson live in Orlando with Reese (10), Chase (7), and Drew (5); daughter Sarah and husband Grant Guidry are in Austin with Millie (3) and Margot (1); daughter Anna and husband Davis Hester are in Atlanta with Jack (4) and Allie (1).
Sports have always been a thread in the family fabric. The two older girls swam and played water polo at Bishop Moore; Anna took the “land route” through club soccer to the Winter Park High School team. John logged rec league basketball games in Maitland and Winter Park until age 57, and these days you’ll find him golfing twice a week (he jokes the frequency isn’t reflected in the scorecard) while he and Marian play pickleball together.
“I feel like I was getting to know a very nice young man through his letters-who also just happened to be my grandfather.” – John Chase
After Iowa State and the University of Iowa College of Medicine, John completed residency in 1986 and joined Jewett Orthopedic Clinic, specializing in knee and ankle surgery until his retirement in 2020. He served as team physician at Lake Mary High School for three decades and spent nine years with the Orlando Magic at the franchise’s beginning. (Fun family connection: son in law Patrick Emerson is now a hand surgeon at Jewett.)
Ask John why they’ve stayed so long, and he points to neighbors who became lifelong friends and a city that protects what matters. He remembers the debate over Brookside Park years ago; Maitland ultimately preserved the trees and created Maitland Community Park at the east end of Mayo Avenue, a decision the Chases believe has benefited generations of families. John has also served as treasurer of the Oaks of Maitland HOA for nearly 35 years, where he says the community’s congenial spirit still shines.
Retirement didn’t slow John much. He pours his time into family and community focused causes, serving on local boards, mentoring students with Elevate Orlando, speaking in local middle and high schools about medical careers, and guiding small groups of teens aiming for rigorous paths in medicine. He’s the steady, show up kind of neighbor who organizes, encourages, and lends a hand wherever it’s needed.
John’s “second act” surprised even his family: he’s written two books since hanging up his white coat. The first, You What?!, shares humorous and hard-earned lessons from four decades in medicine. His second book, Searching for John DeWitt: How 80 Forgotten Letters from the Trenches of WWI Revealed Timeless Lessons of Honor and Courage, began with a discovery his sister, Abby, made while helping their Uncle Jack move. They found roughly 75 to 80 World War I letters written by their grandfather, a battalion runner in the trenches. As John pieced the letters together, he found a 1972 note from his grandfather referencing a Stars and Stripes account of runners and a recommendation for a Distinguished Service Cross, an almost eerie tug across time that convinced him the story needed telling. He released the book on November 11, fittingly Veterans Day, and it’s available on Amazon.
This past summer, John retraced his grandfather’s wartime path with a college friend, traveling through France and Belgium to stand where runners once carried messages under fire. The experience clarified three things for John – all timely reminders for this month of Veterans Day: interest in World War I still runs deep; a devoted network of guides, museum teams, and historical associations works tirelessly to preserve its stories; and the American Battle Monuments Commission maintains U.S. cemeteries and memorials with exceptional care, honoring sacrifice with dignity.
The numbers still stagger: an estimated 18 million deaths tied to World War I, including 8 million civilians, losses compounded by the industrialization of warfare and the countless remains that were never recovered. For John, understanding the scale and standing on the ground made the letters breathe. “People should care,” he says, “to avoid old mistakes and to reclaim the character we see in those letters: bravery, humility, thoughtfulness, respect.” With that history in mind, the Chases lean into the simple gifts of the present—time together, new places, and family stories. Travel has long been part of the Chase family playbook. When their daughters were young, the Chases crisscrossed National Parks. Later came mission trip stops in the Dominican Republic and European adventures. In July, John spent a week in Ireland on a golf trip with his three sons-in-law and some friends. Most
recently, John and Marian reunited with longtime residency friends for a trek through Switzerland, continued on to Croatia, and capped it with three days in Athens. Now, with grandchildren in tow, annual trips often gather around lakes where little feet can splash and skip stones. Ask the Chases for a message to Maitland and you’ll hear a simple hope: our city doesn’t need to be everything to everyone; it just needs to keep being great at what it already is, a safe and welcoming place for families and neighbors of all generations. If you spot John and Marian around town, be sure to say hello, because at heart, they are true (longtime) Maitland Neighbors.
