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LIVING WELL<br />
O<br />
The heartbeat of the community<br />
ORLANDO BULLETIN<br />
February 2 — 15, 2023 | Since 1986<br />
The <strong>Bridal</strong> Planner
WELCOME TO A REFRESHED US,<br />
PERFECT FOR REVITALIZING YOU.<br />
The Spa at Shingle Creek is bursting with a multitude of<br />
new massages, treatments and services. Each experience<br />
designed to pamper you from head to toe. So, take a<br />
break from your everyday and indulge in the soothing<br />
services that continue to make ours one of Orlando’s<br />
most celebrated spas.<br />
Celebrate Valentine’s Day weekend with<br />
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Book yours today!<br />
RETREAT FOR TWO<br />
150 min. | $600<br />
COUPLES HIMALAYAN SALT<br />
STONE MASSAGE<br />
Mined from the Himalayan Mountains, our 100% organic<br />
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our therapists, this signature salt stone massage increases blood<br />
circulation, reduces inflammation, improves sleep and induces<br />
deep relaxation.<br />
COUPLES CLASSIC MANICURE<br />
Revive and nourish skin with a warm hand soak, exfoliation and<br />
hydrating massage to restore healthy circulation.<br />
COUPLES CLASSIC PEDICURE<br />
Enjoy all the essentials of a perfect pedicure: a foot cleansing,<br />
thorough exfoliation of calves and feet and revitalizing foot massage.<br />
Your couple’s experience includes complimentary champagne and<br />
lunch for two.<br />
9939 UNIVERSAL BLVD. | ORLANDO, FL 32819<br />
SPAATSHINGLECREEK.COM | 407.996.9772
www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com x February 2 — 15, 2023 x 3
4 x February 2 — 15, 2023 x www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com<br />
TABLE OF CONTENTS<br />
CUPID’S CORNER ............................................................................. 5<br />
SOUTHWEST SPORTS ........................................................................ 6<br />
THE BRIDAL PLANNER ........................................................................ 7<br />
CREATE YOUR FUTURE<br />
AT WINDERMERE PREPARATORY SCHOOL<br />
International Baccalaureate Diploma & Certificate Program<br />
Collaborations with MIT, The Juilliard School, and UNICEF<br />
100% College Acceptance & Enrollment Rate<br />
Differentiated Curriculum for PreK-3 to Grade 12<br />
Award winning Fine Arts programs<br />
Over 21 Athletic programs for Grade 6 - 12<br />
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS<br />
(407) 905-7737<br />
info@windermereprep.com<br />
windermereprep.com<br />
LIVING WELL ................................................................................... 11<br />
Six Ways to Build Healthy Habits<br />
What You Need to Know About Cholesterol<br />
A Noninvasive, Affordable Alternative to Injectables<br />
Staying Healthy This Flu Season<br />
IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD ............................................................. 16<br />
COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD........................................................ 19<br />
SOUTHWEST SOCIAL SEEN ............................................................. 22<br />
Paws in the Park<br />
PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER<br />
Rick V. Martin<br />
February 2, 2023<br />
Volume XXXVII, No. 7<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 />
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 />
without written permission. Subscriptions are available in the U.S. and Puerto<br />
Rico for $25.56 per year and in Canada for $31.80 per year. For foreign<br />
surface mailing, add $20 per year.<br />
Neither the publishers nor the advertisers are responsible or liable for<br />
typographical errors, misinformation, misprints, etc., unintentionally contained<br />
herein. All letters received become the property of Cornerstone Publishing &<br />
Multi-Media LLC and may be reproduced and edited without consent.<br />
©2023/Cornerstone Publishing & Multi-Media LLC<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
www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com x February 2 — 15, 2023 x 5<br />
Cupid's<br />
Corner<br />
31<br />
February brings the season<br />
of love, with Valentine’s Day just<br />
around the corner. Hands are<br />
held, flowers are delivered and<br />
chocolate is consumed by the<br />
pound. This year, make your valentine<br />
feel extra-special with one<br />
(or more) of these fabulous gift<br />
ideas. Whether it is a relaxing<br />
massage, a garden addition or a<br />
relaxing treat, Cupid’s Corner has<br />
the perfect fit for your loved ones.<br />
Massage Envy<br />
butter to boyfriend bath bombs to sunkissed<br />
body oil, Naples Soap has just<br />
what you need for a night of passion<br />
and romance. Skip the calories and<br />
the flowers, and give your sweetheart<br />
a luxurious gift that lasts. Visit the gift<br />
experts at Naples Soap Co. in downtown<br />
Mount Dora or in Kissimmee at<br />
the Promenade at Sunset Walk, 3231<br />
Margarita Blvd., Unit J180. For more<br />
information, call 407-369-6114 or<br />
visit naplessoap.com.<br />
Royal Landscape<br />
Nursery<br />
AnnVarkeyRealtor@gmail.com<br />
7232 Sand Lake Rd #103 Orlando Fl 32819<br />
Want your valentines to know how<br />
important they are to you? Give them<br />
a gift card to the local Dr. Phillips<br />
Massage Envy! Now through Feb.<br />
14, 2023, get a free $20 promo card<br />
when you purchase $100 in gift cards<br />
in location. Encourage someone special<br />
to put themselves first with a relaxing<br />
massage, facial or stretch. Make<br />
it a gift for two with the re-opening of<br />
Massage Envy’s Couples Room. Visit<br />
them in Suite 100 at 8081 Turkey<br />
Lake Road in Orlando. For more information,<br />
call 407-354-3689.<br />
Naples Soap Co.<br />
Roses are red. Violets are blue.<br />
Naples Soap Co. has the perfect<br />
gifts for you. From pure paradise body<br />
Gift your valentines something<br />
extra-special this year from Royal<br />
Landscape Nursery. Think outside<br />
of the chocolate box and give<br />
a fruit tree, palm tree or gift card<br />
to your loved ones for Valentine’s<br />
Day. Royal Landscape Nursery<br />
is located at 2204 Hempel Ave<br />
in Gotha. For more information,<br />
call 407-296-3042 or visit<br />
www.royallandscapenursery.info.<br />
Delivery is available. ª
6 x February 2 — 15, 2023 x www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com<br />
Jacob Spafford of Windermere<br />
was named to the 2022<br />
New England Small College Athletic<br />
Conference (NESCAC) fall all-academic<br />
team for football. The recognition<br />
honors sophomores, juniors<br />
and seniors who have maintained a<br />
cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher.<br />
Currently a sophomore in college,<br />
Spafford graduated from Lake<br />
Highland Preparatory School.<br />
tykes/flag football level. The game<br />
will be followed by the Juniors championship<br />
game with the Grand Ave<br />
Saints battling the Avalon Ravens.<br />
The Seniors will be next up with the<br />
Rosemont Eagles facing off against<br />
the Avalon Ravens for their division’s<br />
championship in the afternoon. The<br />
The Sunridge Middle School Lady Eagles volleyball team wins its district<br />
championship game.<br />
Exploria Stadium will host the city<br />
of Orlando 2022 Youth Football<br />
Championship games Nov. 20. Five<br />
championship games will be played<br />
at all youth levels throughout the<br />
entire day. This will be the first time<br />
Exploria Stadium hosts the annual<br />
event, which includes players age 5<br />
through those in ninth grade.<br />
The first championship game kicks<br />
off at 10 a.m. with the Grand Ave<br />
Saints taking on the Smith 49ers at the<br />
SOUTHWEST SPORTS<br />
Mighty Mites championship game<br />
will follow that and is set for a showdown<br />
between the Grand Ave Saints<br />
and the Ivey Lane Jaguars. The day<br />
will be wrapped up with the Pee Wee<br />
championship taking place, with<br />
those teams still to be determined.<br />
