Winter Garden Magazine December 2017 | Page 3

Editor’s Note D uring the month of December, the Holiday Season fills our minds with thought of gifts & giving and of visits with friends and relatives. It’s a time for celebrations and for looking back at the year and what we made of it. And what a year it has been! Some good things, some great things, odd Tweets and sad things. In the end, another year of accomplishments, triumphs and high notes…or at least that is the way I choose to end 2017! On a High Note ! cee castillo So, WG, look back at this year and ask yourself – what have you done to bring joy to yourself? To others? How did you invest your time? To whom did you give? What were your accomplishments? [email protected] Our very own Erin Van Allen has the desire to give…she is sharing her time Publisher / Editor-in-Chief and talents with the Kwathu Children’s Home in Zambia, Africa. Read the story on page 32. Editor Our Friends Richard and Bobby have a special way of giving, they do it with Brett Dault style and grace (and maybe a little bit of spiked apple cider and egg nog!). [email protected] Learn about their gift of trees on page 15. Contributors Audrey Costa Michelle L. Curtis Brett Dault Allison Couture Otero Samantha Rhodes Marion E. Wildey Giving of your time, talents and knowledge to others is much more than a gift to them, it is an amazing gift to yourself. Even science and medical research prove that those that spend time sharing with or caring for others are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s, depression and many other ailments. Being the gift is what I aspire to and hope to inspire for this Holiday Season. Write me a note, let me know how I can help or just listen. And alas, I have to say that as much as giving makes me happy, I want you Layout & Graphic Design to look through our fabulous WG Gift Guide (page 36). We have created a George Hevel IV list and checked it twice, of our favorite gifts from vendors right here in WG. Samantha Rhodes Oh, what?! For me? You shouldn’t have! Thank you, I love it! taylor mobley From all of us, the Publisher and Staff of The Winter Garden Magazine, Illustration Happy Holidays! Taylor Mobley Cee Photography Samantha Rhodes Happy Birthday shout outs to Jim C., Wilshire, Ashley, Mike, Henry, Pamie, Samantha, Mark W., Sara, Brian B., Chloe, Holland, Martha, Ingrid, Becca, Advertising Cheryl, Jimmy, Nadine, Lamya, Jeff, Stasha, Billy, CodyO, Nikki, Nancy, Janet Kerrebrock Olivia, Maria, Christi, Hayden, Natalie, Cory, Ali, Elena, Julie, Persiadorr, [email protected] Debbie, Colin, Layla, Lisa, Barbara, and ALL of you December Birthdays! 407.792.4892 Contact Us 13640 W. Colonial Drive, Suite 160 Winter Garden, FL 34787 407.966.3446 The WG Magazine is a monthly publication distributed through media outlets, sold at newsstands and mailed directly to subscribed homes and businesses throughout Winter Garden and the surrounding areas. Readership per edition 15,000. Castle Cross Media Group, Inc., 13640 W. Colonial Drive, Suite 160 Winter Garden, FL 34787, is the parent company of the The WG Magazine and The Winter Garden Magazine, www.thewgmagazine.com. The previous names and the wax seal logo are federally registered trademarks. Reproduction or use in whole or in part of the contents of this magazine or of the trademarks of Castle Cross Media Group, Inc., without written permission of the Publisher, is prohibited. The WG Magazine’s due diligence process ensures the accuracy of content published. Neither the publisher nor advertisers will be held resp onsible for any errors and or omissions found herein. The publisher accepts no liability for the accuracy of statements made by advertisers in their ads and/or any open forum letter to the editor or in paid promotional features. DECEMBER 2017  |   WINTER GARDEN MAGAZINE   |   3