ALEJANDRA TOBON Page 16

CREATIVELY AND INDEPENDENTLY PRODUCED BY THE RESIDENTS OF LAKE NONA

MAY 2018 Volume 3 | Issue 4 THE ARTIST: ALEJANDRA TOBON page 16

LAKE NONA LOCAL ALYSSA RAGHU NONAVENTURES: PARAGLIDING IN INAUGURAL MEGA HEALTH JAM WATERCREST RESIDENT CELEBRATES ON AMERICAN IDOL COLOMBIA CHANGES THE GAME OF HEALTHCARE A CENTENNIAL IN THIS ISSUE E17 E7 13 14 LOCAL LEADERS, 4 BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE, 6 FEATURES, 13 HEALTH & FITNESS, 21 EDUCATION, 25 EVENTS, E2 FOOD & DRINKS E3 LIFESTYLE E6 SPORTS E13 ARTS & CULTURE E16 NONAHOOD CALENDAR, E19 Nonahood News LLC 6555 Sanger Rd 32827 Orlando, FL ® PUBLISHER'S DESK

CREATIVELY AND INDEPENDENTLY PRODUCED BY THE RESIDENTS OF LAKE NONA

ing me into the person I am today; Publishers without her guidance, I can’t imag- Rhys & Jenny Lynn Publisher’s ine where I’d be. My mom always worked hard and taught me to always Managing Editor Note: Come treat people with respect and to be Elaine Vail the best person I can be. Thanks for Lead Content Developer What May everything, Mom. Nicole LaBosco Finally, as for my wife and co-publisher, Jenny, I am at a loss for words Director of Marketing BY RHYS LYNN about how much of an impact she’s H. Nancy Breed made on me. When we met, I was just We can’t be the only ones feeling like a 21-year-old who had no idea what I Staff Writers/Reporters this year is flying by. May already!? was doing or where I was going. By Vanessa Poulson, Brittany Bhulai, Sophia Rogers In an informal poll, five out of five her side, I learned how to be a hus- Laureate Park residents said they Contributing Writers band, a father (and grandfather!), and agreed. The school year is almost Rebecca Lynn she’s taught me so much about life. Dr. Obinna Adigweme, Nir Bashan, Deborah over, summer is nearly upon us, and She’s one of the best people I know Bullen, Chris Clark, Sharon Fuentes, Rod- Lake Nona is heating up! And when One of the most important things and she makes me want to be a better ney Gage, Dr. Deborah C. German, Darlene we say heating up, it’s not just the that happens in May is Mother’s person. We’ve had a great time jour- B. Grande, Amber Harmon, Dr. Ashley Hill, sun. Everywhere we look there are Day - a day where we get to honor neying through this adventure called Travis Jacob, Katie Jasiewicz, Kevin Kendrick, buildings going up and cranes on the those special people in our lives that life together. I can’t think of a better Monica C. Leimer, Katelyn F. Newcomb, Dany horizon; the construction is truly in none of us can do without. There are person to go through life with, and Oliveira, Todd Perkins, Daniel Pyser, Tommy full swing going into summer. two mothers in particular that I am we can’t think of a better place to live. Reece, Jeanette Rivera-Lyles, Edward Rodriguez, thankful for: my mother, Rebecca Vernice Salveron-Gasper, Sally Shuman, Valerie As May begins and our summer starts, what are your plans? Are you and my wife, Jenny. I have to thank Sisco, Linda Thierry, Odette Vaccaro, Aaron Vail, my mother for pretty much form- Chris White, Suzanne E. Workum planning a vacation? A small geta- way? Just hanging out and enjoying Editing & Proofreading the amazing things we have in Lake Linda Carvin, Joe Henry Nona? We often joke that we don’t like leaving our ‘bubble’ - the great Layout thing is that there are more and more Marnie Brophy things to do here all the time. Drive Digital Team Shack is finally open and we’ve al- Michael Perez, Brielle Rushing, Emily Kucala ready had some great times there with friends. Submissions Several projects are due to be com- If you have news you would like to share with plete before year’s end, which I’m your community, visit nonahood.to/stories or sure will come sooner than we expect. email [email protected]. Right now the one we are most excited about is the Nona Adventure Park Advertising - scheduled to open around the end For rates, deadlines, and specifications, visit of summer. There are whisperings of nonahood.to/ads or email some very exciting things coming to the Lake Nona Town Center, as well [email protected]. - but we can’t talk about them just Nonahood News, LLC is an independent, privately owned yet. Don’t panic, Nonahood News company. All submissions become the property of Nonahood will keep you in the loop so you don’t News, LLC. All rights reserved. No portion of this paper may be reprinted without permission of publisher. All advertisements, miss any of the exciting new things announcements, and articles submitted are subject to refusal coming into Lake Nona. Rhys and Jenny Lynn or editing at publisher’s discretion. © 2018.

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the course based on a culinary medicine program started at Tulane University. It How Food includes class time, kitchen time and community outreach, where students help area residents learn about healthy foods such Can Be as fruits, vegetables and grains. Recently, they went to the Hebni Nutrition Center in ‘Thy Medicine’ downtown Orlando’s Parramore community to show residents how changes in diet can help conditions like diabetes and high BY DR. DEBORAH GERMAN blood pressure. The Centers for Disease Control and Pre- vention (CDC) report that 70 percent of people over age 20 are either overweight or obese. That’s an estimated 160 million Americans. Our unhealthy eating habits cause multitudes of preventable and potentially deadly diseases, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers. As physicians, we can help our patients prepare and eat healthier foods. And thanks to this UCF-Nemours partnership, we are giving doctors-in-training specific tools and skills they can share with students learned to cook spaghetti in different ways from low fat and vegetarian to their patients. Dr. Deborah German is the Vice Presi- traditional spaghetti with meat sauce. “No At a recent class, head chef Robb Seltzer dent for Medical Affairs and Founding Dr. Deborah German one is going to make healthy food choices from the Rosen College explained to our Dean of UCF College of Medicine. if it doesn’t taste good,” said Seltzer as he students why fresher produce tastes bet- To learn more, visit med.ucf.edu UCF medical student Emily Freisen care- demonstrated how to enhance flavors with ter and is better for you. “The produce that fully measures out a teaspoon of mustard spices and by using alternative healthier you buy at your local grocery store on av- that will go into salad dressing. At other ingredients like more fruits and yogurts in erage was harvested eight weeks ago,” he workstations, her classmates are chopping desserts. carrots and peeling onions. The group of said, “and many of the nutrients are lost 13 students has traded in their white coats during that time.” Brian Nagle is in his fourth year of studies at the College of Medicine. He started a for chef’s whites as part of a six-week col- Many consumers never see produce until it food blog in 2010 and said he’s always been laborative culinary medicine course run reaches the grocery shelves, so on the first interested in food. He also holds a master’s by UCF’s College of Medicine and the day of class, students traveled to nearby degree in public health, so the culinary Rosen College of Hospitality. The elective farms in Mount Dora to understand the pro- medicine course was of great interest. is designed to help future physicians learn cess of growing and harvesting vegetables. about preparing food for the best nutri- “Originally, the blog was a place to share “Low fat foods can still taste good,” said tion and taste so they can educate their family recipes, and when I became a busy Seltzer, who blames some of our bad eat- patients on better eating habits. med student, I began sharing time-saving ing habits on our limited palates. “We need cooking tips,” he said. “And with what I’m Dr. Robert Karch, a pediatrician at Ne- to be willing to try new foods, and when learning in class, I hope to incorporate nu- mours Children’s Hospital and an assis- we do it’s usually, ‘Oh, wow, that tastes trition when I’m talking to my patients to tant professor for the medical school, leads good.’” To prove his point, the medical make positive changes to their lives.”

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www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 4 | MAY 2018 enced the unpredictability of a hurricane authorities issue a mandatory evacuation, updates at www.freetaxweekend.com. comply as directed. Every family member, with Irma as she bobbed and weaved Educate yourself on the different watch- including pets, should have a “bug out” Neighborhood toward Orlando. es and warnings issued by the National bag ready. As is usually the case, the best offense is Weather Service. These watches and Watch: 2018 a good defense. Planning and preparation Make sure you know how local authorities warnings are to help you plan your strat- are critical. will keep you updated in your specific area. egy and will give you time to prepare. Visit The NextDoor App is a popular tool. Most Hurricane Plan: www.nhc.noaa.gov for detailed defini- counties in Florida have automated com- tions (go to the bottom of the page and Where will members of your family be munication methods so that you can sign- click on “Watches and Warnings” under Season – safest when the hurricane is expected to up to receive emails and/or texts inform- “HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS”). Please arrive? Many people choose to button up ing you about emergency information, take all watches and warnings seriously. their homes and head out to safer parts. including location of shelters in your area Planning and A “last-minute” hurricane prep list is use- Keep in mind if you choose this route, it is and which accept pets. Any neighborhood ful. Here is one example (create one that Preparing critical you prepare your home in the same Facebook pages can be extremely useful. manner as if you were going to stay home. works for your situation): Also, share your plan with your extended All outdoor furniture, trash cans, plant- • Sandbag at base of exterior doors family members. We think sometimes they BY LINDA THIERRY ers and décor must be brought into your worry more than we do, so be sure and • Close garage doors using emergency home/garage. Anything loose left outside keep them abreast of your plan and status. cord and lock on both sides A reality of living in Florida is the possi- is a potential projectile. The earlier you bility of hurricanes. Mention hurricane make this decision, the better since the Prepare: • Shut all blinds to a long-term Florida resident, including roads will quickly become congested and Take time during the month of May and • Keep all interior doors shut those living in Central Florida, and they gasoline will become scarce. Be sure to early June to make an emergency kit. If will all have a story to tell. Most recently, bring food, water, medication and impor- • Unplug all unnecessary electrical de- you have one, be sure and check it to make vices Hurricane Irma came to town and wreaked tant family documents with you. Plan your sure it has everything you might need. Do havoc on our neighborhoods. route and know which roads are designat- you have food and water supplies for your • Fill bathtubs with water ed. Let a trusted neighbor know your plans The 2018 hurricane season in Florida of- family (check expiration dates)? Check and share phone numbers. • Empty ice maker and turn off ficially begins June 1 and ends Nov. 30. flashlights and other portable lighting to The Climate Prediction Center is predict- If you choose to stay home, make sure there make sure they are readily handy with fresh • Put one phone charger in emergency ing an above-average hurricane season in is enough food, water and medication for batteries (and extra batteries of the correct space/room with emergency kit the Atlantic. Exactly how that will affect all family members and pets for a mini- size). An emergency solar powered/crank/ • Everyone puts a pair of shoes and their us is anybody’s guess. Many of us experi- mum of a two-week period. Make sure all wind-up NOAA (National Oceanic and At- bag in the emergency space/room family mem- mospheric Administration) weather radio bers know is an extremely valuable item to have in • Put important family documents in a any expecta- your hurricane emergency kit. Portable waterproof package and place in emer- tions and are power phone chargers are great to have gency space/room prepared to if you lose power. Be sure these are fully There are many resources available to go to the des- charged and stay fully charged throughout residents during a hurricane. Do your re- ignated emer- hurricane season. A first-aid kit should be search before hurricane season begins, gency space/ part of your emergency kit. Include some develop a plan to keep you and your fam- room with board games, cards, dominoes and books/ ily safe, prepare a fully stocked emergency minimum no- magazines to pass the time. kit, and create lists to help you through a tice. Often, Florida residents enjoy a “Tax Free Week- potentially stressful situation. tornadoes will end” every year on certain products for Stay safe, Orlando! pop up and emergency preparedness. In 2018, “Tax wreak havoc Free Weekend” starts at 8 a.m. on Friday, on neighbor- June 1, and ends at 5 p.m. on Sunday, June Laureate Park Neighborhood Watch hoods dur- 3. It is important to note businesses can- Area Coordinators ing/after a not deviate from this timeline. In previous Larry Albert hurricane. years, items that qualified included batter- Mary Lee Fenton Visit www. ies, portable generators, tarps, fuel con- Gene Thatcher redcross. tainers, portable self-powered light sourc- Linda Thierry org for more es, and reusable ice packs. Note: There are hurricane limitations to the cost of these products emergency and number of products an individual planning ide- can buy at one time, so be sure to read the as. NOTE: If small print. You can get more details and

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www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 5 | MAY 2018 soaps were sold alongside My Clean Green Home in order to generate money that Rotary Update: It all began when Page Leindecker, found- went toward helping people like Camp- er of My Clean Green Home, crossed paths bell. It wasn’t long before her handmade with cancer patient Sandy Campbell. The product was trademarked under the name Helping two met in 2015 through a mutual friend Survivor Soap, which was all organic and who had stressed to Leindecker Campbell’s vegan-friendly. A year later, Leindecker Disabled need for a hand in cleaning her house. was molding the face of another company On top of having a son who was a toddler called Green Cleaning for a Cause. Veterans Get she had to take care of, Campbell’s chances The purpose of this rather hot-off-the- of becoming ill were very high since she press business is to clean the homes of Their Home was going through chemo at the time. In people who are disabled due to illness or response, Leindecker offered her residen- injury. One of her main targets are veter- Cleaned – tial house cleaning service to the woman ans who are unable to clean their homes for free for the next year. She came every themselves. All of the income generated month until Campbell was through with from her handmade soaps goes toward her Green Cleaning her treatments. “She said as long as you're new nonprofit organization. A percentage in treatment, I’m going to come over and of funds from My Clean Green Home goes For a Cause help you,” Campbell mentions, reminisc- toward the nonprofit as well. ing about the moment. She goes on to say Leindecker’s cleansing process is a deep how it was very significant for Leindecker clean of the house. This consists of rid- BY BRITTANY BHULAI to come and clean the house because it ding dust from high areas such as air vents meant a lot to her. She really and ceiling fans. The baseboards are also did need the help, and she was scrubbed. Furniture, the refrigerator, and touched that the house cleaning bathrooms are also targets for Leindecker was done from the goodness of and the team she brings with her to clean. Leindecker’s heart. My Clean “It takes about eight hours of labor to Green Home was usually a ser- do an average house in good condition,” vice purchased by customers, states Leindecker. but not one time did Leindecker ask for a dime. Green Cleaning for a Cause officially took www.green-cleaning.org. Her website pro- on their first veteran-owned house this The bond between the two grew, vides information on her Survivor Soap, past month on April 5. With the support of and out sprung many conversa- how to donate, and links to her other main Lake Nona Lunch Rotary Club, they were tions about services Campbell branch, My Clean Green Home. able to get the job done. They are aiming received from a cancer team to make this a once-a-month community Closing with her final thoughts on Lein- that helped her. The team raised project. Leindecker says she would appre- decker and her work, Campbell says, “It funds for her two-year-old son ciate anyone from the area who is willing was more than just a job...she was and still to go to daycare and aided with to assist them. All work is voluntary and is just fantastic.” food and medication. It was all is for a nonprofit organization. Kids in volunteer work. Hearing this the 13- to 17-year-old age group who need sparked an idea in Leindecker’s community service hours are more than head to give back to the com- welcome to join. It is always a joy for Lein- munity as a whole in a voluntary decker to work with the younger group as fashion. She then began hand she comments with a smile, “They’re so making soaps. full of life.” She is also looking for more

The concept behind the soaps veterans’ houses to put her magic touch was to get the word out about on. The invitation extends to those under- anyone who was disabled from going cancer treatments and other life- PHOTO COURTESY OF illness and to highlight their sig- hindering diseases as well. Anyone can MY CLEAN GREEN HOME nificance to the community. The check out Green Cleaning for a Cause at

BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE

The original funding for nies have already moved in. the project came from the One company, Aviana Mo- UCF Life state of Florida and was lecular Technologies, is cur- then sent to the city of Or- rently chipping away at a Sciences lando. O’Neal says there cure for lyme disease while is $1 million alone in the other company, Synap- Incubator at specialized air handling Cyte, is working toward the for the building. It is a treatment of Parkinson’s and Lake Nona sanitary place with clean Alzheimer’s. air. Everything from the It is true that UCF has its own ground up is designed to BY BRITTANY BHULAI research labs on campus, but support a wet lab incu- those are mostly reserved for bator. The lab was in the A new Life Sciences Incubator has made its faculty and the federal govern- making for about three ment funded projects that are way into the GuideWell Innovation Center years in terms of ideas located in Lake Nona’s Medical City. The conducted there. O’Neal sug- and rough draft designs gests that it is ideal to separate grand opening for this biosafety wet lab fa- until it actually broke cility will be held on May 10. those types of studies from ground in 2016. the studies that would go to- Executive director of the UCF Business In- Based on the UCF Life wards cooking up commercial cubation Program (UCFBIP), Dr. Thomas Sciences Incubator floor products. O’Neal, says $4 million went into the actu- plan, some features al build-up of the facility while a little over For the time being, this is the include seven private first and only wet lab of its $1 million was geared toward equipment. wet labs, five private He hopes the creation of the incubator will kind in Central Florida. The small offices, a collabo- UCFBIP would like to extend drum up new business in the area and pro- rative space, and two duce new jobs for people. its growth in the future and conference rooms. For open up more areas like the Since UCF’s College of Medicine is also lo- the seasoned scientist, Life Sciences Incubator in cated in Medical City, there is an intention equipment ranges from other locations throughout the that the Burnett School of Biomedical Sci- a flammable storage community. ences could produce leads for the incuba- cabinet to a “Follet Nug- tor. Researchers will conduct their experi- get Icemaker,” as men- For research companies who ments and studies at the facility. “Well it’s tioned in the floor plan. have inquiries on leasing not going to be a place where they develop building space, contact the Besides being a new UCF Life Sciences Incubator a new app or how to turn on your water startup life sciences heater, this is about deep life sciences at [email protected] company, there is also or (407) 313-2725. where you have to have these special kinds a course one must go of conditions,” states O’Neal. Discoveries through to make sure such as new proteins, vaccines, updated they are an appropriate cancer treatments and drug development candidate for incubation. can be expected to take place in the setting. The goal is to create commercial products Operating and mar- that can ultimately aid humanity. keting coordinator of PHOTO COURTESY UCFBIP, Robin Wright, OF UCF LIFE SCIENCES mentions two compa- INCUBATOR

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NONA_NEWS - ER/URGENT/eCARE 10x16.5.indd 1 12/20/17 11:42 AM Pulte Homes, awarded Developer of the Year by the Orlando Business Journal, Nona Growth: is excited to announce their newest Lake Nona project, Somerset Crossings. Pulte Homes Conveniently located at the intersection of Lake Nona Boulevard and Wyndham Debuts Its Lakes Boulevard, Somerset Crossings is adjacent to Ariel Apartments and directly across from Somerset Park. Currently Newest under construction, the community is expected to open for sales early summer. Community in According to Pulte executives, Somerset Crossings will offer “convenience and a Lake Nona high-quality of life.” Amenities include a resort-style pool and cabanas. BY SOPHIA ROGERS Clint Ball, president of Pulte’s north Flor- ida division, says,“The townhomes are ideal for young families seek- ing an affordable resi- dence in a highly de- sirable neighborhood.” PHOTO BY ORANGE COUNTY PROPERTY APPRAISER Ball also states,“The combination of smart floor plans, location like? One of the floor plans, the San Carlo Del Webb. design, is typical of the offerings at Somer- and price are difficult to Founded in 1950, PulteGroup has grown set Crossings. It has three bedrooms, two match anywhere in the into one of the largest and most success- baths and a one-car garage. The first-floor Orlando area.” ful homebuilding companies in the nation. kitchen looks onto a dining-gathering PulteGroup attributes this success to deliv- With prices starting room area that extends to a covered lanai ering an outstanding home and buying ex- in the mid-$200’s, for a spacious feel. The upstairs features perience. Pulte operates across 50 markets this makes for a great an owner’s suite with walk-in closets and serving all major buying groups: first time, entry price point into private bath. The other two bedrooms first and second move up and active adult. Lake Nona. Somerset enjoy the privacy of distanced entrances. Crossings is not in a And to help busy families, Pulte Homes community develop- has conveniently located the laundry area Sophia Rogers is a six-year Lake Nona ment district, or CDD, on the same floor. which makes owner- area resident and realtor/founder of ship more affordable. Until the models are complete, inquire with NonaHomeGuide.com. A wife and mom (New construction tip: the sales team about design studio pre- of four, family, relationships, real estate, A good time to buy is at view nights, which are typically held once and business are her passions. the beginning of devel- a month. At these events, interested parties She can be reached at opment. As more units have the opportunity to see what options [email protected] sell, prices tend to in- are available to customize interior finishes. . crease.) For those who need more space or are Somerset Crossings ready for an upgrade, Pulte Homes builds will offer three town- in two other Lake Nona communities, home designs within Laureate Park and Enclave at VillageWalk. the 158-unit commu- Laureate Park offers luxury four-story nity. Square footages townhomes and other residences ready range from 1,570 to for quick move-in. The luxury homes at 1,778 square feet. Floor Enclave at VillageWalk have up to six bed- plans include two to rooms, offering grand features and stylish three bedrooms, two options. baths, and one- or two- About Pulte Homes car garages. PulteGroup is active in more than 30 Cen- What will the town- PHOTOS BY PULTE HOMES tral Florida developments between its home floor plans look three brands: Pulte Homes, Centex, and

www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 8 | MAY 2018 ior science at Johnson & Johnson, states, “Behavior change interventions promote Johnson & healthy behaviors and support people on their journey towards more vibrant lives. By leveraging evidence-based behavior Johnson change principles and techniques, the Per- formance and Resilience suite of programs Human can have a profound impact on both wellbeing and productivity.” These courses Performance help individuals maximize their energy across four interconnected dimensions to create lasting behavior change. The di- Institute: mensions are Purpose, Mental, Emotional How Does a and Physical. As individuals, we each have our own goals, desires, hobbies, dreams, etc. Most Science-Based importantly, we each have our own purpose. Some people call this your “Why.” At Approach Add the Human Performance Institute, this is called “Purpose.” Purpose is invisible, yet To the Bottom so powerful. Johnson & Johnson believes purpose can help with “decision-making and priority-setting” to bring order and Line? clarity to humans by aligning personal and professional motivation. BY SOPHIA ROGERS Being fully present and aware of your mental state is another component of maxi- One thing most of us have in common is mizing your human potential. Our bodies feeling stress at work. We all can prob- believe what our brains tell us, right? The ably agree that stress not only affects your Human Performance Institute works to productivity, it affects your life as a whole. help individuals enhance mindfulness and Sleep patterns change, relationships may judgment. It’s one thing to have a purpose, suffer, physical issues arise, and some- but you must train your mind to focus on times mental health takes a toll. what matters most. Emotions build the healthy relationships needed to increase Think about it: On average, we spend eight connections and restore confidence. How hours a day, 40 hours a week, 160 hours we feel might dictate how we act. At the Hu- PHOTOS COURTESY OF HUMAN PERFORMANCE INSITUTE a month, and 1,920 hours a year at work. man Performance Institute, the emotional Assuming approximately 8,760 hours in a dimension addresses how to build strong, year, over 20 percent of our life in a year healthy relationships both at work and is spent at work. The key is not to avoid at home. stress, but to recognize different types unmotivated and can lead to increased Sophia Rogers is a six-year Lake Nona of stress, understand how to respond to Often overlooked is the physical dimen- burnout and high turnover. Unchecked, area resident and realtor/founder of stress productively, and learn how to re- sion. Getting enough sleep, nutrition and stress can hurt employee productivity, NonaHomeGuide.com. A wife and mom act so you can recover, adapt and grow exercise helps to expand energy. And with quality of life and the bottom line. John- of four, family, relationships, real estate, from stress. more energy, we are alert and our indi- son & Johnson’s Human Performance and business are her passions. vidual capacity is at its peak potential. Institute training has been proven to help She can be reached at If you were to visit a doctor for stress, most Working side-by-side with highly-skilled increase engagement, performance, health [email protected]. likely you’ll leave the appointment with a institute experts who have received spe- and wellbeing, and talent retention. prescription for medication in hand – not cialized training in performance psychol- the case at Johnson & Johnson Human Courses are offered on campus here in ogy, nutrition and exercise physiology, Lake Nona. You can choose between Per- Performance Institute. A holistic focus is this multidisciplinary approach helps you placed on the power of human potential. formance Courses or Resilience Courses. to become physically energized, emotion- Choose which setting works best for you or Using a science-based approach, the Hu- ally connected, mentally focused, and man Performance Institute helps lead- your employees. Online, 2½-day courses, completely aligned with whatever mission and one-day courses are available. ers and employees become energized and is most important to you. focused. Individuals are able to enjoy the moments that truly matter – whether at How do these dimensions add to the bot- work or at home. tom line? In the workplace, stress contrib- utes to employees feeling unfocused and Madalina Sucala, PhD, manager of behav-

