Coffee shop poet shares her experiences

By Rachel Masri

WINTER PARK, Fla. – Cup O’ Soul Coffee house in Winter Park is a cozy place for college students to come and work on projects using the free Wi-Fi, hang out sipping lattes or just listen to local artists who humbly bring their work for an opportunity to perform.

Monday nights are poetry night at Cup O’ Soul. Local poets are invited to share their work with their peers in a homey atmosphere. This Monday’s featured poet was Michelle Will of Oviedo, a student at Valencia Community College who feels that she has something to share with those around her.

“My dad left my family when I was 13. I have had a lot of difficult experiences since, and I think that poetry gives me a way to release a lot of the clutter piling up in my head from day to day,” said Will, who always invites her audience to talk to her at the end of her reading if they have any questions about what she writes. “I feel that as an artist I am able to communicate things in ways that might speak more effectively to some people than regular conversation would.”

One of the poems Will wrote about her father reads:

“I’m too caught up in broken glass
By moving forward, but looking back
I can see myself too clearly as I watch you disappearing
Why should I lose my faith? I know the place you're coming from
You've lost and found your way right into someone else's arms”

She said that a lot of what she writes can become about her father, even if she doesn’t intend for it to when she starts writing, but Will sees a redeeming side of it.

“I’ve come so far over the years and recovered as much as anyone can from something like that, and I’ve managed to do it without completely hating the world,” says Will. “Now I can share what I write with people who could be going through the same or similar things that I went through, and I can actually talk to them about it and hopefully give them some form of comfort.”

Abbott Jones of Orlando, a member of the small audience said, “Her poetry isn’t really a style that I choose to read often, but she still manages to make some intense statements through what she writes. I enjoyed it despite myself.”

Coral Watler of Orlando frequents Cup O’ Soul on poetry night. “She is a lot better than some of the others I have heard here. Her poems do more than just whine about circumstances, which happens a lot,” Watler says of Will’s work. “They have more of a declaration and conclusion.”

Sarah-Jane Kenyon turns her career around

By Rachel Masri

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Sarah-Jane Kenyon, the newest member of the 2009 LPGA tour, has turned her game around after two years on a downward slope.

After her successful first year in the U.S. when she played on the Duramed FUTURES tour, winning the tour's 2005 tournament in Tampa, Fla., the Australian born golfer's career took a turn for the worst. After placing 27th and 19th in 2006 and 2007, Kenyon has blown away the competition this year, finishing as high as fifth on the Duramed FUTURES tour money list.

Regarding the dramatic change in her game, Kenyon gives most of the credit to her most recent coach, Phil Ritson. "Phil was probably the biggest change event," said Kenyon. "He definitely helped a lot."

She also gives credit to a new diet which has provided her with more energy. After being diagnosed with Celiac disease earlier this year, Kenyon's diet has become a much more important part of her career. Celiac Disease is an autoimmune digestive ailment similar to a wheat allergy. People with the disease are unable to eat wheat or gluten without severe consequences.

"I changed my diet because Celiac disease runs in my family," said Kenyon in an interview with the Duramed FUTURES tour. "Earlier this spring, I stopped eating wheat or gluten. I cut out bread and pasta and it's really helped. I feel better on the course and the new diet has given me more energy. It requires a lot of planning, though. You can't just grab a sandwich when you go out on the course. Now, I eat a lot of gluten-free energy bars, fruits and nuts, and rice cakes with wheat-free peanut butter."

Kenyon now acts as an ambassador for the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA). "There's no awareness for it really in America," said Kenyon. "It's especially important for me because my mom has it and I do as well, so that's something we can work on."

Kenyon's status as a 2009 LPGA tour member is clearly a testament to the effective changes she has made for herself in order to advance her career. Kenyon's advice to those who are pursuing the sport and who are perhaps feeling discouraged is "Just be patient...You've got to work hard but it's definitely worth it."

Members of Metro Life Church promote Amendment 2

By Rachel Masri

CASSELBERRY, Fla. — Members of Metro Life Church in Casselberry put together a caravan of decorated cars on Sunday, Nov. 2, preparing to drive around the Orlando area in an attempt to raise awareness about Amendment 2, the Florida Marriage Protection Amendment which is on the ballot this year.

Jennifer Lightfoot, long time member of Metro Life Church as well as coordinator for the official Orange County campaign supporting the amendment, organized the event, saying "We wanted to create a unique visual to get the word out about the Yes2Marriage campaign." The "eye catching" visual consisted of about 15 cars decorated in streamers and window paint saying "Yes 2 Marriage" and "One man one woman". In one car, the convertible top was rolled down revealing Ariel Watler of Orlando clothed in a wedding gown, prepared to wave to all as she drove by, veil streaming behind her.