The eighth annual SheBelieves<br />
Cup, presented by Visa, kicks off<br />
at the Exploria Stadium on Feb.<br />
16, with Japan set to face Brazil at<br />
compiled by Lauren Salinero<br />
4 p.m., followed by the U.S. and<br />
Canada at 7 p.m. The tournament<br />
will run from Feb. 16-22, with the<br />
matches in downtown Orlando serving<br />
as the first of the competition.<br />
The SheBelieves Cup is part of<br />
U.S. Soccer’s SheBelieves initiative<br />
to inspire and empower women and<br />
girls to achieve their goals in sports<br />
and beyond.<br />
All four nations participating in this<br />
year’s tournament are set to take part<br />
in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World<br />
Cup next summer, and all four are<br />
ranked in the top 11 in the world with<br />
the US at No. 1, Canada at No. 6,<br />
Brazil at No. 9, and Japan at No. 11.<br />
For more information, visit<br />
ussoccer.com.<br />
The Emerson College women’s<br />
volleyball team, the Lions, put<br />
up a fight in its season-ending<br />
match against Smith College in the<br />
New England Women’s and Men’s<br />
Athletic Conference Quarterfinals,<br />
ultimately losing the game.<br />
Dr. Phillips resident Caroline<br />
Davis, a communication disorders<br />
major and member of the Class of<br />
2024, was part of that team and<br />
contributed to its notable 2022 season<br />
with an overall record of 18-5<br />
and a NEWMAC record of 7-3. The<br />
Lions reached a regional ranking<br />
of No. 3 during the last week of its<br />
regular season.<br />
The Osceola Council on Aging<br />
Meals on Wheels program will<br />
host the national 2023 March for<br />
Meals campaign gearing up for The<br />
March for Meals 5K Walk & Run,<br />
sponsored by KUA. The event will<br />
take place March 11 at Kissimmee<br />
Lakefront Park, rain or shine, and<br />
will include a 5K run and walk for<br />
individuals and/or corporate and<br />
family teams, the largest and mostspirited<br />
team competition, a free<br />
kids run, and silent auction. Those<br />
who finish receive a medal. Plus,<br />
those who bring nonperishable food<br />
items to help build the food pantry<br />
will be entered into a special prize<br />
drawing.<br />
Registration starts at 6:30 a.m.,<br />
and the run/walk begins at 7:30<br />
a.m. Cost of participation is $30<br />
before March 1, $35 from March<br />
2-10, and $40 the day of the event.<br />
Packet pickup is March 10 from 10<br />
a.m.-4 p.m. at the Kissimmee Civic<br />
Center, located at 201 E. Dakin Ave.<br />
in Kissimmee.<br />
For more information, visit www.<br />
osceolagenerations.org. To register<br />
online through RunSignUp, visit<br />
runsignup.com/race/fl/kissimmee/<br />
marchformealsstpatricks5krunwalk<br />
presentedbykua.<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 n ews. 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. Sports information<br />
is welcome and may be mailed to P.O.<br />
Box 851, Windermere, FL 34786; or emailed to<br />
Lauren@kearneypublishing.com. ª<br />
Guillermo J. Nazario, D.C.
www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com x February 2 — 15, 2023 x 7<br />
The <strong>Bridal</strong> Planner<br />
Love is in the air, and the wedding season<br />
is closer than you might think. With<br />
the amount of work that goes into planning<br />
a wedding of your dreams, a little<br />
extra help goes a long way. Whether you<br />
are newly engaged or taking your time<br />
getting to the alter, The <strong>Bridal</strong> Planner<br />
answers bridal questions and provides<br />
tips on getting through your wedding<br />
without turning into a “bridezilla.” Also<br />
included are a couple of local vendors<br />
that can make your special day magical.<br />
Simple<br />
Tips for a Better<br />
Wedding Registry<br />
For some couples, the idea of<br />
registering for wedding gifts is an<br />
exciting way to start planning for<br />
the home they’ll be sharing as newlyweds.<br />
For others, the registry is<br />
just one more chore to check off the<br />
wedding to-do list.<br />
Regardless of where you fall on<br />
the love-it-or-hate-it spectrum, most<br />
experts agree a registry is a good<br />
idea, especially for couples who will<br />
be setting up a home together for<br />
the first time. Keep these tips and etiquette<br />
guidelines in mind to get the<br />
most out of your registry.<br />
• Take inventory of what you have<br />
and what you need. For couples who<br />
have lived alone or together, the registry<br />
may be a way to fill in gaps<br />
for necessities neither of you already<br />
have. It’s also a good way to begin<br />
upgrading the less-expensive kitchen<br />
items and furnishings you had as<br />
college students or singles. Make a<br />
list of your needs and wants so you<br />
don’t forget any essentials. If you’re<br />
still in doubt, request a checklist from<br />
the store where you’ll be registering<br />
so you can do some planning.<br />
• Register for things at a wide<br />
range of price points. The whole<br />
purpose of a registry is to make it<br />
easy for your guests to get you things<br />
you’ll like and need. Part of making it<br />
easy is recognizing your guests have<br />
CONTINUED ON PAGE 8<br />
Kissimmee • The Promenade at Sunset Walk • 3231 Margarita Blvd Unit J180<br />
Mount Dora • 429 North Donnelly Street • Shop online at NAPLESSOAP.COM
8 x February 2 — 15, 2023 x www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com<br />
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7<br />
diverse financial situations. While<br />
it’s customary to gift the bride and<br />
groom, not everyone can afford an<br />
extravagant gift, especially if they’ve<br />
spent money on travel and attire to attend.<br />
While it’s a good idea to offer<br />
modest options, don’t shy away from<br />
bigger ticket items that a small group<br />
might chip in on together.<br />
• Keep access in mind when you<br />
choose where to register. Avoid stores<br />
that are local or regional if you have<br />
many guests who live out of the area.<br />
Also avoid the temptation to choose<br />
online-only options, as some guests<br />
will prefer to see what they’re buying.<br />
Aim for a mix of large national stores<br />
and online retailers.<br />
• Plan to block off at least a few<br />
hours for an in-person registry. It will<br />
take time to get everything set up.<br />
Traveling through the store, debating<br />
options and making your selections<br />
could take longer than expected.<br />
Also be sure to ask how you can add<br />
to or edit your registry after your initial<br />
visit.<br />
• Get your partner involved. There<br />
are bound to be some parts of the registry<br />
your partner may not care about,<br />
but asking for input and making decisions<br />
together lets you both share in<br />
the excitement. Focus on things you’ll<br />
each find useful as you settle into your<br />
new home. For example, the person<br />
who will be responsible for taking out<br />
the trash should get to pick the new<br />
kitchen trash can.<br />
Find more inspiration for planning<br />
your way to wedded bliss at<br />
elivingtoday.com.<br />
Source: eLivingToday.com<br />
(Family Features)<br />
Put More You<br />
Into Your<br />
Wedding Day<br />
A wedding day is filled with symbolic<br />
traditions, from varied religious<br />
customs to the never-ending circle reflected<br />
in the rings and the types of<br />
flowers accentuating the celebration.<br />
Even with all the traditional rituals<br />
to consider, nearly every bride and<br />
groom can find ways to give their special<br />
day some unique touches that reflect<br />
their personality and love.<br />
• Music sets the mood for every<br />
wedding, and it’s an easy place to<br />
put your own spin on the celebration.<br />
Whether you forgo the traditional bridal<br />
march entirely or simply look for an<br />
arrangement that gives an updated<br />
twist to the classic version, let guests<br />
know this isn’t your average wedding<br />
by setting the festivities against a<br />
soundtrack that lets your true character<br />
shine.<br />
