071819 SWB DIGITAL EDITION

BACK TO SCHOOL 2019 ... PAGE 15 

July 18 — 31, 2019 | Since 1986 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 

MATTER OF HEALTH ........................................................................... 6 

The Many Benefits of Exercise / GymGuyz Orlando-West 

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT ....................................................................... 8 

MD Construction 

HOW TO .......................................................................................... 9 

Change The World 

FEATURE ......................................................................................... 10 

The End of an Era 

TOURISM UPDATE ........................................................................... 13 

BACK TO SCHOOL 2019 ................................................................ 15 

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE ................................................................. 25 

Buena Vista Family Dentistry 

IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD ............................................................. 26 

NEWS & BUSINESS BRIEFS .............................................................. 29 

SCHOOL NEWS ............................................................................. 31 

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD ....................................................... 33 

SOUTHWEST SERVICE DIRECTORY ................................................... 34 

PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER 

Rick V. Martin 

July 18, 2019 

Vol. XXXIII, No. 18 

VICE PRESIDENT 

Yvette Martin 

MANAGING EDITOR 

Lisa Sagers 

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT 

Lauren Salinero 

FREELANCE WRITER 

Blair Parke 

Visit our site today to: 

• Find a Home with real time MLS property search; 

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• Use the Mortgage Calculator to prepare for 

monthly expenses; 

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• Learn about the Rent-to-Own Program; 

• Stay current with local real estate trends; 

• And so much more! 

P.O. Box 851 

Windermere, FL 34786 

407-351-1573 

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©2019/Cornerstone Publishing & Multi-Media LLC 

CIRCULATION 

Robert Barlow 

MARKETING CONSULTANTS 

Madeline DeVito 

407-351-1573, option 1 

mdevito@kearneypublishing.com 

Michelle Oakes 

321-277-3467 

michelle@cornerstonepublishinggroup.com


Everyone knows exercise is good 

for you, but not many people know 

just how beneficial it can be for overall 

health. 

Exercising regularly can improve 

your mood, making you more aware 

of your mental state and better able to 

deal with fears. Exercise helps release 

a number of hormones, including endorphins, 

serotonin and norepinephrine, 

which help to regulate stress, 

rest and anxiety, improving your overall 

mental outlook. One study showed 

that women who had been diagnosed 

with depression experienced decreased 

feelings of depression, even 

with moderate exercise. 

Engaging in a regular exercise routine 

helps boost your energy levels. 

A six-week targeted exercise routine 

can help people who deal with persistent 

fatigue. Studies show that routine 

exercise often is an effective way to 

combat chronic fatigue syndrome and 

other serious illnesses. People dealing 

with these issues benefit from a routine 

planned for their level of fitness and 

guidance from a professional, until 

they feel confident on their own. 

Daily physical activity can improve 

your long-term health. A routine that 

improves cardiovascular fitness and 

overall body composition can reduce 

weight, blood pressure, cholesterol 

MATTER OF HEALTH 

The Many Benefits of Exercise 

Start Your Fitness Journey Today 

by René Taubensee, Owner, GymGuyz Orlando-West 

407-342-0349 • www.gymguyz.com 

levels and visceral fat, which has a 

direct correlation to Type 2 diabetes, 

heart disease and early death. It’s 

never too early to start your fitness 

journey, and it’s never too late to 

take control of your health. 

People of all ages benefit from 

exercise; however, as we age, the 

benefits actually increase. Moderate 

exercise increases the production of 

natural antioxidants, which help protect 

and renew cells. This combined 

with stimulated blood flow can induce 

skin cell adaptations and delay 

the appearance of skin aging. 

Exercise also helps improve brain 

function and memory. The increased 

heart rate experienced during moderate 

exercise promotes the flow of 

blood and oxygen to the brain. The 

hippocampus, which is the part of the 

brain vital for memory and learning, 

is also stimulated during exercise. 

This increases mental function among 

older adults. Lastly, exercise is vital 

for building and keeping strong muscles 

and bones. As people age, they 

lose muscle mass and function without 

exercise. This can lead to injuries 

and reduced independence. Routine 

resistance training will help keep 

muscles strong and has been shown 

to increase bone density, helping to 

prevent osteoporosis later in life. 

Everyone knows exercise is beneficial, 

but oftentimes, people don’t 

know where to start. Investing in personal 

training or a group class provides 

a targeted plan of attack for 

your fitness journey and a source of 

guidance and encouragement along 

the way. Some advantages to guided 

exercise are education, correcting 

form to prevent injury, realistic goal 

setting and modifying exercises for the 

unique needs of an individual. Group 

fitness provides encouragement, accountability 

and a fun atmosphere, 

especially when starting out. ª 

Think of it as ordering takeout. 

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At Jackson Law we have made it our philosophy to create a 

legal environment for clients where legal representation is not about 

lawyers and legal staff controlling and dictating the representative 

needs of clients, but rather about joining forces and standing 

together with clients to strengthen the ability to best represent 

their interests and achieve for them and their families a positive 

result. To memorialize this philosophy so that it will continue to 

be practiced and not be forgotten by those who work for our firm, 

we have registered the trademark… “Together We Stand ® ”. So the 

next time you need legal representation for you or your family, 

visit our firm and together we will roll up our sleeves and take 

care of your needs. 

Kristen Jackson 

Attorney At Law 

Estate Planning 

Wills, Trusts, Probate, Living Wills, Powers of Attorney, Health Care Directives, 

Pre-Need Guardians, Trust Administration, Pet (Animal) Trusts 

Probate 

With or without a Last Will, in order to obtain assets, pay debts and taxes and distribute 

remaining assets to the heirs or beneficiaries, the deceased’s estate requires the 

assistance of an attorney to manage the court supervised administration. 

Corporation & Business Law 

Contracts, Start-ups, Purchase or Sales, Corporations (Inc.), Limited Liability 

Companies (LLC’s), Trademarks, Copyrights, Franchise Agreements 

Real Estate 

Closings, Title Insurance, Sales & Purchases, Leases, Contract Review, 

Contract Preparation 

(407)363-9020 

www.JacksonLawPA.com 

Offices: Orlando 

Credit Cards Accepted


Michael Wytiaz, 

owner of a Charles Schwab 

branch, is a certied nancial 

planner not a certied 

professional planner. 

For more information, 

call 407-909-0485 or visit 

schwab.com/windermere. 

DON’T MISS OUT 

ON FUTURE ISSUES! 

Delivered 

to your 

mailbox 

or inbox. 

407-351-1573 

www.southwestorlandobulletin.com 

MD Construction LLC was 

opened in January 2014 by Marcos 

and Megan Davila. Throughout 

the past five years, the company has 

successfully completed more than 

1,100 jobs. Marcos has more than 

15 years of experience in designing 

and building screen enclosures, 

screen rooms, sunrooms, pool enclosures, 

patio covers and pergolas. 

Megan has more than 15 years of 

experience in customer service and 

permitting. From a client’s first contact 

with MD Construction’s office to 

project completion, the staff’s goal is 

to provide its clients with the best in 

customer service. 

MD Construction’s sales team has 

more than 25 years of combined 

experience. Each sales representative 

will meet with customers in their 

homes to provide free estimates. For 

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT 

MD Construction 

Your Screen & Sunroom Experts! 

clients who don’t know exactly what 

they want, the sales team can provide 

design-style options and expert 

opinions. They are upfront and honest 

with customers and will let them 

know if a design they want may not 

be the best or work for their house. 

The friendly, knowledgeable office 

staff is always available to answer 

any questions or concerns a customer 

may have throughout the process 

of his or her project. The team is 

committed to keeping customers informed 

at each step of their projects. 

They will call or email all customers to 

let them know when their jobs have 

been received in the office, when 

their HOA applications have been 

submitted, when their engineering 

has been received and their permits 

applied for, when their permits have 

been approved, to confirm they have 

received HOA approval, and when 

the work is scheduled to begin. 

Each of MD Construction’s field 

crews has been in the industry for 

many years. All of its installers are 

courteous and professional, and they 

pride themselves on providing the 

best quality of work possible. Most 

of the company’s screen projects are 

prefabricated with hidden screws in 

the company’s warehouse and transported 

to the job sites for installation. 

In addition, all of MD Construction’s 

projects are built to meet the current 

Florida Building Code and hurricane 

wind requirements. They use top-quality 

materials, including Ceco screws 

and Phifer screens, on their projects 

and offer a two-year limited warranty. 

For more information about MD Construction, call 

321-663-5203 or visit www.mdconstructionfl.com. ª 

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Being one of more than 7 billion 

people on Earth, it is easy to feel as 

though your choices don’t have much 

of an impact on the world. What difference 

is one soda can you might recycle 

compared to the millions of tons 

of aluminum containers and packaging 

that are thrown away each year? 

What’s one voice among billions? 

A few years ago, I participated 

in an international scavenger hunt 

that resulted in one of the strangest 

weeks of my life; yet, by the end of 

the week, I felt that I made a real 

impact on the people and the world 

around me. GISH — The Greatest 

International Scavenger Hunt 

— was created by actor and philanthropist 

Misha Collins. It is an 

annual, weeklong, global scavenger 

hunt that promotes kindness, 

creativity and a range of weird and 

unusual activities. The year I participated, 

I was buried in a homemade 

coffin filled with popcorn, played 

badminton in a mall food court, and 

decorated my backyard with the 

entire contents of my closet — and 

I was considered a tame GISHer. 

Items ranged from the wacky to the 

creative to the philanthropic to the 

wildly ambitious. But there was one 

central theme to the hunt — and all 

the hunts that came before and after 

— making the world a better place. 

With this year’s GISH Hunt coming 

up, from July 27 through Aug. 3, I’m 

reminded of the impact we all have 

on the people around us and how 

we can use that impact to create 

change, not just for people, but for 

our world. 

There are so many ways we can 

contribute to making the world a 

HOW 

better place. It can be something 

as simple as letting a car in front 

of you during your daily commute 

or as large as organizing a charitable 

event to raise money for a 

good cause. If you’re looking for 

TO ... 

Change the World 

Each One of Us Can Make a Difference! 


by Lauren Salinero 

A group of “GISHers” spread love and encouragement by posting inspirational messages at 

a bus stop. 

some inspiration, there are many 

nonprofits and charitable groups 

that are always looking for volunteers. 

Organizations like Harbor 

House of Central Florida, Heart of 

Florida United Way, Second Harvest 

Food Bank of Central Florida, and 

the Florida Literacy Coalition are 

dedicated to helping people in different 

ways within the community. 

Other groups, such as the Florida 

Conservation Coalition and Florida 

Coastal & Ocean Coalition, are dedicated 

to protecting the environment. 

