It's Confession Time

Good morning, good people of Orlando. It’s “confession” day, and I’ve worked on it for over a week. I think you will love this confession because it includes a gift. No more cryptic talk. Let’s get on with it. (let me know what you think in the poll at the bottom of this email)

 In today’s issue: 👇

• A timeless baseball treasure

• UCF’s women warriors

• “Wa” ←not a typo

• ….and much more

🛑 Don’t forget to click (or tap) the poll at the bottom of this issue so we know if we’re on the right track, OR, just hit reply to this email and tell us.

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Let’s dive in!

- Philip

ORLANDO REWIND ⏪
Orlando's Timeless Baseball Treasure

In the heart of Orlando stands Tinker Field, a historical gem whose story is as captivating as the game of baseball itself. For over a century, this hallowed ground has been the beating heart of America's pastime in Central Florida.

The tale began in 1914 with the first diamond, but it was the 1922 construction of the grand all-wood Tinker Field stadium that truly ignited the legend. Its 1923 dedication drew the entire city in jubilant celebration. Though modest with 1,500 seats, Tinker Field hosted baseball's preseason rituals, welcoming the Cincinnati Reds for spring training until 1933.

As decades passed, Tinker Field evolved while retaining its historical essence. Renovations ushered in modernity while preserving echoes of glory. The grandstand's patina deepened as it hosted a cavalcade of talent - the Minnesota Twins, Southern and Florida State leagues - nurturing the dreams of future greats.

Today, Tinker Field extends beyond baseball. This iconic venue hosts electrifying events like EDC music festivals and 2024's slate of concerts. Yet its soul remains etched in Orlando's fabric. Named for legend Joe Tinker, the Tinker Field History Plaza regales visitors with the park's storied heritage.

Though proposals reshape its future, Tinker Field stands resilient - an oasis where the game's spirit burns bright. A century-old treasure capturing imaginations, memories made, and legends born on its hallowed ground.

THE SQUEEZE 🍊
Legacies in Harmony: Gifting Music Lessons in Her Son's Honor

In the wake of her son Zane's death from pediatric brain cancer at 22, Sherri Tyson found solace in the strings of a violin. Through her nonprofit LEGAStrings, the Orlando mother gifts instruments and lessons to deserving Central Florida students, carrying on Zane's love for music.

Tyson retreats to Lake Fairview's tranquility, seeking signs of Zane's spirit while surrounded by mementos of his vibrant life. When Zane turned 20, a medulloblastoma shattered the family's world.

As he fought at St. Jude's, the "Make Zane Better" hashtag rallied the community. Ultimately, Tyson brought Zane home to hospice, where he spent his final 13 months. After his passing in 2021, she released his ashes in Ireland.

One recipient of the non-profit’s efforts, Abigail Fazekas, found healing through bass lessons enabled by LEGAStrings after her father's cancer death. Watching Fazekas perform moved Tyson, who believes Zane brought her into their lives.

To date, 16 instruments have been donated, keeping music's gift within reach. Tyson will host a fundraiser on April 1st at the Castle Irish Pub & Restaurant in College Park, striking a chord of healing through her son's legacy.

A New Sisterhood for UCF's Women Warriors

In a pioneering move at the University of Central Florida, Alexandria Marcellus, a senior business management major, founded the Women Veterans Association (WVA) - UCF's first student organization solely dedicated to uplifting female veterans. With official registered status, the WVA gains vital access to funding, event spaces and marketing support.

While UCF's Military and Veteran Student Success Center offers general resources, the WVA provides a unique sanctuary where women can connect over shared frontline experiences.

The necessity is clear - women comprised just 17.3% of 2021's military personnel, navigating a male-dominated realm.

The WVA's inaugural "Salute to Women Veterans" event featured a powerful panel spotlighting challenges like PTSD, imposter syndrome and the transition to student life.

Mike Kepner, Student Success Center Director, lauded Marcellus' passion and leadership capabilities. Moving forward, the WVA, driven by a core team including Brianna Torres, Lydia Pandorf, Norma Flores and Sage Muentes, will champion mental wellness and tackle issues like depression, anxiety and military sexual trauma.

For UCF, this marks a new era of community healing and shared strength.

The Unsung Heroes: Florida's Dementia Caregivers Shoulder a Mighty Burden

Florida's 840,000 dementia caregivers shoulder a tremendous burden, their ranks swelling by 13,000 in just a year.

Bruni Mercado has spent three years tending to her 92-year-old mother with advanced Alzheimer's, separated from her husband who cares for his own mother with dementia. She experienced profound grief when her father, also with dementia, failed to recognize her. The emotional toll was immense, but her Puerto Rican heritage instilled a cultural imperative to nurture aging parents.

Mercado found solace in community support and now relishes weekly dates with her husband during respite care.

Across Central Florida, Dee Galloway leads a caregiver support group, understanding her sister's struggle as the primary caregiver for their mother.

Alleviating this $24 billion annual burden is crucial, says the Alzheimer's Association's Stefanie Wardlow.

The forthcoming GUIDE Model promises a holistic approach, with Dr. Nicholas Doher envisioning care navigators, 24/7 support, and home visits to keep patients with families longer.

This proactive initiative recognizes caregiving as a shared journey demanding profound support and empathy.

