041521 SWB DIGITAL EDITION

O
SOUTHWEST ORLANDO HOME & REAL ESTATE
The heartbeat of the community
ORLANDO BULLETIN
April 15 — May 5, 2021 | Since 1986
Summer Kids Calendar

When you want it SOLD
Darrell Nunnelley
BROKER
407-467-8069
For Sale
375 Emerson Plaza * # 414
Altamonte Springs, Fl.
Overlooking Cranes Roost
For Sale
728 Forest St. Windermere, Fl.
Directly on Lake Butler
SOLD in 5 Days
375 Emerson Plaza * # 716
Altamonte Springs, Fl.
Overlooking Cranes Roost
Coming in May
3 Bed 2 Bath * Pool * Hempel Ave
5 Bed 4.5 Bath * Pool * Lake Butler Sound
4 Bed 2 Bath Butler St Windermere
5 Bed 5 Bath * Pool * Braemar
4 Bed 4 Bath * RV Garage * Lake Hancock
SOLD
11025 Lake Butler Blvd
Windermere, Fl. 34786
501 Main Street – Windermere
Local Office
DarrellSells.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SUMMER KIDS CALENDAR ................................................................. 4
SOUTHWEST HOME & REAL ESTATE ................................................. 13
Spring Maintenance Checklist for Homeowners
Next Level Lawns and Gardens
Does Your Garage Floor Need a Makeover?
Should You Buy or Sell a Home in 2021?
Four Home Improvement Project Tips
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT ..................................................................... 20
For the Joy of Movement!
HOW TO ........................................................................................ 21
Stay Organized
SOUTHWEST SPOTLIGHT ................................................................. 22
Selfless Service to Others
www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com x April 15 — May 5, 2021 x 3
When it comes
to your toughest
questions, we’re
an open book.
Because transparency matters.
At Schwab, we take time to give you
straightforward answers to your toughest
questions. What are our fees? We’ll tell you.
How about fully explaining our services?
You got it. If you live in Windermere, go
ahead. Ask us anything. We will always
give you a transparent answer.
NEWS & BUSINESS BRIEFS .............................................................. 23
SCHOOL NEWS ............................................................................. 24
COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD ....................................................... 26
SOUTHWEST SERVICE DIRECTORY ................................................... 26
Michael Wytiaz, CFP ®
Branch Leader
4848 S. Apopka Vineland Road, Suite 204
407-909-0485
Get started at schwab.com/windermere
© 2021 Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (“Schwab”) Member SIPC. All rights reserved. (1120-0JP6) SCH3118-33 (1/21)
April 15, 2021
Volume XXXV, No. 12
P.O. Box 851
Windermere, FL 34786
407-351-1573
www.southwestorlandobulletin.com
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JOE and DENISE LENTINE, GRI, CIPS
For all your real estate needs:
www.TeamLentine.com
Fast MLS Search of Listings including:
New Smyrna Beach
Free Home Valuation
Request a Free Seller or Buyer Information
Guide
Read our Real Estate Blog
and More!
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Buying?
Selling?
Investing?

4 x April 15 — May 5, 2021 x www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com
Summer Kids
C a lendar
With summer just around the corner, kids and parents are looking forward
to getting out of the house. If you’re seeking kid-friendly activities
to keep your children entertained, active and out of trouble, then look
no further. Southwest Orlando Bulletin’s annual Summer Kids Calendars
provide great ideas to get you started!
DANCE CAMP with Orlando Ballet School, orlandoballet.org, at
Harriett’s Orlando Ballet Centre, 600 N. Lake Formosa Drive, Orlando,
is designed to provide OBS’s younger students, ages 3-12, with continued
intense ballet training, as well as expose them to other forms of dance such
as jazz, character and musical theater. Following the end of the second
week, students present a showcase performance for family and friends to
Orlando
Ballet School
offers a summer
program for
dancers 3-12.

attend. The camp runs June 7-18, and both half-day and full-day options
are available. The cost is $185-$550.
www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com x April 15 — May 5, 2021 x 5
Footworks Dance
Studio offers summer
programs for all ages.
Lake Cypress Summer Camp attendees have a multitude of activities to keep them
engaged.
DANCE CAMPS at Footworks Dance Studio, 1201 Winter Garden
Vineland Road, Winter Garden, 407-877-2260, www.footworksdancestudio.
com, offer summer programs for all ages. Camps begin June 14, and the fiveweek
summer class program is June 19-July 29. Classes include “Twinkle Star
Creative Movement,” “Shining Star Combo Class,” “Wee Hop,” hip-hop, jazz,
musical theater, stretch/leaps/turns, strength/conditioning, rotations/improvisation,
aerial skills and acro.
LAKE CYPRESS SUMMER CAMP at Windermere Preparatory
School; 6189 Winter Garden Vineland Road, Windermere; 407-905-7737,
opt. 8; camp.windermereprep.com; offers a camp for children ages 5-14 that
includes on-campus field trips and lots of specialty camp rooms. Attendees
can participate in swimming, crafts, sports, dance, martial arts, inflatables,
box forts, an arcade, gaga, laser tag and more! Camp sessions take place
June 7-July 30 (choose any weeks). The cost is $285 per week from 9 a.m.-3
p.m. or $350 per week from 7:45 a.m.-5:45 p.m. Register today!
CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
DANCE AND PERFOR-
MING ARTS CAMPS at
Centre for Dance & the
Performing Arts, now
in its 31st year under the
direction of Kathryn White
Austin, Ph.D., are committed
to the education of the
whole child using dance
as the primary medium to
teach life skills through the
arts, specifically dance, in
support of 21st century skills,
social-emotional learning
and healthy living. The studio
is located at 301 S. Tubb
St., Suite C, in Oakland. For
more information, visit www.
dancecdpa.com.
Centre for Dance & the
Performing Arts summer day
camps are themed, integrated-arts
camps with a focus on dance
skills, age-appropriate content and
creative collaboration.
Weekly Sessions from
June 7 to August 6, 2021
www.mgtennis.com

6 x April 15 — May 5, 2021 x www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5
PERFORMING ARTS CAMPS are offered by Orlando Repertory
Theatre, 1001 E. Princeton St., Orlando. Orlando REP offers the most dynamic
camps in Central Florida, with offerings for students in pre-K through
high school: building confidence, creating joy and exploring personal artistry
through theater. Campers can focus on acting, dance, improv, film, costuming
or scenic design. Summer at Orlando REP is awesome! For more information,
visit www.orlandorep.com.
Children’s Lighthouse’s summer camps put the fun in summer!
Orlando Repertory Theatre camps foster self-confidence, friendship, creativity,
self-expression and more.
SUMMER CAMPS at Children’s Lighthouse, 220 Windermere Road,
Winter Garden, 407-395-0077, www.childrenslighthouse.com/wintergarden.
This school-age summer camp program cares for youngsters in kindergarten
through fifth grade. Hours of operation are 6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Kids enjoy
themed activities and safe, in-house field trips. The cost is $160 per week plus
a one-time summer activity fee of $150.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 9
SUMMER 2021
June 28th – July 23rd
Camp Gan Israel is a summer camp dedicated to enriching the lives of
children from diverse Jewish backgrounds and affiliations, through a
stimulating camping experience. Campers are infused with a deep sense
of pride in their Jewish heritage, and love for the land of Israel. We put
great focus on child safety and program quality. We offer a variety of
“Funshops” to suit each camper’s interest and talent.