the transmission into reverse and backed embrace of little victories. For example, Nir Bashan is an executive creative direc- Creator up before someone else could cut in and the task of making your bed is a little vic- tor/managing director with more than grab the spot. tory in the military. You can mess up ba- 18 years of advertising, entertainment sic training. You can perform tasks in the It was a little victory. Typical big city stuff, and business development experience. Mindset: Little wrong way. You can be late or unprepared. I suppose. And it just might be a rather sad He helps teach folks in non-creative fields But if you make your bed – you know that first memory. But none of that mattered. how to think creatively to solve problems. you have at least gotten one thing right Victories We found a spot. And it was indeed a He leads workshops and lectures on that day. That is a little victory. little victory. topics relating to The Creator Mindset. The little victory is the foundation upon He is publishing a book on The Creator I am often reminded of that memory to- BY NIR BASHAN which success is built. Without it, success Mindset that will be released soon. day when I am working on an account or is just luck. nirbashan.com/lectures-workshops/ helping out friends with some business challenges. And I think it’s a pretty good lesson that I learned early on. You see, it seems that we are in too much of a rush these days for the next big win. The epic victory. The huge success. What we end up doing is ignoring all the little victories along the way that got us there. I find that in life and business, it is often these little victories that are far more important than the big ones. They are more important because they allow repeatable Nir Bashan success. A roadmap of accomplishments that eventually add up to the big victory. One of my earliest memories of childhood Whereas one big victory often does not is finding a parking spot. Yep. A parking provide a pathway to repeatable success. spot. You can’t make this stuff up. I grew Because they just sort of happen. up in the heart of congested, clogged and It’s like the person who wins the lottery. gridlocked Los Angeles. I hadn’t seen a Does that make them financially savvy? farm animal until I was almost 10 years Someone who has put a ton of work into old – much less any wilderness. The clos- this windfall? Hardly. est we got to wilderness was an empty lot being prepared to make room for But the person who saves? Who invests? another building. Who pays attention to trends and is able to leverage them into repeatable small All of which makes finding a parking spot victories? Well, that is someone to be cel- that much more amazing. I remember it ebrated. These are the little victories that like it was yesterday. We were circling the add up to the big victory. lot over and over trying to find parking. It felt like forever. There was not an empty As some of my readers know, I have a spot in sight. Then, finally a car pulled fondness for the military for a number of out. My dad, who was driving, slammed reasons. One that I particularly like is their

www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 9 | MAY 2018 clists as invasive species! In his comments, player. They don’t care about the work, pe- effectively, leaders will protect the cohe- the senator called cyclists “some of the rud- riod. Their focus is everywhere but the job siveness of their team and send a strong Business est people I’ve ever – I hate to say it, but at hand or the people they work with. message that they care most about those I’m just going to be bold – they’re some of In nature, invasive species normally creep who bring value to the organization. the most self-centered people navigating Culture: Three in slowly and often go unnoticed until they on highways or on county roads I’ve ever start to disrupt the ecosystem. Left alone, Travis is the founder and chief culture seen,” according to the Missoula Current. they will eventually take over and destroy ‘Invasive’ consultant of Ultimate Synergy. A com- “They won’t move over,” he added. “You everything in their path. This can also hap- pany based in Lake Nona that consults can honk at them; they think they own the pen in an organization. Left undealt with with organizations to help build and Behaviors highway.” Although I don’t agree with his over time, the people who exhibit one or maintain a foundation for a strong and method of dealing with this issue, he does more of these invasive behaviors can de- winning culture by taking care of people have a point. On many occasions, I have stroy the culture of the team or, worse yet, That Destroy and focusing on team dynamics. witnessed cyclists with riding behaviors the entire organization. Leaders who are Email: [email protected] that I would classify as being very “inva- astute to culture will recognize very quickly Culture Website: www.ultimatesynergy.net sive.” These behaviors by a few can destroy when any of these behaviors are present the perception of the entire cycling com- and deal with the “invasive species” before munity. They can also destroy the culture BY TRAVIS JACOB they have a chance to disrupt or destroy the of the entire group of riders. culture of the team or entire organization. What does a ludicrous and non-germane So, what’s the connection to business? By dealing with these behaviors early and amendment on an invasive species leg- Leaders from any industry often must deal islative bill have in common with organi- with people that can destroy the culture of zational culture? The similarities might the team, or worse, the entire organization. surprise you. One of the great qualities of I call these people “invasive species” to a Lake Nona is the intersection between the winning culture. These destroyers of cul- business community and the health and ture exhibit one or more of the following wellness community. Being a triathlete, I three invasive behaviors: get excited when I see groups of athletes Negativity – This person is always pes- running or riding bikes around Lake Nona. simistic. They do not see the good in any This business and medical community is situation. They have the tendency to turn being built to attract and welcome the out- even the most positive conversation into a door fitness community. diatribe of reasons to be negative. Apparently, this is not the goal of one Mon- Narcissism – This person is always full tana state senator. In 2017, the president of of themselves. The focus of every conversa- the Montana State Senate filed an amend- tion will somehow turn back to them and ment onto an existing bill that would im- why they are better. Their main tendency pose a fee on all out-of-state bikers enter- is to “one up” every story by making them- ing the state. To add insult to injury, the selves sound superior. bill that this amendment was attached to Apathy – This person just doesn’t care. was dealing with an “invasive species” of They don’t care to get involved in any con- mussels to Montana, thus identifying cy- versation. They don’t care to be a team

and savory cravings. mozzarella cheese, all topped off with golden raisins, walnuts and Business When you first walk in, your senses will a marsala wine reduction (availa- fill with a scent of sweetness, but it’s not ble in: ciabatta, baguette, focaccia overwhelming...it’s inviting. You’ll notice Spotlight: basil cheese, pumpernickel, and the bright LED lights and luxurious black multigrain bread). and white theme as you’re greeted by the 407 Cafe friendly staff and upscale, welcoming en- -Nutella and strawberry crepe, an vironment. Oh, and you will most defi- absolute classic of a freshly made nitely notice the beautiful case of different crepe, created right in front of BY NICOLE LABOSCO AND colors and flavors of rich, Italian gelato your eyes, adorned with ripened VANESSA POULSON filled with 30 flavors ranging from fruity strawberry slices and smeared PHOTOS BY NICOLE LABOSCO strawberry to creamy dulce de leche, all of with the chocolatey, hazelnut them completely satisfying. Take goodness and dusted with pow- a seat at one of the open tables, dered sugar. The warm crepe and someone will promptly greet is enough to satisfy your sweet you with a menu filled with op- tooth (available in original or tions that are sure to satisfy every whole wheat flour crepes). a better place,” said Rodriguez. craving you could possibly have. Gluten-free options are available on the Whether you’re looking for local menu, as well. Recent additions to the There are other big plans on the horizon favorites like 407’s notable sweet menu include gelato milkshakes – where for 407 Cafe in this coming year, including or savory crepes, a warm pressed customers can choose any of the 30 fresh the expansion of the business to a brand panini, or even just a good cup of flavors of gelato to be blended into a sippa- new store in Oviedo, as well as the devel- coffee, 407 has you covered. “Our ble, splendid beverage to cool you off in the opment of a new concept store in Maitland sweet crepes are loved [by] kids Florida heat – to a savvy, state-of-the-art called 407 Gelato, which will focus on the and adults and with the gelato on coffee machine, where customers can send restaurant's popular gelato selection. 407 the top,” said Antonio Rodriguez, photos and artwork to the machine to have Cafe continues to impress people inside CEO and owner of 407 Cafe. brought to life right in front of their eyes and out of the Lake Nona community with Established by Rodriguez and through coffee beans. No ink is used. their exceptional, friendly service and fantastic food, and Rodriguez credits these as- his family in August 2011, the 407 Cafe is an all-around art experience, pects with keeping customers coming back restaurant began with the idea and you can witness firsthand the amount time and time again. The store is certainly of opening a shop that would of love that goes into perfecting your meal. a Lake Nona favorite, and if you have not focus on serving high quality, The fresh and light ingredients and perfect- stopped in yet, it should definitely get put European gelato, as there were ly-sized portions will leave you feeling sat- on your priority list. no other businesses in the area isfied with no bloat. However, there might with a European touch capitaliz- be just a bit of guilt depending on how Along with the expansion developments, ing on the growth of Lake Nona. many sweets you indulge in. It can be dif- 407 Cafe has plans to update a handful It was Rodriguez’s daughter who ficult to stop with all of the delicious choices of its menu items based off of some cus- first suggested adding crepes to on the menu. tomer recommendations and food trends, the menu as this was something and they will not disappoint. It’s safe to Not only is 407 a wonderful stop for lunch, else the local area was missing say Rodriguez gave Nonahood News some dinner, or even an afternoon gelato or cup when it came to cuisine. Later of the SCOOP (of gelato), and Lake Nona of coffee, the business is also dedicated to on, the store added new items residents should keep an eye on 407 Cafe. like flatbread, croissants and finding ways to give back to the local Lake bagels. “I was thinking in some Nona community. 407 Cafe is proud to host space where family and friends a variety of Spirit Days, where part of the in our community come to en- profits go to support local schools here in the joy good food, excellent service Lake Nona area, including NorthLake Park and an amazing environment,” Elementary School, Eagle Creek Elementary said Rodriguez. School, Moss Park Elementary School, Sun- From the bustling of staff moving through- blaze Elementary School, Innovation Middle out the restaurant, the sound of plates Fan favorites are photographed all through- School, Laureate Park Elementary School, and silverware as it’s brought and placed out the restaurant, and those include: Lake Nona Middle School, and Lake Nona gently on the table, and the sweet smells -Caprese salad, an Italian staple of buffalo High School. These spirit days are spon- of everything from crepes to gelato, 407 mozzarella cheese layered between sliced sored by Nemours Children’s Hospital and Cafe reigns supreme in Lake Nona when tomatoes and fresh basil leaves, drizzled contribute in part to Rodriguez’s hope that it comes to the quality of service and the with Italian balsamic vinegar and herbs. 407 Cafe can not only provide the Lake Nona lavish cuisine it adds to the community. The wondrous and mouth-watering sur- area with a higher quality of food but also 407 Cafe is family-owned and operated prise of housemade pesto with pine nuts contribute in giving back to the community and has a convenient location – just five really ties all of the flavors together. in the way he hoped the business could. “I miles from the Orlando International Air- chose Lake Nona because it is the communi- -Prosciutto, salmon, or chicken marsala port and right down Narcoossee Road for ty with major growing expansion in Central paninis. We tried the chicken marsala, all of us already in the Lake Nona area – Florida and we live here, it is our community and the grilled chicken breast is paired that makes this restaurant a great stop for and we want to contribute to make the area a quick bite to indulge in all your sweet perfectly with mushrooms, spinach and

www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 10 | MAY 2018 Johnson & Johnson Human Performance Institute Behind The Scene: Lake Nona Construction Projects Update

ARTICLE & PHOTOS BY SOPHIA ROGERS

So many major Lake Nona projects are underway that it’s time for an update on construction. If you have not yet driven by these projects, it is a must do. History is in the making. Rick Singh, Orange County property appraiser, refers to Lake Nona as “the epicenter of growth that is happening in Central Florida.” Stay tuned as this is only the beginning!

Lake Nona Town Center

Johnson & Johnson Human Performance Institute is building an $18 million global headquarters in Lake Nona’s Medical City. Dedicated to helping individuals and organizations perform their best, the new facility is nearly twice the size of the institute’s current Lake Nona home. Target completion is late 2018.

Earth Fare

Tavistock Development Company is adding new office buildings and a parking garage to Lake Nona Town Center. Construction for BBA Aviation/Signature Flight Support is pic- tured here to the left. Conveniently located at the southwest corner of Veteran’s Way and Lake Nona Boulevard, this marks the beginning of Phase II at Lake Nona Town Center. Target completion is fall 2018.

Pixon Apartments

Earth Fare will open the first organic and natural food store in Lake Nona this summer. The new store is coming to Narcoossee and Tyson roads next to Lake Nona High School. All of Earth Fare’s foods are free of antibiotics, hormones, high fructose corn syrup, artificial fats and trans-fats as well as artificial colors, preservatives and sweeteners. This is another highly anticipated store for Lake Nona residents! Target completion is summer 2018.

Publix Pixon Apartments, another Tavistock Development, will house Orlando’s first micro-apart- ment units. Located at the southeast intersection of Tavistock Lakes Boulevard and Lake Nona Boulevard, Pixon is a 201-unit, multi-family community featuring a Tesla car share program and concierge delivery. The ground floor is where you will find Foxtail Coffee and Island Fin Poke! Projected completion is late 2018.

KPMG

Publix at Lake Nona Creekside is underway. Located near Boggy Creek Road and Lake Nona Boulevard, the Creekside plaza will be similar to the Lake Nona Plaza on Narcoossee Road. This makes the third location in Lake Nona to pick up a delicious Publix sub! Target completion is October 2018.

Laureate City Park and East Airfield Park

KPMG, a leading U.S. audit, tax, and advisory firm, is constructing its $400 million learning, development and innovation facility in the Lake Nona community. Located on Lake Nona Boulevard, the training and lodging facility includes 800 single-occupancy lodging rooms and 350,000 square feet of conference space. An estimated 1,000 KPMG employees from all over the world will be traveling to and from the learning, development and innovation facility in Lake Nona each week. KPMG expects to complete the project by year-end 2019.

Amazon Fulfillment Center

Lake Nona has two city parks under construction! Both sites are in the process of being graded. East Airfield Park is located on Dowden Road, near Northlake Park. Conceptual designs include four softball fields, a playground, pavilions, concessions and separate walking/jogging and bike paths. Laureate City Park is located in Laureate Park, within walking distance of Laureate Park Elementary School. Laureate City Park’s conceptual designs include four multi-purpose fields, a practice area, fitness station, playground and pavilion, concession building, and trails. Target completion is summer of 2018.

Sophia Rogers is a six-year Lake Nona area resident and realtor/ founder of NonaHomeGuide.com. A wife and mom of four, family, relationships, real estate, and business are her passions. She can be reached at The much-anticipated Amazon Fulfillment Center has exterior walls! This picture is only [email protected]. a snippet of the 850,000-square-foot building. You have to drive by to see its entirety. Located along Boggy Creek Road just south of Orlando International Airport, the new center plans to create 1,500 new, full-time jobs with benefits in the high-tech Lake Nona workplace. Projected completion is 2018.

www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 11 | MAY 2018 it! I did not know how to react. I did what cause we expect what is not. Edward A. Rodriguez is a coach, co- any sensible, embarrassed person would author and transformational trainer. He Get In- do under these circumstances; I broke We miss opportunities that are just under is founder and CEO of Better Graphics down in laughter. She left the table not our noses unless we are lucky enough that (a promotional products company) and Powered!: What necessarily sharing my feelings. Now, if someone comes along and points them out In-Powerment! Center (an international the sugar was there all the time, why didn't to us. Meanwhile, we are drinking cold training company for productivity and I see it before? If I needed to leave for coffee, not connected with the moment personal development). He is an NLP, You See Is a my meeting soon, why did I fail to notice and running like crazy in order to not miss HNLP, and neuro-strategy certified something so obviously there? the next appointment. trainer. He has many certifications as a Projection of life and executive coach, serving clients This is the reason. In my mind, I had an The sugar, the cars, and opportunities are in different countries. Edward has de- image of a rectangular-shaped sugar con- all around us. We see only what we pro- veloped internationally known transfor- Yourself mational programs and has co-authored tainer that normally has the white, pink, ject. What we project is what we focus books like “La Biblia de la Motivación” blue and yellow sugar packets. What was on. What we focus on determines what's BY EDWARD A. RODRIGUEZ available to us. (“The Bible About Motivation”) and next to the coffee was a glass sugar pourer. “Empowered,” which was co-written It was amazing. Even though I would have with other authors such as Wayne W. Have you ever want- been perfectly okay using that sugar, my My question to you is: From now on, what will you start focusing on? Choose wisely Dyer, John Assaraf (from the movie The ed to buy a particu- mind deleted it completely because it did Secret), Brian Tracy, etc. For more infor- and enjoy your coffee. lar car or a particu- not match what I was looking for. Even mation, call 1-888-2-IN-POWER or write lar piece of clothing though I was in need, I could not see what to [email protected]. only to start finding was just a few inches away from me be-

it more often around cause it did not match my expectations. you? Why do you think this happens? Then, why is it that when you decide to buy a car, you One morning, before start seeing that brand and going to a meeting, I model very often? Why was went to a diner to it that your mind "deleted” get a cup of coffee. them from your life expe- Edward A. Rodriguez It was busy, and the rience before you started waitress took a few thinking about the possibil- minutes to come to my table. I was in the ity of buying it? middle of a phone call when she came and I whispered, "Regular coffee, please…I am I will not get very technical in a hurry." She brought it right away. I here, but there is a part of finished my phone call, saw the coffee our brain that helps us fil- and got upset. "How can she forget? I ter the tremendous amount mentioned to her I was in a hurry. This is of sensorial information we amazing! I should have gone to Starbucks are continuously exposed instead," I said to myself. to, but we tend to see more of what we focus on. From my seat, I was looking around trying to locate her. When we made eye contact, Sometimes in our lives… I waved and she came back. I said: "You forgot the sugar! " In silence, she looked at We don't see abundance be- me for four long seconds like, if in disbe- cause we harbor lack. lief, she was trying to gather her thoughts. Without saying a word with her lips, she We don’t see hope because pointed to the sugar container just eight we feel fear. inches away from the cup of coffee. The We don't see what is be- sugar was there all along, but I did not see

with the Los Angeles Lak- Get Traction: ers using this methodol- ogy. Chop Wood, Similar to the Triangle offense, the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) Carry Water embraces simplicity as well. Business owners and their leadership teams fol- BY CHRIS WHITE, EOS CERTIFIED low a simple system that IMPLEMENTER allows them to focus on the six key components From the of their business and use bustling of just a handful of practi- staff moving cal tools and disciplines throughI re- that strengthen each com- cently read ponent and get everyone Eleven Rings rowing in the same direc- by legendary tion. Whether you’re an NBA coach executive, manager or in Phil Jackson, the mailroom, everyone in which he has three to five roles and shared his se- responsibilities they focus crets on how he on to propel the company managed two Chris White forward. of the most talented players, When asked how he was Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, and built able to keep the players fo- two successful championship programs. cused after winning their first title, Phil quoted a His secret: Less is more! Buddhist, writing, “Before This book is more than just a memoir of enlightenment, chop wood, his accomplishments; it also provides carry water. After enlight- great insight on how to build a solid, suc- enment, chop wood, carry cessful organization. Coach Jackson, who water.” This really resonated with me as practiced Zen meditation, embraced sim- a business owner and EOS certified im- Chris is a successful entrepreneur, author plicity. He believed in order to build a plementer. With a “less is more” mindset, and head coach at Traction in Florida. strong, cohesive team, he needed to reduce reducing complexity and following a sim- He’s passionate about helping entrepre- complexity by introducing the coaches and ple, proven program allows everyone in an neurs get what they want players to a simple model called the Trian- organization to stay laser focused. When front their business gle offense that only has a handful of rules everyone is focused, companies execute (www.tractioninflorida.com). to follow. His goal was to get each player, their visions. whether they were in the game or on the So, it doesn’t matter how big or small your bench, to focus on the system, follow the company is or what market you’re in, stay few rules and let the rest fall into place. If focused: Chop wood, carry water. they could all be on the same page, rowing in the same direction, winning games was inevitable. Regardless if you’re a fan of the NBA or not, you probably have heard of Phil, who coached the Chicago Bulls to six championships and then won three more

www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 12 | MAY 2018 FEATURES

• Behavioral and Disability were solid and were focused on one main notion: reform. -- PTSD, Autism, Shyness, Suicide Pre- Inaugural vention, Mass Tragedy Events Day Two: • Aging Well The second day of the MeGa MeGa Health Health Jam focused on working -- Diabetes, Falls, Loneliness, Nutri- and creating the projects and Jam Changes tion, Caregivers bringing them to life. Several • Engagement and Adherence teams had to overcome chal- The Game of lenges like glitches and making -- Care Plan Compliance, Medication sure their actual games/applica- Healthcare Adherence, Patient Education tions were workable. • Community/Social Responsibility Day Three: -- Food Desserts, Minority Careers in who usually just attends the jams with BY NICOLE LABOSCO The 16 teams had about half-a-day to wrap Healthcare, Access to Care, Human up their projects, upload them and then pre- no ideas until she reads the room. She’s Trafficking sent them to the judges and audience. And a sound designer but taught herself how About 100 technology and healthcare in- 16 presentations later, we had our top five. to program for Boo Boo Snap. She was novators joined forces over the weekend • Security, Payments and Privacy inspired by the healthcare symbols all of April 13-15 to unite the gaming and -- Blockchain, HIPAA, Payments, Con- Fifth Place – WAKE around the room and thought of Band- healthcare communities for the future. fidentiality Challenges This app focuses on brainwaves, and par- Aids. She said, “Doctors are finite, but What’s a more suitable location than the ticipants can utilize breathing and medita- there’s Band-Aids everywhere. Every- How can two groups that almost never join GuideWell Innovation Core building? As tion exercises. In real time, users can see one has Band-Aids.” She then thought of forces unite and create change? introductions began on day one, the team how the exercises are affecting their brain- her niece, who is obsessed with printed/ who created the event joked about taking Through Virtual Reality (VR) waves. Users would wear a brainwave themed Band-Aids. The young woman cre- over the GuideWell workspace. This was ated an AR Band-Aid that would bring the • Make physical therapy fun through VR headband with five sensors, an accelerom- the first-ever MeGa Health Jam and was image on the Band-Aid to life. She men- games that strengthen player in real eter and a gyro. sponsored by giants like EA Sports and tioned how it could connect to your phone life (IRL). Florida Hospital, while being organized by Fourth Place – Fantastic Hands and and track your activity, and nurses/doc- Florida Health Innovators, Indienomicon, Through Augmented Reality (AR) Where to Find Them tors would be able to do the same. and Rob Coble. • Display digital items IRL (visualiza- This game was created to help those who The judges agreed that her project was “We know this weekend, what we’re manu- tion). The future is now, folks! have issues with finger and hand mobil- something that addressed furthering ity. It focuses on how flexion is good, but healthcare right now, and it was taking a facturing is serendipity,” stated Kunal Pa- Through exercise tel, the co-founder of Indienomicon. In- consistent flexion (which is something simple medical object that everyone has dienomicon is a community that banded • Doctors can track all things medical: that today’s society has us all doing almost used at some point in their life and com- together on a mission to bring awareness to strengthening, weakening, heart rate, etc. nonstop) is bad. It delves into the world pletely transforming it into the future of the culture, excitement, and incredible tal- of rehab therapy for stroke patients who healthcare. Day One: lose feeling/movement in their fingers and Not really knowing what I was getting in- Introductions were made, pitch- arms and helps deviate the effects of carpal volved in when I originally showed up on es were shared, and teams were tunnel. It’s meant to revolutionize physical day one to cover the event, I’ll be thinking formed. The focus of the kickoff therapy and make it fun. [This group was about this weekend for awhile. Change re- day of the MeGa Health Jam was also the audience favorite.] ally can be brought about by something as to get to know everyone and plan Third Place – bARk simple as what we may brush off as “just the game-changing healthcare a thought.” Most individuals/groups ini- project with one’s team. This project was founded by a young woman who would visit hospitals with her tially presented their pitches based off of The 23 mentors/advisors made therapy dog and couldn’t visit all of the an idea that they had, nothing more. Tak- their introductions and were children in the pediatric units due to their ing the inspiration you have and turning adorned with red stethoscopes. health. She wanted those kids to still be it into something that really can transform An icebreaker began with a rock, able to interact with a dog and bring smiles and advance the healthcare system truly is paper, scissors competition with to their faces. The AR dog named “ARchie” mesmerizing and stimulating. Seeing first- a room full of gamers. I was can be placed anywhere in the user’s room, hand what these two powerful communi- doomed. You turn to your neigh- and users can pet him, tell him to sit and ties can do in just 48 hours when they join bor and challenge them to rock, roll over with appropriate gestures, and forces is absolutely flabbergasting. PHOTOS BY ZACHARY BELL paper, scissors. Winner moves even play fetch with him. She hopes to The end of the MeGa Health Jam brought OF ZTB STUDIOS on to challenge another winner. further the app and create more animal all in attendance full circle with the ice- Loser rallies with the winner choices for users to pick from. What’s bet- breaker we participated in on day one: We ter than having a dog in the room? ent of the indie developers of Central Flor- and becomes their hype man or are all truly winners. ida. This community was founded in 2013. woman. Losers grow as winners dwindle, Second Place – ZenBloom and eventually you have a large supportive The point of this jam was to have com- group backing you, and, in the end, you’re This game focuses on relaxation and anxie- pleted any functional projects by the end all winners. ty relief, incorporating a Dance Dance Rev- of the weekend. They really want to make olution game mat and a an impact on future healthcare and how Around 40 eager and inspired innovators VR headset. Players are gaming can PLAY a part. What better way pitched their project ideas initially. Only 22 brought into their own to bring together two groups that don’t survived based off of support. A few teams personal sanctuary normally correlate by reaching out to the merged, and 16 prevailed to begin working where their feet and creative gaming community, including on their projects and bringing them to life. arm movements trans- those who aren’t happy with the current Ideas varied from VR simulators (which form a dojo, gradually state of healthcare. would help others understand what it’s like building it up. It’s es- to be in the shoes of someone who deals sentially a VR version The projects fell under six primary tracks: with ADHD) to those who overcome the of yoga, without the • Children’s Health everyday challenges of social anxiety. Ad- difficult poses. ditional pitches focused on the opioid crisis -- Oncology, Anxiety, Risk Factors, and suicide. Some were inspired by their First Place – Boo Asthma own challenges or experiences, while oth- Boo Snap ers found their influence through family This idea stemmed members or passions/interests. All ideas from a young woman