If you don’t know where to start or 

don’t have a specific cause in mind, 

there are also groups such as Guys 

with Ties Philanthropy and Mel’s Bad 

Girls Club that support many different 

causes. These groups also have 

a social aspect, where you can meet 

other like-minded people who are 

also trying to make a difference. 

With all the problems we see every 

day, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. 

All I seem to hear about is global 

warming, homelessness, poverty 

and the battles among people just 

because we’re different from each 

other. It’s a tough world, and we’re 

all just trying to survive. Tackling major 

issues can be daunting for a “regular” 

person like myself. I’m not an 

environmentalist or hugely political 

or have any real impact on a global 

scale. Yet, that doesn’t mean I can’t 

make a difference in my world. 

Sometimes the only thing it takes 

is making small personal changes. 

I can recycle. I can walk more and 

drive less. I can give an extra dollar to 

a charity at a grocery store register. I 

can adopt my pets instead of buying 

them from a pet store. I can use less 

plastic. I can pick up litter when I see 

it. I can be nice to the people around 

me. And you can do the same. 

Maybe you don’t have to change 

the whole world, but it is possible to 

change the world around you. ª 

A TRICARE 

PROVIDER 

Open Monday-Saturday: 7:30 am to 6 pm 

Erin Kim 

Anastasia Bipat, 

Laura Grant


The 2018-19 school year marked 

the end of an era for Dr. Phillips 

High School’s music program. At 

the end of the term, Keith “Mr. G” 

Galasso taught his final class at 

the school. Mr. G began teaching 

music at DPHS in 1989, the school’s 

third academic year, and aside from 

a short hiatus for medical reasons, 

he's been a staple on the DPHS faculty 

for 30 years. Music was always 

more than a career for the beloved 

teacher. 

A Musical Career 

During high school, Mr. G was in 

band and chorus, and knowing he 

would be drafted for the Vietnam 

War, he applied, auditioned and 

was accepted into the Navy Music 

Program. He served for four years 

in San Diego and, after being discharged, 

stayed and used his GI Bill 

to earn his music education degree 

at San Diego State University. The 

comfort of family drew Mr. G back 

to Orlando in 1989, when he started 

teaching at DPHS. He recalled interviewing 

with Southwest resident and 

then-Principal Bill Spoone and 

being given the choice of teaching 

math or music. Choosing music was 

a no-brainer. 

FEATURE 

The End of an Era 

Mr. G Retires From DPHS 

by Lauren Salinero 

In 2012, Dr. Phillips High School provided new workstations and high-tech equipment 

for the Music Technology Program at the request of Keith “Mr. G” Galasso. 

In 1999, Mr. G was diagnosed 

with a brain tumor. Not to be dissuaded 

from teaching, he took half a 

year off to undergo a 10-hour brain 

surgery and receive chemotherapy 

and radiation treatments. In 2001, 

he was promoted to performing arts 

magnet coordinator. He developed 

a Music Technology Program and 

began teaching that as well as jazz 

band, a 12-member vocal ensemble, 

and a vocal jazz ensemble. When 

DPHS was rebuilt in 2012, Mr. G 

was asked what he needed for the 

Music Technology Program. Mr. G 

gave the administration a wish list, 

and the school did not disappoint. 

It provided 30 new workstations, 

iMacs for each station, interface and 

controller keyboards. With those 

tools, students can work on their 

projects and lay down their tracks in 

the classroom before heading to the 

school’s multitrack recording studio, 

complete with two separate isolation 

booths. 

The Big Guys 

In 1991, while Mr. G was teaching 

chorus, he discovered he needed 

more boys in his ninth-grade chorus 

class. He heard that one of the students, 

Luis Fonsi, was a pretty 

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good singer and found out he was in 

the art class across the hall. 

Mr. G pulled him out of class to 

ask, “You like to sing?” 

“Yes,” Fonsi said. 

“You wanna be in chorus?” Mr. G 

asked. 

“Sure,” Fonsi said. 

The rest is history. 

Originally there were five boys 

Mr. G recruited to sing together, 

but one of them left to pursue golfing. 

The remaining four were known 

as The Big Guys: Joey Fatone, 

Luis Fonsi, Erik Garbus and Joel 

Herman. 

Two of the guys have gone on to 

successful music careers. Fonsi is a 

multiaward-winning Puerto Rican 

singer, songwriter and actor. Joey 

is best-known as a member of ‘N 

Sync, as well as placing second in 

the ABC reality show Dancing with 

the Stars. 

“It was kind of incredible,” said 

Mr. G about The Big Guys. “They 

stayed together for four years. I think 

they fell in love with doing the acapella 

vocal music. They love singing 

While students at Dr. Phillips High School in 1991, 

(clockwise from right) Joey Fatone, Luis Fonsi, Erik 

Garbus and Joel Herman comprise the singing group, 

The Big Guys, under the mentorship of teacher Keith 

“Mr. G” Galasso (not pictured). 

together. Something about the music 

just really holds [them] together.” 

When Fonsi was struggling with 

a major life decision in college, 

he turned to the man he trusted for 

advice. 


“What would you do if 

you were [in your] third 

year in college and someone 

offered you a record 

contract?” Fonsi asked. 

“Well, Fonsi, you can 

always go back to college,” 

Mr. G replied. 

The Big Guys continue 

to sing together every 

chance they get. The one 

thing they seem to do almost 

as well is praise their 

once-teacher now-friend. 

“Mr. G touched so 

many lives, including 

mine,” Joel said. “He 

wasn’t just a music teacher 

to his students, he was an 

all-around mentor, friend, 

dad, and he managed all 

of those relationships in a 

nonjudging manner. He is 

simply the G.O.A.T.!” 

“There’s a saying that some people 

cross your path and change your 

whole direction,” Fonsi said. “For 

me, that person was Mr. Galasso. 

I’m 100% sure I wouldn’t be where I 

am today if it weren’t for him. I don’t 

even think he realizes how many 

lives he’s shaped and how many students 

he’s inspired. Some heroes just 

don’t wear capes.” 

“There are many words that can 

describe Mr. G,” Joey said. “Truly a 

great man and respected across-theboard, 

I thank him for all the tools 

I’ve learned to go forward in my career 

… It didn’t turn out too bad. He 

is one of my heroes.” 

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 

Austin McWhite 

was killed July 16, 2018, 

not July 18, 2018, 

as was published in the 

June 6, 2019, issue of the 

Southwest Orlando Bulletin. 

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 

Erik added that Mr. G is, “a beautiful 

human being, a champion communicator 

and an epic teacher! It is 

because of Mr. Keith Galasso’s leadership 

that I have been changed for 

the better.” 

Surprise! 

The love and support Mr. G has 

given to his students throughout the 

years was more than evident during 

his surprise retirement party. Mr. G’s 

sons, Jason and Stephen, said 

they wanted to take him to dinner, 

and a week before, Fonsi had told 

him that he and The Big Guys were 

taking him out to dinner, as well. As 

Mr. G walked into the M Lounge, he 

was shocked by the reception of his 

friends and associates. About 120 

people, who had come from around 

the nation, surprised Mr. G to wish 

him well on his retirement. His sons 

and The Big Guys spent more than a 

year organizing the event. 

“I’ve never been that surprised 

in my life. I walked in, [heard the 

Approximately 120 people attend a surprise retirement 

party for Dr. Phillips High School performing arts magnet 

coordinator Keith “Mr. G” Galasso (far left), pictured with his 

former students, The Big Guys (clockwise from right) — Erik 

Garbus, Joey Fatone, Joel Herman and Luis Fonsi — who 

also attended and helped to plan the event. 

cheering, and] thought it was for 

Fonsi or something. I saw my wife 

and people I went to high school 

with and was completely blown 

away. Walking into that was like, 

are you kidding me? 

Everybody lied really 

well. I had no clue!” 

M Lounge features 

a showroom filled 

with classic cars, and 

Mr. G took his first 

ride in a Rolls-Royce. 

“I didn’t get to look 

at the cars,” he said. 

“I’m going to go 

back and check out 

the cars.” 

Turning the Page 

Now that he’s officially 

retired, Mr. 

G plans to spend 

more time with his 

grandchildren — his 

newest one is due in 

September — and 

spend more time taking 

better care of 

himself physically. What he won’t be 

doing, however, is giving up music. 

“I’ll probably start practicing my 

horn a little more,” he said. “I do 

some judging and educating [for 

Florida Band Master and Florida 

Vocal Associates], which I’m sure I’ll 

keep doing.” 

When asked what he will miss the 

most, Mr. G said, “Working with the 

kids and the camaraderie I have with 

my associates I teach with. I’m really 

lucky, working with some really talented 

kids and professionals. I’ll miss 

the kids. I think that has a lot to do 

with the subject that I teach. You get 

to know the kids, and you spend a lot 

of time with them out of the classroom 

and get to know them as people as 

well as students. I enjoy seeing my 

students do well and go on and be 

successful at whatever they choose 

to do." 

He added jokingly, “I won’t miss 

getting up at 5 a.m. in the morning.” 

When it comes to choosing what 

to spend your life doing, Mr. G has 

it right. 

“It went by really fast,” he said. 

“I consider myself fortunate, because 

I’m doing something that I 

love. And when you’re doing something 

that you’re passionate about, 

it doesn’t feel like work.” ª 

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Each year, the Central Florida 

Hotel & Lodging Association 

conducts the Teacher Academy 

program, a job-shadowing experience 

that allows local educators the 

opportunity to follow department 

heads at CFHLA lodging establishments. 

This program is intended 

to inform Central Florida teachers 

about the importance of the hospitality 

industry and to highlight 

TOURISM UPDATE 


submitted by Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association 

Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Associates holds a luncheon for the 2019 Teacher Academy participants. 

the wide variety of employment 

opportunities for their students, as 

the hospitality industry employs 

one in every three Central Florida 

residents. 

On Friday, June 21, at the University 

of Central Florida Rosen College of 

Hospitality Management, CFHLA 

recognized the 10 2019 Teacher 

Academy participants at a luncheon, 

featuring a keynote presentation by 

CFHLA board member 

Suzi Brady, area general 

manager of Comfort Inn 

International Drive. 

CFHLA salutes the following 

2019 Teacher 

Academy lodging partners: 

The Alfond Inn at 

Rollins College, Comfort 

Inn International Drive, 

Hilton Orlando Bonnet 

Creek, Holiday Inn Express 

& Suites Orlando East — 

UCF, Orlando Marriott Lake 

Mary, Renaissance Orlando 

at SeaWorld, Reunion 

Resort, Sheraton Orlando 

Lake Buena Vista Resort, 

Sheraton Vistana Resort 

Villas, and Vacation Villas 

at FantasyWorld II. ª 

401 Main Street, Suite A, Windermere, FL 

Windermere Center for 

DENTISTRY 

Emilia Godoy-Rapport, D.M.D. 

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(407) 909-1097


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Choice of daily activities 

On-site enrichment programs 

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Learn more about 

J University 

rosenjcc.org/JU 

www.rosenjcc.org | (407) 387-5330 | 11184 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando, FL 32836


As summer winds down, children’s thoughts across Southwest Orlando will 

inevitably turn to the first day of school. The school year, which begins Aug. 

12 for public schools, is less than a month away, and students and their families 

can get a head start by preparing now. The beginning of school is an 

exciting time, but some might worry about what the coming year may hold. 

Southwest Orlando Bulletin’s 22nd annual Back to School section provides 

a comprehensive look at a variety of school-related topics. In the following 

articles, area experts offer insights into different concerns often brought about 

by the start of a new school year. For students, there are articles about college 

prep and homework resources. For parents, there is information about dental 

hygiene, stress management for the family, and more. 

• Don’t Ignore Kids’ Complaints 

by Syed O. Quadri, M.D. 

Adult, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist 

Psych Pointe of Florida 

407-270-7702 

www.psychpointe.com 

It is time for parents to get ready, 

as children head back to school 

very soon. Some children might 

complain of tummy aches, headaches 

and dislike of the school, 

classroom, teachers or friends, 

leading to behavioral problems, 

truancy and failing grades. The 

majority of times, it is something 

simple like generalized anxiety, 

separation anxiety or undiagnosed 

ADHD/ADD, which is easily treatable. 

Parents can play a major 

role in shaping their children’s future 

by recognizing the signs and 

symptoms and seeking help from a 

trained professional before it starts 

affecting their future. 

Here are a few things parents can 

do: 

• Read about anxiety disorders 

and ADHD in children. 

• Collaborate with teachers and 

get their feedback regularly. 

• Create an open communication 

with children. 

• Be accepting of both positive 

and negative responses in the early 

stages of this venture. 

• Get an evaluation from a child 

psychiatrist as soon as possible. 

• Get necessary accommodations 

at school for the child, recommended 

by the child psychiatrist. IEPs and 

504 plans are laws that can help 

families. 

• Transitioning From Summer 

to Fall 

by the Marketing & Admissions Team at 

Windermere Preparatory School 

407-905-7737 

www.windermereprep.com 

Worried about the transition from 

summer to fall? Parents and children 

can easily fall into the relaxing, 

schedule-free, summer vibe. Before 


lake highland preparatory school 

Success 

Starts Here 

Lake Highland Preparatory School is located 

on a beautiful 42-acre campus and is nestled 

in a scenic enclave of downtown Orlando. 

Here, PreK through 12th-grade students 

receive a remarkable education and unique 

opportunities to learn and lead. Ingenuity is 

inspired in the classroom, and our nationally 

ranked academics, arts, and athletics prepare 

students to excel in college and beyond. 

We invite you to tour our campus, see our 

extraordinary facilities, experience our 

atmosphere of love and respect, and envision 

your child’s success starting at Lake Highland. 

central florida’s 

SCHOOL OF OPPORTUNITY 

www.lhps.org | 407-206-1900 ext. 1 | 901 Highland Avenue | Orlando, Florida 32803



you know it, August is here, and 

it’s time to set alarm clocks, pack 

lunches and be out the door bright 

and early! To help streamline the fall 

chaos, use these tips to start the year 

off right: 

• Does your school have an open 

house, meet the teacher event, or orientation? 

Attend one or all of them. 

This is a great way to break the ice 

early and allows everyone to familiarize 

themselves with friends, teachers 

and the campus. This will help 

to eliminate fears on the first day of 

school. 

• Plan play dates with friends, 

or attend the school’s planned play 

dates to help your child reconnect 

and feel comfortable on his or her 

first day of school. 

• School supplies! Grab the 

school supply list and go shopping 

with your children. Make this an 

exciting afternoon, and allow them 

to pick out their own supplies. Even 

splurge a little on a fun notebook or 

backpack that they love. 

• Plan ahead and ease into the 

routine a few weeks ahead of time. 

Start setting the alarm clock a little 

earlier each day until you are at 

the time they will need to be up for 

school. Set a bedtime routine that 

includes a bath, reading and family 

time — whichever order you’d like 

— to help get prepared for evenings 

during the school week. 

• End the summer with a fun family 

activity like a beach day, bowling, 

water park or something that they 

have been wanting to do all summer. 

The perfect way to end the summer is 

on a high note! 

While it’s hard to get back into the 

school routine, it’s easiest if you plan 

ahead and communicate with your 

children as much as possible so they 

know exactly what to expect the first 

few days. Once the first day is done 

and everyone has survived, go out 

for ice cream or dinner to celebrate 

the new school year. 

Helpful apps for families are 

gFlash, which allows students to create 

flashcards for any test or quiz; 

myHomework Student Planner, a 

homework checklist and study reminder; 

Cozi Family Organizer, a 

built-in calendar and to-do list, plus 

shopping and journal functions with 

the ability to color code each family 

member; and Alarm Clock Plus, 

which allows you to personalize 

your wake-up call from math problems 

to music and more. 

• Tooth Decay in Children 

by Sonia Simmonds, D.D.S. 

Simmonds Dental Center 

321-558-7635 

simmondsdentalcenter.com 

Tooth decay in children often results 

in having a tooth extracted. An 

extraction can be a cause for alarm 

for the child, and this alarm could 

extend to their parents, as well. For 

this reason, it appears that not all 

parents are diligent in having their 

children’s teeth treated, and delaying 

treatment can lead to a toothache 

and add disruption to a child’s 

daily life. This is why back-to-school 

exams are so important! 

A tooth extraction for a child can 

be a scary procedure since he/she 

does not know what to expect and 

will often worry that the procedure 

will hurt. Dental caries, or tooth decay, 

could lead to other more serious 

conditions if they’re not attended to 

immediately. So, if your child needs 

to undergo a tooth extraction, but 

he/she is scared of a dental visit, try 

going to a caring dentist where your 

family is comfortable. Seeing a pediatric 

dentist is also an option. By educating 

your child, you may relieve 

some anxiety surrounding the dental 

experience. 

• Gearing Up for the Upcoming 

School Year 

by Patrick M. Gonzales, M.D. 

Southwest Orlando Family Medicine 

407-352-9719 

www.swofm.com 

August is approaching, and the 

new school year is on the horizon! 

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com x July 18 — 31, 2019 x 17



Keep your children healthy and happy 

by scheduling their annual checkup, 

establishing a consistent sleep 

schedule, and making healthy eating 

a family affair. Here are a few tips 

to help get your family ready for the 

school year: 

• Schedule your child’s annual 

school physical, along with any 

required vaccinations, now, before 

the school year. Your child’s visit 

can help identify any issues that 

may arise while your child develops 

physically, emotionally and 

socially. 

• Establish a consistent nighttime 

routine and sleep schedule 

to help kids feel well-rested for the 

challenges of a new school year. 

When children don’t get enough 

sleep, it can affect their ability to 

learn, resulting in hyperactivity, 

lack of concentration, moodiness 

and more. 

• Nutrition for your children is 

similar to your dietary needs. Avoid 

foods high in sugars and fats, and 

choose lean proteins, fresh fruit, 

vegetables and whole-wheat options 

over fast food and processed 

foods. 

Children who start healthy habits 

when they’re young are more 

likely to keep those habits as 

they grow up. Healthy habits can 

help your child maintain energy 

throughout the day and improve 

focus in the classroom and at 

home. 

• Libraries Help You Learn, 

Grow & Connect With Your Kids 

by Sara Brown, Assistant Manager 

Orange County Library System 

Hiawassee Branch 

407-835-7323 

ocls.info 

Research consistently shows 

that parents play a key role in 

their children’s academic success. 

From providing support, structuring 

study and reading time, and 

monitoring homework, a parent’s 

involvement positively influences 

EDUCATIONAL CHILD 

CARE WITH A PURPOSE! 

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the educational achievements of 

their children. 

Figuring out how to best support 

a child’s educational success might 

seem daunting for some parents. 

Fortunately, your local library is a 

great source of guidance and inspiration. 

Whether your child is in preschool 

or a senior in high school, 

the library offers a wide array of 

educational resources to help students 

excel in school. 

Did you know, for example, that 

many libraries offer online homework 

help, school subject research 

guides, research paper writing 

tips, test preparation and other 

online assistance? Some libraries 

even offer live online tutoring 

for free to students with a library 

card. These online resources and 

services are usually accessible to 

cardholders from home, but there’s 

even more in store if you visit your 

local library in person. From books 

to educational programs to activities 

designed to help children better 

develop their understanding of 

the concepts they learn in school, 

libraries offer many hands-on resources 

that can help parents support 

their kids’ academic growth. 

And let’s not forget that the library 

is also a fun place for families to visit 

together! 

Whether you’re looking for 

school resources to help your children 

on their academic journey or 

a place for your family to engage 

in amazing experiences, don’t let 

yourself be overwhelmed — visit 

your library online or in person and 

find out how library resources can 

help parents and children learn, 

grow and connect with the world. 

• Five Tips for a Successful 

School Year 

by Sarah Donovan, Director of Admissions 

The First Academy 

407-206-8602 

thefirstacademy.org 

As summer comes to a close, students 

anxiously await the first day 

of school. Here are five helpful tips 

to get children back into the school 

routine: 

• Start the sleep habits early. 

Sleep studies show students need 

9.5 hours of sleep each night. 

Spending a few weeks getting your 

student used to waking up on the 

school schedule simply makes the 

first week of school much easier on 

the whole family. 

• Plan to eat right. Good eating 

habits are often associated with 

higher testing scores. Take your son 

or daughter with you to the grocery 

store, and let them help you plan 

their breakfasts and lunches. Help 

them choose healthy items, and don’t 

forget a few of their favorite healthy 

snacks. 

• Create a study nook. Foster 

good habits with an exciting and 

dedicated study nook or two. 

Having a dedicated study space 

and creating scheduled homework 

time helps promote a more successful 

student. 

• Head-to-toe hygiene. Kids will 

be kids, forgetting deodorant, not 

brushing their teeth, or leaving 

their baseball cleats at home. Help 

them build a habit of checking everything 

from their brushed hair 

to the appropriate shoes on their 

feet. 

