Feature
Something Extra
Meet the locals who are redefining extraordinary in their own ways.
- Heather Anne Lee
- Heather Luxemburg
- Kate McDonald
- Fred Lopez
Shweta Patel
Vivacious, ebullient, and punny are just three ways you can describe Shweta Patel. But that hardly sums her up. Shweta is an inspirational force in Winter Garden, illuminating the path to women’s empowerment and innovative healthcare. In 2003, Shweta began her service as a first-generation military member in the U.S. Navy Medical Corps. It was here that she found the need for change in civilian healthcare.
In 2016, Shweta founded Gaya Wellness, a telemedicine platform that embraces a holistic approach to women’s health. Shweta’s mission is to empower women with knowledge and choices, transcending conventional healthcare.
Beyond her medical practice, Shweta co-hosts the Miss Labeled podcast, encouraging candid conversations on personal growth and societal labels.
Shweta says, “I believed in my vision, and seeing women responding to it makes it all worth it.”
Peter Cook
Have you ever experienced something horrible and left feeling like you—just one person—have no way of making a difference that will matter?
This feeling of powerlessness comes from a belief that you have no control over your environment, whether that’s your personal space, your closest relationships, your neighborhood, your local community, your country, and the world as a whole.
But the truth is we do have the power to take action and make a difference. It’s as simple as loving one another. This is the world that Peter Cook is building—a world where kindness, love, compassion, and hope are empowered through the embodiment of a character named Hippo Jones.
Born differently, with a heart seven-times bigger than normal, Hippo Jones is the story of what’s possible when you believe in love.
Peter, much like Hippo Jones, radiates infectious energy and genuine compassion. His story imparts the invaluable lesson of resilience in the face of life’s storms, teaching us to bend without breaking. But for Peter, this wasn’t always the case. With a history of addiction and several startup failures, Peter experienced many setbacks that tested his resolve. However, following his brother Andrew’s death, Peter decided to do something to continue his brother’s legacy of kindness. This is where Hippo Jones and the concept of Peter’s nonprofit, Largest Heart, were born.
Peter says, “Losing Andrew was the wake-up call I needed. Seeing how Andrew lived—how he paid it forward, how he treated other people, and the legacy of love he left in his wake—he inspired me to make a difference in people’s lives, to spread hope, love, and knowledge.”
As a result, a cast of delightful characters took shape on the pages of two heartwarming children’s books. Peter’s belief is crystal clear: “To change the world we must change the way we treat each other, starting one opportunity at a time.”
Hippo Jones—The Legend of the Largest Heart and Hippo Jones and Seven Secrets of Happiness are doing just that
Danny Paltjon
Much like ocean tides, life has an uncanny way of steering us through uncharted waters. For Danny Paltjon, that riptide was a spinal cord injury during a softball game that left him paralyzed from the chest down in 2003. The familiar doors of sports, hobbies, and even his business now seemed closed.
“Once I realized that I would never walk again, I turned my focus to being a better person,” he says. Which he did with determination and delight.
Still, a chance encounter in 2010 with a neighbor, Chris Sharp, became the catalyst for an entirely new vision: Oceans of Hope—bringing adaptive surfing and kayaking experiences to individuals with disabilities. Danny explains, “I’ve always loved the ocean. Growing up, I was always at the Jersey Shore.”
Through modifications and innovative techniques, Danny and Chris created a space where the joy of surfing and the thrill of the waves became accessible to all, shaping Oceans of Hope into a beacon of inclusion.
Oceans of Hope brings love and smiles, whether you’re battling with any type of illness. “My hope is to give them a great day, and to help them realize that there is so much more to experience in this life,” Danny says.
Today, what started as a dream fueled by Danny’s resilience has transformed into a movement that touches thousands of lives. The organization now hosts numerous events annually, spanning from Florida to Puerto Rico. But for Danny, the journey has been about more than physical accomplishments; it’s been a voyage of self-discovery and personal growth. He now values simple pleasures and moments of connection, dedicating his life to paying forward the support he received during his darkest days. “I always say to myself, Accept, Adapt, Achieve. If you can’t accept yourself, you’ll never be able to adapt to yourself. And if you never adapt to yourself, then you’ll never take the next step, which is to achieve something. I had to accept myself where I was, with my disability, and I adapted to it.”
Danny’s journey serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, one can find purpose and strength. Through Oceans of Hope, Danny is creating ripples of positivity, one wave at a time, proving that extraordinary individuals emerge not just from grand achievements, but from the power of transforming hardships into triumphs.
The Rouse Family
Meet Ryan and Stacie Rouse, a couple whose nine-year journey to parenthood culminated in an awe-inspiring, global family tapestry.