Outworking Them All: The Makings of a Trailblazing Female General Contractor

Kait Doulou, a powerhouse general contractor, makes a bold entrance in her signature red-soled stilettos at an upscale Park Avenue restaurant. Her impeccable style masks an even more impressive interior - an unstoppable drive that has shattered glass ceilings in the male-dominated real estate and construction worlds.

Rather than be deterred by doubters, Kait rose from humble beginnings, to the helm of her multi-million dollar, vertically integrated Build Ventures brand. Doulou advises shedding one's ego, as she did, allowing the floodgates of opportunity and success to open.

While women remain a small minority of less than 10% of the industry, Kait believes her communication skills and attention to detail bring unique strengths. She didn't let skeptics and preconceptions deter her - instead of internalizing it, she outworked everyone.

Today, the trailblazing general contractor balances motherhood, major development projects, writing a book, and a packed speaking schedule. With upbeat determination, Kait continues inspiring women to fearlessly claim their place as business leaders.

Her stamina and positivity prove you can conquer any field while celebrating your authenticity.

See an expanded version of this article published by our media partner, Winter Park City Lifestyle.

TASTY NEWS 🧑‍🍳
Orlando Eateries On Their Way

1️⃣ Crispy Cones: Expands Its Scoops of Deliciousness in Orlando

Crispy Cones, the Shark Tank sensation, is bringing its irresistible dough cones and soft serve delights to Orlando. Franchisee Ethan Potts plans to open the first location at 2415 Curry Ford Rd in April, offering weekly rotating flavors and toppings. A second Orange County shop will follow by late 2024 or early 2025, with potential for more sugary outposts to come.

2️⃣ À La Cart: Truckn’ Into SoDo With a Second Street Food & Craft Beer Location

À La Cart's dynamic owners April and Dustin Williams are revving up for round two with their sophomore food truck park in SoDo. Upping the ante with 8 rotating vendors, 12 taps, tripled seating, ample parking, and novel additions like shipping container storage, can bar window, and mural space. Doors open April, promising fresh flavors and unbeatable hangout vibes.

3️⃣ The Commission Beer Chamber, Rocky’s Bodega: A Taste of the Bronx is Coming to Orlando

At the vibrant intersection of Curry Ford and the Hourglass District, The Commission Beer Chamber's owner Benny "Mister Blanco" Colón is elevating the classic NYC bodega experience. His new venture, Rocky's Bodega, will transport taste buds to the Bronx with reinvented bodega sandwiches and Puerto Rican flair. Not just a corner store, this food-forward eatery promises crave-worthy island-infused eats, drinks, and an old-school NYC vibe. Experience the bodega redefined when Rocky's opens its doors this fall, immersing you in Colón's authentic Bronx upbringing.

#ORLANDOSIGNAL 📸

The Beautiful Alfond Inn

📷 via @thealfondinn |📍Winter Park

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FOODIE FIND, FORK YEAH! 🤩
Wa Ramen

📍10627 Narcoossee Rd, Orlando, FL 32832, or map to this location, right here.

In Orlando's Lake Nona neighborhood, Wa Ramen stands as a beacon of authentic Japanese cuisine, meticulously crafted by Owner Hong Wong and Chef Tatsuki Takayama. Stepping through the origami-adorned doors, diners are enveloped in the essence of "Wa" – the Japanese way.

From the crisp lattice-draped gyoza to the succulent chicken karaage and sweet purple potato tempura, each dish elicits audible delight. Yet, the true stars are the ramens themselves, masterful compositions of broths, noodles, and artfully selected accoutrements.

The soy milk tonkotsu ramen, with its creamy yet light broth, and the fiery spicy ramen, tinged with gochujang and tobanjan, captivate the senses. The miso ramen seduces with its salty-sweet-umami notes, while the vegetarian and black sesame tantanmen offer unique adventures for varied palates.

With each bite, Wa Ramen invites diners to embrace the authentic flavors of Japan, guided by a steadfast commitment to tradition and culinary excellence.

MORE PULP! 😎
Weekday things to check out

> Today, catch the Next Step Screenplay Series: “The Red Dog” by Olivia Drake at 7pm at Bynx Orlando. (link)

> Curious Cork, a complete wine and beer experience, serving craveable food and beverages opens tomorrow at 14383 Narcoossee Road. Providing full service, self-pour and retail options with an ever-changing list of 64 wines and 18 craft beers available by the ounce. (link)

> A new Dutch-style fry restaurant called The Fry Shoppe, specializing in “cone fries” will open this Thursday in Winter Park on the corner of Semoran and Aloma at 489 N. Semoran Boulevard. (link)

> Sugar Sammy is a powerhouse. The celebrated comedian is coming to the Funny Bone Comedy Club on Thursday. (link)

> This Thursday, with signature sultry vocals and immaculate acoustic guitar, Nik & Reema’s noir pop style is coming to Orlando’s intimate Judson’s Live venue. (link)

> On Wednesday, Torchy's Tacos will open its second Orlando location in the space formerly occupied by Red Robin at 3310 Daniels Road, Winter Garden. (link)

> Starting today, JoJo's Shake Bar is putting on an easter egg painting + dining experience at their shop on I-Drive. (link)

> On Thursday, catch a candle-light tribute to Nirvana at The Abbey. (link)

THANKS!

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Thanks for reading! I’ll see you again on Thursday’s weekend fun issue.

My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal