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

26Health

Patient-centered care. An idea often conceptualized in health care facilities, but often never fully realized until now. For the staff at Orlando-based 26Health, it is not enough to say it is their goal to treat the entire patient. They make it happen. “The organization truly takes a holistic view of the patient,” says Manny Carames, director of behavioral health and adoptions.... Read More

Diabetes and Your Eyesight

Diabetes is said to be one of the fastest-growing chronic diseases in the world, and in the United States alone it affects 34.2 million people. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, that’s roughly one out of every 10 of the population. Even more jarring is the fact that one in five don’t even know they have the disease.  What, exactly, does this have... Read More

Experts in Eye Care

The health and wellness of your eyes should never be overlooked. Proper care of your eyes and vision is a key component to your overall health. The physicians of Central Florida Eye Specialists understand this and are dedicated to excellence in ophthalmology. The practice has been tending to the eye care needs of Orlando-area patients for over 30 years. With six convenient locations... Read More

Connecting Hearts, Growing Families

For more than 20 years, Amy Imber has been a tireless adoption advocate, connecting families of all kinds to the children their hearts have chosen.  In that time, she’s noticed that a handful of stigmas and misconceptions have lessened their hold on public perception. These days, for example, adoption isn’t so readily dismissed as a second-best alternative, just as it’s recognized... Read More

Tapping into Personal Health: Look Better, Feel Better, Perform Better 

In today’s world, we want instant gratification, and nowhere is that more desirable than in the realm of health and wellness. To achieve these goals, we might increase our water intake or start taking more vitamins and supplements and even join a gym, but it can be months before we see and feel the results of that hard work. However, there is a way to start feeling better faster... Read More

All in the Family

Chris and Samuel Dixon are far from alone in the fact that they witnessed a loved one suffer dire financial consequences as a result of the Great Recession in 2008. What makes the brothers different from most, however, is that they were inspired to do something about it. Having seen their beloved grandmother lose a significant portion of the savings she had worked so hard to accumulate... Read More

A Clear Vision

Since opening its doors more than five decades ago, Magruder Eye Institute has steadily built a stellar reputation as a provider of world-class eye care in Central Florida. In fact, the practice’s highly impressive team of physicians treats roughly 100,000 patients each year at its six state-of-the-art facilities conveniently located throughout the region.  Of course, that type... Read More

An Eye on the Future

Diabetes is said to be one of the fastest-growing chronic diseases in the world, and in the United States alone there are 1.5 million new cases each year. The numbers for hypertension are even more alarming, with nearly half of all American adults experiencing high blood pressure and being in jeopardy of heart disease or stroke. What, exactly, does this have to do with the eyes?... Read More

‘Cancer Does Not Stop for Anything’

When she took on the role of CEO/President of the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation (FBCF) in January 2020, Tracy Jacim’s previous career as a broadcast journalist had prepared her to always brace for the unexpected.  So when COVID brought the world to a grinding halt two months later and upended everyone’s daily routines, she was ready to take on the all-new challenges of a... Read More

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