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
Giving the Gift of a Smile
Although Fravel Brewer Orthodontics has been a fixture in the Central Florida community for more than three decades, and has been able to restore the self-esteem for countless teens and young adults during that time, the feeling of helping a child never grows old. In fact, the orthodontists’ love for coming to work is shared by the entire team, especially on those days when they... Read More
‘A Genuine Passion’
Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health is one of the most comprehensive nonprofit behavioral health care organizations in the country, offering services in 13 states. Founded in 1912 by one of the first pioneers in the field—Helena Devereux—it launched operations in Florida 35 years ago to meet the emotional and behavioral needs of local youth who have experienced significant trauma.... Read More
Building a Strong Foundation
Education isn’t just about academics: It’s about guiding and supporting children as they grow while showing them how to become conscientious community members, and Foundation Academy approaches that tremendous responsibility with the respect it deserves. The private Christian school for children from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade also ensures that faith-based fellowship... Read More
Prioritizing Pet Health
From developed biologic treatments to intricately designed food, the latest advancements in pet health are tangible evidence of just how much people care about and love the animals in their lives. Orlando Family Magazine talked to experts in the area to discuss these recent progressions, as well as what we can expect in future pet care. Ample Advancements Dr. James Ebner, a veterinarian... 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 Global Impact
From the moment it was founded in 1912, Montverde Academy (MVA) has been devoted to enriching the lives of students both inside and outside the classroom, and has established itself as a forward-thinking academic institution that inspires every child to reach their full potential. Of the school’s many unique aspects, perhaps none is more impactful than its incredible diversity,... 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
Filling the Void
The long and arduous road to adopting a child can be a difficult one to navigate, full of twists and turns and cause for a range of emotions. But the process can be even more daunting for same-sex couples and other members of the LGBTQIA+ community, who often incur other obstacles that can further complicate matters. Here in Central Florida, 26Health is an organization easing... Read More
Sandwich Supremacy
It’s no secret that our region is full of expert sandwich makers, folks who understand that everything from the quality of the bread to ingredients used inside are of the utmost importance when constructing a memorable handheld. And so now that it’s been a few years since our last expedition to find the best sandwiches in the area, we decided it was a fine time to once again... 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
The Doctor Is In
Friends’ social media confessions, celebrities opening up about their troubles conceiving and popular entertainment increasingly addressing the very real struggles of trying to get pregnant have all, in recent years, helped diminish the taboo of talking about infertility. But as helpful as it is to have more resources and avenues for connecting with others who understand that... Read More
Pushing the Envelope
It’s been a complete whirlwind of a ride for Jessica Chastain in the past decade: Three personal Oscar nominations, one win, a marriage and having two children with her husband. But nothing has helped keep her feet on the ground more than her saying that she remembers how fortunate she is to be where she has gotten—regardless of the speed with which it has happened—every day... Read More
Get the Party Started
There have long been rumblings about a rumored sequel to the hit movie Wedding Crashers, and now just might be the perfect time to reunite Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson on screen. That’s because, after several years of last-minute postponements, mask requirements and limited guest lists due to COVID, large, extravagant weddings are back—and better than ever. With a focus on... Read More
Leading the Charge
It happens every October. Across the country, pink ribbons are prominently displayed, survivors gather in support of one another and millions of dollars are raised all in the name of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. And while there is considerable momentum built up during these 31 days on the calendar, the truth of the matter is the battle against the disease is very much... 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
Love Your Skin
Florida has always been an attractive place to call home, but during the course of the pandemic the Sunshine State has welcomed hundreds of thousands of new residents in one of the biggest population increases seen across the entire country. And while there are undoubtedly several things these new Floridians find alluring, the favorable weather conditions are certainly at the top... Read More
