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LIVING WELL<br />
The heartbeat of the community<br />
O<br />
ORLANDO BULLETIN<br />
November 3 — 16, 2022 | Since 1986<br />
Connecting<br />
Hearts Adoption<br />
Services<br />
Amy Imber of Connecting Hearts Adoption Services,<br />
supported by her family (l. to r.) son Sam, husband<br />
Jeff and son Max, helps clients fulfill their dreams of<br />
becoming parents through adoption.<br />
©JasonCannon/Cannonfirephoto.com
THANKSGIVING DAY<br />
BUFFET<br />
NOVEMBER 24 | 11:00 A.M.–6:30 P.M.<br />
$58.95 *<br />
for adults<br />
(prepaid reservation)<br />
$24.95 *<br />
for children<br />
(3 and under free)<br />
More Than 60 Tantalizing Dishes<br />
Complimentary Champagne and Mimosas<br />
Complimentary Self-Parking | Discounted Valet Parking<br />
RosenCentre.com/Thanksgiving | 407.996.3969<br />
*Not inclusive of tax and service charge. Walk-ins welcome based<br />
on availability and for an additional charge.<br />
9840 International Drive
TABLE OF CONTENTS<br />
SCHOOL NEWS ............................................................................... 4<br />
COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD ......................................................... 6<br />
PROMOTIONAL FEATURE ................................................................... 8<br />
Connecting Hearts Adoption Services<br />
2022 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE ............................................................... 9<br />
LIVING WELL.....................................................................................13<br />
GMOs Explained<br />
Physical Therapists Can Help Manage Long COVID<br />
IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD ............................................................. 16<br />
www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com x November 3 — 16, 2022 x 3<br />
West Orange Political Alliance, Inc.<br />
A non-parsan polical commiee, the<br />
polical acon arm of the West<br />
Orange Chamber of Commerce,<br />
formed to represent the best interests<br />
of West Orange County urges you to<br />
vote Early, By Mail or on<br />
Tuesday, November 8th.<br />
Our endorsed candidates<br />
for this Election:<br />
SOUTHWEST SERVICE DIRECTORY ................................................... 18<br />
November 3, 2022<br />
Volume XXXVII, No. 1<br />
P.O. Box 851<br />
Windermere, FL 34786<br />
407-351-1573<br />
www.southwestorlandobulletin.com<br />
The Southwest Orlando Bulletin is published semimonthly by<br />
Cornerstone Publishing & Multi-Media LLC. No material may be reproduced<br />
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Multi-Media LLC and may be reproduced and edited without consent.<br />
©2022/Cornerstone Publishing & Multi-Media LLC<br />
PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER<br />
Rick V. Martin<br />
VICE PRESIDENT<br />
Yvette Martin<br />
MANAGING EDITOR<br />
Lisa Sagers<br />
lisa@kearneypublishing.com<br />
ASSISTANT EDITOR<br />
Lauren Salinero<br />
lauren@kearneypublishing.com<br />
FREELANCE WRITER<br />
Blair Parke<br />
CIRCULATION<br />
Robert Barlow<br />
MARKETING CONSULTANTS<br />
Madeline DeVito<br />
407-351-1573, option 1<br />
mdevito@kearneypublishing.com<br />
Michelle Oakes<br />
321-277-3467<br />
michelle<br />
@cornerstonepublishinggroup.com<br />
Orange County<br />
Mercedes Fonseca - District 4<br />
Mike Sco – District 6<br />
Orange County Public School Board<br />
Maria Salamanca – District 2<br />
Dr. Michael Daniels – District 3<br />
Florida House of Representatives<br />
Allie Braswell (D) – District 45<br />
Charter County and Regional<br />
Transportation System Surtax<br />
VOTE YES<br />
Find us on Facebook for the latest news and endorsements.<br />
To learn more, visit hps://wochamber.com/west-orange-polical-alliance-wopa<br />
Paid Polical Adversement by the West Orange Polical Alliance, Inc.<br />
12184 W. Colonial Drive, Winter Garden, FL 34787<br />
For informaon, call 407-656-1304.
4 x November 3 — 16, 2022 x www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com<br />
n Panther Lake<br />
Elementary<br />
SCHOOL NEWS<br />
compiled by Lauren Salinero<br />
• Renee Green is assistant principal<br />
of Ocoee High.<br />
of the year. Also, Adair Edwards<br />
was recognized as the school’s volunteer<br />
of the month for September.<br />
Ms. Edwards specifically helps<br />
Cynthia Penney, media specialist,<br />
on a frequent basis, and the staff<br />
feels fortunate to have her at PLES.<br />
The First Academy will<br />
hold its annual Veterans Day<br />
Celebration on Nov. 10 at 10<br />
a.m. in the Worship Center at First<br />
Orlando, located at 3000 S. John<br />
Young Parkway. All veterans are<br />
Panther Lake Elementary Principal<br />
Christine Szymanski (center)<br />
congratulates Katie Schwartz (left) and<br />
Stephanie Xenias on being named as<br />
the school’s teacher of the year and support<br />
person of the year, respectively.<br />
Congratulations to Katie<br />
Schwartz for being named as<br />
Panther Lake Elementary’s teacher of<br />
the year and Stephanie Xenias<br />
for being named the support person<br />
Panther Lake Elementary Principal<br />
Christine Szymanski (left) congratulates<br />
Adair Edwards on being named as the<br />
September volunteer of the month.<br />
CREATE YOUR FUTURE<br />
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Collaborations with MIT, The Juilliard School, and UNICEF<br />
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Award winning Fine Arts programs<br />
Over 21 Athletic programs for Grade 6 - 12<br />
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS<br />
(407) 905-7737 info@windermereprep.com windermereprep.com<br />
Panther Lake Elementary physical education teacher Christie Jewell encourages students<br />
to participate in National Walk to School Day.<br />
n Et Al<br />
Orange County Public Schools<br />
officials announced administrative<br />
changes at the following Southwestarea<br />
schools:<br />
• Andrew Frohmberg is assistant<br />
principal of Ocoee Middle.<br />
invited to attend. The celebration<br />
features the Presentation of Colors<br />
by the U.S. Army Color Guard, patriotic<br />
music by a 100-voice lowerschool<br />
choir, and the middle- and<br />
upper-school chorus. There will<br />
also be special patriotic music by<br />
members of the Voices of Liberty<br />
and the middle- and upper-school<br />
band. Multimedia presentations<br />
will be shared to salute the nation’s<br />
heroes with special recognition of<br />
all veterans in attendance. Event<br />
speakers include the Wounded<br />
Warrior Club officers, retired Lt.<br />
Gen. Benjamin Mixon, retired<br />
Staff Sgt. Sal Giunta, and First<br />
Orlando senior pastor the Rev.<br />
David Uth. A special complimentary<br />
continental breakfast will be<br />
provided in Faith Hall for all veterans<br />
and their spouses prior to the<br />
celebration. For more information,
visit thefirstacademy.org/blog/<br />
veterans-day.<br />
Representatives of the Florida<br />
Department of Education released<br />
student test scores for the third grade<br />
English language arts assessment<br />
for the 2021-22 year. Test scores in<br />
Orange County Public Schools outperformed<br />
the state average by a<br />
percentage point. Overall in OCPS,<br />
students scoring Level 3 or above<br />