www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 13 | MAY 2018 On Saturday, April 7, WaterCrest resident Margaret “Peggy” Kent celebrated WaterCrest her 100th birthday alongside family and friends. The WaterCrest staff organized Resident the party, and around 50 residents and staff members joined the celebration as Celebrates a the man singing performed such classic songs as Louis Armstrong’s “What A Won- Centennial derful World” and Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York.” Party-goers were enjoying cocktails and one another’s company. ARTICLE AND PHOTOS Once the cake was cut, Peggy’s grand- BY NICOLE LABOSCO daughter, Stephanie, was enjoying just how much cake her grandmother was eating. She said “Gram is going AT that cake! Her slice was HUGE!” Peggy was enjoying herself for sure. After all, this day was dedicated to her. Marjor- ie, Peggy’s daughter, said that Peggy was one of the first 10 residents at WaterCrest. Marjorie reflected on her days growing up with her mother, and she paused when asked what her favorite quality was about her mom. “I think that she’s, how can I say this…she loves without any expectation at all. She’s very kind.” The most impactful lesson Peggy taught her daughter over the w years was to be open and willing to meet everyone. “I think not to judge people, to give everyone a chance.” watercrest It was the year 1918. Woodrow Wilson was We can all learn something and take that president. A gallon of gas cost 23 cents, advice from an individual with 100 years l ake nona and a new home could be purchased at of wisdom. From all of us at Nonahood an astounding price of $2,200. This was News, Happy Birthday, Peggy! Here’s to the year several famous people were born, many more celebrations! from Nelson Mandela to Bob Evans. It was Join Watercrest Lake Nona this April for our also the year Margaret Kent was born. Educational Health Chat Series in conjunction with local Healthcare Experts for Health & Awareness Month.

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4/02/18: Minimizing The Impact Of Allergies with Dr. Aishah Ali, Allergist & Immunologist

4/09/18: Introducing the UCF Lake Nona Medical Center with Regional VP Jake Kirchner, DPM

4/13/18: Understanding The ABCDE’s of Diabetes with Dr. Sowmya Surya, Endocrinologist

4/16/18: Avoiding Falls and Protecting your Health with Dr. Dangiolo, Geriatrician

4/20/18: Chronic Care Management with Dr. Gabriel Nuriel and Tammy Russell, ARNP

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www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 14 | MAY 2018 could get behind. In the modern world, Earth Day serves as Tough Things more than recognition of the birth of the environmental movement. It is also a time To Talk About: where many are called to acknowledge the human impact of environmental degrada- Earth Day tion and to take action. However, much of the way that the conversation regarding the environment is conducted leaves many ARTICLE AND PHOTOS Americans and people worldwide feeling BY VANESSA POULSON completely powerless and miserable. Headlines regarding environmental degradation often read “Global Car- bon Emissions Hit Re- cord High in 2017” or “Sea Level Rise Will Rapidly Worsen Coastal Flooding in Coming Decades, NOAA Warns,” which, though in- formative, leaves the reader feeling powerless and defeated. Often in these articles, there isn’t any kind of description of what people can do to take any kind of action in protecting the environment. Whether you believe in climate change or not, there has to be at least some kind of under- Each year, Earth Day, April 22, is celebrat- standing that the earth is where we live, ed and commemorated as the birth of the and keeping the earth safe for us and fu- modern environmental movement in 1970. ture generations has to be something we The height of counterculture in the United acknowledge as a society. States, 1970 brought the death of Jimi Hen- There’s a lot of pressure on people nowa- drix, the last Beatles album, and Simon & days telling us we have to make big chang- Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” es as a society to make a difference. Big War raged in Vietnam, and students na- changes are important, sure. Policy imple- tionwide overwhelmingly opposed it. mentation and action on the political front At the time, Americans were slurping is always what is going to cause the big- leaded gas through massive V8 sedans. gest ripple effect from the origin point of a Industries belched out smoke and sludge cause, but it isn’t the only thing that a per- with little fear of legal consequences or son can do to start making a change. Take bad press. Air pollution was commonly shorter showers. Recycle. Pick up trash that accepted as the smell of prosperity. “Envi- you see. Have a meatless meal once a week. ronment” was a word that appeared more Teach your children to be conscious of what often in spelling bees than on the evening they use and what they waste. Each of these news, according to Earth Day Network. things, if done collectively by a group of people, begins a ripple effect where change Earth Day has been somewhat of a sore can be made on the local level. spot for many Americans. In a nation incredibly scary, and we have to start The earth we call home belongs to each founded on prosperity and growth, the I’ve been lucky enough to have traveled retraining ourselves to see the issue as and every one of us, and on this Earth Day, idea that actions would be taken to effec- to some beautiful places in my life, from something that is not dependent on your remind yourself not to feel powerless but tively limit that growth in an effort to pre- Alaska to England and even Tallahassee, political party, religious view, or even your powerful in the changes that you can make. serve nature seemed like something best there are beautiful places on this earth social background. left to the beatniks and hippies, not some- that are worth protecting. Thinking about thing that corporate, capitalist America climate change on a global level can be

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www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 15 | MAY 2018 in the butterfly effect and perfect conditions, meaning every little event or change The Artist: in events can completely change the direction of a piece,” said Tobon. “I don’t think any of my pieces would’ve came out the Alejandra same way if I had simply changed what music I was listening to while working on Tobon them.” Music, it seems, has also inspired a recent BY VANESSA POULSON series of works by Tobon in which she is constructing a variety of portraits depict- “Todo tiene arreglo” or “everything can be ing her favorite music artists from Big- fixed” is a phrase that local artist Alejandra gie Smalls and Erykah Badu to Sade, the Tobon finds herself living by whenever she members of Pink Floyd, Quincy Jones, is finding her way in creating a new pro- Kali Uchis, Gucci Mane and Frank Ocean. ject. It was something her mother used to She hopes the series will have about 22 remind her of in her childhood frustration paintings in total. Tobon describes this when creating her art projects, and the project as one of her most challenging ef- message sticks with her to this day. Tobon forts – it includes a variety of male artists was born in Cali, Colombia, but her family and Tobon notes that she paints women immigrated to the United States when she more often than men – but also one of her was only two years old. After some moving most rewarding in trying to capture each up and down the East Coast for a period of artist’s “presence and essence.” Her goal is to release a new portrait every two weeks. time, they finally settled in Lake Nona 10 She also currently has prints available for years ago. Another project currently in the works $10-$20 depending on the size. We are looking for interesting artists by Tobon is the launch of a website she is Her love for art was established at a young As far as what Tobon hopes the Lake Nona who live in the Nonahood to be featured. working on with a friend. It will encom- age, heavily influenced by her mother’s community takes from her work, she cites If you or someone you know should pass a wide variety of content including, own artistic talent. As her work has devel- this: “I just want people to enjoy it aestheti- be nominated to be a Nonahood News but not limited to, art, writing, politics, oped, she describes her style as a matri- cally and interpret it how they see fit. There Featured Artist, send your nomination to philosophy and hopefully a platform to mony between elements of surrealism and is no singular or correct interpretation.” http://nonahood.to/artist. modernism incorporated into it. sell the artist’s work as well. She hopes to launch it by mid-summer. “Art is important because it is an omni- present aspect of our lives, although we Tobon is currently building an online plat- PHOTOS BY ALEJANDRA TOBON aren’t always necessarily aware of it. Sim- form where people can purchase her art, ply noticing the beauty in quotidian events but for now you can contact her via email can change our perspectives, even make ([email protected]) if you are in- us feel happier,” said Tobon. “I don’t think terested in purchasing a piece from her. something has to be in a museum gal- lery to be considered art, we can find beauty in almost anything.” Tobon is a multi-talented creator. A biomedical science major at UCF, she finds herself inspired by science itself, taking a variety of the content she learns in her classes and incorporating it into her pieces. “I am currently taking human anatomy, which has helped me portray the human body with more precision and accuracy. Furthermore, body parts are often subjects in my pieces, so the class has further made me appreciate the perfect synchronicity that makes human life possible,” said Tobon. Scrolling through Tobon’s Instagram, it is obvious the amount of intricate work that goes into each of her pieces. To- bon’s work with lines, balance and sym- metry, as well as the beautiful blend of surrealism and modern art, makes her work entirely unique and masterfully beautiful. Though she finds inspiration in a variety of elements in her life, music tends to reign supreme in her life when it comes to finding inspiration to create her pieces. “I am a firm believer

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

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© 2018. The Nemours Foundation. ® Nemours is a registered trademark of The Nemours Foundation. Your child. Our promise. video and all. Some waved, and others encouraged us to rev our engines. The Pigs Pigs Iron Out happily obliged. It never ceases to amaze me at how motorcades bring people out of their homes and vehicles to a halt so that Pediatric everyone can watch in awe. Cancer After about two hours, the ride reached its destination at Ace Café Orlando. Rid- ers mingled over food and drinks as the ARTICLE AND PHOTOS auction for several items commenced. The BY NICOLE LABOSCO amount raised has yet to be determined, but there was a registration fee for each rider and passenger. Each year, parents of over 15,000 children will hear the words, “Your child has cancer.” On average, about 43 children are Anyone interested in donating can visit diagnosed with cancer every day and the http://nonahood.to/gofundme and average age is six years old. Over 40,000 http://nonahood.to/PayPal to help children undergo treatment for cancer the Iron Pigs meet their goal. You can each year, so a local motorcycle club is in- also visit www.ironpigsorlando.com tervening. for more information about the club. On Saturday, April 21, the Iron Pigs Mo- torcycle Club set out to take down pediatric cancer. The Iron Pigs is a nonprofit motorcycle club for law-enforcement officers and firefighters. The club got its start with cancer fundraising back in 2013 when an Iron Pig brother received news that his sister had been diagnosed with brain cancer. More than 100 motorcycle engines revved for the cause. The Iron Pigs rode from Ne- mours Children’s Hospital in the heart of Lake Nona to Ace Café in downtown Or- lando as a fundraiser to help offset the medical costs and ensure kids receive the best medical treatment possible. This was their fifth annual drive against cancer.No - nahood News was one of several sponsors for the ride and was lucky to ride along. The ride began as the Pigs took over Lake Nona. We passed local “landmarks” such as the newly-opened DriveShack and made our way toward Narcoossee Road. Making our way through the scenic route, we ended up in St. Cloud and even Kiss- immee before we came back down Boggy Creek Road and passed what will soon open as the Amazon Fulfillment Center. The Iron Pigs rallied as the flood gates opened and our sunny Florida turned into our spring rainstorms. Not a single rider hesitated. They were ready for this ride, and no amount of rain or inclement weather would stand in their way. The club’s website states, “These kids fight the battle day in and day out, rain or shine.” Tons of bystanders watched as the Pigs rode by, cellphones in hand recording

can’t miss it. The company will produce tomorrow are going to require stronger said Principal Cetin. “In middle and high Amazon about 1,500 jobs in the community, ac- STEM skills out there, to be successful school, it can be difficult to pull students cording to Mike Bauer, Amazon’s assistant out there, so we looked and saw where we into the STEM field, as this period of life general manager. could find a program that was encourag- is full of distractions – but in elementary Donates to ing that STEM hands-on learning, and we school, students have open minds and are Amazon obviously supports science, tech- found the Osceola Science Charter School. able to latch onto new ideas quickly. We see nology and engineering with its wide ar- [The school is] igniting those young minds this at Osceola Science Charter School all the Future Through ray of varying products, and the company on how to learn for that so they are the in- time. Our students are eager and willing to wants to support and invest in our future novators of tomorrow.” try new concepts and engage with innovative as well. Amazon is investing in STEM (Sci- technology.” STEM ence, Technology, Engineering, and Math- Murat Cetin, the principal of OSCS, is ematics) programs at local schools to en- more than thrilled to introduce more ex- Around 75-80 percent of jobs are STEM ARTICLE AND PHOTOS sure the children of today and tomorrow citing products to help his young students related. NOW is the time to create change. BY NICOLE LABOSCO receive the very best hands-on education. discover their interests and passions be- NOW is the time to influence change. And fore the distractions like hormones and/ who is a better influencer than THE company Osceola Science or caring about what other people think that completely changed the world of online Charter School begin to set in and influence their deci- shopping? (OSCS) was se- sions. Most STEM programs focus on high lected by Amazon school, then middle and then elemen- to receive $10,000 tary. “It is my philosophy that elementary worth of equipment school is the most important time for stu- to make a significant dents to be immersed in STEM subjects,” impact on education. A partnership with the super company can warrant just that. OSCS opened in August 2016 and had approximately 200 students. The school hopes to grow from its current 270 students to 500 students for the 2018 school year. OSCS is a tuition- free charter school with kindergarten Everyone knows of Amazon, and by now, through grade four, eventually expanding most of the Nonahood is well aware of the to grade eight. giant company staking ground right in our backyard. The massive 850,000-square- Bauer has been with Amazon for about 4½ foot Amazon Fulfillment Center is sched- years in the Florida sector and believes that uled to have its doors open just in time these donations will help shape our future. for the 2018 holiday season. The colossal “You are the innovators of tomorrow,” said building is located on Boggy Creek Road, Bauer to the elementary-aged students at just past the accompanying 417 exit. You OSCS. “We understand that the jobs of

www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 18 | MAY 2018 Omnimodal Wins $25K CD SPECIAL! In Local Limited-Time Only Accelerator’s Inaugural ‘Shark Tank’- 2.30% Style Pitch APY* 29 Months Event PHOTO COURTESY OF EMILEY JONES PHOTOGRAPHY money,” said Nathan Selikoff, co- Ecospears – decontaminating soil BY VANESSA POULSON founder of Omnimodal. “There were and waterways seven other great social enterprises Fleet Farming – disrupting food the judges could have chosen.” supply with local micro-farm plots Technology and the high-tech in- David Moran, co-founder of Omni- “This was a difficult decision because dustry are launching new ideas from modal, added: “It’s thrilling to have the present day into the future, and, all of the entrepreneurs impressed folks believe in our work to make us with their commitment to help- rapidly, new ideas for means of in- transportation easy for everyone. % ing solve social issues while earning novation and growth are becoming a This is our dream job, and real-time 1.90 reality before our very eyes. revenue,” said Ben Hoyer, president information is a critical tool for com- and COO of Rally and founder of APY* 17 Months Rally: The Social Enterprise Accel- bating transit inequity.” Omnimodal Downtown Credo, a donation-based erator recently awarded a $25,000 competed against seven other com- coffee shop. “We’re confident that investment to Omnimodal. Omni- panies in the “Shark Tank”-style this investment will advance Om- modal, LLC (Omni) helps you em- pitch event, where entrepreneurs of nimodal’s focus to enhance the qual- power your riders to make informed a variety of social companies were ity, efficiency and reliability of public decisions about their commutes with able to make their ideas heard with transportation.” high-quality, real-time data. The app the possibility of being awarded helps users to schedule their trans- the $25,000 investment to forward Central Florida Foundation is the portation times, saving the users their mission. place for people who want to invest time and money by avoiding long in their community. The founda- Other organizations present at the tion serves as the region’s commu- commutes, missing trains or buses, pitch event included: or having to schedule sometimes nity foundation and is home to more expensive Ubers or Lyfts. This im- The Mustard Seed of Central Flor- than 400 charitable funds. The foun- provement helps create shorter wait ida – recycling mattresses and dation manages and invests funds, MONEY times, makes connecting from one creating jobs offers personalized service and expert advice, connects caring people, ride to the next easier, and makes Outcome Funding – automating de- MARKET businesses, governments and or- long commutes less time consuming velopment coaching and stressful. ganizations to local initiatives that Florida Abolitionist – equipping build and inspire community, and % The company will use the funds companies to stop human trafficking empowers them to make informed toward its mission of making pub- HEBNI (Health Empowerment decisions that make a difference now APY** lic transportation successful and and in the future. streamlined, which can continue to through Behavioral and Nutritional In- 0.90 be a reality for the company with itiatives) – educating people to eat well Everyday Great Rate! this investment. “We are humbled to Snapgood – removing barriers in have been awarded this investment volunteering

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March For 1471 East Osceola Parkway Our Lives Kissimmee, FL 34744 4400 13th Street Movement until they hear you, march until they ryone was marching for could find St. Cloud, FL 34769 fear you, march until the massive their life on the line next and to con- bloodshed stops and until your safety sider how random and frequent the ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY is not for sale!” shootings have been. BRITTANY BHULAI Afterward, the crowd gathered in the The lead organizer of Never Again streets near Lake Eola, where po- UCF, Trevor Wild, says the march is An estimated 25,000 people showed lice helped section off the road and just the start of things. “This is not up in support of the March For Our the march began. The crowd made ending when the march is ending. Lives event in downtown Orlando on their way passed Senator Marco The march is just the beginning of March 24 that was hosted by Never Rubio’s office and ended at the Dr. this movement,” states Wild. Again UCF. The crowd gathered in a Phillips Center lawn. The event field next to Lake Eola, where a stage lasted until around 4 p.m as the the was set up. Guest speakers and sing- crowd dissipated. To learn more about AxiomBanking.com | 800-584-0015 March For Our Lives, ers kicked off the event as the swarm There was little appearance from visit marchforourlives.com of supporters against gun violence NRA supporters as the majority who waved posters and signs to heighten or email showed up protested for gun control. Terms and conditions apply. the spirit. [email protected]. An activist, Lauren Licona, who drove *Annual Percentage Yield. Rates and APY are subject to change without from Sanford, was one among many notice. The APY is as of 03/19/2018. These accounts require a minimum “We march to tell the world we refuse opening deposit of $500. Substantial penalty for early withdrawal. Offer to be just another statistic...we stand students who came not valid on brokered or institutional deposits. You will be paid the disclosed rate until maturity. Your 17- and 29-month accounts will with the students of MSD [Marjory to aid Never Again automatically renew into the 18- and 24-month fixed rate certificates, Stoneman Douglas High School] UCF. Her poster respectively. You will have a grace period of 10 calendar days after the maturity date to withdraw the funds in the account without being because they are the voices of the posed the question charged an early withdrawal penalty. The CD products are limited to future,” said Pulse survivor Neema “Am I Next?” in red $250,000 per product per household. This offer cannot be combined with any other offer. Fees could reduce earnings. Contact an Axiom Bahrami. A speaker from Moms De- ink. Around it, she Bank Banker for further information about applicable fees and terms. mand Action, Adrienne Egolf, added wrote the names of **Annual Percentage Yield. Rates and APY are subject to change without to the point by saying that the move- people who have notice. The APY is as of 01/01/18. In order to obtain the indicated APY, ment will remind everyone that arm- died in recent mass these accounts require a minimum opening deposit of $100,000. Federal regulations impose transaction limitations. Fees could reduce ing teachers would only make schools shootings such as earnings. Contact an Axiom Bank Banker for further information about less safe and there needs to be an end Sandy Hook and applicable fees and terms. to this once and for all. Congress- Las Vegas. Licona © 2018 Axiom Bank, N.A. woman Val Demings from Florida's says that even the All Rights Reserved. 10th district fueled the supporters people who do not even more by saying, “Today, march believe in what eve-

www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 19 | MAY 2018 the best she can at her job on a daily PHOTOS COURTESY OF CONNIE STEINWART basis. She’s excited to see Concord Lake Nona’s continue to pursue new partnerships and continue to go above and beyond to meet their expectations. Steinwart Connie does not like saying no to patrons, and she credits the occasions where she Steinwart cannot entirely accommodate a pa- tron’s wishes as the most frustrating Celebrates aspect of her job. “I love working with people and building great friendships and business partnerships. I love that Her 10-Year each day is different, and it is never boring,” said Steinwart in an email in- Anniversary terview. “I love being part of the planning process for groups and meetings With Concord and then seeing it all come to life.” Steinwart is a graduate of the Univer- Hospitality sity of South Carolina and has lived in the Lake Nona area for the past Enterprises three years. She’s been impressed by the rapid growth of Lake Nona in just the time that she has lived in the area. BY VANESSA POULSON “New homes, new hotels, new dining locations, new schools, new parks, Connie Steinwart new shopping locations, new beauty Connie Steinwart is dedicated to helping services, new office buildings…it just people in the hospitality and tourism in- continues to grow.” said Steinwart. dustry. She spends each day as the director by Concord. Concord was looking to fill a of sales at Concord Hospitality Enterprises director of sales position for a Radisson To anyone looking to pursue a career Congratulations to Connie on her working hard to ensure patrons from near hotel. She told me about the company and in the tourism and hospitality industry, anniversary! and far feel welcome and comfortable wanted me to interview,” said Steinwart. “I Steinwart offers this piece of advice: “I throughout their stay in Lake Nona. got the job! I have been director of sales at would suggest that they have a genuine Fairfield Inn and Suites and Hampton Inn passion to serve. This industry is de- Steinwart is now celebrating her 10-year for Concord prior to these two hotels.” manding and very rewarding at the same anniversary with Concord Hospitality En- time. The passion to serve and drive is Though one day she hopes to become an terprises, and she couldn’t be more excit- something that can’t be taught but is vi- area director of sales and oversee more ed. “I had a director of datering that I had tal to being successful in hospitality,” than two hotels, Steinwart is appreciative worked with in the past that was employed said Steinwart. and affectionate when it comes to doing

will begin in April and will Drive Shack be available to players at all skill levels, including individuals and groups, be- Update: The ginner clinics, juniors just starting out or wanting to Grand Opening enhance their skills, and parent-child classes. The Drive Shack grand Has Arrived opening that happened on April 24 was amazing. I BY BRITTANY BHULAI AND walked up to the massive VANESSA POULSON building and as soon as I entered the doors, I was abso- PHOTOS BY BRITTANY BHULAI lutely awed. The staff is very helpful as are their restaurant servers. The huge golf After a long anticipated wait, Drive Shack course that all of the bays has finally opened in Lake Nona! As of Sat- lead out to brings the whole urday, April 7, at 3 p.m., the business is of- picture together. There are ficially open to the general public. 90 bays and each bay offers “The people are so warm and welcom- the same five games that ing….” said Drive Shack CEO, Chuck Bey- you can access through a er, regarding the Lake Nona community in monitor. I played Monster an email interview. “With the growth and Hunt. My swing was not as the amazing people, we are loving what the sharp as I had liked it to be future holds.” since my only experience is Drive Shack is the latest entertainment in putt putt golf. However, destination in Lake Nona, located in the an instructor was happy to Sports and Performance District at 7285 assist me. I was shown how Corner Drive. Drive Shack is serving great to correctly hold the club. food, cold drinks, and long drives at the In Monster Hunt, you hit three-story, indoor/outdoor all-weather the ball in a certain area so golf-entertainment complex. The location I do not recommend that for also features a free play game lounge with beginners. The game you’ll classic games like shuffleboard, skee-ball likely want to gravitate to- and Pac-Man, a full-service restaurant and wards is Shackjack. With bar, an outdoor lounge, and three fully this activity, you can score equipped meeting and event rooms for points regardless of where parties up to 1,000. the ball lands on the course. The driving range features a hitting bay As for the food, it was be- where guests have access to golf clubs, un- yond my expectations. They limited golf balls, dual flat screens with TV laid out a very nice presen- on-demand, interactive games enabling tation for guests showcas- guests to compete with other bays, and ing select items from their full-service, on-call food and drinks from menu. I tried a spinach quiche along with the restaurant. their all classic beef slider. Both of these sparked my tastebuds for more. “We have 400 locals working with us now. We bring excitement and energy,” said Their terrace on the third floor looks great Beyer. “Focusing on hospitality will lead to for parties and gatherings. It also has a the locals’ go-to place for entertainment.” bar placed next to it. This area leads to an arcade room where you can play Pac-Man Drive Shack’s signature technology in- games or shoot some baskets in hoops. cludes new proprietary games like Shack- jack, where guests can aim at playing cards Overall, it seems like a great place to lean that appear over each hole while trying back in the lawn chair, kick your feet up, to build a hand of 21 without busting. Or and crack open a beer. There is something save the Drive Shack Princess by destroy- for everybody whether you’re a child or a ing all of the monsters on the range during grown adult. You won’t be disappointed. a rousing game of Monster Hunt. Guests So, if you’re looking for a fun weeknight or can also take on real courses – like Teton weekend activity for you and your family, Pines and Linfield National – as if they’re or looking to book a party or team building actually there, using Drive Shack’s virtual event, take a swing on Drive Shack. technology. For those less practiced in golfing, clinics for those looking to improve their swing

www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 20 | MAY 2018 HEALTH & FITNESS

