112119 SWB DIGITAL EDITION

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November 21 — December 4, 2019 | Since 1986

2019

Holiday

Gift Guide

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

NEW WORLD RECORD

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

HOW TO .......................................................................................... 4

Travel

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT ........................................................................... 6

A Lifelong Passion

ON THE SUBJECT OF ......................................................................... 9

Creative Gifts for Kids

2019 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE ............................................................. 10

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS ................................................................... 16

MATTER OF TASTE ........................................................................... 19

Holiday Desserts

IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD ............................................................. 20

NEWS & BUSINESS BRIEFS .............................................................. 21

SOUTHWEST SOCIAL SEEN ............................................................. 24

Celebrating Extraordinary Women

TOURISM UPDATE ........................................................................... 25

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD ....................................................... 26

SOUTHWEST SERVICE DIRECTORY ................................................... 26

www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com x November 21 — December 4, 2019 x 3

PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER

Rick V. Martin

November 21, 2019

Vol. XXXIV, No. 2

VICE PRESIDENT

Yvette Martin

MANAGING EDITOR

Lisa Sagers

Crafted Italian Dining Located At Disney Springs®

P.O. Box 851

Windermere, FL 34786

407-351-1573

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4 x November 21 — December 4, 2019 x www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com

HOW TO ...

Travel

Ten Tips for Seeing the World!

by Lauren Salinero

Wellington Esquea, PA-C, Dr. Bindu Kakkanatt, Dr. Shaista Usmani, Dr. Shahid Usmani, MD.

1551 Boren Drive, Suite A • Ocoee, FL 34761

Conveniently located near Walmart. Just minutes from MetroWest, Winter Garden and Windermere.

Call 407-395-2037

Personalized Care

with Compassion

& Excellence

Se Habla Español

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Having lived in Europe for two

years, I’ve done my fair share of traveling.

During that time, I visited 10 different

countries, from Ireland to Japan

to Austria. Since then, I travel to a new

place every chance I get. Last year, I

visited Havana for a week. I stayed in

an Airbnb; had breakfast made by a

local every morning; walked the streets

and visited museums, a cigar factory

and famous landmarks during the

day; and watched neighborhood kids

kick around a soccer ball during the

evenings. Not all great travel is international,

though. Having family out-ofstate,

I travel north to Virginia at least

twice a year. And, I jump at any opportunity

to visit new states that I have

yet to explore. In my time, I’ve picked

up a few travel tips that can benefit

you on your next adventure — whether

it’s a spur-of-the-moment flight to Long

Island, New York, for the weekend

(one of my favorite November trips) or

a 13-hour flight to the other side of the

world.

• Be patient — Travel never goes

the way you plan it. You might get

halfway across the Atlantic Ocean

only to have the pilot inform you that

he or she has to turn the plane around

and land in Canada because personnel

forgot to fuel the plane (true story).

You might miss your cruise ship because

your plane got delayed while

waiting for another plane to fly in a

spare tire that was needed (also a true

story, and one of the best vacations of

my life). That old saying — patience is

a virtue — live it, love it. With all the

lines, the people, the delays and the

hours of sitting around, it’s easy to lose

patience. Plan ahead. Bring a book

(or two). Load your phone with your

favorite podcasts. Download a game

to keep you busy. Find a restaurant or

bar in the terminal to spend your time.

Just don’t stew in your impatience.

Give people the benefit of the doubt.

Everyone in an airport has somewhere

to be and wants to get there as quickly

as possible. It can lead to others being

brusque and even outright rude, but let

it roll off you. Don’t let someone else’s

stress ruin your good mood.

• Get travel insurance — Speaking

of things going wrong, always get

the travel insurance. I’m not going to

lie, I don’t buy travel insurance for my

regular trips up North to visit family.

But, when it comes to international

travel or a long vacation, it’s the smart

move. Life happens, and unexpected

emergencies, sickness or anything that

could derail your plans could cost you

big time in the long run if you aren’t

covered. Do your future self a favor,

and get the insurance.

• Notify your bank and credit card

companies of your travel plans —

There’s nothing worse than officials

at your bank or credit card company

seeing a bunch of transactions from

Spain, thinking you’re safely at home

in Windermere. Unless you enjoy

having your card frozen while you’re

in a foreign country or even just far

from home, give your bank and credit

card companies a heads-up. On that

note, don’t rely solely on credit cards

during your travel — have some cash

handy. There’s usually a currency exchange

at the airport if where you’re

visiting uses a different currency. Don’t

keep it all stashed in one place — the

dangers of being robbed are real —

but take enough to get you through a

couple of days without a card, in case

any issues come up.

• Don’t overpack — If your bags are

stuffed to the brim when you’re leaving

home, you aren’t giving yourself room

for souvenirs you might want to bring

back with you. Mailing from one country

to another — even cross country

— is a hassle, an expensive one. Pack

light and leave room for keepsakes.

• Bring a sarong — This may seem

like a strange travel tip. But, almost every

experienced traveler will tell you,

a sarong is a multiuse lifesaver. It can

be a sunblock, a shawl, a towel, and


When it comes

to traveling,

avoid mishaps by

following some

tried-and-true tips.

it can even be used to carry items. It

takes up hardly any space at all and

goes with almost any outfit.

• Never check a bag — This is my

always-follow-never-deviate-from rule

of travel. I never check a bag. This

allows me to check into my flight 24

hours in advance on my smartphone,

download my ticket, skip the baggage-check

lines, and head straight

to security when I get to the airport. I

use my carry-on roller bag for the overhead

compartment and a duffle for underneath

the seat in front of me. I also

pack pretty lightly. When my plane

lands, I don’t have to wait for bags to

come around on that conveyer belt,

or worse, deal with a lost luggage

nightmare if they don’t. I recommend

sticking to this rule whenever possible.

Of course, that isn’t always realistic. If

you’re traveling for several weeks or

just can’t live without five pairs of shoes

and 20 outfits, this one isn’t for you.

However, if you want to save time and

never risk losing your bags, trust me

on this, you won’t wear all 20 of those

outfits anyway.

• Drink water on the flight — I know,

I know. You wanted to booze it up as

soon as you got to your seat. Especially

on longer flights, the high altitude and

dry air in the plane make for a very

dehydrated human. If you must drink

alcohol, have a glass of water with it

to keep you hydrated. Also, don’t order

from the airline. You’ll break your

budget before you even reach your

destination. Pack a clear, quart-sized,

zip-closed bag full of mini bottles of

your favorite alcohol. Then ask for the

soda or tonic of your choice as a mixer.

• Four essentials — earplugs,

headphones, eye mask, neck pillow:

These are some plane necessities. I’m

convinced there hasn’t been a single

plane to take off that doesn’t have at

least one toddler on board who isn’t

happy about the changing air pressure.

It isn’t the kid’s fault. It isn’t the

parents’ fault. Honestly, I feel sorry for

the poor parents traveling with small

children. They don’t have the option to

do exactly what I’m about to recommend

to you. Put in those earplugs or

headphones. Rest your head comfortably

on your neck pillow, and slip on

an eye mask. The other passengers on

the plane will slip away, and you can

enjoy some relaxation time.