decreased by 1 percentage point<br />
from 2018-19. The state average<br />
decreased by 5 percentage points<br />
from 2018-19. This information is<br />
partially used to determine student<br />
promotion and retention, and district<br />
and school-level accountability<br />
measures. This was the first time<br />
since 2018-19 that test scores were<br />
used by the state for accountability<br />
measures.<br />
Orange County Public Schools<br />
officials rolled out the Sustainability<br />
Plan 2030. Its goal is to inspire<br />
action among students and staff<br />
members to improve the environment<br />
and make a positive social<br />
impact in the community while<br />
reducing costs to keep dollars in<br />
the classroom. The plan is to be<br />
used as a road map to navigate<br />
change throughout the next nine<br />
years. The development of OCPS<br />
Sustainability Plan 2030 ensures<br />
alignment with local municipalities’<br />
sustainability goals, the U.S.<br />
Green Building Council’s whole<br />
school sustainability framework,<br />
and the United Nation’s 17 sustainable<br />
development goals. Input<br />
from more than 47,000 staff members,<br />
students, parents and community<br />
members helped to develop<br />
the plan for OCPS. A total of five<br />
sustainability targets were identified<br />
as priorities: waste reduction,<br />
water conservation, health and<br />
wellness, energy conservation and<br />
renewable energy, and transportation.<br />
To view the full plan, visit<br />
www.ocps.net/cms/one.aspx?port<br />
alId=54703&pageid=98615.<br />
Orange County Public Schools<br />
Superintendent Maria Vazquez<br />
presented instructional makeup<br />
days because of days lost during<br />
Hurricane Ian. Instructional minutes<br />
already built into the student schedule<br />
throughout the year allowed for<br />
the remaining instructional minutes<br />
to be made up by having Oct. 28<br />
scheduled as a normal school day<br />
instead of a student holiday/teacher<br />
nonwork day and adding seven<br />
no-early dismissal Wednesdays between<br />
Nov. 2022 and May 2023.<br />
The no-early dismissal days are Nov.<br />
9, Dec. 7, Jan. 18, Feb 1., Feb. 15,<br />
March 22 and May 10.<br />
Although we try to ensure that all information<br />
presented above is the most current, correct and<br />
dependable available, we do rely on others for<br />
the source of our news. Therefore, the Southwest<br />
Orlando Bulletin and Cornerstone Publishing &<br />
Multi-Media LLC cannot be held responsible for the<br />
validity of the information presented here, nor does<br />
mentioning it constitute an endorsement. School<br />
News is welcome and may be mailed to P.O.<br />
Box 851, Windermere, FL 34786; or emailed to<br />
Lauren@kearneypublishing.com. ª<br />
www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com x November 3 — 16, 2022 x 5<br />
31<br />
AnnVarkeyRealtor@gmail.com<br />
7232 Sand Lake Rd #103 Orlando Fl 32819
6 x November 3 — 16, 2022 x www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com<br />
n Charities/Fundraisers<br />
Nov. 12 — Harvest Of Hope Garden<br />
Party<br />
Ocoee Lakeshore Center, 125 N. Lakeshore Drive,<br />
Ocoee, hosts Matthew’s Hope’s Harvest of Hope Garden<br />
Party, including a silent auction, raffles and surprise entertainment.<br />
Time: 5:45-9:15 p.m. Cost: Tables of eight are<br />
available starting at $600. Co-sponsorships are available.<br />
For more information or to RSVP, call 407-905-9500 or<br />
visit www.matthewshopeministries.org/garden-party.<br />
Nov. 12 — Autism Speaks Walk<br />
Cranes Roost Park, 274 Cranes Roost Blvd., Altamonte<br />
Springs, hosts the Central Florida Autism Speaks Walk. For<br />
more information, visit autismspeaks.org/walk.<br />
Nov. 12 — Golfing Fore Autism<br />
Kissimmee Bay Golf Club, 2801 Kissimmee Bay<br />
Blvd., Kissimmee, hosts the 18th annual Golfing Fore<br />
Autism Charity Tournament co-presented by the Autism<br />
& Related Disabilities Gym Program Inc. and the Jim<br />
Beech Recreation Center. Time: 7:30 a.m. for registration<br />
(includes a complimentary bloody mary), 8:30 a.m.<br />
for tee time. Cost: $110 to play in the tournament, which<br />
includes beer, soda, cigars, lunch, bar on the course,<br />
and two contests; $25 for lunch only; and $25 for a<br />
super ticket that includes Mulligan’s, free mixed drinks<br />
from a beverage tent, and raffle tickets. Checks should<br />
be made payable to Autism & Related Disabilities Gym<br />
Program Inc., Jo-Anne Houwers, 1054 Orange Wharf<br />
Court, Winter Garden, FL 34787. For more information,<br />
call 407-234-7456, email joanne@autismgym.org or visit<br />
www.autismgym.org.<br />
Nov. 13 — A Taste Of Dr. Phillips<br />
Brought to you by the Rotary Club of Dr. Phillips<br />
Foundation, the 15th annual Taste of Dr. Phillips takes<br />
place outdoors at Dellagio Orlando, 7940 Via Dellagio<br />
Way. Festivities include a silent auction and an afternoon<br />
of sampling fine dining, wine and beer. Time: 1-4 p.m.<br />
Cost: $75. Sponsorships are available. For more information,<br />
visit www.atasteofdrphillips.com.<br />
n Children’s/Teen<br />
Programs<br />
Ongoing — In-Person Storytimes<br />
Winter Garden Library, 805 E. Plant St., Winter Garden,<br />
hosts the following in-person storytimes for children:<br />
Storybook Fun for preschoolers is Fridays at 10:15 a.m.,<br />
Toddler Time is Fridays at 10:45 a.m., and Tiny Tales for<br />
babies up to 18 months is Fridays at 11:15 a.m. For more<br />
information, call 407-835-7323 or visit www.ocls.info.<br />
n Classes/Programs<br />
Ongoing — Knitting/Crocheting Classes<br />
The Special Events Dining Room of Building C at St. Luke’s<br />
United Methodist Church, 4851 S. Apopka-Vineland<br />
31st annual holiday<br />
short-story contest.<br />
COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD<br />
compiled by Lisa Sagers<br />
Winners will be published in<br />
the Dec. 15 issue. Email<br />
original short stories (max: 600<br />
words) with the author's<br />
name, age, neighborhood and<br />
phone number to:<br />
Lauren@kearneypublishing.com<br />
Road, Orlando, hosts Hearts to Hands’ free knitting/crocheting<br />
classes. Yarn is provided, and all ages and skill<br />
levels are welcome. Time: Wednesdays from 3:30-5 p.m.<br />
For more information, call 407-876-4991, ext. 262; email<br />
care@st.lukes.org; or visit www.st.lukes.org/heartstohands.<br />
Through December 31 — Virtual Fitness<br />
Classes<br />
AARP Florida sponsors virtual weekly group fitness classes,<br />
including two types of yoga with QWellness and low-tomoderate<br />
dance aerobics with Firebush. The classes are<br />
free to the public, and times vary. For more information<br />
or to register, visit states.aarp.org/florida/join-us-for-freeweekly-group-fitness-classes.<br />
n Events/Performances<br />
Nov. 5 — Music Among The Lakes<br />
Windermere Wine & Dine presents Music Among the Lakes,<br />
including free performances by the Florida Symphony<br />
Youth Orchestra and the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra,<br />
on the grounds of Windermere Town Hall. Attendees are<br />
encouraged to bring blankets, chairs and picnic baskets.<br />
Time: Grounds open at 4 p.m., and the opening program<br />
by FSYO takes place from 5:15-6 p.m. followed by a short<br />
break. OPO performs from 6:30-7:45 p.m. Pre-ordering<br />
