A Helping Hand
Any parent of a young child will tell you that while each day is its own adventure, what matters most to them is that they are raising a happy and healthy individual in a stable, loving environment. But for many families struggling with the complex challenges that arise in life, this is certainly easier said than done. When faced with major issues like poverty, food insecurity,... 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
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
Walt Disney World’s Newest Ambassadors
A new crest honoring the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort adorns Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The crest completes the castle’s royal, EARidescent makeover, joining gold bunting, sparkling embellishments and other new enhancements leading up to “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” beginning Oct. 1, 2021. (Kent Phillips, photographer) The... 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
Leading Lady
Photo by Chris Pizzello/AP/Shutterstock (6353184e) When Lady Gaga last graced the big screen in 2018, in the aptly titled A Star is Born, the entertainer known more for her music career at the time proved that she was a force in the film world, as well. Nominated for an Academy Award as Best Actress, she ended up with an Oscar in the category of Best Original Song for the hit “Shallow,”... Read More
On With the Show
A delectable menu has been selected and the perfect song has been chosen for the bride and groom’s first dance as husband and wife. The guest list has been finalized and the family’s feuding uncles have been sat on opposite sides of the ballroom. Finally, the happy couple can focus on enjoying their big day, except for one little problem: In the time of COVID, the process of... 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
Back on Top
Ben Affleck looks tired. And a little fed up. Usually in a relaxed manner, he’s tense when we meet. And slightly anxious. Today, his gatekeepers are ardently keen to keep idle chat to a minimum, yet his slightly somber expression disguises someone actually emerging from the darkness with considerable optimism. After a bitterly difficult stretch in his personal life, he has... Read More
Their Time to Shine
This high school sports season promises to be more exciting than ever, and these seven student-athletes are likely to be leading the way in their respective sports. DeMario Tolan, Dr. Phillips football A senior transfer from Tohopakaliga, this athletic and instinctual linebacker can make plays all over the field. He hopes to lead his new team to a state championship before continuing... Read More
Designer Dreams
After being crowned HGTV’s first “Design Star” in 2006, David Bromstad quickly found a home on the network. Over the past 15 years, the vivacious designer and artist has gone on to have an incredibly successful career in television. As host of Color Splash, Beach Flip and the immensely popular My Lottery Dream Home, Bromstad has become a household name, largely in part to... Read More
Sand-sational Sarasota
Only a two-hour drive south from Orlando, Sarasota is known for its pristine white sand beaches, superb dining, unique shopping, not to mention, its endless cultural and recreational amenities. Home of The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the official state museum of art, it’s no wonder that Sarasota is often referred to as Florida’s Cultural Coast. It’s nearly 40 miles... Read More
GETTING PERSONAL
XL 106.7’s Johnny Magic on being one of the most beloved radio DJs in Orlando, surviving a devastating house fire, and how the coronavirus affected his life. My first radio job was for an overnight college radio station. I was petrified that first night! All I wanted to do was get off the air and never, ever do it again. The thing I love most about my job... Read More
The Mind-Body Connection
You don’t have to be a professional or even a casual athlete to benefit from the ways sports medicine is helping people from all walks of life get back to the lives and hobbies they love post-injury. While its name may conjure images of sidelined sports heroes clawing their way back to mobility, flexibility and recovery, the reality is that anyone can access the specialized, individualized,... Read More
Wayne’s Way
From comedy to acting, singing, dancing and hosting game shows, Wayne Brady has proven he can do it all. Brady has been entertaining audiences for over three decades with no plans of stopping anytime soon. The multi-Emmy winner and Grammy-nominated Brady grew up in Tangelo Park and is a graduate of Dr. Phillips High School. As a youngster, Brady worked as a performer at both Walt... Read More
TOP PHYSICIANS 2021
While the pandemic has been the topic of conversation for the medical world for well over a year now, the fact of the matter is many area doctors have been going above and beyond to treat their patients well before COVID-19 ever became a part of daily lexicon. That is why each year we like to celebrate these selfless individuals for the trusted care they provide and the manner in... Read More