• Be a visitor — Whether you’re

traveling to the Grand Canyon or Paris,

the culture and lifestyle of the people

who live there are likely to be very different

from what you experience daily.

Don’t limit yourself to tourist attractions;

get involved with a local activity or

event as well. Even if the culture you

see is outside your comfort zone, don’t

judge the native lifestyle around you.

Learn from it, observe it and even embrace

it. Travel is one of the only things

that turns prejudice on its head.

• Be spontaneous — This may be

the most important tip. If you take nothing

else from these recommendations,

take this one. It’s easy to get excited

about a trip and plan everything down

to the hour. Don’t make that mistake.

You could miss out on the best experiences

you never knew were there.

Leave room to explore, to change

plans and to go in a different direction

from what you thought. Visiting a new

place is all about being open to new

and unexpected experiences.

I wish you the best of luck and safe

travels on your next adventure! ª

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Yuko Matsuzaki has always

loved to swim. As a young girl growing

up in Tokyo, Yuko remembers

her life consisting of “school, home

and swimming.” She began swimming

competitively at age 15 and

excelled at long-distance swimming.

At age 26, Yuko competed in Italy in

her first marathon swim competition.

Marathon swimming has taken

Yuko to competitions all over the

world. In 1992, she took a trip to

Orlando to visit Walt Disney World

Resort. While in Orlando, Yuko visited

the YMCA Aquatic Center on

International Drive, now known as

the Rosen YMCA Aquatic Center.

She immediately fell in love with

the facility and decided to make

Southwest Orlando her home. Yuko

continues to train at the center six

days a week.

Throughout her impressive

40-plus-year career, Yuko has accomplished

many incredible feats,

including, in 2011, becoming the first

Japanese swimmer inducted into the

International Marathon Swimming

Hall of Fame. Even with all that she

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

A Lifelong Passion

Swimming Her Way to a World Record

has accomplished, Yuko is always

looking for a new challenge.

“I train every day, so I am always

ready for anything,” she said.

Last month, Yuko’s friend and fellow

decorated swimmer, Steven

Munatones, invited her to the

World Open Water Swimming

Association’s Ocean Fest in Redondo

Beach, California. Steven mentioned

that the company Endless Pools

would be there, as well as representatives

from Guinness World

Records. Yuko immediately became

excited, remembering how as a

child, she loved looking through the

Guinness Book of World Records.

“I was always so amazed by

the abilities and accomplishments

of those in the book,” she said. “I

dreamed but never thought I would

by Karen Nimetz

one day break a Guinness World

Record — until that phone call.”

Yuko shared with Steven her goal

of swimming in an endless pool for

24 hours straight. (The previous record

was 16 hours.)

“Steven was incredibly supportive

and promised to set everything up

for me, which he did,” she said.

Yuko, who does not own a car but

bikes everywhere, felt physically prepared

for the incredible challenge.

She had actually swum 24 hours

straight at the aquatic center 20

years ago. She even swam 33 hours

and 24 minutes straight during a 52-

mile swim in Lake Cane. However,

this would be her first time attempting

to accomplish such a goal under

the watchful eyes of Guinness World

Records officials.

Yuko decided to begin her challenge

Oct. 5 at 8 a.m. Guinness

rules allowed for Yuko to take a

five-minute break every hour. During

that brief time, she remained in the

water but would “stretch and eat a

little rice, a cookie and a piece of

chocolate.”

At around midnight, a large group

had formed around the pool, and a

Guinness representative announced

that Yuko had officially broken the

previous world record of swimming

in a counter-current pool. Everyone

cheered, but Yuko kept right on

swimming.

“I knew I could stop at that point

and still have beaten the record, but

my plan was to do 24 hours, so I

needed to stay focused,” she said.

Around 2 a.m., with almost all

spectators gone and having already

swum 18 hours straight, Yuko began

to struggle mentally. Shortly thereafter,

Yuko received an encouraging

visit from her good friend and fellow

swimmer, Shelley Taylor-Smith.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 8


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

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

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

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

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Kristen Jackson

Attorney At Law

Estate Planning

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

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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

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www.JacksonLawPA.com

Offices: Orlando

Credit Cards Accepted


CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

“Shelley told me that all of my

friends in the swimming community

were rooting for me, which reinvigorated

me to keep going,” Yuko

said.

As the 24-hour mark approached,

hundreds of fans and friends returned

to cheer on Yuko. Yuko

“Yuko’s mental preparedness is just

as important, if not more important,

than her physical capabilities,” he said.

“She is in great physical shape, swimming

and biking every day. However,

her endurance and longevity is what I

am most impressed by. Yuko’s determination

is incredibly inspiring.”

As for plans for the future, Yuko

said she is unsure of what her next

Southwest resident

Yuko Matsuzaki

breaks a world record

by swimming in a

counter-current pool

for 24 hours.

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$

2 99 We Want to See Your

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

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was so excited to hear that final

countdown.

“The realization of a lifelong

dream, that I never thought would

happen, was very special,” she said.

Yuko’s friend and three-time

Olympic gold medalist, Rowdy

Gaines, said he is incredibly proud

of Yuko’s accomplishment but not at

all surprised.

challenge will be. The one thing she

knows for sure is that she plans “to

swim forever!”

Yuko hopes others will be inspired

by her recent achievement and pursue

their own goals.

“I always tell people, anything is

possible. You just need to find something

that you feel passionate about.

The key is to never give up.” ª

Ugly

Christmas

Sweater

Send us a photo in your Ugly Christmas Sweater

for a chance to be featured in a special

Southwest Orlando Bulletin showcase.

Email your photos (minimum 200KB) to Lauren@kearneypublishing.com


ON THE SUBJECT OF...

Creative Gifts for Kids

Unleash Their Imagination With Crayola Crafts

Few things compare to the joy

and excitement on the faces of

children on Christmas morning as

they rush to the tree in search of

packages bearing their names.

Though it may seem many of

the items on your child’s list require

tech savvy, getting back to

basics with crafty gifts can allow

your kids to explore their artistic

sides and foster imaginative play.

From options like coloring books

and jewelry-making kits to glitter

activity sets and color-and-wash

collectibles, there are a variety of

present ideas out there meant to

get those creative juices flowing.

Whether searching for a gift

for an animal lover, aspiring scientist

or DIYer, you can find gifts

to spark your child’s imagination

and leave him or her with a

colorful, memorable surprise at

crayola.com.

Rethink Arts-and-Crafts Time

While many children love to

play with glitter, traditional glitter

and glue can be messy. This

holiday season, opt for a lessmess

solution like Crayola Glitter

Dots, which are recommended

for children age 5 and older and

available in 13 sparkly colors and

three color palettes: classic, tropical

and bold. Each innovative dot

features a special coating, so all

5979 Vineland Rd., Suite 109, Orlando, FL 32819

the glitter is contained inside and

a unique adhesive that sticks to

multiple surfaces, including paper,

wood, felt, papier-mâché, fabrics,

plastic foam and more. They are

available in single packs or as

part of larger activity kits that can

be used to conceive custom creations,

as well as keychains, stickers,

mosaics, sparkly signs and

more.

