Battling Mental Monsters and Finding Hope on Page 11

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AUGUST 2018 The Artist: Volume 3 | Issue 7 Battling Mental Monsters and Finding Hope on page 11

CREATOR MINDSET: BEHIND THE SCENE: RETHINK LIFE: HOW TO TAME NEW COLUMN!! IN THIS ISSUE WASTED TALENT RESOURCES FOR TEENS YOUR TEMPER ASK LADY NONA: WHERE IS 9 19 E12 MY VILLAGE? E13 LOCAL LEADERS, 4 BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE, 6 FEATURES, 12 HEALTH & WELLNESS, 18 EDUCATION, 25 EVENTS & ACTIVITIES, E2 FOOD & DRINKS E4 LIFESTYLE E6 SPORTS & FITNESS E14 ARTS & CULTURE E19

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CREATIVELY AND INDEPENDENTLY PRODUCED BY THE RESIDENTS OF LAKE NONA I Love My Job Publishers Rhys & Jenny Lynn BY RHYS LYNN Lead Web Developer Michael Perez I’ve said it before, but I never imagined I’d have a newspaper. What an Editor-in-Chief interesting thing for a self-professed Elaine Vail tech-nerd to get involved in. It’s Lead Content Developer an anachronism in some ways, but there’s something intangible that pro- Nicole LaBosco vides value and drives engagement in Multimedia Specialist the people who read it. Maybe it’s the Brielle Perez fact that it is tangible -- something that you can physically hold in a world Staff Writers/Reporters We had the opportunity to ask Deepak Chopra what he thought about Lake Nona that is increasingly focused on the on- ... video coming soon! Brittany Bhulai, Linda Carvin, Vanessa Poulson, line and virtual world. That’s the part Sophia Rogers I love -- I feel like what we do has im- I love helping to drive awareness for There’s something about the journal- pact, purpose, meaning and value. local charities. Stories about charities ism field that draws people who truly Contributing Writers in need of help, announcing their up- want to be in that environment. Some Nir Bashan, Deborah Bullen, Chris Clark, Sharon I love connecting with our commu- coming events, and covering notable people want to grow up to be astro- nity. My wife, Jenny, and I brought Fuentes, Rodney Gage, Dr. Deborah C. German, Dr. charity groups in the area are some nauts, firefighters, or police. Others Richard O. Gregory, Amber Harmon, Travis Jacob, our family here as an investment op- of my very favorite things that we want to grow up and be journalists. Katie Jasiewicz, Matt Troy Jones, Abigale Lewis, portunity. We had no idea we’d be bring to our audience. Lake Nona has We’ve been incredibly lucky to attract Donald Long, Debra Lowe, Gem Marie Micheo, Dr. pulled into such an amazing network proven to be a very engaged, consci- some amazing, passionate, talented Vladimir Neychev, Daniel Pyser, Edward Rodri- of friends and neighbors. The fact that entious, and giving community. We people. From people who are still in guez, Dr. Ledy Rojas, Jessica Scully, Valerie Sisco, we’re able to help tell the story of this do all we can to help spread the word school for journalism to people who Samia Solh, Odette Vaccaro, Aaron Vail, Chris community as it is built is incredibly when help is needed and to acknowl- have worked on major newspapers, White, Dr. Cheryl A. Wood, Suzanne Workum rewarding. We plan on spending a edge when it has been given. we’ve got an amazing (and growing) very long time here and we want to crew. We’re small enough that it feels Copy Editing & Proofreading I love helping local businesses. Wheth- do our best to help make it the most like a family and the pride in their er it’s something as simple as running Nicole LaBosco & Joe Henry outstanding community anyone has work really shows. ever seen. print ads that help residents discover Layout Design local businesses, or I love the potential. When we took Marnie Brophy telling the story of over Nonahood News more than a Graphic Designer business owners in a year ago, I had so many great ideas business spotlight, I to grow and expand our content and Emily Kucala love connecting our reach. How ambitious (and naive) I audience to the great was! The realities of running a print local businesses we publication were lurking there to give Submissions have. I am looking me a sobering dose of reality. With If you have news you would like to share with forward to Small the help of our team, though, we’re your community, visit nonahood.to/stories or Business Saturday poised to begin the next big push. email [email protected]. this year, where we We’ll be moving beyond print media Advertising hope to provide an- and producing even more valuable other great event content to tell the stories that hap- For rates, deadlines, and specifications, visit and an opportunity pen here to our audience and beyond. nonahood.to/ads or email to connect residents Over the last year, we’ve been adding [email protected]. with great local small all of the ingredients we need, one at a businesses. It’ll be time. We’re on the brink of something Nonahood News, LLC is an independent, privately owned company. All submissions become the property of Nonahood the Saturday after great, and I can’t wait to see what our News, LLC. All rights reserved. No portion of this paper may be Thanksgiving. Save team can produce. reprinted without permission of publisher. All advertisements, announcements, and articles submitted are subject to refusal that date! or editing at publisher’s discretion. © 2018. Our Nonahood News Family Portrait — Serious Journalism at Its Finest! I love our staff.

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pies are stopping the cells in their tracks. cer cells, an effort The machines, called the CELLSEARCH that has earned Med School System, have been FDA-approved since her the nick- 2004 and remain the gold standard for name of “cancer Can See, Count isolating and counting individual circu- assassin.” lating tumor cells in blood. The College In 2012, she dis- Cancer Cells in of Medicine is only the second research covered a pep- entity in Florida with the machines. A gift tide called CT20 from the Catherine McCaw-Engelman that kills meta- Blood Thanks and Family Cancer Research Collabora- static cancer tive Fund made the purchase possible. The cells. The peptide To Patient’s other CELLSEARCH system is at the Mof- disrupts chaper- fitt Cancer Center in Tampa. onin, a protein Family Dr. Annette Khaled, who leads the College that prompts the of Medicine’s cancer research division, folding mecha- nism inside can- BY DR. DEBORAH C. GERMAN, M.D. recently began using the machines to test Ana Carr, Ph.D., a scientist in the College of Medicine’s Cancer Research Division, works blood samples from 48 women with meta- cer cells. If the with the college’s new CELLSEARCH equipment. PHOTOS COURTESY UCF COLLEGE inner workings OF MEDICINE static breast cancer who are being treated of the cell can’t at Orlando Health’s UF Cancer Center. Engelman. “We now have the technology fold into 3D units, the cell dies. The first stage of Dr. Khaled’s research is to analyze cancer in that tube of blood. to isolate and count the number of circu- Dr. Khaled’s previous studies have shown We couldn’t think of a better way to honor lating tumor cells in the patient’s blood to that the higher a patient’s levels of chap- Beth and to give back.” evaluate the progress the cancer is making. eronin, the sicker they are. One goal of the The technology is so advanced it can de- The next step will be to study the makeup new CELLSEARCH technology is to docu- tect as few as two circulating tumor cells in of the cells and how they respond to a new ment the levels of chaperonin in the cir- one milliliter (1/5 of a teaspoon) of blood. therapy Dr. Khaled has developed through culating cancer cells before and after the funding from the Breast Cancer Research peptide treatment. Levels of five tumor cells in a sample are considered evidence of metastatic cancer. Foundation. Elizabeth (Beth) McCaw-McKinney’s fam- Detecting the number of circulating tumor “There are thousands and thousands of ily said they were inspired to donate funds cells in the blood can warn doctors that a cells in a drop of blood,” Dr. Khaled ex- for the machine after their sister died of patient’s cancer is spreading – before they plained. “But before technology like the colon cancer in 2017. McCaw-McKinney have symptoms. CELLSEARCH system, we couldn’t see was the family “rock,” the one who always “What I want to do is get these guys,” Dr. these circulating tumor cells on their jour- ate healthily and loved spin classes at the Khaled said of the spreading cancer cells. ney through the body. Now, we can isolate YMCA. She was the picture of health, they “Thanks to this generous gift, we are one individual circulating tumor cells and cap- said, but was terrified to get a colonoscopy. step closer to stopping cancer.” Dr. Deborah German ture them as they go from point a to point She finally scheduled one but canceled the b. Once we isolate these cells, it opens the day before the procedure. When McCaw- On a computer screen, the enemy is a mis- door to more study.” McKinney finally had a colonoscopy at age shapen neon-colored blob – a metastatic 52, doctors found Stage 4 colon cancer. cell that’s spreading cancer to the lungs, Physicians know that metastatic or spread- Deborah German, M.D. is the Vice ing cancer cells are what cause death in They gave her three months to live. Mc- brain and liver. Thanks to a donation from Caw-McKinney lived three years. President for Medical Affairs and a Winter Park cancer patient’s family, UCF most cancer patients because such cells Founding Dean of the UCF College of College of Medicine researchers now have invade key organs like the brain and lungs. Throughout her cancer battle, McCaw- Medicine. To learn more, machines that can isolate, photograph and They can appear even years after the origi- McKinney urged everyone she knew and visit med.ucf.edu. count these cancer cells from a single tube nal tumor has been removed through sur- everyone she met to get a colon cancer of blood. With the technology, scientists gery or chemotherapy. Dr. Khaled’s spe- screening. “From the point she received can see if the cancer cells are spreading cialty is breast cancer, and her goal is to her diagnosis, Beth was all about early de- from the original tumor and if new thera- find ways to destroy metastatic breast can- tection,” said her sister, Catherine McCaw-

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www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 4 | AUGUST 2018 • Club membership is a distinguished Paul Harris Fellow. The • Attendance Paul Harris Fellow recognition acknowl- Rotary Update: edges individuals who contribute, or who • Member of our Rotary club for at least have contributions made in their name, of Jason Palinkas one full year $1,000 or more to The Rotary Foundation • Member in good standing of Rotary International. He is an amazing father, a loving husband, a brother, a Lake Named • Involvement with service projects Nona resident, an upstanding neighbor Rotarian of the • Involvement with fundraising projects and the founder of JP Capital. • Additional club activities that help to What is JP Capital? strengthen the camaraderie of the club Year 2017-2018 Founded in 2013 by Jason Palinkas, JP • Contribute to the day-to-day workings Capital Realty Inc. is Orlando’s boutique of the club real estate brokerage specializing in pro- BY GEM MICHEO, PRESIDENT, • Leadership and recruitment viding a unique, end-to-end buying or ROTARY CLUB OF LAKE NONA selling experience. The magic behind the LUNCH • Worked on a committee for the club JP Capital experience is Palinkas’ com- • An active leadership role within mitment to matching his clients with the the club house of their dreams and his philosophy that good is not good enough. Your house • Brings visitors and/or candidates for needs to be “just perfect.” JP Capital is not membership to the club just a broker, but a partner who will be by • An active participant in the club’s an- your side guiding you through the process nual membership drive from initial consultation through post- close and beyond. • Participated in or helped to facilitate a District or RI (Rotary International) Special Rotary Thanks to PBM program Who is Jason Palinkas? Specialties and Nona Social This annual award is designated for one Jason Palinkas is an outstanding club Thank you to all the amazing local compa- Rotarian in our club who clearly stands member; he has made significant -contri nies that open their doors and volunteer out by demonstrating "service above self" butions to the mission and operation of our services to our Rotary Club. I want to spe- and has a principled commitment to the club. Palinkas exhibits “service above self” cifically thank PBM Specialties and Nona four-way test. in his daily activities, promotes Rotary by Social for helping us host our first “Rotary his actions as well as his involvements and Rocks Social.” PBM Specialties is a commercial sign company that does extraordinary signs and custom awards. Nona So- cial is a local restaurant that has become the preferred place to hang out while in Lake Nona. Both have provided uncanny support to our mission and for that Rotary Gem Micheo, President, Rotary Club of Lake thanks you. Nona Lunch

Being a member of a Rotary club does not For additional information on the Rotary make someone a Rotarian, it only makes Club of Lake Nona Lunch, visit them a member of a specific club. A- Ro www.lakenonarotary.org or call tarian volunteers tirelessly to help the club (407) 720-0614. Meetings are held on the achieve its goals, acts with high ethical second and fourth Tuesdays at 11:45 a.m. standards and participates in the club’s at the Ronald McDonald House, 13551 community projects both locally and in- Nemours Pkwy., Orlando, FL, 32827. ternationally. The Rotary Club of Lake Nona Lunch is proud to announce Jason Palinkas as the Rotarian of the Year 2017-2018. 7) 962-6888. What does it take to be nominated for Rotarian of the Year? Jason Palinkas, Rotarian of the Year 2017-2018

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Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity. Property information herein is derived from various sources including, but not limited to, county records and multiple listing services, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate.

www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 5 | AUGUST 2018 BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE

haircut, either,” says Sawyer. assist her team members and seeing them The Sport Clips signature service is an develop as people. She Business MVP, and It includes a precision haircut, states, “I’ve also given the hot steamed towel wrap treatment, a - tea tree shampoo massage and a neck and that financial opportu Spotlight: Sport nity to my team mem- shoulder massage treatment, all four of bers, my employees. which costs only $25 and takes just a lit- I’ve had team mem- Clips Coming tle under 30 minutes. Sport Clips even bers buy cars, buy offers a bonus for all new clients. Anyone their own house, [and] Soon to Lake who is walking in for the first time gets the move out on their own. MVP upgrade service at no charge, a free Just watching them $5 value. That means all first-time clients Nona grow and mature and receive the Sport Clips signature MVP ser- having the ability to vice for the price of a regular haircut ser- earn an income and ARTICLE BY BRITTANY BHULAI vice. Sport Clips also offers beard detailing support themselves PHOTOS COURTESY OF and a complimentary neck trim in between is rewarding.” SPORT CLIPS haircut visits. The company owns While Sport Clips features “guy-smart” nearly 1,800 stores in stylists, all clients are welcome. In fact, the U.S. and Canada. Sawyer herself is no stranger to being a cli- Nine of Sawyer’s stores are located in Rich- ent at her own stores. “My two daughters To keep a tab on promotions or to mond, Va., while 11 are located in Florida. get their hair cut there. I’ve gotten my hair find a store near you, visit sportclips. Her current Florida store locations in- cut there many times,” she says. It is also a com. To get updates on the Lake Nona clude Waterford Lakes Town Center and welcoming place for children and seniors. location that is coming soon, visit one near University Boulevard. Sawyer SportClips.com/FL219 or follow the The founder, Gordon Logan, opened is working on three more Florida stores Facebook page: Sport Clips Haircuts of the franchise’s first store back in 1993as shein continues to expand from Orlando Orlando - Lake Nona. Austin, Texas. His mission, as stated on to Tampa. sportclips.com, is to give clients a “championship haircut experience in an exciting sports-themed environment.” Sawyer says Sport Clips invests a lot of effort and dedication into their staff. She mentions that when one comes out of beauty school, there is not much training done on the barbering side. Therefore, the company spends a lot of time providing additional classes for their team members. Stylists’ skills are further sharpened in men's hairstyling and trends. “That way, they are better prepared to handle all male clients that walk in the door,” Sawyer adds. Sawyer has been a Sport Clips franchise Debra Sawyer owner for over 12 years now, and she does not see herself going anywhere else any- Sport Clips Haircuts franchise owner De- time soon. Being an absentee owner is not bra Sawyer is opening up her 21st store her cup of tea. She visits all of her stores in here in Lake Nona on August 7, 2018. The Virginia and Florida frequently. Soon, she store will be located on Narcoossee Road will be moving to Florida from Virginia in front of Wal-Mart and near Firehouse to guide the future stores and help them Subs. Residents can expect a quality hair- grow. She says that her “word of the year” cut experience at a reasonable price and for 2018 is “embrace.” She is embracing can check in online to reduce any poten- her work, her two daughters, and all of the tial wait time in the store. “Most men don’t opportunities that might come. want to be in a salon for a whole hour or longer, but they don’t want a five-minute In addition to satisfied customers, Sawyer also finds a warm feeling in being able to

Lagoon – and adjacent Nona Growth: to USTA National Cam- pus and KPMG, lot sizes Lake Nona Golf will range from 70 to 85 & Country Club feet wide. In May, Tavistock Devel- opment Company filed BY SOPHIA ROGERS a Specific Parcel Master

Plan with the City of Or- After more than 30 years of delivering high-quality living in Orlando, Lake Nona lando for this first phase of development on 102 acres Golf & Country Club plans to expand with (Lot 2 within Parcel 10) the addition of 54 estate home lots. Plans for 54 estate homes. Tavis- are to include exclusive access to the high- - ly anticipated man-made lagoon. tock also filed a Prelimi nary Plat for two residen- Situated along the southern side of Lake tial parcels and a future Nona – between the planned 250-room development tract within Lake Nona Resort and its 11-acre Crystal Lake Nona Parcel 10b. According to Lake Nona Resort is located along the shores of Lake Nona within the master-planned community’s growing Sports & Performance Lake Nona Re- District, which is home to Johnson & Johnson, KPMG, and USTA (Credit: Tavistock Development Company). alty marketing materials, “Ex- clubhouse with an 18-room lodge, bath today has about 300 luxury homes. pansion plans include the addi- and racquet club with all-inclusive fitness and tennis facilities, a resort-style, lake- tion of luxury condominiums, Sophia Rogers is a six-year Lake Nona custom homes and a lake club side pool, and year-round children’s pro- area resident and Realtor/founder of on the beaches of the crystal gramming.” NonaHomeGuide.com. A wife and mom of four, family, relationships lagoon. Members will enjoy Access to the private community will in- and real estate are her passions. She can not only these new amenities clude a gated entrance off Wellspring be reached at but all the benefits club mem- Drive, providing access on the west, and [email protected]. bers currently enjoy, including an extension of Cromwell Road will branch a premier championship golf from the northeast corner into the existing course, 40,000-square-foot Golf and Country Club community, which

www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 6 | AUGUST 2018 this day. At the halfway point, the climb- cated frequently and clearly to everyone municate the plan, see results from the ing had already taken a huge toll on my about the process every step of the way. plan, and yet still go through tough times Fitness and legs. I stopped for 10 minutes to rest at the When we were ready to share the results, while working the plan. Don’t get discour- checkpoint, where I grabbed my special I met with each employee individually aged and remember part one of this series, Organizational needs bag and quickly consumed a cold along with their director. Everyone was re- “Keep Your Eye on the Goal,” and when Mountain Dew and king-sized Snickers ceptive and thankful for the work we did, the going gets tough, just keep going. If Culture, Part bar (don’t judge, it worked for me!) before except for one person. That person sat in you do, you will be surprised at the support you will get coming from the people continuing on for the second 56 miles … of my office and called me a liar and saidI Two: When long hills. was not being fair and was not following around you. That second half was tough. At mile 100, through on what I told everyone we were Stay tuned next month for part three The Going Gets with only 12 miles to go as I was check- going to do. Even though I knew what he of this Fitness and Organizational ing my time and current speed, which was saying was not true, it was still a tough Culture series. Tough, Keep was against the wind and slightly uphill, one for me because I had been trying so it didn’t seem possible that I would make hard to build trust, which would provide the cut-off time and I would likely be get- the foundation for improving the culture. Travis is the founder and chief culture Going ting pulled from the race. The going was The going was tough at that moment, but consultant of Ultimate Synergy, a company based in Lake Nona that consults tough, very tough, and in that time I had I kept going. I had a great team, and we with organizations to help build and to just keep telling myself to keep going all kept going. This individual tried to gain BY TRAVIS JACOB maintain a foundation for a strong and no matter what. I kept going, pedaling as support from his co-workers, but because winning culture by taking care of people One of the best aspects of the Lake Nona hard as I could, checking my watch and the we stayed the course and kept going, no and focusing on team dynamics. community is the design and focus on distance I had left. one would listen to him because they knew Email: [email protected] personal health and fitness together with we were being fair to everyone. Then, at just the right time, a right turn Website: www.ultimatesynergy.net a strong and healthy business and medi- There is not a step-by-step process to this cal community. When it comes to perfor- took me downhill into town. I finished the bike course with only 10 minutes to spare, one. No magic formulas. You can have mance and success, these factors go hand a great plan that focuses on building a in hand. Personal performance is not only but I had finished, and now “only” had a marathon to go. Yes, I finished the race! great culture for your organization, com- beneficial to your personal health, but it is beneficial to the health of your business Building and main- or organization as well. This article is the taining a winning or- second in a four-part series on just four ganizational culture of the principles I have learned and teach can be very tough at from iron distance racing related to build- times. Dealing with ing and maintaining a winning culture in issues that come organizations. along with the business can be hard Principle Number Two: When the enough, but add in Going Gets Tough, Keep Going. the “people” factor In 2010, I completed the Silverman iron and the road can get distance triathlon in Henderson, Nev., just really tough. outside of Las Vegas. What made this race I worked on a pro- unique and also very difficult was the bike ject at a company course. The 112-mile course was in the where I was put in Mojave Desert, which has hills with long charge of building a climbs. All total, there was 10,000 feet of winning culture. We climbing. Very. Long. Climbing! I trained were trying to build on hills, so I was ready, but I’m still not a trust in what was a great climber. Consistent and steady, just very toxic environ- not fast. ment. We were try- With the amount of climbing, this was ing our best to make the toughest bike course I had ever raced sure everyone was on. Each stage of an iron distance triath- treated fairly relat- lon has a time cut-off. If you don’t make ing to pay range for it by the cut-off, you are pulled from the each position. A race and your day is over. I had never had market study had an issue finishing a bike course … until been completed, and we had communi-

www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 7 | AUGUST 2018 have other skills in addi- Creator tion to what you are an expert in. Mindset: It is simply not good enough to be a brilliant Wasted Talent surgeon anymore. Sure, you might have some BY NIR BASHAN incredible expertise and lengthy training and the gift of precision, but if you cannot appeal to a patient on a human level – or connect with them in a way that allows them to understand the procedure or predicted outcome – then your talent is wasted. Now, this might come as a shock to some folks. We are taught that the more Nir Bashan we excel in one specific path in life, the better. We are taught this by I have a friend who is a brilliant carpen- colleges and universities ter. He truly has a gift. He does high-end across the country, yet it wood finishing for private homes. His is all a lie. work is incredible. We are talking some In order to harness the your assumption of what makes someone very intricate finishes that are amazing to power of the Creator Mindset, we must re- “good” at their job. see in person. His manipulation of wood alize that being an expert is important. But Nir Bashan is an executive creative is second to none. His use of stain makes Now, I wonder how many of us are like my equally important is a whole host of other director/managing director with over the woodwork come alive. Woodcraft has carpenter friend? I know that from time to related skills in the journey along the way. always come easy to him, and he had gone time I am. And how many of us are really 18 years of advertising, entertainment to school for it, becoming an expert at My carpenter friend simply cannot main- good at that one thing and insist that the and business development experience. tain work on a regular basis because he fine woodworking. His website reads like world accept it as it is, with no supporting He helps teach folks in non-creative a best hits of some of the most advanced understands little about client service or skills around the expertise? Like the kid woodworking you have ever seen. the constraints of working on a schedule. who graduates from college and shows up fields how to think creatively to solve While his work is great, he is often doing for an interview saying, “Hire me. I have a problems. He leads workshops and Yet, there is a problem here. He is unem- what he feels is best and not what the cli- degree, therefore, I am an expert.” ployed. lectures on topics relating to The Creator ent wants. He is rude to customers, talks I think it’s a dangerous position to be in. Mindset. He is publishing a book on The You see, in our race to get super special- over people, cannot tolerate mediocrity, I think it’s a dangerous position for our - and has no patience for late deliveries or Creator Mindset, which will be released ized in one very specific thing, we have for country to be in. Specializing is important. gotten that being an expert at something incorrect orders. His way is the only way. Being an expert is critical. But without ex- soon. Visit nirbashan.com for more is only the beginning. In this day and age, And his way is best. perience and supporting skills – especially information. it is no longer good enough to be an ex- Yet he’s often baffled as to why he is not with an ability to connect with people – pert at any one thing. What I mean here working because he is so good at what he this talent is shamefully wasted. is that, in order to earn success, you must does. But I challenge you to re-evaluate

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We came Freedom downstairs and out of the house. Almost ceremoniously, the bird was released … phewww! BY EDWARD A. RODRIGUEZ The little bird could not distinguish the difference between shiny objects and the What are you at- path to freedom. On a couple of occasions, tracted to that is the opportunity to escape was just a few distracting you feet away, but the lure of the shiny attrac- from your best tion was so strong that, instead of pursu- work, your better ing freedom, it got deeper and further self, and even youraway from it and, had it not been for an freedom? outside influence, this sparrow would have remained hostage of its own instincts. While living in New York, right before In the same way, we as humans are at- sunset, I was arriving tracted to shiny objects that distract us home, opened the ga- from becoming our best and from freeing Edward A. Rodriguez rage, parked the car ourselves from those things that hold us • What is this attraction/distraction cost- Edward A. Rodriguez is a coach, co- and before closing it, I back. Contrary to the bird, however, we of- ing you? author and transformational trainer. He heard something. I stayed quiet and heard ten DO see the door to freedom. We know • What don't you have in your life right is founder and CEO of Better Graphics it again. All of a sudden, there it was. A what we should be doing and we are aware now that you would have otherwise? (a promotional products company) and bird. A house sparrow that somehow made of what we should not be doing, but we al- In-Powerment! Center (an international its way into the garage. low the bright light of the instant gratifica- • How do you feel about it? training company for productivity and tion to blind us and to keep our true poten- I started walking toward it in such a way • What can you do about it? personal development). He is an NLP, tial hostage. that, if trying to escape, it would go toward • What will you start doing about it now? HNLP, and neuro-strategy certified the big, open garage door … but it did not. Passing the doors of freedom requires per- trainer. He has many certifications as a Instead, it flew toward a closed window on sonal responsibility. It requires that you To an extent, the bird did not have a choice life and executive coach, serving clients the side of the garage that faces the street allow yourself to be comfortable being un- … it was following its own instincts. The in different countries. Edward has de- through which you could still see a glimpse comfortable while you pursue the bigger bird could not observe or critique its own veloped internationally known transfor- of what was left of the daylight. The bird light of a brighter future. behavior, but we are not little birds. We mational programs and has co-authored are the thinker behind our thoughts and kept trying to fly through the glass notre books like “La Biblia de la Motivación” the doer behind our actions. alizing that, just a few feet away, there was What shiny objects are you attracted (“The Bible About Motivation”) and the path to freedom. to which distract you from becoming We don't have to wait for an external force “Empowered,” which was co-written your best self? Quietly, I walked toward the window to to motivate us. We don't have to wait for with other authors such as Wayne W. help direct the distressed sparrow to the When I ask this question in my seminars, illness to kick in. We don't have to wait for Dyer, John Assaraf (from the movie The garage door again. This time, it noticed I receive responses such as social media, financial difficulties. We don't have to wait Secret), Brian Tracy, etc. For more infor- something else that was shining … a light sleeping late, watching TV, constant phone for our important relationships to be bro- mation, call 1-888-2-IN-POWER or write bulb in the laundry room on the opposite notifications, a new idea, the new tech ken. We can choose now to cross the door to [email protected]. side. It flew toward it, circled it a couple gadget that just came out, playing Candy and embrace freedom. of times and then flew to another shiny Crush, etc. Your distractions may or may How far will you allow your wings to take you? object, the chandelier in the dining room not be similar, but either way, consider the past the kitchen. following:

Get Traction: 136 Issues

BY CHRIS WHITE, CERTIFIED EOS IMPLEMENTER, TRACTION IN FLORIDA

In business, we’re constantly bombarded with issues: company issues, department issues, and people issues. When you think about it, on average, we’re probably dealing with 136 issues every single day. In order to handle them quickly, most leaders and man- Chris White agers pick the easiest ones to do first, while ignoring the more complex or tougher ones. These leaders end up spending twice the amount of time on what they thought were going to be easy and fast issues, while pushing the more important issues to the corner of their desk, left ignored. The problem is, the important issues could actually sink your company if avoided for too long. If this sounds familiar, don’t despair, I have the solution. It’s called compartmentalization, and you can sort and prioritize your issues into four that have to be resolved this quarter. In buckets: the seven-day bucket, place the issues that Chris is a successful entrepreneur, author 1. One Year have to be addressed this week. And finally, and head coach at Traction in Florida. in the parking lot bucket, place the issues He’s passionate about helping entre- 2. 90 Days that are on hold until next quarter. preneurs get what they want from their 3. Seven Days You’ll find compartmentalizing a simple business. Learn more at but powerful tool to help you take control . 4. Parking Lot (long-term issues) www.tractioninflorida.com and stop ignoring the important issues. Here’s how it works: In the one-year bucket, place the issues that have to be addressed this year, but not now. In the 90-day bucket, place the issues

www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 10 | AUGUST 2018

FEATURES

as mental disorders. NHN: Which of your art- The Artist: NHN: What inspired you to cre- work/sculp- ate the Mental Disorder Monsters tures would Battling Mental sculpture line? you consider NC: I was inspired to create my monsters to be your fa- due to my interest of the human mind and vorites? (Pick Monsters and how it works, as well as the fact that I have a top three.) many people close to me that suffer from NC: It is always Finding Hope these monsters you see. After knowing difficult to pick people so long and seeing how the mind which of my ARTICLE BY NICOLE LABOSCO affects them, I knew something had to sculptures is be done to get these creatures more well PHOTOS COURTESY OF NICOLET considered my known. People always skip to the excuse of CARSON favorite, though telling victims of mental disorders I feel as though that it’s “all in their head” without I can pick a top seeming to realize that being “all three somewhat in their head” is the issue. With the easier than one mind being the most complex or- single piece. I Nicolet working on the Anorexia sculpture about a year and a half ago. gan in the human body, it isn't as believe that my simple as putting a Band-Aid over top three sculp- NC: My goals are simply to help others it and calling it a day. It is some- tures would be that of PTSD, a bull-like and leave an impact on those who knew thing that must be worked with, beast with a lion’s mane and four pure me. I wish to bring forth conversations and people need to learn this and white eyes, Selective Mutism, a small that people are too worried to touch upon understand it. mouse creature with bare skin and fused in a healthy and intriguing way so peo- lips, and last but not least, Schizophrenia. ple do not need to feel like topics such as NHN: How long have you I would discuss him further, but he is cur- mental health need to stay silent. Those been sculpting and creating rently being worked on, and I intend on who suffer from the monsters in their own art? keeping this creature’s design a bit of a mind need to know that it is perfectly fine NC: I have been sculpting since mystery until the sculpture’s release. the age of 14, but I had made mi- (Carson doesn’t have an expected release Bipolar Disorder: A chameleon-themed reptile with multiple colors nor clay projects since I was five. date for Schizophrenia as of yet, but she is on his skin. It had only become serious once I about halfway done with the sculpture at had started high school. the time of this interview.)

“My hope lies in the thought that by look- NHN: How often do you find your- NHN: Which of your projects were ing at these creatures, those who struggle self creating art? the most time-consuming/challenging and why? to feel safe or at home in their own minds NC: I do not sculpt all that often, but I do can realize this: You are not a victim draw, paint and sketch at least once a day. NC: My most time-consuming of my pro- of a mental disorder. You are a per- I also create jewelry pieces in some of my jects would have to be Paranoia. Paranoia son with a story, a life, and battle scars free time. is a cat-like creature whose body has been who just so happens to have a monster on reduced to that of a spring. His body de- their mind.” NHN: Is art something you plan on fies gravity as it stays in this curled shape Meet Nicolet Carson, an intuitive and driv- studying in further education or is and has been broken multiple times in the en young lady who, currently just 19 years it just a hobby for you? What do you process of making him. Luckily, he has old, had her Mental Disorder Monsters been modified to be a bit sturdier than sculpture line featured by the Men- he was in the past, and we have learned tal Health Association at its Legacy of how to transport him properly without Champions Luncheon, held right here in the possibility of his back shattering. Lake Nona. Carson was born and raised NHN: What are some of your in Oviedo and is wise beyond her years. dream projects? She spent days researching specific disorders and was able to pick apart each NC: I dream of continuing my line of OCD: A dark brown creature with bark going down his individual disorder and shape it into the mental disorder monsters, as well as spine and marionette handles hanging from his hands. monsters in the Mental Disorder Mon- branching out to more sters line. lessons I hope to teach others. I have plenty “By creating these pieces, I do not intend of ideas and designs to just show healthy-minded people that I plan on bringing what it is like to live with a disorder but PTSD: A bull-like creature with a lion's mane. to the light once the also to help those who do fight to keep a time is right. steady mind. These physical representa- tions of mental disorders are meant to help NHN: What serves as those who are ailed,” stated Carson. “By your inspiration on a seeing a physical representation, I hope day-to-day basis? to help them come to terms with knowing what it is they are facing while also show- NC: My inspiration ing that it can be defeated. That no matter comes from those who how tough or scary it may seem, that there surround us on a day- is always hope.” Carson continued, “Hope to-day basis. People are is a common theme in this line of my inspiration, not just pieces. With a white space on each piece, the ones we see on TV or I am able to show you where it is that hope hear on the radio, but the lies in each of these monsters.” ones we pass as we walk down the street, the ones Misophonia: A dragon-like creature with scratched-out eyes. Nonahood News set out to discover more we see as we shop in the about Carson and her Mental Disorder mall, those who have a Monsters. voice but aren't always heard. to find help. It is not a sign of weakness but that of strength for being able to go to NHN: What drove you to become an NHN: Which artists would you say someone and help yourself and others. artist? When did you realize creat- you share a vision with? ing art and sculptures were your Those interested can connect with Carson passions? NC: I did not go into this field trying to on Instagram @names_shouldnt_matter. share a vision with other artists, but there NC: Ever since I was just a little kid, I have “You are more than your disorder and with are many artists who create art to show time and hard work, one day you can been creating art. Of course, the pieces I their views and to bring light to the top- Selective Mutism: A mouse-like creature with make your mental disorder a victim made as a kid were nothing extraordinary, ics that they find important. It is the great- but they were the start to something far glowing eyes and ears. of you. Stay strong and believe in your- est power that artists hold; once you are self, do not be afraid of asking for help. more important in the long run. It wasn't known or have a following of sorts, you until I was in high school that I realized These creatures are scary to fight, butyou want to do as a career? have the chance to make a difference for are never alone.” I can do more than doodle in my sketch- the best. Not everyone takes this chance, books and actually make a difference. -Af NC: I am planning on taking my art fur- but I intend on doing so. ter taking an art class that specializes in ther. I hope to one day get into the field NOMINATE AN ARTIST three-dimensional art, I had started to fall of art therapy so I can show others the NHN: What style/form of art is your in love with the medium of clay and papier- healing properties of art and get them to favorite to create? We are looking for interesting artists mâché. After three years of the class, I was open up while creating something beauti- who live in the Nonahood to be featured. NC: Although I am not the best at this yet, able to move up to an Advanced Placement ful and meaningful. If I am unable to reach If you or someone you know should be this goal, I still plan to stay with art. With I am a fan of creating sculptures and piec- [program] level. It was in this AP class that nominated to be a Nonahood News Fea- I had created the Mental Disorder Mon- sculptures and paintings being a large part es with the intent of looking both realistic tured Artist, send your nomination to sters, and I continue to design them to this of my life, I intend to move higher up in yet grotesque. It is fun to create something day, creating more sculptures that I will this field and sell my art while continuing that looks as if it can fit within this world nonahood.to/artist. bring to the light soon. I have plenty more to spread the messages I find important while also bending the norms of reality. monsters in store, and I hope to continue for others to know, such as the impor- bringing attention to the monsters known tance of mental health and getting help. NHN: Future goals/plans?

www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 12 | AUGUST 2018 Local Family Donates $100,000 to The National Fisher House Foundation

ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY BRITTANY BHULAI

A local family donated $100,000 to the National Fisher House Foundation on July 2. The check was presented at the Orlando Fisher House, where the donor (who preferred to remain unnamed) spoke of her son who, in 2007, was a patient at Brooke Medical Army Center located in San Anto- nio, Tex. Her husband also was a veteran. When her son was receiving medical care, she was a guest at the Fisher House in San Antonio for about five months. She was impressed by how caring and accommo- dating the staff was. They truly went out of cake that was brought by the Fisher House their way to meet the needs of every guest. Foundation in honor of her contribution. “I saw young women with babies with hus- Others in attendance included members bands that have been wounded, and they from the board of directors of Friends of were there for long periods, and I can’t im- Fisher House Orlando. She also carried agine what they would have done if they with her a framed photo of her husband, didn't have Fisher House available. So, it who had passed away. made me realize Fisher House serves a Orlando Fisher House Manager Terri very, very important function,” stated the Turner expressed that she is very grateful donor. for the donation and that it means a lot to She went on to say that it would have been her. Since the donation was placed toward the national foundation, it will go toward a massive financial burden if she had to stay in a hotel room. Additionally, stay- construction costs of Fisher Houses that ing elsewhere would have taken away the are still being built in the United States. convenience of her being right next to the Currently, there are 38 houses under con- hospital that her son was in. Being walking struction across the nation. Since the do- distance from the medical center was one nor lives in Port Orange and her son lives less thing to worry about. Having a place in Oviedo, Orlando Fisher House was the that felt “home-like” to come back to after closest location for the family to present spending hours in the hospital was more their donation. than she could ask for. Her experience There is also a plaque that is placed in each placed the Fisher House Foundation num- Fisher House that gives credit to the do- ber one on her donor list. nors and their donations toward the Fish- After the presentation of the check, the er House Foundation. “It makes me feel donor went into the kitchen area of the great … knowing the community support is there,” Turner said. Fisher House to make the first cut to a

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www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 13 | AUGUST 2018 For events, membership, and partnership information, visit www.lakenonacc.org

lidify and document policy and procedure for the Chamber before becoming manag- A Note of ing editor of Nonahood News. On Dec. 1, 2017, the Board of Directors hired Don Long, retired Master Gunnery Sergeant Thanks From USMC, who is presently serving as president and CEO of the Chamber. That was The Chamber followed shortly after by the addition of a second administrative coordinator in Jan- uary 2018, Madelyn Long, who brought BY DON LONG, CEO with her more than 16 years of dedicated chamber experience. The Board of Directors and staff of the Lake Nona Regional Chamber of Com- The Chamber is a member of the Florida merce thank the publishers and staff ofAssociation of Chamber Professionals and Nonahood News for this opportunity to the Association of Chamber of Commerce share news and information about the Executives. A Board of Directors governs Chamber of Commerce for the Lake Nona the employee staff, and the Chamber oper- region. This new partnership will allow ates as an IRS 501(c)(6) corporation. Lake Nona readers to acquire important The Chamber is growing almost daily with information and knowledge of subjects an approximate membership today of 245. that affect this quickly-growing region. Some of the major partners include Guide- This monthly section will contain an- Well Innovation Center, Nona.Media, nouncements of: Orlando Utilities Commission, Crunch Fitness (Lake Nona), Ronald McDonald Upcoming events of interest to the members House (Lake Nona), A.Clore Interiors, and the entire community Institute of Aesthetic Surgery, and Earth Rafael Pratts (center), certified business counselor with UCF Florida Small Business Development Center, delivers a brief on the reasons for strategic planning at the Lake Nona Lakehouse on July 11. Starting in July 2018, Pratts will offer free business counseling to Chamber members. Contact the Chamber for more information.

9161 Narcoossee Road Ste 108 Coming Soon!!!! orlando Fl, 32827 (near wawa) 120 Independence Ln Suite A Maitland Fl, 32751 Present this coupon and receive New Location!!!! 945 City Plaza Way =Suite 1011 15%OFFLimit one coupon per customer per visit. Don Long, President | CEO of LNRCC Cannot be combined with other discount. oviedo Fl, 32765 407 CAFE - Exp: 08/31/2018 code: nh1117 Business advocacy efforts undertaken by the Fare supermarket. Lake Nona Regional Chamber of Commerce Chamber monthly events include infor- Who is new to the Chamber along with mational and educational breakfasts and who renewed their investment luncheons in addition to two signature Member-to-member discounts events per year, Nona Chamber Festival (in March) and Taste of Nona (scheduled Chamber committee actions and missions for Oct. 12 this year). Complete event infor- explaining how they affect the region mation is available by visiting the Cham- MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS This section will also occasionally con- ber website at www.LakeNonaCC.org June 1- July 15, 2018 tain notes of interest from Andrea Byrge, and clicking on the “Event Calendar” tab. Chairman of the Board of Directors, or People wishing to attend any of the events Courtyard & Residence Inn by SilzerLaw Chartered Marriott Orlando/Lake Nona Don Long, President/CEO of the Cham- can easily register online for each event. Caliber Home Loans ber. Readers who are not yet familiar with The Chamber website also contains a com- Creative PGM the Lake Nona Regional Chamber of Com- plete and easy-to-use member directory Representative Rene ''Coach P'' Seacoast Bank Plasencia merce (LNRCC) will find this short his- where visitors can research for services or tory of LNRCC and chambers in general products offered by Chamber members. Dream Team Insurance, LLC Fish Window Cleaning - Next interesting. The Chamber board and staff encourage Pro, LLC Nonahood News readers to visit this page Kerinver Chiropractic Health Most chambers of commerce are organ- every month to stay up-to-date with events Parker Realty Group Fine d-Zign Signs ized as not-for-profit membership organi- and business in the area. zations whose goals are usually focused on Fidelity National Title USTA National Campus business development and positive growth Anyone interested in joining the Chamber Cari Rubin Photography, LLC within a certain region, business type or can do so at the website by clicking “Join the ethnic group. Chambers of commerce are chamber” at the top of the page, by emailing [email protected], NEW MEMBERS not government organizations, though June 1- July 15, 2018 most strive to maintain influential- posior calling the Chamber office at (407) 796- tions in business, residential and govern- 2230. Membership levels range from individual person to large corporate involve- Sport Clips Friends of Fisher House - ment arenas. Orlando ment. It is not necessary to own a business Fiesta Time Rentals To Go The LNRCC mission is “To serve the Lake to become involved in the Chamber. In- Stockworth Realty Group - Evan Nona Region by promoting commerce and dividuals wishing to participate can do so Shamrock Auto Body & Service Caulfield providing resources for the benefit of our for a very affordable investment that will Center members and the community.” LNRCC allow them to attend all Chamber events AV Matters was created in 2013 by a volunteer board at the discounted member rate while also NONAride New Home Title, LLC of directors headed by Lidya Gongage, participating in the efforts of the -Cham Vital Realty Group, Inc founder of the Chamber and the annual ber to make the Lake Nona region a great The Law Office of Gretchen M. Taste of Nona event. From then until May place to work and live. Keller Williams Advantage III Ortiz 2017, the Chamber ran under the direction Realty - Dawn Leyva-Mendez Markowitz Communications of volunteer professionals and business Brit Capital Group, Inc owners. During that time, they made sig- The Lake Nona Regional Chamber of FBC Mortgage nificant progress, including growing the Commerce is a membership not-for- Lost Society Media & Marketing MicroGen DX membership to 160 business members, the profit organization with offices located in establishment of several standing board of The Florida Hotel and Eagle Creek Golf Club & The Lake Nona at 6555 Sanger Rd., Orlando, Conference Center directors committees, and the successful FL 32827. Comments or information are Belfry Restaurant creation of both monthly and annual sig- encouraged at My Kids’ Doctor New American Funding nature events. [email protected]. VIP Transportation Group, LLC King Investments Group of The first LNRCC employee, Elaine Vail, Companies was hired by the Board of Directors as ad- Chicken Salad Chick ministrative coordinator in May 2017. Vail Central Florida Children’s Home quickly procured physical office space in Lake Nona Town Center and helped to so-

www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 14 | AUGUST 2018 the 6th annual

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Upcoming Events

Aug 07-Ribbon Cutting at Sport Clips Time: 8:30 AM - 9:15 AM Location: 9971 Tagore Place Ste 2, Orlando, FL 32827

Aug 07-First Tuesdays | Business After Hours at 310 Nona Time: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM Location: 310 Nona - 10785 Narcoossee Rd, Orlando, FL 32832

Aug 09-Breakfast Connections @The Beﬂry, Eagle Creek Golf Club - "Is Your Business Safe?" Time: 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM Location: Eagle Creek Golf Club, 10350 Emerson Lake Blvd, Orlando. FL 32832

Aug 14-Contagious Connecting -"The Big 4 Mindsets Top Networkers Embrace & Rocking Your 60 Second Commercial" Time: 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM Location: Ronald McDonald House, 13551 Nemours Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32827

Aug 24-Business Luncheon @Ronald McDonald House -City Commissioner Jim Gray – “Lake Nona, You Don’t Know the Half of It” Time: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Location: Ronald McDonald House, 13551 Nemours Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32827

Sep 04-First Tuesdays | Exclusive Members-Only After Hours at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club Time: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM Location: Lake Nona Golf & Country Club, 9100 Chiltern Dr, Orlando, FL 32827

www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 15 | AUGUST 2018 body image when comparing themselves and willing to say things they would never your walls or softened your attitude to to those famous individuals, and how the say to your face through the protection of see things from someone else’s perspec- Tough Things images on these social media sites impact a screen? Have you ever dealt with adults tive? When was the last time you put your the male gender, which has yet to have who are so insecure about their appear- phone down and breathed? To Talk About: been deeply assessed. It was discovered ance on and offline that they take their We are an internet generation, and for that though boys are less intent on focus- emotions and project them on to others? as much good as the rise of social media ing on the physical attributes of the celeb- The answer is likely yes. has done for us, it has done just as much #SocialMedia rities photographed, they tend to focus on damage to who we are as a population of As human beings, we’re always trying to the other aspects the celebrity represents, people. Put your phone down, read the show off the best of ourselves. We’ve- be such as wealth, personality or influence. newspaper (maybe even this one!), go ex- BY VANESSA POULSON come obsessed with the idea of an inter- Though I cannot go into many details, my plore something in nature. Life is meant net-based “highlight reel,” where our per- findings in this study were not only- dis for those who take the opportunity to live sona as depicted through the pixels on a turbing to me, but also opened my eyes it themselves, not through the lens of oth- I got my first Instagram account when I to some of the other faults of social media laptop or cellphone mean more to us than turned 13. It was a secret, of course, from ers. We are not robots meant to be plugged and how it impacts the general public on a the person comprised of flesh and bone on my mom, who didn’t like the fact that I was into electronic devices for hours every day. daily basis. the other side. already connected to a world of different You’re a person, not a like count, a fol- The truth is, we've reached a point in our ideas and realities through the screen of I can guarantee that if you take any mode lower ratio, a number on a screen, or any reality where our perception of who and my phone. Yet, I was intrigued with the of transportation, go into any supermarket other arbitrary measure of acceptance or what other people are has become more power of social media, who it could con- or mall, or even look across a restaurant, validation. Don’t forget that. nect me with and how fast. I wanted to you will see someone on their phone with important to us than actually knowing learn about everything that I could on the their thumbs out, lazily scrolling through their story. When was the last time you platform, from teaching my 13-year-old Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. One ob- asked someone to hang out without hav- self how to put on makeup, to pushing the servational moment at a theme park will ing to document it for the internet to boundaries of photography, or venturing allow you to see people lifting their phones see? When was the last time you lowered off to places I would have never even -con up to take a snap (a photo or video) on sidered stepping foot in. Snapchat or dragging a camera out of their bag to vlog the entirety of their vacation. Social media changed the entire game of The number of cameras, surveillance, and what it means to communicate on a daily the ability to gain validation and insight basis, how we connect with one another, on one’s personal perception of the world and what those experiences mean to each through the lens of their phone or cam- and every single one of us. era has made us hyper-aware of other’s In my senior year of high school, I took a thoughts and feelings about us, changing class called AP Research. This class is part the way we communicate. of the two-year AP Capstone program, People around us are changing right be- where students write and research a topic fore our very eyes. Have you met anyone of their choice in the process of writing an old enough to use the internet and social academic paper. For my senior year AP media who isn’t concerned about their Research project, I conducted an experi- like count or number of followers? Have ment and wrote about the power of celeb- you watched as your friends have posted rities and social media in regards to their content bragging about the best aspects of ability to alter an adolescent male’s body their lives, when you know that the reality image. is that they are struggling with self image? The aim of this study was to assess the Have you ever wondered why adults and Lake Nona High School male students’ teenagers alike have become more brash

out there for them. These are possibilities “Pharmacy technician is not a well-known nexions Youth Program hope that the pro- Local Foster they never imagined for themselves.” career path for people. To get to share that gram will expand to other businesses and with somebody is really exciting. It’s re- provide more opportunities to teens. Many of the participating businesses in this program include some notable employ- minded the staff to see things through All the members of the team agreed that Teens Breaking [their] eyes, the excitement and how impor- ers for the area, specifically Lake Nona’s they see this program making a big impact tant what we do is.” Barriers own Nemours Children’s Hospital. Others in the lives of the teenagers participating, include 15 lightyears, Titan Electric, AMB After the success of the first year of the the local community, and far beyond. Rental and Reed Nissan. The participating program, many in both CBCCF and Ca- Through Work teens work up to 40 hours each week and reerSource Central Florida Career Con- earn minimum wage performing Experience and duties similar to that of an entry- level employee. These positions Collaboration range from home energy evalua- tor, auto service technician, pharmacy technician and construction ARTICLE BY VANESSA POULSON site management, among other PHOTO COURTESY NEMOURS career path positions. “We want CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL to help give them the skills necessary to succeed in the future,” said Jason Lietz of CareerSource Cen- There are currently 19,000 children in fos- tral Florida. ter care in Florida. Many of these children and teens are slighted from the opportu- Students for the program are se- nity to learn valuable tools of the trade lected on the basis of being able and pursue higher education in their own to participate in the program individual interests. A group of organiza- and also demonstrate a sense of tions here in Lake Nona and across Central “workforce maturity” and will- Florida are looking to provide these teen- ingness to learn and work in the program. Many of the students agers with a valuable opportunity to refine their skills and carve their own path into have also been selected through the professional world. a partnership with First Star Central Florida Academy, where As of July 16, 17 teens in foster care started many students have been assisted their second week of a four-week summer from the organization since the apprenticeship program designed to teach eighth grade to help prepare them them about careers in the skilled trades. to enter adult life, the workforce, This program is sponsored by The Career and higher education. Other stu- Builder pilot program, designed in partner- dents were selected due to their ship between Community Based Care of age, and, as they transition out Central Florida (CBCCF) and CareerSource of foster care, this apprenticeship Central Florida’s Career Connexions Youth allows them to get the hands-on Program to provide foster youth with an op- experience they need to be suc- portunity for hands-on training in a specific cessful. industry. The hope is that by participating in these internship programs, students will Through the Nemours partner- be inspired to further pursue these indus- ship apprenticeship program spe- tries into higher education and then into cifically, participating teens are the professional world, even though they able to work hands-on with all might have once believed they do not have the different tasks of a pharmacy technician in a hospital setting. access to these fields. Coordinators in the program as- “Typically, when you ask kids in foster care sist the teens with learning the what kind of careers are you interested in, ropes and help refine their work a lot of times we’ll hear ‘police officer’ or in each of the positions. Each ‘social worker’ or ‘attorney,’ just because week of the internship is spent those are the only careers that they know; learning the tools of the trade and it’s the only thing that they’re exposed to, the importance of what pharmacy so their knowledge base is very limited,” technicians do. said Danielle Abbey of CBCCF. “There’s really just that lack of awareness of every- “It’s a really rewarding experience,” thing and the expanse of everything that’s said Angela Folger of Nemours.

www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 16 | AUGUST 2018 No matter where, when or what. We’re here for Lake Nona.