of picnic baskets and beverages is available. For more<br />
information, visit windermerewineanddine.com/events.<br />
Nov. 10 — This Is My Song: A Veterans<br />
Day Program<br />
The Sanctuary at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 4851<br />
S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando, presents This Is My<br />
Song: A Veterans Day Program, including live patriotic<br />
music and readings to honor those who have served the<br />
U.S. in the armed forces. Time: 7:30 p.m. Admission<br />
is free; however, an offering will be collected to benefit<br />
Soldiers’ Angels. For more information or to RSVP, call<br />
407-876-4991 or visit www.st.lukes.org/veterans.<br />
Nov. 11 & 12— Food & Wine Classic<br />
Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin, 1500 Epcot Resorts<br />
Blvd., Lake Buena Vista, hosts the Food & Wine Classic, an<br />
outdoor dining event that includes educational food and<br />
beverage seminars, a festive outdoor setting, culinary selections<br />
from the resort’s award-winning restaurants, beverage<br />
samplings from around the world, themed areas and live<br />
musical entertainment. Time: 5:30-9 p.m. Cost: $165. Room<br />
discounts are available with proof of event ticket purchase. For<br />
more information, visit swandolphinfoodandwineclassic.com.<br />
Nov. 27 — Hola @ The Park<br />
Icon Park Orlando, 8375 International Drive, Orlando,<br />
hosts Hola @ The Park, presented by Orlando Health and<br />
highlighting Hispanic culture by promoting local artists and<br />
Latin food. Time: 1-7 p.m. For more information, call 407-<br />
428-5870 or visit www.hispanicchamberorlando.com or<br />
holaatthepark.com.<br />
n <strong>Holiday</strong> Happenings<br />
Nov. 4 — Holy Family <strong>Holiday</strong> Boutique<br />
The Holy Family Catholic Church Parish Life Center, 5125<br />
Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando, hosts Holy Family<br />
Catholic School’s annual holiday boutique. Items for purchase<br />
include clothing, crafts, jewelry, food, gifts and<br />
more. Time: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information, email<br />
Amy Hanigosky, amyhanigosky@gmail.com.<br />
Nov. 25, 2022-Jan. 1, 2023 — Dazzling<br />
Lights<br />
Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando, presents<br />
the third annual Dazzling Lights, a family-friendly event<br />
that gives guests the opportunity to embark on a three-quarter-mile,<br />
interactive holiday experience. Activities include a<br />
million lights, meet-and-greet characters in the Ice Castle, a<br />
yeti play area for children, 40-foot-diameter snow dome with<br />
swirling snow, and more. This year, guests choose their own<br />
adventure. Timed entry takes place from 5:30-9 p.m. Cost:<br />
$55 for premium tickets that include access to an outdoor<br />
lounge, $25 for adults, $22 for children 3-13. On-site parking<br />
is available for a small fee. For more information or to<br />
purchase tickets, visit www.dazzlingorlando.com.<br />
Dec. 1 — <strong>Holiday</strong> Tree Lighting<br />
Icon Park Orlando in the I-Drive District hosts the annual<br />
<strong>Holiday</strong> Tree Lighting event, including the lighting of the<br />
official 50-foot holiday tree, special performances, singing<br />
and dancing, The Santa Workshop Experience, and more.<br />
Time: 6 p.m. The Santa Workshop Experience is purchased<br />
separately and includes a free ticket to ride The Wheel<br />
and carousel on the Promenade. Advance registrations<br />
are required. For more information, visit idrivedistrict.com.<br />
Dec. 2 & 3 — A Big Band Christmas<br />
Performances<br />
Lake Buena Vista High School, 11305 Daryl Carter<br />
Parkway, Orlando, hosts Central Florida Community Arts’<br />
Deadline: November 23, 2022<br />
Cash Prizes
performances of A Big Band Christmas. Time: Friday at<br />
8 p.m. and Saturday at 6 p.m. Cost: $15 premium general<br />
admission, $10 general admission, free for lap-held<br />
children 3-younger. For more information or to purchase<br />
tickets, visit cfcarts.com/bbxmas.<br />
Dec. 2, 3 & 4 — Rudolph The Red-Nosed<br />
Reindeer Jr. Performances<br />
St. Luke’s United Methodist Church’s Youth Theatre presents<br />
performances of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr. in<br />
the theater at the church, 4851 S. Apopka-Vineland Road,<br />
Orlando. Time: Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday<br />
at 3 p.m. Cost: $10. For more information or to purchase<br />
tickets, visit www.st.lukes.org/rudolph.<br />
Dec. 9 — Christmas With The Basilica<br />
Choir<br />
The Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of<br />
the Universe, 8300 Vineland Ave., Orlando, presents<br />
Christmas With the Basilica Choir, an annual tradition<br />
of Advent and Christmas music with a popular audience<br />
sing-a-long to favorite holiday tunes. Arrive early for the<br />
best seats. Time: 7:30 p.m. For more information, call<br />
407-239-6600 or visit maryqueenoftheuniverse.org.<br />
Dec. 10 — <strong>Holiday</strong> Amaryllis Festival<br />
Nehrling Gardens, a Florida Heritage Landmark, 2267<br />
Hempel Ave., Gotha, hosts the 11th annual <strong>Holiday</strong><br />
Amaryllis Festival, a free nature-themed community event.<br />
Activities include rare amaryllis bulbs for sale, nature-themed<br />
vendors, food, music and crafts for children. Time: 9 a.m.-<br />
3 p.m. For more information, call 407-445-9977, email<br />
info@nehrlinggardens.org or visit www.nehrlinggardens.org.<br />
Dec. 10 — Jolly Jamboree<br />
The Withers-Maguire House, 16 E. Oakland Ave. in<br />
downtown Ocoee, hosts the Jolly Jamboree, including<br />
the lighting of the holiday tree. Time: 5-9 p.m. Admission<br />
is free. For more information, call 407-905-3180 or visit<br />
ocoee.org.<br />
Dec. 11 — MetroWest WinterFest<br />
MetroWest Golf Club, 2100 S. Hiawassee Road, Orlando,<br />
hosts the ninth annual MetroWest WinterFest, presented by<br />
Orlando Health and including free photos with Santa and<br />
Mrs. Claus; a 16-ton snow slide and play area; holidaythemed<br />
performances by MetroWest and Westpointe<br />
elementary schools; a merry-go-round, bungee bouncer<br />
and ballistic swing carnival ride; face painters; horse and<br />
carriage rides; a food truck zone; vendors and more. Pets<br />
and coolers are not allowed. Time: 3-7 p.m. Admission<br />
is free. The event benefits Edgewood Children’s Ranch.<br />
For more information, visit www.metrowestcommunity.com.<br />
n Miscellaneous<br />
Nov. 13 — Food Drive & Car And Truck<br />
Show<br />
Promenade at Sunset Walk, 3251 Margaritaville Blvd.,<br />
Kissimmee, hosts a food drive and car and truck show.<br />
Time: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The event benefits Second Harvest<br />
Food Bank of Central Florida. For more information, visit<br />
sunsetwalk.com.<br />
n Networking/Clubs<br />
Ongoing — Members Wanted<br />
The West Orange Women seeks females of all ages to<br />
join its group for fun, friendship and philanthropy. Annual<br />
dues are $20. For more information, call Mary Borgan,<br />
407-929-3030; or visit www.westorangewomen.com.<br />
Nov. 8, 15, 22 & 29 — Virtual<br />
Toastmasters Meetings<br />
Windermere Toastmasters Club No. 4662754 holds Zoom<br />
meetings. Attendees learn to develop their oral communication<br />
and leadership skills in a supportive and positive<br />