DO YOU KNOW A NEIGHBOR WHO HAS A STORY TO SHARE? // Nominate your neighbor to be featured in one of our upcoming issues! Contact us at dbrownlee@bestversionmedia.com
STEP INTO CORE FLOORING CENTER in Winter Park - just minutes from Maitland - and you will meet the owner Corey McCormick: part craftsman, part coach, and fully committed to service. After more than 20 years in the flooring industry, including 16 years managing another store, Corey took a leap of faith in early 2024 to open his own showroom. “I knew I could make a difference,” he says. “It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”
The showroom is an easy first and last stop for Maitland projects. Inside, you will find a curated selection of wood, waterproof laminate, luxury vinyl plank (LVP), and carpet, paired with free in-home consultations and estimates to simplify decisions. Core Flooring backs every project with a lifetime installation warranty and provides dust-free wood and tile removal, baseboard installation, furniture and appliance moving, and haul-away of old flooring. Need flexibility? Qualified buyers can take advantage of up to 24 months of zero-percent financing.
Corey’s philosophy is simple: treat every customer like the only customer. From the first conversation to the final walkthrough, his team delivers clear guidance, transparent timelines, and meticulous installa-
tion. That care shows up in the feedback—homeowners rave about the crew and the “can’t believe it’s the same home” transformation.
Quality meets choice. Core Flooring’s lineup features trusted brands like Mohawk and Mannington, along with eco-friendly, GREENGUARD-certified options for families who want beautiful floors with a lighter footprint. Whether you are refreshing an older bungalow, updating a lakefront great room, or finishing a high-traffic mudroom, Corey’s team helps you select materials that fit Maitland living.
Service also extends to the community. After adopting their dog, Moose, from Save A Life Pet Rescue, Corey and his family made giving back part of the business. Today, a portion of every sale supports the organization’s work placing shelter dogs in loving homes.
At heart, it is about family. Early next year, Corey and his wife, Robin, will celebrate 30 years of marriage, and they could not be prouder of their son, Tyler. “Friends, family, and loyal customers made this dream possible,” Corey says. “We are honored to serve Maitland and greater Central Florida—one beautiful floor at a time.”
• LIFETIME WARRANTY
• 0% INTEREST FREE FINANCING
• MADE IN USA FLOORING OPTIONS
• DONATION TO SAVE A LIFE PET RESCUE AFTER EVERY SALE
BY DENILLE BROWNLEE
Sat.-Mon., November 1-3
27th Annual Central Florida
Jewish Film Festival
@ENZIAN THEATRE – CO-PRESENTED WITH SHALOM ORLANDO
A curated showcase of films exploring Jewish life, culture, and history—informative, entertaining, and perspective-broadening. Expect features, docs, shorts, and select post-film discussions.
Time: Showtimes vary by day
Cost: Ticketed; festival passes available www.enzian.org
Sun., November 2
Maitland Farmer’s Market
@INDEPENDENCE SQUARE
Explore a variety of vendors offering food, crafts, local goods, plants, flowers, and fresh produce. Bring the kids for fun inflatables and games in the park every Sunday of the month.
Time: 9am-1pm
Cost: FREE www.itsmymaitland.com
November 2025
Fri., November 7
Getdown Downtown
@INDEPENDENCE SQUARE
Kick off the month with live music, food and drink vendors, and fun activities for the kids! Join the community in the heart of downtown Maitland on the first Friday of each month.
Time: 6pm-9pm
Cost: FREE www.itsmymaitland.com
Sun., November 9
Veterans’ Salute
@VENUE ON LAKE LILY
It’s a good ole-fashioned cookout—BBQ, hot dogs & burgers, cookies, and ice cream.
Time: 4pm–7pm
Cost: Free for veterans & active duty. Adults $5; Children under 10 $2.
Wed., November 12
Toddler Tales
@MAITLAND PUBLIC LIBRARY
Enjoy stories, songs, action rhymes, and fingerplays that build early literacy and motor skills using Every Child Ready to Read (read, write, play, sing, talk). Stay for a puppet-show finale and open puppet playtime. Best suited for ages 18 months–3 years. Meets every Wednesday.
Time: 10:30am-11:30am
Cost: FREE www.maitlandpubliclibrary.org
Sat., November 15
Movie in the Park
@INDEPENDENCE SQUARE
Enjoy a family-friendly movie and free popcorn under the stars at Maitland’s Movies in the Park at Independence Square, next to City Hall. Bring your chairs and blankets to enjoy help the show.
Time: 7:30pm-9:30pm
Cost: FREE www.itsmymaitland.com
Tues., November 18
Creating a Pop Art Portrait
@ART & HISTORY MUSEUMS OF MAITLAND
Channel your inner Warhol or Lichtenstein in a vibrant, handson session for all skill levels. Learn core pop-art techniques: bold outlines, flat color, and classic Ben-Day dots, then create your own frame-worthy piece. Register today!