Customizable Creativity

In a matter of minutes, kids can

be transported to an imaginative

safari where they can create, nurture

and collect colorable and

washable figures with the Crayola

Scribble Scrubbie Safari, intended

for children age 3 and older.

Using the included kid-powered

Oasis Tub with a slide attachment,

children can wash off their pets,

customize their appearance using

six different Scribble Scrubbie

Ultra Clean Washable Markers,

and create brand-new designs

again and again. In addition to

the four safari pets included –

monkey, elephant, giraffe and

lion – additional expansion packs

are available that can bring your

child’s collection to a total of 12

adorable animals.

(Family Features)

Source: Crayola ª

The Vascular Experts, the largest group

of Board-certified vascular surgeons in

the nation, is growing with the opening

of an office in the Orlando area.

Specializing in diagnostic, preventative

care and treatment services for vascular

conditions, including:

- Varicose Veins and Venous Disease

- Aortic Diseases

- Peripheral Arterial Disease

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Airing on NBC and Golf Channel

With every birdie during the

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marrow transplant program to help

our littlest patients.

Thank you Dr. Phillips Charities for

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in the Greater Orlando Area

Lina M. Vargas, MD,

FACS, RPVI

Schedule your appointment

by calling 407-612-7738

13528 Summerport Village Pkwy.


TVEFlorida.com


2019

HOLIDAY

GIFT GUIDE

With Thanksgiving and Black

Friday just around the corner,

Southwest Orlando residents are

gearing up their searches for amazing

holiday gifts for the people

on their lists. Southwest Orlando

Bulletin’s Holiday Gift Guide provides

a comprehensive listing of various

local stores, as well as gift ideas

— from always-handy gift cards to

opportunities for better health and

more — that are sure to please everyone

this holiday season.

Downtown

Winter Garden

Kick off the holiday shopping season

at the Downtown Winter

Garden Small Business

Saturday on Nov. 30, and score

unique gifts while supporting local,

independently owned businesses.

The daylong celebration takes place

from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and includes

special sale offers, raffle giveaways

and live outdoor music. Enjoy the

festive, quaint charm of historic

downtown while keeping spending

dollars local to make your community

stronger. For more information, visit

www.cwgdn.com.

Buena Vista

Family Dentistry

Give the gift that will make everyone

smile! Stop by Buena Vista

Family Dentistry to get gift certificates

for everyone on your list. The

staff offers a wide range of teethwhitening

options, as well as restorative

and preventative services in a

warm, comfortable setting. Gift certificates

can be applied toward any

service the receiver wants or needs.

Call 407-930-0060; stop by the

It’s better to give

Spend $25 and get $5

AND receive!

TooJay’s gift cards are perfect for teachers,

friends, colleagues and stocking stuffers!

For every $25 in gift cards purchased,

receive a $5 bonus card for future use.

Gift cards must be purchased in restaurants by

December 24, 2019 to receive bonus card.

$5 bonus cards are valid Dec. 26, 2019 - Feb. 29, 2020.

Conditions apply.

Six area Orlando locations.


will have you feeling beautiful and

vibrant. Gift cards are available. For

more information, call 407-877-7003

or visit www.gentletouchmedispa.

Monkey Joe’s

office at 11444 S. Apopka-Vineland

Road, Suite 101, in Orlando; or visit

familydentistryorlando.com.

The First Academy

all genres of dance. It offers professionally

instructed classes in creative

movement, ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop,

contemporary, acro and aerial silks.

The confidence gained through lessons

helps to build social skills and

increase self-esteem and the ability to

communicate well in a group. What

better gift to give this season than the

gift of dance? Not only will you be

gifting someone the gift of dance but

also an opportunity to create lifelong

memories and friendships. For more

information, call 407-877-2260 or visit

www.footworksdancestudio.com.

Monkey Joe’s offers something

for the entire family. Its locations are

indoor party and play centers filled

with inflatable play structures, jumps,

slides, obstacle courses, games and

party rooms for children. The centers

also offer seating areas for parents,

with widescreen TVs and high-speed

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

Voted Orlando’s top private school

by Southwest Orlando Bulletin readers

for the past five years as well as Best

Christian School in Orange County

by Niche, The First Academy

provides the strongest balance of accelerated

academics and Christian

leadership. Serving more than 1,400

students in Central Florida, from preschool

through high school, The First

Academy elevates all students to

their highest levels of achievement.

The First Academy offers awardwinning

arts and athletic programs,

customized student pathways, and

inspirational teachers. For more information,

call 407-206-8600 or visit

www.thefirstacademy.org/new.

Footworks

Dance Studio

Footworks Dance Studio, located

at 1201 Winter Garden Vineland

Road, offers a state-of-the-art facility

and a safe, positive environment, aiding

the development of its students in

Gentle

Touch MediSpa

Go beautifully bare with Gentle

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selection of eager-to-please dermal

fillers. Beam your way to beautiful

skin with IPL photofacials and laser

skin resurfacing, or indulge in Gentle

Touch’s extensive menu of facials and

skin therapies like chemical peels and

microdermabrasions. Whatever your

beauty needs are this holiday season,

Gentle Touch has a solution that

SOMETHING FOR THE

WHOLE FAMILY

• Amazing inflatable jumps and slides

• State-of-the-art arcade with redemption

and prizes

• Private party suites

• Best birthday parties

• Delicious concessions

• Free Wi-Fi

Call 407-880-7529

to book your party today!

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Sunday 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

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monkeyjoespointeorlando



internet access. The Southwest-area

Monkey Joe’s is open daily and located

in Pointe Orlando at 9101

International Drive. To book a private

party suite or a child’s best birthday

party, call 407-880-7529 or visit

www.monkeyjoes.com.

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with virtually no downtime. Book

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or call 863-604-6021. You will love

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Orlando

Repertory Theatre

Orlando Repertory Theatre,

located at 1001 E. Princeton St. in

Orlando, presents performances of

Miracle in Bedford Falls — a musical

version of the beloved holiday classic

It’s a Wonderful Life — through Dec.

29. The play tells the story of George

Bailey, who has dedicated his life to his

hometown. Lately, life has not been kind,

and George finds himself in a desperate

5


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place on Christmas Eve. Clarence, a

guardian angel, shows George the

joyful impact his life has had on those

around him, while Clarence works hard

to “earn his wings” in the process. For

more information, call 407-896-7365

or visit orlandorep.com.

Paddlefish

Don’t know what to get the person

who has everything? You can

never go wrong with great food

and libations at an iconic waterfront

restaurant. Paddlefish’s sleek and

modern design offers new areas for

guests to embark, including a rooftop

overlooking the sights and sounds of

Disney Springs. Buy $100 in gift cards

and receive a $25 bonus card (valid

from Jan. 1-March 31, 2020). To purchase

gift cards, visit the restaurant or

paddlefishrestaurant.com.

Royal Landscape

Think outside of the typical present

box this year and visit Royal

Landscape! Watch memories grow

year after year by giving trees or beautiful

shrubs to your loved ones for the

holidays. Shop for fruit trees, flowering


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trees or shade trees, and many beautiful

plants that can be enjoyed for their

looks — or their tastes — for years to

come. Royal Landscape is located at

2204 Hempel Ave. in Gotha. For more

information, call 407-296-3042.