After years of hoping for biological children, the couple chose to craft a family by choice, through adoption. Little did they know that this choice would lead them to adopt in reverse birth order, starting with their youngest child, Piper, who had been with them since day one. Soon after, Hayden became the newest member of their growing family, adding his own colors to their canvas.
As they embraced the challenges and joys that came with each child, the Rouses not only shaped their own lives, but the ones adjacent to their growing family. Birth parents and genetic grandparents became extended family, turning the Rouse household into a melting pot of love and culture. “We have this quilt of a family, and we love that our family reflects our values. We don’t want everyone in our family to be the same; we’re really proud of our diversity,” Ryan says.
Their journey led them to unexpected corners of the world—Haiti, for instance, where they devoted four years to a ministry that changed lives. It was here that they welcomed Islanda, the eldest daughter, into their family, completing their familial endeavor. Ryan explains, “When you adopt, you look at children a bit differently. As soon as Stacie met our oldest daughter, she knew that she was supposed to be in our family.” Adding a layer of cultural richness to their family, Islanda’s resilience and pride in her heritage inspire all who know her.
Hayden and Piper, only eight months apart, are as thick as thieves. Their experience speaks to the beauty of sibling bonds and the importance of celebrating individuality. “They carry the badge of adoption with pride—they embrace their uniqueness,” Ryan says.
The Rouse family tree stands tall, adorned with a kaleidoscope of branches. Ryan says, “Our family tree doesn’t look like everyone else’s, but it’s a good tree.” Their tale teaches us that embracing differences and welcoming change can lead to a life that’s wonderfully rich, colorful, and, above all, extraordinary.
Blakely Olszewski
Blakely Olszewski, a 9-year-old girl with an indomitable spirit, is rewriting the rules of baseball. Blakely’s foray into America’s favorite pastime began innocently enough, with a simple request to play catch with her father, Matt. Now, at the end of her rookie Little League season, she has ascended to the All-Star League, standing out for her pitching prowess as well as being the only girl on the team. A true field of dreams.
Blakely’s favorite position? Pitcher. Her reason? “I like to strike people out,” she says arduously. But it’s not just her talent that sets her apart; it’s her unwavering dedication and work ethic. Matt says, “She’s kind of a perfectionist. Once she puts her mind to something, she strives to be the best that she can.”
Blakely’s pursuit of perfection isn’t limited to her pitching skills. She’s a born leader, guiding her team both in strategy and camaraderie. “I have to talk a lot. I tell them where to throw the ball and remind them how many outs there are,” she explains. Her commitment to teamwork and sportsmanship extends beyond the game, inspiring her teammates.
Her journey has not only transformed her but also influenced her younger sisters, Ella and Everly, who are now at-bat. They, too, are proving that gender is no barrier to excelling in the sport.
Blakely’s story has not only captured hearts at the local level but has sparked a surge of interest in baseball among young girls in the community. She is truly creating “A League of Her Own.” Her father acknowledges the incredible impact she’s had on her sisters and other aspiring female baseball players: “She has become an example around the community,” Matt proudly declares. “When we’re out and about, people recognize her as the girl from Winter Garden Little League. And to see the smile on her face… it’s incredible.”
As Blakely continues to chase her dream of making it to the Major Leagues, she serves as a source of inspiration, proving that extraordinary talent knows no boundaries. Her journey reminds us all that with steadfast determination, passion, and a dash of resilience, we can achieve greatness at any age.
Stephen Herron
Stephen Herron, better known as DJ Bubbles, is a man who knows how to rock a suit. But it’s not just about looking dapper; it’s about creating a life that radiates positivity and laughter. He has mastered the art of tailoring fun by donning audaciously loud printed jackets and pants, equally bold socks and ties, along with outlandish bespoke shoes. This flamboyant style is his trademark, and Stephen credits his flair for the outrageous to his dad.
“Growing up as the son of a magician, I was always surrounded by costumes that were big, outrageous, and loud. It was something that I always loved about my dad, so that definitely impacted my sense of style from the very beginning. But I have to say, my own style started with a pair of polka-dot pants. I was about 18 years old, and there was a brand new Weird Al Yankovich album out, and when I opened it up, Weird Al was in polka dot pants. I went crazy looking for a pair, and when I found them… well, the rest is history,” he laughs.