• The wedding party is intended to<br />
be a collection of those nearest and<br />
dearest to the bride and groom, who<br />
help ensure the day goes off without<br />
a hitch, and who lead fellow revelers<br />
in celebrating the start of the new<br />
couple’s life together. That being said,<br />
there’s no reason this group must be<br />
limited to women on her side and guys<br />
on his, or even that it’s limited to humans<br />
— a beloved pooch can make<br />
for an adorable ring bearer, after all.<br />
• Photography is an essential element<br />
of your big day, but think beyond<br />
the images you’ll capture throughout<br />
the wedding and reception. Photos<br />
lend a personal touch, no matter what<br />
your color scheme or theme. Integrate<br />
photos of the two of you at various<br />
stages of life, together as a couple and<br />
with loved ones (perhaps even some<br />
you’re honoring in memoriam). You<br />
can display these at a table with the<br />
guest book, as part of the table centerpieces,<br />
or even on the gift table. Or<br />
take things digital and load all your images<br />
into a slideshow set to music.<br />
• Make favors meaningful. Forgo<br />
more common items like bubbles and<br />
chocolate, and instead, send a little of<br />
yourself home with your guests. Maybe<br />
it’s a memento from a place with special<br />
meaning to you both or a bottle<br />
opener shaped like a bicycle to represent<br />
the way you met. Just think about<br />
the moments and things that define you<br />
as a couple and do some searching<br />
online. You’ll probably be surprised by<br />
how quickly the options pile up.<br />
• Serve up a menu that shows guests<br />
more about your life together. Your<br />
loved ones can order basic beef or<br />
chicken anywhere. Instead, give them<br />
a glimpse into you. Make your main<br />
Be mine<br />
Enjoy a<br />
facial<br />
You’re<br />
the best<br />
You deserve<br />
ME time.<br />
Relax with<br />
a massage<br />
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course the same food you enjoyed on<br />
your first date or during another monumental<br />
moment in your courtship. Or,<br />
plan the entire menu around a region<br />
that you hold close to your heart.<br />
Weddings are filled with traditions,<br />
but that doesn’t mean you can’t<br />
put your own touches on the day for<br />
a special event filled with memories<br />
that are uniquely your own. Find more<br />
advice for life’s special moments at<br />
elivingtoday.com.<br />
Source: eLivingToday.com<br />
(Family Features)<br />
www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com x February 2 — 15, 2023 x 9<br />
Local Vendors<br />
Massage Envy<br />
information, call 407-354-3689 or<br />
visit massageenvy.com.<br />
*Gift cards are not redeemable or refundable for cash<br />
or credit except where required by law. See location for<br />
additional details. Additional local taxes and fees may apply.<br />
Each location is independently owned and operated.<br />
©2023 Massage Envy Franchising, LLC.<br />
Paradise Cove<br />
SATURDAY, FEB 18<br />
5:00PM - 8:00PM<br />
Are wedding bells ringing in your<br />
future? We all know how stressful<br />
and fun wedding planning can be<br />
for brides, grooms and their families.<br />
Running around town, securing<br />
venues, creating guest lists, making<br />
seating charts, it all takes a toll on<br />
the body and mind. The Massage<br />
Envy — Dr. Phillips franchised location<br />
has many services to help you<br />
unwind. They are the perfect solution<br />
for when planning gets overwhelming.<br />
Visit them and enjoy a classic<br />
Swedish massage, signature facial<br />
or even a stretch session to help you<br />
stay relaxed before your big day. A<br />
gift card from the Massage Envy —<br />
Dr. Phillips franchised location also<br />
makes a perfect present for a bride<br />
or groom that you love! For more<br />
Tucked away in a private corner<br />
of Orlando, Paradise Cove is a<br />
breathtaking, tropical venue that is<br />
truly a favorite for both weddings<br />
and social affairs. Twinkling market<br />
lights, tiki torches and white sandy<br />
beaches add to the magical glow<br />
of this secluded venue. Whether<br />
you are planning an intimate ceremony<br />
or an elaborate reception,<br />
the event designers at Paradise<br />
Cove can create the perfectly customized<br />
package to fit your vision<br />
and your budget! For more information,<br />
call 407-239-6939 or visit<br />
paradisecoveorlando.com. 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
10 x February 2 — 15, 2023 x www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com<br />
Meet The Goodless Dermatology Team!<br />
Same day appointments available<br />
Treatments for Skin Cancer, Acne Psoriasis, Eczema.<br />
Offering Radiation Therapy (SRT)<br />
MOHs Surgery Phototherapy<br />
Same day appointments available<br />
407-566-1616 | www.goodlessdermatology.com
Living Well x February 2023 x 1<br />
SOUTHWEST ORLANDO<br />
Home & Real Estate<br />
Volume 3, Issue 10 — February 2023<br />
What You<br />
Need to<br />
Know<br />
About<br />
Cholesterol<br />
Staying<br />
Healthy This<br />
Flu Season<br />
A Noninvasive,<br />
Affordable<br />
Alternative to<br />
Injectables<br />
A Product A Product of the of the<br />
Southwest Orlando Bulletin
2 x February 2023 x Living Well<br />
Starting on a path toward healthy<br />
habits is often easier than maintaining<br />
them long term. This year, you<br />
can avoid a major pitfall of healthy<br />
resolutions and build healthy habits<br />
that stick by working small, positive<br />
steps into your daily life.<br />
In fact, healthy habits are the<br />
first suggested treatment strategy<br />
for people whose blood pressure<br />
and cholesterol levels are creeping<br />
higher than normal, according to an<br />
American Heart Association scientific<br />
statement.<br />
“The current guidelines for managing<br />
high blood pressure and cholesterol<br />
recognize that otherwise<br />
healthy individuals with mildly or<br />
moderately elevated levels of these<br />
cardiovascular risk factors should<br />
actively attempt to reduce these<br />
risks, and increasing physical activity<br />
is a great place to start,” said<br />
Bethany Barone Gibbs, Ph.D.,<br />
chair of the statement writing group<br />
and chair of the department of epidemiology<br />
and biostatistics at West<br />
Virginia University School of Public<br />
Health.<br />
The following six ideas from<br />
American Heart Association’s<br />
Healthy for Good Habit Coach can<br />
help:<br />
Six Ways to<br />
Build Healthy Habits<br />
©courtesy of Getty Images<br />
Choosing a habit that is rewarding on its own, such as an exercise that you enjoy, makes<br />
the habit more likely to stick.<br />
• Bust common habit-building<br />
myths. You may be surprised to learn<br />
the truth about creating and sticking<br />
to healthy habits. One myth is getting<br />
healthy means doing things you<br />
don’t like. Research shows positive<br />
emotions make habits stick, so set<br />
your intentions on something you<br />
enjoy. Another misconception is big<br />
results require big changes, which<br />
may lead to overly ambitious habits.<br />
However, the simpler the routine is,<br />
the more likely it is to become habit.<br />
• Work with your “brain loops.”<br />
Your brain creates “loops” for habits<br />
made up of three things: a cue, a<br />
routine and a reward. Each time the<br />
loop is repeated, it becomes more<br />
routine and may become automatic.<br />
Knowing this, you can design cues for<br />
developing new, healthy habits such<br />
as setting walking shoes by the bed<br />
to start a walking habit. The routine<br />
is putting on the shoes and walking<br />
around the block, and the reward is<br />
the pleasant sensations and a brighter<br />
mood from a morning stroll.<br />
• Create cues that work for you.<br />
Most successful health habits begin<br />
with a cue. The cue can be external<br />
in your environment or internal<br />
in terms of your mindset. The more<br />
consistent the cue, the more likely it<br />