www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com x April 15 — May 5, 2021 x 7
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

8 x April 15 — May 5, 2021 x www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com

www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com x April 15 — May 5, 2021 x 9
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6
June 19th -July 29th 2021
Camp Roar at The First Academy offers engaging activities for all attendees.
SUMMER CAMPS at The First Academy, 2667 Bruton Blvd., Orlando,
www.thefirstacademy.org/academics/camp-roar. Camp Roar at TFA is
geared toward students entering transitional kindergarten through fifth grade
and features all-day and part-time camp opportunities from June 7-July 30.
Engaging offerings include academics, sports, the arts and more. There is also
a summer camp for TFA’s littlest Royals — Camp Roar Preschool. Camp Roar
is open to current TFA and non-TFA students. Camp costs vary.
Phone: 407-928-6666
www.orlandotennisacademy.com
info@orlandotennisacademy.com
CONTINUED ON PAGE 10
For All Your Camp and
Summer Tennis Requirements
AT WINDERMERE PREP
SCHOOL AND WEST
ORANGE COUNTRY CLUB
Classes Offered:
Summer Camps:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

10 x April 15 — May 5, 2021 x www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9
SUMMER CAMPS at Gan Israel Day Camp, 407-354-3660, www.
ilovegi.com, are camps on 27 beautiful acres that are dedicated to enriching
the lives of children from diverse Jewish backgrounds and affiliations
through stimulating camp experiences. Activities include sports, swimming,
archery, a ropes course, watersports, art and specialty fun shops. Camp Gan
Israel is part of the largest, fastest-growing network of day camps, enjoying
a reputation as a trendsetter in Jewish camping, with innovative ideas and
creative programs. CGI is accredited by the American Camp Association.
Camp sessions are June 28-July 23 from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Extended care
is available.
SWIM LESSONS through Safety First Swim School, 321-418-6532,
safetyfirstswim.com. Safety First Swim School offers survival swim lessons at
West Orange Country Club, 3300 West Orange Country Club Drive, Winter
Garden. Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in children ages
Campers enjoy a variety of outdoor activities at Gan Israel Day Camp.
The staff at Safety First Swim School makes students their first priority.

1-4 (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). The truth is that although
drowning is the No. 1 cause of accidental death in young children, it
is also true that this unfortunate statistic is 100% preventable. According to the
National Institute of Health, swim lessons reduce the risk of drowning by 88%.
TENNIS CAMPS at Lake Cane Tennis Center Fun and Sun Tennis
Summer Camp, 407-254-9170, www.mgtennis.com, make tennis — the
sport of a lifetime — easier and more fun than ever to learn and improve on
www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com x April 15 — May 5, 2021 x 11
for kids of all ages and abilities. The passionate coaches make each camper’s
experience fun and positive while instructing children in fundamental tennis
skills that ensure a connection and love of the sport for years to come. The outgoing,
fun environment of the camp is conducive and safe for children to learn
the sport while having an opportunity to make new friends and participate in
tennis skills and games. Weekly sessions are June 7-Aug. 6 from 9-11:30 a.m.
TENNIS CAMPS at The Tennis Academy at Windermere
Preparatory School, 6189 Winter Garden Vineland Road, Windermere,
and its tri-sport tennis/golf/swim at West Orange Country Club 3300 W.
Orange County Club Drive, Winter Garden, begin May 31. The program
CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
OFFERING TELEHEALTH APPOINTMENTS
Rachael Pittala, A.R.P.N-BC
Brooke Parker, LMHC
Rachael Pittala
A.R.P.N-BC
se habla español
Lake Cane Tennis Center Fun and Sun Tennis Summer Camp boasts a fun and
outgoing environment.
EDUCATIONAL CHILD
CARE WITH A PURPOSE!
• State-of-the-art security system with
cameras in every classroom
• Internet link between child’s room &
your PC
• 6 weeks to VPK, plus before & afterschool
care for elementary-school ages
• Oversized outdoor, сovered playground
structures with Sofplay and a
Splash Pad
• Faith-based learning center Free Registration
Up to $75 Value
Centre for Dance & the Performing Arts
CDPA Summer Fun 2021
Now Accepting Registrations!
CDPA offers an integrated approach to
whole-child development through the art of
dance. Enjoy a collaborative learning
environment in our themed summer day
camps, evening classes and dance intensives.
Looking for something unique? Try traditional
Scottish Highland Dance this summer! Visit our
website at www.dancecdpa.com for more
information and registration options.
Hours of Operation:
6:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Monday thru Friday
(407) 395-0077
220 Windermere Road, Winter Garden, FL 34787
www.ChildrensLighthousePOF.com
Email: admin@childrenslighthouse.com
GIVE US A CALL TODAY
TO SCHEDULE A VIRTUAL TOUR!
SUMMER DAY CAMPS - JUNE 14 - JULY 23
SUMMER NIGHT SESSIONS - JULY 6 - JULY 30
Sign up today! Contact us at dancecdpa@gmail.com

12 x April 15 — May 5, 2021 x www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11
includes fun, games and activities while keeping cool, as well as a lifeguardsupervised
swimming pool option! The cost is $325 per person for five days
or $195 per person for three days (only Windermere) from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Lessons/junior programs continue throughout the summer as well as Elite
Training Camps. For more information or electronic registration, visit www.
orlandotennisacademy.com or email info@orlandotennisacademy.com.
Orange County Library System offers virtual library camps and classes filled with
activities for all ages.
The Tennis Academy at Windermere Preparatory School gives its campers
hands-on tennis experience.
VIRTUAL LIBRARY CAMPS AND CLASSES through the Orange
County Library System, 407-835-7323, ocls.info. This year’s Summer
Reading Program takes place May 30-Aug. 1. Get ready to go wild with
Tales & Tails — an exploration of amazing Florida wildlife and fantastical
folktales. Fun and educational virtual events and activities are available for all
ages. The website is live, so you can view upcoming events and pre-register
for the 600-Minute Reading Challenge. ª
SWIM LESSONS
REDUCE RISK OF
DROWNING BY 88%*
DROWNING IS THE
LEADING CAUSE OF
ACCIDENTAL DEATH
IN CHILDREN 1-4
YEARS OLD.**
*National Institutes of Health **U.S.
Centers for Disease Control
Safety First Swim School
teaches children as young as
six months old how to roll on
their back and float in case they
accidentally fall into water.
call 321-236-0240 ext. 5
visit www.safetyfirstswim.com
268293