Terralina

Crafted Italian

Start your holiday shopping now!

You can never go wrong with a gift card

for great food and libations at Disney

Springs. Terralina Crafted Italian’s

menu features authentic cuisine created

by James Beard Award-winning chef

Tony Mantuano. Enjoy alfresco

waterfront dining and Terralina’s new

veranda bar. Buy $100 in gift cards

and receive a $25 bonus card (valid

from Jan. 1– March 31, 2020). To purchase

gift cards, visit the restaurant or

terralinacrafteditalian.com.

TooJay’s

TooJay’s is best known for piledhigh

sandwiches, fresh salads and

hearty portions of traditional comfort

food. This holiday, you can give and

receive! At TooJay’s, you can purchase

$25 in gift cards and receive a $5 bonus

card. TooJay’s gift cards are perfect

for friends, family, teachers and colleagues.

The program runs through Dec.

24, 2019, in all locations. For more information,

visit one of the restaurants or

toojays.com.

Windermere

Medical Center

With the holidays just around the

corner, one of the best — and mostforgotten

gifts — is the gift of good

health. Niral Patel, M.D., and the

staff at Windermere Medical

Center believe preventative wellness

is a vital tool to managing health, yet

many people choose instead to be

reactive, scheduling an appointment

only when something “doesn’t feel

right.” The fact is, many of the top risk

factors relating to illness are preventable,

and that’s why preventative care

is so important for the continued health

of your family and loved ones. For

more information or to make an appointment,


www.windermeremedicalcenter.com.

Windermere

Preparatory School

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this year! Windermere

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through grade 12 college-preparatory

school located on a beautiful

48-acre campus with state-of-the-art

facilities. Windermere Prep’s academic

approach is built on complex

problem-solving and critical-thinking,

emphasizing intellectual, personal,

emotional and social growth. If you

are seeking a personalized educational

experience for your child, visit

Windermere Preparatory School’s

campus and experience the magic

of this special place, where high

academic achievement is inspired,

aspirations take shape and students

excel. Call the admissions office

today at 407-905-7737 or email

info@windermereprep.com.

Looking to give a gift to someone

who has everything? Try giving

the gift of professional musical

theater from The Winter Park

Playhouse! Gift certificates are

available in any amount, and a threeshow

series is only $105. The Winter

Park Playhouse is a professional

musical theater specializing in off-

Broadway musicals, and it boasts an

intimate 123-seat theater setting with

a gorgeous lobby bar. For more information,


www.winterparkplayhouse.org. ª

28th annual holiday short-story contest.

Winners will be published in the

Dec. 19 issue. Send original short

stories (max: 600 words) with the

author's name, age, neighborhood and

phone number to:

Southwest Orlando Bulletin

P.O. Box 851


Phone: 407-351-1573, Option 4

Email: lauren@kearneypublishing.com

Must be a Southwest Orlando resident to participate.

Deadline: November 27, 2019

Dr. Phillips | Bay Hill | Windermere | Lake Buena Vista

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Holiday Happenings

Through Dec. 8 — Scott’s Maze Adventures

Long and Scott Farms Inc., 26216 County

Road 448A, Mount Dora, hosts Scott’s Maze

Adventures, including a 7-acre live corn maze,

jumping pillow, super slide, four other mazes,

huge fort-like playground, hayrides, food vendors

and more. Time: Saturdays from 10 a.m.-

5 p.m. and Sundays from noon-5 p.m. Cost:

$12, free for 3-younger. For more information,

call Rebecca Tyndall, 352-383-6900; or visit

www.longandscottfarms.com.

Through Dec. 25 — Toys For Tots

Campaign

The U.S. Marines and 35,000-plus volunteers

conduct 812 local toy collection and

distribution campaigns in all 50 states,

District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam and

the U.S. Virgin Islands through Dec. 25.

The mission is to bring the joy of Christmas

to less-fortunate children. To find a local

campaign, visit www.toysfortots.org.

Through Dec. 29 — Miracle In Bedford

Falls Performances

Orlando Repertory Theatre, 1001 E. Princeton

St., Orlando, presents performances of Miracle

in Bedford Falls, The Musical, based on the

holiday classic It’s a Wonderful Life. Showtimes

and ticket prices vary. For more information

or to purchase tickets, call 407-896-7365,

email boxoffice@orlandorep.com or visit

orlandorep.com.

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Through Jan. 5, 2020 — Light Up UCF

The University of Central Florida hosts Light

Up UCF, including a free holiday light show,

free holiday film festival, holiday market,

live entertainment, carnival-style rides (some

of the rides have height requirements), and

Orlando’s largest outdoor skating rink. Cost:

$12 for the ice-skating rink, $4.25-$6.50 for

rides. Parking is free. For more information,

visit lightupucf.com.

Nov. 30 — Home For The Holidays

Concerts

Bob Carr Theater, 401 W. Livingston St.,

Orlando, hosts Home for the Holidays concerts

by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. The

annual presentation also features the Opera

Orlando Youth Chorus and The Holiday

Singers. The orchestra is partnering with

Second Harvest Bank of Central Florida on a

holiday food drive, so attendees are encouraged

to bring shelf-stable food items to donate.

Time: 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. For more information

or to purchase tickets, call 407-770-0071 or

visit orlandophil.org.

Dec. 1 — Holiday Makers Market

The Pines of Windermere, 3409 Maguire

Road, Windermere, hosts the Holiday Makers

Market, a family-friendly, curated show that

includes food trucks, make-and-take workshops,

a holiday photo station, holiday music

and an opportunity to purchase artwork from

The Pines of Windermere hosts the Holiday

Makers Market, a family-friendly event, on Dec. 1.

artisans. Time: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission and

parking are free. For more information, visit

www.holidaymakersmarket.com.

Dec. 1 — Handel’s Messiah Performance

Bob Carr Theater, 401 W. Livingston St.,

Orlando, hosts Messiah Choral Society’s

47th annual performance of George Frideric

Handel’s Messiah, featuring conductor John

V. Sinclair, professional soloists, a 100-plus

volunteer choir, and a professional orchestra.

Time: 3 p.m. (Doors open at 2:15 p.m.)

Admission is free. For more information, visit

www.messiahchoralsociety.org.

Dec. 3 — CSI Holiday Party

Ten10 Brewing, 1010 Virginia Drive, Orlando,

hosts CSI Greater Orlando’s holiday party.

Time: 6-9 p.m. Cost: $10 for a member and

one guest, $20 for nonmembers. Cost includes

plenty of food and two drink tickets. For more

information, visit csigreaterorlando.org/

meet-reg1.php?mi=87517&id=39.

Dec. 5 — Christmas In The Park

The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of

American Art and the city of Winter Park copresent

the 41st annual Christmas in the Park

in downtown Winter Park. Nine century-old

Tiffany leaded-glass windows are lighted and

then the 160-voice Bach Festival Society Choir

performs. The free event begins at 6:15 p.m.

For more information, visit morsemuseum.org

or www.cityofwinterpark.org.