The USTA National Campus is home to the USTA’s wheelchair tennis department, USTA made up of coaches and staff who oversee wheelchair tennis across the country. The top American wheelchair athletes Programs often train at the campus, and a number of wheelchair events have been held in Inspire Love Orlando, notably an International Tennis Federation (ITF) World Team Cup qualify- Through ing tournament earlier this year. Thus, the campus began hosting a free Experiences wheelchair tennis clinic for local players, led by the same coaching staff that works For All with the elite athletes. The weekly clinic has seen a growth in participants, and a number of events at the campus, including BY DANIEL PYSER USTA Pro Circuit tournaments and Col- lege MatchDay events, have incorporated a wheelchair clinic into their schedules. The USTA National Campus has established itself as a place for people of all While the veterans and wheelchair clinics ages and abilities to play the sport of ten- are run by USTA staff, there are two other nis. Courts are filled with a variety of par- inspirational alternative tennis programs ticipants, ranging from young beginners run by outside organizations that the who are picking up a racquet for the first USTA National Campus has welcomed to time to lifelong competitive players, not to the courts at Lake Nona. mention the American pros who train on Buddy Up Tennis came to the USTA Na- the same courts at Lake Nona. tional Campus last fall and has hosted There are also a number of programs de- a number of weekend clinics staffed by signed for other players that offer some of USTA National Campus employees and the most rewarding moments of tennis at volunteers. Buddy Up is a high-energy, the USTA National Campus. adaptive tennis and fitness program for children and young adults with Down syn- One of the earlier and most successful al- drome. It is designed to give participants ternative tennis programs at the campus is the opportunity to learn the sport of tennis the veterans’ clinic. Started in partnership and engage in fitness activities in an enjoy- with Lake Nona’s VA Hospital, the clinic able and supportive environment. grew from a few sparse participants in a pilot program to a weekly mainstay that More recently, the USTA National Campus has been extended indefinitely. has partnered with ACEing Autism, and weekly tennis clinics are set to be hosted A number of veterans, some suffering throughout the spring. ACEing Autism’s from post-traumatic stress disorder, have mission is to connect children with autism expressed that tennis has given them an through unique tennis programs and to outlet not previously available to them, as develop and advance proven methods to well as provided them with camaraderie as positively impact the children, families they bond with other former servicemen and communities we serve. and women. All of these programs truly embody the Some of the original and most dedicated of mission of the USTA National Campus the program’s participants were invited to of “inspiring a love for American ten- last year’s US Open to take part in the tour- nis by creating memorable experiences nament’s annual Military Appreciation for everyone.” Day, where they had an opportunity to play on the famed Arthur Ashe Stadium court.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF USTA

www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 21 | MAY 2018 ing tenderness, swelling, aching or a never need surgery again. If you are experiencing hip pain, talk to a burning sensation. hip specialist about your case and treat- Recovering From Hip Surgery Things To • A log of when the pain started and how ment options. Maintaining your mobility long it has persisted. If you do decide that hip replacement sur- is so important to your long-term health. Consider When gery is for you, you might wonder about the Addressing and treating your pain now • A note of when the pain feels better recovery process. In general, the healthier can improve your quality of life and help or worse along with what activities or you are, the faster your rehabilitation and you have a more active lifestyle. Living With movements aggravate the hip. recovery are likely to be. Patients are able After assessing your symptoms, your doc- to place full weight on their new hip imme- Hip Pain tor will be able to conduct a thorough diately after surgery. Physical therapy can Dr. Obinna Adigweme is an orthopedic exam, including an X-ray, to properly di- assist with gait training and strengthening surgeon specialized in the surgical and agnose your hip pain and help you make a exercises. Most patients can walk normal- non-surgical treatment of hip and knee BY OBINNA ADIGWEME, MD treatment decision. ly, without a cane, four to six weeks after pain. Learn more at ucfhealth.com. If you are expe- surgery. Once you are fully recovered, you Treatment Options for Hip Pain riencing hip pain will be able to enjoy your life pain-free and that is affecting Hip pain due to arthritis can be treated enjoy the activities you love. your daily life, it with conservative measures like rest, is important to activity modification, and weight loss. know that you Anti-inflammatory medicines, such as don’t have to live ibuprofen and naproxen, can help to re- with the pain and lieve hip pain. Steroid injections can also that there are help to reduce inflammation for a short treatment options period of time. that can help you These conservative methods of treatment Dr. Obbina Adigweme, MD stay mobile and will help relieve the pain but will not re- pain free. verse the damage already done by arthri- There are many conditions that can lead to tis. If you still experience pain, your doctor hip pain. Where you are experiencing pain might recommend surgery. is the biggest clue to what is going on. Prob- Depending on your diagnosis, you might lems with the joint itself tend to exhibit be a good candidate for hip replacement pain on the inside of your hip or in your surgery. When pain is constant and arthri- groin area. Pain on the outside of the hip tis is more advanced, hip replacement sur- usually points to problems with soft tissue. gery can help to dramatically improve a pa- The majority of hip pain in adults age 65+ tient’s quality of life. Today, over 200,000 is the result of osteoarthritis – or the wear- total hip replacements are performed each ing down of cartilage in the joint. Pain in year, and this number is projected to in- the groin and front of the thigh are the crease as we continue to remain active and most common symptoms of hip arthritis, live longer. A hip replacement consists of usually felt when walking or twisting. removing damaged cartilage from the hip socket as well as the ball at the upper end Receiving a Diagnosis of the thigh bone and replacing it with In order for your doctor to properly diag- prosthetics. This surgery is called a total nose your hip pain, you must make note of hip replacement. There are several varia- a few things: tions to how this procedure is performed; however, the results are consistently excel- • A description of your hip pain, in- lent. Today’s artificial hips can last for dec- cluding whether you are experienc- ades, so there is a good chance you might

with our patients to manage any weight problems and get their body mass index What You (BMI) as close to normal as possible. Your BMI is an indication of the amount Should Know of body fat based on measurements of your weight and height. For adults, a normal BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9. Before Getting This not only ensures that your body is in the best shape possible for what’s ahead but also can help boost your fer- Pregnant tility if you were previously underweight and lessen your risk of a premature de- BY DR. ASHLEY HILL, MD livery or stillbirth if you were previously overweight. So, you’re ready to start Get Your Blood Sugar and Blood a family. Pressure Under Control Congratula- tions, and If you are diabetic or hypertensive, or welcome to both, it is very important to work with one of the your doctor to fine-tune your manage- most exciting ment of these conditions prior to be- times of your coming pregnant. Controlling your life! There’s diabetes can help prevent birth defects, so much to while managing your blood pressure look forward helps ensure that your baby can receive the right amount of oxygen and Dr. Ashley Hill, MD to – so much to experience nutrients and reduces the risk of preec- – and you can hardly wait to get started lampsia, a potentially fatal condition for on the road to pregnancy. But is your mother and baby. body as prepared as it should be? Here are a few things to consider if you’re Reduce Stress thinking about getting pregnant in the near future. Most importantly, relax! The better you take care of yourself, the better you’ll feel going forward. Prepare healthy meals, Schedule a Pre-Conception exercise regularly, and get proper sleep. Checkup There’s plenty of time to make important Pregnancy is a big job for your body. We decisions, and no need to rush things. always advise getting a pre-conception If you’re experiencing unusual anxiety, checkup to review important aspects of let your doctor know because usually your health and make sure there are no we can help! barriers to a safe and healthy pregnancy ahead of time. Among other things, this is a chance for your doctor to go over Ashley Hill, MD, is medical director your current medications and make sure of Loch Haven OB/GYN, an academic you aren’t taking anything that could be practice managed by Florida Hospital harmful to a baby – for example, anti- Medical Group with offices in Orlando, seizure medications or certain anti-hy- Oviedo and Winter Garden. For more pertensives. Your doctor can also help information or to book an appoint- you with the following important factors: ment, visit LochHavenOBGYN.com or call (407) 303-1444. Check Your BMI

Understanding the innumerable health benefits for mom and baby, we work

www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 22 | MAY 2018 a usual occurrence referred to as DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness). This should ease after a few days and Camp Gladiator occur less with consistent resistance-based exercises. The following workout is designed to hit most of the ma- Trainer Talk: jor muscle groups and the seven primary movements. Please note that as you fatigue, it is common that form is Resistance Training compromised, and therefore it is recommended that you revert to an easier exercise or rest rather than completing an exercise with poor technique. If you are unsure of any exercise, do some research or bet- DON’T WAIT – PICK UP THE ter yet, stop by a Lake Nona Camp Gladiator workout; we WEIGHTS AND STOP STRESSING would LOVE to have you! ABOUT YOUR WEIGHT! EXAMPLE OF A 30-MINUTE HOME BASED BY VERNICE SALVERON-GASPER WORKOUT Resistance training has so many benefits, including WHAT YOU WILL NEED: WORKOUT improving function, changing body composition • Mat Round 1 As many rounds in 5 minutes and increasing one’s metabolism. Resistance train- • 10 x Dumbbell squat press ing through all primary movement patterns should • Dumbbells be completed regularly to reduce the effects of ag- • Water bottle • 10 x Push-ups or dumbbell chest press ing and ensure we maintain a healthy body. • Music • 10 x Bent over row WARM UP - 3 ROUNDS • 10 x Jumping Jacks From birth until approximately the age of 30, mus- • 5 x Superman stretches cles of the human body natu- • 5 x Inch worms Round 2 As many rounds in 5 minutes rally grow larger and stronger, • 20 x Butt kicks • 10 x Reverse lunge with thus increasing functional dumbbell bicep curl • 20 x High knees performance over time. Un- • 10 x Tricep dumbbell over- fortunately, after the golden head extension ages (post-30 years of age), the body begins to naturally • 20 x Russian twists with decline and lose muscle mass dumbbell (atrophy), thus impacting our function and body composition. This has been linked to the reduction of hormones produced by the body as we age and is known as Vernice Salveron-Gasper “age-related sarcopenia.” Vernice Salveron CPT, Partner Trainer can be reached The impact of muscle reduction at (321) 947-9948 or vernicesalveron@campgladiator. has huge implications to our health and quality of life, com. Like Camp Gladiator on Facebook and Follow such as decreased strength, mobility, slower metabolism, @campGladiator on Instagram for exclusive offers, less independence and reduced physical competence. fitness tips, pictures, events, camp updates, and more! Sadly, there is no easy way to reverse the aging process, Visit the website at campGladiator.com. however, one very significant way of reducing the physical symptoms of aging is…yes, you guessed it...exercise! More specifically, resistance training. Locations & Times: Resistance or weight training is a very important mode of Lake Nona Family Dentistry – Monday, Tuesday, exercise that should be incorporated in everybody’s daily Thursday 5:15 a.m. routine. Resistance training is a process where weight is Spring of Life United Methodist Church – Tuesday, used and gradually increased during exercise to facili- Thursday 5:45 p.m. tate muscle development. This does not mean lifting extremely heavy weight but simply putting the muscles un- Moss Park Elementary School – Monday, der some challenging yet manageable stress. This allows Wednesday 6:30 p.m. physiological adaptations to occur whereby muscle fibers become stronger. At face value, cardiovascular training (running, rowing and biking) might be more appealing, as minute for minute more calories can be burned during one single exercise session. However, resistance training has proven to have many more ongoing benefits post- exercise. Evidence has shown that weight training increases your metabolism for up to two to three days post-exercise. This means that you are burning more calories at rest, and over time, with consistent resistance training, your metabolism per- manently increases. Often, when individuals commence resistance training, their weight on the standard scale might increase initially. However, they will notice that their clothes begin to fit better and the body’s shape begins to positively change. This is called a shift in body composition (fat decreasing and muscle increasing) as the body starts to develop muscle tone. Hello biceps, shoulders and abs! Cassandra Lawless and Vernice Salveron-Gasper at Canvas Resturant and Market, Lake Nona Having strong, lean muscle will help with - Photographer Jim Uhing strength, movement and mobility and ultimately improve the way we are able to interact with our world. For example, carrying shopping bags with ease, being able to independently reach for items on the top shelf and sit down on the floor to play with our children and/or grandchildren. In addition, research has shown that resistance training improves tendon and ligament tensile strength and increases bone mineral density. Resistance training has endless benefits, however, it should always be executed with strict form. There are seven primary functional movements that should be incorporated in any whole-body resistance regimen. These are push, pull, squat, bend/extend, lunge, rotation and gait. Exercising through these movements will ensure that your body is functioning the way it is designed to do. Neglecting some of these movements can over time lead to movement imbalances that might give rise to chronic injuries and negative movement patterns. The American Heart Association recommends a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. For those not familiar with exercising, it is recommended that a personal trainer or fitness savvy workout buddy is uti- lized to ensure that correct technique is being executed. Exercises continually completed the wrong way can introduce injuries. Do not be afraid or discouraged if you feel muscle soreness after your initial workouts as this is

www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 23 | MAY 2018

Your futu re begins here.

Culinary Arts

Baking & Pastelería

Enroll Today! Kissimmee (407) 630-5355 ftccollege.com

FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE FOR THOSE WHO QUALIFY

he Culinary rts and aking Pastelera rograms are taught 100 in English or 100 in Sanish. he Culinary rts and aking and Pastelera iloma rograms are accredited y the merican Culinary Federation Education Foundations ccrediting Commission. Program aailaility aries y camus. mortant inormation aout the educational det, earnings, and comletion rates o students who attended our rogram is aailale atwww.tccollege.edudisclosures.html ril 2018. EDUCATION

cost control. Florida Technical College Kissimmee campus is also a Re- Florida Technical gional Chef Training Facility for the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, the world’s oldest gastronomic society founded in Paris in College Opens 1248. FTC is one of a handful of schools in the United States to currently hold the coveted designation, which will enable Registration for students and food preparation professionals to learn from nationally and internationally recognized chefs. At the same time, the campus is the headquarters of the American Baking and Pasteleria Culinary Federation Central Florida Chapter. For additional information on the Baking and Program in Spanish Pasteleria Spanish program and to register, visit ftccolleges.com/programs/artes-culinarias.php or Making a splash in Central Florida’s call (407) 783-5700. FTC recently merged with Puerto Rico-based National Uni- vibrant bakery scene no longer has versity College (NUC), which was previously a sister insti- to be just a dream for tution owned by the same parent company. In addition to Spanish speakers. FTC, NUC brought these four other learning institutions under its umbrella: The Digital Animation & Visual Effects (DAVE) School and Lasalle Computer Learning Center in BY JEANNETTE RIVERA-LYLES Florida, as well as Instituto de Banca y Comercio and Ponce Paramedical College on the island.

Staying true to its commitment to serve Central Florida’s growing Hispanic community, Florida Technical College recently announced that registration is open for a fully- taught-in-Spanish Baking and Pasteleria program at its National University College (NUC) is accredited by the Kissimmee campus. Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Accredited by the largest and most important professional Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, (267) 284-5000. organization of chefs and cooks in the nation, the Ameri- NUC’s Florida Technical College (FTC), The Digital can Culinary Federation Education Foundation (ACFEF), Animation & Visual Effects School (The DAVE School), and the program is now in its third edition. The 13-month-long LaSalle Computer Learning Center (LCLC) are included in program combines classroom training, hands-on kitchen this accreditation. The Middle States Commission on experience and an externship at a commercial bakery. Higher Education (MSCHE) is a regional accrediting “This program makes it possible for students to move for- agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and ward with their academic goals while they are in the process the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. of mastering English,” said Florida Technical College president, Dr. James Burkett. “By offering training in Spanish, we help an important segment of our community to develop a competitive edge to become gainfully employed in the local labor market.” Central Florida recently saw a larger-than-usual influx of Puerto Ricans moving to the mainland after Hurricane Maria swept through the island with Category 5 force. “I encourage Spanish speakers in Central Florida to take advantage of this opportunity,” said Wilmarie Rivera, Baking and Pasteleria lead instructor. “If you have a passion for baking, this program is the right fit for you. It covers the creative side of the industry as well as the business side of it, for a well-rounded approach to a promising career track.” Some of the subjects covered in the program are nutrition and sanitation, baking techniques, facility and menu planning, and

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

SUN BLAZE EAGLE CREEK NORTHLAKE PARK INNOVATION MIDDLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ELEMENTARY COMMUNITY SCHOOL SCHOOL

BY TODD PERKINS BY SALLY SHUMAN BY CHRIS CLARK Girls On the Run BY KATELYN F. NEWCOMB April Is Autism Awareness Month – Light It Up Blue Girls on the Run (GOTR) completed their April 2 was World Autism Day. This is practice 5K on April 5 and competed in an a global initiative that kicks off Autism actual 5K race at the University of Central Awareness Month. NorthLake Park teach- Florida on April 28. They are also planning ers and staff wore blue in support of autism a community impact project to give back and to bring awareness, understanding to the Lake Nona community. We are so and acceptance. Staff members continued proud of the GOTR team and all of their to wear blue every Friday as a sign of sup- accomplishments. -Coach Boger, Lewitt, port to “Light It Up Blue” throughout the Newcomb, and White. month of April. In honor of this day, many landmarks, sporting venues, bridges, re- tail stores, and hotels were among the We had four students represent Sun Blaze thousands of buildings that were lit blue at the Math Olympics competition for our on April 2. learning community. To qualify for the district level, a team of two students had to be the top-scoring team in at least one of four categories: Fluency, Math Tasks, Math Models, or the Math Design Chal- lenge. Sun Blaze participated in the Math Task category, and our two teams placed first and second. We are very excited that these students have the opportunity to Jesus Marrero (left) and Dr. Maestre (right) represent Sun Blaze at the District Level Math Olympics on Friday, May 18, at Mid- As we head into the final weeks of school, Florida Technical College. Congratula- there are many things happening at Inno- tions to Bella, Bethany, Colin, and Tristan! ECE Panther Chorus News vation Middle School. Our PTA hosted an amazing school car- BY DARLENE B. GRANDE The drama department will present its nival on Friday, April 13. Everyone had first spring musical on May 10, 11 and 12 a wonderful time; the students really en- at 7 p.m. Tickets for Suessical the Musical joyed the chance to dunk Mr. Davis and are now on sale at teachtix.com/ims. Ms. Turner in the dunk tank. There was a Tickets are $10 each, with VIP tickets (pre- dance performance by our staff, great rides ferred seating) available for $15. and games, and the food was delicious. We would like to thank our PTA for the hard Track meets continue on most Wednes- work and countless hours they gave. days with the last meet taking place on May 2 against Lake Nona Middle School. It’s a With the 2017-2018 school year almost home meet that begins with girls competi- finished, we want to thank our staff, stu- tion at 5 p.m., followed by the boys. dents and families for the outstanding year we are having. Our STEAM initiative has Our 8th graders are getting ready to blast been a huge success this year, and we have off to high school. To that end, they will seen tremendous growth academically. culminate their middle school years with I would also like to thank the Lake Nona some fun. They will attend 8th Grade Grad- community and specifically our Partners Venture at Universal Studios on May 4 and in Education who have given us so much enjoy a Field Day on May 30 after they support this year: Kendrick Team at Keller “snake” out of the school for the last time. Williams, John Madison Landscape Inc., We are very proud of our award-winning Christopher Baker Team at Keller Wil- leadership team! Earlier this year, our liams, Domino’s Pizza of Lake Nona, M&M principal, Dr. Maestre, was recognized Premiere Servicing, Pig Floyd’s, Benjamin by the Orange County School Counselor Mihalik of Nations Lending, Five Guys Jump Rope for Heart Association and was given the award for Burgers and Fries, Carlyle Orthodontics, Middle School Administrator of the Year. During the month of February, students Buffalo Wild Wings, and Mathnasium of He was nominated by Innovation Middle participated in Jump Rope for Heart dur- Lake Nona. Eagle Creek Elementary Panther Cho- School counseling department, adminis- ing their Physical Education class time, rus and ECE Fine Arts would like to say trators, teachers, parents, students, and Please continue to follow our social media which raised money for the American “Happy Trails" to Ms. Liz Rosbury, our support staff. It is an unusual honor to links so you can stay connected with all Heart Association. Their mission is to music assistant and assistant director of have the principal in a new school recog- that is happening at Sun Blaze Elemen- build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular Little Mermaid. Thank you for two years nized with this prestigious honor. Another tary. The website address is SunBlazeES@ diseases and stroke. As a school, we raised of bringing your amazing creativity, imagi- member of our team was also recognized ocps.net. You can follow us on Facebook at $10,568! The class that raised the most nation and positivity to ECE Fine Arts. We this year by OCPS. One of our custodians, SunBlazeES.ocps.net and our new Twitter money earned a pizza party. The top three will miss you! Jesus Marrero, was honored by OCPS as account, SunBlazeElem. fundraisers will get to throw a pie at Prin- You can see our performance of Disney’s the Support Person of the Year. Congratu- Go, Stingrays! cipal Parker later this spring. Little Mermaid Junior on May 16 and May lations and thank you to both! We love 17 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $5. our admin and support teams. It’s great to see them recognized by others outside of school! Sunshine State Books Voting The PTSA will host the final meeting of this Students in third through fifth grades, who school year on May 8. They will hold elec- read three or more of this year’s Sunshine tions for next year’s board of directors, so State Books, got to participate in voting all incoming 6th graders and their parents for their favorite book. Orange County are encouraged to attend. The meeting will elections partnered with the school and be at 7 p.m. in the IMS Media Center. created an electronic ballot that students were able to log into to cast their e-vote. Thanks to the community for your amaz- Orange County elections also supplied voting support as we conclude year one at In- ing cards and voting stickers. There were novation Middle School! 116 students who participated and submitted a vote. Our votes will be submitted to Florida Association in Media Education (FAME), where they will be added to the other votes throughout Florida. The state winner was to be announced at the end of April. The new list of Sunshine State books will be out by the end of the school year, just in time for summer reading!

