- Tossing bags for a good cause with Jim Hukill and Ryan Rouse of Lift Disability Network.
- The Winter Garden Arts Association has been encouraging creativity in the community for years.
- Hubert Abitbol says that if you love art, it’s never too late to start
- There is always good news in the garden.
- Mary Ann Miller marks her debut with her novel, Bones Under the Ice.
- Networking and Party Tips for Best Fest, The Taste of West Orange
Uplifting
Tossing bags for a good cause with Jim Hukill and Ryan Rouse of Lift Disability Network.
Belonging is everything. And sharing that sense of belonging with others is one of the most rewarding feelings someone can experience. But for Ryan Rouse, the real joy comes from providing it. And that is exactly what he and Lift Disability Network are doing for Central Floridans—elevating families with disabilities. Ryan explains, “In the disability community, this is a life-long journey, there’s no end to it. So if we can encourage people in that journey, surround them with community, and deliver hope along the way, then it’s worth it.”
Jim Hukill knows this firsthand. As an infant, Jim was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy and was told to expect a life of limitations. Experiencing the strain that a disability can have on a family, Jim set out to form a group whose focus is on the entire family unit rather than just one person. “We found that there are several ‘big giants’ to people being able to accomplish certain things and live successfully. The biggest of these is isolation, which creates a place where people are unable to build relationships. We feel that our job is to connect people. We’re very focused on bringing fun—families need just that.”
And that’s exactly what his 501(c)3, Lift Disability Network, will be doing this month. With the help of Ryan, Director of Programming, Lift is hosting its second annual Lift Cornhole Tournament on Saturday, April 15th, from 10 am-1 pm at the West Orange Dream Center. Serving as an opportunity for fun and fellowship, proceeds from the tournament will provide scholarships to the charity’s biggest program, Breakaway Camp —a five-day family retreat designed to provide relaxation, recreation, and spiritual renewal for an entire family.
This year, Ryan and Jim are changing the dynamic of the event. “One thing we learned last year, our first year, is that cornhole is really boring to watch if you’re not playing,” Ryan says with a laugh. “So we are adding more excitement this year— concessions, a raffle, a kid zone, and more importantly, a foam party provided by Florida Foam Factory! We’re ready for everyone in Winter Garden to come out and play!”
It isn’t hard to notice Lift Disability’s genuine desire to make an impact on these families’ lives, and this event is just one example. Jim says, “The cornhole tournament is such a great opportunity for us to be involved and do something special for the community. Let them see exactly who we are.”
Local History
Winter Garden Arts & Historical Association
With an ongoing resolve and persistent passion for fine arts, the Winter Garden Arts Association has been encouraging creativity in the community for years. Formed in August 1979 by local cultural enthusiasts, the Art Association set out with a mission to encourage individuality and foster artistic growth in the area. Having met previously in an art studio on Plant Street, the Art Association converted the old train station into a fine arts museum, a place for any artist to express themselves. This museum would come to serve as both a gallery and a meeting place. The response was overwhelming—after opening, a nucleus of people began to attend their meetings, and in the course of several years, the Art Association produced several art shows and Local Color exhibits over the years, holding the First Annual Winter Garden Art Festival in early 1980. After many years of change and growth, in 2013 the Art Association finally settled at its current location on 127 S. Boyd Street, in the city’s old fire station. More commonly known as SoBo, the Winter Garden Art Association is still at work, and it has kept its original promise from 1979, forever painting its impact on the community.
The mission of the Winter Garden Art Association is to encourage individual creativity and artistic expression, to promote community involvement and cooperation, and to advance the appreciation, education, and availability of visual and cultural arts.
Market Watch
Just Add Water
If you love art, it’s never too late to start. At least, that’s what watercolorist Hubert Abitbol says to any market-goer who stops to appreciate his work. Featuring stirring watercolor paintings and prints, Art by Hubert (@artbyhubert) is a booth that is not to be missed on your next market trip. During his youth in France, Hubert was deeply inspired by French and Italian artists. “I would go to museums and look at the art, and each time, I felt a strong emotion. What happens when you look at these beautiful paintings—you feel the emotion the artist had while they were painting it.” Wanting to give the same feeling to others, Hubert immersed his fascination into painting. Hubert’s illustrated experiences adorn the market with colorful depictions of Winter Garden and surrounding areas. “I love painting Plant Street, especially the fountain. It’s a beautiful spot, and it’s ever-changing, so I am able to paint it with different lights, flowers, and colors. I am quite an idealist, so I try to create optimistic paintings.”
With brilliant pigments and familiar settings, Hubert’s artwork certainly draws a sense of delight to any viewer. And for Hubert, that’s all that matters. “I cannot explain. Drawing, painting, creating images—I don’t understand why, but it gives me great pleasure. And that’s something I can give to others. If I were creating art for myself, it wouldn’t be as interesting. I have more pleasure creating art for others.”
April 2023
New
It’s almost time to let it fly! At Urban Air Adventure Park (@UrbanAirHamlin) that is, which should (fingers crossed) open this month in Hamlin!