• Talk it up. Build some excitement 

for the start of the school 

year. What interests your student 

that the school offers — is it a new 

sports team, technology offered, 

an art class or other activity? After 

all, we really want them to have 

fun! 

• The Benefits of a Private, 

Christian School Education 

by Joseph Cioffi, Director of Marketing & 

Communications 

Foundation Academy 

407-656-3677 • 407-877-2744 

foundationacademy.net 

A private, Christian school education 

is built upon high academic 

standards, positive learning 

environments, a sense of community, 

discipline and Christ-centered 

values. 

A private school education stresses 

the importance of an education 

that sets high academic standards

that will challenge the students 

throughout their academic pursuits. 

In addition, a private school has 

a tendency to foster smaller class 

sizes, which in turn cultivates an 

educational environment that has 

more one-on-one interaction with 

the teacher and enables the student 

to receive help for academic challenges, 

promotes increased class 

participation, and allows the teacher 

to really understand the students 

and identify their weaknesses, as 

well as their strengths. 

A private, Christian school also 

offers a diverse, yet intimate, community 

of students and families who 

share a common set of beliefs, interests 

and standards that foster a 

sense of belonging. This enriches the 

environment that promotes learning 

and growth that can be done both 

on an individual basis as well as 

together. 

There also is an emphasis on 

discipline that is structured around 

Christian values and is reflected in 

various traits, including thoughtfulness, 

kindness and understanding. 

These elements transcend into the 

environment, where students feel 

safe both physically and mentally, 

and that allows students to be dedicated 

to the process of learning 

rather than uncertainty and worry. 

Lastly, values are perhaps one 

of the most important elements of 

a Christian education. A Christcentered 

approach to teaching and 

learning allows a private, Christian 

school to truly partner with families 

and the church to build a foundation 

for life that will serve its students 

well for the exciting life that 

lies ahead. 

• Returning to School With 

More Confidence 

by Debbie Wisner, President, & Debby Tapia, 

Vice President 

Maile Image, Modeling, Acting 

407-628-5989 

lisamaile.com 

• Be approachable. Have a 

smile on your face. Even if you feel 

scared, it is OK. Most of the other 

students feel the same way. A smile 

shows you are friendly and will 

make you and everyone else feel 

comfortable. 

• Move past your negatives or mistakes. 

Dwelling and thinking about 

all the ways you went wrong in the 

past won't help you in future situations. 

It’s OK to be aware of what 

areas in your life you can improve, 

but it’s way better to learn from your 

mistakes. 

• Dress to impress. If you want 

to feel more confident, it’s time to 

show your style. Dress it up some, 

but wear what you feel most comfortable 

and confident in. Feeling 

great about yourself starts from 

within. It’s OK to show a bit of 

style. 

• Paving the Road to College 

by Lynn Stewart, Dean of College Counseling 

and Guidance 

Lake Highland Preparatory School 

407-206-1900, ext. 1 

www.lhps.org 

First day, freshman year of high 

school. That’s when the first brick 

is laid to pave the road to college. 

Admission to colleges and universities 

is more selective and rigorous 

than ever. By dedicating time, effort 

and intention, students can 

use this school year to prepare for 

college. 

• Build relationships with teachers 

and mentors. Many college 

applications require a teacher 

recommendation. 

• Fully engage in academics, extracurricular 

activities and service 

leadership. Strengthen your timemanagement 

and organizational 

skills while learning how you can 

impact your community. 

• Challenge yourself beyond your 

comfort zone. Build confidence and 

self-esteem while learning something 

new. This could be one of the most 

influential life lessons you take with 

you. 

• Learn to take academic risks in 

a supportive environment. Prepare 

for a rigorous college curriculum and 

lifelong learning. 

• Identify individual strengths, interests 

and preferred learning styles. 


This will help you choose a college 

where you will thrive. 

• Prioritize time for self-reflection 

to focus on your dreams for the future. 

Really think about who and 

what you want to be. 

Whether it’s your freshman year 

or you are graduating with the Class 

of 2020, this is your year! Make it 

count. It’s never too early to prepare 

for the rest of your life. 

• Start a School Routine Now 

by Deanna Gustafson, Director 

Children’s Lighthouse Learning Center of 

People of Faith 

407-395-0077 

www.childrenslighthousepof.com 

Summertime schedules are usually 

different from school year schedules, 

and there’s nothing wrong with 

that. Children do well with routines 

though, so establishing a school routine 

early is important. 

Two to four weeks before school 

starts, get preschoolers used to getting 

up at a certain time every day and 

going to bed at a certain time. This will 

get their little bodies used to school 

day hours. It will also give everyone 

the chance to iron out any wrinkles 

before the school year begins. 

Here are other tips parents can use 

to ease their children back into the 

school routine. 

• Remove things like mobile devices 

from children’s bedrooms to focus 

them on sleeping. 

• Encourage your kids to read at 

least one book before the school 

year begins. 

• Create a family calendar that 

tracks everyone’s activities and 

commitments. 

• Refresh your rules about screen 

time for the school year. What’s allowed 

and when? 

• Establish a set “family time,” 

whether it’s during dinner or before 

bed. 

With preparation, your kids will be 

in great shape. If you’re relaxed and 

calm, they’ll head off to school feeling 

excited and ready to get to work. 




Orange County Public Schools 

2019-20 Student Calendar 

407.835.7323 | ocls.info 

Aug. 12 

Sept. 2 

Oct. 16 

Oct. 17 

Oct. 18 

Nov. 25-29 

Dec. 20 

Dec. 23-Jan. 3 

Jan. 6 

Jan. 20 

Feb. 17 

March 12 

March 13 

March 16-20 

May 25 

May 27 

Before- & 

After-School Activities 

CRANIUM ACADEMY, 4068 Winter 

Garden Vineland Road, Winter 

Garden, 407-294-6950, www. 

craniumacademy.com. Cranium Academy 

is a unique and prestigious 

private school, revolutionizing preschool 

through fifth-grade education. 

The campus at Cranium Academy is 

highly secure, with monitored fingerprint 

entry and instant checks performed 

on visitors and vendors to 

ensure a safe environment. Students 

benefit from a unique combination 

of advanced curriculum, featuring 

custom learning paths, critical thinking, 

innovative technology and creative 

play experiences. With small 

class sizes and low student-teacher 

ratios, Cranium Academy’s learning 

environment encourages each student’s 

curiosity and enhances his/ 

her attentiveness. The highly experienced 

and well-trained staff seeks 

to develop lifelong learning advantages 

and inspire a true love of learning 

in their students. Additionally, 

Cranium Academy offers large 

First day of school 

Holiday 

First marking period ends 

Holiday 

Holiday 

Thanksgiving Break 

Second marking period ends 

Winter Break 

Holiday 

Holiday 

Holiday 

Third marking period ends 

Holiday 

Spring Break 

Holiday 

Last day of school 

indoor and outdoor play areas and 

a structured athletic gym program 

to develop each child’s gross motor 

skills, strength and coordination. The 

fun doesn’t stop there though! The 

academy also offers educational 

field trips, summer camps, holiday 

camps, birthday parties, after-school 

programs and more. 

THE FIRST ACADEMY, 2667 Bruton 

Blvd., Orlando, 407-206-8602, 

holds an open house Oct. 1 at 9 

a.m. for families considering an 

Orlando-area private school. The 

event offers an exciting student life 

presentation followed by campuswide 

tours where attendees can 

ask their guide questions, meet 

families and interact with students 

and staff. To RSVP or for more information, 

visit thefirstacademy.org/ 

admissions. 

FOUNDATION ACADEMY, 125 E. Plant 

St., Winter Garden, 407-656-3677, 



AdventHealth School of the Arts 

sign up today: 

new performing 

arts classes 

Introducing fun-filled, action-packed, eight-week sessions for all ages and skill 

levels—including full-scale youth theater productions. Classes start September 9. 

musical theater 

Sing, dance and act out hits from 

Broadway, Disney and more. 

acting 

Explore everything from improv 

and acting methods to auditioning. 

voice 

Learn technique or dive into 

a cappella, pop rock vocals and more. 

dance 

Make a move with tap, jazz, hip-hop 

and other creative styles. 

instrumental 

Start from scratch or sharpen skills on 

guitar, piano and string instruments. 

new homeschool 

Have serious fun earning credit hours 

during diverse daytime arts classes. 

new senior & caregiver 

Focus on boosting mood, being creative 

and embracing self-care. 

find your fun 

at the arts center 

drphillipscenter.org/classes | 407.455.5551



(preK-sixth grade); 15304 Tilden 

Road, Winter Garden, 407-877- 

2744, (seventh-12th grade); 8464 

Winter Garden Vineland Road, 

Windermere, 407-656-3677, (kindergarten-first 

grade), invites the public 

to witness the difference in private 

Christian education by planning to 

attend an open house this coming 

school year and experience all that 

Foundation Academy has to offer! 

The school’s first open house will take 

place October 2019. For more information 

and to register for an open 

house, visit foundationacademy.net. 

To schedule a private tour, call the 

phone numbers listed above. 

LAKE HIGHLAND PREPARATORY SCHOOL, 

901 Highland Ave., Orlando; 407- 

206-1900, ext. 1; www.lhps.org, 

hosts the following events for the 

2019-20 school year: Oct. 16 from 

8:15-10 a.m., Upper School Visitation 

Day for grades nine-12; Oct. 23 

from 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Middle 

School Visitation and Shadow Day 

for grades seven and eight; Nov. 

14 from 8:30-10:30 a.m., Sixth- 

Grade Visitation Day; Dec. 5 from 

9-11 a.m., Visitation Day for grades 

one-five; Jan. 10 from 9-10 a.m., 

Kindergarten Playdate; and Jan. 17 

from 9-10 a.m., Pre-K Playdate. 

ORANGE COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM, 407- 

835-7323, ocls.info/srp. All summer 

long, all 16 Orange County Library 

System locations offer a wide variety 

of free events, camps and classes for 

children of all ages. Kids can learn 

to make healthy snacks at a Cuisine 

Corner Jr. program or learn to become 

an entrepreneur in a BizKids 

summer camp. Seating may be limited 

for some events, so advance registration 

is recommended. In addition, 

A Universe of Stories: Orange County 

Library System’s Summer Reading 

Program continues through Aug. 3. 

ORLANDO REPERTORY THEATRE, 

1001 E. Princeton St., Orlando,

407-896-7365, www.orlandorep. 

com. Orlando Repertory Theatre is 

the only professional family theater 

in Florida. It strives to create quality 

performances, workshops and 

classes that entertain, enrich and 

enlighten young people throughout 

Central Florida. Through July 

28, Orlando REP proudly presents 

the Youth Academy production of 

Li’l Abner — a hilarious folktale of 

the citizens of Dogpatch USA, as 

they celebrate their annual summer 

Sadie Hawkins festival. Live 

animals share the stage with young 

actors, including a pug and a 

pig! Based on characters from the 

world-famous comic strip, this musical 

will delight audiences of all 

ages. 