SOUTHWEST ORLANDO
Home & Real Estate
Volume 2, Issue 2 — April 2021
Spring
Maintenance
Checklist for
Homeowners
Four Home
Improvement
Project Tips
Should You Buy
or Sell a Home
in 2021?
A Product of the
Southwest Orlando Bulletin

2 | April 2021 | Southwest Orlando Home & Real Estate
As the weather warms, there are
a few maintenance tasks every
homeowner should consider completing.
Use this checklist as your
guide:
Outdoor Upkeep
• Wash window exteriors for a
better view.
• Clean gutters and downspouts
to ensure proper water flow.
Neglecting this task for too long
can cause rot, mold and damage
to your foundation.
• Get your patio or deck in tiptop
shape for outdoor living. Sweep
and hose it down. Wipe down surfaces
and patio furnishings, and
vacuum cushions (or launder them
if they’re machine washable).
• Inspect lawn equipment and
tools for needed maintenance, repair
and fuel refills.
• Mow the lawn and trim the
edges.
• After the next rainfall, inspect
your yard for standing water,
which can damage your home and
invite mosquitoes. Consider hiring
Spring Maintenance
Checklist for Homeowners
a landscaper to level out an uneven
lawn.
HVAC Maintenance
• Change HVAC filters at least
once each season (ideally monthly).
Dirty filters make equipment
work harder and cause more wear
and tear on equipment. They also
increase your energy bill and lessen
indoor air quality.
• According to Energy Star officials,
20-30% of the air that moves
through the duct system of a typical
home is lost due to leaks, holes and
poorly connected ducts. Consider
professional duct sealing for improved
energy efficiency and lower bills.
• Check to see whether your furnace
and air conditioner bear Energy
Star logos. If not, consider new units.
A properly sized and installed Energy
Star air conditioner uses up to 20%
less electricity than older models, and
doing so may make you eligible for a
federal tax credit.
• Have a technician give your
home’s cooling system a preseason
tuneup so that everything is running
efficiently by the time warmer
weather arrives. You know the
“personality” of your heating and/
or cooling unit best, so be prepared
to provide the technician
with important information. No fact
is insignificant, as it may help him
or her diagnose and fix a problem.
• Be sure that all HVAC installation
and maintenance is performed
only by a qualified professional.
Read company reviews and ask
the contractor if they have technicians
certified by North American
Technician Excellence (NATE).
NATE-certified technicians have
demonstrated knowledge of today’s
increasingly sophisticated heating
and cooling systems. To find a
NATE-certified technician in your
area, visit natex.org.
Safety
• Carbon monoxide, often referred
to as the “silent killer,” is odorless,
colorless and tasteless. Protect
your family by changing the batteries
on your carbon monoxide detectors
and ensuring you have a detector
on each level of your home. When
changing a furnace filter, make sure
the new filter is correctly positioned
and the access panel is securely fastened.
Have your home’s furnace inspected
and serviced annually by a
NATE-certified technician.
• Likewise, test all the smoke
alarms in your home and replace
batteries as needed. Representatives
of the National Fire Protection
Association recommend smoke
alarms on every level of the home,
including every sleeping room and
outside each separate sleeping area.
A little seasonal maintenance
can go a long way to a safer, more
beautiful, more eco-friendly home.
(StatePoint) ª
Any complete
install when you
mention Southwest
Orlando Bulletin
(407) 494-9403

Hover over this QR Code
with your smartphone camera
to get connected with
buyers now.
It’s never been easier to sell.
Visit: ExpressOffersOrlando.com
Or scan the QR code to the left.

4 | April 2021 | Southwest Orlando Home & Real Estate
Americans have spent the past
year getting very familiar with their
homes and gardens. That’s left
owners and renters alike primed to
tackle this year’s spring DIY projects
with newfound enthusiasm and expertise.
Fortunately, with the right
equipment and a little tenacity, just
about anyone can create a spectacular
yard.
It’s time to seize the season with
these six steps for the perfect spring
yard.
• Clear your space. Dead grass,
emerging weeds, wind-blown winter
debris — it all must go. While
just the first step, it can sometimes
be a bit daunting when staring at
a yard just emerging from winter.
Consider buying or renting equipment
that reduces the amount of
manual labor and raking required.
For example, leaf blowers like the
Toro 60-Volt Max Leaf Blower make
it easy to gather scattered, loose
plant matter all in one place, while
stand-up weed pullers are another
great tool that can save you a lot of
backache.
Next Level Lawns and Gardens
• Trim your edges. Getting all
the bits of grass and weeds at
the extreme edges of your yard
will truly take it to the next level.
A good-quality trimmer kit makes
the process fast and easy, while a
battery-powered trimmer will spare
your ears and the environment a bit
of wear and tear.
In general, battery-powered outdoor
equipment is emerging as
the future of lawn care. Batterypowered
products are easier to use,
more environmentally friendly and
have the power and runtime that rival
gas to help you take your project
to the next level.
• Nourish your grass. Laying
down fertilizer is a great way to
promote a lush, vibrant lawn. To
minimize runoff and maximize nutrient
uptake, time your application
carefully. Apply your fertilizer in the
spring, ensuring no rain or heavy
winds are in the immediate forecast.
Because Florida’s climate is warm
year-round, you can delay application
until early summer.
• Consider color. As gorgeous
as green grass is, the radiant colors
of flowers will take your yard to the
next level. Perennials, flowers that
grow back every year, bring exuberant
color to any lawn. Plants like
Knock-Out Petite Rose Bushes, available
at The Home Depot, are easy
to care for and are well-suited to a
variety of climates.
• Mulch your gardens. Once
you have the flowers in place, polish
your presentation with a layer
of Vigoro Bagged Brown Mulch.
Apply a layer 1 to 4 inches thick,
depending on the type. Not only is
mulch aesthetically pleasing, but it
also has real benefits for the soil,
as it aids in moisture retention and
blocks weed growth.
• Remember to mow. Keeping
your grass properly mowed is an
essential step. Just remember: The
shorter your grass, the harder it is
on your soil. Short grass isn’t as effective
at preventing evaporation
and retaining nutrients. A height
of 2.5 to 3 inches gives a pleasing,
clean-cut look while also doing
wonders to minimize runoff and
moisture loss.
Looking for another way to improve
your mowing routine? Use
a cordless, battery-powered lawn
mower. They eliminate the need for
outlets, oil and gas. When choosing
an electric mower, use the simple
equation of volts multiplied by amps
equals watts (volts x amps = watts)
to evaluate the total power. Watts
are what actually determine a battery’s
power, not voltage. A high
number means more power, a longer
runtime and longer motor life.
Anyone can claim a piece of
spring serenity for themselves with
a little lawn care this season. Enjoy
the warmer weather, get your hands
dirty, and soon your yard will be the
absolute envy of everyone around.
(BPT) ª

