Spreading Hope
Before joining The Mustard Seed of Central Florida as its executive director in 2013, Kathy Baldwin had heard inspiring stories about how the nonprofit furniture and clothing bank can dramatically change the lives of local families in need. She remembers quite vividly one of the first times she actually got to witness that impact firsthand. It all started with a scream. Baldwin... Read More
Side Dish
Café-Boutique Piano will open in Winter Park’s Hannibal Square in 2022. The family-run restaurant will feature eclectic European cuisine, live piano music and original art for purchase. While the family has previous restaurant experience from their time living in western Russia, the café 1,200-square-foot will be their first U.S. location. After much anticipation, new local... Read More
A Familiar Voice
For nearly three decades, renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli has captivated audiences with his soothing yet powerful voice. Throughout his illustrious career, Bocelli has earned six Grammy Award nominations as well as six Latin Grammy Award nods and has sold over 90 million records worldwide. A man of deep compassion, he founded the Andrea Bocelli Foundation (ABF) in 2011, with... Read More
Super Kids
While today’s youths are often thought of as lazy, screen-addicted adolescents, the truth of the matter is there are plenty of kids out in the world doing amazing things that are having a lasting impact in the community. Here, we introduce you to some of Orlando’s finest; children who show tremendous maturity for their age and who have mastered the art of selfless giving. Gavin... Read More
Deck the Halls
Although the pandemic is still lingering over our heads, local holiday celebrations from area communities to the theme parks are in full swing. While everyone is eager to spread some cheer, please check with event organizers directly for specific information on their COVID-19 protocols. NOW THROUGH DEC. 18 Christmas, My Way: A Sinatra Holiday Bash Get into the holiday spirit... Read More
‘Bottlenecks on Top of Bottlenecks’
From the garment industry to automotive suppliers, from the exorbitant rise in everything from commercial semiconductors to Thanksgiving dinner, from delays in delivering goods ranging from online gift orders to a new sofa, private citizens and international corporations alike have been at the mercy of disruptions in the supply chain for nearly two years now. And it feels like there’s... Read More
Peak Performers
These seven impressive high school athletes are ready for the spotlight this winter. Plus, take a look at Dariq Whitehead, Montverde Academy boys basketball A senior guard, Whitehead was a key piece of a team that went 24-1 and was crowned the GEICO national champion last year. One of the top recruits in the country because of his elite play on both ends of the floor, the New Jersey... Read More
Family of the Heart
A family, at its core, is about love. It’s a safe home, unconditional support and a built-in team who will always be there to take care of each other. That’s why Melanie Stimmell, of the supportive, educational and advocacy nonprofit Florida’s Foster/Adoptive Parent Association (FAPA), says that loving an adopted child is no different than loving a biological one. “The... Read More
Making your Pet’s Health a Priority
Every family likely has a calendar filled with activities and appointments, ranging from weekly sports practice to bi-annual dental cleanings. If there’s a pet in the family, they should have a spot on the calendar too. The most important appointment for pets is their annual visit. According to Dr. Robert Hess Jr., owner of Winter Park Veterinary Hospital, pets age much faster... Read More
A Masterpiece in the Making
This past February, the Orlando Museum of Art (OMA) announced Aaron De Groft, Ph.D., as its new director and CEO. An expert in the field, De Groft previously served as the deputy director and chief curator of the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. More recently, he was the director and CEO of the Muscarelle Museum of Art at his alma mater, the College of William & Mary,... Read More
Varying Vaccine Viewpoints
According to data from the American Academy of Pediatrics, more than six million children have tested positive for COVID-19 since the pandemic began. Over one million of those cases occurred this past September, as many schools reopened with in-person classes. While the likelihood of COVID causing severe illness or death is a much lower risk for children than adults, over 500 children... Read More
Taco Time!
It certainly doesn’t have to be Tuesday for us to enjoy a plateful of tacos. In fact, we’d argue that every night is taco night in the Greater Orlando region. That’s because our area is replete with eateries that serve them in a variety of enticing ways and aimed at every palate. And while such a wonderful array of creative offerings makes it hard to narrow down the best,... Read More
Joining the Family Business
When Michael Gandolfini was a young boy, he had his own stash of toys on the set of The Sopranos, and on occasion, would take naps on Tony and Carmela’s bed. So, it’s especially serendipitous that he is now stepping into the shoes of the iconic Tony Soprano. A television role that was made famous by his late father, James, the complex character was a brash and ruthless mobster... Read More
Masters of Glass
The Arribas Brothers name is synonymous with perfection and masterful glass art. The impeccable craftsmanship of each glass piece is unparalleled. For over 50 years, the company has been exclusively situated on Disney property with locations in Orlando, Anaheim, Tokyo, Paris and Shanghai. Rudy Arribas, son of Alfonso, is the president of the Arribas Brothers Company. Born and raised... Read More
A Disney Dream Come True
As far back as he can remember, Don Williams has always loved Disney. His grandmother began calling him “Ducky” after her favorite Disney character, Donald Duck. The nickname stuck, which has never bothered Williams since Donald is his favorite character as well. Williams took a liking to art as a youngster and delighted in drawing Disney characters. His favorite character to... Read More
Philanthropy in the Pandemic Era
Donate food to hungry people, Concept of poverty and hunger More than a year and a half into the long slog of navigating the pandemic, daily routines and expectations have adapted to COVID’s constant changes, from individuals pitching in for their homebound neighbors to companies adapting to remote options for employees’ safety. Nonprofits, too, have changed their operational... Read More
Happy to Help
Asking for help isn’t always as simple as it sounds. Most people treasure their independence, and admitting that they can’t handle a problem on their own—even a medical one—can sometimes be a challenge. Whether it’s an issue they think they can put off until later, is embarrassing in nature or is just too scary to tackle head on, the consequences of not seeking assistance... Read More
Leaders in Higher Education Roundtable
The landscape of higher education has changed since the last generation set foot on campus. Advancements in technology, a debt crisis and a global pandemic are just a few of the factors making an impact on how students choose to pursue a degree. Orlando Family Magazine approached the leaders of various local institutions to find out how they are adapting to challenges, broadening... Read More
Getting Prepped
With the new school year underway, it’s time for us to take a look at some of the region’s leading private schools are helping their students excel and progress and young adults. We worked directly with the schools to glean information in key areas like the percentage of students attending four-year colleges, tuition rates, student-to-teacher ratios and more. One set of statistics... Read More
Explore the Arts
A preview of the shows, exhibits and more coming to Greater Orlando this fall. PERFORMING ARTS & LIVE MUSIC Central Florida Community Arts CFCArts.com | (407) 937-1800 Sept. 2-3 Ragtime: A Summer Broadway Benefit Concert Set in New York at the turn of the 20th century, this story follows the stories of three diverse families chasing their own version of the American... Read More
The Power of Giving
When Jeanne Fortier moved to Orlando from Washington, D.C., in the late 1980s, she was eager to continue the volunteer work she was doing in her previous city as part of a social group that supported local charities. When she discovered that no such organization existed in her new surroundings, she was not deterred. She simply found eight other like-minded women and they started... Read More