Liz Rosbury, assistant director

www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 26 | MAY 2018 To prepare for State and District MPA, the Lake Nona High School Wind Ensemble SCHOOL UPDATES Lake Nona rehearsed after school on Wednesdays as well as in class daily. They had several guest clinicians attend rehearsals to pro- High School vide feedback and suggestions, including the Director of Bands at Stetson Univer- LAUREATE PARK LAKE NONA HIGH Wind Ensemble sity. The students worked very hard and ELEMENTARY SCHOOL THEATRE continually rose to the high standards be- Earns ing set for them. The band performed three selections of BY SUZANNE WORKUM, BY DANY OLIVEIRA, JUNIOR ‘Superior’ at music: “The White Rose March” by John PRINCIPAL Philip Sousa, “Rhosymedre” by Ralph Troupe 7434 finally had their first week- State Vaughan Williams, and “Rhapsodic Cel- Our students have been involved in some end of performances for the spring musi- ebration” by Robert Sheldon. Videos of the fun and creative ways to learn! In March, cal Aida! This timeless love story, by Tim State MPA performance are posted on the the kindergarten classes kicked off an au- Rice and Elton John, has something for BY MONICA C. LEIMER Lake Nona High School Band Facebook thor study with Margret Rey by comparing everyone to enjoy, from action and adven- Page for anyone who would like to listen. and contrasting the adventures of Curious ture to romance and comedy. We had two George. One of the activities was reading fantastic casts of students. and mapping the story Curious George Makes Pancakes. At the end of the day, they made a connection using a real life experience of having a pancake snack.

Our second-grade students enjoyed reading the story Flat Stanley: His Original Adventure. They created a Flat Stanley and sent out a letter asking a friend or fam- The judges had many positive comments ily member to take him on an adventure. For the first time in the school’s history, for the band, including: The students received quite the response. the Lake Nona High School Wind Ensem- The second-grade Flat Stanleys traveled ble earned a “Superior” rating at the Flor- “Excellent literature choices! Many dis- around the U.S. and experienced playing ida Bandmasters Association (FBA) State plays of technical brilliance and excite- in the snow from the Nor’easters to visit- Concert Music Performance Assessment ment. I enjoyed your performance! Supe- ing the Miami Seaquarium. One Flat Stan- (MPA). The band performed for a panel of rior teaching!” ley was even on QVC! Several Flat Stanleys three adjudicators on April 25 at Flagler “Nice work. Good general execution of the have traveled outside the country, too. Vis- Palm Coast High School. The adjudication music with regards to the spirit and drive. its to Milan, London, and St. Croix are just panel consisted of college band directors Good overall feel.” a few of the locations. We received a video from all across the United States. from Flat Stanley’s visit to QVC, postcards, “Very expressive and controlled perfor- In order to qualify for the State MPA, a snow globe, scrapbooks, photos, and mance. There is a poignancy about this bands must first earn an overall Superior other souvenirs. As we receive each pack- work that you seemed to really capture. rating at the District level MPA. This year, age, the students are plotting each location Good job!” both of Lake Nona High School’s concert on world and USA maps. bands (Wind Ensemble and Symphonic “Good spirit. The technical demands are Our first field day was an epic success! Band) earned a Superior rating at their tremendous. What was clear was the An enormous thank you to all of our AD- District MPA, which was also a first for the spirit in which you went after the music. Ditions volunteers and to Coach Renuart LNHS Band program, but only the Wind The integrity and meaning was well-pre- and Coach Hernandez for putting together Ensemble performed at State this year. served and delivered. Very refreshing!” a well-organized event! The theme was the High school bands throughout Florida Olympics, with each class representing a perform at their District MPA at the be- different country around the world. As reported in a recent Nonahood News ginning of March where they are rated by article, the Lake Nona High School Wind In February, Laureate Park Elementary a panel of three certified adjudicators. The Ensemble has been invited to perform at National Elementary Honor Society start- FBA rating scale consists of five ratings – Carnegie Hall in New York City next year. ed collecting money for the Leukemia and Superior (highest), Excellent, Good, Fair, If you are interested in contributing to Lymphoma Society through their Pennies and Poor (lowest). Of the 645 high school the scholarship fund for this trip, please for Patients program. Our students really bands that performed at District MPA’s contact Ms. Leimer, Band Director, at stepped up and brought in their change this year, only 244 (38%) qualified for [email protected]. to donate. On behalf of National Elemen- State by receiving an overall Superior rat- tary Honor Society, we are humbled that ing. Of the 16 high school bands from Or- Laureate Park Elementary was able to ange County Public Schools (OCPS) that raise over $2,000 to donate to the Cen- performed at State this year, six received tral Florida Chapter of the Leukemia and Superior, four received Excellent, and six Lymphoma Society. Thank you to all the received Good. students, teachers and parents who helped make this event possible to give back to our community in such a meaningful way! At the end of the third nine weeks, LPE celebrated readers. Mrs. Furio, the media specialist, had a dance party for all the students who reached their AR goal for the third quarter: over 450 students from kindergarten through fifth grade! Those students danced and enjoyed treats in the cafeteria. We are super excited to have students who love to read and hope to have more eager readers at the last AR party this year.

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MAY 2018 Volume 3 | Issue 4 entertainment

Lake Nona Local Alyssa Raghu Chases Her Dreams on American Idol

page E-17

Photo credit to American Idol & Alyssa Raghu EVENTS

ones include Kids Yoga and Spring Art Camp. Adults and teenagers are sure to Family Fridays: enjoy their time at the museum as well. 5Kers Get Piggy Teens and adults are both welcomed to sketch in the galleries, creating art in- A Day at spired by the pieces in the museum, and With It teens are offered the opportunity to build The Orlando their personal portfolios through Teen ARTICLE AND PHOTOS Studio sessions. BY NICOLE LABOSCO Museum of Art Not only are the exhibits insightful and powerful, they also offer some wonderful opportunities to take pictures and in- Racers, on ARTICLE AND PHOTO BY teract with the art pieces, surely offering your mark. VANESSA POULSON some wonderful photos for Facebook or Get set. Eat Instagram. Recent exhibits have included donuts? An- yone have As summer rapidly approaches, the need collections related to Seminole Arts and Culture, sets of sculpture and paintings room for to find relatively inexpensive but still fun more than and engaging day trips for couples and from across the globe, as well as works from the ancient Americas. 4,000 glazed families is becoming more urgent. The and sprin- told Rhys Lynn to surprise me with how Florida summer heat frequently makes Each time I visit the museum, I am over- kled delica- many donuts I’d have to eat. I immediately being outside quite unbearable, and of- whelmed by the blessing it is to have such cies in the regretted giving him that leverage. I had ten the only way to combat the heat and a powerful museum that showcases stun- middle of a 3.1-mile run? Well, get ready no idea there was actually a category for escape the crowds of tourists is to find in- ning works so close to us in the Orlando to PIG out! door and local activities that only those area. It is one thing to see a piece of art that, and I wouldn’t find out how many do- native to the Orlando area would know and recognize the talent and ability of All 1,700 racers (1,400 5K runners and nuts I’d be scarfing down until the Pig Pen. about. the artist, but it’s another thing entirely 300 Lil’ Oinkers) were adorned to see that art and learn something pow- with pig snouts in support of The Luckily, there are a couple of options on B.A.C.O.N. Foundation (The Big the table for those looking to find some- erful and exceptional from the piece. The Orlando Museum of Art does just that. Awesome Charity of Nona). All thing fun to do that isn’t too far from Lake proceeds from the race were do- Nona, including the Orlando Museum of nated to the Nemours Children’s Art, a personal favorite of mine. First, the Hospital “Child Life” Program museum is very inexpensive, es- and Camp Boggy Creek. The pecially for Florida residents. The “Child Life” Program at Nemours entry fee for adults is just $15, and assists patients and their families for college students with ID and kids with coping with medical diag- ages 4-17, the cost is just $5. Chil- nosis, treatment and hospitaliza- dren under four get in free. tion through prep, play, self-ex- The museum has art that will ap- pression and education. Camp peal to the young and old, includ- Boggy Creek is a special place for ing a variety of interactive exhibits children with chronic and/or life- that are sure to keep children en- threatening conditions to enjoy a tertained. The art featured in the camp experience, all while being museum comes from all across the in a safe and medically sound en- state of Florida, the United States, vironment. and sometimes even the world. The The Ate-th Annual Pig Run 5K museum offers a variety of “Art En- took place on March 31 and was counters” for kids that allow them yet another sold-out community to explore their own artistic inter- event. I arrived not really know- ests and create projects of their ing what to expect as this was my own. Other activities for the young first Pig Run, but I was not disappointed. It was immediately apparent that the ENTIRE community came out in support, whether they It was time for the race to begin, and I were running in the race or not. I ran into swore I was just going to walk this one. some teachers from when I was a Lake I had just returned from a trip out of the Nona High School student, and I reunited country, and I was exhausted. Everyone with some of my old friends and their par- took off, and all of a sudden, I just couldn’t ents. This was the epitome of an event that resist. I began running and next thing I brings people together. know, I ran all the way to the Pig Pen. I Only in Lake Nona will an event based on was tired, but nowhere near as exhausted running bring everyone together. After all, as I usually would be, you know…since I’m Lake Nona is known for its healthy-living not a runner. I can thank the altitude from FURNITURE ACCESSORIES lifestyle. I was a “Surprised Swine,” as I my vacation. My body hadn’t readjusted to normal yet, and I was feeling good. Then I saw the half-a-dozen donuts I had to eat. (Thanks, Rhys.) I in- stantly knew I wasn’t going to eat all of them by myself. So much for being healthy, even if it was only for less than an hour. I ate one and hunted down Rhys to force him to eat one. Two down, four more to go. I decided to just run the second half of the race with the box of donuts in hand. The latter half of the 5K went super quick. I never saw the mile two and mile three signs, but the next thing I knew, I was ap- proaching the last turn HUGE DISCOUNTS to reach the final stretch leading to the finish line. 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Photo by Renee Friedel

www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 2 | MAY 2018 Elaine and I realized we were the only people left painting. Call us perfectionists. Wild Florida In the end, Elaine’s painting prevailed with her cleaner background and Paint Night Out smoother sloth fur. I joked that mine looked like a little kid painted it, but some kids there did better than I did! ARTICLE BY NICOLE LABOSCO This event was an absolute joy and is PHOTOS BY NICOLE LABOSCO definitely family-friendly, with the occasional breaks the group would take from AND ELAINE VAIL painting to do raffles and play quick little games to keep everyone entertained. Here I am, making the journey with Elaine Since the event was such a hit for the to Wild Florida, about a 40-minute drive inaugural paint night, Wild Florida has from the heart of Lake Nona, to attend already scheduled their second “Wild the first ever Wild Paint Night Out! We Paint Night Out” for May 11, this time arrive to a sold-out event and meet our with a gator twist. Tickets can be pur- model, Aerie. Aerie is a 19- to 20-year-old chased for the one-night-only event sloth, and she was just hanging on to her with their albino alligators, Blizzard handler like a child. Sloths can live to be and Snowflake, for $49.99 per person at around 30 years old. Aerie was enjoying an www.wildfloridairboats.com. ear of corn, and she had kernels all over her face. I lost it. Seeing a sloth that close up was sort-of strange. They’re almost alien-like and seem like such a foreign creature with their perfectly round eyes and slow movements. We were encouraged to take a “slothie” with her (a selfie with a sloth), and I thought that would be easy. For a slow- moving sloth, she moved pretty quickly and was blurry in almost every shot I took. Her handler joked with me, “You gotta be quicker than the sloth!” Elaine and I laughed a little too hard at that comment. Some barbecue food was served as well as fried brownies, and participants who were of age received a ticket for an alcoholic beverage. We moved inside and entered a room filled with paint brushes and blank canvases. It was time to get painting! Aerie was placed on her mobile tree limb to model, and off we went becoming artists. The first step was to trace a cut-out of Aerie and then paint the background. Things were going smoothly so far. Then we had to paint leaves, and this is where I spiraled out of control. I watched Elaine take off with her perfect banana leaves, and I ended up painting over mine and moving on, leafless. Aerie ended up falling asleep in the corner, so she was taken out of the room and back to her area. The painting continued until

FOOD & DRINKS

According to the USDA, Americans eat Say Cheese! over 30 pounds of cheese a year. I’ve got to eat double that, at least! And 11½ pounds of that is mozzarella, which has beat out BY NICOLE LABOSCO cheddar for the second year in a row for being the most popular cheese in the Unit- The Spanish say queso. ed States. The French say fromage. I love cheese, and I’m Italian, therefore I love a good mozzarella. When you think of I say cheese and more of it, please! mozzarella cheese, what’s the first type of This special feature follows a cheese- food that comes to mind that incorporates driven girl on her journey to try all of the it? Probably the staple appetizer of moz- sweet, creamy, sharp, stinky and spicy zarella sticks that tons of people love to do cheeses the world is lucky to devour. I’m a classic cheese pull with (when you break the friend who is constantly tagged in apart two halves and pull, with the cheese those cheese memes on Facebook about stretching, but not breaking). drowning in grated cheese when the There’s also string cheese that usually waiter/waitress asks you to “say when.” can be found in children’s lunchboxes or In queso emergency, just say cheese! as a quick little snack. I refuse to listen to anyone who tells me I’m too old for string cheese.

Maybe you think of the prepared bag of I’m pretty much always thinking of cheese shredded mozzarella that you might sprin- and will find any excuse to eat it. I consid- kle onto pizza, salads or any other meal er it an essential item, and it’s definitely a you wish. I think of fresh buffalo mozza- comfort food. rella paired with basil and sliced tomatoes, How do you get a mouse to smile? SAY creating a perfectly paired caprese salad. CHEESE! This is an easy dish to make yourself. The only other ingredients I recommend adding to the trio is balsamic vinegar, which Is this article too cheesy? DEFINITELY. will add to the flavor and bring out some Send me your favorite cheese meme tanginess with the sharp notes of a sweeter or joke to [email protected] vinegar and a sprinkle of sea salt directly and let me know your thoughts on your on top of the mozzarella to enhance the favorite cheese-filled meals! Is anybody flavor of the thicker cheese. else hungry all of a sudden? Caprese is on the lighter side, so you won’t feel stuffed or have regrets about overeat- ing (unless you’re like me and have trouble putting the cheese down).

www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 3 | MAY 2018 is more than just a beer, it is a flavorful connection to their beloved island that Medalla Light, brings back memories of beach outings with family and friends. It is an honor to bring to them the brewing tradition my $ .00 Puerto Rico’s family began eight decades ago.” Award-Winning Medalla Light is available at 60 Walmart stores, including Lake Nona’s, Sam’s Club, 59 Sedano’s Supermarkets, and Winn-Dixie Cleaning, Exam & X-rays Beer, Arrives in stores across Central Florida. It can also be found in selected establishments in South (Reg. $321) Offer expires 12/31/18. Includes cleaning (prophylaxis), exam & x-rays. Lake Nona Florida and Jacksonville. New Patients Only. This offer is not to be applied toward account balances or dental services already delivered and not in conjunction with any other offers, discounts or "Medalla Light is iconic,” said Rafael Juliá, reduced-fee plans.One or more of the following ADA codes may reﬂect the treatment Titan Products of Puerto Rico’s director BY JEANETTE RIVERA-LYLES rendered under this offer. D0150, D0330, D0272, D0210, D1110. of sales and marketing. “It is probably the one Puerto Rican product that boricuas in Medalla Light, Puerto Rico’s top-selling Florida have missed and yearned for the light beer brand, arrived in Florida this most. It is an honor and a great achieve- month ready to reconnect with its many ment to incorporate Medalla Light to our Call today! 407-347-4566 fans in the Puerto Rican community while expansive portfolio.” making new ones among beer lovers from www.LakeNonaFamilyDentistry.com all backgrounds. Award-winning Cer- Jorge Bracero, Cervecera de Puerto Rico’s vecera de Puerto Rico, which has crafted chief marketing officer, said the company General Dentistry • Teeth Cleanings • Fillings • Crowns • Root Canals • Implants • Invisalign® Treatment Medalla Light for 80 years, teamed up with has gone through great lengths to make Orlando-based Titan Products of Puerto sure flavor, freshness and quality remain Rico for wide distribution of the product intact in the importation process. “This in Florida. Titan’s portfolio has more than is the same Medalla Light we enjoy in the 60 Puerto Rican brands, including Titan, island,” Bracero said. “Same taste, same La Aguadillana, Sofrito Montero, Marvel, refreshing qualities. We are also making it Serranito, Indulac and Lotus juices. affordable to all so that our customers can buy it in Florida for a price similar to what “This is something many Puerto Ricans they pay for it in Puerto Rico rather than in the diaspora have been yearning for,” paying imported beer prices.” said Grace Marie Valdés, president of Cer- vecera de Puerto Rico. “For them, Medalla Medalla Light is available in 10-ounce six-

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I chose to share with my fellow neighbors Katie’s Cucina: my recipe for mini blueberry yogurt muf- MINI BLUEBERRY YOGURT MUFFINS fins for two reasons: blueberries are in sea- Mini Blueberry son, but also I get to attend my very first “muffins with mom” this month. In honor Yield: 36 of my first (of hopefully many) “muffins Yogurt Muffins with mom,” that’s why we are talking muf- Prep time: 15 min. | Cook time: 15 min. | Total time: 30 min. fins this month. Whether you are celebrating mom with a brunch or just simply want BY KATIE JASIEWICZ, a delicious “on-the-go” breakfast, this Ingredients: Directions: KATIESCUCINA.COM recipe is for you. Making the “mini” version does take a little more time to fill, so • 1 egg 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees if that’s not your thing or you don’t have a • 1/2 cup organic whole milk vanilla yogurt We are officially in the peak of Florida Fahrenheit. blueberry season! Each year, I’ve taken my mini muffin pan, you can make larger muf- • 3 tablespoons canola oil fins. You’ll just need to adjust your bake son to go blueberry picking. It all started • 2 tablespoons whole milk 2. In a stand mixer fitted with a because he didn’t like blueberries, and I time to 20-25 minutes or until the muffins was determined to get him to like them. So are cooked through. I like the minis be- • 1 cup all-purpose flour paddle attachment, combine the I found a local patch (A Patch of Blue off cause my kids can eat them and not waste • 1/3 cup sugar a whole muffin. If picking blueberries isn’t egg, yogurt, oil and milk. Mix on Colonial Road), and I took him blueberry • 1/4 teaspoon salt picking when he was just two years old. your thing, head over to one of our many medium speed for 30 seconds Sure enough, my plan worked. He instant- farmers’ markets, pick up a few pints and • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder until combined. Then add in the ly was enamored by picking the plump make these delicious blueberry yogurt • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda muffins. blueberries off the bush, which then got • 1 cup fresh blueberries flour, sugar, salt, baking pow- him hooked on the fruit of the season. der and baking soda. Mix for 1 There is something about seeing where your food is grown and then watching minute until all the ingredients the process of getting it to the table that are combined (the batter will be makes you respect it that much more. This is our third year going blueberry pick- thick). Using a spatula, fold in ing, and this year we’ve been a few times. blueberries. Now that he’s older, he fully understands what to do, and at times he yields just as 3. Place muffin wrappers in a mini many blueberries if not more than me! In my defense, I have a toddler strapped to muffin tray. Then, use a small me. Every time I pick a blueberry, she is scoop and fill each cup with bat- asking for “more.” One for her and one for the bucket as we make our way down ter. Bake for 15-17 minutes or each row of bushes. Of course, I have my until a toothpick inserted near son to thank because she is watching everything he does, and she wants to pick and the center comes out clean. Cool eat blueberries just like him. Instead of for 5 minutes before removing two peas in a pod, I now have two berries in a bush! from muffin pan to a wire rack.

www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 4 | MAY 2018 Order: Starbucks think the purple color is as ultraviolet as I would’ve liked it to be. I wish it had been Place: The Purple Drink Back to Basics: a tad less sugary and a bit more fruity, as I Final Review Nicole: The purple drink think that would have improved my over- Presenting all opinion of it.