Spring is here; the time of year
when you take the initiative of getting
those home improvement projects
completed that maybe you
have been putting off since, well,
forever.
There’s one project you can stop
putting off any longer, and it involves
one of the most important
rooms of the house withthe most
potential — the garage. That’s right.
Your garage makes up roughly 20%
of your home’s total square footage,
but it is almost always forgotten,
even though it can serve as the
main entryway for family members
and friends entering your home.
How many times have you welcomed
people into your house, only
to apologize and tell your guests to
close their eyes as they make their
way through your garage? The cold
and unwelcoming concrete floor,
stained, cracked and peeling, is not
the impression you want your home
to make on your guests. That’s why
Rich Whiddon opened Granite
Garage Floors — Orlando, part
of a nationwide franchise that not
only upgrades your garage floor to
look and last like granite but does
it all for you, so you can focus on
those other spring projects at hand,
like getting to the pool.
Just think about it, there isn’t a
floor in your home that takes the
constant abuse that the garage floor
does. Thousands of pounds with hot
tires rolling in and out of the garage
multiple times each day, which either
can stain concrete or peel the
paint right off the concrete floor.
Most people are aware of quickfix
or do-it-yourself concrete stains
Does Your Garage
Floor Need a Makeover?
or water-based epoxy kits sold at
home improvement or paint stores.
However, these products generally
cannot hold up against the abuse
that the garage floor takes. That’s
why Granite Garage Floors uses an
industrial-strength epoxy that isn’t
available at stores.It is the only
epoxy that can withstandthe pressures
a garage floor has to handle.
However, the secret lies in Granite
Garage Floors’ installation process
that allows Whiddon’s team to install
a product that is guaranteed to
last for life.
Granite Garage Floors’ staff
doesn’t just install the epoxy and
by Rich Whiddon, Owner • Granite Garage Floors — Orlando
407-494-9403 • www.granitegaragefloors.com/location/orlando
Custom garage floors by Granite Garage Floors — Orlando are guaranteed for a
lifetime.
Southwest Orlando Home & Real Estate | April 2021 | 5
leave. They meticulously prepare
the concrete floor by diamond
grinding it to remove previous coatings
and stains, allowing the floor
to become porous. This allows maximum
adhesion of the epoxy to the
concrete, protecting it from hot-tire
pickup and peeling. Then, Granite
Garage Floors repairs any cracks
and fills any grooves on the garage
floor. The epoxy is squeegeed onto
the floor to ensure it is evenly distributed
across the garage. Finally, it is
covered with decorative flakes, giving
it the look of granite or quartz,
an aesthetic upgrade from stained
gray paint. Your floor will make
your garage feel as homey as the
interior of your home, while the floor
can hold up against even the harshest
abuses. The team at Granite
Garage Floors is so confident in its
process that your beautiful garage
floor is guaranteed for life.
So remember, as you get started
on those spring projects, the garage
is the most-traveled place in your
home but has the most potential for
being upgraded. Don’t wait any longer.
Your “new” garage could be
just a few days away! ª
It’s the Right Time to Sell!
We’ve ALL been hearing it…It’s a Sellers Market!
Here are 3 Top Reasons Why
1. Home Prices are Increasing - Up 14.4% from previous year
2. Low Inventory = Less Seller Competition
3. Quicker Sales - Nationwide Avg. 76 Days on the Market,
11 Days on the Market, Orange County
Get Social With Us!
Please Call for a Complimentary Consultation Today
“The Right Realtors Make All the Difference”
www.southwestorlandobulletin.com

6 | April 2021 | Southwest Orlando Home & Real Estate
While the rollout of the COVID-19
vaccine has left a lot of question
marks about the future of the U.S.
economy at-large, analysts expect
the housing market to remain strong
and stable this year.
“Despite the uncertainties of the pandemic,
the housing market performed
well in the second half of 2020,” said
Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief
economist. “Low mortgage rates and
the ability to work remotely continued
to propel demand for housing, which
is reflected in home sales reaching
levels not seen in 15 years.”
Whether you’re a potential homebuyer,
a current homeowner or considering
selling, here are some of the
biggest takeaways of Freddie Mac’s
quarterly forecast:
• Interest rates are likely to remain
low. The average 30-year fixed-rate
mortgage (FRM) hit a record low
more than a dozen times in 2020.
The low interest rate environment is
projected to continue through 2021,
with the 30-year FRM expected to
average below 3%. Low rates are
good news for buyers looking to
Should You Buy
or Sell a Home in 2021?
©fizkes/iStock via Getty Images Plus
The housing market is projected to remain strong and stable throughout 2021.
purchase a home and homeowners
looking to reduce their mortgage
payment through refinancing.
To submit photos, email lauren@kearneypublishing.com
Send us your favorite photo — old or new — of you and your dad. The best
ones, as judged by our editorial staff, will win your dad the coveted title of
That's My Dad Winner! Even if you don't win, your picture could appear as an
honorable mention in the Southwest Orlando Bulletin. Don't delay! All photos
must be received by May 26 for a chance to appear in our June 17 issue.
Be sure to include your name, address, phone
number, email address, your dad's name and
your dad's neighborhood. Feel free to include
any additional information about the photo. You
and your dad must reside in Southwest Orlando.
Professional photos will not be considered.
That’s My
DAD!
William Shakespeare once wrote,
“It is a wise father that knows his
own child.” When Southwest
fathers are not busy being
all-around superheroes for their
families, they are busy becoming
experts on their children. From
favorite toys to secret sayings,
good dads share a bond with
their children like no other. And
the fathers in Southwest Orlando
Bulletin’s milestone 27th annual
That’s My Dad! photo contest are
no exception.
This annual photo album,
dedicated to Southwest Orlando
dads, is one way to say thanks for
all the time spent on learning the
ins and outs of fatherhood, and to
show our local dads that they are
loved and appreciated every day.
The staff of the Southwest Orlando
Bulletin hopes all Southwest dads
had a wonderful Father’s Day!
JEWELS OF THE SEA —
Windermere Chase
dad Cori Britt treasures
son Max and
daughter Addie.
2020 Winner
• Home sales to remain high. The
demand for housing is expected to
remain strong in 2021, creating a
THINKING OF SELLING YOUR HOME?
Navigate the real estate market
with a licensed professional!
FREE Comparative Market
Analysis & Home Evaluation!
Blaine Dooley REALTOR, GKC
The Real Estate Collection
321-277-0933
www.therealestatecollection.com
1-800-432-JOIN (5646)
savethemanatee.org
Photo © David Schrichte
favorable market for sellers. Last
year, low mortgage rates and the
ability to work remotely drove up
home sales (the measure of the number
of homes sold every month). This
year, home sales are expected to
ride that wave, averaging 6.5 million
for the year.
• House prices to grow moderately.
In the second half of 2020, the
high volume of home sales and low
supply of housing drove up house
prices. In 2021, house price growth
is expected to moderate for the full
year.
• Refinances to start declining.
Low mortgage rates spurred refinance
activity in 2020, boosting
mortgage originations (the process
in which borrowers apply for a
home loan) to historic highs. As mortgage
rates rise modestly in 2021, refinance
activity should start to slow.
“While many homeowners took
advantage of these low rates last
year, evidence suggests that many
lower-income homeowners still have
the opportunity to strengthen their
financial position by refinancing,”
Khater said.
For more insights on housing,
visit freddiemac.com/research. For
homebuying and homeownership
resources, visit My Home by Freddie
Mac.
Many of the trends that shaped the
market last year, especially historically
low mortgage rates, will continue
to drive housing activity in 2021. As
you embark on your journey toward
your home goals, be sure to have a
firm understanding of today’s market
conditions.
Spring
Into
Action!
(StatePoint) ª
Adopt-A-Manatee®

