- Bernard Hendricks Jr. is turning rhythm into life-changing lessons.
- Sara Samuels & Marty O’Connor say I do in a celebration brimming with local charm.
- A look at the history of the Garden Theater.
- Jamie Mark flexes his publisher privilege to grab the mace from Sean to rave about a great local experience.
- Kate cruises the Winter Garden Farmer’s Market and shares her fave finds.
- There's always good news in the Garden.
One Man’s Band
Bernard Hendricks Jr. is turning rhythm into life-changing lessons.
Bernard Hendricks Jr.’s journey as a Grammy-nominated music educator is deeply intertwined with his roots and his father’s passion for music. Growing up, Bernard’s father—a tuba player in a traditional German oom-pah band during his military service in Germany—would bring him along to practices. “He’d put on his lederhosen, and I’d get to tag along,” Bernard remembers with a warm laugh. “For me, it was just about spending time with my dad while he played. Those moments left a mark on me that I carry to this day.”
Over the past 28 years, Bernard has inspired more than 15,000 students, sharing the transformative magic of music. His teaching career began with a middle school band of 120 students, which grew to more than 400 under his guidance. Today, as a high school band director at Ocoee High School, he runs a thriving program that gives every student—from beginners to seasoned players—a chance to find their rhythm and discover their love of music.
When he’s not in the classroom, Bernard unwinds with “Old School Funk” on iHeart Radio. “For me, it’s real music—the horns, the drums. It just speaks to me as a percussionist,” he says. “I guess you could call me a noise maker,” he adds with a grin. His playlist is a mix of jazz, funk, and worship music, all bound by the powerful rhythms he loves.
After the pandemic reshaped education, Bernard made it his mission to create a space of unity and collaboration in his classroom. To his students, it’s more than a band room—it’s a family. “It’s not just about learning notes. It’s about teamwork, leadership, and the joy of creating something together,” he explains. He also makes a point of introducing his students to underrepresented voices in music, like minority and female composers. “I want to expose my students to diverse talents and perspectives,” he says. “It’s about broadening their horizons.”
As for the Grammy nod? Bernard humbly defers. ”This nomination isn’t just about me—it’s about the students who inspire me every day, the mentors who shaped my journey, and the power of music to bring people together. It’s a privilege to share this art form and watch it transform lives.”
Ocoee High School band director Bernard Hendricks Jr. has been named a GRAMMY Finalist! He’s one of 10 announced for the 2025 Music Educator Award.
Cultivating Love
Sara Samuels & Marty O’Connor say I do in a celebration brimming with local charm.
Sara Samuels and Marty O’Connor’s story could have been scripted by fate. Both hailed from the same area near Scranton, Pennsylvania, grew up just 20 miles apart, and even attended the University of Scranton—a small college of fewer than 4,000 students. Yet their paths never crossed.
“We were always in each other’s orbit,” Sara reflects, “but it wasn’t our time yet.” Even after both moved to Florida to work at the same company and lived only miles apart, their lives remained separate—until one night at The Attic Door.
Marty mentioned Scranton in conversation with a bartender. Sara, sitting nearby, overheard and couldn’t believe her ears.
“‘Scranton, Pennsylvania? No way!’” Sara recalls saying, laughing at the memory. “We started talking, and suddenly all these connections came to light.”
Winter Garden became the perfect backdrop for their budding relationship. Its historic charm and warm atmosphere made it feel like home. Their first official date at Light Up Winter Garden solidified their bond.
“Walking those glowing streets together felt like a scene from a movie,” Sara shares. “It’s a tradition we’ve kept alive every year since.”
After seven wonderful years together, Marty proposed during a dreamy getaway in Barbados. While the couple once imagined a tropical elopement, fate—and Sara’s mom,Jeanne Yazinski—had other plans. So when Sara and Marty married last October, they turned their wedding into a celebration of Winter Garden.
