Opening Acts
While we may enjoy cooking in the comforts of our own kitchen or having our favorite takeout delivered to the front door, the truth is nothing can replace the ambiance of going out to eat. As we settle into our seats and take the first sip of our drink, we’re asked the question we’ve been waiting for: “Would you like to start off with any appetizers?” The answer is always... Read More
In Perfect Harmony
Michelle Jones wears many musical hats. She is a renowned instrumentalist, composer, recording artist and educator. After years of studying violin, viola and piano, the versatile instrumentalist decided to form a top strings rock ensemble, Violectric, in 2008. Since then, the world’s only string rock band of its kind has captivated audiences worldwide with its unique sound. Jones... Read More
What’s Trending?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, college enrollment plummeted to record lows in 2020. The drastic drop was largely attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic and marked the lowest enrollment rate in about 15 years. Now, two years later and in the end stages of the pandemic, this trend has yet to shift gears. In fact, from the spring of 2020 to the spring of 2022, there was a 7.4%... Read More
A Changing Economy
When the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season officially ended Nov. 30, what was assessed as a season of overall average activity also emerged as one of the costliest on record, a pain that Floridians throughout the state still keenly feel. But while those in the massive Hurricane Nicole’s path largely bounced back faster than those in the aftermath of the Category 4 Hurricane Ian’s... Read More
Oral Report
While February is most associated with sending flowers and chocolates on Valentine’s Day and whether Punxsutawney Phil will see his shadow or not, the shortest month on the calendar also has another important meaning. Every year at this time, the American Dental Association sponsors Children’s Dental Health Month, bringing together doctors, other health care providers and educators... Read More
Preventing a Tragedy
According to the U.S. Department of State, there are an estimated 24.9 million victims of human trafficking at any given time worldwide. Those children and adults of all ages, backgrounds and nationalities are exploited for others’ profit and nefarious intent, robbed of the safety, security and autonomy that every human being ought to be guaranteed. In recent years, forced labor,... Read More
A Lot on Her Plate
Anya Taylor-Joy has a hearty appetite, both on and off the screen. At 26, when many actors are just getting their footing, the charming Taylor-Joy is winning awards, leaving her indelible mark on movies in a variety of genres and making lifelong friends in the entertainment world. Most recently she portrayed a young woman in The Menu, a dark comedy about a couple, Margot and Tyler... Read More
Season’s Greetings
With the holiday season rapidly approaching, now is the time to make your plans to celebrate the season in style. Across Central Florida, there are a number of festive events taking place, from longtime traditions to new events sure to put a smile on your face. Check out this guide to see what’s going on in the local communities and at the theme parks. Now through Dec. 5 Pet... Read More
Picking up the Pieces
Meredith Koonts loves the fact that holiday traditions still mean so much to her 15-year-old daughter, Molly. She has quite a few favorites, whether it’s decorating the house for Halloween, gathering as a family to watch festive movies together or, of course, having a Christmas tree filled with ornaments. This holiday season may be a little different for the Koonts family and... Read More
Always an Underdog
Whether Hilary Swank is getting into shape for her role as a boxer in Million Dollar Baby or stepping in the shoes of an investigative crime reporter on the new ABC drama Alaska Daily, the two-time Oscar winner is all about the details. The extremely grateful 48-year-old actress recently announced that she and her husband of four years, Philip Schneider, who she calls “the... Read More
Call to Action
Even at the tender age of nine, actor and activist Leo Abelo Perry knows how to make an indelible mark on the world. The Doylestown native stars with Zach Braff and Gabrielle Union as fraternal twin Luca Baker in the hilarious remake of the 2003 family comedy, Cheaper by The Dozen, currently available on Disney+. The uplifting story follows the Bakers, a multicultural family of... Read More
A Rewarding Journey
To understand the power of adoption is to know the story of one local young boy named “Jake.” After experiencing separation from his biological family at age 5, he spent time in multiple foster homes, two group homes and went through two failed adoptions before being placed in yet another foster home. Prone to angry outbursts as a result of all this childhood trauma, Jake was... Read More
Larger Than Life
Idris Elba has a powerful and visceral screen presence. This is most likely one of the many reasons that Elba is an A-list Hollywood actor who climbed from poverty in an East London canning town. He was named People’s Sexiest Man Alive in 2018, a title that he called “a nice surprise and an ego boost.” But his brilliant career, and easy-going attitude, show that he has not... Read More
Raising the Bar
Meet some of Central Florida’s top-level varsity athletes Sean Stewart, Montverde Academy boys basketball A 6-foot-8 forward, Stewart averaged 20.5 points, 13.6 rebounds and 4.6 blocks last year at Windermere and was part of the U.S. team that won the gold medal at the FIBA World Cup in Spain this past summer. He transferred to Montverde Academy for his senior season before moving... Read More
To Infinity and Beyond
Looking up to contemplate the heavens and all the wonders of the starry skies unites humanity across millennia. For thousands of years, marveling at the infinite mysteries beyond our pale blue dot has challenged the greatest minds of every generation, rewarded awestruck onlookers with dazzling celestial displays and inspired billions of wishes made upon a skyful of stars—and,... Read More
Class is in Session
As students are in the midst of another exciting school year, it’s time for our annual look at how some of the region’s leading private high schools are paving the way for students to grow in and out of the classroom. We worked directly with area schools to glean information in key areas like average SAT scores, percentage of graduates attending four-year colleges, tuition rates,... Read More
Wise Beyond Their Years
There is no question that our children have faced unprecedented challenges in recent years, from remote school to canceled activities. The fact that they have still managed to thrive is nothing short of remarkable, and many are even finding ways to go above and beyond by volunteering at local charities or starting their own initiatives to help others. Orlando Family Magazine is... Read More
Animal Instincts
When Marcia Gay Harden thinks about joyous family vacations, her mind immediately goes to the time spent in Orlando in the legendary Diagon Alley at Universal Studios. The Tony- and Academy Award-winning actress feels a strong tie to Orlando because of her family’s enormous attachment to “all things Harry Potter.” So much so that her three children cajoled her into going... Read More
Strides in Women’s Health Care
From new contraception options to minimally invasive robotic technology, the world of medicine has made great strides in improving the way health care workers treat women. This demographic of patients requires specialized surgical techniques and tools to ensure that it receives the best quality of care, and according to local experts, there are tons of new innovations being used... Read More
‘Helping Others Help Themselves’
Central Florida is fortunate to have a strong presence of nonprofits and philanthropic organizations that strive to uplift the community in various ways. But even in that crowded landscape, Dr. Phillips Charities manages to stand out with its staying power, unique background and far-reaching impact. Comprised of two distinct divisions—Dr. Phillips Inc. and The Dr. P. Phillips... Read More
Worthy of Attention
Gabby Goodwin, Oviedo girls swimming A sensational distance swimmer, Goodwin was the 4A state champion in the 500 freestyle last year in a school-record time of 4:50.84 and also placed third in the 200 free. She is committed to Florida State. OFM: Has it sunk in that this is your last year of high school and is it a bittersweet feeling? GG: I kind of feel both ways. High school... Read More