Southwest Orlando Home & Real Estate | April 2021 | 7
Four Home
Improvement Project Tips
SPRING HAS SPRUNG!
Check out our new Spring arrivals
A bathroom
renovation can
improve your home's
usability and increase
its value.
Whether you’re thinking about
a bathroom update, kitchen overhaul
or any other type of home improvement
project, these tips from
experts at the National Association
of the Remodeling Industry and
elivingtoday.com can help you get
started.
Create a Plan
Improving your home can be one
of the most exciting projects to undertake.
Start by setting realistic expectations;
determining your goals
and needs; finding inspiration and,
perhaps most importantly, setting a
budget.
Renovate the Bathroom
You can improve your home’s usability
and increase its value with
bathroom updates or a full renovation.
Before you get started, think
about these factors: the amount
of space and storage you need,
features that are important to you,
sustainability concerns and accessibility
considerations.
Update the Kitchen
The kitchen serves as commandcentral
for most homes, and you can
get the most enjoyment out of yours
by making purposeful changes, reconsidering
the physical space, reevaluating
your shopping style, and
choosing appliances with care.
Start a Remodel
If it’s time for a serious undertaking,
a full-blown remodel may
be necessary (or simply desired).
Remodeling typically calls for hiring
a professional contractor, a process
you can go about by gathering local
recommendations, asking for licensing
and insurance, checking references
and comparing bids.
Find more home improvement
ideas and solutions at remodeling
doneright.com and elivingtoday.com.
(Family Features) ª
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AND SPECIALTY
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20 x April 15 — May 5, 2021 x www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com
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Windermere Center for
DENTISTRY
Emilia Godoy-Rapport, D.M.D.
Always Friendly & Gentle
Cosmetic and family dentistry
www.windermeresmiles.com
(407) 909-1097
Shop
Local.
Order
Local.
Spend
Local.
The future
of your
community
depends
on your
support of
local
businesses,
retailers and
restaurants.
#ShopLocal
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
For the Joy of Movement!
The Centre for Dance & the
Performing Arts is celebrating
31 years of service to Central
Florida families. Under the direction
of Kathryn White Austin, Ph.D.,
the progressive curriculum at CDPA
follows best practices for whole-child
development, using age-appropriate
guidelines in the delivery of integrated
methods of classical training
and theatrical performance styles.
In the wake of COVID-19, Austin pivoted
38 classes per week with 11
teachers to successful online learning
platforms and began hosting online
support meetings and webinars for
studios around the country. Many
studio owners nationwide adopted
Austin’s “pod system” for return-tostudio
safety measures in reducing
exposures to the virus. CDPA continues
to follow COVID-responsible
measures.
VIEW ALL OF OUR
COMMUNITY
POSTING ONLINE AT
www.southwestorlandobulletin.com
Austin holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts
in dance performance from Florida
State University; a Master of Arts in
dance and theatre from the University
of Hawaii; and a doctorate in comparative
studies, fine and performing arts
from Florida Atlantic University. Her
service to the field of dance education
is recognized on a state and national
level through the National Dance
Education Organization, the British
Association of Teachers of Dancing,
and Dance and the Child International.
CDPA boasts a progressive curriculum
for dancers age 3 and older using
integrated instructional design that
targets 21st century learning goals
and social-emotional learning trends.
CDPA offers classes in classical ballet,
modern dance, theatrical jazz and
tap, and Scottish Highland dance.
CDPA is not a competition track
school, focusing instead on the process
of learning and the performance
outcomes that relate to the creative
voice of the learner. Summer camps
and classes feature themed camps
and exciting choreography for everyone!
Performance groups are Garden
Kidz, CDPA Performing Ensemble and
CDPA Scottish Highland Dancers. A
highlight of CDPA tradition is the annual
performance of In His Name …
We Dance, conceived and produced
by Austin each December.
For more information, email
dancecdpa@gmail.com or visit
www.dancecdpa.com. ª
DON’T MISS OUT
ON FUTURE ISSUES!
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to your
mailbox
or inbox.
407-351-1573
www.southwestorlandobulletin.com

Sometimes, life feels like a mess.
With all the stressors of daily living
— family, relationships, work dynamics,
financial stability, a global
pandemic, etc. — it’s easy to feel
overwhelmed. We can’t always control
the chaos life throws at us, but
one thing that makes me feel in control
is having an organized home.
The more organized my space is, the
more organized my life feels. Below
are some ways to keep common areas
of your house tidy:
The kitchen can go from spotless
to a war zone in a matter of minutes.
Between kids running in to grab
snacks or a husband who doesn’t
There are many physical and mental health benefits to
organizing your home.
understand why all paper documents
can’t be left on the kitchen
counter, keeping the kitchen organized
is sometimes an uphill battle.
Clear glass containers are a simple
way to organize pantry items while
maintaining a consistent look. Fill
them up with flour, sugar, rice, pasta
and more. Make sure you use ones
that have a tight seal to keep air out
of the contents. Many also come
HOW
with labels you can write on — or
purchase a label maker to mark
which items go in which containers.
Baskets are perfect for storing snacks
and other small packaged items.
These can be grouped by type or
even by use. Keep breakfast, lunch
and snack ingredients separate. This
is also a chance to arrange your
pantry and fridge so
the kid items are on
kid level. The next
time your child asks
for a snack, have him
or her grab it from
an easy-to-reach shelf.
For items that are out
in the open in plain
sight, I’ve found that
keeping all appliances,
dishes and containers
on the same
color palette makes
even a full counter
look organized.
The bedroom closet
is one space that
everything seems to
just get shoved into.
The motto “out of
sight, out of mind” is
often easily applied.
One way to make
hanging clothes look
more organized is to
use uniform hangers.
Whether you go for
velvet or plastic, using
the same color
and style of hanger
for all of your clothes instantly elevates
your closet. You can also arrange
your clothes by season and
color to make everything easy to
find and visually pleasing. Storage
baskets can be used on shelves to
store smaller items, like hats, gloves,
accessories, belts and more. For
shoe storage, a shoe rack or overthe-door
rack keeps pairs together
and off the closet floor.
www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com x April 15 — May 5, 2021 x 21
TO ...
Stay Organized
A Place for Everything and Everything in Its Place
by Lauren Salinero
The bathroom is another area that
is often a small space but where
many items are kept. The less clutter
there is on countertops, the cleaner
and more organized the bathroom
will look. Make use of any storage
available from drawers or cabinets
to keep cosmetics and grooming
products tucked out of sight but easily
accessible. You can also use small
containers or baskets in the bathroom
to organize products by use.
For general organization around
the home, keep these tips in mind:
• Minimize clutter. The fewer
items you have out on display, the
cleaner an area appears.
• Create a space for keys, backpacks,
purses, shoes and other commonly
worn outerwear close to the
door.
• Arrange items within a space
by size, color or type, making them
neat and easier to find.
• Don’t be afraid to let go.
Donate old clothes or household
items you don’t need or use anymore.
Also, be sure to go through
your pantry and refrigerator on a
regular basis to get rid of expired
foods.
• Have everyone take ownership
of their messes. Each person in the
house can contribute to cleaning up
after themselves and putting things
back where they found them.
• Maximize unused space.
Convert empty corners, nooks and
behind doors to storage areas.
• Think vertically. Instead of trying
to sort everything on counters,
consider shelves to store items higher
and out of the way.
• Be flexible. There isn’t just one
way to have an organized home,
and it doesn’t have to look like a
magazine cover to be organized.
Try out different storage options and
arrangements to see what works for
you and your family. ª
Each month, Chick-fil-A of Sand Lake Road and the Southwest Orlando Bulletin
honor one Southwest resident who has been spotted giving back to the
community. Winners receive a FREE Chick-fil-A catered celebration, delivered to
the winner safely, following Covid guidelines! Send nominations for the You’ve
Been Spotted Award to Lauren Salinero at lauren@kearneypublishing.com or call
407-351-1573, ext. 4.