Dec. 6 — Christmas With The

Basilica Choir Concert

The choir and orchestra of The Basilica

of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen

of the Universe, located at 8300

Vineland Road, Orlando, presents

Christmas With the Basilica Choir, an

annual concert that includes a variety

of sacred and secular Advent and

Christmas music, and an audience

sing-a-long of Christmas carols. Before

the concert, the gift shop and fine arts

museum holds its annual open house

with store discounts, refreshments and

door prizes. Time: 7:30 p.m. Cost: $25

for adults, free for children 12-younger.

Parking is complimentary. For more

information, call 407-239-6600 or visit

maryqueenoftheuniverse.org/concerts.

Dec. 6 — Movie Night At Leu Gardens

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

Orlando, hosts a Movie Night with the outdoor

viewing of National Lampoons’ Christmas

Vacation. Time: 7:30 p.m. The gardens open

at 6 p.m., and 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.

For more information, call 407-246-2620 or

visit www.leugardens.org.

Dec. 12 — Holiday On The Drive

College Park holds its free, community street

festival — Holiday on the Drive — including

a snow slide, visit with Santa, rock climbing

and bungee jumping stations, a batting

cage, train rides, horse-drawn wagon rides,

and miniperformances by local schools.

Time: 5-9 p.m. For more information, visit

collegeparkmainstreet.com.

Dec. 12-14 — ’Tis The Season, A Holiday

Extravaganza Concerts

Northland Church, 530 Dog Track Road,

Longwood, hosts Central Florida Community

Choir’s performances of ’Tis the Season, a

Holiday Extravaganza, concerts that include

the choir, members of CFCArts Symphony

Orchestra, and CFCArts Dance Company.

Time: 7:30 p.m. Cost: $10-$50. For more

information or to purchase tickets, visit

cfcarts.com/tistheseason.

Dec. 13 — Holiday Concert

Orlando Repertory Theatre, 1001 E. Princeton

St., Orlando, hosts the Central Florida Sounds

of Freedom Band and Color Guard’s holiday

concert — The Nostalgic, The Priceless,

and The Clearance Rack — featuring music

of the season. Time: 7 p.m. Cost: $12-$15

for adults; $10.25-$12.75 for students,

seniors, military, FEMA or first responders;

free for children younger than 12. For

more information or to purchase tickets, visit

www.iconicpriceless.eventbrite.com.

Dec. 13, 20 & 27 — Holiday Movies At

The Park

The Walt Disney Amphitheater in downtown

Orlando’s Lake Eola Park, 195 N. Rosalind

Ave., hosts showings of the following holidaythemed

movies: Dec. 13, Elf; Dec. 20, How

the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000); and Dec.

27, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.

Time: 7-9 p.m. Admission is free. For more

information, call 407-246-2378.

Dec. 13-15 & 20-23 — The Nutcracker

Performances

The Walt Disney Theater at Dr. Phillips Center

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

Orlando, hosts Orlando Ballet’s performances

of The Nutcracker, when the magical world of

Clara’s dreams takes you on a journey through

snowflakes, flowers and dancing sweets.

Showtimes vary, and ticket prices start at $24.


For more information, visit drphillipscenter.org/

events/tickets/2019/nutcracker.

Dec. 14 — Holiday Amaryllis Festival

Historic Nehrling Gardens, 2267 Hempel

Ave., Gotha, hosts the Holiday Amaryllis

Festival, including photos with Santa and

Mrs. Claus, live music, a silent auction, prize

drawings, eco-activities for children, naturethemed

vendors, Bacchus German food and

holiday treats, and blooming amaryllis available

for purchase. Anyone who brings a new

toy or nonperishable food item for donation

will receive a ticket for the prize drawing.

Time: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. For more information, visit

www.nehrlinggardens.org.

Dec. 14 — Violectric Holiday Show

The Walt Disney Amphitheater in downtown

Orlando’s Lake Eola Park hosts the seventh

annual Violectric Holiday Show, featuring the

area’s top strings rock group performing holiday

tunes with a twist and more. Attendees

are encouraged to bring their pets and

a pet supply or to make a donation to Pet

Alliance of Greater Orlando. Time: 6:30 p.m.


violectric.net.

Dec. 14 & 15 — Sleigh Queen

Performances

The Rosen Event Center, 11184 S. Apopka-

Vineland Road, Orlando, hosts Sleigh

Queen, performances by the Orlando Gay

Chorus. Patrons are encouraged to bring an

unwrapped toy for donation to Toys for Tots.

Time: Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and

Sunday at 4:30 p.m. Cost: $30 at the door,

$25 for adults (purchased online), and $10

for students and children (purchased online).

For more information or to purchase tickets,

visit www.orlandogaychorus.org.

Dec. 14 & 15 — Wonder Concerts

The Sanctuary at St. Luke’s United Methodist

Church, 4851 S. Apopka-Vineland Road,

Orlando, presents Wonder, a concert that

invites guests to explore the mystery of

Christmas, featuring more than 150 voices,

a sing-a-long, live orchestra, bell choir and

expanded adult dance ensemble. Time:

Saturday at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and

Sunday at 5:30 p.m. Cost: $12, adults;

$6.50, children 12-younger. For more information

or to purchase tickets, visit st.lukes.org/

christmasconcert.

Dec. 21 — WinterFest

MetroWest Golf Club, 2100 S. Hiawassee

Road, Orlando, hosts MetroWest Master

Association’s annual WinterFest, including

Santa parachuting in, an outdoor showing

of Toy Story 4 on a big screen, live Toy

Story characters, free photos with Santa and

Mrs. Claus, holiday-themed performances, a

snow slide, skating rink, food trucks, swing

carnival ride, pony rides and more. Pets and

coolers are not permitted. Time: 4-9 p.m.


www.metrowestcommunity.com. ª


Over time, many families tend to return

to the same holiday favorites, from

ham and mashed potatoes to pies and

cookie classics. This season, you can

add a twist to tradition with these globally

inspired desserts.

Rugelach, for instance, is like a cross

between a croissant and a cookie, featuring

walnuts for a nutty flavor and

crunch, with ties to Greece, Turkey

and the Middle East. If you’re looking

to steal the show at cookie exchanges,

Mexican wedding cookies provide a

crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture perfect

for dipping in hot chocolate.

Both treats include California walnuts,

which have an agricultural history

deeply rooted in tradition and can

stand alone as a tasty snack or offer an

opportunity to level up dishes from appetizers

to desserts.

Find more holiday dessert ideas at

walnuts.org/holiday.

Mexican

Wedding Cookies

(Recipe courtesy of California Walnuts)

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 38 minutes

Servings: 36

Ingredients:

2 cups California walnuts, toasted,

divided

2 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter,

softened

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar,

plus additional (optional)

Method:

Heat oven to 325 degrees. Adjust

oven racks to upper-middle and lower-middle

positions. Line two baking

sheets with parchment paper or silicone

mats. In food processor, finely

grind 1 cup of walnuts for about 10-15

seconds. Transfer to medium bowl. In

food processor, pulse remaining walnuts

about 5 seconds. Add to medium

bowl with finely ground walnuts. Stir

in flour and salt; set aside. In electric

mixer bowl, combine butter and

granulated sugar. Beat 2 minutes or

until fluffy. Scrape sides of bowl. Add

vanilla; beat 1 minute. Add flour and

walnut mixture; beat 30 seconds or

until combined. Scrape down sides

of bowl and beaters; continue handmixing

dough until well-combined.