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into the Top 100 for the first time in her professional career. Among her results, USTA: US Open she reached the third round at Indian Wells and qualified for the French Open, where she notched her first Grand Slam To Showcase win before falling in the second round. Highest Level Falconi, Ahn and Min have all played Grand Slam main draws this year and hope to find themselves among the 128 Of Tennis in women competing in New York. America On the men’s side, Frances Tiafoe will make his return to the US Open after taking 20-time Grand Slam champion Roger ARTICLE BY DANIEL PYSER Federer to five sets in the first round of last year’s tournament. This season, the PHOTOS COURTESY USTA 20-year-old has reached a number of mile- stones, including his current career-best August marks the return of the highest lev- ranking of No. 45 and his first ATP title in el of tennis to the U.S., as the North Amer- Delray Beach. He reached the final of the ican hard-court swing begins, culminating ATP event in Estoril, Portugal, the quar- with the US Open in Flushing Meadows, terfinals of the pre-Wimbledon ATP 500 N.Y., beginning on Aug. 27. event in London, the fourth round of the The lead-up to the US Open, known as the Miami Open and the third round of Wim- US Open Series, kicked off for the men in bledon, his best performance at a Grand Atlanta in late July and for the women in Slam tournament to date. San Jose, Calif., the first week of August. He’ll be joined by USTA National Cam- Stops include Cincinnati, Winston-Salem, pus newcomer Mackenzie McDonald, who N.C., New Haven, Conn., as well as Mon- vaulted into the Top 100 after his fourth- treal and Toronto, before the top players round run at Wimbledon in only his third in the world head to the USTA Billie Jean Grand Slam appearance to date. The Cali- King National Tennis Center in New York fornia native, who swept the 2016 NCAA for the year’s final Grand Slam. singles and doubles titles, reached the second round of the Australian Open after A number of the players who will be com- qualifying for the main draw and has one peting in the US Open Series later this ATP Challenger Tour title this year in two summer live in Orlando and train at the finals appearances. He is ranked a career- USTA National Campus in Lake Nona. best No. 80 following Wimbledon. Those with high enough rankings will be directly accepted into the US Open main At No. 133, Bjorn Fratangelo rounds out draw, while the next tier of players will be the crop of Top 200 men who train in Or- given the opportunity to qualify. lando and will be vying for a spot in the US Open main draw. Leading the way for the Orlando contin- gent is Madison Keys, who is ranked No. Also, a number of top-ranked juniors who 12 in the world following Wimbledon. make up the next generation of American Keys, who reached her first career Grandtennis players have spent time training in Slam final at the 2017 US Open, has hadLake Nona and will be competing in the an impressive 2018 campaign, which has US Open Junior Championships. Coco included a quarterfinal performance at the Gauff and Whitney Osuigwe are ranked Australian Open and a career-best semifi- No. 1 and No. 2 in the world, respectively, nal finish at the French Open. and are both resident Floridians who have spent time at the USTA National Campus training with the USTA Player Devel- opment staff. On the boys side, Sebastian Korda is ranked No. 3 in the world and has also spent time training in Lake Nona. The US Open begins on Monday, Aug. 27, and con- cludes Sunday, Sept. 9. The qualifying tournament will be held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Ten- Frances Tiafoe in action against Roger Federer at the 2017 US Open nis Center the pre- ceding week.

In addition to Keys, a number of other Top For more information on USTA National 200-ranked women from Orlando will be Campus programming, please visit in action this summer, including Jennifer www.ustanationalcampus.com. Brady (No. 70), Caroline Dolehide (No. 102), Irina Falconi (No. 140), Kristie Ahn (No. 152) and Grace Min (No. 169). Brady has reached the semifinals of three USTA and ITF Pro Circuit tournaments this season. Last year, she burst onto the scene, reaching the fourth round of the US Open in her main-draw debut, which vaulted her to a career-high ranking of No. 60 late in the 2017 season. Nineteen-year- old Caroline Madison Keys in action against Sloane Stephens in the Women's Singles Final match at Dolehide has had the 2017 US Open a career year and is primed to break www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 18 | AUGUST 2018 Behind the Scene: Local Choose your Mental Health healthcare And Wellness Resources for partner, in your Our Teens neighborhood.

ARTICLE BY SOPHIA ROGERS PHOTOS COURTESY OF ANGELINA WHALEN AND KATHERINE QUILIT

As the 2018-2019 school year quickly approaches, back-to-school shopping, meet the teachers, and class schedules are top Katherine Quilit (on the right) is a courageous of mind. First-day photos will soon fill our mental health youth advocate. In addition to working social media feeds, and just like that, sum- and pursuing her degree at Valencia, she volunteers mer is over. What we don’t prepare for (or with NAMI in an effort to raise awareness and fight at least until it’s too late) is a mental health mental health stigma. We’re Your crisis plan for our students. “I went to parties to have fun, everyone Lake Nona Neighbors! This article addresses a topic some consider thought I was happy, but I wasn’t. Now taboo. According to the Center for Disease I have turned my voice into something Control, suicide is the second leading cause positive instead of sadness.” Quilit now With Orlando Health, you can see of death among adolescents aged 15-19 years helps other students by speaking at public old. With the passing of Kate Spade, Anthony schools and volunteering at the National your primary care doctor on your time — Bourdain and countless others, let’s take an Alliance for Mental Illness in Orlando. uncomfortable few minutes to talk about Mental health does not discriminate. and where it’s convenient for you. mental health awareness. Quilit recalls high-achieving students Any setback can trigger feelings of sad- struggling just as much as others. We’re pleased to be your neighbors in Lake ness, self-doubt, anger and anxiety. Sud- Whalen encourages parents to remember denly, your child might start acting differ- to give unconditional love and encourage- Nona and are here to provide personalized, ently, sleeping patterns might change, and ment. “They need to know they matter and he/she might seem withdrawn. Societal are accepted. They need someone to just compassionate care for you and your family. and academic pressures are real in middle listen and be heard. They want to be kids; and high school. stress-free time, hobbies, and self-care are We want to be your partner in health. In hopes of spreading awareness, I met so important.” with the SAFE Coordinator at Lake Nona Quilit encourages family dinners and to learn about your teen casually without judgment; just listen. The sense of knowing your parents are there for you no mat- PRIMARY CARE SERVICES INCLUDE: ter what can make a difference, she says. Ask more than, “Did you do your home- • Family Medicine work?” Being a teenager is all their life. Don’t be too pushy. She shares, “Think of • Obstetrics & Gynecology a magnet … the harder you push polar opposites, they drift with an invisible force • Pediatric Medicine field between.” SAFE tips on how to keep students’ minds positive and healthy: • Physical activity • Vitamin D – go outside • Social media/screen breaks • Volunteer – do good for someone else OrlandoHealth.com/LakeNona • Mindfulness – be present • Practice gratitude – know what to be 9679 Lake Nona Village Pl., Orlando, FL 32827 Angelina Whalen is a Licensed Clinical thankful for Social Worker with a passion for 321.841.3724 mental health awareness and advocacy. • Regarding school, praise their efforts Angelina is the SAFE Coordinator at versus the outcome. “Love who they Lake Nona High School and owner of are, not what they do.” Valor Counseling, LLC. If a crisis were to happen today, do you High School, Angelina Whalen, and Lake know who to call? Local free resources are Nona High School alumni Katherine available: Quilit. Both Whalen and Quilit are very • National Alliance for Mental Illness passionate about breaking the stigma sur- (NAMI) Orlando (407) 253-1900 rounding mental illness. • Mobile Crises Unit, dial 2-1-1 (available Whalen says, “If you are struggling or wor- 24/7) ried about your child, reach out for help. • National Suicide Prevention Hotline Fight stigma by showing it is okay to get 1-800-273-8255 help. If they resist, get help for yourself.” • National Suicide Prevention Chat: Text Also, she says to be aware of how you talk HOME to 741741 about mental health. Are you teaching them that you are a safe person to talk to if During the school day, both Whalen and they are struggling? Quilit say the guidance office, school nurse, social worker, teachers and administra- Talk to your child about “who they are, not tors are available. Students are in school just about their grades,” adds Whalen. Fo- at least seven hours a day. Have your child cus more on their personality traits than find a safe person to talk to when you are solely their achievements. Remind your not around. child about self-care to make sure they do good for themselves. I am not a counselor or a therapist. I am a parent who has had to lean on the resourc- Having an adult to talk to who is not a par- es above for my own teen. As a commu- ent, Quilit says, “saved her life.” An ad- nity, we can help each other by avoiding ministrator she least expected was the one judgment and, most importantly, watch- person she needed. In high school, Quilit ing how we speak when it comes to mental was the girl no one would have thought was health. It is okay to ask for help. sad. Practicing being happy was her cop- ing skill. She had the whole world fooled. Outside, she was a popular girl with lots Sophia Rogers is a six-year Lake Nona of friends. Inside, she says, she felt alone area resident and Realtor/founder of and empty. It took just one person to make NonaHomeGuide.com. A wife Kathy realize how special she was. Quilit and mom of four, family, relationships recalls a time she didn’t think she would and real estate are her passions. She can be here to live. Today, she volunteers her be reached at time to help other students feeling the way [email protected]. she once felt. “Act like you’re happy” was her mantra, until acting no longer worked. She kept her secret for so long that when she did tell others, they were in shock.

www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 19 | AUGUST 2018 ing treatment because they were afraid of what Disease their symptoms could be. However, when addressed early, the dis- Prevention ease is often manageable through conservative By Being Your measures. If surgery is needed, when done ear- Own Health ly, the patient has much better outcomes than if he or she waited and the Advocate disease progressed.

BY VLADIMIR NEYCHEV, MD Receive the Appro- priate Screenings There are several different health screenings and tests you should get based on your age, gender, and medical history. Become well informed on health screenings recommended for you. This can be highly indi- Seeing your doctor once a year and paying attention to cues from your body can reduce your risks and maximize your health. vidualized based on your past health history and your family's past health history. Pay Attention to Changes in Your and illnesses can be prevented if the right Dr. Vladimir Neychev, general surgeon at UCF Health Health steps are taken at the right time. Many choose to skip important health screenings, such as a colonoscopy. How- If you notice any unusual symptoms, such as When it comes to your health, be smart, be increased fatigue, changes in bowel move- attentive, and be vocal with your doctor. Disease and illness prevention is impor- ever, after the age of 50, getting a colonoscopy should be a top priority since ments, fever or sores that won’t heal, you tant when it comes to living a healthy life- should visit your doctor immediately. Don’t style. You should think of your physician colorectal cancer is the second deadliest cancer. A colonoscopy can identify be- brush off unusual symptoms, assuming that as an ally in your quest to live the healthi- they will eventually go away. If something est life possible, but a majority of disease nign and premalignant lesions as well as Dr. Vladimir Neychev is a general detect asymptomatic early-stage colorec- doesn’t feel right, then you should schedule surgeon at UCF Health with fellowship prevention rests in your hands. By being an appointment just to be safe. informed about screenings and paying at- tal cancer. Women should also get a risk training in endocrine surgery. He offers tention to cues from your body, you and assessment for breast cancer and annual Visiting your doctor at the right time can the most beneficial surgical management your doctor can create a health plan to re- mammography screening beginning at help prevent or treat a disease or illness of the entire spectrum of general surgery duce your risks and maximize your health. age 40, according to National Comprehen- before it progresses to an advanced stage. conditions. His interests include gastro- sive Cancer Network guidelines. If you’re Waiting too long can result in an emer- intestinal surgery, thyroid, parathyroid, Don’t Dismiss Lingering Symptoms unsure about what screenings you should gency situation and potentially surgery or adrenal glands surgery, and breast have, just ask your doctor. They can in- irreversible effects. cancer surgery. Learn more at You should pay attention to cues from your form you as to the screenings you need to ucfhealth.com. body that something might be wrong, in- best prevent diseases or illnesses that you Visit the Doctor Even When You cluding lumps and bumps, swelling and are at risk for. Feel Healthy pain. Waiting too long to see the doctor can be a matter of life or death, so don’t delay You should also regularly monitor other Visiting your doctor once per year can give when you notice a change in your body. health factors, including your blood pres- you some peace of mind and keep you one sure and cholesterol, to assess your risk for step ahead of your health. Prevention is I often see patients who delayed seek- developing heart disease or stroke. key, and many life-threatening diseases

Function improves along with appear- The Dawning of ance. The advent and advancement of ra- diant energy and other technologies have A New Era even introduced the possibility of restor- ing cell youth and longevity, turning back the clock and reversing the ravages of age. BY RICHARD O. GREGORY, MD In 1983, Dr. Gregory began research with Lake Nona is the laser as an associate professor of sur- rapidly becom- gery at the University of Cincinnati. He ing known as a is a pioneer in laser cutaneous surgery, hub of innova- an innovator in skin resurfacing. He has tion within the published extensively on laser cosmetic greater Central surgery and has won many awards for Florida region his work in laser blepharoplasty. He has and beyond. taught laser surgery throughout the world. As this vibrant Dr. Gregory has practiced in the Central community Florida area for over 25 years and receives grows, draw- referrals from around the world because of ing in nascent his laser and facial rejuvenation work. talent and Laser, ultrasound, electromagnetic and innovation, microstimulation are being augmented there is a ris- with Embrace, EMSculpt, EMSella, Sculp- ing tide of youthful energy. Who better to sure, Neograft, and PRP – terms which, cultivate this melding of youth and tech while foreign to some, are becoming in- than the Institute of Aesthetic Surgery creasingly familiar to our youth-conscious (IAS)? society. Aided by a deeply caring and com- Doctors Donovan Rosas, Roxanne Sylora, and Richard Gregory. Founded nearly 20 years ago, IAS has built petent staff, Doctors Richard Gregory, its reputation on caring, quality service Roxanne Sylora, and Donovan Rosas delve with an eye toward the future. IAS has a into the realm of science fiction, introduc - empowering YOU! long tradition of introducing innovative ing and perfecting the wonders of medical Over 400 years ago, an Italian plastic About Dr. Richard Gregory, MD methods for the preservation and restora- science to deliver what can only be de- surgeon, Gaspar Tagliacozzi, said, “We tion of the vigor that we enjoy in our youth scribed as anti-aging miracles. replace, restore and refashion what na- Dr. Richard Gregory is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and strive for as we age. In 1513, Ponce de ture (God) has given but chance has taken Tomorrow will bring new and almost un- is a Fellow of the American College of Leon landed in what is today Florida seek- believable advancements in the arena of away, not so much to please the eye, but Surgeons and is a member of the Ameri- ing the fabled Fountain of Youth. He was restorative medicine, and IAS will be there to restore the person to his/her rightful can Association of Plastic Surgeons. well ahead of his time, but we here at IAS to deliver it to you. Visit our website at place in society.” What would Tagliacozzi His expertise is in facial rejuvenation believe he was not far off. www.iasurgery.net as well as our Face- say today? Welcome to the future of Lake and laser resurfacing, using many tools Lasers in medicine, and particularly in book Page and see the promises of tomor- Nona. Welcome to IAS! to achieve the desired result including surgical and non-surgical options, lasers, plastic surgery, have been the foundation row made real today. IAS has developed an outstanding reputation locally for our injectables and cutting-edge technology, of the Institute, which continues to re- including radio frequency. Dr. Gregory outstanding skills, honesty, and excellent search and promote restorative science. is a graduate of the United States Naval Ultrasound, radiofrequency and electro- service. Patients from around the world Academy in Annapolis, Md. He received magnetic rejuvenation are supplementing seek our expertise, and medical profes- his medical degree from the Indiana Uni- lasers as a source of rejuvenating technol- sionals often visit to learn from us. We are versity School of Medicine and completed ogy and pushing the practice forward into making yesterday's dreams today's reality his general surgery and plastic surgery the next century. Tightening of tissues ac- and tomorrow's history. We do more than residencies at Duke University companies the reversal of aging enzymes make people beautiful; we are changing Medical Center. and potential malignant degeneration. lives. Let us help change yours. We are

www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 20 | AUGUST 2018

gathered to listen to rap artist Baba Brink- man. He dropped verses that encouraged Jiyo Wellbeing listeners to be in tune with oneself. After- ward, folks partook in a guided meditation with a well-known yogi, Eddie Stern. In the The app’s creator, Dr. Deepak Chopra, also made an appearance to promote his mission Lake Nona of connecting our community together and to guide everyone in becoming their best Community selves physically and emotionally. Food trucks were also present along with local vendors. ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY BRITTANY BHULAI Ciaran Lyons, who is a new Lake Nona resident who lives in Laureate Park, said he "The goal of Jiyo is to impact a billion peo- loved the event. He said, “It’s all about in- ple's lives by enabling them to experience a tegrating health and wellness into your life. joyful energetic body, a loving compassion- I’m super lazy and I like things that come to ate heart, and a restful but alert mind and me and having an app in my pocket is super lightness of being." - Deepak Chopra M.D. useful for me.” There were also attendees from other Last month the Lake Nona Town Center parts of Orlando. Odaly Tineo, an Ava- hosted the launch of the wellbeing app Jiyo lon Park resident, said she was excited Lake Nona, a collaboration between the about the event and had heard about it original Jiyo and Lake Nona to offer on our Facebook. She listened to some of Dr. community a digital platform providing Chopra's meditation and was no stran- useful content and encouraging reminders ger to his teachings. “I visited each pil- to make it easier for us to engage, learn, and lar. The meditation one was amazing,” interact with information, videos, articles, said Tineo. and each other to help us become our best selves. Tents were set up throughout the You can read more about the Jiyo Wellbe- courtyard where residents were able to en- ing Event, including a full interview with Deepak Chopra, in the September issue of gage in activities based upon the five pillars of wellbeing: personal growth, exercise, nu- Nonahood News. trition, sleep and relationships. To kick off the event, adults and children

www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 22 | AUGUST 2018 www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 23 | AUGUST 2018 issues, getting the flu shot protects Get Ready them as well as you. Flu shots are Now for the available at your primary care pro- Upcoming Flu vider.

Season Declare war on germs. BY FLORIDA HOSPITAL MEDICAL GROUP Soap and hand sanitizer are two of your best weapons The best for preventing the defense is a flu, Dr. Rojas says. good of- "Wash your hands fense. often, scrubbing It doesn't seem a full 30 seconds possible, but with soap," she flu season says.is "When soap almost here. and water aren’t "The flu canaround, be reach so serious – the for alcohol-based sanitizer or hand Ledy Rojas Roland 2017-18 season was the most wipes. The flu- vi widespread in recent history with many rus can live on hospitalizations. If you get it, you can't surfaces for days." just ‘ride it out,’” says Ledy Rojas, MD, a board-certified family medicine physician At the first sign in Lake Nona. "You should do whatever it of infection, see takes not to get the flu in the first place." a doctor. Flu Facts to Remember Keep these flu-fighting tips in mind to help get your family out in front of the flu Antivirals don’t kill the virus like antibiot- • Flu doesn’t always cause a fe- About Dr. Rojas this year. ics do for bacteria, but they can ramp up ver. If you experience body aches, Ledy Rojas, MD, is board-certified in your body’s ability to fight back. "Antivi- cough and fatigue, don't ignore family medicine. She provides primary ral medication is only available by pre- the signs. The faster you can get care services to men, women and chil- Get a flu shot. antiviral medications, the better. scription and most effective if taken early dren (ages five and older), with a special focus on women's care and obesity – within two days of getting the flu," says• For severe symptoms (trouble "Let me say this loud and clear: the flu shot prevention. She is fluent in English and Dr. Rojas. "They may help ease symp- breathing, chest pain, persistent does not give you the flu," says Dr. Rojas. vomiting, confusion, sudden dizzi- Spanish. To find the perfect primary care "The flu shot works because it gets your toms if started later as well, so your best physician, call (407) 930-7801 or visit bet is to see a doctor as soon as you start ness), call 9-1-1 or have someone body ready to fight the flu before it ever drive you to the emergency room. FHMedicalGroup.com for a custom- comes in contact with the virus." So, even feeling bad." ized search by zip code. All of our physi- if it doesn’t keep you from getting sick, it • Seek emergency care if your symp- cians are part of the Florida Hospital toms improve but then return will most likely make your symptoms less Care Network. with a fever or a worse cough severe and shorten your recovery time. If than you had originally. you have young children, older parents, or live with someone with chronic health

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www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 24 | AUGUST 2018 EDUCATION

Orange County Public Schools 2018 – 2019 School Calendar

Monday - Friday August 6 - 10 Pre-Planning August 8 Professional Development Day Monday August 13 First Day of School Monday September 3 Labor Day Holiday

Friday October 12 End of First Marking Period

Monday October 15 Teacher Workday/Student Holiday

Tuesday October 16 Begin Second Marking Period Friday October 26 Teacher Professional Day/Student Holiday Teacher Non-Workday Monday - Friday November 19 - 23 Thanksgiving Break

Thursday December 20 End of Second Marking Period Friday December 21 Teacher Workday/Student Holiday

Two Weeks December 24 - January 4 Winter Break Monday January 7 Begin Third Marking Period Begin Second Semester Monday January 21 Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday (Schools and District Offices Closed) Monday February 18 Presidents’ Day Holiday (Schools Closed/District Offices Open) Thursday March 14 End of Third Marking Period

Friday March 15 Teacher Workday/Student Holiday

Monday - Friday March 18 - 22 Spring Break (Schools Closed/District Offices Open) Monday March 25 Begin Fourth Marking Period

Monday May 27 Memorial Day Holiday (Schools and District Offices Closed) Wednesday May 29 End of Fourth Marking Period/Last Day of School Thursday - Friday May 30 - 31 Post-Planning

Orange County Public Schools Prioritized Bad Weather Days 2018 - 2019

Priority Date Current Use 1 October 26 Professional Day

2 November 19 Thanksgiving Break

3 November 20 Thanksgiving Break

4 November 21 Thanksgiving Break

5 February 18 Presidents’ Day Holiday

6 March 22 Spring Break

7 March 21 Spring Break

8 March 20 Spring Break

9 March 19 Spring Break

10 March 18 Spring Break

www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 25 | AUGUST 2018 SCHOOL UPDATES

was awesome to see the media center full Gianna Giraldo as Ariel, Jade Daloisio EAGLE CREEK of students reading books and complet- as Ursula, Armani Lebron as Prince Eric, ing reports on the computers. Thank you, and Adderly Dorcely as Sebastian. We ELEMENTARY SCHOOL parents, for allowing your children to par- also said farewell to our music paraprofes- ticipate. If you have not had the opportu- sional, Ms. Liz Rosbury. We would like to nity to visit our media center this summer, say thank you to the ECE PTA volunteers BY JESSICA SCULLY, MTSS COACH you are going to love seeing the updates and chorus parent volunteers who assisted Hello, Panther Community! and improvements we have worked on us in creating our amazing set. It was an throughout the summer! amazing night in musical theater. Stay tuned for what’s to come! Please mark your calendars for our up- We hope that you have all enjoyed your coming events! summer and are as eager as we are to begin the new school year. We would like to • 8/1 – School Advisory Council meeting introduce you to our new Assistant Princi- – 5 p.m. pal, Ms. Patty Cells. She previously worked • 8/9 – Meet the teacher at Meadow Woods Elementary School. - Ms. Cells will be joining our current Assis- Grades K-5: 1:30-3 and 4:30-6 p.m. tant Principal, Mr. Sanchez, here at ECE. - Pre-K VE, ESE and ASD Units: 3:15- We are excited to have her join the ECE 4:15 p.m. family! • 8/13 – First day of school – If you have not yet registered your child, please do so at this time. - PTA Coffee and Kisses – 9 a.m.