22 x April 15 — May 5, 2021 x www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com
Ameena Malik admits she’s “a little bit of
an overachiever,” but the Bay Hill resident and
20-year-old University of Florida junior is more
than a little motivated. The daughter of physician
parents, Ameena is a licensed Realtor, pre-med
major and the CEO/founder of her own nonprofit
agency, Malik Supportive Housing Services.
Founded July 2020, Malik Supportive
Housing Services was born from Ameena feeling
“profoundly affected” by the COVID-19
pandemic. Heartbroken and overwhelmed, she
wanted to do something to help and soon realized
she could put her acquired skills to work
with her most valuable resource, the real estate
license she obtained in 2019.
Her housing organization — maliksupport
iveservices.com — works by scouring parks
and shelters for homeless clients with the help
of Ameena’s brother. The clients are found acceptable
housing free of charge, and once off
the street, the new residents are provided financial
literacy information and other services to
help them get back on their feet. To date, Malik
Supportive Housing Services has assisted a dozen
clients in just seven short months.
The funding for this monumental endeavor
comes from investors, Realtors and solicitation
mailings. Ameena recently learned grant-proposal
writing and submitted 10 grant applications
SOUTHWEST
Selfless Service to Others
Bay Hill Resident Makes a Difference
Ameena
Malik of
Bay Hill,
a pre-med
student at the
University
of Florida,
supports
people in
need of
housing.
to corporations, the state of Florida, and private
foundations whose missions include a focus on
eliminating homelessness. She also consults with
Habitat for Humanity and is looking for other
collaborative partners.
Working from her college apartment,
Ameena enlists the help of friends and family
SPOTLIGHT
by Leona Braun
members — including her three siblings Ali,
Aleena and Aliya — to achieve her goals.
“My mom calls us her A-Team,” Ameena said.
The organization also employs a paid fulltime
program director with a background in social
service, referred to Ameena by her mentor
and part-time secretary. In all, her team consists
of five dedicated individuals and many family
volunteers.
“Without them, there would be no program,”
Ameena said.
A graduate of Orlando Science Schools’
gifted program, Ameena hopes to attend medical
school at either the University of Central
Florida or University of South Florida.
“It’s important that my family be nearby,”
she said. “My ultimate goal is to return to my
Orlando community to be an effective contributor
and the best version of myself.”
Growing up in an extended family of many
physicians, Ameena spent her high school years
volunteering in hospitals and health clinics, even
serving as a physician’s personal assistant. Her
mother, Nasreen Razack-Malik, M.D., refers
to Ameena as “an experienced humanitarian
and extraordinarily committed to academics
and community service.”
Ameena is passionate about medicine and
medical research. Someday, she hopes to find
the right balance of healing patients while
delving into the mysteries of medicine.
“Patient interaction will always be an important
part of my medical career,” she said.
Ameena hopes to bring heightened awareness
to her cause of getting people in need off
the streets and into homes. She intends to oversee
and expand the housing services program
well beyond medical school and plans to offer
accredited internships to work in the program as
well as specific life skills training for the clients.
She hopes her peers will learn from her
example.
“If you have a good idea, research it,”
Ameena said. “Do something. It will be very
rewarding.”
If you know someone who could be helped
by Malik Supportive Housing Services or if
you would like to volunteer, email them at
mshservices2020@gmail.com, call 407-993-
2115 or visit maliksupportiveservices.com. ª
Now Open
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n Pulse tragedy remembrance
exhibition
Representatives of the Orange
County Regional History Center announced
details of the special remembrance
exhibition, Community:
Five Years After the Pulse Tragedy,
designed to reflect how the tragedy’s
impact extended well beyond
the physical boundaries of Central
Florida. The exhibition will be on display
through Aug. 15, 2021, at 65 E.
Central Blvd. in downtown Orlando.
Communities both locally and across
the globe were touched by the mass
shooting at Orlando’s Pulse nightclub
on June 12, 2016. Visitors to the exhibition
can follow the story of the club,
from its earliest conception through
2016, as well as the widespread response
to the devastating event, both
immediately and in the years since. By
telling this important part of Pulse’s collective
history, the history center seeks
to celebrate the spirit of community
and honor the 49 victims and all those
who were affected.
Free admission will be offered June
5 through June 13. For more information,
visit www.thehistorycenter.org/
exhibition/community-pulse/.
n Kiwanis Club of Orlando
celebrates 100 years
The Kiwanis Club of Orlando
(KCO), one of Central Florida’s most
active, involved community service
organizations, is celebrating 100
years of helping children.
The club, which has contributed
more than $7.5 million to community
organizations in addition to countless
thousands of hours of volunteer time,
will celebrate its century of service
throughout its 100th year — which
began Oct. 1, 2020 — with a wide
variety of special events. The KCO
100-Year Anniversary Gala will culminate
with a fundraising gala Sept.
18 at a Central Florida golf club.
As the highlight of the gala, KCO’s
foundation will award grants totaling
$160,000. Four community organizations
from 19 nominated by KCO
members will receive grants. One
organization will receive $100,000,
and three will receive $20,000 each.
NEWS & BUSINESS BRIEFS
www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com x April 15 — May 5, 2021 x 23
compiled by Lauren Salinero
The Kiwanis Club of Orlando sponsors Edgewater High School’s Key Club for more
than 50 years.
n Lighthouse of Central
Florida receives $7,000
in donations
Lighthouse Central Florida received
two grants from Orlando
West Orange Chamber of
Commerce representatives held
a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the
opening of a Sonny’s BBQ in Ocoee.
Elks Lodge 1079, totaling $7,000.
The nonprofit will use the donations
to provide education,
independent life skills, and jobreadiness
training and coaching
to Central Floridians living with
Orlando Elks Lodge 1079
presents one of two $3,500
checks to Lighthouse of
Central Florida. Pictured (l.
to r.) are Aubie Dingwell,
five-year trustee; Ralph
Vemos, acting exalted ruler;
Georgiana Tynes, director
of fund development; and
Beatrice Lopez Masso,
marketing and development
coordinator.
WOCC builds partnerships, strong
businesses and commitment to the
community by serving as the leading
business advocate in Central Florida,
vision impairment or blindness,
along with their families.
Celebrating its 45th anniversary
this year, Lighthouse is the only nonprofit
provider of life-changing vision
rehabilitation services in Orange,
Seminole and Osceola counties.
BUSINESS BRIEFS
Orlando Ballet School officials
announced the school’s
status as the only American Ballet
Theatre-certified school in the
Southeast. Last month, students
ages 7-16 completed their ABT
testing. The school’s high-quality
dance-training curriculum emphasizes
dancer health and child development,
in addition to following
the ABT technique. Orlando Ballet
School’s summer dance camps start
June 7. For more information, visit
orlandoballet.org.
The First Academy will hold
an open house April 21. Virtual
tours are also available. Founded
in 1986, TFA is a Christ-centered,
college-preparatory, private school
that serves more than 1,450 students
from preschool through grade
12. To RSVP for the open house, visit
thefirstacademy.org/new.
photo courtesy of WOCC
West
Orange
Chamber of
Commerce
ambassadors
celebrate the
opening of a
Sonny’s BBQ
in Ocoee.
facilitating opportunity to nearly
1,000 member businesses. For more
information about WOCC, call 407-
656-1304 or visit wochamber.com. ª