His iconic polka dot suit is legendary in Winter Garden, but that’s just the tip of the sartorial iceberg. As is his jungle suit, his rainbow suit, his Santa tux, and so on. As one of the city’s most ebullient individuals, it comes as no surprise that Stephen’s wardrobe defies neat categorization, reason, or logic. On paper, his eye-popping bold patterned suits and mad flourishes might seem out of place on a best-dressed list in GQ or Esquire, but here in Winter Garden, we nod in approval of Stephen’s so-mad-it’s-good extraordinary style.
For Stephen, style is all about disrupting the ordinary and causing unexpected joy. “It’s so easy to be negative; depression is at an all-time high. I want to exude happiness, sunshine—I’m like walking serotonin,” Stephen declares. “I love every opportunity I get to bring joy to others.”
Chris Chan
You can’t walk around Winter Garden without noticing the impact Chris Chan has made. With stunning videos, eye-catching websites, and apps that bring us all together, his extraordinary creativity colors our perception of home. Chris says, “My family has deep roots here—five generations!—and I wanted to share the beauty of our town through my pictures and videos. That’s what inspired me to create We Are Winter Garden, and now I’m carrying that legacy into my business.”
Chris’ passion for storytelling and design developed in high school and further evolved while working with Yellow Shoes Creative, Disney’s in-house advertising agency. He’s since launched his own business, Think Minion, but what’s most fun about Chris isn’t his job—it’s his love of technology and fun. Hoverboarding while filming for Crooked Can? Why not! Wearables, drones, gimbles, AI, apps, and more… there’s nothing Chris won’t try to capture.
And while he isn’t always subtle, he’s most certainly extraordinary.
Lynette Fields
When it comes to making a difference, Lynette Fields is not just an advocate, she’s a force of nature. With a background in social work and community service, Lynette’s lifelong passion for addressing societal injustices led her to embark on a remarkable journey that has touched countless lives.
Lynette’s journey into poverty alleviation began during her tenure at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. A decade ago, she and her team sought to address the root causes of poverty rather than provide temporary fixes. This quest gave birth to Poverty Solutions Group. As she puts it, “I really wanted to see change; I wanted to make a difference in the world.”
The organization’s mission is clear: not to manage poverty, but to reduce it. They focus on building long-term relationships with individuals and communities, working tirelessly to eliminate barriers that perpetuate generational poverty. For Lynette, the work is not just a career but a personal calling. She’s not just changing lives; she’s changing communities, one family, one neighborhood at a time. “Change is within reach of all of us. We just need to bring it into reality,” she says.
Dean Boodhan
In our community, a remarkable figure has forged an extraordinary connection with children and adults alike. Dean Boodhan, known affectionately as the “Magical Garbage Man,” has become a local hero for his unwavering commitment to both his job and the community he serves.
Over the course of 17 years, Dean has not only collected garbage but also countless hearts within our community. His favorite part of the job? Providing exceptional service to his fellow residents in Winter Garden. “I love the people in our community. When I go out, they greet me as I drive. The kids say hello, blow your horn, and stuff like that,” he says.
One of Dean’s most heartwarming contributions to the community is his impact on the younger generation. When he realized that some children were afraid to go to school, he used his influence to encourage them. He obtained small toy garbage trucks and presented them to the kids with a simple condition: attend school regularly.
Dean’s extraordinary nature lies in his unwavering dedication, kindness, and genuine care for his job and the people around him. Dean may see himself as just a guy doing his job, but to the people of Winter Garden, he is a true hero who brightens their days. “I love my job and the people of Winter Garden. They give me the joy every morning to get up and do what I do.”
Ruth Carbone
To meet Ruth Carbone is to witness true grace and joy. And anyone who knows Ruth knows that she’ll take whatever storms life throws at her, facing everything with extraordinary resilience and gratitude.
Diagnosed at the age of 53 with an uncommon and aggressive form of metastatic appendiceal cancer, Ruth refused to let fear dictate her path. “I was in shock. Me, cancer? I had never thought about cancer before. But I told myself, ‘this is not the end. I’m going to continue, and do what I need to do.’ Sure, I was scared, but I wasn’t fighting alone.” Through a turbulent series of treatments, surgeries, and even a near-death experience, Ruth’s attitude remained unwavering. She saw her battle as a chance to fight and flourish. Her faith, family, and friends formed a fortress of support, offering a rock-solid foundation from which she drew her strength.
Ruth’s journey is more than her battle, it’s a narrative of sharing blessings and inspiring others. Each day, she showcases how extraordinary moments arise from having gratitude in the face of adversity.
“If you take cancer as the end of the world, that’s how you’ll end up. Having challenges is extraordinary because that’s how you grow. So remember: waking up, opening your eyes, breathing—all extraordinario,” emphasizes Ruth. “I feel extraordinary because I’m able to do all that.”