WINDERMERE PREPARATORY SCHOOL, 

407-905-7737, info@windermereprep. 

com, windermereprep.com. Windermere 

Preparatory School is a private 

college-preparatory school 

educating students from prekindergarten 

through grade 12. 

Founded in 2000, Windermere 

Preparatory School is a member of 

the Nord Anglia Education Family 

of Schools and is located on a 48- 

acre campus in Southwest Orlando. 

The school provides a seamless 

curriculum that culminates with 

the International Baccalaureate 

Diploma Programme (IB) and is the 

only Central Florida private school 

to offer the IB Diploma, which is 

widely considered to be the gold 

standard of high school curriculum. 

Windermere Preparatory School is 

a local school of distinction with a 

global vision, including a population 

of international boarding students 

from around the world. As an 

International Baccalaureate World 

School, Windermere Preparatory 

School is fully accredited by the 

Southern Association of Colleges 

and Schools (SAC), Florida 

Council of Independent Schools 

(FCIS), Southern Association of 

Independent Schools (SAIS), Florida 

Kindergarten Council (FKC), and is a 

member of the Florida High School 

Athletic Association (FHSAA). ª 


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24 x July 18 — 31, 2019 x www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com



Educating Patients on Dental Health 

Preventative care and education 

are what epitomizes Buena Vista 

Family Dentistry to its patients’ 

goals of the dental office since first 

opening its doors in October 2017. 

“One of the main things patients 

like about our office is they feel many 

times when they leave that they have 

a better understanding of what’s going 

on in their mouths and a better 

understanding of how to maintain 

and prevent any other problems 

from arising. That’s because we are 

big on prevention,” said Ximena 

Aldea, D.M.D., the office’s resident 

dentist. 

Joined by a dedicated team that 

has worked with Dr. Aldea for a decade, 


seeks to provide patients with comfort, 

education and a general sense 

that they know as much about what 

is occurring in their mouths as those 

caring for them. 

Comfort & Prevention 

Buena Vista Family Dentistry offers 

several services to care for the 

dental needs of patients all over 

the Southwest Orlando area, from 

regular checkup services to more 

advanced procedures, like root canals, 

implant restorations, tooth restorations 

and Invisalign. Starting in 

August, salivary screening will be 

offered to aid in personalizing care 

for patients based on the bacteria 

present in their mouths. 

Upon entering the tastefully decorated 

office, patients can enjoy complimentary 

coffee and tea while they 

wait and will discover that they will 

come to know and love the familiar 

faces that greet them each visit. The 

office has two hygienists, two administrative 

personnel, and one assistant 

to Dr. Aldea. 

“Year after year, patients see the 

same team,” Dr. Aldea said. “I think 

tonyrappa@capturevideo-photo.com 

Ximena Aldea, D.M.D., puts patients at ease at Buena Vista Family Dentistry. 

it’s important, because we get to 

know our patients, their likes and 

dislikes, and how they like certain 

services done. 

“A lot of people may not like to go 

to the dentist, but it is a necessary 

thing to do, so we try to put them at 

ease as much as possible.” 

First-time patients can expect a 

full report on their dental health, 

getting X-rays, a cancer screening, 

periodontal charting (checking 

gum health), and a full oral 

exam. Also during the visit is the 

opportunity for patients to see pictures 

of their teeth and get a thorough 

explanation of what they 

are seeing from Dr. Aldea and her 

hygienists. 

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE 

“With the pictures, patients can 

understand better what is recommended 

for them,” Dr. Aldea said. 

“That’s why education is very important. 

When people have a better 

understanding of what’s going on, 

they are more at ease coming back 

for treatment if they want to save 

this tooth or for their gums to stop 

bleeding. We also try to not rush our 

patients; we take our time.” 

A Group Effort 

This desire to educate and care 

about the needs of her patients is 

why Dr. Aldea has been consistently 

named one of Central Florida’s top 

dentists in Orlando magazine’s “Top 

Dentists” as rated by peers every year 

since 2008. Graduating with 

a Doctor of Dental Medicine 

and with an Advanced 

Education in General Dentistry 

(AEGD) designation from 

Nova Southeastern University 

College of Dental Medicine, 

she is also a member of the 

American Dental Association, 

Florida Dental Association, 

Academy of General Dentistry, 

and American Academy for 

Oral Systemic Health. 

Dr. Aldea has been practicing 

in the Orlando area since 

2005 and continues to be a 

favorite in the community she 

has called home for 15 years. 

However, she believes it is a 

team effort that helps her patients 

leave with clean teeth 

and a more-educated grasp of 

how to care for their teeth each 

day. Her team includes registered 

dental hygienists Tricia 

Bracher and Bibliana 

Fernandez, certified dental 

assistant Nicole Spears, 

and Liyun Faubert and 

Maricarmen Poventud. 

“We are all part of the area, 

and again, a lot of patients know 

my team and the community knows 

them. The practice isn’t only about 

me; it’s about us and what we do 

together every day,” said Dr. Aldea, 

mentioning that her team members 

are also longtime Southwest Orlando 

residents. 

You don’t just leave Buena Vista 

Family Dentistry with clean pearly 

whites; you leave knowing you are 

cared for by an office team that 

wants you as involved in your dental 

health as they are. 

Buena Vista Family Dentistry is located in Suite 101 

at 11444 S. Apopka-Vineland Road in Orlando. 

For more information, call 407-930-0060 or visit 

familydentistryorlando.com. ª


n Courtleigh Park 

Kendall Oliver of Courtleigh Park 

takes a summer program at Harvard 

Medical School. 

Courtleigh Park resident Kendall 

Oliver was accepted to the Cell 

Biology Research Scholars Program 

summer internship at Harvard Medical 

School from June through August. She 

is studying as a full-time visiting undergraduate 

research fellow in the 

Department of Cell Biology. Kendall, 

a rising junior at Yale University, is 

pursuing a Bachelor of Science in 

molecular cellular and developmental 

biology. She plans to attend medical 

school. She was a 2017 Olympia 

High School graduate and an 

Orange County Super Scholar, which 

recognizes graduates accepted into 

the nation’s top-20 colleges and 

universities. 

n Dr. Phillips 

Dr. Phillips residents Tim and Vee 

Stanford announced the engagement 

of their daughter, Nicole, to 

David Marella, son of David 

and Millie. Nicole is a graduate 

of Dr. Phillips High School, 

the University of Florida, and the 

University of Miami Miller School of 

Medicine. She is currently a pediatric 

cardiology fellow at New York 

Presbyterian Columbia. David graduated 

from Rutgers University and 

Seton Hall Law School. He is a law 

clerk on the U.S. Court of Appeals 

IN YOURNEIGHBORHOOD 

Congratulations to Nicole Stanford and David 

Marella on their recent engagement. 

for the Third Circuit. A 2020 wedding 

is being planned. 

Stephanie 

Cook of Dr. 

Phillips is a 2019 

Florida Super 

Lawyers. 

Dr. Phillips resident Stephanie 

Cook, a partner at ShuffieldLowman, 

was selected to the 2019 Florida 

Super Lawyers. Super Lawyers, 

owned by Thomson Reuters, recognizes 

attorneys who have distinguished 

themselves in their legal 

practice. Peer nominations and 

evaluations are combined with thirdparty 

research and validation of 

the attorney’s professional accomplishments. 

The final published list 

represents 5% of the total lawyers 

in the state of Florida. As a founding 

partner of the firm, Stephanie’s 

practice areas include corporate 

law, mergers and acquisitions, estate 

planning, high net-worth family 

planning, intellectual property, 

n Ocoee 

securities, tax advice and 

nonprofit law. 

Heissam Jebailey, a 

Dr. Phillips resident and creator 

of the Black and White 

Weekend, announced that 

this year’s event, co-sponsored 

by I’m in Events 

and Base Camp Children’s 

Cancer Foundation, saw a 

record-breaking weekend, 

raising more than $20,550 

for Base Camp Children’s 

Cancer Foundation. The 

event, which was held at 

Rosen Plaza Hotel, was attended 

by 831 guests. 

Congratulations to the following 

Ocoee residents for their acceptances 

into college programs: 

• Alexander Felix, an Ocoee 

High School graduate, will enter 

Kutztown University next month. 

• Elijah Jones was admitted 

to Cornell College with a Founder’s 

Scholarship & Art Scholarship. 

n Windermere 

compiled by Lauren Salinero 

Windermere residents Vernic 

and Mitesh Popat were guests on 

the Fox News Channel TV program 

Fox & Friends. The couple, who own 

the online-based store PlantOGram, 

talked about growing plants and encouraged 

audience members to get 

in the garden. 

n Winter Garden 

Winter Garden resident Karen 

Morrow, DVM, MS, DACVR, 

was recognized by the Florida 

Veterinary Medical Association with 

a 2019 FVMA Gold Star Award. 

The award is presented to member 

veterinarians who go above the call 

of duty to care for patients and who 

exemplify dedication and compassion 

in their veterinary practices. 

Dr. Morrow received her DVM degree 

from Colorado State University 

in 1990, followed by a master’s 

degree in radiological health science 

in 1996. She also completed 

a three-year residency in veterinary 

radiology. She is a diplomate for 

the American College of Veterinary 

Radiology. 

n Et Al 

Southwest resident and former 

Lake Highland Preparatory 

School student Shereen Kassam 

— an internationally touring standup 

comedian, actor and Fortune 

100 manager — launched a new 

podcast centered on creatives 

Windermere residents Mitesh (second from left) and Vernic Popat (far right) talk about 

plant and garden care with Fox & Friends hosts (l. to r.) Steve Doocy, Jedediah Bila and 

Brian Kilmeade.

and artists. Creative Breakthrough: 

Jumpstart Your Creative Journey 

features in-depth conversations 

with creatives across entertainment, 

business, fashion, design 

and the arts. The podcast is available 

on all audio platforms, including 

Apple Podcast, Spotify 

and YouTube. It’s also available at 

www.creativebreakthroughpodcast.com. 

Southwest 

resident Gene 

Columbus 

retires as 

executive 

director of 

Orlando 

Repertory 

Theatre. 