Working with 1 tablespoon of dough

at a time, roll into 1 1/4-inch balls

and arrange 1 inch apart on prepared

baking sheets. Bake until cookies

are lightly golden brown, about

18 minutes, rotating baking sheets

halfway through. Remove cookies

from oven and cool on baking sheets

for 10 minutes. Transfer to wire rack;

cool completely. Roll cookies in powdered

sugar. Before serving, re-roll

cookies in powdered sugar, if desired.

Gently shake to remove excess.

Rugelach

(Recipe courtesy of California Walnuts)


MATTER OF TASTE

Holiday Desserts

Tasty Treats From Around the Globe

Prep time: 50 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Servings: 32

Dough Ingredients:

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter,

softened

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup flour

Filling Ingredients:

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup apricot jam

1 cup finely chopped California

walnuts

1/2 cup raisins, chopped

2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted

Method:

To make dough: In large bowl, using

electric mixer on medium speed,

beat butter, cream cheese, sugar,

vanilla and salt until light and fluffy,

about 5 minutes. Scrape sides of

bowl and beaters as necessary.

Reduce speed and slowly mix in

flour, about 30 seconds. On floured

work surface, form dough into ball.

Divide into two equal pieces. Wrap

tightly in plastic wrap and press into

two disks. Refrigerate 30 minutes or

until firm.

To make filling: Heat oven to 375

degrees and place racks at uppermiddle

and lower-middle positions.

Line two baking sheets with parchment

paper. In a small bowl, combine

sugar and cinnamon; mix well and

set aside. On lightly floured surface,

roll out each piece of dough into 11-

inch circles, about 1/4-inch thick. On

each round, spread 1/4 cup jam and

sprinkle 1/2 cup walnuts and 1/4 cup

raisins. Evenly sprinkle 1 tablespoon

cinnamon-sugar mixture on each disk.

Using a knife, cut each round into 16

even wedges. Beginning at wide ends,

roll each wedge up into cookie. Place

cookies on prepared baking sheet with

pointed end underneath each cookie.

Space cookies about 2 inches apart.

Using pastry brush, brush melted butter

over cookies. Sprinkle remaining

cinnamon-sugar over top.

Bake cookies about 20 minutes until

slightly puffed and pale gold, rotating

baking sheets halfway through. Transfer

hot cookies to a wire rack and allow to

cool completely before serving.

(Family Features)

Source: California Walnuts ª

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n MetroWest

Marlene Cruz

Andreoli, RN,

MSN, is the new

community health

nursing director

for the Florida

Department of

Health in Orange

County.

Officials of the Florida Department

of Health in Orange County selected

Marlene Cruz Andreoli,

RN, MSN, as the department’s new

community health nursing director.

Marlene, who hails from MetroWest

and whose mother still resides there,

comes to DOH-Orange from the private

sector with more than 11 years

of nursing care and educational and

training experience. She directly

supervises family planning and prenatal

clinics, employee health services,

dental clinics, school health

and neighborhood clinics, and the

Healthy Start program. She also ensures

training and nursing skills competency

for DOH-Orange nurses.

MetroWest

resident Jennifer

Koren is Fleming’s

Prime Steakhouse

& Wine Bar’s new

operating partner.

Jennifer Koren of MetroWest

started working for Fleming’s Prime

Steakhouse & Wine Bar five years

ago and has worked at the Miami;

Tampa; and Charlotte, North

Carolina, restaurants. She assisted in

opening two more restaurants before

finding her permanent home at the

Dr. Phillips location, where she was

recently named operating partner.

Born and raised in Miami as a second

generation native, Jennifer received

her bachelor’s degree in psychology

from The University of Central Florida.

After much international travel, she returned

to the U.S., worked at a small

Italian restaurant, and fell in love with

hospitality. She decided to go back

to school and received her master’s in

hospitality and tourism management

from Florida International University.

n Ocoee

IN YOURNEIGHBORHOOD

Exit Realty Magic City welcomed

Ocoee resident Kenneth Wear as

part of its team of dedicated real estate

professionals. The Exit Realty office

is a member of Exit Realty Corp.

USA’s rapidly expanding network of

independently owned and operated

brokerages across the region.

Barbara

Gannon, Ph.D.,

an award-winning

author and U.S.

Army veteran, is

the guest speaker

at Ocoee’s annual

Veterans Day

Ceremony.

The city of Ocoee honored those

who served in the military to protect

freedom during its annual Veterans

Day Ceremony. The event featured

remarks from Barbara Gannon,

Ph.D., a veteran of the U.S. Army.

Ms. Gannon is the coordinator for

the University of Central Florida’s

Community Veterans History project,

an oral history program. She is the

author of The Won Cause: Black and

White Comradeship in the Grand

Army of the Republic, an examination

of the black and white members of the

Union Army’s largest veterans organization.

Her book received the Wiley-

Silver Prize for the best first book on

the Civil War, was recognized with

an honorable mention by the Lincoln

Prize Committee 2012, and was a

finalist for the Jefferson Davis Prize.

There was also music from Ocoee

Middle School’s band and flag

presentations by the Ocoee police

and fire departments’ honor guards.

n Et Al

compiled by Lauren Salinero

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer

appointed Southwest resident Yog

Melwani chair of Orlando’s first

Multicultural Affairs Committee.

The committee is composed of 17

appointed community leaders that

represent the diversity of Orlando

and whose goals are to help the

city explore and identify new ideas

and opportunities to continue engaging

and enhancing relationships between

Orlando and its minority and

mulitcultural communities. Yog is an

Indian American, who was born in

Nigeria, sent to school in India, then

went to college in New York, and

finally settled in Orlando nearly 20

years ago. He realizes the challenges

that people face when they not

only move to a new town or country

but are also a different ethnicity and

come from a different culture.

The first Bubbles & Bow Ties event

was held last month at Rosen Plaza.

The Rosen family of Southwest

Orlando attended in full force, as this

was the first charity fundraiser for The

Adam Michael Rosen Foundation

and brain cancer research. The

event boasted a Halloween theme

in remembrance of the late Adam

Rosen’s Oct. 30 birthday. Adam

passed away last year from a rare

form of brain cancer.

Congratulations to the following

Southwest-area residents on their

academic advancements:

• Thousands of new students at

Belmont University attended Serve,

a service program intended to allow

students to immerse themselves

in their new “hometown” Among

them were Windermere residents

George Anderson and Abigail

Bowen, Winter Garden resident

Anthony Juba-Richardson,

Dr. Phillips resident Kaylianna

McCormick, and Celebration

resident Alley Tyndall.

• Winter Garden resident Jamari

Haywood earned a Bachelor of

Business Administration in marketing

at Valdosta State University.

• After graduating from Windermere

High School with the Class

of 2019, Mariam Saied of Winter

Garden began her first year at

Hamilton College. She was selected

from a pool of 8,339 applicants and

joined a class of 474.

