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

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