is to trigger the habit. Hacking your<br />
brain’s reminder system can help you<br />
remember your cue. Some examples<br />
of visual cues are placing a sticky<br />
note where you’ll see it often, keeping<br />
a water bottle on your desk, or<br />
refrigerating fresh veggies at eye<br />
level.<br />
• Build a routine that supports<br />
your goals. Positive and consistent<br />
habits are important to achieving<br />
your personal goals. Small habits<br />
done consistently can add up to big<br />
results. To create a new, healthy habit,<br />
think through the steps that could<br />
lead to your desired outcome. Ask<br />
yourself whether you want to do it,<br />
if it’s easy and if it’s high impact. It’s<br />
important to choose habits that make<br />
a difference and move you closer to<br />
your goals.<br />
For example, if one of your goals<br />
is improving your heart health, a<br />
meaningful habit might be to move<br />
more. Increasing physical activity<br />
can help lower blood pressure and<br />
cholesterol along with many other<br />
health benefits, according to Gibbs.<br />
“Every little bit of activity is better<br />
than none,” she said. “Even small initial<br />
increases of 5-10 minutes a day<br />
can yield health benefits.”<br />
• Use rewards to make habits<br />
stick. Start by choosing a habit you<br />
enjoy that’s rewarding by itself. If<br />
you’re more of a dancer than runner,<br />
increase your physical activity with<br />
an upbeat dance class. You might<br />
also look for a more enjoyable version<br />
of a new habit, such as getting<br />
more fruits and veggies by sipping<br />
on a delicious smoothie.<br />
• Understand resets are part of<br />
the process. New habits are experiments.<br />
If they don’t stick, you haven’t<br />
failed. Instead, you’ve learned what<br />
doesn’t work, which is useful. Get curious<br />
and ask yourself which part of<br />
the habit didn’t work for you. Maybe<br />
the cue was ineffective. Maybe the<br />
steps of the routine were too ambitious,<br />
and you need to split them into<br />
smaller, easier steps. If you realize<br />
you don’t enjoy the habit, stop doing<br />
it and try something else.<br />
Find more inspiration and ideas to<br />
jump-start healthy habits this year at<br />
heart.org/habits.<br />
Source: American Heart Association<br />
(Family Features) ª
Understanding and improving cholesterol<br />
is important for people of all<br />
ages, including children and teens.<br />
Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels<br />
can help keep your heart<br />
healthy and lower your chances<br />
of getting heart disease or having<br />
a stroke.<br />
High cholesterol usually has<br />
no symptoms. In fact, about<br />
38% of adults in the U.S. are<br />
diagnosed with high cholesterol,<br />
according to representatives of<br />
the American Heart Association.<br />
Understanding what cholesterol<br />
is, the role it plays, when to get<br />
screened, and how to manage it<br />
are important aspects of protecting<br />
your overall health and preventing<br />
a heart attack or stroke.<br />
Understanding Cholesterol<br />
A waxy, fatlike substance created<br />
by the liver and consumed<br />
from meat, poultry and dairy<br />
products, cholesterol isn’t inherently<br />
bad for you. In fact, your<br />
body needs it to build cells and<br />
make vitamins and other hormones.<br />
However, too much cholesterol circulating<br />
in the blood can pose a<br />
problem.<br />
The two types of cholesterol are<br />
low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which<br />
is considered “bad,” and high-density<br />
lipoprotein (HDL), which can be<br />
thought of as “good” cholesterol.<br />
Too much of the “bad” kind, or not<br />
enough of the “good,” increases the<br />
risk of cholesterol slowly building up<br />
in the inner walls of the arteries that<br />
feed the heart and brain.<br />
Cholesterol can join with other<br />
substances to form a thick, hard<br />
deposit on the inside of the arteries<br />
called plaque. This can narrow the<br />
arteries and make them less flexible<br />
— a condition known as atherosclerosis.<br />
If a blood clot forms, it may<br />
be more likely to get stuck in one of<br />
these narrowed arteries, resulting in<br />
a heart attack or stroke.<br />
Understanding Risks<br />
Your body naturally produces all<br />
the LDL it needs. An unhealthy lifestyle<br />
can make your body produce<br />
more LDL than required. Behaviors<br />
that may negatively affect your<br />
What You Need to<br />
Know About Cholesterol<br />
©courtesy of Getty Images<br />
Getting your cholesterol checked when recommended by your<br />
doctor is essential in monitoring potential health risks.<br />
cholesterol levels include lack of<br />
physical activity, obesity, eating an<br />
unhealthy diet, and smoking or exposure<br />
to tobacco smoke.<br />
In addition to unhealthy habits,<br />
which are the cause of high LDL<br />
cholesterol for most people, some<br />
people inherit genes from their<br />
parents or grandparents — called<br />
familial hypercholesterolemia (FH)<br />
— that cause them to have too much<br />
cholesterol and can lead to premature<br />
atherosclerotic heart disease.<br />
If you have a family history of FH<br />
or problems related to high cholesterol,<br />
it’s important to get your levels<br />
checked.<br />
Getting Cholesterol Checked<br />
Adults age 20 and older should<br />
have their cholesterol and other traditional<br />
risk factors checked every<br />
four to six years as long as their<br />
risk remains low. After age 40, your<br />
health care professional will use an<br />
equation to calculate your 10-year<br />
risk of heart attack or stroke. People<br />
with cardiovascular disease and<br />
those at elevated risk may need their<br />
cholesterol and other risk factors assessed<br />
more often.<br />
Managing Cholesterol<br />
If you have high cholesterol,<br />
understanding<br />
your risk for heart disease<br />
and stroke is one<br />
of the most important<br />
things you can do, along<br />
with taking steps to lower<br />
your cholesterol.<br />
Often, simply changing<br />
certain behaviors<br />
can help bring your<br />
numbers into line.<br />
Eating a heart-healthy<br />
diet that emphasizes<br />
fruits, vegetables, whole<br />
grains, lean or plantbased<br />
protein, fish and<br />
nuts while limiting red<br />
and processed meats,<br />
sodium and sugarsweetened<br />
foods and<br />
beverages is one of the<br />
best ways to lower your cholesterol.<br />
Living Well x February 2023 x 3<br />
While grocery shopping, look for<br />
the American Heart Association’s<br />
Heart-Check mark to help identify<br />
foods that can be part of an overall<br />
healthy eating pattern.<br />
Other lifestyle changes include<br />
losing weight, quitting smoking and<br />
becoming more physically active,<br />
as a sedentary lifestyle can lower<br />
HDL. To help lower both cholesterol<br />
and high blood pressure, experts<br />
recommend at least 150 minutes of<br />
moderate-intensity aerobic exercise<br />
a week, such as walking, biking or<br />
swimming.<br />
For some people, lifestyle changes<br />
may prevent or manage unhealthy<br />
cholesterol levels. For others, medication<br />
may also be needed. Work<br />
with your doctor to develop a treatment<br />
plan that’s right for you. If medication<br />
is required, be sure to take it<br />
as prescribed.<br />
Controlling your cholesterol may<br />
be easier than you think. Learn more<br />
about managing your cholesterol at<br />
heart.org/cholesterol.<br />
Source: American Heart Association<br />
(Family Features) ª
4 x February 2023 x Living Well<br />
As you age, you may notice that<br />
crow’s-feet, 11 lines and smile lines<br />
pop up or deepen over time. There<br />
are many ways to treat these signs of<br />
aging. Many people opt for injectable<br />
fillers because they can have<br />
immediate and noticeable effects.<br />
However, there are some drawbacks<br />
to injectables. If you’ve chosen<br />
to get injectables at a dermatologist’s<br />
office to treat these fine lines<br />