The caravan was a last minute effort to dispel rumors caused by negative campaigning and opposition to the amendment around the state of Florida. "There have been a lot of blatant lies about what the amendment is all about," said Jesse Phillips, pastor in training at Metro Life Church. "People have even said that it takes benefits away from seniors. I don't know where that comes from."

Executive pastor of Metro Life Church, Benny Phillips said "People are refusing to focus on the real issue of what the amendment is about. It's marriage between a man and a woman, not gay marriage."

Amendment 2 in fact makes only one statement. It defines marriage as a legal agreement between one man and one woman, and states that other legal agreements shall not be recognized as marriage. Charles Fitzgerald of Orlando explained why he believes that this amendment is significant, saying "I think marriage between one man and one woman is one of the most bedrock institutions of civilization, even if you go back thousands of years."

The main goal for those who wish to pass Amendment 2 is to establish a form of permanence to the traditional idea of marriage. Laws can be overturned by judges, but a state constitutional amendment is much more difficult to change.

"I think from the standpoint of the future of our nation, this vote is much more important than the presidency," said Benny Phillips. "The trajectory of the presidential vote can be remedied in four years. This cannot. Either we hold the line now, or we start down a very slippery slope."

Though there has been much negative opposition to this amendment, Lightfoot said "this is a positive campaign." She made it clear that she is not out to take away people's rights by leading the campaign, simply to protect something she believes to be sacred and structured.

Freelancer Dan Shepherd at Valencia

By Rachel Masri
Oct. 20, 2008

ORLANDO, Fla. ­– Journalism students at Valencia Community College were in for a treat on Thursday, Oct. 16, when Emmy nominated freelance field producer, Dan Shepherd, came to speak to news reporting students about his unusual career.

Having graduated from Oklahoma University in 1986, Shepherd started small with a job in Tulsa, OK, working for KJRH (NBC), but eventually ended up in Orlando in 1994, marching to the beat of his own drum as a freelancer.

“You have to be ready to go do anything,” Shepherd says regarding freelancing. “It can change on a dime, for the good or the bad.”

Shepherd is a man of many talents, having worked as not only a producer, but a photographer,
tape editor, remote coordinator and camera man. His clients have included NBC News, ABC News, CBS News, CNN, ESPN, Discovery Channel Canada and many more.

Shepherd’s relationship with the networks he works with can be a tricky one. Nothing is set in stone. Sometimes the networks will call on him to cover a story specifically, but the rest of the time it is up to him to unearth and pitch the stories to the networks, trying to find just the right angle to catch a client’s attention..

“It’s a tricky business pitching stories,” Shepherd admits. “When you are talking to guys in they’re air-conditioned offices in New York, it can be difficult to get them to understand when a real news story comes along.”

So how do you get started as a successful freelancer? It’s not easy. “It takes time,” Shepherd says. “Getting your foot in the door is half the battle.” He admits that much of the success of a freelancer is based on word of mouth. “It’s a very small business and people tend to stay in the business for a while. You will find that the longer you’re in it, the more often you will run into people who know who you know. A lot of it is just relationships.”

According to Shepherd, the world of freelancing can be incredibly exclusive, much of it depending on your location. “In Orlando there aren’t a lot of freelance news producers. It’s a good little nitch to have.” He says that the networks tend to have a list of freelancers in each state that they know and trust and will call for photography, producing, or whatever else they are looking for at the time. “Once you get your foot in the door they will call again.”

Shepherd has been nominated for two Emmys in the category of “Coverage of Breaking News during a Regularly Scheduled Newscast”, once for his work on Hurricane Katrina, and the other for his coverage of the 9-11 Terrorist Attack on the World Trade Centers.

Shepherd’s experience in his field of work is evident as encourages his audience. He gives them the highs and lows of his work, attempting to inspire the students while not allowing any false expectations about the challenges of freelancing. “When you get your chance, don’t screw it up,” says Shepherd with a smile. “Just keep pitching; eventually you will get your foot in the door.”

Story Time with Mother Goose

By Rachel Masri
Oct. 8, 2008

APOPKA, Fla. – Preschoolers from all around the Apopka area fill the story room of the North Orange branch of the Orange County Library every Wednesday morning to sing songs and listen to stories preformed by Mother Goose herself.

Lynn Shenefield, professional storyteller, gathers her little “goslings” as she calls them, and welcomes them to story time with her signature “Hello Song.” The regulars in the room enthusiastically join in and sing along to “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,” “The Itsy Bitsy Spider,” and several other children’s songs before the storytelling begins.