Ultraviolet Taste: 5/10 Purple Aesthetic: 10/10 Environment: 6/10 Price: 8/10 ARTICLE AND PHOTOS Proximity to Nonahood: 10/10 BY NICOLE LABOSCO AND VANESSA POULSON Nicole here! Throughout this month, I Welcome to Back to Basics, where we learned I stand no chance against Ultravi- classy ladies try to establish just how olet Purple. In honor of the Pantone Color basic one can be in the Orlando area. of the Year, I’d like to bid a farewell to my Each month, we’ll be taking on a new first vehicle, a 2007 Dodge Charger, which theme, and we’ll be searching for the best Taro Cake conveniently enough, is “Plum Crazy” Pur- in basic trends. We’ve all heard some of ple! (Notice the background of the photo the most recent popular foodie trends: of me leaning against my car.) So good- charcoal, galaxy and unicorn, as well as bye, Kevin...yes, his name is Kevin and familiar classics such as pumpkin spice and peppermint. We hope we can inspire I’m not ashamed. It’s been one memorable the rest of the Nonahood to embrace their heck of a ride...a decade long ride which inner basic. I wish was never-ending. Aw geez, I’m having all of the feels right about now... This month, we’re celebrating the Color of the Year: Ultraviolet Purple! This cool (End sob story). hue is not only becoming more promi- Next month, we’ll embrace the summer nent in high fashion but also in some great heat (unfortunately, at least for Nicole) food and drink options in and around and cool down with all things boba! Lake Nona! Yippee! The Purple Drink Order: Taro Boba and Blueberry Coconut Boba, Taro Cake Place: Chibi's Boba isn’t bad, but it’s not Final Review Nicole: So, naturally, I my favorite. It’s sub- had to add coconut into my boba because tly sweet, but in my I just can’t resist. This would be the first opinion, nowhere time I’ve tried a blueberry boba tea, and I near as good as the pink drink or the was not disappointed! The subtle sweet- Taro Boba ness of the blueberry combined with the ombre pink drink. tropical hints of coconut really transported Final Review Va- me into the year of Ultraviolet...oh, wait, nessa: Not a huge we’re already there! I tried a bit of Van’s fan of this drink, Order: Revival Smoothie taro boba and wasn’t a fan, but it definitely either! (I’m strik- tasted like Froot Loops milk, which is why Place: Canvas Market ing out here!) It’s I wasn’t a fan. The taro cake was much bet- Final Review Nicole: This smoothie far too sweet for me ter than the taro boba, and it was a nice to drink on a daily snack, just like a pound cake but purple! consisted of plain Greek yogurt, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, blackber- basis (I’m much Final Review Vanessa: Taro boba has ries, banana and protein powder. There more of a black cof- been my go-to boba flavor for the past seemed to be some inconsistencies in fee fan), and I don’t two years. Though the flavor of the tea is how they were made because mine tasted definitely an acquired taste (think about MUCH better than Van’s. the milk left in your cereal bowl after you eat Froot Loops), it has never steered Final Review Vanessa: Overall, I didn’t me wrong as far as boba goes. I love the really like this smoothie. I’m not a huge sweetness of the boba, and, of course, THE fan of protein powder, and that flavor is BRIGHT PURPLE COLOR! What’s not to never very pleasant to me, which is what ruined a lot of the appeal of this shake. The SAME DAY SERVICE AT NO EXTRA COST love about a drink that is worth putting on (Monday to Friday) Instagram? fruit in the drink was lovely, and I did like being able to know exactly what ingredi- The Blueberry Coconut Boba will definite- ents were in the smoothie. If I ordered it ly appeal more to those of you who are less again, I would definitely swap out the pro- interested in Froot Loops and are looking tein powder for peanut butter, even if that for more of a sweet and refreshing drink might subdue the purple coloring a bit. for the hot Florida summers. Every sip of OFF SPRING CLEANING the drink was both delightfully sweet and Good until 03/31/18. Limit one coupon per tangy, and I really enjoyed it Taste: 6.5/10 customer per visit. Coupon must be presented $ at time of purchase. Can not be combined with any other o er, coupon or discount. . Aesthetic: 10/10 Taste: 7/10 Environment: 6/10 Aesthetic: 10/10 Price: 5/10 Environment: 9/10 Proximity to Nonahood: 10/10 Price: 7/10 7444 Narcoossee1 Rd, Ste 410. Orlando, FL./ Tel: (407) 574-4492 www.kleansmart.com Proximity to Nonahood: 8/10 448 S Alafaya Trail. Orlando, FL /Tel: (407) 482-0100 @kleansmartdrycleaner

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www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 5 | MAY 2018 LIFESTYLE

of me and then capturing the moment in ing, what was around me no matter where tography. The black and white photogra- one simple photo. The challenge was a I was, I found myself becoming more wel- phy challenge became an eye-opener. It Mindfulness beautiful exercise in mindfulness. coming, receptive and curious. Things that gave me a new way to look at life every day. were “ordinary” or mundane became new, So, thank you, Stephanie – not just for my With a little research, I found that the mul- interesting and fascinating not because lovely collection of photos, but for the re- tiple benefits that photography can bring Through a Lens the objects changed but because my way of minder to SEE. to your mindfulness practice are increas- looking at them did. ingly being studied and used as a resource. BY: ODETTE VACCARO In fact, new workshops and courses using This can be our mindful relationship with photography to explore mindfulness are life, beyond this challenge, beyond pho- If you ever even peek at social media, I can popping up more and more almost guarantee you saw a flood of black across the nation, both for and white photos take over your feed a few adults and children. months ago. “Share seven days of black The greatest photogra- and white photos of your life,” the chal- phers give up their expec- lenge said. No explanations, no words. tations, desires and goals Now, while I am not one to participate to focus simply on captur- in challenges, I am so grateful I decided ing what they view through to take this one on. While spending too their lens. Like them, we much time on social media can definitely can devote ourselves to be counterproductive and detract from fully savor the experience our ability to stay mindful, this particular of seeing. Through being challenge sent by a dear friend came at just open to just witnessing the the right time. Little did I know how much moment and the subject of consciously taking photos would help our photos, we expand our bring me to everyday mindfulness. awareness. If we are will- In its essence, isn’t photography about ing to give up our need to capturing the moment? As photographer “create” or stage a photo, Marc Riboud once said, “Taking pictures is and rather stand in amaze- savoring life intensely, every hundredth of ment, we actively open up a second.” At its core, this is also the heart to the flow of life. We’re of a mindfulness practice. It is about an- not looking for anything choring ourselves in the present moment. specific or trying to control an outcome, a situation. The black and white photography chal- Rather, we are open to lenge forced me to SEE. It challenged me experience what meets us to actually LOOK at what is in front of me, on our path, and we allow to notice. When I was observing, trying to endless possibilities. find my next picture, I was not judging or analyzing. I was simply finding joy in re- By switching my attention maining fully present to what was in front to watching, truly observ- PHOTO BY DARIANA PEREZ

PHOTOS BY MICHELE COOKE fully, I've been a below the zone, aka ‘BZ,’ for each zone.” Nona Heroes: If you would like to nominate What is LTC Cooke up to nowadays? someone for our next Nona Heroes Lieutenant “I'm the Mobilization Branch Chief for feature, please send an email to over 9,500 soldiers and over 85 units in [email protected] or com- Colonel Michele eight states. My team and I prepare the plete the form here: units’ readiness and all mobilization re- nonahood.to/nonaheroes. Cooke quirements prior to leaving their home base and reporting to the mobilization station. We also provide assistance ARTICLE BY NICOLE LABOSCO to the units returning from deployment.” In this recurring special feature, Nona- Some of the best memories Cooke hood News recognizes and honors those has had are while she’s in com- everyday heroes who have served or are mand. “I love leading troops! Also, currently serving our country and mak- every deployment is memorable ing a difference in our community. Those for the cohesion and experience. who reside in the Lake Nona and sur- I've been deployed four times – 48 rounding area are our Nona Heroes. months in total on foreign soil.” “The military is not just a job, it's This month’s hero is currently serv- an adventure. I knew this was ing and has been for over 25 years. Meet what I wanted to do when I was Michele Cooke. a teenager. I'm living the dream, taking care of soldiers, preparing “[At] 17, I joined a local unit while in high them professionally and person- school. I received a scholarship to Georgia ally for their next chapter and al- Military College, where I completed my ways being there for my soldiers.” Associate’s and earned my commission as an army officer. My family was strong in military service: Navy, Marines, Air Force and Army. I decided to follow their legacy. I'm the only daughter that has joined the military.” Cooke has lived in the Lake Nona area for less than a year and has been based all around: Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Loui- siana, Texas and North Carolina. She’s in Army logistics and started off as a transportation officer for a waterborne unit in Tampa. Cooke is now a Lieutenant Colonel and has been for over 20 years. “Every officer rank and promotion [is] based upon a structure, meaning there are three zones – below the zone, in the zone or after the zone. Most promotions to make the next rank [are] five years, depending on reserve or active duty the pace is faster. For a typical reservist, below the zone means you can be promoted a year prior to the actual zone – if the next zone is 2019, and you have met all the require- ments, then you can submit your packet for promotion to the next rank. Thank-

www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 6 | MAY 2018 per peaceful with breathtaking views from a new perspec- tive: soaring among the clouds with the birds. My adrena- NonaVentures: line was pumping, and I was on a natural high. I could stay up there and float all day. I seriously think I found my new calling…if only Florida had mountains. I glided through Paragliding in the blue skies with my pilot for about 20 minutes before landing right back where we took flight. I was surprised at Colombia how easy the landing was, landing straight up on my feet. So, there you have it, I soared over the countryside of Co- ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY NICOLE LABOSCO lombia, South America, via paragliding and reignited my love for the sky. It’s a sense of adventure that comes with peace and serenity, all while bringing you out of your com- We all have that one friend who is a die-hard adrenaline fort zone. Paragliding is something so calming to me, and junkie who loves to discover their next greatest adven- it’s a totally new way of taking in the views. Quite honestly, ture. That friend is me… I prefer it from up there. This feature is all about uncovering Lake Nona and Or- lando’s greatest activities, especially if you enjoy living life on the edge! Have a suggestion? Send an email to nicole@nonahoodnews.com or fill out our NonaVentures column form at http://nonahood.to/nonaventure. What do you It was Sunday, March 25, and Andrew and I were on a new want to see me review next? continent. We were in Colombia, South America, for our WEIGHT MANAGEMENT friends’ wedding. We made the trek from the city to the mountains and headed to Sopó, where we soon would be When it comes to losing weight, there is no making the leap (off a mountain) and gliding through the all-encompassing solution, but its a combination air. This month, NonaVentures took me paragliding in South America. of fitness, nutrition, supplementation and for some, prescription medications. The “Endurance” In the journey up to the mountains, fresh scents of euca- lyptus and rose filled the air. The aroma was invigorating. way is a medically supervised weight loss Rolling hills and valleys were covered in nothing but grass program that is personalized to fit your lifestyle. and trees, with the occasional house built into the side of Our supportive staff and system are key to a hill. Winding roads snaked through small towns gradu- success. Let us help you live life with Endurance. ally passing cows, horses, stray dogs and alpacas. We were on a bus and I was sipping Limonada de Coco (Coconut Limeade), which, to my pleasure, is a signature drink all throughout Colombia. The fresh air at an altitude of 10,055 feet above sea level really was revitalizing. The countryside was breathtaking, and I was finally beginning to realize I’m in South America. Luckily for us, we had to take the backroads that led to these scenic views. Sundays in Colombia are considered exercise days, and some streets are closed as the locals break out their bikes and hit the roads. Boy, do the locals take advantage of this. It looked like a marathon. The bus ride up the mountain was more terrifying than the actual paragliding. The incline was too steep, and I thought for sure the bus engine was going to give out and we’d be rolling backwards to our imminent deaths. Maybe the ride was a good prep for what was to come, although I wasn’t worried about the paragliding. That’s my kind of fun. We made it to Parapente Paraiso en Sopó, and the an- ticipation was growing. Upon arrival, the winds weren’t strong enough for us to fly, but fortunately they picked up (although it took about an hour and a half). We watched as, one by one, people jumped off and took flight. It was my PHOTO BY ANDREW BEVERLY turn, and I couldn’t have been readier. I met my pilot, Juan METABOLIC TESTING Sebastian, as he har- nessed me up. He Tailor your approach to weight loss by visiting our told me he’s been a center for metabolic testing in Orlando, FL and paragliding pilot for the surrounding areas. Every body is different, 12 years and was an which means every person has a unique meta- airplane pilot before bolic rate. Your metabolic rate is the rate at which that. I envied his current job immedi- your body burns calories by converting food into ately. energy. By better understanding your personal I was suited up and rate, you can fine tune your weight-loss strategy ready to take flight. to achieve better results. GoPro in hand, the wind filled our chute SKIN CARE and after a quick few steps, I was flying. From our inner to outer appearance, we appre- I almost lost a shoe on takeoff, but other ciate many aspects of beauty here at Endur- than that, it was su- 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 keep your skin as youthful, protected, and healthy as you can. Healthy Skin Matters!

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www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 7 | MAY 2018 One of the first things that ignited his thrill PHOTOS BY KODY CARNAHAN for cars was rally racing. He would take Nona Motors his former Camry mudding and currently takes his Cecelia mudding as well. Carna- han says he wants to make this car look as Ride of the close to a rally car as possible. Month: Kody Mods: “It was pretty boring looking when I got Carnahan's it,” he said. The wheels were not up to his taste, and a few tweaks had to be made before he was satisfied. He purchased some Toyota gold Scion tC rims, but it did not look up to par with the red Sparco mud flaps that Celica GT he added on. So, he painted them white. Some of the interior pieces as well were painted white. The color scheme he’s going BY BRITTANY BHULAI for is a white and teal look. Other altera- tions he’s done have been installing a new Make: Toyota radio, a new valve cover, under-the-dash Model: Celica LEDS and LED brake lights. Year: 1994 Future Mods: Horsepower: 110 Current Mileage: 229,000 A drawback for Carnahan is that his car is an automatic. By the end of this year, Background: he would like to do a manual swap. He would also fancy Work Emotion wheels Her name is “Cecelia,” and she’s tur- and roof racks. Whatever it takes, the end quoise pearl, according to car owner Kody look has to be autocross. Halo eyes in the Carnahan. headlights and the angry eyes cover over After totaling his 1991 Camry back in Feb- the headlights are on the list as well. The ruary 2017, Carnahan was left without a spoiler will be lifted with a spoiler riser car for about five months. A woman had modeled after the GT-Four along with a hit another vehicle on Narcoossee, stop- GT-Four front bumper and hood. Under- ping her in front of a green light. Driving the-hood mods would be an open air in- from far away, Carnahan did not realize take, a turbo and a GReddy racing exhaust the vehicle was not moving. As soon as for the sound. he realized what had happened, he hit the In the future, Carnahan sees himself driv- brakes but ended up slamming right into ing an AE86 Corolla. He definitely loves the lady’s car. Luckily, he was always a fan the pop-up headlights. With a smirk, he of cars and had been keeping a few under adds, “It’s just so much character in a car.” “saved” on Facebook Marketplace. He was He pauses and thinks back to his current scrolling through his list when he laid eyes car and ends with saying, “I can’t explain on a gem that he had long forgotten. It was it, but I love my car.” none other than the 1994 Celica, and this “Cecelia” was born. Well, to be accurate, not born exactly yet. He had to buy it from To submit your car for a possible feature, the owner first before he could call it his. email pics and basic info such as make, The price was $3,000, which was about year and model to $1,000 over his budget. However, he was [email protected]. able to snatch it for $2,300 after negotiat- ing with the seller. Carnahan finally landed himself a new set of wheels.

in full sun even in the springtime. Here are In the Garden: some herbs that will grow well now and some that will grow even into the summer months. For the spring, sweet basil, pars- April Showers ley, dill, garlic, and ginger grow well. Go- ing into the summer, mint and rosemary Bring May will still produce well, thriving on the cool down from our afternoon showers. Flowers When plants are under stress, the pests are not far behind, so you might be dealing with more pests than normal in your BY AMBER HARMON garden this month. The good news is, once the weather is consistently warm and it Well, it’s a good thing that April showers feels like spring, the plants will naturally bring May flowers! The weather in March adjust. The pests that appeared due to and April has been a ping-pong game, stress will also leave once the plant is back bouncing back and forth between winter to full health. One go-to in the vegetable and spring. Finally, in May, spring is in garden to treat pests is neem oil spray. It Amber Harmon is the founder of My full bloom. Our plants, however, are about comes from a neem tree and can be an or- Nona’s Garden, an organization with a a month behind normal for the season as ganic method for treating aphids, spider mission to bring health, promote growth far as growth and bloom. When the weath- mites, scale, whiteflies, beetles, leafrollers, and provide education to local communi- er has unseasonable changes, it causes the and other insect pests. Neem oil can also ties, one garden at a time. Visit plants to go into a state of stress where be used as a fungicide to treat diseases like MyNonasGarden.com for more infor- growth, flowering and production all slow black spot and powdery mildew. It is very mation. “We make organic vegetable down. For vegetable plants it can also re- easy to use, just dilute two tablespoons into gardening easy!” duce the plant production for the season. one gallon of water and use a spray bottle Bulbs are a good choice for May flowering for application. Be sure to only apply neem plants in our region. These include lilies, oil in the morning or evening – not when amaryllis, begonias, caladiums, rain lilies there is direct, hot sun in the garden. This and more. The reason bulbous plants grow can burn the leaves of the plants. There are well here is because they have a large root additional benefits of applying the neem system that exists underground. Therefore, oil in the evening as other non-beneficial when it gets very hot, the main support insects like moths only come out at night and structure of the plant is not affected by and can be treated with the neem oil. the heat as it is safely tucked away under- Are there good bugs in the garden? Yes, ab- ground in the cooler soil. Neat trick, bulbs! solutely! Honey bees that pollinate and la- Be careful when shopping for annuals. It is dybugs are the most popular beneficial in- important to understand how much sun- sects. That is another reason I recommend light a certain variety of plant will require neem oil. It does not harm honey bees or and accommodate those needs. By defini- ladybugs. As a side note, worms and lizards tion, annuals will live for one year. How- are also beneficial to the garden. Worms ever, in Florida, it is important to know continuously process dirt into compost; that many cool-season, hardy annuals will now that’s amazing! Lizards eat the bad expire at the end of a season. This is due to bugs and help maintain a healthy environ- the very hot weather conditions in Central ment. Happy gardening, Lake Nona! Florida. The opposite can also happen to warm-season annuals, where it’s a heat- tolerant plant that is very tender and af- Our organic, vegetable gardens are Simple, Self-Watering and Sustainable! fected by the cold. These annuals will be Call for information about our Garden Service: (407) 593-8196 damaged by a frost or freeze and likely die. www.MyNonasGarden.com Many herbs are delicate and do not do well

www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 8 | MAY 2018 PHOTOS BY DEBORAH BULLEN Travel: Hawaii

BY DEBORAH BULLEN There are over My family and I have been very irregular We went to Hawaii once in late December- early January of 2013/2014 and again in 100 LAKES June 2015. Our son and daughter-in-law were living there at the time, so it was an in ORLANDO. easy choice for a vacation destination. If you ever fantasize about what heaven might look like, you don’t need to look further than Hawaii. The weather is almost Let’s find your always perfect, the sky is blue, the water is many shades of blue, the vegetation is lush, the flowers are vibrant, the food – especially the Ono and Ahi tuna – is incred- NEXT HOME ibly fresh. They often use orchids to deco- rate your plate. on one of them. Beginning with a short three-day trip to Kaua’i, we did an array of activities: hiking the Waimei Canyon, snorkeling and swimming just outside our door at the Kiahuna Plantation, a Blue Hawaiian helicopter tour, and exploring Hanalei Bay and dry and wet caves. We had some expensive din-

DEBORAH BULLEN 770.557.5449 [email protected] 13816 Narcoossee Road, Suite A Orlando, Florida 32832

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. ners, but the best meals I remember were lunch at the Shrimp Station, at Pet of the the base of Waimei Canyon – you can’t miss it, it’s a giant Pink (with capital P) Month Shrimp, and the fish market in Koalo where we got take-out Ono (wahoo) to dine in front of the sunset on our door- step. I made a note to self that I must BY VANESSA POULSON join Overeaters Anonymous when I returned home. I don’t know why, really, because almost everything to do in Ha- Lily is an exceptional dog from Laureate waii requires some form of exercise. Park. Born in 2006, Lily was the last beagle of her litter to be adopted, but obvi- We flew over to Oahu to join our fam- ously, she is the best of the bunch. Lily ily for Christmas. I remember the loves peanut butter, tomatoes and walks Obama cavalcade passing us by. Never but doesn't like the doorbell. did meet them. Our first full day there, we went to the North Shore, where our Since she's a beagle, her bark is much son surfed, before going on to Turtle mightier than her bite, and she loves Bay, famous for the film Forgetting to welcome visitors to her home with a Sarah Marshall. We took trips to Ha- mighty beagle howl. She loves watching leiwa, saw giant 15- to 20-foot waves, TV, cuddles, and smelling everything she went through the gardens up to Wailei comes across on her walk. Lily is coura- Falls, hiked up a mountain at Lanikai, geous, gentle, and always fun-loving, and took an outrigger canoe over to the even at her age remains sassy and full of Moaks (where we jumped off a 12- life. She is one loved hound dog. foot volcanic rock), watched whales breach, paddle-boarded and canoed over to Gilligan’s Island (otherwise known as Coconut Island and actually where they filmed the entire series), and even managed to fit in a whale- watching tour and a full day at Pearl Harbor. We didn’t let any grass grow under our feet. I don’t know if I have an unusually active family, but they just don’t seem to know the meaning of “relaxing” and “vacation” in the same sentence. Our second trip to Hawaii was spent similarly, although this time Bill and I started on the Big Island. We stayed at the Mauna Kea, a five-star hotel with a 10-star breakfast buffet. If you want to treat yourself, you can’t go wrong here. I could have stayed there a month and never left the grounds. But, once again, after three days of luxury, we left and flew over to Oahu to vacation with both kids, their spouses and our new grandchild. It was non-stop hiking, swimming with sea turtles or manta rays, more wa- terfalls, more hiking. At night, we ate well and slept sound. Am I making it sound like tough duty? Well, it’s not, I loved every minute, but relaxing? Not unless you count sleeping.

www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 9 | MAY 2018 PHOTOS BY LEXI GEHRING Nona Alumni: Jamie And Lexi Gehring

BY NICOLE LABOSCO

In this recurring monthly special, Nonahood News will be featuring those who’ve graduated from Lake Nona High School and will recognize the achievements they’ve made since. Some will have been a part of the first graduating class. Others might have graduated a few years later. Few have stayed in the Lake Nona area, and many have explored the world or are still doing so. Let’s see where life’s journey has taken them so far!

Name: Jamie Gehring Name: Lexi Gehring Age: 25 Age: 25 Year Graduated: 2011 Year Graduated: 2011 Occupation: Occupation: U.S. Air Force Pilot Emergency Department Registered Nurse Current Location: Klamath Falls, Oregon

This month’s alumni met in high school, and their relationship bloomed as the years progressed. “Jamie and I met at Lake Nona High School. We were friends but never super close. I was always impressed by his dedication to his dream of attending the Air Force Academy and eventually becoming an Air Force pilot. After graduating high school, we lost touch as we were both busy with college. Over Christmas break our sophomore year of college, Jamie texted me out of the blue and asked to hang out and catch up. After two dates, we continued talking after we both went back to school – him to Colorado and me to Alabama. We dated long distance for the next two and a half years and then got married after graduating college,” said Mrs. Gehring. Having both lived in Lake Nona for a long time – Jamie since he was born in 1993 until he moved after high school graduation in 2011, and Lexi since 2006 when her family moved from downtown Orlando, then leaving in 2012 to attend Samford University in Birmingham, Ala. – must have made leaving their hometown difficult. “We are thankful that both of our families [still] live in the Lake Nona area because it makes it easier when we go home to visit,” stated Lexi. Too few are actually able to say they’ve followed and met their high school goals or even lifelong dreams. The Gehring couple are among those elite few who can say they’ve made it. Jamie’s post-high school goal was to become an Air Force Pilot, as it was his childhood dream. “I was fortunate enough to go to school at the Air Force Academy and get sent to pilot training following that. I started pilot training in March 2016 in Columbus, Missis- sippi. Although pilot training was busy and challenging, it was so much fun. The flying in itself was awesome, but the PHOTO BY LINDSAY COPE PHOTOGRAPHY people I went through the program with made it a blast. I finished up pilot training in April 2017 and was assigned to the F-15C Eagle. Following that, I went through IFF (Intro to Fighter Fundamentals), which is a quick course to teach the basics of being a fighter pilot. Lexi and I moved out to Oregon in October 2017 and should be here until the end of June. It looks like we will be going to Okinawa for my next assignment. The journey has been awesome so far and a dream come true. It is very satisfying flying a single-seat jet and still seems unreal that I get to do this. I am thankful that Lexi puts up with the long hours away from home and is always supportive,” said Mr. Gehring excitedly. Lexi had planned on going to college while in high school, but her vision of her future wasn’t exactly as crystal clear as her husband’s. “After graduating high school, I decided to spend a year at Valencia College to give me some time to decide on a major. This also allowed me to take the time to travel with my family to China to adopt my little sister. I finally decided that I wanted to study nursing, so the next year I moved to Birmingham, Ala., to attend Samford University. Thank goodness I chose nursing because it is a great career for a military spouse. I can get a job anywhere,” exclaimed Mrs. Gehring. Since the couple both have pretty high-paced and stressful careers, they truly take advantage of the time they have to spend together. “We love to relax, cook food, and hang out with our friends. We have really enjoyed traveling and exploring new parts of the country, especially since moving it includes crossing the ocean and leaving the country for a I am very excited about the future and our upcoming move to the West Coast. We are always planning our next week- new continent. “It is difficult to say where we will be physi- across the world. I am so thankful that I met Jamie way end adventure,” Lexi said. cally in the next five years because the Air Force tells us back in high school, and we are now on this exciting ad- where to go and when. As of right now, we will be moving venture together.” Jamie agrees. “I am a big fan of hanging out with my bud- to Okinawa, Japan, at the end of the summer for several But, hey, it’s all in the name of love! dies and drinking some beers. Lexi and I are always plan- years. In the next five years, we plan to start a family and ning out our next trip out of town to explore a new part of continue our adventures on the other side of the world,” the greatest country on the planet. Birmingham, Charles- said Lexi. Her husband hopes he will still be flying the Ea- Written for current and future Lake Nona alumni by a ton, and Bend, Oregon, are some of our favorite places to gle either in Okinawa or in England. “Wherever we are, the visit. While in Mississippi, Lexi and I got a puppy and im- Lake Nona alumna. Check back in to our June issue to picture will include George and maybe some kids even- learn about our next Nona graduate(s)! mediately regretted doing so,” Jamie joked. “After a few tually,” added Jamie. Lexi added that being an Air Force weeks, we got the hang of it and figured out how [to] take spouse has been quite the learning experience for her. “I care of him while balancing our jobs. One lost security now know way more about airplanes than I ever cared to deposit later, we love George and enjoy taking him out to know, and that mustache March is the worst month to be a breweries and on weekend trips when the weather is nice.” pilot wife. I have also met the best people in the close-knit When asked where the couple sees themselves in five years, pilot community.

www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 10 | MAY 2018 2 18 summer camp nonahood guide

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15101 USTA National Campus Summer Camp Local ad_10x6.5.indd 1 3/20/18 4:32 PM www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | SE-4 | MAY 2018 and the Lake Nona area. We have a salon accessory called HeadBed, which is a head and Nona Your neck support cushion that pro- NHN: What brought you to the vides the ultimate comfort and Neighbor: Lynn Nonahood? safety for a hair stylist’s client at LS: My husband is Orlando born, and we the shampoo bowl. Sheffield had the opportunity to move back after 35 years and took it! NHN: What is your favorite thing in Lake Nona? BY VANESSA POULSON NHN: How long have you lived LS: Lake Nona is an amazing PHOTOS BY LYNN SHEFFIELD here? place to live. I love the focus on LS: It will be two years this June! health and fitness this community continues to embrace. We chose Lake Nona because of the USTA NHN: Where are you from National Training facility as my medical and sports performance sectors. As originally? 13-year-old son is a tennis player! a result, it’s attracting a lot of other businesses and creating jobs! Growth is good! LS: I'm originally from Canada but have lived in the USA since 1997. I am now a NHN: What are you most excited dual citizen, having become an American about in Lake Nona? NHN: If you could tell one thing citizen in 2012! My whole family still lives to someone considering moving in Canada! LS: It's been exciting to see the growth in here, what would that be? the short time we have been here. Always great to see new restaurants come in as we LS: Don't wait to consider Lake Nona as NHN: What do you do for work? love to eat out. Looking forward to more your future home!!! shopping, [a] movie theater and more fun

LS: I am an entrepreneur and work a cou- outdoor activities!!!! Lynn Sheffield ple of businesses from home! I am [a] rep- Want to nominate YOUR neighbor (or resentative for two health and wellness yourself) to be featured? Follow this link: companies that provide pharmaceutical NHN: What do you think the fu- nonahood.to/nonaneighbor For this month’s Nona Your Neighbor, grade nutritional supplements and CBD ture is for Lake Nona? we spoke with Lynn Sheffield, Lake Nona oil and hemp products. And I am also the local business owner and entrepreneur. vice president of HeadBed International. LS: Lake Nona is definitely positioning itself She’s passionate about her work, family, as a frontrunner in innovation in both the

opportunity to travel with both schools with our tour guide “JJ” from Glob- A Tale of Two during spring break. This is the time of al Travel Alliance. In Washington, year that schools are holding parent meet- students get a chance to visit all of ings and sharing ideas on how to fundraise our national monuments as well as Spring Breaks for the specific trip. Please note that these a guided tour of the Capitol build- trips are not sponsored by Orange County ing. When I went on our trip, we BY KEVIN KENDRICK Public Schools, however, they are organ- even met briefly with Congress- ized and led by teachers at each school. woman Stephanie Murphy, who spent about 30 minutes with our Washington, D.C.: Estimated cost group talking about Congress and $1,300-$1,500 the legislative process. Students Who Goes: 8th Grade Students at Lake also visit Arlington National Cem- Nona Middle School etery and experience the changing How You Get There: By bus overnight. of the guard at the Tomb of the The bus ride is one of the best parts of the Unknown Soldier. Students also trip as many kids experience true freedom attend an improv comedy show at from their parents for the first time. What the Kennedy Center in the evening. I experienced on my bus was young teen- Safety/Security: There is one chap- agers engaging with one another, singing erone for every five to eight stu- songs, playing games, making new friends dents. There is also specific site se- and interviewing their teachers. The bus curity at the hotels on the student’s stops in Jacksonville for dinner and makes floors to ensure no one goes in or another stop to switch drivers around out of the student’s hotel rooms. 2 a.m. in South Carolina. The bus pulls What Is Included: Everything!! into Williamsburg, Va., around 7 a.m. for Breakfast, lunch and dinner, as Each year during spring break, 8th grade breakfast as the students prepare to tackle well as transportation and hotels. students from Lake Nona Middle School one of our country’s oldest cities. load up three buses and embark on a Students will want to bring spend- The Itinerary: We arrived very early in ing money for possible snacks and 12-hour journey to our nation’s capital, We took a bullet train from London to Washington, D.C. At the same time that Williamsburg and experienced the small souvenirs. town, as well as the College of William & Paris and spent three days in the City of students are loading the chartered buses Western Europe: Estimated cost Mary, which is also one of the oldest uni- Lights. Paris was my favorite city and ab- and parents are either ready to cry or cel- $3,000-$3,200 versities in the United States. Williams- solutely beautiful. We were able to go to ebrate that their 13- or 14-year-old student the Louvre, Notre-Dame de Paris Cathe- will be gone for a week, another set of stu- burg is a living museum. Students partici- **Please note the itinerary changes each pate in mock trials from the 1700s, learn year. Our trip was to London, Paris and dral and the Palace of Versailles, as well dents is organizing at the Orlando Inter- as climb the Eiffel Tower and see the Arc national Airport for an eight-hour journey about life and survival, and hear from Barcelona. residents about life in that era. The night de Triomphe. We also took a cruise and across the Atlantic Ocean to western Eu- Who Goes: Mainly seniors, but open to all toured the city from the Seine River. rope for the annual Lake Nona HS Europe is capped off with a “Ghost Tour” of Wil- students and parents. Senior Trip. liamsburg before heading to Washington, We took another bullet train from Paris D.C., for the evening. How You Get There: By plane overnight. to Barcelona. The train ride through the Over the past two years, I had the unique We were very blessed to fly directly into The next four days, we are in Washington countryside was serene and perfect. Bar- London without having a layo- celona was a beautiful city, and taking an ver. While the flight seemed architectural tour of Antoni Goudi was the long, the airline (we flew Brit- icing on the cake to a perfect trip!! ish Airways) had free movies to help pass the time. Students Safety/Security: The adult to student ratio were very engaged with one was four-to-one on our trip. Everywhere another at the beginning of the on our trip, we saw police or military and trip, talking about what they had a great sense of safety. wanted to see and experience. What Is Included: Airfare, hotel, breakfast Most slept on the plane until and dinner. Students will need to bring we landed in London, where money for lunch and souvenirs. we hit the ground running with Overall, both trips are excellent, and the a walking tour of the down- cost is well below what you would spend town London area. if you did the trip on your own without The Itinerary: For our itiner- a large group. The relationships and the ary, we spent two days in Lon- experiences that students receive on the don, three days in Paris and teacher-led trips cannot be matched. I two days in Barcelona. highly recommend both trips for rising In London, we spent most of 8th graders and any student and family our time walking to see famous that would like to travel to Europe at Lake places like Big Ben, the Tower Nona HS. Bridge, and Buckingham Pal- ace. We also had a special For more information on Washington, tour of areas of London that D.C., please contact Mr. Gee at tony. inspired J.K. Rowling to write [email protected]. For more information on the Harry Potter books. We the Europe trip, please contact David left the city to tour the city of Grimm at [email protected]. Windsor and Windsor Castle. The day we visited the castle, the queen was on site. Sadly, she did not come to greet us.

www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 11 | MAY 2018 Author and speaker Andy Stanley says, 2. Write It Down ine how it would feel to have more purpose, “Direction, not intention, determines your One of the reasons why it’s so important fulfillment and intentionality. destination.” It doesn't matter how sincere ReThink Life: to write down our mission and vision is Every family ends up somewhere, but few our intentions are. We can't arrive at our because vision leaks. We forget! That is families end up somewhere on purpose. desired destination if we’re moving in the A Conversation why we have to say it, spray it, wheel it Let’s make the SHIFT! wrong direction. What direction are you and deal it until everyone can feel it! The

About Life, headed? What direction is your marriage noise from our culture and the pace of our headed? How about your family? lives are competing for our time and atten- Rodney Gage is an author, speaker and Every family ends up somewhere, but few tion. There is something about putting our the founding pastor of ReThink Life Leadership and families end up somewhere on purpose. mission and vision in writing that helps us Church. His passion is to help people live What if there was a way for you to reach stay on track. life on purpose. To learn more, check out rethinklife.com. Relationships the destination you desired in your most Why writing down your vision and mission important relationships? is so important… The good news is you can. How? Start with • It will force you to clarify what you Do You Have a Vision the end in mind. Ask yourself, what is my want. mission and vision for my life, my mar- For Your Family? riage and my family? No matter where you • It will motivate you to take action. are in life, you can still start with the end • It will provide a filter for other oppor- in mind. Here are three things you can do tunities. BY RODNEY GAGE, LEAD PASTOR to get started: • It will help you overcome resistance. 1. Define Your Vision and Mission Several years ago, for Your Family • It will enable you to see and celebrate your my family took a progress. summer vacation to When people lose their why, they lose their way! Every individual, marriage and fam- Let me encourage you to go to our website Steamboat Springs, at rethinklife.com and download a free Colo. It was beauti- ily needs to define their “why.” What is your purpose? What is your mission and worksheet. Use it to help you write down ful! We did lots of your mission and vision as a family. Vi- hiking, horseback vision for your most important relationships? sion always requires a shift, a change from riding and whitewa- where you are ter rafting. As we Mission speaks to WHY you exist...your now to where were hiking one day, purpose. you want to my in-laws, along Vision speaks to WHERE you are going. be in the fu- with our younger Pastor Rodney Gage ture. Vision is nieces and nephews, A clear mission and vision will provide us a destination! became tired. They with... 3. Start Liv- decided to ride the gondola back down the • Passion mountain. My wife and I, along with our ing It Out middle child, decided to walk down the • Motivation Imagine if mountain. We chose a walking path start- • Direction we defined ing at the top near the gondola. Using the our mission • Purpose gondola as our point of reference, we fol- and vision lowed the path we thought would lead us No matter what age or stage of life you’re for our most back down to the base. Two hours later, in, it’s never too late to start with the end important re- the path that we chose took us about five in mind. You might already be an “empty lationships. miles away from the base below. We ended nester” or already have grandchildren. Imagine get- up in a random neighborhood. Needless to Answer this question: What do you want ting your say, by the time we walked all the way back your legacy to be? What are your mission family uni- into town to the base of the gondola, we and vision for the next 10-20 years? How fied around a were exhausted. We knew where we were do you want your loved ones to remember clear vision of wanting to go, but unfortunately we ended you? Like the old saying, “Nobody plans to your desired up taking the wrong path. fail, we fail to plan.” future. Imag-

they heard of but never spoke of for fear to serve on the Committee to Form More of what would happen next. Are you ready, Committees”…it might be time to say NO! Mama’s Turn: I would like to share a secret with you. my friend? Come closer. Closer. Shhh… it is a secret that current PTA When you haven’t seen your kitchen table Stop Me Before presidents don’t want you to know be- IT’S OKAY TO SAY NO!!!! in weeks because it is covered in cut-out cause, if you did, they would never have Since my kids are in high school, oppor- paper frames, glue bottles and glitter…it I Volunteer anyone to chaperone the Back to The Fu- tunities for volunteering are not as read- might be time to say NO! ture Fifth Grade Dance, bake muffins for ily available. Or so I thought. You see, as When you have cut so many box tops that Again the teachers’ appreciation breakfast, or your kids get older and involved in extra your scissors are no longer sharp…it might sew costumes with zero money and only activities…you become involved in them, be time to say NO! two days’ notice. It is a secret that others too. My daughter’s love for the theatre And when you set out to go the grocery will tell you is just a myth, something that turned me into a Drama Mama – able to BY SHARON FUENTES store but you accidently drive to the school transform cardboard boxes into Easter instead…it might be time to say NO! Island head statues and pool noodles into red velvet ropes. Every time I said, “Yes,” But when you walk backstage of the high I whined and complained and swore to my school theatre and the entire tech crew husband that I wouldn’t do it again. “Stop comes running over to say hello, and you me before I volunteer again,” I would say… see the look of joy on your daughter’s face and he would laugh, knowing full well that as she hugs you and whispers, “Thank you when it comes to my kids and their school, for all you do, mom.”…it might be time to I would never say NO. say YES! I am not saying you shouldn’t volunteer. On the contrary, you should. Volunteer- Sharon Fuentes is an ing is an important ingredient in school award-winning free- success and a wonderful way for families lance writer, parenting to stay connected. Teachers are under- advisor, author of the paid and overworked and could really use book, The Don’t Freak an extra pair of hands and eyes. Yup, vol- Out Guide to Parenting unteering is a necessary evil to get things Kids with Asperger’s, and done, and those dedicated parents who de- a mom who is just wing- vote hours to bettering things for our kids’ ing it! You can reach schools deserve medals. And WINE… lots her at and lots of wine. [email protected]. All this said, when the PTA president calls you and says, “We know you’ll say yes to anything, so we thought we’d exploit your time and energy just one more time

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www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 12 | MAY 2018 SPORTS

to have a…I’ve always had a dream that we a place that we don’t want to go to, you welcoming as opposed to just as an emer- Nona Soccer had to have a big community partner, and I know? And when I first talked to Nemours, gency going to the hospital, having the just thought since day one when we put up every time we’d drive by, I’d ask the par- doors open and kind of a more welcome Academy the idea to develop Nona Soccer, Nemours ents, ‘Have you ever been to Nemours?’ atmosphere for the kids.” would be a good fit. And then with the net- [They’d respond] like, ‘No, I don’t want to Nona Soccer Academy has much to look work that we developed here, we were able go there.’ And then this relationship will forward to in the coming seasons. Scores a Major to get the door open, and Nemours was open the community, open the doors of very, uh, pleased with my idea and kind of the building for the community to come in Goal With New bought into it, and we’re very excited to be and tour the property and have, be more a part of it,” said Fabio Sponsor Silva, the founder and owner of Nona Soccer Academy. BY NICOLE LABOSCO When Silva made the announcement in front of media, players and their parents, the kids screamed that they knew it about Ne- mours. “It’s extremely exciting to have this big community partner helping us,” exclaimed Silva as he revealed brand new jerseys to the players adorned with Nemours across the chest. When Nonahood News asked Silva what he hoped the partnership with Nemours On Friday, April 20, Nona Soccer Acade- would bring to the my announced a huge partnership with its children, he was op- new sponsor, Nemours. The soccer acad- timistic about further emy was founded in November 2016 and change. has been going strong ever since, as soccer “For the kids? It’s just plays a large part in the Lake Nona com- that the whole hospi- munity. tal, the big hospital in the community…it’s “You know…since the beginning, we need PHOTOS COURTESY OF NONA SOCCER ACADEMY

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www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 13 | MAY 2018 Youth Sports is pleased to be working so closely with the Lake Nona High School wrestling pro- Lake Nona High gram to provide opportunities for our future high school athletes,” says C.R. Dunnavant, president, Merrill Lynch is proud to support Lake Nona Youth Sports. “When Coach K agreed School Coach Joins to provide instruction to our young wrestlers, I Lake Nona Youth Sports. knew they would greatly benefit from his exper- Jr. Lions Wrestling tise on skills and conditioning and be inspired by Dunnavant, Baird Group his motivational philosophy.” Program C.R. Dunnavant, CFP®, CRPC® Merrill Lynch The elementary and middle school boys have Senior Vice President 700 Celebration Ave been working with Coach K since February to Wealth Management Advisor 3rd Floor hone their techniques and to develop physical Portfolio Manager Celebration, FL BY VALERIE SISCO and mental toughness. “Wrestling is a sport that 34747 lets kids develop a keen awareness of their indi- 321.559.5005 Many adults who competed in the sport of wrestling during vidual capabilities,” he says. “It’s about develop- high school or college tend to remember the sport more for ing a mental toughness that allows you to tackle the life skills they learned from time spent on the mat than life situations from high school to college and on for their competitive record. through adulthood by gaining strength, persever- For Kendrick Ellison, Lake Nona High School’s wrestling ance and focus.” coach, the sport was his roadmap to success in life. He came He teaches young wrestlers in the program to work away from his competitive wrestling years with a greater on balance, agility, flexibility and footwork. Since sense of focus, self-discipline and confidence that built a wrestling is a one-on-one matchup, technique and strong foundation of expertise for his professional career. toughness are important, but so are determina- Merrill Lynch Wealth Management makes available products and services offered by Earlier this year, the Lake Nona Jr. Lions wrestling pro- tion, endurance and creativity. “I think wrestling is Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, a registered broker-dealer and gram welcomed Coach K to also instruct the Lake Nona one of the best sports to teach kids self-confidence Member SIPC, and other subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation. Youth Sports athletes in calisthenics, basic wrestling in- and self-discipline,” he says. “It gives them such Investment products: struction drills, and live wrestling matches. “Lake Nona a sense of accomplishment and self-worth when Are Not FDIC Insured Are Not Bank Guaranteed May Lose Value they compete against anoth- The Bull Symbol and Merrill Lynch are trademarks of Bank of America Corporation. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP® and er wrestler in TM a battle of wits CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER in the U.S. CRPC® and Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM are registered service marks of the College for Financial Planning. and physical © 2018 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved. fitness.” ARVBHCMB | MLWM-100-AD | 470944PM-1017 | 10/2017 Coach K also tries to instill humility in the young athletes, But wrestling isn’t all drills and hard work since he also along with the abil- wants the kids to have fun. “Even though it takes discipline ity to respect others to achieve your goals, the journey to get there can be one and prove themselves of the richest parts of our lives,” Coach K says. “Spending coachable. “As a wres- time with friends, feeling good about improving physically tler, you have to lis- and mentally while playing the greatest of sports, which ten and respect your I truly believe is wrestling, are the ingredients for a good coach’s instruction be- athletic season and success in future endeavors in life.” cause all through your life, you’ll be working, listening and respecting others,” he says. “Prov- ing you can learn from Valerie Sisco lives in Lake Nona and is the those you’re wrestling author of the blog gracewithsilk.com. with even when it’s a struggle or a little challenging is a sign you’re adaptable and eager to improve.”

Lake Nona Youth Sports “Home of the JR Lions” LakeNonaYouthSports.Org Non Profit 501c3

“WE ARE PARENTS LIKE YOU MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR THE YOUTH IN OUR COMMUNITY” Football & Cheer Lacrosse Board Announcements Upcoming Events Opportunities to Help Congratulations Going on Now. Games begin mid Positions Opening Soon Mark your calendars Feb to April 28/29 Cost: $125Want to help coach? Training Provided! 14U Cheer for – these AAU important National dates: - Treasurer Champions (Grades 1-4); $225• (GradesAssistant Coaches5-8) for Football • Summer Lacrosse (boys and girls) – SummerEquipment registration and for uniforms• Assistant will Cheer be Coaches- Fundraising 14U3rd-8th Football grades –will AAU begin National soon! Check websiteprovided. for updates. Players must provide Looking to GiveLakeNonaJRLions@LakeNonaYo Back to Your Community? •Champion Summer Rowing Runner – Coming Up soon, check websitetheir for ownupdates! lacrosse sticks and Contact Bill McNeil,uthSports.Org Director of Fundraising •8U Cheerleading Football – andFYFCL Football East – Registration is nowcleats. open! [email protected] Accepting •Division 04/24/2018 Conference – Beginning Championsof Football off-season conditioning session at LNHS (optional) Applications Now for: AAU National Championship VOLUNTEERS WELCOME• Help us grow our programs, assist with rental fees for field • 06/05/2018 – Beginning of Football off season conditioning- Qualifier “Be an Assistant Coachspace,” (andno provide funding- for Football coach training Fall 2018 second session experience needed• )Become a T-shirt sponsor - Cheer Fall 2018 •Fall 06/23/2018 2018 Registration – Jr. Lion Football Opening combine (player testing and email: jrlionslacrosse@lakenona• Volunteer at games and practices soon,evaluation please day) check our website Donations Needed youthsports.org • 8/1/2018 – First day of Football and Cheerleading practice • Corporate and personal sponsorships available LakeNonaYouthSports.Org Lacrosse equipment Goal • 8/25/2018 – First Football game $14,500: Status $8,500

Please email: [email protected] for information on sports, coaching, board positions donations and sponsorships.

www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 14 | MAY 2018 parking organized around the town center, and beverages were provided by the spon- tents set up, as well as friendly volunteers sors, and many riders hung out at the town Nona Cycle: helping riders, runners and walkers with center enjoying having finished the ride packet pickups and questions. Announce- and sharing their stories in person and on Do you like to cycle or want to learn ments were being made over the speak- Facebook. how? Join the Nona Cycle group for 2018 Tour weekly rides: ers, and snacks and drinks were available. The 40 cycling teams helped to raise over http://nonahood.to/nonacycle. de Cure There were smiling faces as teams arrived $900,000 for the American Diabetes As- early to get their team photos with their sociation, going well past the fundraising new cycling jerseys. Riders helped each goal that was set earlier in the year. Nona other pin their bib numbers on their jer- BY TOMMY REECE Cycle, with over 50 participants, raised seys. Last-minute bike checks included $43,665, a new fundraising record for tires being pumped, wheels spinning and the team. There testing brakes. Like the riders, there was a were 12 Nona wide variety of bikes from the more afford- Cycle mem- able to the exotic. It was a very festive at- bers who raised mosphere, great weather and a real sense $1,000 or more of friendliness as riders said hello to each for the cause other and greeted long-time friends and and were recog- made new friends. nized as Cham- Police officers helped all along the way, pions. There managing traffic stops and turns through- was a flurry of out the courses, helping riders cross the activity as Nona roads. Friendly volunteers staffed the Cycle sponsored SAG (support and gear) stops, helping a fun and suc- riders with Gatorade, water, pickle juice, cessful fourth peanut butter sandwiches, trail mix, and annual Cornhole more. Riders started together with their Tournament teams and friends. It was not uncommon fundraiser with PHOTO BY ZSANETT to finish with a different group of riders as 32, two-member KLAUDIA OLAH they bonded together to help support each teams partici- other. There were large groups riding very pating with a Early in the morning on March 25 at the fast, and smaller groups that were pacing very exciting Lake Nona Town Center, an amazing event themselves. At the end, everyone finished finish. was about to begin. There was a buzz of ex- with a sense of accomplishment. Food citement as teams of cyclists, runners and walkers came together to participate in the 2018 Tour de Cure at Lake Nona, a very successful fundraising event for the Amer- ican Diabetes Association. All of the training, preparation and fundraising to cycle 10-, 25-, 50-, 63- and 101-mile routes or the 5K Run & Walk was about to pay off. There were 40 cycling teams, 20 Friends and Family teams, including Nona Cycle, and 20 Corporate teams participating. There were first-time riders new to cycling feeling the excitement as they were about to embark on an adventure. Riders with some or more experience under their belt were stretching and riding farther than they had ever done, many riding 50, 63 and 101 miles for the first time. Veteran riders cycling the distances that they enjoyed the most were helping other riders with advice and answering questions. There was a constant stream of posts in the Nona Cycle Face- book group helping to organize weekly beginner rides or rides for more experienced cyclists to help train. A roll call asking for what distances everyone was riding helped to inspire Nona Cycle riders to ride even further. There was the ever-so-nice sense of camaraderie in Nona Cycle that helped to prepare riders for the Tour de Cure. The sun began to rise as riders were streaming into the Lake Nona Town Cent- er. The event organizer and sponsors had

www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 15 | MAY 2018 ARTS & CULTURE

continues to make an in-depth and sci- where Ove did his best to make sure every- ence-detailed story easy and quick to thing ran like clockwork and the neighbor- Book Review: read without losing the reader along the The Lake Nona hood rules were posted and observed. way. I never once felt like I had to turn to The story continues describing situations like Artemis Google for more understanding of some Book Maven Ove’s on-again-off-again relationship with aspect of the story. Even the author’s use his neighbor and a tragic bus accident on a of historical emails between Jazz and Review: vacation in Spain, but I don’t want to spoil BY AARON VAIL her childhood penpal on Earth that were anything for you. Since Ove’s story is told in sprinkled in to explain her background A Man Called Ove alternating past and present segments, we Author: Andy Weir doesn’t feel like a distraction. learn about the background as the contem- Author: Fredrik Backman porary story continues. Genre: Science Fiction The bad: The story itself feels thin. The Genre: Fiction Eventually, a young family moved in next plot lacks a degree of complication that Hardback: 337 pages Hardback: 305 pages door, and through sheer force of personality urged me to want to read faster and turn and will, at times the young, pregnant wife Publisher: Crown the pages with eagerness. I felt like every- This book both admonished and accepted Ove. Let’s thing fell into place without any real con- was originally just say they learned from each other – Ove The Story: tention or struggle. I never really thought published in just wouldn’t admit it. I found his part of the Our pro- they were in any danger at any time even Sweden in novel the most engaging. The wife and chil- tagonist is a though the words told me they were. The 2010, then dren next door were able to see through or young woman characters are very one-dimensional. The translated just ignored the cracks in the hardened exte- named Jas- security guy is a meathead. The tech nerd and published rior of Ove’s personality and slowly were able mine “Jazz” is awkward but knows everything tech, in English to have a bit of a positive effect on his outlook. including details of cutting-edge technol- in 2014, so Bashara, who Over time, Ove’s approach to life and his spent most of ogy. The barkeep is your typical barkeep the paper- back copy neighbors softens a bit. And over the course her life on a willing to smile at everyone and listen to of the novel we begin to understand why he moon colony all the stories you have to tell. Even Jazz was readily available. The is the way he is and maybe even accept him. named Ar- is your typical “not gonna take any lip story has been So, Ove represents the lovable curmudgeon temis. After from anyone” and “I’ll show them how made into or the hopeless annoying neighbor, depend- leaving her amazing I am” character. a movie in ing on what you bring to the novel. father and The conclusion: Overall, Artemis is a fun Swedish with This book is a relatively easy and quick his welding English subtitles, but I read hints on the web read. I learned a few new things about read. It is widely available and pretty popu- shop, Jazz is determined to join the EVA that there might be an entirely new American microgravity, why regolith (moon dust) lar. While it is set in Sweden and some local (extravehicular activity) Guild, so she can version possibly starring America’s everyman, color and Swedish phrases are included, the isn’t really very fun, and how to weld in give tourists private tours on the surface Tom Hanks! setting is not critical; this story could hap- of the moon. Life isn’t easy, and to make the vacuum of space. This is a book to All that said, the story is about a grump, a pen anywhere, so anyone can imagine these ends meet she delivers contraband to lo- read when you have a long flight or just grouch called Ove. In his backstory, we are events happening to people they know. The cal residents with the help of a penpal on want to read something light when you’re told he was a hard-working, nose-to-the- storyline is a bit predictable. and although Earth. Jazz is soon caught up in a scheme between shows or stuck at the laundro- grindstone young man who lost both par- the main characters are singular and inter- to take over the air supply industry on Ar- mat. Even with all its flaws, I would still esting, they are not particularly complicated recommend this to anyone interested ents and started working before he finished temis and has to rely on her experience school. He was definitely a “measure twice or multi-dimensional. So, if you’re looking in the real-science-space genre with the and intellect to save the lives of everyone cut once” type of guy, exacting and precise for a nice story for a plane or train trip, or only caveat being the strong language. living there. in his process, and simple and frugal in his perhaps a lighter read after a heavy novel I’m looking forward to many more ac- lifestyle. Then, one day, he met the love of his or a hard day at work, this might be the The good: This is the second book by au- tion-packed and science accurate books life, a delightful, effervescent young teacher one for you. It’s a nice story, a little sad in thor Andy Weir, and you can expect the by Andy Weir in the future. with a sparkling laugh and an engaging per- places and funny in others, and it won’t same level of real science that made The sonality who actually loved him for who he ask you to work too hard.

Martian such a hit. Andy’s writing style was. Ove pursued her quietly, and they married and settled in a newly-built community

position class. I guess I was feeling a lit- down Narcoossee in my first manual car, Meet the Press: tle blue about having no luck in finding and I didn't realize I was in neutral after the someone to write for, so before class, I turn. I had a mob of cars coming up behind asked my professor if she knew anywhere me blowing their horns as I was freaking Brittany Bhulai I could contribute. Suddenly, a girl who out wondering why the car was slowing had eavesdropped mentioned Nonahood down even though my foot was pressing the BY VANESSA POULSON News. We all thought it was some type of accelerator. Thankfully, before what could joke, maybe a kid had played around and have been my death, I finally realized I was created an online forum about Lake Nona. in neutral and popped it in first gear and Brittany Bhulai is a Staff Writer here at My professor then searched for the organi- took off. Nonahood News. Her exceptional report- zation online, and I do not remember if ing skills and writing ability have made she had any luck in finding it, but I knew I NHN: What’s your biggest dream? her an incredible asset to our team, and we was onto something. BB: My biggest dream is to work for a me- hope you enjoy getting to know her just as I remember going home and searching dia outlet as an international journalist. much as we do. their location, phone number, email, anything I could find on them. I found an ad- NHN: Where do you see yourself dress, but it was very general (little did I in 10 years? Extrovert or Introvert? Both. know at the time it was owned by a couple BB: In 10 years, I see myself living in Cali- Indoors or Outdoors? Outdoors. who operated from their home office!). I- fi fornia or New York working for the LA nally found the phone number and email. Times or New York Times traveling the Sun or Snow? Sun. I contacted both, and the rest is history... world covering stories happening around Dogs or Cats? Dogs. the world. I also wouldn't mind working overseas for a similar outlet doing the Vans or Converse? Vans. NHN: What do you like writing about/taking pictures of/etc.? same thing. Coffee or Tea? Coffee. BB: I love fiction writing. I can be as NHN: What are you most excited Adventurous or Laid Back? Both. creative as I want to be, and there are no boundaries in what I can produce. about in Lake Nona? Canon, Nikon or Sony? Canon. BB: I look forward to seeing this place in 10 years. With the Lake Nona Town Center seen anything like it. Books or TV? MOVIES. NHN: What’s your favorite thing about the Nonahood? rising up, it will be a great gem in Orlando. BB: I love the fact that our area is well NHN: What show(s) have you known, and it’s spoken about a lot. A lot NHN: Who’s your biggest inspi- binge-watched? of other communities know Lake Nona as ration? BB: I love to binge-watch Mad Men on Net- NHN: What brought you to the the “growing area,” which is true. I’ve been BB: My biggest inspiration would have flix. I’ve seen the series twice, and I contin- Nonahood? in North Shore since 2003, so I’ve seen the to be my aunt, Margaret Ahmed, or as I ue to go through and watch episodes. BB: I remember the day like it was just area grow up. I went to K-12 here. call her, Auntie Maggie. She has worked yesterday. ...I had graduated from Lake for everything she has, and I admire her NHN: If you could add one thing to Nona High School in 2015, and I was very NHN: Where are you from origi- for that. I always get valuable life advice the Nonahood, what would it be? involved in producing their yearbook as nally? from her, and she pushes me to break my BB: More food places, please. Some coffee editor-in-chief. After I graduated, be- BB: I am from Tampa originally. boundaries to be the best I can be. shops or Asian cuisine restaurants would sides personal blogging, I was looking for be nice. a media outlet to write for. I was hungry NHN: What’s your favorite hobby? NHN: What’s your favorite book? for whatever I could get my hands on. I BB: I powerlift and weightlift almost every BB: Believe it or not, I do not open books missed writing and producing content. A day. I also do martial arts. They're both too much. I’d rather write than read. How- Check back next month to get to know year went by, and I was not having any equally my favorite hobbies. ever, I enjoyed reading Life of Pi. another Nonahood News staff member! luck. Most outlets refused to adopt me since I was fresh out of high school with no NHN: What’s your most embar- NHN: What’s your favorite movie? BB: My fav movie would have to be V for “professional” experience in journalism. rassing moment? Vendetta. It’s so original, and I have never Now, in college, I was in my English Com- BB: Probably that one time I made a U-turn

www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 16 | MAY 2018 making music. “The business is tough,” said Raghu has a versatile and powerhouse Raghu on the dif- Lake Nona voice, a killer personality, and just enough ficulties that can ambition and nerve to pull together each come from being of these aspects to chase after her dreams Local Alyssa on Idol. “If they of breaking into the music industry. As of want to change right now, she’s made the Top 24 of Amer- Raghu Chases stuff, you have to ican Idol, hung out with one of her musi- just be okay with cal inspirations and Idol judge Katy Perry, it. You always Her Dreams on and had a rocking belated Sweet Sixteen need to be pre- party at Jacq & Jack. pared, regard- American Idol And yes, you read that right. This young less of what they woman is just 16 years old, a high school throw.” sophomore, and she’s already quickly on BY VANESSA POULSON While the Ameri- her way to stardom. can Idol experi- Raghu was born in Tucson, Ariz., but ar- ence has provid- rived in Lake Nona when she was only ed Raghu with a six months old. She is of both Indian and variety of expe- Mexican descent, which is something she riences and mo- hopes will help her to reach as many audi- ments that are ences and people as possible throughout helping to for- the American Idol competition. With her ward her career ever-supportive dad by her side, Raghu in the music in- admits that she’s spent the majority of her dustry, she cred- life being shy, but she credits her family its being able to and some of her favorite music artists for meet Katy Perry her passion for music and singing. and talk with “I love Blondie, she’s so good, I would love her as one of her to make music like her. I love Aaliyah from favorite aspects the ’90s and early 2000s, she’s great,” said of it all. Perry Raghu. “I also love the Jacksons, Michael has been one of and Janet.” Raghu’s favorite artists since mid- Not only is Raghu an incredibly talented dle school, where singer (her YouTube channel @Alys- she remembers saRaghu is filled with her covering mu- earning straight sic from The Police, Nick Jonas, and Ed A’s every year, PHOTO COURTESY OF ALYSSA RAGHU Sheeran), but she also writes her own mu- and that her dad AND AMERICAN IDOL sic. She’s released a single on Spotify and Photo via Alyssa Raghu and American Idol offered to let her iTunes called Leave, and Raghu credits get one thing that record label doors and doing my best to that song with being part of her experi- she wanted for earning perfect grades. She put my albums out there, my songs out My interview with Alyssa Raghu, a Lake ment with a style and testing the waters chose Katy Perry’s new album. Nona local chasing her music dreams on with the music industry and how she there, and to be known,” said Raghu. “To think that I was there, and that I’m American Idol this season, occurred over would be seen because of it. You can keep up with Raghu on Face- here now, and [Katy Perry] is like – ‘Oh, a FaceTime call across the country. Raghu book, Instagram, Youtube, and Twitter: “I really am trying to create a different you should probably do a cool high note was in the car on her way home from a ra- @alyssaraghu. sound every time that I release something,” there in your next song,” Raghu laughs. dio interview, and I was in another state. said Raghu. “My next single or my next al- “It’s such a spiral of what life can really After trying my best to chase down this ris- bum, I don’t think it’s going to sound like throw at you, and I’m just so grateful. UPDATE: As of April 16, 2018, Alyssa was ing star, I was finally able to find a time in that at all. Maybe more ’80s or ’90s pop, That’s the most surreal thing.” not selected for the Top 14. However, she Raghu’s schedule that worked well enough but with some acoustic guitar in there and Alyssa Raghu is undoubtedly one of Lake is currently one of the eight possible Wild with mine. We spoke about all her Ameri- meaningful lyrics, because I think mean- Nona’s most talented and notable figures Card contestants and may be brought can Idol dreams, her single, Leave, that ingful lyrics are worth it. I don’t really like right now. As she continues to pursue her back later on if selected by judges for one was released in 2017, her love of ’80s and the stuff that’s just nonsense.” own dream on Idol and finding a way to of the four Wild Card slots. ’90s pop music, and everything that she Raghu describes her experience on Idol break into the industry, she notes that hopes will come from Idol and beyond. as a total whirlwind, though for 16, she’s whether she wins or loses the competition, With the community rallying around handled the experience with poise and the Idol experience has been life-changing Raghu, from hosting a variety of watch maturity, even if at times there is a lot of for her and brought so many new opportu- parties for the young singer, Raghu has hard work and quick-turnaround between nities for her at such a young age. been ever supported by her friends, family learning songs, filming, and, of course, “This is my life, this is my dream, and I’m and community as she begins her journey publicity. not just gonna sit and wait until someone toward doing the thing she loves most: does notice. I’m going to be knocking on

Photo by Sophia Rogers

www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 17 | MAY 2018 Hannah was the initial brains behind the PHOTOS BY KAY YON operation and reached out to individuals The Lake Nona she saw fit to make a decent singing group. “We made a small group where we could travel around to help the community in Voices small, different ways,” comments Madi- son. For Jona, her favorite part about this is getting to grow as an individual along BY BRITTANY BHULAI with her peers. They can all agree that they find joy in making the public smile A group of five girls has been going around through their performances. the Lake Nona area singing their hearts out to the community. Hannah Yon, Jona In the future, each girl sees herself still in- Meier, Grace Hunter, Melissa Gonzalez, volved in the musical world. “In the future, and Madison Rothschild are the young I wanted to major in...maybe...music edu- ladies who make up this group called the cation, but then I could do it as a hobby,” Lake Nona Voices. So far, they have made says Grace with an optimistic gaze in her appearances at Ronald McDonald House, eyes. Watercrest Senior Living and local church The Lake Nona Voices also mix in instru- gatherings. ments with their performances. They try In 8th grade, they participated in All-State to balance out who plays what in each Choir through Lake Nona Middle School. song. Hannah and Grace play the piano, This was a state-wide opportunity for stu- Melissa and (again) Grace do the ukulele, know your part, but you know you’re doing Lake Nona area with every performance dent vocalists to compete against one an- while Jona specializes in the guitar. Disney it for a good cause.” they have done and the many more to come. other. After they finished middle school songs are also a staple in their shows since and left All-State, they decided to create a its well known among their audiences and Kay Yon, mother of Hannah, is very proud team of their own to keep the singing alive. easy to sing along to. of the girls and plays the role as the man- They are all currently finishing up their As a group, they answered that their top ager for the Lake Nona Voices. She and freshman year at Lake Nona High School fear was the fear of possibly “messing up” the girls are excited to continue the posi- and have been a group for a year now. during a gig. Madison states, “You have to tive vibes they spread upon residents in the

one-liner and fight scene I possibly could the Russo Brothers (the directors) accom- was not disappointed with the ending. But At the Movies: at once. plished the perfect balance of humor with those poor little kids crying really hit me. some serious fighting and intense conflict A: Yeah, I didn’t care for that part, either. I E: Given the already scheduled movie with the characters. I found myself laugh- Avengers | Infinity War get tired of the same tropes being overused. sequels starring some of our recently de- ing hysterically just as often as I was gasp- Like, when good guys give up for no reason. ceased characters plus the fact that we’re ing and jumping in my seat. dealing with a soul stone and a stone that E: One of my favorite parts was watching A CONVERSATION WITH ELAINE Everyone needs to know beforehand that can turn back time, clearly at least a few Black Widow, Scarlet Witch and Okoye this movie is one of two parts, and it ends of the heroes we now grieve will somehow & AARON VAIL fight one of Thanos’ female assassins. Those rather abruptly. And the final scenes were a return to save the universe in Avengers 4. three have amazing onscreen chemistry, lot to take in. I am one of those weird peo- Proceed with caution: SPOILERS! and I was in awe of their ability to fight so A: Yeah, Disney isn't going to let this profit ple who has to know before going in who well together despite (or maybe because of) machine die out. And the fans will want to The last 10 years of Marvel movies have dies so that I don’t have a breakdown in the their unique skills sets. By the way, where's see most of them again. I know I will. been building up to this moment. Aveng- theater. I easily found a list online of which my Black Widow standalone movie?! ers: Infinity War began almost precisely heroes die in the movie. I do believe a full- We’re always surprised how many people where the Marvel Universe left us in Thor: A: It’s in the works. I loved how the Hulk blown breakdown was averted, but Tom leave the theater at the end of the Marvel Ragnarok. We were merely spared the was too scared to come out and fight Tha- Holland still brought me to my knees in movies. Doesn’t everyone know that there horror of the Asgardian refugees’ annihi- nos after the first fight. tears. The theater was nearly silent as the is ALWAYS at least one extra scene after lation and promptly entered the scene as the credits giving us clues for the next E: I think Thanos could arguably be one of movie ended. All that could be heard was Thor and Loki hopelessly fought with Tha- movie? This one hints to a new character the most emotionally complex of the Mar- the soft sobbing of a few of the children in nos and his Black Order. joining the cast. But we will have to wait vel villains. While I still don’t grasp what’s the theater who had just witnessed their fa- until May 3, 2019, to see the resolution of Elaine: I’m not a comic book fan, but I in it for him to eliminate half the universe vorite heroes being wiped out. And THAT this heart-wrenching story. truly love the Marvel movies. So, it would besides satisfying his God-complex, there (not the movie) is what made Aaron cry. have taken some really serious issues to really seemed to be more to this character A: Yes, I cried, and thank you for not shar- disappoint me in this movie. I love every than we have been privy to see in most of ing the list with me. I love to watch the character and really enjoy the onscreen the other villains. story unfold without any foreknowledge. I chemistry each of the actors has with the A: YES! Not your typical others, so I’ve been really excited to see “kill everyone just because everyone together in one movie (although I’m a jerk” character arc. I can’t wrap my head around what that While I might not agree payroll budget must have been). with his mission or meth- Aaron: Having read Marvel comics most ods, I certainly felt his of my life, I know the stories well. But I emotions as he struggled agree, this movie had me way too excited with the decisions he felt to see it. As challenging as it probably was he had to make. Watching to have more than 25 main characters in a him struggle with choice movie of this scope and make sure all were and consequence brought represented, this story did a fantastic job “the bad guy” to a level we of giving each star their share of screen can almost relate to. Hav- time and dialogue. ing the antagonist’s drive E: I’m usually pretty easy going with the be more than the typical story lines, but there was one scene early “I just want power over on where the bad guys were permitted to others” was a smart move, leave and continue their evil bidding while providing depth that al- our heroes just watched them walk away, lowed this movie to rise and that was the one time I threw my above the rest. hands up in the air in disbelief. With that E: Almost as if to mirror exception, I was on the edge of my seat the Thanos’ mission to bring entire time, taking in every special effect, balance to the universe, PHOTO COURTESY MARVEL

www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 18 | MAY 2018 nustled in the thicket of grass. Thousands are about to open. I see the setting sun Short Stories: painted ever so graciously in the sky. My soul is smiling. events Mother Nature Spring departs as summer arrives. Tomor- row marks the first full day of summer. I enter inside my log cabin, and I do not BY BRITTANY BHULAI come out until sunrise. The air is still crisp. Not all the time, Visit www.nonahoodnews.com/events though, just sometimes. My mind con- for updated events and detailed information. tinues to wonder. I feel restless. Not the The next day, she wakes up from what felt like a deep sleep. She has been trapped as bad kind, but the good. I am anxious and 5 NonaCrest Community Garage Sale (8 am-12 pm) a soul for so long. There is a burst of light excited for what is to come. I have seen it 5 Special Olympics Florida Car & Truck Show (8 am-5 pm) over and over during all my years of living blazing above upon a rich blue. The clouds here. However, there is always a lingering are scattered around in perfect formation. 6 Man Up featuring Lou Holtz (6-8:30 pm) feeling of suspense leading up to it. I can Plant life has blossomed and butterflies 9 LNRCC Breakfast Connections (8-9:30 am) not wait for summer. settle onto petals. 9 2018 State of Lake Nona Real Estate (6:30-8:30 pm) Here in the countryside, it is always quiet. The woman exits her wooden enclosure. Her 10 Institute of Aesthetic Surgery Grand Opening (6-9 pm) Autumn presents itself as a beautiful death long, black hair flows in the cooling wind 10 Womatec Evening Social (6-8 pm) that passes. She once again has sensation as as the trees begin to tarnish and their leaves 12 Reymont Street Gardening Workshop (9-10 am) fall. It is not long until the winter months a human being. She can feel the tingling in 12 26th ANNUAL STAMP OUT HUNGER! unfold, and the snow caresses every twist her spine as sunlight hits her tan skin. 15 LNRCC Contagious Connecting (8-9:30 am) and turn and the animals are tucked away. She strolls to the nearby river and places Before you know it, the white crust that has her hand in the calming stream. Her fin- 18-19 Special Olympics Florida 46th Annual State Summer Games fallen upon the earth dissipates. Under it, gertips electrify with energy. Her heart- 19 BTN Animalversary (10 am-3 pm) fresh greenery has hatched and awaits the beat rises as she inhales the raw environ- 19 El Meson Sandwiches Grand Opening in Lee Vista Promenade (6 am-10 pm) warmth the sun will bring it. ment surrounding her. 19 Crunch Fitness Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting (12 pm) I sit here in my log cabin. In my eyes, time does Strength has been restored to nature. She 21 1st Annual Watermelon Festival at Market Monday Lake Nona (4:30-8:30 pm) not exist. I simply wait for what I long to feel… has been reborn once more. 24 EOCC Coffee Club Nona (8:30-9:30 a.m.) This cabin has endured the rotation of the Her spirit lingers during the cooler seasons for as long as I can remember. I months, but she is granted to come to life have lived here for many, many centuries. during the warmest of them all in order to I have seen the passage of travelers who reconnect with her creations. The ecosys- come and go. Some stay but never for long. tems cannot survive without her physical THE MONDAY MARKET They must feel an odd presence in the air. presence for long. Her touch restores en- at Lake Nona YMCA YOGA NONA Sponsored by Lake Nona So, they leave. It is always just me alone ergy back into the environment. So, every Mondays 4:30-8 p.m. Life Project here for most of the time. summer, she comes back to life. Once this YMCA of Central Florida (Lake Nona) Saturdays 9-10 a.m. 9055 Northlake Parkway Crescent Park in Laureate Park Once spring arrives, I indulge in long strolls season ends, she will abandon her human formation and return as a ghost. This is facebook.com/Lakenonaymcafarmersmarket/ 8374 Upper Perse Circle through the valley. I am the breeze rustling facebook.com/learnlakenona/ between leaves or the thud one hears as a her life cycle. She is a native of this land. LIVE + LOCAL small branch descends from a tree and hits She is the creator of all life, living and Thursdays 6:00-8:00 p.m. the ground. I cannot feel anything, yet I ex- nonliving. She is a nurturer. They call her Crescent Park in Laureate Park THE SATURDAY MARKET ist. You cannot see me, yet I am here. Mother Nature. facebook.com/pg/learnlakenona/events/ at VALENCIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE LAKE NONA Herds of elk pound away at the earth from ART AFTER DARK Saturdays 9 a.m. the sight of a cougar or mountain lion. Fridays 6-9 p.m. Valencia College Lake Nona Campus Foxes and coyotes slither Lake Nona Town Center 12350 Narcoossee Rd. around preying on help- Food Trucks on first Friday of each month facebook.com/LakeNonaFarmersFreshMarket/ less rodents. Birds mas- facebook.com/artafterdarklakenona/ ter the sky as they hunt for insects and worms. I, however, do not consume ADD YOUR EVENT TO OUR CALENDAR anything. I am neither the To add your Nonahood Event to our calendar, visit hunter nor the hunted. I http://nonahood.to/calendar or email the details along with your contact am an observer among it all. I am all elements. information to [email protected] . A duration has gone by and the atmosphere has turned thick with heat. Flower buds are shyly