More than 200 guests, including 

local officials, board members, 

staff and invited guests, celebrated 

the retirement of Southwest resident 

Gene Columbus as executive 

director of Orlando Repertory 

Theatre. “A Sweet Celebration of a 

New Beginning” included a dessert 

and coffee reception and a 90-minute 

presentation in the Universal 

Orlando Foundation Theatre. Gene’s 

official last day as executive director 

was June 28. Chris Brown, former 

general manager of Orlando REP, 

stepped into the role after a nationwide 

search. 

Southwest resident George 

Indest III, president and managing 

partner of The Health Law Firm, 

was recognized and selected to 

the 2019 Florida Super Lawyers 

list. His extensive achievements, 

accomplishments and community 

involvement earned him his placement 

for the 11th year. George’s 

area of practice is health law. He is 

well-known in the local community 

as well as statewide. He primarily 

represents physicians, nurses, dentists, 

pharmacists, medical groups, 

licensed health facilities and 

other health providers in Florida 

and throughout the U.S. 

Kavya Shah 

of Southwest 

Orlando earns 

a Leaders 

and Achievers 

Scholarship from 

Comcast Corp. 

Southwest resident and Windermere 

High School graduate 

Kavya Shah was one of seven students 

in Citrus, Orange and Sumter 

counties to receive a Leaders and 

Achievers Scholarship from Comcast 

Corp. Scholarship winners were selected 

for their outstanding community 

service, academic performance 

and leadership skills. Each $2,500 

scholarship is to be used toward 

undergraduate education-related 

expenses. 

Congratulations to the following 

residents for their recent graduations: 

• Several Southwest-area residents 

graduated from the University 

of Alabama. Dr. Phillips resident 

Stephanie Annarumma 

earned a Bachelor of Science in 

human environmental sciences. 

Winter Garden residents included 

William Bonnette, 

Bachelor of Science in commerce 

and business administration, and 

Kendall Meyer, Bachelor of 

Science in nursing. Windermere 

residents included Andrew 

Foran, Bachelor of Science in 

commerce and business administration; 

Kristen Hill, Bachelor 

of Science in human environmental 

sciences; Maddison Loos, 

Bachelor of Arts; and Danielle 

Wilcox, Bachelor of Arts in communication 

and information sciences. 

Southwest resident Nicholas 

Randazzo earned a Bachelor of 

Science in commerce and business 

administration. 


• Graduates from Georgia Institute 

of Technology included Ocoee 

resident Melissa Blackburn, 

Bachelor of Science in electrical 

engineering; Windermere resident 

Richard Kim, Bachelor of Science 

in biomedical engineering; and 

Winter Garden resident Jeffrey 

Leonard, Master of Science in mechanical 

engineering. 

• Sheila Cappel of Dr. Phillips 

earned an Executive Doctor of Business 

degree at Georgia State University. 

• Southwest resident Shilo 

Coccodrilli graduated from 

Moravian College with a Bachelor 

of Arts. 

• Dr. Phillips resident Parita 

Desai graduated with a Bachelor 

of Arts in journalism, and MetroWest 

resident Anastasia Remoundos 

graduated magna cum laude with a 

Bachelor of Fine Arts in musical theatre 

from Ithaca College. 

• Rogelio Vazquez of Winter 

Garden graduated from the 

University of Iowa with a Bachelor 

of Arts in health and human 

physiology. 

• Larry Vickers of Winter 

Garden received a Bachelor Science 

in business analytics and management 

from Bellevue University. 

Although we try to ensure that all information 

presented above is the most current, correct and 

dependable available, we do rely on others for 

the source of our news. Therefore, the Southwest 

Orlando Bulletin and Cornerstone Publishing & 

Multi-Media LLC cannot be held responsible for 

the validity of the information presented here, nor 

does mentioning it constitute an endorsement. In 

Your Neighborhood news is welcome and may be 

mailed to P.O. Box 851, Windermere, FL 34786; 

or emailed to Lauren@kearneypublishing.com. ª 

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n West Orange Habitat 

grows its team 

West Orange Habitat for 

Humanity officials look forward to 

welcoming an AmeriCorps National 

member to serve in the capacity of 

construction crew leader to assist 

in the construction of new and rehabbed 

homes, volunteer management 

and resource management for 

10 months from August 2019 through 

May 2020. 

Habitat for Humanity’s partnership 

with the Corporation for National 

and Community Service began in 

1994 to place 122 AmeriCorps 

members in five locations to support 

Habitat’s work. Since then, more 

than 500 AmeriCorps members have 

served annually with Habitat throughout 

the U.S., and 10,148 Habitat 

AmeriCorps members have served 

more than 109,000 individuals and 

engaged more than 3.7 million volunteers. 

AmeriCorps members apply 

for and serve full-time for at least a 

year at local Habitat organizations 

across the country. Local Habitat 

NEWS & BUSINESS BRIEFS 

organizations apply for a certain 

number of AmeriCorps positions and 

pay the costs for each member. 

n Track Shack Youth Foundation 

funds fitness programs 

Scott Millson, president of the 

Track Shack Youth Foundation, announced 

that the foundation’s board 

of trustees recently awarded more 

than $25,000 to 31 area schools 

and youth organizations. This funding 

goes toward programs that 

provide health-and-fitness education 

and encourage young people 

to participate in a wide range of 

sports and fitness-related activities 

in Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, 

Seminole and Volusia counties. 

TSYF, which was established in 

1994, reviews more than 50 grant 

requests from schools and other athletic 

programs on a quarterly basis. 



The programs have little funding on 

their own and rely on donations from 

organizations like TSYF for monetary 

support. Funds awarded go toward 

a variety of program needs, including 

uniforms, gym and track equipment, 

running program necessities 

and more. 

In addition to individual contributions, 

financial support of the local 

organizations is also made possible 

by people who actively take part in 

Track Shack’s local running/walking 

events. Race proceeds positively impact 

the community and improve the 

quality of life for many. 

For more information, visit www. 

trackshackfoundation.org. 

n Orange County becomes 

doggie-dining friendly 

West Orange Chamber of 

Commerce accomplished its goal 

to make all west Orange County 

“doggie-dining friendly” with the 

city of Ocoee adopting its own ordinance, 

as Orange County, Oakland 

and Windermere did recently. 

WOCC’s interest in this issue began 

in late 2017, when members 

learned that several member eateries 

were approached by the state 

health department for allowing dogs 

to dine with their owners without 

having the appropriate license from 

Orange County. Further investigation 

revealed that Orange County, 

Oakland, Ocoee and Windermere 

needed to enact an ordinance that 

would let eateries apply for permits 

to allow outdoor doggie dining. 

Winter Garden and Orlando enacted 

ordinances years before, after 

the state passed legislation in 2006, 

that would allow for outside doggie 

dining if a restaurant wanted to offer 

that service to its patrons. WOCC 

officials understood the confusion 

that patrons experienced because 

jurisdictional lines were blurred. 


6,500 sq.ft of Elegance



Patrons and even restaurants were 

not aware of the law; however, the 

popularity of dog-friendly businesses 

was growing. In order to gain economic 

equality for all its restaurant 

members, the chamber embarked on 

an awareness campaign and enactment 

of the ordinance by the county 

and its remaining municipalities to 

bring all of west Orange County to 

doggie-dining friendliness. 

For more information, call 407- 

656-1304. 

West Orange Chamber of Commerce members celebrate the opening of Burntwood Tavern. 

photo courtesy of WOCC 

BUSINESS BRIEFS 

West Orange Chamber of 

Commerce representatives held a 

ribbon-cutting for Burntwood Tavern. 

WOCC builds partnerships, strong 

businesses and commitment to the 

community by serving as the leading 

business advocate in Central Florida, 

facilitating opportunity to nearly 

1,000 member businesses. For more 

$ 

2 99 

Limited time only at participating restaurants. 

Additional charge for Extras. Plus applicable tax. 

No additional discounts or coupons may be applied. 

Prices and subs included may vary. Delivery available in 

select areas. See Subway.com/delivers for details. 

Subway® is a Registered Trademark of Subway IP LLC. © 2019 Subway IP LLC. 

Meatball Marinara 

Cold Cut Combo 

Black Forest Ham 

Spicy Italian 

Also includes: 

Veggie Delite ® 

information about WOCC, call 407- 

656-1304 or visit wochamber.com. 

The Outta Control Magic 

Comedy Dinner Show at 

WonderWorks took the longrunning 

magic comedy show to a 

whole new level by using technology 

to create more interaction with 

its audience. While previously only a 

small group could get an interactive 

271 West Rd 

Ocoee 

1569 E Silver Star Rd 

Ocoee 

2468 S Maguire Rd 

Ocoee 

8894 W Colonial Dr 

Ocoee 

13530 Summerport 

Village Pkwy 

Windermere 

7315 SR 535 

Windermere 

15504 Stoneybrook 

West Pkwy 

Winter Garden 

1001 S Dillard St 

Winter Garden 

Now delivering with 

experience, the new technology 

allows the entire audience to become 

part of the show! Plus, worldrenowned 

magician Tony Brent is 

thrilling crowds with more magic and 

a straightjacket re-enactment. The 

new elements include mind-bending 

magic the whole family will enjoy. 

For more information, visit www. 

wonderworksonline.com/orlando. 

The Orange County Library 

System joined a growing list of 

leading public libraries that have 

partnered as early adopters of Wise. 

This holistic system takes community 

engagement and collection management 

to a new level by combining 

the power of customer relationship 

management, marketing and analytics 

with integrated library system 

functionality, such as circulation 

and acquisitions. Wise is designed 

around people, not the collection. 

It supports libraries’ continued shift 

into dynamic centers of activity and 

expands the impact libraries have on 

their communities. For more information, 

visit oc.lc/wise or ocls.info. 

Orlando Repertory Theatre’s 

board of directors announced the 

appointment of Dr. Phillips resident 

Chris Brown as the new executive 

director of the nonprofit, which 

is committed to creating quality experiences 

that enlighten, enrich and 

entertain young audiences. Brown, 

who previously has served as a 

production manager, general manager 

and interim executive director 

for Orlando Rep, manages the 

strategic goals of the largest professional 

theater for young audiences 

Chris Brown 

of Dr. Phillips 

is Orlando 

Repertory 

Theatre’s new 

executive director. 

in the Southeast, while working 

collaboratively with artistic director 

Jeff Revels to ensure a cohesive, 

efficient and productive operation. 

For more information, call 407-896- 

7365 or visit orlandorep.com. 