Eagle Creek Elementary School would like to invite you to follow us on our social media outlets that we use to stay in touch with the community. Currently, we encourage you to follow us on the following sites: • Facebook Eagle Creek Elementary School would - https://www.facebook.com/ like to thank the students who visited the Eagle-Creek-Elementary- media center throughout the summer. It School-1412367662393756/ • Twitter - ECE_ELEM (@ECE_ELEM) - Reading Panthers (@ECEbooks_ OCPS) - ECE Panther Chorus (@Panther- Chrous) • Instagram - Ecebooks_OCPS

In May 2018, the ECE Panther Chorus performed two nights of Disney’s Little Mermaid Jr. to a full house. The audience was amazed by the performances of

INNOVATION MIDDLE games, prizes, inflatables and a BMX LAUREATE PARK from 9-11 a.m. The kindergarten team will show. The PTSA will be selling conces- share information about the upcoming SCHOOL: THE PHOENIX sions. All students from IMS, Moss Park ELEMENTARY SCHOOL school year and will be available to answer ARE READY TO FLY Elementary and Sun Blaze Elementary are any questions you have. invited to attend. We need lots of help to For all our students returning for the make this event a success. Please see the BY SUZANNE WORKUM, 2018-19 school year, “meet the teacher” IMS PTSA Facebook page to volunteer for PRINCIPAL BY CHRIS CLARK is Thursday, Aug. 9, from 4-6 p.m. Please a shift. bring your school supplies and meet your After an amazing inaugural year, Innova- Happy summer, Longhorn family! We are new teacher (information on the identity tion Middle School is gearing up for more The Phoenix will be ready to fly when busy preparing for the first day of school school begins on Aug. 13! of your new teacher will be posted that fun and learning in the coming school on Aug. 13. I want to share some impor- night.) year! The all-digital school will have de- tant dates with you in advance of that day. vice pickup on Aug. 4 and 8. You can meet If you are new to our community and your Our PTA and staff have been busy planning your teachers on Aug. 9. See the Innova- children have not previously attended lots of exciting things for this upcoming tion Middle School Facebook page or the Laureate Park Elementary, you will need school year, and we are looking forward to school website at www.innovationmid- to register them at the school any time seeing our Longhorn families soon. dleptsa.org for details. before the first day of school. The office is open Monday through Thursday from 7 The PTSA is very excited to be partner- ing with Thrive Church to host a Back to a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (closed Friday). School Extravaganza on Sunday, Aug. 5, For our new kindergarten students, there from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be free is a kindergarten orientation on Aug. 2

IMPORTANT DATES! • First day of school: AUGUST 13 • Kindergarten Orientation: AUGUST 2 • “Meet the Teacher” is Thursday, AUGUST 9, from 4-6 p.m — Please bring your school supplies

www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 26 | AUGUST 2018 SCHOOL UPDATES

2018-2019 LNMS Supply List Device Checkout Schedule Additionally, makeup days for those who were not able to attend on their assigned WELCOME TO LAKE All Lake Nona Middle School students Wednesday, Aug. 1: 8th grade dates are as follows: NONA MIDDLE SCHOOL will check out a laptop to support their Thursday, Aug. 2: 7th grade education. LNMS will utilize a blended Saturday, Aug. 4: 1-3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 3: 6th grade classroom featuring a mix of digital re- Wednesday, Aug. 8: 2-5 p.m. BY DR. CHERYL A. WOOD, sources and traditional educational sup- ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL plies. Please refer to the supply list below to begin making purchases for the com- **All dates are tentative, so please con- Welcome to Lake Nona Middle School. ing school year. Teachers may have an Alpha breakdowns for assigned days for 6th, 7th and 8th grade: tinue to check the LNMS website for any School starts Aug. 13, and we hope you will additional wish list that includes general possible changes. take the time to engage in our school this classroom supplies specific to the course. Last names A-L: 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. While any wish list donation is greatly ap- year. Upon meeting the teachers and the Last names M-Z: 1-5 p.m. school leaders, we recommend you intro- preciated and recommended for optimal success, these additional requests are not On Saturday, Aug. 4, we invite our ESE duce yourself! We look forward to part- required purchases. Please refer to indi- and ELL students to a more individualized nering with you in helping to nurture and vidual teachers’ online Canvas course for experience. support our students and our community. specific wish lists requests. We have great teachers who are commit- From 9 a.m.-1 p.m., additional resources will be present to help students through ted to making a difference. They want to Required Supplies the process of receiving and setting up have an impact and have spent much of 1. Loose leaf paper their laptops. their summer doing professional development and thinking of ways to make this a 2. Pencils great school year. Our school had an out- 3. Blue or black pens standing performance on state testing last year. We are an “A” school for the ninth 4. Highlighter year. Great schools always come back to 5. Pocket folder the relationship between the child and 6. Two composition or spiral notebooks. the teacher. We look forward to our stu- (Additional notebooks may be re- dents’ parents engaging in middle school quired based on your student’s sched- life. Join a parent committee such as the ule, and many teachers will request the School Advisory Council and PTSA, come notebook remain in the classroom to watch the games and our performances, minimize backpack weight.) keep informed through our weekly King- dom’s Chronicle, Facebook and web- 7. Earphones for laptops. (Laptops do site. Make the educational experience at not require high-end headphones, and LNMS, your community school, a way of we strongly discourage students from life. Make it something special that we all bringing these to school. LNMS will share and benefit from together. not be responsible for lost or stolen headphones brought to campus.) https://lakenonams.ocps.net/ 8. Laptop protector sleeve – available for purchase at device pick up and throughout the year in the Media Center.

www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 27 | AUGUST 2018 See Life ClearlyClearly

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Dr. Mehul Patel, MD, M.Sc. | Ophthalmologist Dr. Mehul Patel is a comprehensive ophthalmologist who evaluates and manages eye diseases both medically and surgically. He treats patients like family and takes pride in explaining things in a simple fashion to make sure patients not only receive a diagnosis, but also understand it. He specializes in refractive cataract surgery and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery.

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AUGUST 2018 Volume 3 | Issue 7 entertainment

Superheroes Visit Orlando Science Center on page E-2

Photo By Nicole LaBosco EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

ucational for all ages. Every turn you make will have you learning about the history Superheroes behind comic books starring your favorite superheroes, including Spiderman, Bat- Visit Orlando man and Captain America. Those visiting begin their journey in the Science Center “Identification Station” and learn about the five disciplines that are considered to be the basis for all superpowers: ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY • “Powers of Body” NICOLE LABOSCO • “Powers of the Mind” Cape? Check. Mask? Maybe. Superpow- • “Mastery” ers? Most definitely! Calling all superhero fans, are you ready to save the world? • “Gadgets” The Orlando Science Center debuted its • “The Elements” Hall of Heroes exhibit on May 26 to the Once the visitors learn about the disci- public. This interactive area is fun and- ed plines, they are then sort- ed into one and follow how those powers are uti- lized in different interactive exhibits and stations throughout. Guests also will pass figures of the Incredible Hulk, Iron Man and Bat- man as they make their wind in a wind tunnel to make their capes Science Center are $20.95 for adults and way through the exhibit. fly, and even create their own stop-motion $14.95 for children ages 3-11, with chil- You’ll even be able to see short film using superhero and villain ac- dren two and under free. The center is the Batmobile from the tion figures. open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 1960s TV show and press There is a parking fee of $5. The Hall of Heroes is a traveling exhibit buttons to turn on the created by Stage Nine Design and is dis- Unmask the superhero in you! headlights, sirens, etc. tributed by Exhibits Development Group. With this exhibit being The special action-packed display will only super family-friendly and be open at the Orlando Science Center superheroes being popu- through Sept. 3. Tickets to the Orlando lar among young children nowadays, tons of kids were excitedly running around trying to find the next interactive game to play with. Kids can defy gravity by testing their balance on a balance beam made to look like they are scal- ing rooftops over busy streets, test their grip strength, answer trivia questions, withstand

www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 2 | AUGUST 2018 older, from beginner to advanced. Not plant species on our ride and gave only do they have trails for every level, but us a ton of interesting information Family Fridays: they also have a large selection of different about each. horses to accommodate even the youngest As we rode, we made sure to take in and most apprehensive of riders. Cactus the beautiful scenery. Even in the Cactus Jack Jack offers trail rides to singles, couples thick of the Florida summer, the Horseback or groups. trails had a cool breeze as we shuf- Debbie Zito, owner of Cactus Jack, has fled between thick underbrush and owned and loved horses for more than 48 beautiful trees. We took note of the Riding years. She and her husband, Jamie, are spiderwebs and different kinds of both riders and own quite a few rescued or plants around us. We also took a ARTICLE BY VANESSA POULSON retired horses, as well as the trail horses moment to stop and enjoy the quiet PHOTOS BY ANDREW AUSHERMAN used for the trail rides. Many of the horses of the trail. There is something so on the farm were rescued or retired from overwhelmingly peaceful about be- sport, and they are all incredibly ing able to step away from the hustle gentle and very sweet. and bustle of everyday life and take ity of issues happen during horseback a ride on a beautiful animal through some riding when people don’t listen to their Our tour began by driving into spectacular scenery. instructors or don’t take control of their the beautiful Rock Springs State horses. Be patient, firm and ready to have Park, following the sign that said “That’s what we get a lot of people coming a really great time getting to see some “Horseback Riding.” After you out here for,” said Bohler, discussing peo- of the best of what Florida wildlife has park, get your registration set up ple from the urban areas around Orlando to offer. and get helmets for all those under who come out to the trails. “They talk a lot 18, your guide sets you up with a about wanting to get away from it all, but horse that correlates with your when they first come out here, they can be For more information on Cactus Jack’s height, weight and ability level. scared of their own shadow, just because Trail Rides, visit their website they haven’t experienced it before.” My horse was named Isabella, www.cactusjackstrailrides.com and Andrew’s was named Paw- A word to the wise … be sure to wear bug or call 352-266-9326 to schedule a ride. nee. Both of them were absolute spray, long pants, sunscreen and sneakers. sweethearts, even if you have to I neglected to wear long pants and ended steer them away from eating grass up getting bit- once in awhile. Though it can be ten by a horsefly, a bit uncomfortable at first, after which I can tell Most kids love horses. It’s plain and simple. you sit on the horse for a few minutes and you is not a great I can’t recall a time in my childhood when get used to the way that the animal moves, experience. Bug I wasn’t begging my parents to let me get it becomes a lot easier to relax and focus spray is also an a horse (without any idea of where to put on the trail rather than a possible fear of absolute must, as the horse. it, how to feed it, or otherwise … but you well as sunscreen and maybe sun- know how being a little kid goes). Though Our tour guide was Fred Bohler, and he glasses to help I was never able to make that dream a re - was absolutely the best combination of protect your face ality, I can live vicariously through riding hilarious and helpful. Bohler’s own jour- and eyes. horses once in awhile at some of the best ney and love of horses began when he was local spots here, touring some of the best just eight years old riding horses where he Most important, of the Florida forestry and woodlands. lived in the Virgin Islands (bareback and though, is to - This month, we stopped in to Cactus Jack using the horse’s mane to steer), and he’s bring a good at - Trail Rides, located in Ocala. Cactus Jack had a passion for taking care of these ani titude and ears has a variety of different trails for horse - mals, among many others, for the entirety to listen to what back riders of all skill levels, ages six and of his life. He was able to point out coyote your guide has tracks, bear feces, and a variety of different to say. A major-

Lake Nona to visit. Nona's Natural It is the place I had my first date, the area where I fell in Wonders: Moss love with Florida’s own unique for- Park Reserve estry and its inhab- itants, as well as the spot I came to ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY in order to reflect VANESSA POULSON and get away from it all when times Welcome to Nona’s Natural Wonders, were tough. a column designed to take you to some To enter the park, parts of the greater Lake Nona commu- you have to pay a nity that have been left untouched by de- small fee (usually velopers and highlight some of the best under $5 if you are places for each of us to rediscover our just trying to spend personal connection with the great and the day there). This wonderful world around us. fee helps to preserve the park and protect the animals and Here in Lake Nona, right in our own back- plants that inhabit past trees and often a variety of animal life. Moss Park also has a variety of camping yards, is an exceptional natural reserve, the area by funding projects and cleanup ef- On some of my visits, I’ve been able to spot facilities where you can stay for a period right off Narcoossee Road and down into forts inside of the reserve. a plethora of squirrels, the occasional deer of time on the park grounds. This allows Moss Park. The Moss Park Reserve is an or snake, and plenty of birds and insects. you the opportunity to get some of the best Once you park, you have the optin of go- exceptional example of Nona’s natural views of the stars in the entirety of Lake ing to a variety of different trails and spots Make sure to keep your eyes open for each landscape at work, with beautiful intri- Nona. Being so close to the airport, we’re or walking down to the dock and sitting by of these animals. If you have a camera, a cate forestry as well as diverse animal often bombarded with light pollution from Lake Mary Jane. The trails will take you long-range lens will be your best friend and plant life. If I’m honest, Moss Park Orlando International Airport, and that through the different winding forest paths, on these trails because the ability to cap- Reserve is probably my favorite place in can frequently prevent most of us from be- ture an image of an animal at a distance ing able to see the stars with the naked eye. will help both you and the animal to keep In the park, the problem of light pollution from getting spooked. I’ve always found is completely eliminated from the equa- that it’s best to let both the plants and tion, and the only lights are the stars and animals interact with you in whatever way the moon glowing directly above the re- they choose to do so. You’re a guest in their serve. In the summer season, which closes habitat, not the other way around, and a at the end of August, look for constella- certain amount of mutual respect will help tions like Hercules, Lyra, and, of course, both parties keep from getting too close for Ursa Major and Ursa Minor (the Big Dip- comfort to the other. per and the Little Dipper). The view from the dock near Lake Mary Moss Park is just another beautiful exam- Jane is just as wonderful as the trails but ple of Lake Nona’s natural environment in a whole different and entirely spec- coming to life right before our eyes. If you tacular way. Water has a powerful, sooth- haven’t yet had the chance to check out ing effect on the body (and it has actually this beautiful reserve, consider putting it been studied by doctors across the United on your priority list. Visit in the morning States!) and, while seated at the edge of the or evening time frame to beat the heat and dock, you can take in the gentle movement make sure to bring bug spray and sun- of Lake Mary Jane all from a comfortable screen. Take a little time to step away from spot in the sunlight. If you look down into the hustle and bustle of daily life. After all, the water, you can often spot waterbugs, a it is in fact right in your backyard. collection of small fish or tadpoles, frogs, and sometimes, further out into the lake, Florida’s favorite reptile, the alligator, can be found lurking through the water.

www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 3 | AUGUST 2018 FOOD & DRINKS

me … I should be a cheese expert. But, hey, at least I’m open Say Cheese! to trying it! The tiny pieces of apricot made ARTICLE AND PHOTO me think the cheese would be BY NICOLE LABOSCO sweeter, but it was on the dryer side and honestly reminded me The Spanish say queso. of a glass of Riesling. Weird, I know, but wine usually pairs The French say fromage. well with cheese, so in this case, what better than the two I say cheese and more of it, please! being combined into one? This special feature follows a cheese- I can easily see this apricot driven girl on her journey to try all of the Wensleydale on a charcuterie sweet, creamy, sharp, stinky and spicy board paired with crackers cheeses the world is lucky to devour. I’m and some salty prosciutto to the friend who is constantly tagged in help balance the dryness and those cheese memes on Facebook about mildness of the cheese. I hon- drowning in grated cheese when the estly don’t see myself buying waiter/waitress asks you to “say when.” it again, but I’m glad I got to In queso emergency, just say cheese! try it. When all else fails, CHEESE!

Attempting to focus on a summery cheese yet again, I shopped around for a fruity cheese and discovered an apricot Wensley- Is this article too cheesy? dale for this month. This cheese is suitable DEFINITELY. Send me your for vegetarians and made in England. The favorite cheese meme or joke flavor I had imagined tempted me, and I to nicole@nonahoodnews. immediately grabbed this wedge of cheese com and let me know your off the shelf. (I found it at Sam’s Club.) thoughts on your favorite I was a bit surprised that when I had cut cheese-filled meals! Is into it, it crumbled fairly easily. Upon my anybody else hungry all of a first bite, I was let down. It wasn’t quite as sudden? delicious as I had expected it to be. Then again, I had never tried (or even heard of) a Wensleydale cheese. I know, shame on

all of the ingredients are piled in the mid- Katie’s Cucina: dle, I sprinkle on the Cajun seasoning, salt and olive oil, and a pat of butter for good GRILLED KIELBASA AND POTATO FOIL PACKETS Grilled Kielbasa measure. Then I gather the two ends of the aluminum foil up to the sky to form what I Yield: 4 call a taco. I fold the two ends in like a bur- And Potato Foil rito and then start to roll down and crimp Prep time: 10 min. | Cook time: 20 min. | Total time: 30 min. the top tight. The goal is to keep all the Packets steam and heat in the foil packets so that they cook quickly. Ingredients: Directions: ARTICLE, PHOTOS AND RECIPE BY I transfer the packets from the kitchen to • - 1. Preheat the grill to 500 degrees. KATIE JASIEWICZ, the grill using a sheet pan. I also keep the 6 kielbasa links, sliced and di KATIESCUCINA.COM sheet pan at the grill, so when the time vided 2. Place four 12x12 pieces of aluminum foil comes to remove them, you can just place • 16 small red potatoes, quartered on the counter. Begin to layer and divide August in Florida is HOT. Let’s face the - it on the sheet pan. Of course, you can’t and divided the kielbasa, potatoes, onion, bell pep facts. The last thing you’ll find me doing pick these hot packets up with your hands. per, green beans, and garlic in the cent- is turning on my oven to make my house You’ll need a long pair of tongs to carefully • 1 white onion, chopped and er of the aluminum foil. Then, place one even hotter. The days are long and as we remove them off the grill! If you’re like me divided tablespoon of salted butter in each foil approach mid-month, the children will be and looking to hold on to summer for a pack. Season each foil packet with Cajun back in school. For those of us in that stage • 1 orange bell pepper, chopped and few more weeks, I hope you’ll give my easy seasoning and salt (optional). Drizzle of life, we are faced with starting another divided summertime recipe for grilled kielbasa on the olive oil one by one and begin to year of “new” routines. I moved to Florida and potato foil packets a try. • 12 oz. green beans, divided the summer going into eighth grade. Even close the packets. Fold in half and then - as an adult, I still find it odd to start school • 4 large cloves garlic, chopped and gather each side up toward the sky, crin kle and close until sealed tight. You do in August since I grew up always starting divided school after Labor Day. I still like to keep not want any air (steam once cooking) my summer menu alive during those first • 4 tablespoons salted butter, or juice to escape. divided few weeks of school. After all, school might 3. Place the foil packets on the grill and have started, but it is still technically • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, grill for 20 minutes until potatoes are summer. divided tender. Carefully remove foil packets During the summer months, you’ll find from the grill. Place each packet on a • 1 teaspoon salt, divided (optional) me making no-fuss (but still delicious) plate. Carefully open the foil packets dinners. I’ve created a few varieties of • 1/4 olive oil, divided and sprinkle with freshly chopped pars- aluminum foil packet dinners, and these ley on top. Enjoy immediately. kielbasa and potato foil packets are the perfect summer meal done in 30 minutes. Chocked full of fresh kielbasa (a family favorite in my home), freshly sliced potatoes, bell peppers, onions, and green beans, it’s a full dinner in one packet! Per- fect for a quick weeknight dinner or even entertaining. If you’re making this meal for a large group, just double the recipe! You could even prep the veggies (peppers, onions and green beans) ahead of time to cut down even more of the prep time. The key to the meal cooking quickly is evenly cut vegetables and sausage. Keep that in mind when prepping this dinner. I only use a 12x12 piece of aluminum foil per packet. As I chop, I place the ingredients on top of each of the sheets of foil. Once

www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 4 | AUGUST 2018 so, latte, cappuccino, mocha) and specialty craft drinks (like my Wild Child Iced Latte! Back to Basics: Complete with rose and vanilla!). It is defi- Caffeine Craze nitely a great spot in downtown Orlando! Place: Vanessa’s Coffee ARTICLE BY NICOLE LABOSCO AND VANESSA POULSON Order: Classic Latte with Almond Milk PHOTOS BY VANESSA POULSON and Coconut Matcha Latte

Welcome to Back to Basics, where we classy Final Review Nicole: GUYS, holy crap! ladies try to establish just how basic one I nearly jumped for joy when I saw this op- can be in the Orlando area. Each month, tion on the menu and knew immediately we’ll be taking on a new theme, and we’ll be that it was what I was going to order. I need searching for the best in basic trends. We’ve a Vanessa’s Coffee Shop closer to my home. all heard some of the most recent popular I could drink this coconut matcha latte foodie trends: charcoal, galaxy and unicorn every single day. The combination of two as well as familiar classics such as pumpkin of my absolute favorite things had me a tad spice and peppermint. We hope we can in- bit emotional. The flavors paired perfectly spire the rest of the Nonahood to embrace and combined for a blissful, creamy and their inner basic. sweet party in my mouth. I would definitely recommend this drink and am already Iced Coconut Matcha Latte from Vanessa’s Coffee Shop. planning on my return. It was 10 times and helpful, and you get coffee while chata was really good as well and has a This month, with children and parents better than Starbucks, and cheaper, too! you’re getting your hair done (talk about lot of that wonderful cinnamon flavor headed back to work and school, we’re all Can I have a recurring shipment sent to my a dream experience!). You have to check you’d want in any kind of drink that fea- in need of a little bit of a wake-up boost front door? these guys out if you haven’t already. tured horchata. Though it is a little bit and pep in our steps! We are on the hunt Final Review Vanessa: Wowza. A cof- of a drive to get out here, it is definitely for the best coffee drinks here in Orlando fee shop that I share the name with, I’m worth it. and in the Nonahood! already a fan! The aesthetic of this place

is super cute, with a ton of really nice -in Place: Zero Degrees terior decor. My coffee was absolutely -de Place: Krungthep Tea Time Order: House Coffee and Coffee Horchata licious. I loved the classic iced latte that Place: Dunkin’ Donuts Order: Cheese Thai Iced Coffee Final Review Nicole: Wow, this is so I got. It isn’t too complicated, which is Order: Cookie Dough Ice Cream Iced much better than I had expected! The -cin Final Review Vanessa: For starters, something that I’ve noticed so many cof- Coffee, Butter Pecan Ice Cream Iced Latte, namon flavors coat your tongue almost hello, my name is Van, and I have a caffeinefee shops doing these days. I think a lot Pistachio Ice Cream Latte instantly, and the creaminess of the drink problem. Well, honestly, it’s a bit more ofof them need to get BACK TO BASICS, if really hit it out of the park. Not only was Final Review Nicole: The cookie dough a COFFEE problem. I love all things- caf you know what I mean. Vanessa’s made this drink exploding with flavor, but it was is a great iced coffee for the summer, but I feinated, and I cannot tell you how mucha delicious, simple latte, and I loved it! also super cheap! It’s unfortunate that this had a feeling the other two ice cream fla- I have been looking forward to this editionThe staff is super kind, and the environ- vors will be even better. of Back to Basics. Trust me when I say thatment is definitely a good place to sit The cookie dough flavor coffee is the REASON for my existence.down and catch up with a cup of coffee. is a bit fainter than I ex- You think I’m joking? I’m really not. This pected, but it’s also nice drink wakes me up every morning, is the that it’s not a complete reason that I can function through college sugar overload. The but- lectures, and allows me to listen to every ter pecan is much tastier annoying person in my life talk. YOU than the cookie dough THINK I AM PLAYING, BUT I AM ACTU- coffee, in my opinion. ALLY NOT. You’d think that coffee topped Had I known I could’ve with cheese wouldn’t taste the best, but made it a latte before trust me on this one, this drink is - amaz I ordered, I might’ve ing. The cheese actually seems more like liked the cookie dough a salted whipped cream to top the drink, better. The aftertaste in my opinion, and much less like a cheese of this butter pecan is a than you’d think. The coffee is incredibly bit like a roasted pecan, Coffee Horchata (left), House Coffee (right) sweet and refreshing, and we all know how but sweet. The pistachio hot these Florida summers and autumns flavor was my favorite get. … I totally love this drink, and as- a cof new place is about 30 minutes away, but out of the three featured ice cream flavors. fee lover, I’d say it is one of my favorites. I’ll be back. Their menu has an assortment I’m a fan! of amazing options that I NEED to try! Final Review Vanessa: Both of these Place: Starbucks are absolutely killer drinks! The vibe Order: Iced Coffee, black, with two- es in this place is very relaxed, with both presso shots drinks being relatively inexpensive. The Final Review Vanessa: Hello, rocket House Coffee was probably my favorite. fuel! Did you think I would be able to get I’ve always loved Vietnamese coffee, - through a coffee-based edition of Back and with the house cream, it was su Classic Latte with Almond Milk. - to Basics without including my signature per sweet and creamy. The Coffee Hor Starbucks order? Let me tell you, this drink got me through the entirety of my junior and senior years of high school. From dealing with loud teachers to catty Place: Jacq & Jack girls and ex-boyfriends, this drink will wash your brain of anything but the task Order: Iced Mocha and Iced in front of you. I do not recommend this Latte IN THE SLIGHTEST for anyone with a Final Review Vanessa: If you caffeine sensitivity or anyone who doesn’t haven’t gone to Jacq & Jack yet quite like the feeling of shaking with PURE (whether for a haircut or a cup CAFFEINE ENERGY. This drink is not for of coffee), you need to check it the faint of heart, but I, for one, think it isout. This new addition to the pure coffee in its best form. Straight- caf Nonahood is both modern and Photo by Nicole LaBosco feine rush. WHOOHOO! classic, featuring a sleek and sophisticated aesthetic and the BEST chairs to sit and drink your Tune in next month when we celebrate the Place: Craft and Common coffee in. The mocha was perfect ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY of Back to Order: Wild Child Iced Latte and just the way I like them: not Basics, and you’re all invited! We’ll com- too sweet, but super creamy and memorate this milestone with PLENTY Final Review Vanessa: This coffee was delicious. For people who like of ice cream to beat the Florida heat! amazing! Plus, this store is brand new, and things a bit more on the sweeter Whoop whoop! it’s aesthetic is on point. Go in for ultra side, you can add sugar or simple minimalistic, modern classic, chic, and all- syrup to help take a bit of the around wonderful vibes. Their menu is di- edge off. Of course, everyone vided up into classic coffee drinks (espres- in the store is incredibly kind Jacq & Jack mocha.

www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 5 | AUGUST 2018 LIFESTYLE

Feagin-Hooks continued, “It Nona Alumni: sparked me wanting to take my life seriously. While I was re- NaKaela ceiving treatments, I left college in the middle of the fall semes- Feagin-Hooks ter and continued at home until the following fall. When I was ARTICLE BY NICOLE LABOSCO declared to be in remission, I PHOTOS COURTESY OF NAKAELA went back to school. The spring FEAGIN-HOOKS semester of my sophomore year, I changed my major to journal- In this recurring monthly special, Nona- ism to pursue my passion of sto- hood News will be featuring those who’ve rytelling, specifically athletes. I graduated from Lake Nona High School also took my relationship with and will recognize the achievements Christ more seriously. I actually they’ve made since. Some will have been pursued God and wanted to live a part of the first graduating class. Others for Him and not just use Him might have graduated a few years later. as a lucky-charm bracelet. Gave Few have stayed in the Lake Nona area, me a new outlook on life. Take and many have explored the world or are chances. Don’t be afraid to be still doing so. Let’s see where life’s journey different. Enjoy life, it’s short! I has taken them so far! think that’s what made me move to Atlanta without fear. I had no job, no money, and the opportunity they gave me one family member. Now, to be part of such an amazing I have an amazing career in team,” Feagin-Hooks shared. sales with NBC, have made “But I felt out of place in my amazing connections and major. No one was interested have been working towards in sports, dressed like me, my LLC.” talked like me or was even interested to do group work This month’s alumni was with me. That’s when I start- a Lake Nona resident long ed losing interest. I always before it became the hustle thought, if I’m always the and bustle of what we know outcast in my classes, then I today. “At the time that my would always be the outcast mother and stepfather met, in my career. Way too lonely he was playing as an offen- for me. I regret letting that sive lineman for the Osceola get to me. I realize now that GhostRiders. When they I have a say in my outlook on decided to take their rela- situations.” tionship to the next level, my mom moved my sister Feagin-Hooks considered and I down to Orlando from how her past challenges Jacksonville. But, my mom won’t stand in the way of loves quiet and slow areas. what she wants to accom- And at the time, Lake Nona plish at the current point was only a few houses, some in her life. “My main goal is cows, the YMCA and Mc- to not lose sight of my ca- Donald’s! Nothing like what reer aspirations. We make it is now. This was in 2006, so many goals for ourselves when I started eighth grade but don’t typically have one at Odyssey Middle School. I to keep us centered,” stated moved when I went to col- Feagin-Hooks. “Focusing on the outside of the car to make it work. No, lege in 2011, but since graduating college achieving ‘age high goals’ (as my colleague you clean it all out, and start rebuilding Name: NaKaela Feagin-Hooks I come home every month. My family is likes to say) will keep me focused to have with [a] fresh [start]. I teach others how to Age: 24 in the same house a mile away from Lake my master’s soon, go from digital sales to cleanse safely, eat right, cut bad cravings Nona High!” marketing, to have enough confidence to - Year Graduated: 2011 and maintain a healthy lifestyle by work make multiple streams of income and own ing out minimally. And the trust is built Coming home every month and living that Occupation: Digital Sales Specialist my own business.” because I put my body through the same close to your high school must have some Current Location: Atlanta, GA lifestyle.” constant flooding of memories. I know Fast-forwarding to the next five years, every time I drive by Lake Nona High, I she focused on both her career advance- Feagin-Hooks has also coached middle ments and personal achievements: “In the Meet NaKaela Feagin-Hooks, an ambi- find myself reminiscing of those moments and high school track for three seasons so - next five years, I will be 30. Wow, that’s tious and strong young woman who’s that feel like forever ago and what I want far at Atlanta International School. She crazy! By 30, I plan to have my wig busi- had to overcome more than the average ed to do after high school. Feagin-Hooks described how it feels great when parents, ness or non-profit named, off the ground 24-year-old would ever even think about. thought back on her post-graduation students and the school alike all support and making impact in the community. Feagin-Hooks recounted, “I think a big goals: “When I was at Lake Nona, I had a her and her coworker as there was no pro- - Professionally, I will have my MBA and go part of my life happened after high school. myriad of dreams. I wanted to be a veteri gram before them. She exclaimed how right into my doctorates. I also am aiming I went to summer school at UF, and the narian, publish a book on my research on she’s had multiple athletes break age-old - to be a media strategist (or similar title). semester was amazing. I met my two best marine life, and, of course, continue run school records, make the leaderboards Personally, I would like to be married and friends that summer. On the day of the Ca- ning track. That was my main reason for in the region, qualify for State and even have a child, but if it’s just marriage by 30, sey Anthony verdict, a lump appeared on wanting to go to the University of Florida. get invited to USATF-sanctioned meets. - I’ll be more than excited for that.” the left side of my neck. My parents came It has one of the top vet schools in the na She also co-created the social media for tion and, of course, a premier track team the National Association of Black Owned up to Gainesville that weekend to take me Making wigs and doing hair is a lot of fun - in the best, yet hardest, conference.” Broadcasters. to the doctor and the diagnosis was sim for Feagin-Hooks in her spare time. She ple – a hematoma. Ice, and it will go down. Feagin-Hooks discussed how she started also takes personal fitness very seriously Well, two and a half months later, during to pursue her dreams but began to let out- and explained how she helps others eat my track physical, our team doctor, Dr. Written for current and future Lake side factors affect her decisions. “I started right for their body and stage in life, and Gravlee, said she would not clear me until Nona alumni by a Lake Nona alumna. out pursuing those goals, too. I was pre- she also follows the same routine for her- we could figure out what was really on my Check back in to our September issue to vet at UF and thoroughly enjoying my self. She stated, “I’m firm on detoxing the neck. After many tests, a final neck biopsy learn about our next Nona graduate(s)! animal science courses, and I was a triple bad (mentally and physically) before fix- and surgical biopsy were conducted to de- jumper at UF as well. I am forever grate- ing yourself to be better. Like a car. You clare that I had Stage 3B Hodgkin’s Lym- ful to my coaches Mike Holloway and Nic can’t have a whole bunch of bad gunk in phoma. That changed everything.” Petersen. My life was amazing because of your tank and hope you can just remodel

www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 6 | AUGUST 2018 Army Medical Center on Fort Jackson in Powell was the chairman of the Joint South Carolina, I was selected [for] a full Chiefs of Staff. I was a horrible sec- Nona Heroes: military scholarship to pursue my Master’s retary and am surprised that I was of Science in Nursing at Barry University never fired. However, in that - envi in Miami Shores, Florida,” she stated. “Af- ronment I learned about being dis- Retired LTC ter graduating in 2002, I was then as- ciplined, having a strong work ethic, signed to Madigan Army Medical Center and being professional … even if you MeLisa Gantt, in Tacoma, Washington, where I ended didn’t agree.” up deploying to Kuwait with 47th Combat Reminiscing on her nearly three dec- PhD Support Hospital in support of Operation ades spent serving, Gantt thought Iraqi Freedom. When my assignment at back to some of her best military mo- Madigan ended now at the rank of Major, ARTICLE BY NICOLE LABOSCO ments, including her deployments I was transferred to serve as the director PHOTOS COURTESY OF to Kuwait and Afghanistan, as well of operating room services at Evans Army MELISA GANTT as her stint in Germany. She shared, Community Hospital at Fort Carson in “In those assignments, I learned how Colorado.” important it was to experience the In this recurring special feature, Nona- Gantt continued, “In 2007, I was selected world through a different point of hood News recognizes and honors those again for another full military scholarship view. When you live and eat with peo- everyday heroes who have served or are to pursue my PhD in Nursing at the Uni- ple who are different than you, you currently serving our country and mak- versity of Central Florida here in Orlando. quickly learn that you actually have ing a difference in our community. Those After receiving my PhD in 2010 now at more in common than you originally who reside in the Lake Nona and sur- the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, I was as- thought. You also learn what makes rounding area are our Nona Heroes. signed AGAIN to Walter Reed. However, people tick and the root cause as to So, I put it to the test and my previous at that time Walter Reed was preparing why people are the way they are. Having study published in the Journal of Nursing to close and merged its staff with the Na- that knowledge and experience I believe Scholarship showed that the technology tional Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, makes me a more informed citizen, more did indeed work in reducing stress. Now, Maryland…now called the Walter Reed compassionate, and a better contributor to I’m assessing its efficacy on sleep quality.” National Military Medical Center. At that society.” Gantt is also a member of the UCF College same time, the military was opening the Gantt mentioned that after she re- - of Nursing Dean’s Advisory Board and is brand-new Fort Belvoir Community Hos tired from the military, she started excited for the college’s proposed move to pital (one of the military’s newest flagship her own business called the Gantt the Lake Nona Medical City campus. She evidence-based design hospitals) and was Clinical Research Institute, LLC - is also a member of the board of directors looking for someone to serve as the direc (www.ganttclinicalresearchinstitute.com). for the Mother’s Milk Bank of Florida, tor of research to start up a new research She went into detail about how her or- where mothers from around the state do- department. Since I had a PhD and had ganization provides clinical research edu- nate their breastmilk, and once the milk is experience in conducting research, I was cation and consulting services to novice screened and pasteurized, it goes to babies selected for the position.” Gantt went on researchers, as well as supporting other - in neonatal ICUs. to explain how that was the most stress organizations that don’t have formal re- ful on-the-job training, and it prepared her search training programs in place. “As a for her current role today. researcher, I still conduct research and She then recounted, “In 2013, I was de- have received over one million dollars in ployed to serve as the deputy director for federal funding for my work in the area If you would like to nominate someone the Joint Combat Casualty Research Team of complementary and alternative medi- for our next Nona Heroes feature, please in Afghanistan. Upon my return, I was cine initiatives for military healthcare. I send an email to nicole@nonahoodnews. MeLisa Gantt served in the United States transferred to Landstuhl Regional Medical am currently conducting a study at Wom- com Army for 28 years (five years in the reserves Center in Germany to serve as the direc- ack Army Medical Center located at Fort or complete the form here: and 23 years as active duty). When asked tor for the Center for Nursing Science and Bragg in North Carolina that is testing an nonahood.to/nonaheroes. why she chose the Army, she mentioned Clinical Inquiry and research consultant innovative sound technology called Bin- how furthering her knowledge was her ul- to the commanding general for the U.S. aural Beat Technology. This technology timate priority: “In my personal opinion, Army Regional Health Command in Eu- is marketed with the claim that it has the although the Navy had the best locations rope. There, I was responsible for oversee- ability to change one’s brainwave patterns. for assignments and the Air Force had the ing all of the military healthcare research best amenities on their installations, the conducted in Belgium, Italy and Germany, Army had the best education opportuni- which was by far my favorite military as- ties, which was more important to me.” signment. In 2016, I decided to retire from In 19 years, she was promoted from Pri- military service and returned to Orlando.” vate First Class to Lieutenant Colonel. She Gantt fell in love with Lake Nona back in explained how one’s progression rank can 2008 while she was attending UCF for her be difficult to explain as there are a variety PhD. “Back then, VillageWalk was about of factors, including time in grade, time in 70 percent complete, and the Medical City service, job roles, education level, military was in the first phase of construction. The schooling and your military evaluations. vision for the community meshed well with “I entered the military in 1988 as an Op- my love for education, research, technol- erating Room Technician (the person who ogy and wellness. So, I made up my mind passes the instruments to the surgeon dur- that I would retire here and purchased a ing surgery) in the Army Reserves. During home in VillageWalk. Unfortunately, since that time, I worked as a secretary at the I was still in the military, I was transferred Pentagon during the day and went to colin 2010 and didn’t return until my retire- lege at night. I eventually quit my job to go ment in 2016. Now, I’m finally able to bask to school full-time, and in 1993, after re- and fully reap the benefits of living in this ceiving my Bachelor’s of Science in Nurs- wonderful progressive community,” stated ing from the University of Maryland at Gantt. Baltimore and my ROTC commission as a She described how a valuable lesson at a Second Lieutenant, I went on active duty,” former job actually led to her joining the Gantt recalled. military: “In my early 20s, I was working “Since I had surgical experience, I was as a secretary at the Pentagon and had assigned as an Operating Room Nurse the opportunity to work with some great [Gantt is board certified] at the Walter military personnel. My most impact- Reed Army Medical Center in Washing- ful moment was when I worked in one of ton, D.C. In 2000, as a Captain at Moncrief the Joint Staff offices when General Colin

www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 7 | AUGUST 2018 painted windows – the wonderful mystical world which revealed itself here – yes, it was Travel: Milan a church of God!” – Hans Christian Andersen

ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY DEBORAH BULLEN How could I describe it any better? Of course, you will see the Duomo when you go. It would be un- “I went daily to the cathedral of Milan, that singular thinkable not to visit, much like going to Paris or mountain which was torn out of the rocks of Carrara. I Barcelona only to pass up Notre Dame or Sagrada saw the church for the first time in the clear moonlight; Familia. dazzlingly white stood the upper part of it in the infinitely Another “must do” on your list will be to see blue ether. Round about, wherever I looked, from every Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper in Santa Ma- corner, upon every little tower with which the building ria della Grazie. Be sure to make a reservation was, as it were, overlaid, projected marble figures. Its ahead of time – the whole experience takes less interior dazzled me more than St. Peter’s Church; the than 45 minutes, but it’s worth it if only to mar- strange gloom, the light which streamed through the vel that it’s survived at all. Between the disin- tegration that started shortly after completion to the bombings during WWII, it is truly a miracle that it has endured. If you are interested in more da Vinci Having a espresso with our guide, Luca Martinelli.

Milan Duomo by day.

spectacular high-end shopping areas as well as areas for history and a recreation of his engineering feats, the more economical shopper), then to the da Vinci exhibit there is an exhibit in the Galleria (which is to the I mentioned, and at the Sforza Castle in the afternoon. The right of the Duomo) that shows The Last Supper Sforzas were to Milan what the Medicis were to Florence. as it would have appeared in the late 15th century. You can read more about it in the recently published biog- We hired a tour guide, Luca Martinelli, on our sec- raphy on Leonardo da Vinci’s life by Walter Isaacson. -An ond day there to give us an overview of the city. other good read before you go Beneathis a Scarlet Sky that Galleria, Italy’s oldest shopping mall and major landmark of Milan. Recommended by my sister-in-law, Luca takes takes place in the more relatable time period of 1938-1945. large or small groups on tours all over northern We ended our evening with a delightful dinner on a side Italy. Now, we’ve toured cit- street in the Brera district, the artistic heart of the city, also ies on our own with only Rick brought to our attention by Luca, our wonderful guide. Steves (or, a long time ago, Text, write or call me if you want to be connected with him. Fodors) as our guide. We’ve also taken a week-long group Milan is an easy city to walk. The public transportation is tour once, a long time ago, great, but you don’t need it to get around as long as you when I was with an airline. have comfortable shoes and the time. Parks, monuments, I’m not knocking those, but shops, cafes and sites are everywhere you look. this is far and away the best way to learn and familiarize yourself with a new place. There are over Luca is knowledgeable and genial, as you’d expect from someone who does this for a 100 LAKES living. But he goes the extra mile by making dinner res- ervations, and, in a more in ORLANDO. subtle way, he made us feel a part of Italy’s culture. Here’s an example of my meaning: We never felt rushed or Let’s find your tired though we were with him from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (except the 45 minutes in NEXT HOME Santa Marie della Grazie). We stopped for lunch, and it on one of them. was unhurried; we stopped a few hours later for espres- sos (with grappa), and that, too, was totally relaxed and lengthy, and yet we man- aged to see most of what was important and hear what to do on our own the next day. It’s our tendency as Ameri- DEBORAH BULLEN cans to hurry up and see everything – we are go, go, 770.557.5449 go; Italians savor the mo- [email protected] ment. Also, with a guide, 13816 Narcoossee Road, Suite A you are able to save your Orlando, Florida 32832 legs by hopping on and off trolleys and the metro without thinking about where you’re going every moment, so you can look and listen and enjoy (stress-free) the many picturesque areas.

Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks Our third and final day was used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity. spent shopping in the morning (I’m sure you know Mi- “Grande Disco” by Arnaldo Pomodoro, one of 6 Grande Disco sculptures lan is a fashion capital with throughout the world.

www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 8 | AUGUST 2018 FUN chaos. Enclosed in a plastic bubble, still was ready we charged at each other until we collided. and willing to do NonaVentures: I felt like I had a target on my back wheth- it. Maybe it was er I had the ball or not. Immediately, I was all for the video? Knockerball knocked to the ground (pun was definitely I have no idea … intended there). My so-called friends had I said a quick Lake Nona all attacked me. What kind of thank you prayer as I was that for inviting them?! Either way, I geared up for couldn’t help but laugh as I bounced and what I can rolled around on the ground figuring out BY NICOLE LABOSCO only guess - An the quickest way to get back on drew was - look my feet and into the action. I ing forward to wanted revenge! all day, maybe We continued to play for an- even for our other minute or so and then entire relation- quickly realized how hot it was, ship. My heart not just outside in the dreaded was pounding, Photo by James Rayner Florida summer, but also in the and my breath- Knockerball itself. We were told ing began to it would get hot, and to get some get heavy. The airflow, we would need to lean whistle blew, forward to allow the breeze to and immediately come through the top hole of the the rest of what ball. They weren’t joking. was to come Photo by James Rayner felt like a scene After taking a quick water break straight out of and getting some fresh air while hear- We all have that one friend who is a die- a movie. Every- ing what our next game would be, we all hard adrenaline junkie who loves to dis- thing seemed to slipped right back into our Knockerballs cover their next greatest adventure. That be in slow mo- and were quickly chasing down a giant friend is me… tion. I ran as fast inflatable soccer ball. This was a bit more as I could in the This feature is all about uncovering Lake challenging, in my opinion. I couldn’t get short distance I Nona and Orlando’s greatest activities, es- all of my weight behind the enormous soc- had as Andrew pecially if you enjoy living life on the edge! cer ball while in my own personal bubble charged full without falling down. I was quickly and Previously featured in a business spotlight, speed at me like easily run over by the opposite team as Knockerball Lake Nona is the perfect way a freight train they got the ball past my team’s line, win- to combine good times and good company. without any ning the game. After months of planning, I was finally able brakes. I forgot to gather nine friends and take over the up- Leading up to the biggest moment of the how quick on Photo courtesy of Knockerball Lake Nona and-coming popular sport. This sport fea- day, it was now time for one versus one. his feet he was. by friends, flew in the air and bounced on tures inflatable balls that you climb into and In this final event, individuals choose their Next thing I know, I’m mid-air parallel to the ground, and did nothing but laugh then proceed to run and bounce around. The friend (or sworn enemy) and charge di- the ground and then upside down. He com- the entire time. I had a lot of fun playing main sport Knockerball focuses on is soccer, rectly at them, like a game of chicken. My pletely demolished me, and the footage we Knockerball and look forward to the next splitting players into two teams of five (the friends went one by one, and there was have of that very moment is now Andrew’s time I get to play, but maybe next time it’ll black team and the red team), and then hav- always a good matchup. Somehow and new Facebook profile video. He’s a little too ing a free-for-all for some proud. be during the winter … with a normal- unknown Be sure to check out the Knocker- All I could do was roll around on the sized soccer ball. reason, I ball Lake Nona video from my game- ground laughing and then yell, “Oh my We gathered decided play experience! For more informa- God!” as everyone else laughed at my -em at Ariel Apart- that go- tion on Knockerball Lake Nona and to barrassment. We all got a great laugh out ments right here ing against plan your next Knockerball party, visit of that, though, that’s for sure. My pain in Nona to meet Andrew www.knockerballlakenona.com and was the rest of the group’s pleasure. Would Steven Sierra and would be a facebook.com/knockerballlakenona. I do it again? One hundred percent yes, Carola Martinez, great idea. just not against Andrew the owners of “Couple’s Knockerball Lake therapy,” as All the stops were brought out for this Have a suggestion? Send an email to Nona. Steven and beautiful game of Knockerball, and it - at [email protected] or fill out Carola put tracted quite the crowd. Residents in the our NonaVentures column form at Chaos ensued it. I knew apartment complex were out on their bal- nonahood.to/nonaventure. What do as soon as the I was go- conies wanting to take part in the game as you want to see me review next? whistle blew. ing to get well, laughter ensuing all around. Don’t get me destroyed, wrong, it was So, there you have it, I got knocked around Photo courtesy of Knockerball Lake Nona and yet I

PRESENTS... DOG OF THE MONTH Nona Owner: Tara Wilson Breed: King Charles Cavalier Spaniel

Nona is a sweet King Charles Cavalier Spaniel and proud Lake Nona pup. In February 2018, Nona celebrated her 10th birthday; she keeps her puppy-like figure with long walks through Randal Park and chasing after her tennis ball. Basking in the Florida sunshine, cuddling with her family, eating carrots, and finding the squeaker in a brand-new toy are a few of Nona's favorite activities.