Guests stayed at the historic Edgewater Hotel, enjoyed local cuisine, and joined a guided historical tour led by Jim from the Heritage Foundation. “We wanted our families to experience everything we love about this town,” Sara says. From florals by Plant Street Flower Cart to desserts from DG Donuts and Southern Home Bakery, every detail showcased local businesses.
Their ceremony took place in Sara’s family’s pollinator garden, alive with butterflies symbolizing new beginnings. Later, they returned to The Attic Door for a heartfelt reception. Sitting in their original meeting spots, now labeled “Bride” and “Groom,” they danced to “Sarah Smile” by Hall & Oates, closing a perfect chapter in their story.
While the adventure of saying “I do” has drawn to a close, a new chapter begins. Together, they’re embracing what’s next: more travel, new memories, and even cultivating a garden of their own.
"Walking those glowing streets together felt like a scene from a movie. It’s a tradition we’ve kept alive every year since."
Then & Now
The Garden Theater
Ravings!
Jamie Mark flexes his publisher privilege to grab the mace from Sean to rave about a great local experience.
We lost power, like many others, when Hurricane Milton swept through Central Florida. Unfortunately, days later, we were still without power when most people had theirs restored. After toughing it out, my family decided it was time for a hot meal at our favorite taco spot, Ocoee Taco Company. It’s not fancy, but locals know the food is amazing!
As we dug into our comfort food, owner Francisco Enamorado—“Taco Frank,” as everyone calls him—stopped by to say hello. We don’t know each other well, but Frank is friendly with everyone. When we mentioned we were still without power, he immediately offered us a generator. Not wanting to impose and realizing we couldn’t fit it in our Honda, we thanked him and declined. Frank insisted, even offering to deliver it himself in his truck—and he did.
That generator powered us through two more days before our power came back. And when it did, Frank was there with his truck and a smile to pick it up.
This is what being a local is all about. Despite managing his own life and business, Frank dropped everything to help a family in need. I’m so grateful for his generosity. Frank is thoughtful, community-minded, and makes some of the best Mexican food around. So a huge shoutout to Frank and Ocoee Taco Company! Next time you’re hungry, go support Frank and his wonderful local business.
Market Watch
With Kate McDonald Kester
Kate cruises the Winter Garden Farmer’s Market and shares her fave finds.
Just K’s Kandles with classic scents and boozy inspired cocktail candles, elevate your senses with these candles!
Sauce Man: Turn up the heat, savor the sweet, and embrace the smoke—The Sauce Man is here to level up your flavor game!
Ruby & Rust Green Plants: New year, new leaves—let green be your guiding color with a little help from Ruby and Rust.
Foodies, get ready to indulge. Grand Central Pizza has officially opened in Ocoee, serving up pies that are already making waves
Wine O’Clock Bistro, also in Ocoee, is your new go-to for sipping and savoring in style.
Downtown Winter Garden welcomed Soulshi, a fresh and flavorful sushi spot that already has a slew of raving fans.
Big news for pizza fans: AJ’s Pizza Joint will soon open its doors in the old Winter Garden Pizza location, promising a delicious comeback.
Meanwhile, Italian food lovers will rejoice when Spoleto Italian Kitchen joins the Main Street dining scene, bringing its signature pasta creations to the area.
Speaking of great eats, Matthew’s Steakhouse just upped its game by securing a liquor license. Their new cocktail menu, with drink names inspired by local personalities, is as creative as it is delicious.
Beyond the bites, Winter Garden is expanding with exciting additions. Aquamania Aquarium Store has opened on Colonial, offering everything you need to make a splash in your aquatic adventures.
Cannabis enthusiasts are fired up about the grand opening of RISE Dispensary.
Fitness fans are gearing up for D1 Training Winter Garden, which just debuted its cutting-edge facility.
Last, but not least, Erika Krivenko of Hive Boutique who took to social media to share the news of her shop’s closing—but don’t worry, it’s not the last we’ll see of her. New plans are already buzzing!