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

The Rosen family of Southwest Orlando toasts the inaugural Bubbles & Bow Ties event,

which is Halloween-themed in honor of the late Adam Rosen’s Oct. 30 birthday.

n Arnold Palmer stamp to be

available soon

The U.S. Postal Service will honor

the late Bay Hill resident Arnold

Palmer with a postage stamp for

his positive impact and compelling

story, rising from humble beginnings

to become a globally revered champion.

The U.S. Postal Service notes,

“with drive and charisma, he helped

transform a game once seen as a

pastime for the elite into a sport enjoyed

by the masses.”

The stamp features James

Drake’s action photograph of

Palmer at the 1964 U.S. Open at

Congressional Country Club in

Bethesda, Maryland. Palmer’s name

appears in the top left corner, and

the words “Forever” and “USA” are

printed along the bottom of the left

edge. Art Director Antonio Alcala

designed the stamp.

The Palmer stamp is being issued

as a Forever stamp, meaning it will

always be equal in value to the current

First Class Mail price. This is the

first time Arnold Palmer has been

honored with an official stamp. The

USPS will announce the date and

venue for its first day of issue at a later

date. Once dedicated, stamps can

be purchased at a local post office or

online at www.usups.com/shop.

n Visit Windermere’s Holiday

Makers Market

The Holiday Makers Market will

return to Windermere for its second

year Dec. 1 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

The market includes local makers,

artists, craftsman and designers who

are on hand to encourage the community

to “Shop Small. Shop Local.

Shop Handmade.”

In addition to finding amazing

one-of-a-kind items, attendees can

participate in “Make and Take”

workshops, witness art demonstrations,

enjoy yummy treats from food

trucks, and take some pictures at the


NEWS & BUSINESS BRIEFS

compiled by Lauren Salinero

holiday photo station. The Holiday

Makers Market will also showcase

young makers (under age 18), who

have an interest in pursuing artisanal

careers. Last year, this special event

drew more than 3,000 attendees.

Admission and parking are free.

For more information or to inquire

about vendor space, visit

www.holidaymakersmarket.com.

n Volunteers make a difference

for four homeowners

More than 60 Spectrum employee

volunteers recently gathered in

Winter Garden to support Charter

Communications Inc.’s first national

philanthropic initiative, Spectrum

Housing Assist. Helping others is rooted

in the company’s commitment to

improve 50,000 homes by 2020. The

volunteer kickoff event was held at

Old Maxey Elementary School.

Spectrum partnered with

Rebuilding Together to provide critical

home repairs to neighbors in

need in Winter Garden. Volunteers

are working on four homes located

on the 800 block of Bethune

Avenue in Winter Garden, including

a 94-year-old, wheelchair-bound

homeowner living with her daughter

and disabled grandson. Volunteers

will make many needed repairs

for these homes, including exterior

painting, landscaping, fire-safety

installations, clearing yard debris,

flooring and repairing a wheelchair

ramp.

For more information, visit

spectrumhousingassist.com.

n Community conversation

held at Dr. P. Phillips YMCA

Dr. P. Phillips YMCA Family

Center hosted YMCA of Central

Florida’s third annual Y Diversity and

Inclusion Matter community conversation

earlier this month.


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“The Y Diversity and Inclusion

Matter event is important because

it opens the door for dialogue that

can create change,” said Gigi

Moorman, panel facilitator and

Dr. P. Phillips YMCA board member.

“By sharing our authentic stories,

we have the opportunity to build a

more compassionate and accepting

environment to strengthen our

communities.”

A panel of speakers shared personal

and professional stories, explored

current social issues, and

discussed the importance of advancing

equity initiatives. The panel included

Southwest residents Johnny

Magic, radio host of XL106.7-FM,

and Dick Batchelor, owner of

Dick Batchelor Management Group

Inc.; as well as Ybeth Bruzual,

anchor of Spectrum News 13, and

Katie Abrahamson-Henderson,

head coach of the University of

Central Florida women’s basketball

team.

BUSINESS BRIEFS

The Royal Landscape Nursery

family is sad to announce

the passing of Andrea Wilde,

office manager, who died Oct.

28. “Andrea became a part of our

family nearly 10 years ago,” said

Connie Emmerson, owner of

Royal Landscape. “She managed

our offices and took pride in our

company like it was her own. We

valued her greatly, and she will be

missed.” Andrea’s family is asking

for donations in her honor to

the American Cancer Society. For

more information, including details

about informing the family of a

donation, call Royal Landscape at

407-296-3042.

YMCA of Central Florida’s Y Diversity and Inclusion Matter community conversation comprises a panel of diverse speakers.

CHECK OUT OUR REVIEWS ON GOOGLE & NEXTDOOR

407-749-0808 CCC1328181

West Orange Chamber of

Commerce representatives held a

ribbon-cutting for BizCenter USA.

WOCC builds partnerships, strong

businesses and commitment to the

Winter Garden Farmers

Market welcomed many local

farmers this fall season. Some of


crew members” to join his ship, and

handed out art supplies to encourage

more fun later on. Seasoned

Orlando REP actor Stephen

Pugh portrayed Capt. Braid Beard

On a visit to Orlando Health Arnold

Palmer Hospital for Children,

Orlando Repertory Theatre actor

Stephen Pugh dresses as his character,

Capt. Braid Beard, from the children’s play,

How I Became a Pirate.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce members celebrate the opening of BizCenter USA.

photo courtesy of WOCC

onstage for the musical How I

Became A Pirate. For more information,


orlandorep.com. ª

community by serving as the leading

business advocate in Central Florida,

facilitating opportunity to nearly

1,000 member businesses. For more

information about WOCC, call 407-

656-1304 or visit wochamber.com.

AdventHealth Celebration

opened a new, specialized emergency

department designed exclusively

for children. The new ER, created in

collaboration with AdventHealth

for Children, combines a childfriendly

ambiance to help alleviate

fears and a comprehensive care

team that specializes in pediatrics.

The care team includes board-certified

emergency physicians, nurses

and child-life specialists, who ensure

that each patient’s emotional, developmental

and psychosocial needs

are met. The pediatric emergency

room is located adjacent to the main

ER at AdventHealth Celebration, located

at 400 Celebration Place in

Celebration. For more information,

visit www.adventhealth.com.

the new vendors currently showcasing

their wares are The Barefoot

Farmer, Bekemeyer Family Farm

LLC, Bountiful Farms & Bistro, Farm

9, Frog Song Organics, Gardners

Fresh Produce Inc., Goats and

Whatnot Farm LLC, Lake Meadow

Naturals, Le Koope, Magic Greens,

Nearby Naturals, Sandhill Farm

and Whispering Leaves Farm

LLC. The market is also hosting a

foodie podcast that is held live,

center-stage and uses farm-fresh ingredients.

For more information, visit

www.wintergardenfarmersmarket.

com.

Orlando Repertory Theatre

and Orlando Health Arnold

Palmer Hospital for Children

worked together to bring a special

visitor to the rooms of children

throughout the downtown Orlando

campus. Capt. Braid Beard is a

savvy, larger-than-life pirate. He delighted

the children he encountered

on his visit, interviewed “prospective


Southwest Social

SEEN

West Orange Chamber of Commerce recently sponsored

a highly anticipated event — Celebrating Extraordinary

Women — at Tanner Hall in Winter Garden. A panel of

three extraordinary west Orange County business and

community women — Southwest resident and Orange

County School Board Chairman Teresa Jacobs, small

business owner Royetta Ginther, and Orlando Health —

Health Central Hospital Chief Nursing Officer Christina

McGuirk — talked about how to improve well-being,

strengthen relationships and empower one another. One

dollar from each ticket sold was contributed to the West

Orange Foundation.