learning environment. Time: Tuesdays from 7-8:30 p.m.<br />
For more information or to request online Zoom meeting<br />
details, visit www.4662754.toastmastersclubs.org and<br />
click “Contact Us.”<br />
Nov. 9, 16, 23 & 30 — Virtual<br />
Toastmasters Meetings<br />
The Turnpike Toastmasters Club holds Zoom meetings.<br />
Time: Wednesdays from noon-1 p.m. For more<br />
information or to register for a virtual meeting, visit<br />
2362.toastmastersclubs.org and click “Contact Us” at<br />
least one day before the event.<br />
Nov. 10 & 17 — Virtual Thursday<br />
Morning Men’s Group<br />
St. Luke’s United Methodist Church hosts a men’s online<br />
group with the Rev. Jad. Time: Thursdays at 7:45 a.m.<br />
via Zoom. For more information or to register, call 407-<br />
876-4991 or visit st.lukes.org/adults.<br />
Nov. 10 & 17 — Virtual Toastmasters<br />
Meetings<br />
The Vista Toastmasters Club holds Zoom meetings.<br />
Time: Thursdays from 7-8:30 p.m. For more information,<br />
email vistatoastmasters.zoom@gmail.com or visit<br />
www.vistatoastmasters.org.<br />
www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com x November 3 — 16, 2022 x 7<br />
n Support Groups<br />
Ongoing — Hope For Hurting Parents<br />
Support Group Meetings<br />
The Parish Life Center at Holy Family Catholic Church,<br />
5125 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando, hosts<br />
Hope for Hurting Parents support group meetings<br />
for parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc., who<br />
have children of any age who struggle with mental<br />
health issues, self-harm, eating disorders, substance<br />
abuse, gender confusion, suicidal thoughts and more.<br />
Time: first and third Monday of each month from<br />
6-8 p.m. For more information, email Beth Denhof,<br />
bethdenhof@msn.com, or call her at 407-399-5872;<br />
or email Kelly Muscaro, kkmuscaro@aol.com, or call<br />
her at 407-963-5277. For more information, including<br />
resources and book recommendations, visit<br />
www.hopeforhurtingparents.com.<br />
Nov. 8 & 22 — Mental Health Support<br />
Group Meetings<br />
The second floor of Building B at St. Luke’s United<br />
Methodist Church, 4851 S. Apopka-Vineland Road,<br />
Orlando, hosts free connection and family support group<br />
meetings for individuals affected by mental illness. The<br />
connection support group meets in Room B-204, and<br />
families meet in Room B-206. The 90-minute meeting<br />
is peer-led and helps participants connect with each<br />
other, learn from each other’s experiences, share coping<br />
strategies and offer each other encouragement and<br />
understanding. Time: the second and fourth Tuesday of<br />
each month at 6:30 p.m. For more information, call<br />
407-253-1900, email information@namigo.org or visit<br />
www.namigo.org.<br />
Nov. 8 & Dec. 13 — Virtual Support<br />
Group Meetings For Caregivers<br />
The Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center sponsors<br />
a free support group meeting for caregivers in the Suite<br />
281 Conference Room (next to the south elevators on<br />
the second floor) at Health Central Hospital, 10000 W.<br />
Colonial Drive, Ocoee. Time: second Tuesday of each<br />
month at 6 p.m. For more information, call 407-843-1910<br />
or visit www.adrccares.org.<br />
Nov. 15, Dec. 6 & 20 — Virtual Teen<br />
Grief Support Group Meetings<br />
The Cornerstone Hospice Bereavement Team holds virtual teen<br />
grief support group meetings for teens 12-17 struggling with<br />
the loss of a loved one or feeling anxious, upset or confused<br />
because of the pandemic. Groups are free and open to the<br />
public. Registration is required. Time: first and third Tuesday of<br />
each month from 5-6 p.m. For more information or to register,<br />
call 866-742-6655 or visit www.cornerstonehospice.org.<br />
Nov. 16, Dec. 7 & 21 — Virtual Teen<br />
Talks Support Group Meetings<br />
The Cornerstone Hospice Bereavement Team holds virtual<br />
teen talks support group meetings for youth 12-17.<br />
Groups are free and open to the public. Registration is<br />
required. Time: first and third Wednesday of each month<br />
from 3:30-4:30 p.m. For more information or to register,<br />
call 866-742-6655 or visit www.cornerstonehospice.org.<br />
Contributions to Community Bulletin Board are welcome. Please<br />
send information six weeks before the event to P.O. Box 851,<br />
Windermere, FL 34787; call 407-351-1573, option 5; or<br />
email Lisa@kearneypublishing.com. ª<br />
Nurse Practitioners:<br />
Esther Pelissier, ARPN-BC<br />
Irene Gan, PMHNP<br />
Raykha Crag-Chaderton, PMHNP-BC<br />
Rachael Pittala, ARPN-BC<br />
Therapists:<br />
Michael Kellogg, LMHC, ATR-BC<br />
Randie Morillo, LC<strong>SW</strong>, AC<strong>SW</strong><br />
Amy Singleton, LMHC<br />
Brooke Parker, LMHC<br />
Cristal Daniel, LMHC<br />
Rachael Pittala<br />
Esther Pelissier
8 x November 3 — 16, 2022 x www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com<br />
Connecting Hearts Adoption Services<br />
Building Families Since 2008<br />
The month of November is an<br />
important month for Connecting<br />
Hearts Adoption Services, as<br />
it is National Adoption Awareness<br />
Month and another opportunity<br />
to remind people of the joys of<br />
achieving long-awaited parenthood<br />
through adoption. It’s an experience<br />
that founder Amy Imber of Dr.<br />
Phillips — herself a married mom<br />
of two — has embraced since the<br />
adoption service was established in<br />
2008.<br />
“Helping people become parents,<br />
there is nothing more rewarding,”<br />
Amy said. “We have families from<br />
all walks of life successfully adopting.<br />
We have yet to have a month<br />
where a family hasn’t brought home<br />
a child in the 14-plus years I have<br />
been doing this.”<br />
The home study is the first step in<br />
any adoption and is a legal requirement.<br />
It is what approves someone<br />
to be eligible to adopt. It is also the<br />
sole purpose of Connecting Hearts<br />
Adoption Services. Amy wants<br />
everyone to know, especially this<br />
month, that adoption is possible for<br />
anyone who wants to be a parent.<br />
Walking Through the Home Study<br />
Many who reach out to Connecting<br />
Hearts Adoption Services feel overwhelmed<br />
by the paperwork, financial<br />
questions and uncertainty about<br />
the entire process. However, Amy<br />
and her team of 12 social workers<br />
are there to help everyone, from<br />
single people to same-sex couples to<br />
married couples. They help families<br />
navigate the home study with ease<br />
and comfort. Connecting Hearts services<br />
the entire state of Florida.<br />
After completing the initial application<br />
for a home study, Connecting<br />
Hearts brings together potential parents<br />
with a social worker to schedule<br />
a home visit. This is when client<br />
families spend time with their social<br />
worker and go through the various<br />
paperwork, such as character references,<br />
personal background information,<br />
financial reports, medical<br />
reports and other important documentation.<br />
There is also a tour of the<br />
family home, which Amy points out<br />
is “not an inspection” of the home.<br />
They do not expect everyone’s home<br />
to be perfect, just safe for a child to<br />
live in.<br />
“We want to find out what is [each<br />