Time: 6pm-9pm
Cost: $80 + Supply List www.artandhistory.org
Fri., November 21
Thanksgiving Pre-Order Deadline
@HOUNDSTOOTH KITCHEN & EATERY
Skip the holiday stress—lock in your feast sides and main dishes today, including Monica’s famous green bean casserole. Call: 321-972-9925 to reserve. Time: 7pm
Cost: Prices Vary www.hounstootheats.com
Thu., November 27
Seniors First Turkey Trot 5K (Orlando)
@ LAKE EOLA PARK
Start your holiday with a community favorite! This family-friendly 5K features a free Tot Trot for kids, plus festive costume and turkey call contests before the race. Proceeds benefit Meals on Wheels and other senior programs…costumes encouraged!
Times: 8:00 a.m. (contests begin earlier)
Cost: Registration varies; Tot Trot is free www.seniorsfirstinc.org
Thu., November 27
Thanksgiving Day: Give Thanks & Gather
@ AT HOME & AROUND MAITLAND
Take a moment to reflect on the blessings of the year and share a meal with family, friends, and neighbors. If you need a little menu inspiration, don’t miss the Roasted Butternut Squash &
Garlic Soup featured in our recipe section—it’s cozy, simple, and perfect for the holiday table.
Times: All day
Cost: FREE
Sat., December 6
Maitland’s Season of Light
@LAKE LILY PARK
Kick off the holidays with family-friendly fun: games and activities, local vendors, live music, the tree-lighting ceremony, fireworks, and a visit from Santa.
Time: 5pm-8:30pm
Cost: FREE
www.itsmymaitland.com
TOM’S TAKE: Affordability Tactics Win the House without Blowing the Budget
BY TOM FLOOD
I’M TOM FLOOD, a loan officer who believes home buying should feel more like a well-played golf round than the fourth quarter of a New York Jets nail-biter. The goal is simple: keep your monthly payment playable today and your long-term plan smart tomorrow. Here are seven affordability tactics I coach clients through every week.
1
Lead with temporary buydowns (and fund them smartly).
A 2-1 or 1-0 buydown lowers your interest rate for the first 12–24 months so your payment starts lighter while you settle in— or wait for a possible refi window. In many deals, we aim seller credits at the buydown or closing costs, turning concessions into real monthly relief instead of a one-time price win.
2
Know your points breakeven—don’t guess.
Paying points (prepaid interest) can cut your rate for the life of the loan. It only makes sense if the breakeven (cost ÷ monthly savings) lines up with how long you’ll keep the mortgage. If two points save $120/month, you’re roughly 20 months to even. Moving or refinancing sooner? Keep the cash for reserves or improvements that boost comfort and value.
3
Choose PMI like a pro.
With less than 20% down, Private Mortgage Insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all. Options include monthly PMI (easy to remove later), single-premium (one and done), split-premium (small upfront +lower monthly), and lender-paid (higher rate, no monthly PMI). We match the choice to your time horizon and cash strategy—because PMI can be a tool, not a tax.
4
Optimize debts before underwriting.
Paying down credit cards can move your DTI and Better your interest rate more than adding that same cash to your down
payment. We model which balances—if trimmed—unlock the most buying power, then time the payoff so it’s reflected during underwriting.
5
Price the whole payment early: insurance + taxes.
Payment shock kills deals. Before you fall in love, get a real insurance quote (roof age, wind credits, and deductibles matter) and confirm your property tax estimate—not last year’s homesteaded bill. Knowing PITI (plus HOA, if any) up front keeps your shot in the fairway.
6
Match the loan to your time horizon.
We will find out your game-plan with your new home and lif plans to maximize your purchase and provide you with the correct loan options. The key is aligning the loan, not guessing the market.
7
Consider light house-hacking or auxiliary income.
A home with a rentable room, ADU, or an owner-occupied duplex can offset part of the payment—especially in year one. It’s not for everyone, but even modest rent can turn a borderline budget into a comfortable one. We’ll pencil the numbers and weigh lifestyle fit.
Bottom line: affordability isn’t one trick, it’s a bag of well-fitted clubs. I’ll help you choose the right swing for today and the right strategy for tomorrow so you can enjoy the home and still make your tee time.