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www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 9 | AUGUST 2018 of warmer weather and more lakes. Be- show and hope to continue. fore purchasing a home, we were asked The show itself is a big Hol- Nona Your to house-sit a home for a friend on Lake lywood production with the Whippoorwill for the summer. We fell lights and cameras, which - Neighbor: in love with our neighbors and the com can be pretty nerve-racking, munity and knew that this was where we and so I try to use the nerves Emily Durham wanted to live. and adrenaline in my favor. NHN: How long have you lived here? It’s also filmed through the night, so sometimes you can ARTICLE BY VANESSA POULSON ED: Since 2010. end up competing anytime PHOTOS COURTESY OF from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. One EMILY DURHAM NHN: Where are you from originally? season, I actually competed ED: I am from Denver, Colo., and my hus- at 5:30 a.m. I was really tired! This month’s Nona Your Neighbor sub- band is from East Texas. ject is Emily Durham. Durham is a per- NHN: What has been sonal trainer and fitness coach, as well as a NHN: What do you do for work? your favorite moment wakeboarder and a competitor on the last on the show so far? ED: - four seasons of American Ninja Warrior! I am a retired professional wake boarder and now work as a part-time fit- ED: My favorite moment Check out some more awesome stuff about was competing in Miami this year. I Emily below! ness trainer and a full-time mom. I also work with my husband at our non- did pretty well, and I just had so much profit organization called This is My fun getting to compete in the finals. I Story. And for a hobby, I also train also love the interaction with all of the for American Ninja Warrior and kids who are fans. They look up to us have competed on the show for the ninjas so much, and I love the positive last four seasons. role models that are in this sport. To be healthy, strong and to keep trying NHN: What's the most exciting no matter what obstacles you might or crazy thing that's ever hap- face in life. pened to you? NHN: What is your favorite thing ED: My whole life has been pretty in Lake Nona? exciting. I’ve traveled the world with wakeboarding, won countless titles ED: The “small” feel of the commu- and events. I’ve experienced the gift nity. That I know my neighbors. of having children. And I’ve gotten to compete on the show American Nin- NHN: What are you most excited ja Warrior. My life has been pretty to have in the Nonahood? exciting all the way around! ED: I’m just excited to have so many new stores and restaurants so close. NHN: Could you tell us a bit more about your experience on NHN: What do you think the fu- American Ninja Warrior? How ture is for Lake Nona? did you end up getting on the ED: show? I think it’s going to keep growing. It’s such a great spot! Want to nominate YOUR neighbor ED: I applied for the show four sea- (or yourself) to be featured? sons ago and ended up getting a call NHN: If you could tell one thing to Follow this link: back right away. I hadn’t trained someone considering moving here, nonahood.to/nonaneighbor specifically for [American] Ninja what would that be? or email [email protected]. Warrior but thought it would be fun NHN: What brought you to Lake ED: This is a great place to raise a family. to try. I ended up doing pretty well and ab- Nona? solutely loved it and have been hooked on ED: We moved from Colorado in pursuit it ever since. Since then, I have made every

granules around the mound and not in it. news is fall is right around the corner, and fall season lasts six months. When eve- In the Garden: Anything placed in the ant mound is auto- there will be no limits to choices of herbs rywhere else in the country is closing up matically a foreign object and will not be that we will be able to grow. their gardens in December and January brought to the queen for food. due to all of the snow and hard freezes, we How to Get the - Ants are just one of the many bugs you are harvesting our fall veggies like brocco Most Out of might find in your garden this time of the li, cauliflower and carrots. Let’s hope this year. From mealybugs to aphids, an infes- year we don’t get another hard freeze like tation can happen before you know it. The last year that takes out our eggplants and Your Summer key to treating bugs is getting to the root of tomato plants. That happened last year for the issue. A plant will only have bugs when the first time in seven years. Then, we will Garden it’s under stress, which typically leads to continuously harvest our vegetables from three basic causes: water, fertilizer and September clear through February. seasonality. Either over-watering with all Amber Harmon is the Owner of My Nona’s ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY AMBER the afternoon rainstorms or under-water- Garden, an organization with a mission to HARMON ing because of the hot days. In the sum- bring health, promote growth and provide mertime, the garden typically needs to be education to local communities, one gar- We’re in the home stretch as far as the watered every day. Use organic fertilizer den at a time. Visit www.MyNonasGarden. summer gardens go. Anyone who has every six to eight weeks. Be sure to use a com for more information. “We make or- held out to this point and is still produc- fertilizer specifically for vegetable gardens. ganic vegetable gardening easy!” ing vegetables really understands how Also, periodically amend the soil with and what to grow in Central Florida in the compost. Finally, make sure the vegetable summertime. plant is intended to be grown in the heat of Amber Harmon is the owner of My In our Laureate Park Gardening Work- our summer season. Nona’s Garden, an organization with a shop, we harvested some beautiful petite mission to bring health, promote growth No matter how hard we try to give our white eggplants. Eggplants really thrive Okra and provide education to local communi- plants what they need, it is all too common in the Florida heat, just like okra and ties, one garden at a time. Visit to have plant stress in the summer garden. peppers. Those are all a safe bet to grow The growing seasons in Florida are dif- www.MyNonasGarden.com for Be observant and a plant detective to get through the summer. These vegetables are ferent than anywhere else in the United more information. “We make organic to the root of your plant’s issues. Notice all heat-tolerant. States. We can typically grow all year vegetable gardening easy!” leaves wilting or brown- round. Summer winds up in the month ing. This is typically a of August. The first week of September is sign of under-watering. typically when fall planting can begin. Our The plant can literally burn up in the summer heat. Over-watering from the afternoon showers can also cause browning of leaves and yellow spots on plants like tomatoes. You’ll have to know what has been happening in the garden to properly diagnose these types of issues. Most herbs really struggle in the summertime. Continuing to grow basil, parsley, thyme and oreg- ano will be a challenge Eggplant Harvest during the summer. The way to extend the growing The next major challenge in the sum- season as much as possible is to plant these mertime garden are the pests. All the rain Our organic, vegetable gardens are Simple, Self-Watering and Sustainable! herbs where they will be in partial shade pushes the ants up from underground from other plants in the garden. Herbs like Call for information about our Garden Service: (407) 593-8196 and into our garden beds. Remember our rosemary and mint are also heat-tolerant ant psychology – only place the organic www.MyNonasGarden.com and can grow all summer long. The good

www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 10 | AUGUST 2018 third child. The next few months were exactly how I want to keep hectic for him as he had to juggle work, her.” He plans on keeping it Nona Motors the kids, his newborn, and cleaning his until he runs out of money mother's house. He was also in charge of or she can’t move anymore. handling her will. He is currently looking at an Ride of the Evo 3, which is another right- Telling the story himself, he says, “Fast hand drive in addition to his forward to November. I'm trying to get in Month: Jason R32. He says he would be contact with the lawyer in Cayman (it’s a receiving it through Hi-Rev British territory, so I had to deal with law- Motors again. Jones’ Nissan yers for the U.S. properties and one for the Cayman properties), but I’m getting The GT-R owner would also Skyline GT-R nowhere, so I decided to take a trip back like to thank Imty Deen from down, pack the family in the car, and we MT Fabrication. Jones says start heading on I-4 west to Tampa Inter- without his knowledge, he BY BRITTANY BHULAI national.” On the way there, Jones gets in would be sitting with just a a car accident with his family. He ends up shell. He has also chosen to Make: Nissan going to the doctor to discover what they name his car “Yumi.” Model: Skyline R32 GT-R called irreparable nerve damage in his C3- Placing his thoughts togeth- Year: 1990 C5 vertebra. He spent the next year in dis- er, he says, “ I remember Photo by Jason Jones Mileage: 66,486 comfort and pain and became an irritable the drive home being such a person. He was working a fast-paced job Price: joy, that for the first time in $26,000 that paid well at the time. Eventually, he • CP Pistons Horsepower: “I’m yet to dyno it, but months I forgot how much I was hurting, resigned due to the limitations his body how depression had a tight hold on me and • Manley Turbo Tuff I beam Rods she's probably in the mid fives right now.” placed on him. for that hour drive, none of that mattered. • Jun Crank Collar - Jones One year after his mother’s passing, Jones So, from then, whenever I feel like the pain was car hunting since he had some mon- is too much or the depression kicks in, I • Nissan N1 oil pump ey saved up from his job. A buddy of his, grab my keys and go for a spin.” • ID 1000 Injectors Frank, at Hi-Rev Motors in Oviedo told Mods: him about cars that they were importing. • AEM 320 fuel pump Jones responded with, “Alright, well, show • Mishimoto 2 core radiator • AEM Fuel pressure regulator me what you got.” They had a black R32 • Mishimoto dual 15" fans with white BBS’s on. Jones wanted to pick • Custom Fuel Rail that one up, but it was for another custom- • Custom 4 core Intercooler w/ 3.5" • Full Race push/pull vacuum line kit er. Hi-Rev Motors told him they had an- piping • Custom breather other one coming in. It was bone stock and • K&N Intakes “absolutely beautiful,” according to Jones. • Haltech Platinum Pro Stand Alone ECU He says that this R32 is a “grade four.” • Tial BOV • Custom Flex lines with AN fittings The Japanese have a grading system, and • MAP Sensors it’s on a scale from one to five. When he • Clutch Masters 725 twin disk Clutch • Garrett GT2860 -7 turbos went to pick it up, he looked all around. He • EBC Red stuff brake pads checked for rust and there was none. The • Apexi Downpipe body and paint were in check. • EBC Slotted Rotors • HKS Hi Power Exhaust This is his first right-hand drive in the Future Mods: • Apexi electronic boost controller States. Even though he is from Brooklyn, Frank from Hi-Rev Motors has connec- his mother is from Grand Cayman in the • Custom Intake manifold w/90mm tions with Haltech and AEM, so he is going Caribbean, and he spent a lot of time there. Throttle Body to get a Haltech race pack for the Haltech “I grew up with right-hand drive; it’s easy • Splitfire Coil packs w/Wiring Special- standalone management that he has. He from my point of view. However, it takes a ties harness also has a set of coilovers that are custom little bit to shift with the left,” said Jones. made that he intends to put on. In addi- • Brian Crower Valves/Springs/Retainers What led him into picking up a liking for tion, he has some black SSR wheels that cars was a job that he had as a 19-year- • HKS 272 Cams Intake/Exhaust will also go on. Photo by Chris Bhulai old (he is now 35) driver for Pizza Hut. It • HKS Adjustable Cam gears created a lot of wear and tear on his 1993 Background: Mitsubishi. It became expensive to keep • Gates Racing timing belt To submit your car for a possible feature, taking the car to shops for maintenance, email pics and basic info such as make, - • Nismo Thermostat At the end of February 2014, Jones’ moth so he eventually learned how to fix the car year and model to er had passed away due to kidney failure. himself. • Nitto Head Gasket [email protected]. His family decided to fly her back to Grand • Cometic Exhaust Gaskets Cayman, where his father, who had passed Concerning the R32, he says, “The car is away six years prior, was buried. During an absolute gem, I mean I absolutely love • ARP 2000 Head studs it. She is the perfect street car, which is this time, his wife had given birth to their • ARP 2000 Main studs

To be or not to be Boomerang-worthy, bold and beautiful with a pair Fashion Dose: top-brand designers from Free People to of sunglasses that will have Alexander Wang will have “Instagram- you whipping back and forth, mers” twisting and turning for more likes. showing off your trim. Check Fringe-It-Up! The multi-color fringe is a vibration of out FarFetch.com, luxury fresh and fun looks into summer fashion fashion right at your finger- ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY shows. Fringe-like fabrics are a hit to boost tips with exclusive brands ABIGALE LEWIS your followers. With the rise in streetwear from Alexander McQueen fashion, everyday looks can be revamped to Valentino. Stella McCart- by simple additions. Kimonos, blouses or ney’s eyewear is on the web- even handbags with fringe add a whimsi- site alongside other luxury cal sense of individuality. Just imagine brands that are curated spe- swinging around and the fringe following cifically for turning heads. your every move. Educate yourself with fresh- Fringe-it-up in different ways like Gucci off-the-runway styles, like or Dior, full-on fringe handbags, jackets incorporating a multi-color and dresses fully embellished for a great fringe jacket with your fa- night out in the Lake Nona Town Center. vorite denim destroyed Designers from this month’s shows all shorts, high-waisted all- showcased their new garments advocating white trousers or even a diversity in streetwear trends of fashion. violet, sheer-midi dress. To Wearing a fringe-like dress with a pair of stand out, add bold reds, Gucci loafers adds greens and yellows chic to streetwear. that will bring sim- Release the ta- plicity into great- boo of fabrics or ness with your style. brands that advo- So, cheers to time- cate conformity. less dinner-time Boomerang action. Stella McCartney eyewear brings To discover ex- fringe to a new clusive design- level this season. ers standing out is you’re just looking to spice up your black The latest fringe bomb, however, finding global cocktail dress for under $50, check out Al- As the summer blazes by, the school year sunglasses by online shopping websites that are iExpress.com. Download the app and start is ahead. August can be very stressful and McCartney fea- trendy and practical is atomic. racking up on great deals and fashionable chaotic, however, you will survive! Take ture brown metal AliExpress.com is my new-found trends before summer is over. care of yourself by expressing your indi- square frames, love with trendy new items from viduality. Fashion Dose promotes the un- tinted lens, and apparel to technology. Searching For any inquiries to style up your deniable inner fashion-lover within your acetate fringe, for the jaw-dropping dress for favorite fringe look, keep in touch via DNA. Don’t worry, it can be administered gold-tone chain a wedding, yacht party or even Instagram, @AyStrawberry. to attentive individuals anywhere, any- trims that hang a birthday celebration, check time! Here are a few ways fringe is mak- from your periph- out the tassel bodycon bandage ing a statement on the runway and the eral. You can also dresses in vibrant yellow. Turn internet. get them in white heads while you twirl confidently, and black. Live sending fashion into motion. Or if

www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 11 | AUGUST 2018 phone, you return to your heated argu- not good: to deal with anger is to think about how ment. Whether we care to admit it or not, • Suppress It: These people hold it in and why you’re feeling angry and ... - ReThink Life: anger is a choice. We can choose to let an and store it up over long periods of time • Confess It: Admitting to yourself and until it eventually explodes. It’s like a ger control us, or we can choose to control to the other person(s) that you’re feel- A Conversation our anger. Coke can after being shaken. When you finally pop the top, it spews and foams ing hurt, frustrated or even fearful is the About Life, There can actually be a good side to anger. everywhere and makes a mess. You def- best and healthiest way to deal with how Anger can be evidence of love. If someone initely don’t want to be standing nearby you feel. Not only does it help you gain a Leadership and were to hurt someone you love and care when that happens. more accurate perspective on what’s re- about, like your spouse or one of your chil- • Repress It: These people tend to deny ally going on with a situation or person, Relationships dren, it is only natural to feel anger. If you that they’re mad. When you press them but it helps them to know and better didn’t feel anger, someone might accuse to admit if they’ve been hurt, frustrated understand how you’re feeling as well. or feel fearful about anything, they tend you of being heartless as if you didn’t even This ultimately can bring healing, rec- to deny or pull back from their emo- How to Tame Your care. Some believe hate is the opposite of tions. Sometimes, these people wear onciliation, restoration, peace and pa- love. However, apathy and indifference their emotions on their sleeve but won’t tience, which is the opposite and a bet- Temper are the opposites of love. The problem is admit or talk about what they’re feeling. ter outcome for our feelings of anger. NOT anger, the problem is what we do • Express It: These people are a bit BY RODNEY GAGE, LEAD PASTOR with our anger. more obvious. They tend to act before Rodney Gage is an author, speaker and they think. They usually say things or Let me share three things you can do to the founding pastor of ReThink Life do things they later regret, especially Did you know that Church. His passion is to help people live tame your temper. when they hurt someone they care back in 2006 Orlan- life on purpose. To learn more, check out 1. Understand What Is Causing about verbally, physically, relationally do ranked number rethinklife.com. Your Anger. and emotionally. This is never a healthy one as the “Angriest or productive first response to dealing City in America,” ac- Typically, there are three warning signs or with our anger. symptoms as to what is driving our anger: cording to Men’s The best way and the most productive way Health Magazine? • Hurt: Many of us have been hurt or They studied the top wounded physically, verbally, emotion- 100 cities and yours ally, or relationally, resulting in anger truly, “Orlando,” was and resentment. the city that was the • Frustration: We can get irritated and Pastor Rodney Gage most ticked off. For- angry when something or someone is standing in the way of achieving our tunately, we’ve goals or keeping us from moving for- cooled off since then. According to the lat- ward in life. When things don’t work est study conducted in 2016 by thrillist. out as hoped, we allow our frustration com, Orlando wasn’t even on the list! to turn to anger. Anger is a real emotion we all struggle with • Fear/Insecurities: Anger and inse- from time to time. How we express it is of- curity always go together. When we feel threatened, attacked, trapped or stuck ten what gets us in trouble. Ralph Waldo in a difficult place, it causes us to feel Emerson once said, “For every minute you fearful and insecure, resulting in anger. remain angry, you give up 60 seconds of 2. Think About It and Talk About It peace of mind.” Most people don’t real- Before You Act on It. ize that anger is controllable. If you don’t believe me, have you ever been in an ar- Tension and tempers always go together. gument with a family member where the Taking a step back and reflecting on what tempers were hot and the phone rings? is actually causing you to feel angry can Suddenly, you “pause” your anger, answer help you gain a better perspective and help the phone and say “hello” in a “delight- you deal with your anger in a healthy and ful way.” When the other person asks, productive way. Unfortunately, most peo- “How’s it going,” you respond by saying, ple choose to deal with their feeling of an- “Oh, great!” As soon as you hang up the ger in one of these three ways, which are

6. I have been known to call Mama’s Turn: my husband on my cell phone to complain about Signs of how I can’t find my cell Middle Age phone! 7. "Mom, finish your -sen tence," my 17-year-old BY SHARON FUENTES pleads. "Please, just finish your sentence." (Apparent- It is hard to believe, but here it is … another ly my mind wanders mid- Mama’s Turn column from me. While you thought? Wait, what was I might just call this August’s issue, I call saying?) it the month I turn 49. To be honest, this birthday is kind of a non-event as I’ve been 8. Going out to dinner at 5 telling people I was “almost 50” since I was p.m. still feels too early, 40. Adding years always elicits a “wow, but a 9 p.m. movie seems you look good for your age” response, and really, really late. I am not against shortening my life span for a compliment. But while I have been 9. Drinking wine on my patio saying I am 49 for a while, suddenly there with friends is more ap- are these daily reminders that I really am: pealing than happy hour at a crowded bar. 1. When I am asked to input my date of birth on a website, I need to scroll 10. I have suddenly become WAAAAY down now. invisible to any man under 60. 2. I have changed the type size on my resisting the urge to remind them con- Sharon Fuentes is an award-winning computer screen to 16 point, and that There are some positive flip freelance writer, special needs parenting sides to all these “getting older” things. stantly of all the blood, sweat, tears and is with my reading glasses on. advisor and the author of the book, The For instance, I finally am starting to not outrageous amounts of chocolate and wine I consumed to get them there. But then I Don’t Freak Out Guide to Parenting Kids 3. No one IDs me … ever. sweat the small stuff so much. I have think about how fun it will be when they with Asperger’s. learned to “lighten up,” to be more free- You can reach her at 4. My knees make these horrible sounds spirited, to try and focus on the positive learn this for themselves when they have [email protected]. - every time I bend down and then at- and, most of all, to always find laughter. their own kids one day. Say, that’s anoth tempt to get back up. For example, after years of worrying if my er advantage of getting older. You can be children would turn out okay, and if not, snarky and people just blow it off as sassy 5. When I go swimming, I can no longer if we would have enough bail money, I and cute. I think I am going to like this just look at my fingers to see if they have learned to let go. I did what I could, whole middle-aged thing! are all prune-like and wrinkly as a sign and now it is time to accept them for who it’s time to get out … BECAUSE THEY they are, their choices, their actions which ARE ALWAYS PRUNE-LIKE AND they are responsible for. Turns out, they WRINKLY. are amazing people! Of course, I am still

www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 12 | AUGUST 2018 that. Falling out of a pose day without setting expectations. This will doesn’t mean we’re los- allow our yoga practice to be what it needs Finding Now: ing progress; it might just to be on any given day, or our life to unfold be an off day. The tricky as it should. part comes when we place The Mirror of expectations on our “per- Know Your Edge. formance” and then judge While practicing asana (yoga poses), we Yoga ourselves. In reality, some learn to find that fine line between our days are better than oth- comfort zone and a challenge, while still ers, and that is not a bad BY ODETTE VACCARO keeping our safety and health in mind. thing. I find this approach is what nurtures an When we observe with- attitude of learning and growth in life. It Yoga has become an out beating ourselves up, lets us go beyond the “safe,” expected or essential part of my we allow our body to get ordinary, while still being responsible and life. Not only do I stronger, learn from the diligent. physically feel better pose, and perhaps even after I practice, but Bottom line, yoga can be a great meta- make it easier to get in yoga has also taught phor for life. There is freedom in finding that pose on your next try. me about myself. Af- same. The same is true of life. One day, a space. In yoga, growth comes from finding Most of us are guilty of beating ourselves ter many years, I headstand might be effortless, but not in space within your poses and in your body. up for not “achieving” what we expected. now recognize that the cards the next day. Your balance might In life, growth comes from finding space This constant judging doesn’t make us bet- our yoga practice be impeccable when practicing eagle or tree between our thoughts and knee-jerk reac- ter people. In fact, it probably makes us shy mirrors our ap- pose today, but you might wobble back and tions. When we’re able to find that space, away from trying again or taking on new proach to life. forth constantly the next time you step on we allow ourselves to step back and take challenges. Maybe we need to take a cue Odette Vaccaro Watching our reac- the mat. That’s because the same person mindful actions in every situation we are from our yoga practice. Just flow. tions during practice does not step on your mat twice. We are faced with. can help clue us into how we take on just new every day, and our practice reflects Turn It Upside about anything we do. Down. Even more, translating what we It’s always good learn from yoga to our lives off to look at things the mat can give us a fresh, new from another - perspective. How can our prac point of view. tice help us to actually be better not only at yoga but at life? Inversions in yoga can provide many Breathe. benefits for your circulatory, im- There is nothing more thera- mune and para- peutic than our own breath. If sympathetic sys- you’ve ever practiced mindful- tem. In life, taking ness, relaxation or stress man- a step back and agement techniques before, allowing ourselves you’ve experienced the power of to see things from your breath. In yoga, we breathe a different per- and link our movements to our spective can lead breath. No matter what we do, to some inspiring shifts and a-ha In yoga, we learn to be at ease through an we never sacrifice the breath moments. This can literally give uncomfortable position, without resisting in order to achieve a pose. Our us a new outlook on life. or becoming tense. And isn’t that an essen- breath is the one non-negotiable tial skill we need to be successful in life? and our root during practice. Be in the Moment. Just as we develop flexibility in the body, The same is true in life. When we’re able to do the same in the mind. we allow our breath to flow fully While practicing yoga, we focus and effortlessly, our days seem on what the body is doing on calmer and our mind better pre- the mat and nothing else. This pared to meet daily challenges. kind of focus and mindfulness “Yoga is a mirror to look at ourselves Even when faced with difficult also has a myriad of benefits from within.” – B.K.S. Iyengar situations, keeping our breath when it comes to our think- full and mindful enables us to ing. Allowing our attention to better problem-solve and more anchor in the present moment patiently meet challenges. always helps to diminish over- whelm and stress and generally Flow. encourages creativity and better problem-solving. It’s also about On our mat, every day is differ- stepping on the mat or into our ent and no practice is ever the Photo by Odette Vaccaro

motherhood – ladies, we are here to listen, As for me, I am a Lake Nona resident, aMy son was born when I was 36, relatively Ask Lady Nona: share, heal, discuss, laugh and be proud of mom/stepmom, a wife, a writer, an entre- late. At that point, I was a new wife, a new who we are as mothers, daughters, sisters, preneur, an activist, and a public servant mom, and a stepmom with no family and Where Is My friends and, most importantly, as women! with a Master’s degree from George Wash- not too many friends around. This got me ington University. I wanted to remain thinking of the old proverb, "It takes a vil- My goal is to have this column represent anonymous for the Lady Nona column so lage," and I thought, where the heck is my Village? the statue in the village and represent the that its content can be raw and real. I pullvillage? I didn’t just need the village for the village itself. I guess in this case it will be stories from my life and the lives of thekids, I needed one for me! the “hood,” not the village. Alan Webber, people I know to start a conversation that former editor of the Harvard Business This column will be a collection of stories we can all enjoy and possibly grow from. Review, stated that “conversation is the mixed in or inspired by your contributions It was only fair that you, too, have privacy means by which people share and often on a monthly basis. We expect you to ask so you can participate freely and share create what they know.” Dialogue allows questions, share experiences, enlighten us, openly. Therefore, all your questions and for collective learning and inquiry and warn us, and make us laugh. comments will remain anonymous as well. helps us navigate complex social issues, I’ll also pose a question to get the conver- which can lead to a shift in thought,- per I moved to Orlando (Lake Nona) in 2012 sation started in an effort to delve into the ception and action. and, by chance, met the most amazing Lake Nonian psyche and get to know the man. By the age of 32, I had already kissed We have heard it a million times before … people who live in this awesome neighbor- a bunch of frogs, so I trusted my instincts “Communication is key.” My husband’s hood we call home. that he was a prince and got hitched after thoughts on communication when I bring three months. My husband, let us call him it up: “You are right, communication is Mr. Nona, is from a different culture thanQuestion for September’s Issue: a problem in relationships, there is too I, different background, different faith and much of it.” Cue my eye roll! We will start with an easy one … came with a seven-year-old son. If you are If it weren’t for having children, Because of my obsession with people- or have ever been married, you know how watching and analyzing human behavior, I challenging it is to make a marriage work. would being married be a realized that no matter what your specific So, you can imagine how “challenging” a priority for you? deal is, so many people have experienced marriage can be when you have all these it as well. You are not so strange after all.differences and a little baggage. Not sure There is comfort in that. So, we want towhen or why the word “hard” was - offi There is an old story of a town that had hear from you, and we want to talk about it.cially replaced by “challenging,” but I am Submit your answers to this month’s just going to say it: being married, being a a wooden statue in its center that locals Although people tend to share their -mis question, or share your own experiences, mom, working, keeping up with the house, questions, and thoughts to Lady Nona by would visit and vent to about their expe- eries more than their happiness, we are keeping up with my appearance, and my filling out the online form here: riences, issues and secrets in a way to get aiming to keep this column positive so them off their chest. We created Lady No- sex life is dang hard! Exhausting, really. I nonahood.to/askladynona. Your that we are not feeding into the rants andknow there are some Type-A personalities submissions will be anonymous. na’s column as a twist on that. We see this issues, but rather airing them out and- let platform as a way to converse. Whether it’s out there who make it seem really easy. I ting them go. think it must be Adderall. about love, sex, family, work, marriage, or

www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 13 | AUGUST 2018 SPORTS & FITNESS Merrill Lynch is proud to support Lake Nona Youth Sports.