client’s] motivation to adopt, what<br />
has been the reactions from their<br />
families and friends, and try to debunk<br />
some of the myths of adoption,”<br />
she said. “Our job is to empower our<br />
clients, so that after the home study<br />
visit, they feel prepared and able to<br />
embark on their adoption journey<br />
feeling more educated and ready to<br />
forge ahead.”<br />
Some common myths Amy and<br />
her team debunk include believing<br />
all birth parents have questionable<br />
histories, that an arrest history<br />
PROMOTIONAL FEATURE<br />
©JasonCannon/Cannonfirephoto.com<br />
will disqualify someone from being<br />
eligible to adopt, and that you will<br />
be waiting for years to adopt your<br />
future child.<br />
“It’s really all about adoption education<br />
and making sure people are<br />
well-prepared for what lies ahead,”<br />
Amy said.<br />
The home study concludes with a<br />
10- to 14-page report all about the<br />
adoptive parents/family. This report<br />
becomes a legal document, as it is<br />
filed with the courts once a family is<br />
matched with an expectant mother.<br />
A home study from Connecting<br />
Hearts is valid across Florida and the<br />
United States.<br />
The Support Doesn’t End<br />
Even after families have successfully<br />
adopted children, Connecting<br />
Hearts Adoption Services is still<br />
there to support them through the<br />
daily challenges of parenting and<br />
adoption. An online support group<br />
for just Connecting Hearts families<br />
has proven — since its establishment<br />
six or seven years ago — to be a<br />
valuable resource for all involved.<br />
But all families helped by<br />
Connecting Hearts Adoption<br />
Services agree they felt nothing but<br />
comfortable throughout the entire<br />
process.<br />
“Amy made the entire process<br />
easy,” said Erin Callahan, a<br />
member of one family helped by<br />
the agency. “When we thought of<br />
adoption, we thought of the piles of<br />
paperwork needed to start the journey<br />
and felt overwhelmed. Following<br />
Amy’s checklist made the daunting<br />
home study process such a breeze.”<br />
Kevin Johnston’s family recalled<br />
how helpful Amy and her team were<br />
in answering all their questions and<br />
the personal care they provided.<br />
“I’ll never forget Amy personally<br />
reaching out to us with excitement<br />
the night that we found out that we<br />
had been chosen by a birth mother,”<br />
he said.<br />
Kimberly LoCascio’s family<br />
struggled with the profile, which is<br />
a book given to birth parents, giving<br />
them the opportunity to learn<br />
more about prospective parents.<br />
Connecting Hearts offers support,<br />
and sometimes needed constructive<br />
criticism, regarding the profile book,<br />
which is separate from the home<br />
study.<br />
“It truly is beautiful and gives me<br />
comfort and gratitude toward our<br />
son’s birth mother for feeling that we<br />
are the best fit for him and for her,”<br />
Kimberly said.<br />
Whether you are adopting a<br />
baby or an older child, are in a relationship<br />
or considering parenting<br />
alone, Connecting Hearts Adoption<br />
Services wants to help your dreams<br />
come true.<br />
For more information about Connecting Hearts<br />
Adoption Services, call 407-733-8642 or email<br />
amy@connectingheartsadoption.com. ª
www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com x November 3 — 16, 2022 x 9<br />
2022<br />
While November has just begun and Thanksgiving is still a few weeks<br />
away, many Southwest Orlando residents may already feel pressure in their<br />
searches for holiday gifts for everyone on their lists. Southwest Orlando<br />
Bulletin’s annual <strong>Holiday</strong> <strong>Gift</strong> <strong>Guide</strong> provides a comprehensive listing of<br />
various local businesses offering great gift ideas — from always-handy gift<br />
cards to seasonal activities and more — that are sure to please everyone<br />
this holiday season.<br />
Festival of Trees<br />
Festival of Trees kicks off<br />
the holiday season for Central<br />
Floridians with “<strong>Gift</strong>s of the Season”<br />
from Nov. 11-20. Presented by the<br />
Council of 101, visitors can see more<br />
than 40 designer-inspired decorated<br />
trees, gingerbread houses,<br />
wreaths and more. There also is a<br />
holiday shopping experience, popup<br />
shops and live entertainment.<br />
Enjoy specialty ticketed events like<br />
Breakfast with Santa, Reindeer Romp<br />
and more. To purchase tickets, visit<br />
councilof101.org.<br />
Massage<br />
Envy Dr. Phillips<br />
Give the gift of total relaxation to<br />
loved ones near and far. Plus, treat<br />
yourself to self-care this holiday<br />
season with a free $20 promotional<br />
card when you purchase $100<br />
in gift cards or a $40 promotional<br />
card when you purchase $150 in<br />
gift cards. Massage Envy Dr.<br />
Phillips offers customized massages,<br />
facials and stretch services.<br />
Located in Suite 100 at 8081 Turkey<br />
Lake Road in Orlando, Massage<br />
Envy Dr. Phillips is open Monday<br />
through Friday from 8 a.m.-10 p.m.,<br />
Saturday from 8 a.m.-8 p.m., and<br />
Sunday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. To learn<br />
more about its holiday promotions,<br />
call 407-354-3689.<br />
Promenade —<br />
Sunset Walk<br />
Join Promenade — Sunset<br />
Walk, located at 3251<br />
Margaritaville Blvd. in Kissimmee,<br />
for its Holinights celebrations, featuring<br />
Santa Claus, mischievous elves,<br />
towering toy soldiers, the debut of a<br />
CONTINUED ON PAGE 10
10 x November 3 — 16, 2022 x www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com<br />
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9<br />
45-foot-tall animated holiday tree,<br />
holiday craft markets, live bands,<br />
DJs, a car show on Saturday nights,<br />
and more. In addition, there are<br />
more than two dozen unique restaurants<br />
and shops. Holinights & Tree<br />
Lighting takes place on select nights<br />
from Nov. 25-Dec. 24. Admission<br />
and parking are free. For more information,<br />
visit sunsetwalk.com.<br />
children 4-11, and free for children<br />
3-younger. For more information or<br />
to RSVP, call 407-996-3969 or visit<br />
rosencentre.com/thanksgiving.<br />
Royal Landscape<br />
Nursery<br />
Rosen Centre<br />
The public is invited to celebrate<br />
Thanksgiving at the Rosen Centre.<br />
Its bountiful feast features holiday<br />
classics like perfectly roasted turkey,<br />
mashed potatoes, ciabatta<br />
bread stuffing, apple cider pan<br />
gravy, and other traditional fare. Go<br />
bold with fresh Jonah crab claws,<br />
New Zealand mussels or perfectly<br />
marinated skirt steak. Adults pay<br />
$58.95 ($69.95 day-of), $24.95 for<br />
Royal Landscape Nursery<br />
has a great selection of beautiful<br />
plants, shrubs, trees, palms, citrus<br />
and other great ideas to give that<br />
special person something different<br />
this holiday. Show your loved ones<br />
you care and give them a gift that<br />
keeps giving and growing all year<br />
long. Visit Royal Landscape at 2204<br />
Hempel Ave. in Gotha to handpick<br />
the right gift to express your love<br />
or appreciation. Operating hours<br />
are Monday-Friday from 7 a.m.-4<br />
p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m.-<br />