SIMPLEND MORTGAGE
Tom Flood, Mortgage Loan Officer 321.438.6120
BY JAMES DAVIS
Merry & Maitland: Small Touches, Big Holiday Welcome
BY DENILLE BROWNLEE
IF YOUR HOME’S been running at everyday speed, here’s a gentle reset before company rolls in. Think quick wins—easy tweaks that feel like a hug the second someone steps inside.
Start at the door. Shake out the doormat and hang a simple wreath— magnolia, eucalyptus or citrus are always good Florida choices. A ribbon that matches your living room gives everything a pulled-together look.
Clear, then cozy. Tidy one surface (entry table or coffee table) and build a small “holiday tray”: a candle, a sprig of greenery, a bowl of ornaments or pinecones, and a favorite family photo. It’s amazing how welcoming one styled spot can be.
Soft layers = instant comfort. Swap two pillow covers for velvet or knit and toss a lightweight throw over the sofa. In the guest bath, fresh hand towels and a bud vase with rosemary says “we’re glad you’re here.”
Let there be warm light. Use warm bulbs (2700–3000K) and tuck micro lights into a glass jar or along a bookshelf. Set a timer so the glow greets everyone after a stroll around town.
Keep greenery simple. One statement garland on the mantel or stair rail reads elegant, not cluttered.
Choose one signature scent. Citrus-clove, fir, or vanilla—pick just one. Tyler’s Winter Wonderland is a personal favorite. Before guests arrive, simmer orange slices with cinnamon and a rosemary sprig.
A little welcome goes a long way. Set out a basket with water, snacks, extra chargers, and a mini list of your nearby favorites (morning coffee, best park for kid energy, where to see lights). Add a self-serve coffee/tea station so early risers feel at home.
Small touches, warm hearts…holiday hosting, Maitland style.
Making Room for Imagination A&H Maitland Breaks Ground
HERE IN MAITLAND, we’re celebrating a milestone decades in the making. On October 9, the Art & History Museums of Maitland broke ground on the Que Throm & Cicero Greathouse Education Studios—the first major expansion of the historic campus since founder J. André Smith’s era. As Executive Director Danielle Thomas notes, “The Maitland Art Center was founded in 1937 by Jules André Smith as an artist retreat. This is the first major expansion of our historical site since the artist’s lifetime…and the new studios are named after two longtime supporters of the
BY DENILLE BROWNLEE
site, Que Throm and Cicero Greathouse.”
Approved by the City of Maitland, the project adds two education buildings totaling 4,938 square feet on 1.16 acres along Packwood Avenue, with 30 additional parking spaces. The exterior design complements the site’s distinctive Art Deco–inspired architecture, while the interior introduces a small gallery with restrooms and four purpose-built classrooms: a dedicated ceramics studio, a painting and drawing studio, and two flexible spaces to serve a growing slate of arts education for all ages.
Relocating classes to these new studios will allow more of the historic artists’ workspaces to return to their original purpose, strengthening the campus’s role as a living, working arts retreat. With an anticipated opening in spring 2027, this expansion is more than added square footage—it’s a renewed promise that creativity will continue to thrive in the heart of Maitland, honoring the vision that has animated this landmark since 1937 while making room for the next generation of makers, neighbors, and curious minds.
Roasted Butternut Squash and Garlic Soup
BY RENEE GARRISON
THIS SOUP WOULD be nice to serve with your Thanksgiving leftovers.
1 butternut squash (2 pounds)
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 head of garlic, top cut off
1 cup hot water
2-1/2 cups chicken stock
Pinch thyme
1 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon salt
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Slice the squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and stringy pulp with a spoon. Rub the flat side with the olive oil and place the squash, cut side down, in a glass baking dish; sprinkle the garlic cloves around the squash. Add the water and the rest of the olive oil. Bake for 1 to 1-1/2 hours, or until the squash is very soft. Remove from the oven and cool slightly.
Scoop the squash pulp into the bowl of a food processor fitted with the metal blade. Squeeze the garlic cloves and let pulp drop into food processor.
Process for 30 seconds, until the mixture is very smooth. Add the chicken stock ½ cup at a time, pulsing the processor after each addition. Add the salt, pepper and thyme. Pour mixture into a 2-quart saucepan and place over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and adjust seasoning.
NAD+: The Molecule Everyone’s Talking About And Why You Need More of It
BY AMY RAHILL AND DR. LUIS MARTINEZ
NAD+ (NICOTINAMIDE ADENINE DINUCLEOTIDE) is the fuel your cells rely on to produce energy, repair DNA, and support healthy aging. As levels naturally decline with age—up to 50% by your 40s— symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, slow recovery, and premature aging begin to show up.