It is clear from the beginning that Shenefield loves her job. Her wild smile and enthusiastic interaction with the children, making animal noises and sound effects throughout her performance, puts a grin on the face of every child and adult in the room.

“This is like a second childhood,” Shenefield explains, her smile widening. “Can you imagine getting to do this every day?”

Shenefield encourages the parents and grandparents in the room to “lead by example” in their listening and social skills by silencing their cell phones and not carrying on private conversations with their neighbor.

“Mother Goose” starts off the first book by singing and doing sign language to her “I Love It When You Read To Me” song, changing the words of “Mary Had a Little Lamb” so the kids can quickly catch on to the familiar tune.

The two books that Shenefield has chosen for her audience on this particular Monday were written by Audrey and Don Wood. She begins with “The Napping House,” pointing out the illustrations in the story, encouraging the kids to observe the details of the atmosphere and mood of the book. Her voice is animated as she imitates the characters, demonstrating the snoring granny or yelping dog. Shenefield also is careful to explain words that the kids may not know such as “dozing” and “slumbering.”

In the second story, “Silly Sally,” there is a part where the characters play leap frog, and Shenefield encourages the kids to get up and demonstrate, even jumping in at one point herself.

“I love her creativity,” says Shawna Wood of Apopka who brought her daughter to hear Mother Goose. “She is by far our favorite story teller here.”

Shenefield finishes her performance by faithfully singing the ABC’s with the children, signing every letter. Each child walks out the door with a big grin after hugging or waving goodbye to their Mother Goose.

Victoria Booth of Apopka loyally brings her granddaughter Hannah every week to story time. “I brought my son when he was little and now I bring my granddaughter,” she explains. “It’s so important getting them into books and stories when they’re young. We always leave with lots of books to take home.” When asked what part of story time she likes best, 4 year-old Hannah responded “I like the singing. I love to sing.”

All in all, the children and parents in Mother Goose’s audience left the room with a bounce in their step, buoyed by Shenefield’s contagious high spirits.

“In this crazy world, it is so joyful and fulfilling to do this every day.” Shenefield says. “I get to sing and laugh all day long with these kids. It’s absolutely wonderful.”

Rainforest Coffee Co. Open Mic Night

By Rachel Masri
Sep. 22, 2008

APOPKA, Fla. - Open-mic night at Rainforest Coffee Company, located off state road 436 and Hunt Club boulevard, is a newly established event for the residents of Apopka and the greater Orlando area. For those who wish to shake off the stress of a long Monday listening to local musicians and poets while sipping lattes, it is the perfect getaway.

One of the regular musicians, Fred Frick of Longwood, is a buoyant and outgoing performer in his mid fifties who loves to play at Rainforest. Having originally suggested the idea of an open-mic to the owner, David Wax of Longwood, Frick naturally volunteered to be one of the first on stage.

“I told him that the place is perfect for an open-mic Monday to bring in the business,” Frick claimed with a large grin. “He told me to bring my guitar and start it.”

Frick has been playing multiple instruments since second grade, starting on the violin, moving to the clarinet and eventually ending up on guitar “out of sheer boredom.”

“There was always music in my house,” Frick chuckled, nursing his cup of coffee. “We had an organ and several guitars in the house. Of course I had to choose instruments that we didn’t own to start on.”

Frick enjoys playing music as a fun pastime, no longer taking it as seriously as he once did. His band broke up in the 70s after making a few albums that “didn’t go anywhere.”

“I decided it was time to buckle down and get a real job,” he explains. He now owns two businesses, a plant nursery in Longwood and an irrigation landscape company off of state road 46.

“I was most definitely a hippy at one time though,” Frick admits. “I was a demonstrator of pretty much every controversial thing you saw on the news during those times.”

Frick’s large smile is contagious to all who watch him play. Chris Suscheck, Frick’s neighbor and good friend, always enjoys attending his casual performances.

“I love the personal atmosphere,” she says. “He makes everyone feel like his friend. He is so funny and entertaining.”

The atmosphere throughout the night is extremely warm and homey. Wax enjoys walking around chatting with customers and handing out the drink orders, while performers invite those sitting near to cant along to the songs they know. Wax has thoroughly enjoyed hosting open-mic for local artists, giving them a place to showcase their talent and earn tips while they attract plenty of coffee-craving customers.

“Business has been great since we started open-mic night. Everyone loves to watch people like Fred perform,” Wax says.

So if you’re looking for a casual hang-out spot to loosen the tension of your Monday, or an interactive place to showcase your artistic abilities, Rainforest Coffee Co. is the place to be.