noon. For more information, call<br />
407-296-3042.<br />
School of Rock<br />
This holiday season, give the gift<br />
that keeps on giving — the gift of<br />
music. Contact School of Rock to<br />
purchase a gift certificate that can<br />
Sponsored by St. Luke's United Women in Faith and Blessed Treasures<br />
st.lukes.org/marketplace
www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com x November 3 — 16, 2022 x 11<br />
be redeemed for music lessons for<br />
someone you love. No one has ever<br />
complained about receiving a guitar,<br />
keyboard or drum set as a gift.<br />
School of Rock, the ultimate music<br />
school for both kids and adults, is located<br />
in Suite 140 at 6700 Conroy-<br />
Windermere Road in Orlando. For<br />
more information, call 407-710-9100<br />
or visit schoolofrock.com/locations/<br />
orlando.<br />
St. Luke’s United<br />
Methodist Church<br />
The St. Luke’s United Women in<br />
Faith and Blessed Treasures <strong>Gift</strong> Shop<br />
co-present the 41st annual <strong>Holiday</strong><br />
Marketplace on Nov. 12 and Nov.<br />
13 in Building C’s Coleman Memorial<br />
Gymnasium at St. Luke’s United<br />
Methodist Church, 4851 S.<br />
Apopka-Vineland Road in Orlando.<br />
The fundraising event offers unique<br />
shops; a bakery with homemade<br />
pastries; photos taken with Santa;<br />
and a variety of activities, where all<br />
sales benefit local, state and global<br />
causes. Saturday’s hours are 8 a.m.-<br />
2 p.m., and Sunday’s hours are 8<br />
a.m.-1 p.m. For more information,<br />
visit www.st.lukes.org/marketplace<br />
or st.lukes.org/umv. ª<br />
20% OFF<br />
ENTIRE CHECK<br />
AT SHOGUN JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE<br />
FOR RESERVATIONS CALL: 407-352-1607<br />
SHOGUN JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE<br />
Thursday – Sunday: 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.<br />
(last seating)<br />
SAKURA SUSHI<br />
Thursday – Sunday: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.<br />
(last order)<br />
SHOGUNORLANDO.COM<br />
Valid daily only at Shogun Japanese Steakhouse. Excludes<br />
holidays and alcoholic beverages. Not valid with any other<br />
discount.<br />
Located at Rosen Inn<br />
6327 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819
12 x November 3 — 16, 2022 x www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com<br />
Meet The Goodless Dermatology Team!<br />
Same day Appointments available<br />
with One of Our Providers<br />
Same day appointments available
Living Well x November 2022 x 1<br />
Living Well<br />
Southwest OrlanDo<br />
Volume 3, Issue 7 — November 2022<br />
gMos<br />
exPlaineD<br />
Physical<br />
TheraPisTs can<br />
helP Manage<br />
long coViD<br />
A Product of the<br />
Southwest Orlando Bulletin
2 x November 2022 x Living Well<br />
Many consumers are curious to<br />
learn more about the purpose and<br />
safety of GMOs.<br />
“GMO” is a common term used<br />
to describe foods made from organisms<br />
(plants, microorganisms and<br />
animals) that have been created using<br />
technology called genetic engineering.<br />
Genetic engineering allows<br />
scientists to copy a gene with a desired<br />
trait from one organism and put<br />
it into another.<br />
Purpose of GMOs<br />
Humans have modified crops<br />
and animals to suit their needs<br />
and tastes for thousands of years.<br />
Crossbreeding, selective breeding<br />
and mutation breeding are examples<br />
of traditional ways to make<br />
these genetic changes, and they<br />
have been used to create crops<br />
like modern corn varieties and<br />
seedless watermelon. These methods<br />
often involve mixing all the<br />
genes from two different sources.<br />
For example, today’s strawberries<br />
are a cross between a strawberry<br />
species native to North America<br />
and a strawberry species native to<br />
South America.<br />
Modern technology allows scientists<br />
to use genetic engineering to take<br />
a specific beneficial gene, like insect<br />
resistance or drought tolerance,<br />
and transfer it<br />
into a plant without also<br />
transferring undesirable<br />
genes, which sometimes<br />
occurs in traditional plant<br />
breeding. The reasons<br />
for genetic modification<br />
today are similar to what<br />
they were thousands of<br />
years ago: higher crop<br />
yields, less crop loss, longer<br />
storage life, better<br />
appearance, better nutrition<br />
or a combination of<br />
these traits.<br />
Some GMO plants have been<br />
modified to improve their nutritional<br />
value. An example is GMO soybeans<br />
with healthier oils — higher oleic acid<br />
GMOs Explained<br />
— that can be used to replace oils<br />
containing trans fats. Scientists are<br />
continuing to look for new ways to<br />
develop foods with increased nutritional<br />
value and other useful traits.<br />
photo courtesy of Getty Images<br />
GMO foods are created using genetic engineering for a<br />
variety of reasons.<br />
Safety of GMOs<br />
Multiple agencies within the U.S.<br />
government work to regulate GMOs,<br />
including the U.S. Food and Drug<br />
Administration, U.S. Environmental<br />
Protection Agency, and the Animal<br />
and Plant Health Inspection Service<br />
in the U.S. Department of Agriculture.<br />
Each agency plays a part in ensuring<br />
GMOs are safe for human, plant<br />
and animal health. For example,<br />
officials of the FDA make sure the<br />
GMO foods it regulates meet the<br />
same safety standards as the non-<br />
GMO version. The three agencies<br />
also monitor the impact of GMOs on<br />
the environment.<br />
Research shows GMO foods currently<br />
on the market are no more likely<br />
to cause allergic reactions than non-<br />
GMO versions of the same foods.<br />
Most food allergies are caused by<br />
allergens found in just nine foods —<br />
peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat,<br />
soy, sesame, shellfish and fish.<br />
The way GMOs are created allows<br />
scientists to know precisely<br />
which new proteins are produced<br />
in a plant. Scientists perform tests to<br />
make sure these new proteins are not<br />
allergens. This type of testing, called<br />
allergenicity testing, is always part of<br />
the process for developing GMOs.<br />
As part of this testing, developers<br />
consider whether any substances<br />
added to the food have characteristics<br />
of allergens, such as whether<br />
they come from an allergenic source.<br />
Learn more about GMOs and<br />
their impact on one’s health at<br />
fda.gov/feedyourmind.<br />
Updated Food Labeling<br />
Certain types of GMOs have<br />
a disclosure that lets you know if<br />
the food is a bioengineered food.<br />
Bioengineered food is the term that<br />
Congress used to describe certain<br />
types of GMOs when they passed<br />
the National Bioengineered Food<br />
Disclosure Standard.<br />
The standard establishes requirements<br />
for labeling foods that humans<br />
eat that are or may be bioengineered<br />
and defines bioengineered foods as<br />
those that contain detectable genetic<br />
material that has been modified<br />
through certain lab techniques and<br />
cannot be created through conventional<br />
breeding or found in nature.<br />
Source: U.S. Food and Drug<br />
Administration<br />
(Family Features) ª<br />
Guillermo J. Nazario, D.C.