and wrinkles, you know it’s not a<br />
cheap endeavor. They can also be<br />
painful and require in-office visits.<br />
The good news is that injectables<br />
and other invasive treatments aren’t<br />
the only ways to get smoother, more<br />
youthful-looking skin. If wrinkles<br />
are a key concern and you want to<br />
avoid the expensive and often painful<br />
in-office treatments, you’ll need to<br />
integrate three important ingredients<br />
into your skin care routine.<br />
• Hydrate from the outside with<br />
hyaluronic acid. Hydration is super<br />
important in protecting your skin and<br />
maintaining its youthful vigor. In addition<br />
to drinking enough water, you<br />
need to hydrate your skin from the<br />
We<br />
deliver<br />
A Noninvasive,<br />
Affordable Alternative to Injectables<br />
outside. If you want a product<br />
that hydrates your skin effectively<br />
and keeps lines and<br />
wrinkles at bay, try hyaluronic<br />
acid as an alternative for dramatic<br />
results.<br />
According to a study published<br />
in The Journal of Clinical<br />
and Aesthetic Dermatology,<br />
a group of women applied<br />
topical hyaluronic acid twice<br />
a day for eight weeks. The<br />
results of the study showed<br />
that the treatment significantly<br />
increased skin hydration, enhanced<br />
skin firmness and elasticity,<br />
and decreased the depth of wrinkles.<br />
• Increase collagen with retinol.<br />
Your body naturally produces less<br />
collagen as you age, which contributes<br />
to wrinkles and other signs of<br />
aging. As you get older, it’s a good<br />
idea to take collagen supplements,<br />
eat collagen-rich foods, and use<br />
Hydration is key to treating and preventing fine lines and<br />
wrinkles.<br />
products that increase or support collagen<br />
production in your skin.<br />
One collagen-supporting topical<br />
ingredient you can use is retinol.<br />
According to the Cleveland Clinic,<br />
retinol increases skin cell turnover, exfoliates<br />
skin and increases collagen<br />
production. Overall, products formulated<br />
with retinol can reduce the appearance<br />
of fine lines and wrinkles.<br />
• Kick-start skin regrowth with<br />
swertiamarin. Your body is constantly<br />
making new skin cells and shedding<br />
old ones. According to Verywell<br />
Health, the average cellular turnover<br />
rate is 28 to 40 days, though this rate<br />
is higher in teens and decreases as<br />
you age. To maintain healthy, supple<br />
skin after age 30, you’ll need to help<br />
your skin regrow healthy, new cells.<br />
There are many products you can<br />
use to help with cell turnover and regrowth,<br />
but an innovative ingredient<br />
to look for is swertiamarin. This plant<br />
extract isn’t often seen in skin care,<br />
but it’s commonly used by the U.S.<br />
military to help treat burn victims.<br />
If you’re looking for an affordable,<br />
effective product to target fine lines<br />
and wrinkles that contains<br />
all three of these ingredients,<br />
consider using the new Derm<br />
Correxion Fill + Treat Serum by<br />
RoC Skincare. Developed in<br />
partnership with an advisory<br />
board of dermatologists and<br />
plastic surgeons, the serum<br />
had 97% of users experiencing<br />
instantly filled lines in just<br />
minutes, with 100% reporting<br />
visibly reduced deep wrinkles<br />
in just four weeks.<br />
NYC-board-certified dermatologist<br />
Dr. Michelle Henry<br />
recommends the Fill + Treat serum<br />
as an alternative to injectable treatments<br />
through the product’s highefficacy<br />
formulation.<br />
“This clinically proven serum uses<br />
three forms of hyaluronic acid to<br />
plump and fill in the look of stubborn<br />
lines and wrinkles,” she said.<br />
“Meanwhile, RoC’s patented retinol<br />
increases cell turnover and therefore<br />
reduces wrinkles while swertiamarin<br />
triggers skin’s regrowth factors to<br />
build up epidermal layers that may<br />
be lost through the years.”<br />
No matter what, to smooth wrinkles<br />
and fine lines, you’ll need a targeted<br />
treatment, whether it be injectables<br />
or topical targeted treatments. Start<br />
your journey to more youthful skin<br />
in the comfort of your home without<br />
breaking the bank; find this noninvasive<br />
wrinkle filler for only $24.94 at<br />
walmart.com.<br />
(BPT) ª<br />
Please pardon our mess while we are making<br />
improvements to our facilities and building new offices.<br />
Make sure to keep an eye out for our new product lines<br />
coming soon in Spring of 2023!<br />
Ask how to win a free potted plant as a token of our appreciation<br />
Nurse Practitioners:<br />
Esther Pelissier, ARPN-BC<br />
Irene Gan, PMHNP<br />
Raykha Crag-Chaderton, PMHNP-BC<br />
Nadine Massillon, ARPN<br />
Therapists:<br />
Michael Kellogg, LMHC, ATR-BC<br />
Randie Morillo, LCSW, ACSW<br />
Amy Singleton, LMHC<br />
Brooke Parker, LMHC<br />
Cristal Daniel, LMHC<br />
Nadine Massillon<br />
Esther Pelissier
Living Well x February 2023 x 5<br />
Staying Healthy This Flu Season<br />
December through March is<br />
peak influenza (flu) season. While<br />
common, flu is a potentially serious<br />
and highly contagious respiratory<br />
illness.<br />
This winter, a new American<br />
Lung Association campaign funded<br />
by CSL Seqirus aims to educate<br />
Americans about the flu and steps<br />
they can take to protect themselves<br />
and others from severe flu illness.<br />
Here’s what to know:<br />
• Who is impacted by the flu?<br />
The flu can affect anyone; however,<br />
certain communities are at higher<br />
risk of severe illness and complications,<br />
such as those living with<br />
chronic medical conditions, including<br />
chronic lung disease, heart disease<br />
and/or diabetes. During past<br />
flu seasons, approximately 90% of<br />
flu-related hospitalizations were<br />
among adults with at least one underlying<br />
medical condition. During<br />
the 2021-22 flu season, approximately<br />
30% of hospitalizations<br />
were among adults with chronic<br />
lung disease. People from certain<br />
racial and ethnic minority groups<br />
are also at higher risk for being<br />
hospitalized with the flu compared<br />
to non-Hispanic white adults.<br />
• What will this year’s flu season<br />
look like? Flu activity was relatively<br />
low the past two flu seasons, but it<br />
causes a significant burden every<br />
winter. Seasonal influenza activity<br />
is already elevated and continues<br />
to increase across the country.<br />
Officials of the Centers for Disease<br />
Control and Prevention estimate<br />
that as of early January, there have<br />
been at least 22 million illnesses<br />
and 230,000 hospitalizations.<br />
• How can I protect myself?<br />
While covering your cough, washing<br />
your hands frequently, and<br />
staying home when you’re sick can<br />
help stop the spread of the flu, the<br />
very best way to protect yourself,<br />
your loved ones and your community<br />
is with vaccination. The flu<br />
shot is recommended on an annual<br />
basis for everyone age 6 months<br />
and older. The flu vaccination is especially<br />
important for people with<br />
chronic lung disease and other<br />
chronic health conditions. Speak<br />
with your health care provider to<br />
learn more about influenza and annual<br />
vaccination.<br />
• When should I see a doctor?<br />
If you do get sick, call your doctor<br />
as soon as possible for diagnosis<br />
and treatment — especially<br />
if you’re at high risk for complications.<br />
You should also consult your<br />
doctor if you have complications<br />
like difficulty breathing, chest pains<br />
or a cough persisting for weeks or<br />
months after other symptoms go<br />
away.<br />
Take steps to protect yourself,<br />
your family and your community<br />
from the flu. Practice good health<br />
habits and get your annual vaccination<br />
as early as possible.<br />
To learn more, visit lung.org/<br />
prevent-flu.<br />
(StatePoint) ª<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 />
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.