ON A MI SION

OF MERCY

May 17 – June 6, 2018 | Since 1986

STUDENTS HEAD

TO WORLD FINALS


On Thursday, Oct. 10, Orlando

Chief of Police Orlando Rolon,

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer,

the Central Florida Hotel and

Lodging Association Safety

& Security Council, and surviving

family members of the late OPD Lt.

Debra Clayton unveiled a new

memorial bench in her honor, located

outside of the Orlando Police

Department Training Center.

The CFHLA Safety & Security

Council proudly donated the bench

for the touching memorial to honor

Lt. Debra Clayton, who made the ultimate

sacrifice while serving the city

of Orlando. The memorial will serve

as a place of remembrance and to

inspire Orlando police officers during

their training.

CFHLA salutes the Safety &

Security Council for the donation of

the bench, as well as Kyle Ferris

of Ace Relocation Systems for his

TOURISM UPDATE

submitted by Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association

Fallen Orlando Police Officer Lt. Debra

Clayton.

support and John Wood of Ram

Striping for the installation. ª

PRINT MEDIA ... KEEPING

YOUR BUSINESS ALIVE

Data released from the Industrial Fabrics

Association International:

• Print magazines outperform all other media in

driving purchase intent.

• Unlike most other media, magazine ads are not

an interruption but an integral part of the learning

experience.

• When magazines are viewed as credible and

have a history of being in the community, the affinity

rating is even higher.

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HOME & GARDEN . PAGE 13

For Advertising, Сall

407-351-1573

P.O. Box 851, Windermere, FL 34786

It's that time of year to FALL in love with

your landscape. Come to Royal and see

what all is in bloom!

Royal Landscape Nursery

• Pottery • Citrus Trees • Palm Trees • Topiaries • Mulch • Rocks •

• Ground Cover • Shrubs, etc. • WE DELIVER •

Sod Sales!

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Call for availability and pricing

Royal Brick Pavers

Paving the way to beautiful living

• Driveways • Patios • Walkways • Retaining Walls • Pool Decks • Fire Pits •

• Area's largest selection of pavers •

POTTERY now available

Make us your one-stop shop for a beautiful garden

In memory of our beloved friend

mention "Andrea" and we will donate 5% of you retail purchase (pre tax)

to the American Cancer Society. (November & December)

Visit our website and join our email list to keep track of upcoming specials and events.

Royallandscapenursery.info

2204 Hempel Avenue, Gotha, FL 34734 Mon-Fri 7am - 5pm • Sat 8am - 3pm Nursery: (407) 296-3042 Pavers: (407) 296-8545


n Children’s/Teen Programs

Nov. 27 — WhizKids: Finger Knit Toys

The S.C. Battaglia Memorial Winter Garden Library, 805

E. Plant St., Winter Garden, hosts WhizKids: Finger Knit

Toys for children ages 10-12. Attendees create colorful

toys with their hands, using upcycled fabric and yarn to

create plush butterflies, mice, snakes and more. Time:

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. There is a $10 fee for those

out of district. For more information or to register, call

407-835-7323 or visit attend.ocls.info/event/3289851.

Dec. 7 — Science Saturday

As part of its Science Saturday, the Education Center at

Oakland Nature Preserve, 747 Machete Trail, Oakland,

hosts Insect Safari, led by entomologist Christy LeDuc.

Attendees learn about different native insects of Florida.

Participants are advised to bring a reusable water bottle

and wear closed-toed shoes and weather-appropriate

clothing. Bug nets and containers are provided. Space is

limited, so register in advance. Time: 10 a.m.-noon. Cost:

free for members; $5 for nonmembers. For more information,

call 407-905-0054 or visit oaklandnaturepreserve.

wildapricot.org/event-3516491/registration.

n Events/Performances

Through Dec. 15 — You’re A Good Man, Charlie

Brown Performances

The Winter Park Playhouse, 711 N. Orange Ave.,

Suite C, Winter Park, presents performances of You’re

a Good Man, Charlie Brown. For more information,

call 407-645-0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org.

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

Dec. 14 & 15 — Canine Extravaganza

The Orange County Convention Center’s North/

South Building, 9899 International Drive, Orlando,

hosts Canine Extravaganza, the nation’s largest celebration

of dogs, including the 2019 AKC National

Championship competition, a meet-and-play with more

than 150 dog breeds, the Beagle Brigade demonstration,

specialized vendors, a dog diving competition,

and children’s activities. Time: 8 a.m.-9 p.m. For more

information, visit www.akc.org/nationalchampionship.

n Miscellaneous

Dec. 3, Jan. 26, March 10 & April 24 — School

Open Houses

The First Academy, 2667 Bruton Blvd., Orlando, holds

open houses on the following dates: 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

Nov. 26 — Southwest Book Club Meeting

The Southwest Library at Dr. Phillips, 7255 Della

Drive, Orlando, hosts a meeting of the Southwest

compiled by Lisa Sagers

Book Club. November’s selection is The Ninth Hour

by Alice McDermott. Anyone 18-older is welcome,

and registration is not required. Time: 7 p.m. For

more information, call 407-835-7323 or email

southwest@ocls.info.

Nov. 26, Dec. 3, 10 & 17 — Tuesday Networking

Group Meetings

Village Inn, 3130 Daniels Road, Winter Garden,

hosts meetings of West Orange Chamber of

Commerce’s Tuesday Networking Group. Time:

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.

Dec. 4 & 18 — Wednesday Networking Group Meetings

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce’s Wednesday

Networking Group meets Dec. 4 at Fairfield Inn & Suites

by Marriott, 10971 W. Colonial Drive, Ocoee; and Dec.

18 at West Orange Chamber of Commerce, 12184

W. Colonial Drive, Winter Garden. Time: 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.

Dec. 11 — Horizon West Networking Group Meeting

The Orlando Health Emergency Room and

Medical Pavilion, Second Floor, Center for Health

Improvement, 17000 Porter Road, Winter Garden,

hosts a meeting of West Orange Chamber of

Commerce’s Horizon West Networking Group.

Time: 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.

Dec. 12 — Thursday Networking Group Meeting

Dr. P. Phillips YMCA Family Center, 7000 Dr. Phillips

Blvd., Orlando, hosts a meeting of West Orange

Chamber of Commerce’s Thursday Networking

Group. Time: 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.

n Support Groups

Nov. 26 & Dec. 10 — Mental Health Support

Group Meetings

Room 201 in Building B at St. Luke’s United

Methodist Church, 4851 S. Apopka-Vineland

Road, Orlando, hosts free individual and family

support group meetings for individuals affected

by mental illness. The 90-minute meetings are

peer-led and help participants connect with each

other, learn from each other’s experiences, share

coping strategies and offer each other encouragement

and understanding. Time: the second

and fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m.

For more information, call 407-253-1900, email

information@namigo.org or visit www.namigo.org. ª

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