Long COVID can affect anyone<br />
who’s had COVID-19, even those<br />
who’ve had mild illness or no symptoms<br />
initially. New data from the<br />
Centers for Disease Control and<br />
Prevention shows that nearly 1 in 5<br />
U.S. adults who have had COVID-19<br />
experience new or lingering symptoms<br />
that last three or more months<br />
after first contracting the virus.<br />
Physical therapists can play an essential<br />
role in managing symptoms<br />
of long COVID.<br />
Long COVID is unpredictable,<br />
and research is evolving; however,<br />
common symptoms include extreme<br />
fatigue, shortness of breath, racing<br />
heart, dizziness, muscle aches and<br />
pains, brain fog, problems completing<br />
everyday activities, and poor exercise<br />
tolerance. It’s also important<br />
to note that certain types of physical<br />
activity may not be appropriate for<br />
everyone living with long COVID.<br />
“A highly personalized plan of<br />
care that includes working with a<br />
physical therapist is important,” said<br />
Leo Arguelles, PT, DPT, American<br />
Physical Therapy Association spokesperson.<br />
“People with long COVID<br />
can benefit from being monitored<br />
during exertion and should follow<br />
prescribed exercise dosing that<br />
helps them gradually progress, rather<br />
than pushing through fatigue on<br />
their own, which could potentially<br />
set them back.”<br />
Physical therapists are movement<br />
experts who regularly treat individuals<br />
with the kinds of symptoms that<br />
people with long COVID experience.<br />
Here are three reasons to consider<br />
including a physical therapist<br />
on your long COVID care team:<br />
Physical Therapists Can<br />
Help Manage Long COVID<br />
©APTA<br />
Those living with long COVID can benefit from a personalized plan of care from a physical<br />
therapist.<br />
Physical Therapists:<br />
• Take a full-body approach.<br />
Physical therapists assess your overall<br />
well-being. They can develop a personalized<br />
treatment plan to address<br />
issues such as fatigue, respiratory<br />
function and cardiac endurance. They<br />
can work and communicate with your<br />
primary care physician and can refer<br />
you to other health care providers if<br />
they feel you’d benefit from seeing<br />
another specialist. Physical therapists<br />
and physical therapist assistants collaborate<br />
with each other and with<br />
other health professionals to ensure<br />
that you receive the best care.<br />
• Help you move safely. Movement<br />
is essential to your recovery and<br />
your mental health. However, for<br />
some people, long COVID includes<br />
post-exertional malaise, or PEM, a<br />
Living Well x November 2022 x 3<br />
worsening of symptoms after physical<br />
or mental activities. Your ability often<br />
may fluctuate — an activity that’s easily<br />
tolerated one day may exacerbate<br />
symptoms the next. Physical therapists<br />
develop prescribed exercise programs<br />
based on your symptoms and<br />
how your body responds and can<br />
monitor your symptoms, blood pressure,<br />
heart rate and oxygen levels to<br />
ensure your safety while doing exercises.<br />
This may include low-intensity<br />
stretches, strengthening exercises and<br />
balance training.<br />
• Help improve your quality of life.<br />
Through patient education, a physical<br />
therapist can help you find the balance<br />
between rest and activity and<br />
identify the right kind and amount of<br />
movement you should get to improve<br />
your tolerance for everyday activities.<br />
More research is being done on<br />
long COVID every day. Your physical<br />
therapist will review available<br />
research findings and can adjust<br />
your treatment plan as needed. To<br />
learn more or find a PT near you, visit<br />
choosept.com.<br />
(StatePoint) ª<br />
Michael J. Tortorella, MD<br />
Obstetrics & Gynecology<br />
Board Certified<br />
Pregnancy<br />
Family Planning<br />
Menstrual Disorders<br />
Menopause<br />
Second Opinion for Surgery<br />
In-Office Ultrasounds<br />
In-Office Surgery<br />
Minimally Invasive<br />
Surgery<br />
Sterilization<br />
(407) 363-1003 Michaeljtortorellamd.com<br />
7300 Sandlake Commons Blvd.<br />
Suite 320, Medplex A<br />
next to Dr. P. Phillips Hospital<br />
Listed in Best Doctors<br />
in Orlando Magazine<br />
Big smiles for family<br />
and fall time!<br />
Please call or visit our website for more info:<br />
www.windermeredentist.com // 407.258.1330<br />
4769 The Grove Dr. Suite 100<br />
Windermere, FL 34786
16 x November 3 — 16, 2022 x www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com<br />
IN YOURNEIGHBORHOOD<br />
n Hidden Springs/<br />
Estates<br />
Hidden Springs/Estates residents congratulate<br />
neighbors Harrison and Samantha Dunnett<br />
on their yardwork by voting them the Summer 2022<br />
Yard of the Quarter winners.<br />
Harrison and Samantha<br />
Dunnett were selected as the<br />
Hidden Springs/Estates Fall 2022<br />
Yard of the Quarter winners.<br />
Each quarter, residents of the Dr.<br />
Phillips subdivision nominate a<br />
fellow neighbor whose property<br />
stands out as being attractive and<br />
well-maintained. A committee of<br />
volunteers reviews the nominations<br />
and selects a winner. The Dunnetts<br />
used a professional landscaper,<br />
High Maintenance Landscaping, to<br />
help them create an easy-to-carefor<br />
landscape design. They used<br />
different ground covers and plants<br />
— dwarf roses; agapanthus (also<br />
known as lily of the Nile); and boxwoods<br />
along the wall of the home,<br />
which were layered with Juniper<br />
also along the front of the home’s<br />
decorative wall. They took out a<br />
couple of laurel oaks that had outlived<br />
their health, put in a hibiscus<br />
tree and crepe myrtles, and laid<br />
new St. Augustine sod. The lighting<br />
on the decorative wall really adds<br />
to the ambience of the home. The<br />
Yard of the Quarter program is<br />
sponsored by John Scolaro<br />
of Coldwell Banker Realty, who<br />
awarded the Dunnetts a $50<br />
Ace Hardware gift card.<br />
n MetroWest<br />
Mariam Saied of<br />
MetroWest was chosen to<br />
serve on the executive board of<br />
Hamilton College’s WHCL radio<br />
for the fall semester. Mariam,<br />
who acts as a senior adviser, is<br />
also a senior majoring in art and<br />
a graduate of Windermere<br />
High School. WHCL is a<br />
nonprofit, student-run FM station<br />
that operates 24/7 when<br />
school is in session. The station<br />
offers music, sports and public<br />
affairs programming. WHCL is<br />
one of Hamilton’s largest student<br />
organizations. Most of the<br />
station’s staff consists of DJs who<br />
work a three-hour shift once<br />
each week.<br />
n Ocoee<br />
compiled by Lauren Salinero<br />
Ocoee resident Erika Feazell<br />
was accepted as a participant in<br />
the 2023 Miss Florida USA competition.<br />
The 25-year-old self-proclaimed<br />
childhood tomboy became interested<br />
in competing after she felt the<br />
emphasis of the competition had become<br />
less about beauty and more<br />