16 x February 2 — 15, 2023 x www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com<br />
n Oakland<br />
Oakland Heritage Day, presented<br />
by Orlando Health and in partnership<br />
with Healthy West Orange<br />
and Oakland Nature Preserve,<br />
commemorated the town’s 135th anniversary.<br />
The time-honored festival<br />
was revitalized with fresh, new experiences<br />
tailored for both longtime<br />
and new residents alike. The festival<br />
celebrated Oakland’s small-town<br />
charm, unique history, nature, wellness<br />
and the arts with a family-friendly<br />
day of live music, food trucks, fine<br />
arts and crafts, quality vendors, interactive<br />
kids activities and more.<br />
In honor of its commitment to effective<br />
urban forest management,<br />
Oakland was named a Tree City USA<br />
by the Arbor Day Foundation for the<br />
20th year. In 2022, public works department<br />
staff oversaw the installation<br />
of approximately 500 new trees<br />
of various species, which included<br />
those planted on town-owned<br />
IN YOURNEIGHBORHOOD<br />
properties, at Oakland Nature<br />
Preserve, and within newly constructed<br />
neighborhoods. Oakland<br />
achieved Tree City USA recognition<br />
by meeting the program’s four requirements:<br />
having a tree board or<br />
compiled by Lauren Salinero<br />
department, having a tree care ordinance,<br />
having an annual community<br />
forestry budget of at least $2 per<br />
capita, and having an Arbor Day<br />
observance and proclamation. The<br />
town exceeded these standards and<br />
Oakland Public Works Department Supervisor Scott Townsend (left) and Jon<br />
Bahamonde of Paradise Landscaping & Irrigation plant a tree donated by the company.<br />
required developers to replace trees<br />
during construction. The benefits<br />
trees provide to urban environments<br />
are endless and include cooler temperatures,<br />
cleaner air, higher property<br />
values and healthier residents.<br />
Oakland has demonstrated a commitment<br />
to doing its part in this effort.<br />
For more information about the program,<br />
visit arborday.org/treecityusa.<br />
n Ocoee<br />
Officials of Graceland University,<br />
located in Lamnoi, Iowa, announced<br />
the college’s fall 2022 graduation<br />
list. Among them was Ocoee resident<br />
La’Stacia Bush, who earned<br />
a Master of Science in nursing (family<br />
nurse practitioner).<br />
West Orange Chamber of<br />
Commerce ambassadors held<br />
a ribbon-cutting for StretchLab in<br />
Ocoee. WOCC builds partnerships,<br />
strong businesses and commitment<br />
to the community by serving as
www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com x February 2 — 15, 2023 x 17<br />
ideals. Fewer than 5% of students on<br />
a campus are invited to join each<br />
year.<br />
photo courtesy of WOCC<br />
West Orange Chamber of Commerce ambassadors celebrate the opening of<br />
StretchLab in Ocoee.<br />
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 Et Al<br />
Omicron Delta Kappa, the<br />
National Leadership Honor<br />
Society, recently welcomed 1,085<br />
new initiates from 45 universities.<br />
Among them were University of<br />
Central Florida students Joao de<br />
Mendonca Salim of Winter<br />
Garden and Elizabeth Williams<br />
of Southwest Orlando. Students initiated<br />
into the society must be sophomores,<br />
juniors, seniors or graduate/<br />
professional students in the top 35%<br />
of their class; demonstrate leadership<br />
experience in at least one of the<br />
five pillars; and embrace the ODK<br />
Alan Fickett (right), foundation chair for<br />
the Rotary Club of Dr. Phillips, presents<br />
a Paul Harris award to Dave Lehman.<br />
Mark Ramey, president of the Rotary<br />
Club of Dr. Phillips, welcomes guest<br />
speakers from Dave’s House — Ellen<br />
O’Connor (left), executive director, and Lin<br />
Wilensky, founder.<br />
CONTINUED ON PAGE 18
18 x February 2 — 15, 2023 x www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com<br />
SAT, FEBRUARY 11<br />
11 AM – 10 PM<br />
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN<br />
WINTER GARDEN<br />
COME CELEBRATE THE CITY’S<br />
120TH ANNIVERSARY AT THIS<br />
COMMUNITY EVENT<br />
FEATURING<br />
LIVE MUSIC • ENTERTAINMENT<br />
HERITAGE ACTIVITIES • HISTORY WALKING TOURS<br />
KIDS’ ZONE • AND MUCH MORE!<br />
LEARN MORE<br />
www.cwgdn.com<br />
www.downtownwg.com<br />
Like<br />
us on<br />
Facebook!<br />
www.facebook.com/<br />
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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17<br />
U.S. Navy photo by<br />
mass communication<br />
specialist seaman<br />
Charlotte<br />
Dudenhoeffer<br />
Orlando<br />
natives airman<br />
Ashley<br />
Fromme (left)<br />
and aviation<br />
boatswain’s<br />
mate airman<br />
Christian<br />
Vazquezcruz<br />
of Southwest<br />
Orlando perform<br />
corrective<br />
maintenance<br />
on guide rails<br />
on the flight<br />
deck aboard<br />
the U.S. Navy’s<br />
only forwarddeployed<br />
aircraft carrier,<br />
USS Ronald<br />
Reagan.<br />
Although we try to ensure that all information presented above is the most current, correct and dependable<br />
available, we do rely on others for the source of our news. Therefore, the Southwest Orlando Bulletin and<br />
Cornerstone Publishing & Multi-Media LLC cannot be held responsible for the validity of the information<br />
presented here, nor does mentioning it constitute an endorsement. In Your Neighborhood news is welcome and<br />
may be mailed to P.O. Box 851, Windermere, FL 34786; or emailed to Lauren@kearneypublishing.com. ª<br />
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www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com x February 2 — 15, 2023 x 19<br />
COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD<br />
compiled by Lisa Sagers<br />
n Charities/Fundraisers<br />
Feb. 7 — Orlando Networking Event<br />
Pilars Martini and Loft, 146 W. Plant St., Suite 210,<br />
Winter Garden, hosts the 60th Orlando Networking Event<br />
(O.N.E.) for Base Camp Children’s Cancer Foundation<br />
and Each Other. Attendees must be age 21-older. Time:<br />
5:30-9:30 p.m. Cost: $10 in advance; $15 at the door.<br />
For more information, visit orlandonetworkingevent.com.<br />
Feb. 9 — Walk A Mile In Her Shoes<br />
The 10th annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, during which men<br />
and women strap on stilettos (or blingy flip-flops or sneakers if<br />
preferred) and walk down Orange Avenue to show solidarity<br />
with survivors of domestic violence. Time: 5 p.m. for registration<br />
and various activities; the event formally kicks off on the<br />
steps of the Orange County Courthouse at 6 p.m. Cost: $35<br />
to receive an event T-shirt; $25 without receiving a T-shirt, with<br />
proceeds benefiting Harbor House of Central Florida. For<br />