But genetics can accelerate this decline.
“Patients with an MTHFR gene mutation are at even higher risk of early NAD+ depletion,” says Amy Rahill-Blake. “These individuals often struggle with detox, inflammation, and energy production—making NAD+ support even more critical.”
This Supplement May Be the Missing Link in Your Longevity Routine
Oral NAD+ precursors like NMN and NR help your body naturally rebuild intracellular NAD+. These are great for daily use, prevention, and long-term mitochondrial support—especially for patients with MTHFR or chronic fatigue.
“Patients with an MTHFR gene mutation are at even higher risk of early NAD+ depletion.”
– Amy Rahill-Blake
The Injection That Can Help You Power Through the Afternoon Slump
NAD+ injections bypass the digestive system, delivering an immediate energy boost. They’re quick, convenient, and ideal for travel, stress, or weekly wellness support.
Feeling Burnt Out? This One IV Could Be a Game-Changer
For maximum impact, NAD+ IV therapy saturates the bloodstream with this essential coenzyme. Patients often report better focus, mood, and physical recovery—especially when paired with glutathione or ozone.
Think You’re Too Young for NAD+? Think Again
NAD+ decline doesn’t just affect those over 40. Stress, poor sleep, alcohol, and certain gene variants (like MTHFR) can drain your levels early. Starting support in your 30s—or even late 20s—is a smart move.’’’
Want More Energy, Focus, and Resilience? This Might Be the Answer
Aluma Wellness offers customized NAD+ protocols based on labs, symptoms, and patient goals.
“We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all,” says Dr. Martinez. “We build layered plans using oral precursors, injections, and IVs—depending on where you are in your health journey.”
To learn more, visit www.alumawellness.com or follow @AlumaWellness for expert insights on regenerative health, peptides, and performance optimization.
Giving Thanks in the Grind FindingPurposeintheBusySeason
BY JUSTIN BROWNLEE
NOVEMBER CAN BE a blur—school projects, sports, stacks of emails and travel plans inching toward Thanksgiving. It’s tempting to save gratitude for the big day at the table and miss the quiet gold in everything leading up to it.
The prize isn’t what we accomplish occasionally; it’s found in what we do daily—and how we do it. When we approach ordinary tasks with a whole heart, purpose shows up. But forces try to steal that purpose.
Three familiar forces try to steal that purpose:
The Pillow – comfort. Comfort says, “When life is easier, then I’ll be grateful.” But easy rarely grows a family or a career. Small, chosen stretches—rising ten minutes earlier, listening before lecturing, showing up even when we’re tired—build a different kind of strength.
The Shiny Thing – distractions. Notifications and overfull calendars fracture attention. The antidote isn’t guilt; it’s intention. Name what matters this week—two family dinners, one protected evening with your partner, an uninterrupted hour for homework help—and let that focus set the tempo.
The Towel – quitting. When budgets pinch or relationships feel stuck, we want to throw in the towel. Better: pick it up, wipe the sweat, take that next faithful step. I’m
thankful for those who didn’t quit on me. So let’s send the hard text, ask for help, then try again tomorrow. Tiny acts done consistently are how homes, teams, and neighborhoods are built.
Passion often follows purpose. Don’t wait to “feel it” before you bring your best; bring your best, and that feeling often catches up. That perspective turns repetition into meaningful service: coaching the team, answering emails with integrity, choosing patience in traffic, reading the same book (again) because small
eyes are learning who we are, not just what we say.
Great wisdom puts it this way: “Whatever you do, do it with a whole heart.”
This month—these meetings, these rides to practice, that messy kitchen—can be sacred. As Thanksgiving approaches, don’t reserve gratitude for one Thursday. Let it leak into the car line, the group chat, the late-night cleanup. Rejoice in this day, not because it’s easy, but because it counts. Live like that, and the grind becomes a gift.
TRY IT THIS MONTH:
•The Gratitude Jar: Each night in November, everyone adds one note. Read them aloud on Thanksgiving.
•Three Good Things at Dinner: Go around the table—one win, one lesson, one thank-you.
•Thank-You Text Tuesday: Send a 2-sentence appreciation to a teacher, friend, or coworker.
•Screen Free Hour: One hour, phones away. Walk, play a board game, or nap.
•Serve Together: Pick one small act— food drive, porch pickup for a neighbor, or a coffee for a tired cashier.
•Fifteen-Minute Tidy: Set a timer, team clean, high-five. Done.