From Orlando-based writers Elaine 

Pechacek and Katie Hammond, 

New Generation Theatrical presents 

performances of Seasons The 

Musical, playing at the Dr. Phillips 

Center for Performing Art’s 

Alexis and Jim Pugh Theater from 

Sept. 12 through Sept. 21. Seasons 

is a story about love. Spanning the 

course of one year, this original musical 

delves into the lives of two duos 

who are facing different challenges 

in life. Poignant and touching, it explores 

these characters with humor 

and realism that will leave the audience 

wanting more. To purchase 

tickets or for more information, visit 

www.drphillipscenter.org. ª

n Westbrooke Elementary 

As one of its many 2018-19 events 

held throughout the school year to 

SCHOOL NEWS 



located at 9401 W. Colonial Drive 

in Ocoee, from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. daily. 

Parents or guardians must bring a valid 

ID, and students should have their 

most recent immunization record and 

original birth certificate, passport or 

other government ID. For more information, 

call 407-858-1444 or visit 

orange.floridahealth.gov. 

Westbrooke Elementary holds an event for mothers and sons during the 2018-19 school year. 

bring families, students and faculty 

together, Westbrooke Elementary 

held a mother/son event. Big 

thank-yous go out to Madeline 

Fitzpatrick and Nicole Leon of 

the Mother-Son Committee for their 

great planning. 

Westbrooke Elementary officials 

announced the members of the 

school’s 2019-20 PTO board. Copresidents 

are Brooke Axtell 

and Jacqueline Brown. Nancy 

Barajas-Velez, Carmen Outar 

and Leslie Hacha Rodriguez will 

serve as vice presidents. The corresponding 

secretary is Christen 

Kuhlman, and the recording secretary 

is Rachel Blanco. Jeff 

Rademaker will serve as treasurer. 

n SunRidge Middle 

new campuses will reduce the growing 

student population in the Keene’s 

Crossing and Independence 

elementary schools. 

Officials of the Florida Department 

of Health in Orange County urge 

Orange County Public School 

Math Bee program through the 

Educational Impact ministry at 

St. Luke’s United Methodist 

Church was honored with OCPS’s 

outstanding Partner in Education 

award for the 2018-19 school year. 

The annual program, which was the 

vision of St. Luke’s member John 

Pedicone, was presented with an 

Founders of the Orange County Public 

School Math Bee program through the 

Educational Impact ministry at St. Luke’s 

United Methodist Church, John 

Pedicone and Ruth McKeefery, 

are pictured with the program’s OCPS 

Outstanding Partner in Education award for 

the 2018-19 school year. 

Westbrooke Elementary officials introduce the school’s 

2019-20 PTO board members. 

SunRidge Middle celebrates its 2018-19 assistant principals, Eddie Foster and 

Sohira Sarmiento, during Assistant Principals Appreciation Week. 

n Et Al 

Officials of the Orange 

County school board approved 

rezoning in the 

Horizon West area, where 

several new relief elementary 

schools will be opening. The 

parents to prepare their children for 

the upcoming school year by attending 

Back-to-School Immunization, 

which will take place from July 22 

through Aug. 4. The free immunization 

event was planned so parents 

can vaccinate their children and 

obtain their DH60 forms for school. 

It will be held at West Oaks Mall, 

award during a special recognition 

ceremony at SeaWorld Orlando. 

The Math Bee program started eight 

years ago under the guidance of 

John Pedicone and former St. Luke’s 

Impact Director Ruth McKeefery. 

Beginning with just five classrooms 

in a single school, the program has 

since expanded to 25 OCPS elementary 

schools. All participants 

are fourth-graders, and the math 




challenges begin with a classroom 

competition, followed by a school 

competition and a county final. The 

competitions are monitored by official 

timekeepers and judges, and 

they feature math questions that are 

compiled by a team of administrators 

and other experts. 

During the 2018-19 school year, (front, l. to r.) Reese Palmer, Katie Nguyen, Addy 

Harrigan, (back, l. to r.) Alexander Mannella, Elias Reed, Jackson Palmer and 

Jaxon James wear pajamas for Premier Academy’s 100th day celebration. 

During the 2018-19 school year, (l. to r.) 

Brooklyn Walsh, Chase Augustin, 

Clarity Vergara, Ayla Bedayat, 

Felipe Fernandes, Jake Nash and 

Aiden James wear pajamas for Premier 

Academy’s 100th day celebration. 

Representatives of the Florida 

Department of Education released 

the remaining student test scores for 

state assessments. Overall in OCPS, 

students scoring Level 3 or higher 

increased in 12 of the 21 subjects 

and grade levels reported. Grade 

six mathematics and biology subjects 

reflect the greatest gains with 

8 and 6 percentage point increases, 

respectively. School level data will 

be highlighted in the 2018-19 OCPS 

school report cards that will soon be 

released. 

“Today we celebrate our teachers, 

parents, administrators and, most 

of all, our students,” said Southwest 

resident and OCPS Superintendent 

Barbara Jenkins. “Our scores are 

a reflection of their hard work, collaboration 

and dedication throughout 

the school year.” 

Although we try to ensure that all information presented 

above is the most current, correct and dependable 

available, we do rely on others for the source of our 

news. Therefore, the Southwest Orlando Bulletin and 

Cornerstone Publishing & Multi-Media LLC cannot be 

held responsible for the validity of the information 

presented here, nor does mentioning it constitute an 

endorsement. School News is welcome and may be 

mailed to P.O. Box 851, Windermere, FL 34786; or 

emailed to Lauren@kearneypublishing.com. ª 

5

n Charities/Fundraisers 

Through Aug. 7 — Eat-A-Dish For 

Make-A-Wish 

Maggiano’s Little Italy, 9101 International 

Drive, Orlando, hosts its 16th annual Eat-A- 

Dish for Make-A-Wish campaign, during which 

guests can choose to purchase a chef-featured 

item and a portion of the cost is donated to 

Make-A-Wish, through Aug. 7, 2019. To date, 

Maggiano’s campaign has raised more than 

$9 million and granted more than 1,200 lifechanging 

wishes. For more information, visit 

maggianos.com/make-a-wish-2019. 

Sept. 7 — Sparkle & Shine 5K 

Harbor Park in Lake Baldwin, 4990 New Broad 

St., Orlando, hosts Runway to Hope’s inaugural 

Sparkle & Shine 5K, a chip-timed event. 

Participants are glammed up at glitter stations 

and can participate in on-course photography 

stations. There is also a Kids Run. Time: 8 a.m. 

for the 5K, 9:30 a.m. for the Kids Run. Cost: 

$25 for the 5K. (The price increases after Aug. 

6.) $10 for the Kids Run. Proceeds benefit 

Runway to Hope’s Family Assistance Program, 

which supports families primarily in Central 

Florida fighting pediatric cancer while seeking 

a cure. For more information and to register, visit 

sparkleandshine5k.com. 

n Children’s/Teen 

Programs 

Through Aug. 3 — Kids Summer Reading 

Program 

All branches of the Orange County Library System 

host the annual Kids Summer Reading Program. 

Participants attend weekly special events that 

include live performances, science, animals, 

arts and storytelling. Registration is open now. 

For more information or to register, call 407- 

835-7323. 

Through Aug. 3 — Teen Summer Reading 

Program 

All branches of the Orange County Library System 

host the annual Teen Summer Reading Program. 

Participants explore art, business, music production, 

robotics, sewing, soldering, virtual reality, 

book clubs, contests and more. Each time you 

attend an event, class or camp at OCLS this summer, 

you receive entry into the End of Summer 

Grand Prize Drawing that includes bicycles, 

tickets to local attractions, gift certificates and 

more. For more information or to register, call 

407-835-7323. 

July 30 — End Of Summer Teen Party 

The Albertson Room of the Orlando Public Library, 

101 E. Central Blvd., Orlando, hosts the End of 

Summer Teen Party including prizes like bicycles, 

gift certificates and more. Attendees enjoy pizza 

and fun before entries are drawn for the grand 

prize drawing. Must be present to win and be 

between ages 11-18. Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m. For 

more information, call 407-835-7323 or visit 

ocls.info/srpteens. 

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD 

n Classes/Programs 

Through Oct. 2 — Entertainment Design 

Exhibit 

The Bush Lobby at Orlando Repertory Theatre, 

1001 E. Princeton St., Orlando, hosts You Mean 

Sort of Like This? The Entertainment Design World 

(or Process) of Cindy White, an exhibit of entertainment 

design work. For more information, call 

407-896-7365, email info@orlandorep.com or 

visit orlandorep.com. 

Aug. 10 — Pollination In Action 

The Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens, 

633 Osceola Ave., Winter Park, hosts Walking 

Tour of the Polasek Garden — Pollination in 

Action, featuring Teresa Watkins, a 23-year 

master gardener, fellow with the University of 

Florida’s Natural Resource Leadership Institute, 

and specialized horticulturalist. Attendees learn 

about native and exotic species, pollinator-friendly 

plants and how to attract pollinators to their 

gardens. Time: 10 a.m. Cost: $10 for the public, 

$5 for members. To register or for more information, 

call 407-647-6294 or visit polasek.org. 

n Events/Performances 

Through July 28 — Flashdance The 

Musical Performances 

Garden Theatre, 160 W. Plant St., Winter 

Garden, presents performances of Flashdance the 

Musical. Time: Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; 

Saturdays, Sundays, July 18 and July 25 at 2 

p.m. Ticket prices vary. For more information, call 

407-877-4736 or visit www.gardentheatre.org. 

Through Aug. 10 — Science After Sundown 

Orlando Science Center, 777 E. Princeton St., 

Orlando, hosts Science After Sundown, when 

the center is less busy. Hands-on exhibits are 

open all night, including the Hall of Heroes summer 

exhibit. Time: Fridays and Saturdays until 

11 p.m. Cost: included with general admission, 

free for members. For more information, visit 

www.osc.org/science-live-schedule. 

Through Aug. 25 — Precious Pollinators 

Art Exhibition 

The Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens, 

633 Osceola Ave., Winter Park, hosts Precious 

Pollinators, an art exhibition presented by the 

Central Florida Watercolor Society and including 

art surrounding one of the world’s most important 

natural resources — the bee and other pollinators. 

Time: Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and 

Sunday from 1-4 p.m. For more information, call 

407-647-6294 or visit polasek.org. 

Through Sept. 22 — Love Speaks 

Exhibition 

To commemorate the third annual remembrance of 

the mass shooting at Pulse nightclub in 2016, the 


Orange County Regional History Center, 65 E. 

Central Blvd., Orlando, hosts Love Speaks: Artistic 

Response to the Pulse Nightclub Tragedy, a fully 

bilingual exhibition. Time: Monday-Saturday from 

10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday from noon-5 p.m. 

For more information, visit thehistorycenter.org. 