Dunnavant, Baird Group C.R. Dunnavant, CFP®, CRPC® Merrill Lynch Senior Vice President 700 Celebration Ave VillageWalk Wealth Management Advisor 3rd Floor Portfolio Manager Celebration, FL Resident 321.559.5005 34747 Isabella Meléndez, 9, Wins U.S. Kids Golf Merrill Lynch Wealth Management makes available products and services offered by 2018 FL State Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, a registered broker-dealer and Member SIPC, and other subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation. Championship Investment products: Are Not FDIC Insured Are Not Bank Guaranteed May Lose Value The Bull Symbol and Merrill Lynch are trademarks of Bank of America Corporation. BY VANESSA POULSON Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP® and PHOTOS COURTESY OF CAROLYN CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM in the U.S. CRPC® and Chartered Retirement Planning VEGA-MELÉNDEZ CounselorSM are registered service marks of the College for Financial Planning. © 2018 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved. ARVBHCMB | MLWM-100-AD | 470944PM-1017 | 10/2017

LPGA (Ladies Pro- best. She is young and although very tal- fessional Golf Asso- ented, there is still a lot of work to be put ciation). in for the long journey ahead.

NHN: What has NHN: What do you hope for her in been the biggest the future? challenge for CM: As parents, we hope for her to be Isabella while happy and successful at whatever she de- playing golf? cides to do. Golf 2017 European Championship, fol- CM: Trying to NHN: What's one piece of advice lowed placing 15th in her age division the stay cool, both mentally and physically. you'd give to Isabella or other young very same year at the U.S. Kids Golf 2017 Whether it’s during practice or at a cham- golfers? World Championship, earning her an au- pionship, keeping a positive attitude is key tomatic invitation to the 2018 event, which to staying focused. Especially, after a bad CM: Have fun! will take place August 2 - 4, 2018 in Pine- shot. Like all competitive spirits, some- hurst, N.C. times she has to be reminded that even the pros have bad shots, bad rounds, and even NHN: How long have you been play- a bad tournament and not to be so tough ing golf? on herself. She may not win every tournament, but she is going to try to give it her IM: I started when I was three, but I have Isabella Meléndez of Lake Nona recently been competing since I was six years old. won the U.S. Kids Golf 2018 FL State Championship for Girls, ages eight to nine, NHN: What would it mean to you to and is off to compete in the World Cham- win the World Championship? pionship in August! IM: It would mean that I am a step closer Check out our Q-and-A with Isabella and to achieving my golf dreams. her mom, Carolyn, about her accomplish- ments and everything she hopes for in the NHN: What does her golf dream future! look like?

NHN: What was it like to win the U.S CM: Seeking to move up in global rank at Kids Golf 2018 FL State Champion- this year’s U.S. Kids Golf World Champi- ship for Girls eight to nine? onship, Isabella has her eyes set at placing within the top ten spots. Competitive golf IM: It was an amazing experience! I was has taken Isabella all around the world. proud that I did it. From her home state of Florida to the states of Georgia, North Carolina, New NHN: Was she expecting to win the Jersey and California, Isabella definitely tournament? enjoys traveling to different courses. She CM: Yes. You definitely don’t know if has even had the opportunity to represent you’ve cinched the title until all of the Florida/USA in Scotland. It’s important scores are submitted from the different to us that Isabella have balance in her pairings in the respective age division. life. After all, she is only 9 so whether it’s Someone who had a relatively good round a local tournament or one that takes us the day(s) prior, could have had a fantastic abroad, sightseeing and doing fun things final round, giving another an opportunity other than golf is part of her childhood ex- to claim that top spot. Upon submitting perience, too. From touring the castle that her final scores at the end of the last round, inspired Hogwarts in Harry Potter, body she was ecstatic that she had secured 1st surfing in the Pacific, or catching the latest place and we were all beyond proud! All of movie at Disney Springs, a family adven- her hard work paid off. ture of sorts is always but a tournament away. NHN: Who was there at the tournament? NHN: If she meets that dream at 9 years old, what's next? CM: Beyond her Daddy Caddie, Carlos, #golfteammelendez carries an entourage CM: Continue to work on technique, en- of people, including her grandparents, durance and consistency to ultimately aunts, an uncle, cousins, and of course, her claim one of the coveted top 5 spots, if not mom. However, her biggest supporter is 1st place, the following year and whatever her little sister, Sofia, who is always cheer- aspirations and respective success this turf ing her on at every hole. life brings her thereafter.

NHN: Had she [Isabella] ever won a NHN: What's your favorite thing championship before? about golf? CM: No, the U.S. Kids Golf Florida State IM: Making memories at each and every Championship is her first time. However, golf course. at age 7, Isabella placed 26th in her age division at the U.S. Kids Golf 2016 World NHN: What would you like to do Championship. At age 8, Isabella placed when you grow up? 13th in her age division at the U.S. Kids IM: Be a professional golf player in the

www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 14 | AUGUST 2018 “I’m so pleased that Lake Nona High “We are looking forward to Brandy’s lead- Valerie Sisco lives in Lake Nona School cheerleaders will be serving as ership with our cheer teams this season,” and is the author of the blog, Something to mentors for our Jr. Lions cheerleaders this said C.R. Dunnavant, president of Lake gracewithsilk.com. year,” Sellers said. “We’ll be working with Nona Youth Sports. “We know she’ll help the Lake Nona High School coaching staff, us build some great new relationships and Cheer About too, to help prepare our young athletes for partnerships so we can enhance our ath- the competitive level when they try out for letes’ skills.” At Lake Nona high school cheer.” And that’s something we can all cheer for. The sport of cheer, like many other sports, Visit LakeNonaYouthSports.org for Youth Sports gives kids an opportunity to also learn life registration information. skills. They learn to develop trust in their BY VALERIE SISCO teammates, contribute to the success of others, and discover the importance of Two, four, six, eight . . . here’s some news preparation, developing a posi- the kids in Lake Nona will appreciate. tive attitude and having mental toughness. Through sports, they Brandy Sellers is the new cheer direc- can make strong friendships tor and head coach for Lake Nona Youth and enjoy a sense of community Sports, which is for students in grades with their teammates and their K-8. The football and cheer season will families. kick off in August, and online registration is now open. Sellers is already experienced in offering encouragement since Even though this will be Sellers’ first she volunteers her time as a season coaching in the Lake Nona com- mentor for Take Stock in Chil- munity, she can’t remember a time when dren in Osceola County, helping she wasn’t involved in the sport of cheer- students build a solid foundation leading, either as part of a squad or as a of values and academic skills and coach. Growing up in the small town of Bo- develop their self-esteem and ron, Calif., on the edge of the Mojave De- confidence. “Being a part of our sert, her parents enrolled her in her first future generation is important cheer lesson at the age of four. And once to me because I'm able to share she got to try out pom-poms and mega- my knowledge of cheerleading to phones, Sellers never looked back, con- help young kids gain confidence tinuing to cheer through her senior year in and recognition that are keys high school. to their success,” said Sellers. “I loved cheering as a student, and I have “Volunteering my time to help enjoyed coaching my daughters’ cheer- kids set goals and see them ac- leading teams as well as softball and soc- complish them is so rewarding cer,” Sellers stated. “I’m very excited to to me.” lead our competitive cheerleading teams Getting involved in the Lake this season with the opportunity to rock Nona community is important the sidelines as we cheer on the Lake Nona to Sellers and her family since Jr. Lions football teams.” they decided to move across the The Jr. Lions are part of the Florida Youth country to central Florida three Football and Cheer League (FYFCL), with years ago. Sellers’ husband, Jay, AAU clubs (Amateur Athletic Union) retired from the U.S. Air Force, throughout northern and central Florida. and she is enjoying volunteer- The FYFCL-certified coaches work with ing her time and investing her young athletes all season long to prepare expertise with students after for competitions and the chance to com- spending 13 years working for pete for a national title in football and the Department of Defense and cheer. The Lake Nona High School coach- NASA in California. The couple ing staff also shares expertise and- col and their three daughters, Ha- laborates with Jr. Lions coaches, build- leigh, 18, Presley, 7, and Khloe, ing relationships and getting to know the 4, couldn’t be happier now that young students. they’re adjusting to civilian life.

Lake Nona Youth Sports “Home of the JR Lions” LakeNonaYouthSports.Org Non Profit 501c3 “WE ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR THE YOUTH IN OUR COMMUNITY. COME JOIN US.” Football & Cheer Registration Closing Soon!!! Football & Cheer Lacrosse Board Announcements Upcoming Events Opportunities to Help Congratulations Going on Now. Games begin mid Positions Opening Soon Feb to April 28/29Give Cost: back $125 to your community by participating as an Assistant 14U Cheer – AAU National - Treasurer (Grades 1-4); $225Coach (Grades. Opportunities 5-8) available for Football, Cheer, Lacrosse •Champions Cheerleading – REGISTER NOW, registration closing soon. and Wrestling. - Fundraising Mascot (Age 4), 6U to 14U (ages 5 to 14). Equipment and uniforms will be 14U Football – AAU National provided. Players must provide • Football – REGISTRATION OPEN for Flag (Ages 5-6) and 14U We are always looking forLakeNonaJRLions@LakeNonaYo those wanting to make a Champion Runner Up (Ages 13-14). Registration closing soon. their own lacrossedifference sticks and in our community!uthSports.Org Let’s work together. Just send 8U ImportantFootball –Dates: FYFCL East cleats. us an email. Coaching Accepting Division• 8/25/2018 Conference-First FootballChampions and Cheerleading Game. [email protected] Applications Now for: •AAU Lacrosse National Boys Championshipand Girls – Speed Lacrosse LeagueVOLUNTEERS for new WELCOME and experienced players going on now. Check out website for Fundraising and Marketing Opportunities: Qualifier “Be an Assistant Coach” (no - Football Fall 2018 updates and more information. • “Sponsor a Child Program” – Local families in financial need. experience needed) - Cheer Fall 2018 Fall 2018 Registration Opening • Wrestling – Please check the website for updatesemail: for programsjrlionslacrosse@lakenona • T-shirt sponsor opportunities to market your business. soon,this fall please and Spring check 2019. our website Donations Needed youthsports.org • Corporate and Personal Sponsorships available. LakeNonaYouthSports.Org Lacrosse equipment Goal $14,500: Status $8,500

Please email: [email protected] for more information. Website LakeNonaYouthSports.org Nonprofit 501c3

www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 15 | AUGUST 2018 sometimes lost. And yet, faithfully, tive in that department (the popular- willingly and even fiercely, I went to ity contest, not swimming). I even Swimming practice each and every day with the attended something called Bob Mat- hope that this would be my break-out son’s Mechanics in the colder months Upstream week. to try to improve my technique (pretty sure it didn’t work). Undeterred, I re- At weekly swim meets, we’d cluster turned year after year to my summer in our age groups, eying the older BY DEBORAH BULLEN club team. Eventually, I found other kids with awe, each with our packet outlets for my need to succeed, but for of Jell-O (for energy, of course), and When I was a kid, my summer was all of those early years, I never gave we’d lick the wrapper clean, as if pure, consumed by our club swim team. up hope that next year I’d be among flavored sugar could propel us to the My brother, David, and I no sooner the best. finished swimming lessons than we finish line while taking precious sec- raced up to the swim team coach to onds off the stopwatch. It never happened, though. Yes, I still swim, if you’re wondering. And ask if we could try out for the swim I even remember praying about it eve- I’ve been told, recently as a matter of team. We made it. Everyone did. But ry night. (Please, God, make me a fast, fact, that I have a beautiful stroke and we were overjoyed, nonetheless. great swimmer.) I wanted so badly to that you can see that I used to com- win – to be fast, admired, praised, We spent every day walking to the pool pete. And strangely, I still get kind of a celebrated. In retrospect and with age with our friends at 8:30 a.m. and ar- glow when someone compliments me comes the knowledge that it was the riving back home at 12 p.m. for lunch. on that. I guess we don’t change over approval and praise I wanted more How our mothers must have loved the years as much as we think we do. that. Swim team practice was two to than anything. It seemed to me that two-and-a-half hours of swimming the coolest kids (and therefore the laps, mock races, kickboard exercises most well-liked kids) were the best and more laps. It’s the same swimmers. And I was always competi- today from what I can see at the YMCA. We were tired, and we might have cheated a little on how many laps we actually swam, but it was still a whole lot of laps. I wonder now, when there was no indication that I’d get any better at this, why I was so consumed by it, each and every summer beginning at age six or seven and continuing until I was 13. Of course, I was part of something larger and when the team won, we all celebrated. But I was never entered into too many events (sometimes throughout the whole swim meet, I’d have one event). Oh, and minor detail here, I never came in first place, rarely took second, had a whole bunch of yellow ribbons for third, and

your child will gain: series of Ernst & Young studies, it is even more common for female execu- Learning Learning the importance of WE over tives to have played a sport. A survey ME, where the collective success is of 821 high-level female executives Leadership more important than individual success. was conducted, and the result came back revealing that 90% of them had Through Experiencing the association between played sports. For women holding C- hard work and growth. Learning that suite positions, the number is even Sports there is no home run moment, and higher and comes in at 96%. that success comes from the repeated “Playing sports teaches you important act of greatness. BY SAMIA SOLH life skills at an early age, skills like Learning how to follow so they can time management and organizational Sports are a big part of the All-Amer- learn how to lead: You can’t be a chief skills. More importantly, it gives you ican lifestyle. Families rally for their without being a warrior first. the chance to experience camaraderie state team, their alma mater teams, Learning how to WIN, not just how to and the ideology of working collec- their fantasy teams and their kids’ lose: The saying goes, “When you are tively for a common goal,” said Lake leagues. Here in Lake Nona, we are green, you are growing, and when you Nona resident, exercise physiologist, blessed to live near the USTA and are ripe, you are rotting.” In the right and coach Anthony Wishart. Sports City so that a healthy lifestyle competitive environment, sports help In life, we all strive to find a role and involving sports is literally in our kids learn to stay humble and ac- excel at it. That is something that backyards. knowledge that there is always room sports allows children to experience If you have ever committed your child to grow. at an early age, and it has long-lasting to a sport on a team, you know that it’s Experience getting knocked down effects into adulthood. So, if you are a an actual commitment! With evening and getting up, literally, and fighting parent who is struggling with the kids’ practices, early weekend morning through that. sports schedules, just remember that games, long drives to tournaments, the benefits are going to be well worth - and tons of expenses, participation is As for girls and young women, ac the trouble. quite an obligation. Do you sometimes cording to an article published on wonder if it is worth all the effort? Es- CNBC.com, "If you want to be a CEO pecially if your child isn’t that later, play sports now.” Referencing a enthusiastic about it, either, it makes it easy to waive it off and say, “Fine, just forget it,” and thinking, “Is it such a big deal if they don’t play sports?” The answer is, absolutely! It’s not a coincidence that most leaders and CEOs have played some sort of sport growing up and not necessarily at a high- level. Even Mark Zuckerberg, who one wouldn’t exactly peg as an athlete type, was a high school fencing star. Even if your child isn’t performing well, it still has great benefits beyond building self-confidence and getting exercise. So, if you succeed in ignoring the tired voice in your head saying, “Is it really worth it?” here are some of the things www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 16 | AUGUST 2018 Obsessed Cycle: Going For Gold

ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY MATT TROY JONES

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT A couple of months ago, I bought a new bike. This one was no ordinary When it comes to losing weight, there is no road bike. It’s what’s known as a all-encompassing solution, but its a combination took the bike out and tested it to see enough to get pulled over for speed- “track bike,” which is a single-speed of fitness, nutrition, supplementation and for what maximum speed I could clock ing in the neighborhood, which version of a road bike that cannot some, prescription medications. The “Endurance” on an all-out sprint. Remember that would probably be the only speeding coast (the pedals move as long as the this bike only has one gear, which ticket I would proudly accept with way is a medically supervised weight loss wheels are moving). This track bike is based on how many teeth are on honor. program that is personalized to fit your lifestyle. is a Specialized Langster 10th An- the front chainring, and the rear cog. Our supportive staff and system are key to niversary edition, white frame with Now that this bike is in its final stag- A larger ring in the front and fewer blue and red accent stripes; a very es of completion, the last and prob- success. Let us help you live life with Endurance. teeth in the back makes for a high- clean, simple design. Having only ably most important requirement for er top speed potential, but from a one speed and a fixed gear makes any project bike is to name it. There- standing start can be a struggle just this bike a totally unique ride that fore, I officially declare this bike to to get going, whereas the opposite takes some getting used to. The pur- be named Goldmember. Obsessed will enable faster acceleration but ist wouldn’t even have brakes on the Cycle is now working on a video fea- limit top speed. bike and would apply back pressure turing the “Goldmember” track bike, to the pedals to slow and stop the During my test run, I was able to get which should be released by the time bike, but in my case I prefer safety, up to 28 mph before I was pedaling this edition of Nonahood News hits so I had front and rear brakes in- so fast I risked damaging my knees. the press. Please hop over to Ob-

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SKIN CARE

From our inner to outer appearance, we appreciate many aspects of beauty here at Endur- ance. We understand ﬁrst hand the importance of skin health as a part of our wellness as it is our body’s largest organ and plays an important role in its protection. Knowing this, you should stalled. Then I had an idea, or more This was about eight to 10 mph less sessed Cycle on YouTube and Face- keep your skin as youthful, protected, and so a vision ... this bike is made for than my flat ground capability on book to check out the final product! healthy as you can. Healthy Skin Matters! fun, so why not add some flair? an 11-speed road bike. This simply Also, to stay up to date with what’s would not do, so I decided to change going on with Obsessed Cycle, please After a minute or so of some very COOLSCULPTING the gearing setup from the standard follow, like and subscribe to our intense deliberation, I decided to 48t front and 17t rear to a 52t front YouTube, Facebook and Instagram add some gold features to the bike and 16t rear. I then went out on the pages. There’s plenty more to come! Show oﬀ the body you’ve always dreamed of because, well, because it’s ridicu- Sunday group ride with Nona Cy- with CoolSculpting®: the non-surgical body lous. So I had Winter Garden Wheel cle to test the new limits. During contouring treatment that freezes and naturally Works install some gold bar tape and the fastest sprint of the day, I man- gold brake lines. I liked the outcome, eliminates fat from your body. CoolSculpting® aged a 33.3 mph max speed at 130 but that wasn’t enough to satisfy the is the coolest, most innovative, non-surgical rpm, which was Mr. T in me, so I ordered some gold way to lose those annoying bumps and bulges definitely the wheels from State Bicycle Co. and a of stubborn fat. This revolutionary technology cadence limit of gold chain from KMC. Now, it was targets and cools unwanted fat cells in the what my knees starting to look like something, but could handle. selected area to induce a noticeable, - natu why stop there? Amazon and Google This is much ral-looking reduction in fat bulges. shopping searches became my new better than be- best friends for the next few weeks as fore, but now I I found more gold parts for the bike. (407) 413-5416 have to find the  In came a gold bottle cage, gold seat- absolute limit,  enduranceweightloss.com post and seatpost clamp, and gold therefore a new mounting screws for the chainring.  10411 Moss Park Rd, Orlando, FL 32832 14t rear cog is Then I realized something ... this on the way, and bike looks super bling, but had I lost I expect to be the intention of the “track bike”? able to comfort- Track bikes are made to be raced on ably ride up to a velodrome track; they need to be 36 mph on flat Live Life with Endurance. able to achieve very high speeds. So I ground, plenty

www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 17 | AUGUST 2018 only the extent of injury to the rider that in Tucson, Ariz. I quickly became hooked varies. Seeing the posts on Facebook about on cycling and realized in order to become Nona fellow cyclists who have sustained injuries a better cyclist, I needed to expand my is a reminder of how easily it could be training beyond the relatively controlled Cycle: Ride any of us. environment of urban trail systems. Riding a bicycle in Florida can be deadly, In December of last year, I began riding Predictably – and a recent study has put the state at with Nona Cycle, and it has changed my life the top of the list of the most dangerous for the better. I’ve met like-minded people places to take your bike out on local roads. who have offered assistance, guidance and Safety First The Governor’s Highway Safety Associa- encouragement. I enjoy the fellowship of tion’s study shows Florida had the nation's our weekly rides, post-ride Starbucks and BY DEBRA LOWE highest proportion of bicyclist fatalities at the connection we have via social media. 7.4 percent in 2015. Research- Because of Nona Cycle, I was able to raise ers also found that bike deaths money to fight diabetes by participating across the country are on an in Tour de Cure this past spring and will incline – 12.2 percent – and fundraise and ride in support of our local are outpacing the overall rise Ronald McDonald House this fall. am certainly aware of them. It’s easy to tell in traffic fatalities. The study Our 30-mile-ish Sunday Signature Ride used 2015 data because it was who respects cyclists and who sees us as a begins in Laureate Park and travels along nuisance. Those who follow the three-foot the most recent complete data Narcoossee and Rummell roads into St. available. law and allow us to cross as a group at in- Cloud and back on Narcoossee to the fin- tersections obviously are willing to “share Florida's roadways were built ish. We’re a large group, and I tell myself the road.” Then there’s the group who with cars in mind, not cyclists. there is safety in numbers … but all it takes seems to speed up as they go by, horns Decades ago, it used to be chil- is one distracted driver or an unintention- blaring, and not a chance in the world of dren who died most often in al error from one of us. One of my many giving us an extra inch of road. While they bike fatalities. Now, it's adults. fears while riding is that I’ll make an er- are definitely a concern, the ones we worry The study found the average ror while in the pace line that will injure most about are the distracted drivers who age of those who died in 2015 someone else. Anyone who rides with a are doing something besides focusing on to be 45. A Centers for Disease group should always “ride predictably,” what’s happening around them. We’ve all Control and Prevention analysis know and follow the group’s rules, and be been guilty of not being 100 percent en- from 2008 to 2012 found our knowledgeable of universal hand signals. gaged while driving, however, I’ve found state had the highest rate of bi- If you don’t know, it’s easy enough to do a that the more I ride on the open road, the cycling deaths in the continental Google search or ask your fellow riders for more cognizant I am of cyclists while be- U.S. In 46 percent of crashes, clarification. hind the wheel of my truck. the driver was found to be at I don’t focus on the vehicles barreling along I implore everyone to do their part to re- fault, while cyclists were at fault behind us on Sunday mornings, although I 30 percent of the time. Crashes duce the statistics of Florida cyclist fatali- at these locations typically in- ties – when you are on two wheels under volved drivers turning left or your own power or behind the wheel of a right, or cyclists and drivers 4,000-pound vehicle. Sharing the road pulling out into an intersection is not going to ruin your day, but living with cross traffic. with debilitating injuries from a cycling accident or the guilt and regret of taking Photo by Debra Lowe In part, the rise in bicycling someone’s life through your carelessness deaths can be attributed to the is something you can never undo. dramatic increase in the number of cy- Bicyclists have two major safety threats: clists taking to riding on the road. When cars and ourselves. I took up cycling four years ago, I rode Do you like to cycle or want to learn how? exclusively on bike trails. With so many Join the Nona Cycle group for weekly Over the past month, there seems to have to choose from within a reasonable drive rides: nonahood.to/nonacycle. been an increase in the number of local cy- from my home, I had no desire to compete clists involved in crashes. Unfortunately, with vehicular traffic, and so the only time the outcome of a cyclist connecting with a I did have to “share the road” was when I motorized vehicle is always the same, it’s participated in an annual century ride held

emy (Orlando Tampa Bay Volleyball Acad- Lake Nona emy) in Orlando. In the last three years, the girls have traveled to Atlanta, Phila- delphia, St. Louis, and Kansas City. When Middle School they travel to compete, there are about 200 teams in their age group. They all bat- Students Win tle to see who will come out on top. Harold Baerga, Alana’s father, follows the girls AAU National and supports them along with the other parents. “The unique thing about this year Championships was they were the underdogs, but as the season progressed, they were getting better and better,” says Alana’s dad. When ARTICLE BY BRITTANY BHULAI they went to Atlanta, they came in seventh, PHOTOS BY DAVID SATTERFIELD and in Philadelphia, they came in third. He