Speaking of flying, mark your calendars for May 6th, when the King of Darkness (@waterskiKOD) returns to Winter Garden. Elite waterski jumpers going 220’ in the dark? Sign us up! kingofdarkness.org
A big congratulations to not one, but two robotics teams at West Orange High School for taking first and third at the Lockheed Martin Robotics Competition!
Also, a shout out to Peyton Giessuebel on publishing her first children’s book, If You Only Knew What Failure Could Do.
And to our BFF Bryan Fifer (@insurewithbryan) on opening his swanky new offices at 3724 Winter Garden Vineland Rd.
And for the real reason you read this column: food! We’re not going to lie—it’s not 34787, but we’re still putting the newly reopened and redesigned RusTeak (@rusteakwinebar) on heavy rotation. It’s no coincidence that their amazing food is being served at 1681 Amazing Way.
Then again, we’re also in line more often than not at Jeremiah’s Italian Ice (@JeremiahsIce1041), which is now open at The Mark just off Siedel Road.
And construction is near completion at the new Maple Street Biscuit Company
(@ maplestreetbiscuitcompany) which will open later this spring at 16027 New Independence Parkway.
You can work off all those calories in your new kicks from the new Flip Flop Shops (@ flipflopshops) location at 100 Boyd St. Stop by and tell Oliver & Lori that The Local sent you!
Author Spotlight
Miller's Chiller
From bookworm to wordsmith, Mary Ann Miller marks her debut with her novel, Bones Under the Ice. Enigmatic and intriguing, Mary’s novel follows the story of a female sheriff and the ups and downs she must endure, with mystery laced throughout. “As with all debut authors, I think there are parts of her that are parts of me. I get inspiration from the women in my life, my very dear friends. Watching them go through certain struggles early on in their lives—I want to show them through my writing.” Mary Ann’s love for mystery is apparent, her inspiration drawn from childhood favorites such as Nancy Drew and author Agatha Christie. “At the time, it was unusual to have a female character as a lead in a thriller. That’s what drew me in.” Keeping it old fashioned, Mary Ann prefers to write with a just pen and yellow note pad. “I just really write for the joy of it. I love the early stages, because you never know where you’re going to go with it. You just get to know the characters, and they lead you into places you couldn’t have imagined. And don’t question them, just go!”
We know you’ll want to read more, and you won’t have to wait long—Mary Ann is currently working on the second novel in the series, The Moonshine Murders.
Networking and Party Tips for Best Fest, The Taste of West Orange
Local news from our friends at:
The West Orange Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that Best Fest, The Taste of West Orange food tasting and business expo returns after a brief hiatus. Enjoy the Taste of West Orange as you indulge in a variety of beer, wine, and spirits along with many delicious food offerings from some of the best local restaurants, bars, caterers, and breweries that West Orange County has to offer.
Best Fest is an amazing event with more than 50 incredible vendors for you to enjoy throughout the night. Hundreds of business associates will be there enjoying the festivities, but what is the best way to network so you get the most out of the Event. Here are some networking keys to success:
1. The most important business card is the one you receive, not the one you give.
Best Fest will be busy. You must assume that the person you’re speaking with will receive dozens of business cards. Your business card may get lost, forgotten, or confused with another prospect. Therefore, you must take the responsibility to receive their contact information, and follow up.
2. You will be forgotten within 48 hours of your meeting.
Maybe sooner! Perhaps you plan on having a few drinks and you and your new “best friend” agreed that the two of you working together could conquer the world. Unfortunately after the meeting your “new best friend” got a call from his wife and now has to pick up pizza on the way home. This weekend his daughter has a dance recital, and now he’s busy watching Tik Tok videos. You better assume as FACT that no matter how engaging you were at the meeting, that your prospect, like you, has a life outside of business and your failure to follow up immediately will result in you being forgotten!
3. If you are waiting for someone to email or call you….you will be disappointed!
As mentioned above, you will be forgotten within 48 hours of your meeting. So if you’re under the assumption that someone is going to email or call you as if they have no life outside of you….you will be disappointed. Don’t be afraid to take the first step, even if they “promised” to email or call. Just send a “thank you”. Tell them you loved meeting them.
4. No one will “Like” you, “Accept” you, or “Follow” you unless you’re willing to take the first step!
In the world of social networking, I hear all the time “Like” me on Facebook, “Accept” my invitation on LinkedIn, or “Follow” me on Instagram. Try taking the first step. Make sure you’re the one to send the social media invitations. Take pictures and ask your friends about their business pages. You’ll be surprised at how well you are received when you show an interest in some one else’s business. Make sure to tag the West Orange Chamber of Commerce, We Are Winter Garden, and The Local to get the most engagement in West Orange County.
5. Even in the 21 Century, face-to-face marketing is still the most effective manner for getting business done.
21 Century Technology is great. We can accomplish so much from behind our computers, our tablets, and smart phones. But don’t use technology as an excuse to avoid real inter personal relationships. Learning how to network face to face while utilizing technology to quickly and effectively follow up is the key to generating real business.
Final tip – HAVE FUN!
People like to do business with people they like. Don’t take yourself or business so seriously. Most people who are there will want to enjoy the amazing food and drinks from all over West Orange County. Use the tips above as a way to follow up. If you have any question or just need a friend to network with, please look for your friends at the West Orange Chamber, We Are Winter Garden, and The Local. We’re here to help!