24 x April 15 — May 5, 2021 x www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com
n Bay Meadows
Elementary
Marjorie Carris received this
month’s You’ve Been Spotted Award
for her outstanding contribution and
generous donation of her book,
Archie’s Christmas Tale, to Bay
Meadows Elementary. Each month,
Chick-fil-A of Sand Lake Road
and Southwest Orlando Bulletin
honor a Southwest resident who has
been spotted giving back to the community.
Winners receive a free Chickfil-A
celebration, delivered to the
winner safely, following COVID-19
SCHOOL NEWS
Chick-fil-A of Sand
Lake Road Director of
Marketing and Hospitality
Lorena B. Gomez (right)
presents Marjorie Carris
(right) with a You’ve Been
Spotted Award. They
are pictured with Bay
Meadows Elementary
Principal Gerai Mays.
guidelines. To nominate someone for
the You’ve Been Spotted Award, email
lauren@kearneypublishing.com.
n Westbrooke
Elementary
compiled by Lauren Salinero
Wildcat kindergartners at Westbrooke
Elementary became doctors
for the day during Heart Surgery
Day. The hallway was transformed
into the Wildcat Hospital; and
Ms. LeFlore, Miss Brown and
Mrs. Bottinelli transformed their
classrooms into operating rooms.
The “doctors” performed different
procedures throughout the day on
several different “patients,” including
checking heart rates (counting syllables
in words), suturing hearts together
(matching sight words), fixing
broken hearts (putting CVC words
together), checking on sick patients
(finding missing vowels), and more.
Each doctor completed patient
charts. The school is happy to report
that all patients were saved, and
their hearts were put back together.
It was an amazing day to be in kindergarten!
Precautions were taken
to ensure that everyone stayed safe
and healthy during the special event.
Westbrooke
Elementary
turns into
“Wildcat
Hospital” for
Heart Surgery
Day.
Nominate Your
Favorite Teacher for
Southwest Orlando Bulletin’s
Teacher of the Month!
Each month, a deserving teacher from a Southwest Orlando
school will be recognized for his or her hard work
and dedication to students.
To submit a nomination,
send the teacher's name,
school and why they deserve to be
Teacher of the Month to
lauren@kearneypublishing.com.

n Et Al
The deadline to submit applications
for The Danniel J. Petro
Scholarships, in partnership with
the West Orange Foundation,
are due April 19, 2021, for eligible
high school seniors. This scholarship
opportunity is provided through
West Orange Foundation Inc. and
administrated by West Orange
Chamber of Commerce. The
scholarship fund was established
to make it possible for eligible students
from local high schools in
Orange County (public or private)
to further their education at Valencia
College (any campus), Orange
Technical College or the University
of Central Florida. The West Orange
Foundation is able to fund the scholarships
through the generous contributions
of the Petro Family Foundation.
To qualify, eligible senior students
must live in Dr. Phillips, Gotha,
Horizon West, Lake Avalon,
MetroWest, Oakland, Ocoee,
Orlo Vista, Pine Hills, Windermere
or Winter Garden; attend a high
school in one of those service areas;
have a current GPA of 2.75
(weighted or unweighted); and have
applied to attend Valencia College,
the University of Central Florida,
or Orange Technical College. Two
student-recipients will be awarded
a $2,500 scholarship from the Petro
Family Foundation. Download the
application at wochamber.com/
danniel-j-petro-foundation-scholarships/.
In partnership with local supporting
agencies, Orange County
Public Schools hosted the inaugural
Biomedical Science Challenge,
featuring Project Lead-the-Way’s
Biomedical Science module — the
COVID-19 Pandemic — earlier this
year. A first-of-its-kind student competition
for the district, the BMS
Challenge served to demonstrate
and model the importance of Project-
Lead-the-Way’s Biomedical Science
program to the community and showcase
the talents of OCPS students and
teachers. The challenge provided
students the opportunity to develop
Daniella Sullivan (left), Orange County
health services administrator, and Andrea
Wesser-Brawner, Orange County chief
innovation and emerging technology officer,
serve as judges for Orange County Public
Schools’ Biomedical Science Challenge.
the in-demand, transportable skills of
problem-solving and critical thinking
essential to working in today’s health
care field. Students examined the
impact of potential solutions to realworld
problems and discussed topics
that required them to consider ethical
choices. Orange County Mayor and
Southwest resident Jerry Demings
provided the keynote virtually to the
teens representing Apopka, Cypress
Creek, Ocoee, Olympia and
Windermere highs.
Orange County Public Schools officials
announced graduation dates
for the Class of 2021. They have preliminary
plans to hold all high school
graduation ceremonies in person
at Amway Center. This schedule is
based on the availability of Amway
Center during the NBA playoffs or
Solar Bears games, as well as safety
conditions due to COVID-19. Safety
precautions will include, but are not
limited to, the mandatory wearing
of face masks; social distancing;
limited ticketing (exact number per
graduate to be determined); and
strict arrival, departure and stage
procedures. All guidelines and protocols
are being developed in conjunction
with the Florida Department
of Health in Orange County and the
Amway Center. Dates and times for
www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com x April 15 — May 5, 2021 x 25
Southwest-area high school graduations
are May 17 at 8:30 a.m. for
Windermere High, May 20 at
2 p.m. for West Orange High,
May 20 at 7:30 p.m. for Olympia
High, May 24 at 7:30 p.m. for Dr.
Phillips High, and May 27 at 7:30
p.m. for Ocoee High.
The second annual OnWord
Writing Competition, presented by the
American Writers Museum (AWM),
is open for entries through June 15,
2021. The free writing competition is
part of AWM’s efforts to motivate and
inspire young writers of tomorrow.
When students are at the museum
or on a virtual field trip, they start to
better understand why writing matters
Southwest
Orlando
Teacher of
the Month
Congratulations to Southwest
Orlando Bulletin April 2021 Teacher
of the Month Roger Harvey. Mr.
Harvey was nominated by parent
Sheri Lerner. Mr. Harvey teaches
economics and government at The
First Academy. At the start of the
school year, Mr. Harvey announced
his goal to make this year the most
special year ever for seniors despite
all the restrictions of the pandemic.
He held true to his promise. While
event after event was canceled, Mr.
Harvey was hard at work creating
new opportunities. He started The
Rolling Royals bowling team, which
had more than 80 students participate
every week. Not only did this
and how they can make a difference
through their own writing. AWM invites
teachers to submit entries from
their third grade through 12th-grade
students about how they would use
writing to create change they want to
see in the world and explore it in any
form of writing that works for them: an
essay, a short story, poem, play, song,
etc. Prizes from $500 to $2,000 will
be awarded to two winners in each
grade category. Complete details
and instructions on how to enter can
be found at americanwritersmuseum.
org/onword-writing-competition.
The six winners will be filmed reading
their work, and the videos will
air at OnWord, AWM’s annual benefit,
be livestreamed on the museum’s
website, YouTube and Facebook
Aug. 31, 2021.
group give the students an activity,
but it bridged the gap of all different
groups of kids in school. Athletes,
art students, bookworms, etc., all
participated. Mr. Harvey attends
his students’ local sporting events
and regularly travels several hours
to watch them participate in postseason
competitions. Each student
receives a personal robust version of
Happy Birthday from Mr. Harvey on
his or her special day. He also finds
creative ways to teach material that
is not always interesting. Above all,
he cares most about the well-being
and character of his students, and
makes himself available for any and
all needs that arise.
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