more information or to register, visit www.classy.org/event/<br />
walk-a-mile-in-her-shoes-2023/e457201.<br />
Feb. 11 — Paws In The Park<br />
Downtown Orlando’s Lake Eola Park hosts Pet Alliance of<br />
Greater Orlando’s 29th annual Paws in the Park pet festival,<br />
including a pet costume contest with celebrity judges and<br />
cash prizes at 10 a.m. (Themes are “Stars of Film & TV,”<br />
“Favorite Food,” and “Dogs With Jobs.”) Other activities,<br />
which take place until 4 p.m., include dock diving for dogs,<br />
lure courses, a beer garden, a variety of food trucks and shopping,<br />
pet products and more, plus pet adoption opportunities.<br />
Pet Alliance’s mobile vet unit also is on-site and provides free<br />
vaccines. For more information, visit www.pawsinthepark.org.<br />
Feb. 11 — Cupid’s Undie Run Orlando<br />
Elixir, 9 W. Washington St., Orlando, kicks off Cupid’s Undie<br />
Run Orlando, the largest pantless party and mile(ish) run in<br />
the nation, which begins with drinking and dancing, followed<br />
by a jog, and ending with an epic dancing party. Time: noon-<br />
4 p.m. Monies raised benefit neurofibromatosis (NF) research<br />
through the Children’s Tumor Foundation and improve lives<br />
for those living with NF, a genetic disorder that causes tumors<br />
to grow on nerves throughout the body. For more information,<br />
to donate or to register for the event, visit my.cupids.org/<br />
event/2023-cupids-undie-run-orlando/e390994.<br />
Feb. 11 — Indigo Bluegrass BBQ<br />
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens’ Orianne Center<br />
for Indigo Conservation, hosts the second annual Indigo<br />
Bluegrass BBQ, including live music, an array of barbecue<br />
favorites provided by OakWood Smokehouse & Grill, wine<br />
and beer and a live auction. Parking is only available at<br />
the Cassia Community Center, 29245 Florida Highway<br />
44, Eustis. Time: noon-4 p.m. Cost: $30 per person; $50<br />
for two people, with proceeds benefiting OCIC’s mission to<br />
reestablish the eastern indigo snake, a threatened species<br />
in Florida and surrounding states. OCIC also works to reintroduce<br />
the striped newt. For more information, to purchase<br />
tickets or to bid on auction items, visit www.biddingforgood.<br />
com/auction/auctionhome.action?auctionId=341700125.<br />
Feb. 25 — An Evening With Fabulous<br />
Friends<br />
Mennello Museum of American Art, 900 E. Princeton<br />
St., Orlando, hosts An Evening With Fabulous Friends,<br />
including art, music, dinner, a champagne toast and luxury<br />
auction with featured artist Donna Dowless’ The Colors of<br />
Love. Time: 6-9 p.m. Cost: $275. Sponsorships are available.<br />
For more information or to purchase tickets, email<br />
mennello.museum@cityoforlando.net or visit mennellomu<br />
seum.charityproud.org/eventregistration/Index/10795.<br />
Feb. 26 — Season Gala<br />
The John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center, 812 E.<br />
Rollins St., Orlando, hosts Orlando Shakes’ 34th Season<br />
Gala, including, food, wine, live entertainment and more.<br />
Cocktail attire is requested. Time: 5 p.m. Cost: $300,<br />
benefiting the theater’s mission to produce bold professional<br />
theater, develop new plays and provide innovative<br />
educational experiences for all ages. For more information,<br />
call 407-447-1700 or visit www.orlandoshakes.org.<br />
March 3 — A Runway For Giving<br />
The Oceana Grand Ballroom at Loews Royal Pacific<br />
Resort, 6300 Hollywood Way, Orlando, hosts Morning<br />
Star Catholic School’s 60th annual fashion show A<br />
Runway for Giving, including a silent auction, passed<br />
hors d’oeuvres and mimosas, a gourmet luncheon, a<br />
program and fashion show. Attire is daytime dressy — a<br />
jacket for the men (tie optional) and a dress or pantsuit for<br />
women. Time: 10:30 a.m. Cost: $250, benefiting MSCS<br />
for special-needs students. For more information, visit one.<br />
bidpal.net/fashionshow2023/welcome.<br />
April 15 — Over The Edge<br />
Hyatt Regency Orlando, 9801 International Drive,<br />
Orlando, hosts Over the Edge, presented by Avalon<br />
Roofing Solutions. Participants rappel down the side of<br />
HRO’s 32-story building to raise funds for Give Kids The<br />
World. Cost: A nonrefundable $50 to register. A fundraising<br />
page is created for each participant, who must<br />
raise a minimum of $1,000 by April 10, 2023. For more<br />
information or to register, visit give.gktw.org/event/overthe-edge-2023/e394243.<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 Events/Performances<br />
Through Feb. 28 — Art Exhibition<br />
Crealdé School of Art and the city of Winter Garden<br />
co-present Reflection of Time, an exhibition in honor of<br />
Black History Month, at the Art in Public Places Gallery<br />
at Winter Garden City Hall. For more information, call<br />
407-671-1886 or visit crealde.org.<br />
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20 x February 2 — 15, 2023 x www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com<br />
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19<br />
Through March 17 — Art & History<br />
Exhibit<br />
In celebration of Black History Month, the town of Oakland<br />
invites the public to Hold Fast to Dreams, a new art and<br />
history exhibition that delves into Oakland’s African<br />
American heritage. Time: Wednesday-Friday from 10<br />
a.m.-3 p.m. and the first Saturday of the month. For more<br />
information, visit www.oaklandfl.gov/artsandheritage or<br />
www.facebook.com/hwoahatoakland.<br />
Feb. 11 — Heritage Music Festival<br />
In celebration of the city’s 120th anniversary, historic<br />
downtown Winter Garden hosts the Winter Garden<br />
Heritage Music Festival, including live music, entertainment,<br />
heritage activities, history walking tours, a kids<br />
zone and more. Time: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Admission is free;<br />
however, sponsorships are available. For more information,<br />
visit www.cwgdn.com or www.downtownwg.com.<br />
Feb. 18 — Wedding Venue Open House<br />
Paradise Cove, 13245 Lake Bryan Drive, Orlando, hosts<br />
Orlando’s premier wedding venue open house, an evening<br />
of fun, romance and wedding planning. Attendees meet<br />
wedding vendors such as caterers, DJs, florists, photographers<br />
and more. Time: 5-8 p.m. For more information,<br />
call 407-239-6939 or visit paradisecoveorlando.com.<br />
Feb. 18 — Presentation & Book Signing<br />
Winter Garden Heritage Foundation’s Heller Hall, 21<br />
E. Plant St., Winter Garden, hosts Florida: A History<br />
in Pictures, a portrait of the state. After an informative<br />
presentation, books are available for purchase and signing.<br />
Time: 1:30 p.m. For more information, visit wghf.org.<br />
Feb. 18 — MLK Gospel Concert<br />
Steinmetz Hall at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing<br />
Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando, hosts the eighth<br />
annual MLK Gospel Concert, produced and directed by<br />
Grammy Award winner Jeffrey Redding. Time: 7 p.m.<br />
Admission is free; however, attendees are encouraged to<br />
bring nonperishable food donations for Second Harvest<br />
Food Bank of Central Florida. For more events, visit<br />
orlando.gov/events/mlk.<br />
n Miscellaneous<br />
Feb. 14 — Group Wedding Ceremony<br />
Southwest Orlando resident and Orange County Clerk of<br />
Courts Tiffany Moore Russell performs a group wedding<br />
ceremony for up to 30 couples in front of the steps of the<br />
Orange County Courthouse in downtown Orlando. Time:<br />
1 p.m. Cost: $70, which includes the wedding ceremony<br />
fee, a commemorative certificate, wedding photos, a delicious<br />
treat and a special gift. You must obtain your marriage<br />
license first for an additional fee before registering<br />
for the event. For more information or to register, visit<br />
www.myorangeclerk.com.<br />
Feb. 23 — Food Truck Connection<br />
MetroWest Golf Club, 2100 S. Hiawassee Road,<br />
Orlando, hosts the MetroWest Food Truck Connection,<br />
including food, fun and music. Time: fourth Thursday of<br />
every month from 5:30-8:30 p.m. For more information,<br />
visit www.metrowestcommunity.com.<br />
n Networking/Clubs<br />
Ongoing — Members Wanted<br />
The West Orange Women seeks females of all ages<br />
to join its group for fun, friendship and philanthropy.<br />
Annual dues are $25. For more information, email<br />
Alice Bergeson, westorangewomen@gmail.com; or visit<br />
www.westorangewomen.com.<br />
Feb. 7, 14, 21 & 28 — 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 learning<br />
environment. Time: Tuesdays from 7-8:30 p.m. For more<br />
information or to request online Zoom meeting details, visit<br />
www.4662754.toastmastersclubs.org and click “Contact Us.”<br />
Feb. 8, 15 & 22 — Virtual Toastmasters<br />
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 />
Feb. 9, 16 & 23 — 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 />
Feb. 9, 16 & 23 — 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 />
n Support Groups<br />
Ongoing — Hope For Hurting Parents<br />
Support Group Meetings<br />
The Parish Life Center at Holy Family Catholic Church, 5125<br />
S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando, hosts Hope for Hurting<br />
Parents support group meetings for parents, grandparents,<br />
aunts, uncles, etc., who have children of any age who<br />
struggle with mental health issues, self-harm, eating disorders,<br />
substance abuse, gender confusion, suicidal thoughts<br />
and more. Time: first and third Monday of each month<br />
from 6-8 p.m. For more information, email Beth Denhof,<br />
bethdenhof@msn.com, or call her at 407-399-5872; or email<br />
Kelly Muscaro, kkmuscaro@aol.com, or call her at 407-963-<br />
5277. For more information, including resources and book<br />
recommendations, visit www.hopeforhurtingparents.com.<br />
Feb. 7 & 21 — Virtual Teen Grief<br />
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 />
PICTURE MY PET!<br />
Submit your purrr-fect pet photos for Southwest Orlando Bulletin’s 22nd<br />
annual pet photo album! Southwest Orlando's picture-perfect pets will<br />
be featured in our March 16 issue.<br />
All photos must be received by Feb. 22. Email photos to<br />
Lauren@kearneypublishing.com.<br />
All photos must be at least 200 KB in size.<br />
Please include name, pet’s name, address, neighborhood and phone<br />
number on entry. For more information, call 407-351-1573, option 4,<br />
or email Lauren@kearneypublishing.com.<br />
* Must be a Southwest resident to participate.<br />
Dogs • Cats • Birds • Reptiles • Rabbits • Fish • Rodents • Horses • Etc.
Feb. 14 & March 14 — 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 />
Feb. 15 & March 1 — Virtual Teen Talks<br />
Support Group Meetings<br />
The Cornerstone Hospice Bereavement Team holds virtual<br />
teen talks support group meetings for youth 12-17. Groups<br />
are free and open to the public. Registration is required.<br />
Time: first and third Wednesday of each month from 3:30-<br />
4:30 p.m. For more information or to register, call 866-742-<br />
6655 or visit www.cornerstonehospice.org.<br />
Feb. 28 & March 14 — Mental Health<br />
Support Group Meetings<br />
The second floor of<br />
Building B at St. Luke’s<br />
United Methodist Church,<br />
4851 S. Apopka-Vineland<br />
Road, Orlando, hosts free<br />
connection and family<br />
support group meetings<br />
for individuals affected by<br />
mental illness. The connection<br />
support group meets<br />
in Room B-204, and families<br />
meet in Room B-206.<br />
The 90-minute meeting is<br />
peer-led and helps participants connect with each other,<br />
learn from each other’s experiences, share coping strategies<br />
and offer each other encouragement and understanding.<br />
Time: the second and fourth Tuesday of each month<br />
at 6:30 p.m. For more information, call 407-253-1900,<br />
email information@namigo.org or visit www.namigo.org.<br />
n Volunteers Needed<br />
Ongoing — Volunteers Needed<br />
My Brother’s Keeper seeks volunteers — especially adult<br />
men (18-older) of color — who can serve as positive role<br />
models and mentor boys and young men of color. For<br />
more information, email Grace, gdearden@vcifl.org, at<br />
Volunteers for Community Impact.<br />
Contributions to Community Bulletin Board are<br />
welcome. Please send information six weeks<br />
before the event to P.O. Box 851, Windermere,<br />
FL 34787; call 407-351-1573, option 5; or email<br />
Lisa@kearneypublishing.com. ª<br />
www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com x February 2 — 15, 2023 x 21
22 x February 2 — 15, 2023 x www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com<br />
Southwest Social<br />
SEEN<br />
Orlando’s largest pet festival, Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando’s<br />
29th annual Paws in the Park, returns Feb. 11 at downtown<br />
Orlando’s Lake Eola Park. Activities include a pet costume contest<br />
with celebrity judges and cash prizes, and the themes are “Stars of<br />
Film & TV,” “Favorite Food” and “Dogs With Jobs.” Participants and<br />
their furry family members can register online and invite their friends<br />
and family to join them for a special award ceremony, costume<br />
contest and numerous other festivities. The event ends at 4 p.m. For<br />
more information or to register, visit www.petallianceorlando.org or<br />
www.pawsinthepark.org.
P.O. Box 851<br />
Windermere, FL 34786<br />
JOIN US THIS<br />
Valentine’s Day<br />
RESERVATIONS AVAILABLE:<br />
407 560 VINO | MARIAANDENZOS.COM<br />
DISNEY SPRINGS ® , ORLANDO, FLORIDA<br />
1560 East Buena Vista Drive • Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830<br />
@mariaandenzos