about intelligence and community.<br />
Her platform is based on health equity.<br />
After a preliminary and semifinal,<br />
the competition takes place<br />
May 12-14, 2023. The winner will<br />
advance to the nationally televised<br />
Miss USA competition.<br />
West Orange Chamber of<br />
Commerce ambassadors held<br />
a ribbon-cutting ceremony for<br />
Orlando Health — Health Central
Photo Courtesy of WOCC<br />
West Orange Chamber of Commerce ambassadors celebrate the opening of<br />
Orlando Health — Health Central Hospital’s Breast Imaging Center in Ocoee.<br />
Hospital’s Breast Imaging Center<br />
in Ocoee. WOCC builds partnerships,<br />
strong businesses and commitment<br />
to the community by serving<br />
as the leading business advocate in<br />
Central Florida, facilitating opportunity<br />
to nearly 1,000 member businesses.<br />
For more information about<br />
WOCC, call 407-656-1304 or visit<br />
wochamber.com.<br />
n Winter Garden<br />
Heart of Florida United Way representatives<br />
announced the election<br />
of three new community leaders<br />
www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com x November 3 — 16, 2022 x 17<br />
to its 2022-23 board of directors,<br />
bringing the total number of community<br />
representatives to 35. Serving<br />
a three-year term is Winter Garden<br />
resident Char Jordan. Char is the<br />
state director for Allstate Insurance,<br />
where she is responsible for profitable<br />
growth, compliance oversight,<br />
strategic business planning and increased<br />
market share in the Florida<br />
marketplace. With more than 20<br />
years of experience in financial services,<br />
Char has led high-performing<br />
sales teams with Allstate in the western<br />
and southern parts of the country.<br />
In addition to her work with United<br />
Way, Char is a volunteer Guardian<br />
ad Litem in Osceola County.<br />
Central Florida Community Arts<br />
representatives announced the addition<br />
of three new members to the<br />
organization’s board of directors.<br />
Among them is Winter Garden<br />
resident Jack Feivou, executive<br />
producer and vice president of production<br />
for Enchant Christmas. Jack<br />
has worked in nonprofits, performing<br />
arts centers and major theme parks<br />
worldwide. He worked as a stage<br />
manager, production manager,<br />
producer and general manager for<br />
companies such as the United States<br />
Institute for Theatre Technology and<br />
Enchant Christmas. He recently completed<br />
service as vice president of<br />
conferences and Universal Creative.<br />
An experienced leader, Jack understands<br />
the intricacies and global vision<br />
of entertainment businesses.<br />
n Et Al<br />
Southwest resident and Rep. Val<br />
Demings was honored with a 2022<br />
Medicare Advantage Champion<br />
award for her strong advocacy on<br />
behalf of Florida seniors’ access to<br />
quality, affordable health coverage<br />
options. Presented by Better<br />
Medicare Alliance, the nation’s<br />
leading research and advocacy<br />
organization supporting Medicare<br />
Advantage, the award recognizes<br />
CONTINUED ON PAGE 18
18 x November 3 — 16, 2022 x www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com<br />
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17<br />
DIANA HUSSAIN, M.D.<br />
7345 W. Sand Lake Rd., Ste 301<br />
321-204-8237<br />
www.flwellnessmd.com<br />
Now open in a new location and accepting new<br />
patients.<br />
Dr. Hussain is a Mayo Clinic-trained and double<br />
board-certified Medical Doctor specializing in<br />
Regenerative Medicine with the latest technology in<br />
high-quality Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and<br />
image-guided injections for painful conditions such<br />
as arthritis, chronic injuries, as well as hair<br />
restoration and aesthetics.<br />
Dr. Hussain has more than 15 years of experience<br />
in evaluation and non-opioid treatment of painful<br />
disorders with joint and spinal injections, under<br />
X-ray and ultrasound guidance; Botox® injections<br />
for Migraines and other conditions; as well as<br />
performing specialized tests for muscle and nerve<br />
problems (electrodiagnostic studies).<br />
lawmakers who have worked in<br />
a bipartisan fashion to strengthen<br />
and protect Medicare Advantage,<br />
the public-private partnership within<br />
Medicare.<br />
Mark Ramey, president of the Rotary<br />
Club of Dr. Phillips, welcomes Angela<br />
Garcia, vice president of development and<br />
marketing for A <strong>Gift</strong> For Teaching, to speak<br />
at a recent meeting.<br />
Two attorneys with The Health<br />
Law Firm were recognized by Super<br />
Lawyers, a rating service of outstanding<br />
lawyers. Southwest resident<br />
Lance Leider was selected<br />
to the 2022 Florida Super Lawyers<br />
Rising Stars list for the eighth year<br />
in a row. This is an exclusive list,<br />
recognizing no more than 2.5% of<br />
the lawyers in the state. Southwest<br />
resident George Indest III, the<br />
firm’s president and managing<br />
partner, was selected to the 2022<br />
Florida Super Lawyers list in the field<br />
of health law for the 14th time. This<br />
honor is limited to no more than 5%<br />
of the lawyers within the entire state<br />
of Florida.<br />
Although we try to ensure that all information presented<br />
above is the most current, correct and dependable<br />
available, we do rely on others for the source of<br />
our news. Therefore, the Southwest Orlando Bulletin<br />
and Cornerstone Publishing & Multi-Media<br />
LLC cannot be held responsible for the validity<br />
of the information presented here, nor does<br />
mentioning it constitute an endorsement. In Your<br />
Neighborhood news is welcome and may be<br />
mailed to P.O. Box 851, Windermere, FL 34786;<br />
or emailed to Lauren@kearneypublishing.com. ª<br />
Dr. Hussain is fluent in Spanish.<br />
You should seek a consultation if you have a<br />
condition that causes pain and limits your function<br />
or if you had a recent injury or motor vehicle<br />
accident, even if you are feeling fine. You have 14<br />
days to get medical attention after a motor vehicle<br />
accident or your insurance may deny your claim.<br />
Pressure Washing<br />
Drainage Solutions<br />
Lightning Damage<br />
Locate Valve’s<br />
Wire/Valve Issues<br />
Timers/Rain Sensors<br />
Move/Adding Heads<br />
Sprinkler Maintenance Program<br />
Pre/Finish new Pools/Patios<br />
Landscaping<br />
Residential & Commercial<br />
Since 2005<br />
Licensed & Insured<br />
IRRIGATION<br />
The Water Conservation Specialist<br />
Joseph A. Kelly<br />
407-433-3233 • 407-433-3234<br />
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E: info@sparklingjak.com
Give Back This <strong>Holiday</strong> Season<br />
FOOD DRIVE<br />
CAR & TRUCK SHOW<br />
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Sunday, Nov. 13 th<br />
11am-2pm<br />
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40’ Illuminated <strong>Holiday</strong> Tree<br />
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P.O. Box 851<br />
Windermere, FL 34786