Through Sept. 30 — Enchanted Fairy 

Doors Exhibit 

Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., 

Orlando, hosts Enchanted Fairy Doors, a whimsical 

exhibit that features 20 new one-of-a-kind 

fairy doors, which inspire children’s imaginative 

world of mythical forests and secret gardens. 

Cost: included in daytime garden admission 

of $10, adults; $5 children 4-17. Leu members 

and children 3-younger are free. For 


www.leugardens.org. 

Aug. 2-25 — How To Marry A Divorced 

Man Performances 

The Winter Park Playhouse, 711 Orange Ave., 

Suite C, Winter Park, presents performances of 

How to Marry a Divorced Man, a musical comedy 

about chasing a divorced man for marriage 

and the comedic situations that ensue. Showtimes 

and costs vary. For more information, call 407- 

645-0145 or visit www.winterparkplayhouse.org. 

Aug. 2, Sept. 6, Oct. 4, Nov. 1 & Dec. 6 

— Movie Nights At Leu Gardens 

Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., 

Orlando, hosts Movie Nights with outdoor 

viewings of the following movies: Mission 

Impossible — Fallout on Aug. 2 at 8:30 p.m., 

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom on Sept. 

6 at 8 p.m., The Others on Oct. 4 at 7:30 p.m., 

A Quiet Place on Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m., and 

National Lampoons’ Christmas Vacation on Dec. 

6 at 7:30 p.m. The gardens open at 6 p.m. for 

all movie nights. Dinner picnic baskets and alcohol 

are permitted. Cost: $6, adults; $3, children 

4-17; free for Leu members with membership card 

and ID. Admission is collected at the door, and 

major credit cards are accepted. 

Aug. 9-11, 15-18 & 22-25 — Mary 

Poppins Performances 

St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 4851 S. 

Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando, hosts performances 

of Mary Poppins. Showtimes vary. For 

more information or to purchase tickets, visit 

www.st.lukes.org/marypoppins. 

Aug. 25 — Taste Of The J 

compiled by Lisa Sagers 

The Rosen JCC, 11184 S. Apopka-Vineland 

Road, Orlando, hosts the annual Taste of the J, 

a free event, during which attendees can get a 

“taste” of what the best local restaurants have 

to offer, with complimentary food samples, children’s 

activities and entertainment. Guests also 

can see all the programs the JCC has to offer. 

Time: noon-2:30 p.m. For more information, call 

407-387-5330 or visit www.rosenjcc.org. 

Oct. 4 — Baby Shark Live! 

The Walt Disney Theater at the Dr. Phillips Center 

for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave., 

Orlando, hosts Baby Shark Live, a brand-new, 

fully immersive concert experience from Pinkfong 

and Round Room Live. Time: 6 p.m. Cost: starting 

at $19.50. Children 1-older need a ticket. 

A separate Baby Shark Meet & Greet upgrade 

ticket may be purchased for an additional 

$60.67, which includes access to an after-show 

photo opportunity and an exclusive Baby Shark 

souvenir bag. Tickets are currently on sale. For 


drphillipscenter.org. 

n Miscellaneous 

Through Sept. 2 — Free Admission Offer 

To show its appreciation to the nation’s educators, 

Ripley’s Believe It or Not, 8201 International Drive, 

Orlando, offers free admission to any K-12 educations 

and staff members, plus an additional 50% 

off up to six guests, through Sept. 2, 2019. All 

teachers, administrators, counselors and support 

staff are welcome to visit with a current pay stub 

or photo ID for verification. For more information, 

call 407-345-0501, email orlando@ripleys.com 

or visit www.ripleys.com. 

Sept. 20 — Photo Submission Deadline 

The city of Ocoee sponsors a calendar photo 

contest, celebrating the beauty and uniqueness of 

Ocoee. Winning photographs will be published in 

the city’s 2020 community calendar, where photographers 

are given photo credit. Amateur and 

professional shutterbugs are invited to submit color 

pictures of people at work or play in Ocoee. There 

is a limit of three photo entries per photographer 

and the deadline for submissions is Sept. 20, 2019. 

Photos must be submitted in high resolution, digital 

format 600 dpi, TIF or JPEG file. They can be 

emailed to jwright@ocoee.org or delivered on a 

flash drive or CD to Ocoee City Hall. A photo entry 

form and informational flier are available online 

at www.ocoee.org/civicalerts.aspx?AID=520. 

For more information, call 407-905-3100 or visit 

www.ocoee.org. 

Oct. 1, Nov. 5, Dec. 3, Jan. 26, March 10 

& April 24 — Open Houses 

The First Academy, 2667 Bruton Blvd., Orlando, 

holds open houses on the following dates: Oct. 

1, Nov. 5, Dec. 3, Jan. 26, March 10 and April 

24. Time: 9 a.m. for all, except Jan. 26, which 

is at 2 p.m. For more information, call 407-206- 

8602 or visit thefirstacademy.org. 

n Networking/Clubs 

July 23 — Southwest Book Club Meeting 

The Southwest Library at Dr. Phillips, 7255 Della 

Drive, Orlando, hosts a Southwest Book Club 

meeting to discuss this month’s selection of To 

Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Time: 7 p.m. 

Anyone 18-older is welcome, and registration is 

not required. For more information, call 407-835- 

7323 or email southwest@ocls.info. 




July 23, 30, Aug. 6, 13, 20 & 27 — 

Tuesday Networking Group Meetings 

Village Inn, 3130 Daniels Road, Winter Garden, 

hosts meetings of West Orange Chamber of 

Commerce’s Tuesday Networking Group. Time: 

Tuesdays from 8-9 a.m. Meetings are free for 

WOCC members and exclusive to one person 

per industry. For more information, email Bob 

Gentile, bob@naturalsolutionsllc.com. 

July 24, Aug. 14 & 28 — Horizon West 

Networking Group Meetings 

Orlando Health Emergency Room and 

Medical Pavilion, Second Floor, Center for 

Health Improvement, 17000 Porter Road, 

Winter Garden, hosts meetings of West 

Orange Chamber of Commerce’s Horizon 

West Networking Group. Time: the second 

and fourth Wednesday of each month from 

8-9 a.m. Meetings are free for WOCC members 

and exclusive to one person per industry. 

For more information, email Tina Zernickow, 

tzernickow@axiombanking.com. 

July 25 — Lunch & Learn 

Windermere Town Hall, 520 Main St., 

Windermere, hosts a West Orange Chamber 

of Commerce Lunch and Learn, with guest 

speaker Bruce Jones from the Disney Institute. 

Time: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Cost: $26 in advance, 

$36 at the door. For more information, email 

kjones@wochamber.com. 

July 25, Aug. 8 & 22 — Thursday 


Dr. P. Phillips YMCA, 7000 Dr. Phillips 

Blvd., Orlando, hosts meetings of West 

Orange Chamber of Commerce’s Thursday 

Networking Group. Time: the second and 

fourth Thursday of each month from 8-9 a.m. 

Meetings are free for WOCC members and 

exclusive to two business members per industry. 

For more information, email Marc Jablon, 

marc@imaginethatpromo.com. 

July 31, Aug. 7 & 21 — Wednesday 


Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, 10971 

W. Colonial Drive, Ocoee, hosts meetings 

of West Orange Chamber of Commerce’s 

Wednesday Networking Group. Time: the 

first and third Wednesday of each month from 

8-9 a.m. Meetings are free for WOCC members 

and exclusive to one person per industry. 

For more information, email Pam Birdsong, 

pam@proformaalbrecht.net. 

Aug. 8 — Lead & Feed Networking Group 

Luncheon 

Bosphorous Hamlin, 16418 New Independence 

Parkway, Winter Garden, hosts a luncheon of 

West Orange Chamber of Commerce’s Lead and 

Feed Networking Group. Time: 11:30 a.m.-1:30 

p.m. Cost: $20 in advance, $30 at the door 

for WOCC members; $30 for nonmembers. For 

more information, email kjones@wochamber.com. 

n Support Groups 

Aug. 4 — GriefShare: Loss Of A Spouse 

Program 

The Building C Attic at St. Luke’s United Methodist 

Church, 4851 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, 

Orlando, hosts GriefShare: Loss of a Spouse, a 

one-time free program open to anyone who is 

grieving the loss of a spouse, no matter how long 

ago the loss occurred. Attendees learn how to 

process their grief and face the future with hope. 

Time: 2-4 p.m. To register, visit www.st.lukes.org/ 

griefsharespouse. For more information, call 407- 

876-4991, ext. 262; or email care@st.lukes.org. 

Aug. 7 & Sept. 5 — GriefShare Support 

Groups Begin 

Building C’s Special Events Dining Room at St. 

Luke’s United Methodist Church, 4851 S. Apopka- 

Vineland Road, Orlando, hosts GriefShare 

Support Groups, 14-week support groups for 

those grieving the loss of a loved one. All faiths 

are welcome. Another morning and evening 

group begins Sept. 5. Register online at st.lukes. 

org/care/#grief. For more information, call 407- 


Aug. 8 — Autism Spectrum Disorder 

Support Group Meeting 

Room 204 in Building C at St. Luke’s United 

Methodist Church, 4851 S. Apopka-Vineland 

Road, Orlando, hosts an Autism Spectrum 

Disorder Support Group meeting for parents of 

teens/tweens with the Autism Spectrum Disorder. 

Attendees share challenges, ideas, concerns, success 

stories and fellowship. A trained facilitator 

from UCF Card offers a brief topical lesson each 

month. Time: 6:30-8 p.m. To register, call 407- 


Aug. 13 — Support Group Meeting For 

Caregivers 

The Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center sponsors 

a free support group meeting for caregivers in the 

Suite 281 Conference Room (next to the south elevators 

on the second floor) at Health Central Hospital, 

10000 W. Colonial Drive, Ocoee. Time: second 

Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. For more information, 

call 407-843-1910 or visit www.adrccares.org. 

Aug. 21 — Parenting Solo Support Group 

Begins 

The Special Events Dining Room in Building C at St. 

Luke’s United Methodist Church, 4851 S. Apopka- 

Vineland Road, Orlando, begins a Parenting Solo 

Support Group, a 10-week study for single parents 

that is based on the New York Times bestseller 

Boundaries. Attendees learn how to create healthy 

boundaries (physical, mental, emotional and spiritual). 

Child care and youth programming are available 

with a prior reservation. Time: 7-8:30 p.m. 

For more information or to register, call 407-876- 

4991, ext. 262; or visit st.lukes.org/care. 

Contributions to Community Bulletin Board are welcome. 

Please send information six weeks before the event to 

P.O. Box 851, Windermere, FL 34787; call 407-351-1573, 

option 5; or email Lisa@kearneypublishing.com. ª 

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