School and got involved in Nona Sports for In their opinion, the one challenge they almost three years. She then moved over face is their physicality in lacking height. to OTVA. Chanelle’s interest flourished However, they say they always come out because her sister used to play at OTVA. on top over their competitors because they She became familiar with the coaches, fit- put their heads together and easily out- ting right in. smart their opponents. They consider themselves almost like sisters. Their bond keeps growing. When they are playing on the court, they can read each other's moves, and they are familiar with each other’s game. Accord- ing to the girls, another reason why they value one another is that it is rare to find says that it was quite the accomplishment a group that stays together Lake Nona Middle School students Alana for them to win first place in Orlando. for as long as they have. Baerga, Kate Satterfield and Chanelle Rah- Each of them found themselves pursuing These young Lake Nona bany recently won the AAU (Amateur Ath- volleyball in different ways. For Alana, residents are going into 8th letic Union) National Championship for both of her sisters played volleyball when grade next school year and volleyball in Orlando. They also qualified - she was little. She would join in and play are currently all honor stu for the Girls Volleyball Junior Olympics in with them. Growing up, she asked her dents. They aspire to make Detroit and finished in the top eight out of parents if she could play competitively, varsity in their first year of the top 68 teams in the nation. and it went on from there. As for Kate, attendance at Lake Nona The girls play for OTVA Volleyball Acad- she attended NorthLake Park Elementary High School.

www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 18 | AUGUST 2018 ARTS & CULTURE

to find out what happened next in the story that there is a nasty fight and a lit- from the chapter I had just finished. tle coarse language, but it is all in character, so it’s not a surprise. The Lake Nona One of the contemporary stories is about a 40-ish single mom, Derry, who lives on Yes, I do like character-driven Book Maven the coast. One morning, she finds a man novels, and this one fits that bill. sitting in the cold on the beach outside The writing is good, and the plot- Review: her cottage. When she approaches him, ting is very good – I read the book he says he has no idea who he is or how in two days because I couldn’t I Found You he got there. The second story takes place wait to find out what happened in 1993 and introduces a family with two next in each of the stories and teenage kids. They spend summer vaca- if/how they all fit together in the Author: Lisa Jewell tions in the same place on the coast eve- end. But occasionally, I did find Genre: Fiction (Mystery, Suspense) ry year. It seems like a simple story until myself saying, “Oh no, don’t do the daughter begins seeing a young man it!” and of course the characters Lisa Jewell’s books were recommended to who really causes her brother concern. In did anyway – so some readers me by a friend in my book group. I picked the third story, Jewell introduces Lily, a might find that aspect frustrating up the first one I saw in Barnes and Noble, young woman from Ukraine who recently or even a bit far-fetched. and it turned out to be her latest. It had married an Englishman after a very brief I can’t say much more about the a four-star rating on Goodreads, so I de- - courtship. They live in the London sub individual stories or I might spoil cided to give it a try and I’m glad I did. I urbs, where she presents herself to the po- needed something compelling to read af- it for you, but I am going to read lice because her husband just didn’t show another Lisa Jewell book soon. I’ll ter one too many literary and non-fiction up from work one day and is missing. In books in a row. look for one of her more highly- the process, Lily and the police find out rated suspense novels, maybe This novel takes place in England and is she really didn’t know her husband very Then She Was Gone, since a sus- - comprised of three stories, two contempo well at all. penseful, quick read provides a rary and one from 1993. Jewell adds to the All three stories continue playing leapfrog great escape, and Jewell just does - suspense in the stories themselves by lim over each other until the individual mys- suspense so well. iting each chapter to only one of the three teries begin to gel and you start to think - stories and occasionally using little cliff you might have figured out who did what hangers at the end of a chapter. Because the – but you’d probably be wrong. For those next chapter picks up one of the other two who like more gentle mysteries, I warn you stories, I was often tempted to read ahead

lege. He started at the box office and Orlando Ballet worked his way up to touring with the show as a company manager and stage manager. After some time, he Announces moved on to become the executive director of a music festival called OK Shane Jewell Mozart in Bartlesville, Okla. After a little over three years, he then joined As Its New the Oklahoma City Ballet as their executive director. Executive According to Jewell, Oklahoma City Ballet faced similar consequences Director as the Orlando Ballet. Oklahoma had almost closed their doors about three years before he arrived on ARTICLE BY BRITTANY BHULAI their team, and Orlando nearly PHOTOS COURTESY OF ORLANDO closed their doors two years ago. BALLET The focus in Oklahoma's case was to rebuild the trust within the community to show that they were a sustainable company. Orlando now has the same agenda under the lead of their new director. Orlando Ballet is currently a $6.5 million company, and Jewell’s objective is to boost it to a $9-10 million company. “How that company looks is going one like him. Jewell says he has a healthy day without their efforts. Jewell’s closing to be based on the community response rapport and a great line of communica- remarks were, “What we create with this to us,” states Jewell. He goes on to say tion with Hill. He hopes Orlando knows company is going to be our legacy, and it’s that when they almost closed down two how lucky they are to have someone of his a very gratifying thing to take this compa- years ago, they were saved by the commu- stature running the company. He adds, “I ny and we can grow so much. And we can nity. The city answered “yes” to wanting a can honestly not just call him a colleague always look back in our lives when we see professional ballet company in Orlando. but a friend in a very short amount of where the Orlando Ballet has ended up in Gauging what the locals want is not only time. I’m incredibly excited about working 15 years down the road, we can say, ‘I was done by tracking ticket sales of shows, but with him.” a part of that.’” it is also done by surveys, town hall meetings, and small group meetings. It is all Jewell also pays attribution to the board a matter of getting out there and getting of directors in the past, saying that the - people's opinions. company would not be where they are to The company is breaking ground on a new facility this September. It will be named the Harriett’s Or- lando Ballet Center. The building will be a 38,000-square-foot facility Shane Jewell. undergoing a 12-month construction process. Jewell comments that currently, the company operates out The Orlando Ballet has named Shane Jew- of five different buildings, which can ell as their new executive director. The be challenging communication-wise company has faced significant changes between administration and danc- on the operational side, having six execu- ers. They intend to place everyone tive directors before Jewell in just the last under one roof except for a south couple of years. Their current goal is to satellite campus. expand and show the community that Or- Some features the new structure will lando Ballet is here to stay. “I wanted to have include two studios that can be be a part of that positive change. Orlando transformed into one ballroom. It Ballet is perfectly poised for significant can fit about 400 guests for dinner growth,” says Jewell. and can also be turned into a smaller Officially beginning the position in June, theater space that can seat about 200. he brings to the table an ample amount The director also states his opinion of prior experience. Born and raised in on working with Orlando Ballet’s Oklahoma, he grew up in the arts, per- artistic director, Robert Hill. This forming in musical theater. He then went is Hill’s 10th year working with the to a company that presented national Orlando Ballet, and Jewell could not touring Broadway shows right out of col- be more honored to work with some- www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 19 | AUGUST 2018 The Nonahood News Family Portrait

I woke up to a loud thud and a pound- was a bustling crowd walking to and from tered and lost. I was in shock as to what Short Stories: ing head shortly afterwards. I opened my places and tall buildings erecting toward humanity had become. eyes and looked all around me. My body the heavens with automobiles zooming There was a building that read “Info Cent- A Million Miles had floated all the way up to the roof of the back and forth. The only differences were, er.” There was nothing futuristic about the capsule. There was a light coming through there were no roads or pavement, just red building. It appeared normal, as they all Away, Part Two the crack of the door of the time machine. clay. There also lacked a blue sky. There did. When I walked in, a poster had bold I guided my body down to the door. Where was no atmosphere. blue letters that spelled out, “PHOBOS: was I? A red square flashed next to the A colossal billboard stood the tallest over THE CAPITAL OF MARS.” Under it sat a BY BRITTANY BHULAI door. Pushing it would retract the steel everything in the distance. It read, “WEL- stack of newspapers. I took one. The first - slates, revealing to me my mysterious des COME TO MARS: WHERE ALL LIFE thing that my eyes read was the top right Continued from the July 2018 edition of tination. I pressed it. FORMS ARE WELCOME.” corner of an article on the booming popu- Nonahood News... lation. Above, its header had a publication Boy, did the curtains fold back, my friend. I was speechless and confused. It felt as if date. It read, “Year 3005.” A billion stars were all around me. In the this were all a dream or something you saw After the cloud of smoke settled, I stood distance, I could see the moon and I could in a thriller film. I was a hair away from there in awe. My cat was nowhere to be see Earth. I hovered out onto a rusty red pinning it to be an episode of The Twilight found. My time machine worked! dust. As soon as my body was no longer Zone. No, no. This wasn’t a figment of my Tune in next month for Part Three of the A sheltered by the machine, I sank to the Million Miles Away series. My mind was racing rapidly. Both of my imagination. This was real! This was the ground. future. hands were shaking from adrenaline. Now that I knew my creation was capable of ex- I was not alone. The beings around me I proceeded forward into the crowd of peo- - ecuting its function of placing objects into were no aliens. They were humans. Hun ple. I bumped into several until I finally the past or into the future, it was time to dreds of humans were everywhere. It collected myself. My brain was so scat- test it on myself. looked like a New York City scene. There I clutched the remote in my hand that operated the system and made my way through its metal sliding door. The door sealed shut. I was its nucleus, controlling its blast that would send me flying through time with the remote I held. However, I was vulnerable to its mercy. The one flaw in my gadget, I suppose, was the fact that I couldn’t manipulate whether it sent its subject in the future or back through history. It was like rolling dice. I took a long and deep breath, glanced down at my remote and hit the green but- ton. The machine began to shake violent- ly. The laser gun above me lit up. Power surged through its generator. Before I could make another move, I was struck. I couldn’t tell if I was alive or dead. I saw blackness. Darkness filled all the space around me. I couldn’t feel my arms or legs. I was numb. I could still breathe, though. It felt as if I was floating in a vacuum of some sort. Could this be a black hole? No, I said to myself. That’s impossible. But was I even on Earth at this point? Maybe, maybe not. Suddenly, a strong exhaustion fell over me. No longer was I conscious.

www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 20 | AUGUST 2018 me, the videographer telling me not to look that Beech Mountain, N.C., is the highest into the camera and forgetting everything I point on the East Coast at 5,506 feet in the Meet the Press: had rehearsed. air. The twists and turns as I drove up the mountain made me dizzy and sick. But I Describe one of your most memora- made it to our perfect cabin safe and sound. Sophia Rogers ble experiences. What an experience. Driving to Beech Mountain, North Caro- BY NICOLE LABOSCO lina, to meet my family for Christmas in Check back next month to meet another PHOTOS COURTESY OF SOPHIA 2015. At first, it sounded like a simple plan Nonahood Staff member! ROGERS to load the car in the morning and drive up after work. The drive through Geor- Sophia Rogers is one of the staff writers for gia, South Carolina and North Carolina Nonahood News and is also a local real- went smoothly. What I didn’t realize was tor. She was born in Chicago and lived in Ft. Lauderdale for elementary and middle school but moved back to Illinois for high school. She then moved to Orlando with her parents her senior year of high school.

Extrovert or Introvert? Extrovert. Un- less you see me in a baseball cap … then I’m in full introvert mode. Indoors or Outdoors? Outdoors since I’m pretty much always cold, and indoors is always cold. Sun or Snow? I love the sun. Dogs or Cats? Both. Vans or Converse? Converse. Coffee or Tea? Coffee. Adventurous or Laid Back? Adven- turous. However, you will never find me riding the StarFlyer on I-Drive. Ever. Canon, Nikon or Sony? Canon. Books or TV? Books. A good book can take you on a journey or even change your life.

What brought you to the Nonahood? We moved here in 2012 from the Hunters Creek area in search for better schools and fell in love with the community vibe and the vision for Lake Nona. I truly believe in the future of Medical City and feel blessed to be a part of it. Our kids have attended Moss Park Elementary, Lake Nona Mid- Who's your biggest inspiration? dle and High, and Sun Blaze Elementary. Our youngest starts Innovation Middle in I’m inspired by those who overcome adver- August. We found exactly what we were sity and use it as a platform to coach and looking for. motivate. Motivators like Les Brown, Gary V, Simon Sinek and Tony Robbins inspire me. What's your favorite hobby? God first, though. Painting wood furniture, especially with What's your favorite book? chalk paint. I talk for a living, so I enjoy this quiet, creative time. Repurposing old A book from my first college business class. furniture with paint gives me life! Written in 1936, it is the foundation of how I operate personally and in business: How What's your biggest dream? to Win Friends and Influence People, Dale To visit Machu Picchu, Peru. Carnegie.

NHN: Where do you see yourself in What's something you've done that 10 years? scared you the most or brought you out of your comfort zone? In 10 years, our youngest will be 21, so I’ll be definitely traveling more. Look for me as Recently I was asked to do a short video an author and successful real estate broker. promoting Lake Nona. It was one of those times where you’re like, wow, I’m being What are you most excited about in asked to do something pretty cool. I have a Lake Nona? fear of public speaking, so naturally I didn’t want to do it. Then I thought about how I - I’m really looking forward to Nona Ad would feel if I said no. Would I be ok with venture Park, Earth Fare, the new Fitness it or would I have regrets? So, I agreed to and Wellness Center and Town Center do it. All I remember is standing in front of completion. the video camera with hot lights beaming at

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www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 21 | AUGUST 2018 away. Burn pewter and enhance your Vin’s previous life of living on the streets physical abilities to run faster or punch and thieving for the next meal is almost Book Review: harder. Some people can utilize one of forgotten as she’s engrossed in weekly the eight different metals, but there are balls, dancing, extravagant food, and rare people called Mistborn that can burn learning what it means to have true friends Mistborn: The all eight. who want the best for you. Final Empire This is all really a backdrop to the main Can she learn to trust others or even fall story, which is that of a young girl, Vin, in love? Is she the Mistborn they’ve been whose only known a life of fear: fear from waiting for who will overthrow The Lord BY AARON VAIL being beaten by either her brother or her Ruler?

thief guild master. Life is not easy, and Sanderson does an amazing job of creat- Author: Brandon Sanderson trust is not an option. That is until her ing a world unique in history and design. guild master is killed and she joins a new Publisher: Tor Publishing, 2006, These characters are rich in background group whose leader, Kelsier, has a mad 541 pages and personality. It was refreshing to read scheme to overthrow the current ruler something devoid of wizards, dragons, and of the world and free all those in slavery, massive wars that devour cities. There’s a After decades of many great fantasy books which is almost everyone. good reason Sanderson was chosen to fin- published, it might seem difficult to come Kelsier is a Mistborn who trains Vin, who ish the Wheel of Time series after the origi - up with something original. Sanderson is also a Mistborn, to become a master at a nal author’s passing. really opens a new mechanic in his oth- - skill that, until now, she has barely under If you’re looking for something new, or are erworldly fantasy in the Mistborn series. stood. But learning these new skills isn’t one of the dozen people on Earth who’ve Allomancy is the ability that some peo- the limit to the part that Vin will play in not read this series yet, I highly recom - ple have to “burn” bits of metal they’ve - this new endeavor. She’ll also go under mend this book. consumed within a small vial of liquid. cover as a Noblewoman to infiltrate the By burning different metals within one’s inner circle of the elite. Here, she’ll learn body, a different effect is created. If you about the comings and goings of the other burn iron, you can pull other metal objects Houses in power. She’ll also get to create toward you. Burning steel pushes metal some mischief along the way.

of-their-teeth” scenes. It started with the At the Movies: guy running from the T-Rex or whatever and the helicopter and just kept going Jurassic World: from there. I think there were at least seven different scenarios set up just for that. Fallen Kingdom It’s fake suspense, and I don’t care for it. E: I think the other disappointment for me was that even with all the advancements A CONVERSATION WITH AARON in technology and computer animation AND ELAINE VAIL (there were some stunning scenes!) and PHOTOS BY UNIVERSAL STUDIOS top-notch acting, if the plot and screenplay AND AMBLIN ENTERTAINMENT, INC. are painfully predictable, you just sit there shaking your head. It’s always the financial Jurassic Park The $5 billion franchise advisor to the wealthy philanthropist who - about a theme park featuring cloned di has his own corrupt agenda. Of course, the nosaurs originated in the late 1980s when IT guy can hack the entire security system author Michael Crichton began writing in under five minutes, but the inept mer- first the screenplay and later the book. The cenary working for the corrupt financial - rights to the novel were purchased by Uni advisor can lock the main characters into versal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment a deathtrap with the same security system before the book was even published. he couldn't operate five minutes prior. The first two films were based- on Crich And, of course, no one ever listens to Dr. ton’s novels, were directed by Steven Spiel- Henry Wu, who has been the biotechnolo- berg, and were released in theaters in 1993 called the Dinosaur Protection Group in E: That’s another reason I was disappoint- gist and geneticist since the first novel and 1997.Jurassic Park became a bench- an attempt to save the animals from yet ed. I really love Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas and film! Like he knows what he’s talking mark of computer-generated representa- another extinction. Howard, both as individual actors and their about when he says the prototype is too tion in the film industry. Though Spielberg onscreen chemistry in this series. They did dangerous! When the government refuses to inter- remained on the project as executive pro- not have as big of a part in this film as I had vene, as always, a wealthy mystery man A: Don’t get me started. As a programmer, ducer, Jurassic Park III, released in 2001, expected, and that made me sad. comes to the rescue. As it turns out, John nothing takes me out of a story faster than was the first film of the franchise not to be Hammond (the original character in the I also felt frustrated over some of the new the young IT kid who can master any sys- directed by Spielberg or to be based on one original series who is the founder and characters. I don’t feel of Crichton’s novels. owner of Jurassic Park) had a partner who there was enough charac- Fast forward to 2015 as a new trilogy be- had parted ways with him after a disagree - ter development. Sir Ben- gins and a new park is reborn, raised up ment about human cloning. Sir Benjamin jamin Lockwood, Maisie from the ashes of the original park on Isla Lockwood (portrayed by James Cromwell) (Lockwood’s granddaugh- Nublar 22 years later. This time, a luxu- has everything figured out, has a private is - ter) and Eli Mills (Lock- rious resort was the center of the geneti- land for relocating the animals where they wood’s aid) were, in my cally-engineered dinosaur habitat off the can live in peace, has all the funds to put mind, presented in such a coast of Costa Rica and was named Juras- this massive operation into motion, and way that I felt like I should sic World. This beautiful film (that is one approached Dearing the day before the have already known who of Elaine’s favorites) broke all box-office volcano erupts. With his financial advisor, they were as if they had records by generating more than $500 Eli Mills, doing all the legwork, Lockwood been in the first three mov- million worldwide during its opening sends Dearing on a Noah’s Ark journey ies but I’d forgotten them. weekend alone. It is the highest-grossing that will change the world. I felt a little confused, like film of the franchise so far, was the second I had missed something. I Aaron: The Jurassic Park series has been highest-grossing movie of 2015, and is still understand that the mys- a great franchise over the years. I’ve loved among the top five highest-grossing films tery of Maisie and her past was intentional tem in an instant. It doesn’t work that way. … some of them. I remember seeing the of all time. (and maybe the only unexpected part of Is the system Windows, Mac OS, Linux, first one and how amaz- the plot), but Lockwood, the live-in-nan- Unix? And you need special software to ing it was. Not just in ny, and Mills really threw me off. even compile the code … just stop insult- terms of special effects, ing me already. LOL. but in terms of it being an A: I agree. Too much attention paid to the original story. The special dinosaurs and their plight rather than the E: Ultimately, yes, if you are into this se- effects are getting better, people trying to save them. ries, you have got to see the film. There are - relevant political themes paralleling issues and this one is simply in E: I really love science fiction and I am we’re dealing with today. The acting is credible! easily entertained, not usually overly criti- good. There are some exciting and breath- Elaine: Yeah, I remem- cal of unbelievable worlds and settings. It taking scenes. It just isn’t one I will pur- ber finding the first tril- doesn’t take much for me to accept and chase and watch over and over; probably ogy entertaining, but I embrace the worlds that are created. BUT, just a rental once more before the next one really loved the 2015 Ju- if a show takes place on planet Earth, I is released to refresh my memory. rassic World. It was an expect the basic laws of physics and gen- incredible movie. How- eral laws of nature to be followed or else it Like I said earlier, this movie felt like its ever, Fallen Kingdom left mentally pulls me out of the world they’ve whole purpose was to set the stage for the me feeling slightly disap- created and it’s no longer believable to me. Neo-Jurassic Age where humans and di- That brings us to the recently released pointed. It wasn’t a bad movie, and there nosaurs have to learn to coexist in Jurassic Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom with a What I mean by this is that I can accept are parts that are so beautiful and cin- World III, and I am definitely looking for- reprise performance from Chris Pratt and and embrace the presence of dinosaurs, ematic that I am very grateful I saw them ward to that one. Director and writer Colin Bryce Dallas Howard (oh, and Jeff Gold- but I become annoyed when a dinosaur in a theater rather than waiting for only a Trevorrow has had a plan since 2013 on blum … can’t leave him out of this historic chasing the main characters can’t fit in TV screen. It’s just that it really felt like a how this story would begin and end with occasion!). Three years have passed since a tunnel until they are safe, and then all filler or a transition movie, like its whole the intention to make this trilogy more the catastrophic events at theJurassic of a sudden the creature can easily bust purpose was to set us up for the third and of an arc rather than an episodic experi- World Resort through. Or how conveniently these dino- . Turns out, there is an active Jurassic World ence like the first trilogy. So, I am hopeful final movie. saurs have evolved in a way that their taste volcano on Isla Nublar that could destroy that in 2021, the finalJurassic World will A: We saw this over a week ago so my mind for human blood is exclusive to “bad guys” all those dinosaurs left behind (so, I guess knock my socks off. the resort was doomed no matter how you may be slipping, but I don’t remember the who are the only ones eaten (I say with slice it). Howard’s character and previous main characters much. It seemed like there tongue in cheek). operations manager of the deserted park, was so much going on in the last half of the A: I got tired of the “escaped-by-the-skin- Claire Dearing, founded an activist group movie that they weren’t main players.

www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 22 | AUGUST 2018 ATTENTION LAKE NONA ARTISTS! events Would you like your artwork to be featured on the Nonahood’s inaugural Christmas ornament? Visit www.nonahoodnews.com/events for updated events and detailed information.

These limited-edition ornaments will be sold during a 1-4 38th Annual National Veterans Wheelchair Games special top secret event currently being planned for 3 EOCC Friday Escape at Drive Shack (2-5 p.m.) 5 Back to School Extravaganza at Innovation Middle School (11 a.m.-2 p.m.) Charities of Central Florida. 7 First Tuesdays | Business After Hours with LNRCC (5:30-7 p.m.) 9 LNRCC Breakfast Connections at Lakehouse (8-9:30 a.m.) 13 Inaugural Mac and Cheese Cook-Off at Monday Market Lake Nona Submit your artwork for consideration to (4:30-8:30 p.m.) [email protected] or [email protected] by 14 LNRCC Contagious Connecting (8-9:30 a.m.) 9/3/18. 16 LNRCC Membership Meeting (10-11:30 a.m.) 23 EOCC Coffee Club Nona (8:30-9:30 a.m.) 24 LNRCC Business Luncheon (11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.)

Save the Date: Sept. 8 2nd Annual Law Enforcement Heroes Gala (6-9 p.m.) Sept. 29 Run Nona 5K (4:30-9:30 p.m.) Oct. 14 9th Annual Ride-For-RMHCCF in Lake Nona Nov. 3 Relay for Life Lake Nona Nov. 24 Small Business Saturday (10 a.m.-7 p.m.)

THE MONDAY MARKET at Lake Nona YMCA YOGA NONA Mondays 4:30-8 p.m. Sponsored by Lake Nona Life Project YMCA of Central Florida (Lake Nona) Saturdays 9-10 a.m. 9055 Northlake Parkway Crescent Park in Laureate Park facebook.com/Lakenonaymcafarmersmarket/ 8374 Upper Perse Circle facebook.com/learnlakenona/ LIVE + LOCAL Thursdays 6:00-8:00 p.m. Crescent Park in Laureate Park THE SATURDAY MARKET facebook.com/pg/learnlakenona/events/ at VALENCIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE LAKE NONA ART AFTER DARK Saturdays 9 a.m. Fridays 6-9 p.m. Valencia College Lake Nona Campus Lake Nona Town Center 12350 Narcoossee Rd. Food Trucks on first Friday of each month facebook.com/LakeNonaFarmersFreshMarket/ facebook.com/artafterdarklakenona/

happy and safe Please check our online calendar for event details like locations, any costs or registration requirements, etc. You can also submit your organization’s events BACK TO SCHOOL! online. www.nonahoodnews.com/events

From the Nonahood News team

www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 23 | AUGUST 2018 SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SMALL BUSINESSES!