26 x April 15 — May 5, 2021 x www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com
n Charities/Fundraisers
April 24 — Caladiums, Canvases & Coffee
Nehrling Gardens, 2267 Hempel Ave., Gotha,
hosts Caladiums, Canvases & Coffee, an art stroll
that includes coffee, mimosas and pastries while
listening to live music; plein art artists at work;
and a large selection of original artwork available
for bidding on an online auction. Caladium
bulbs are also for sale. Time: 9 a.m.-noon. The
online auction is live from April 21 through 5 p.m.
on April 24. Cost: $20 in advance, $25 day of
the event. For more information or to purchase
tickets, email info@nehrlinggardens.org or visit
nehrlinggardens.org.
May 1 — Save The Manatee Golf
Tournament
Hidden Lakes Golf Club, 35 Fairgreen Ave., New
Smyrna Beach, hosts the Save the Manatee Golf
Tournament, including welcome bags, lunch, a
silent auction, raffles and opportunities to win
prizes. Time: 8 a.m. shotgun start. Cost: $75 per
person or $300 for a foursome, with proceeds
supporting Save the Manatee Club’s manatee
conservation efforts. Sponsorships are available.
For more information or to register, visit
savethemanatee.org/golf.
May 8 — Paws In The Park
Downtown Orlando’s Lake Eola Park hosts the
27th annual Paws in the Park pet festival, including
adoptable pets, doggy sports, a costume contest,
photo stations, doggy fun zone, pet-friendly
COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD
vendors, food trucks and more. Attendees are
encouraged to register now and start fundraising.
Participants who raise $15 receive a commemorative
dog bandana, and those who raise
$75 receive an event T-shirt. Paws in the Park
is also featuring a virtual component this year
for people who prefer to take part from home.
Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is free. Proceeds
benefit Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando. For more
information, visit www.petallianceorlando.org or
www.pawsinthepark.org.
May 10 — Orlando Shakes Golf Tournament
Dubsdread Golf Course, 549 W. Par St.,
Orlando, hosts the Orlando Shakes Golf
Tournament, including an 18-hole scramble format,
a cart, range balls, lunch and more. Register
by April 28. Time: 8 a.m. shotgun start. Cost:
$200, with proceeds benefiting Orlando Shakes.
Hole sponsorships are available. For more information
or to register, call 407-447-1700, ext.
213; or email development@orlandoshakes.org.
n Events/Performances
April 21-25 — Mobile Discovery Center Visit
The Florida Mall, 8001 S. Orange Blossom
Trail, Orlando, hosts a visit from Global Water
Center’s Mobile Discovery Center, a free,
interactive, educational and fun exhibit for all
ages that addresses the global water crisis. For
more information, visit globalwatercenter.org/
mobile-discovery-center.
n Miscellaneous
compiled by Lisa Sagers
Ongoing — Blood Plasma Needed
The Fight Is In Us encourages people who
have recently recovered from COVID-19 to
donate blood plasma. The plasma could
contain antibodies that could help others
fight off the disease. For more information,
visit volunteersforcommunityimpact.org/
plasma-donate or thefightisinus.org/en-US/
donate-plasma/home.
Through April 30 — Family Recipe
Challenge
Heather Frazee and Denise Sullivan of Fannie
Hillman & Assoc. co-sponsor the Favorite Family
Recipe Challenge. Snap a photo of you making
your favorite recipe and email it to Heather
(email address below). Participants receive an
entry into a raffle to win a $50 Publix Super
Markets gift card. For more information, email
heather@fanniehillman.com.
n Networking/Clubs
April 20 & 27 — Virtual Tuesday
Networking Meetings
West Orange Chamber of Commerce hosts virtual
networking meetings that are exclusive to one person
per industry. Time: 8-9 a.m. Cost: Free for WOCC
members. For more information, email Adam
Markowitz, adam@markowitzaccounting.com.
April 21 — Virtual Wednesday
Networking Meeting
West Orange Chamber of Commerce hosts
a virtual networking meeting that is exclusive
to one person per industry. Time: 8-9
a.m. Cost: Free for WOCC members. For
more information, email Thomas Sheldon,
tsheldon@anylabtestnow.com.
April 28 — Virtual Horizon West
Networking Meeting
West Orange Chamber of Commerce hosts a virtual
networking meeting that is exclusive to one
person per industry. Time: 8-9 a.m. Cost: Free
for WOCC members. For more information, email
Kira Colon, kcolon@maventri.com.
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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