020223_Bridal Edition _DIGITAL EDITION

LIVING WELL 

O 

The heartbeat of the community 

ORLANDO BULLETIN 

February 2 — 15, 2023 | Since 1986 

The Bridal Planner

WELCOME TO A REFRESHED US, 

PERFECT FOR REVITALIZING YOU. 

The Spa at Shingle Creek is bursting with a multitude of 

new massages, treatments and services. Each experience 

designed to pamper you from head to toe. So, take a 

break from your everyday and indulge in the soothing 

services that continue to make ours one of Orlando’s 

most celebrated spas. 

Celebrate Valentine’s Day weekend with 

one of our new treatments or massages. 

Book yours today! 

RETREAT FOR TWO 

150 min. | $600 

COUPLES HIMALAYAN SALT 

STONE MASSAGE 

Mined from the Himalayan Mountains, our 100% organic 

Himalayan salt is naturally infused with 84 minerals that help 

replenish the body. Combined with the heat and the skills of 

our therapists, this signature salt stone massage increases blood 

circulation, reduces inflammation, improves sleep and induces 

deep relaxation. 

COUPLES CLASSIC MANICURE 

Revive and nourish skin with a warm hand soak, exfoliation and 

hydrating massage to restore healthy circulation. 

COUPLES CLASSIC PEDICURE 

Enjoy all the essentials of a perfect pedicure: a foot cleansing, 

thorough exfoliation of calves and feet and revitalizing foot massage. 

Your couple’s experience includes complimentary champagne and 

lunch for two. 

9939 UNIVERSAL BLVD. | ORLANDO, FL 32819 

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 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

CUPID’S CORNER ............................................................................. 5 

SOUTHWEST SPORTS ........................................................................ 6 

THE BRIDAL PLANNER ........................................................................ 7 

CREATE YOUR FUTURE 

AT WINDERMERE PREPARATORY SCHOOL 

International Baccalaureate Diploma & Certificate Program 

Collaborations with MIT, The Juilliard School, and UNICEF 

100% College Acceptance & Enrollment Rate 

Differentiated Curriculum for PreK-3 to Grade 12 

Award winning Fine Arts programs 

Over 21 Athletic programs for Grade 6 - 12 

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS 

(407) 905-7737 

info@windermereprep.com 

windermereprep.com 

LIVING WELL ................................................................................... 11 

Six Ways to Build Healthy Habits 

What You Need to Know About Cholesterol 

A Noninvasive, Affordable Alternative to Injectables 

Staying Healthy This Flu Season 

IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD ............................................................. 16 

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD........................................................ 19 

SOUTHWEST SOCIAL SEEN ............................................................. 22 

Paws in the Park 

PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER 

Rick V. Martin 

February 2, 2023 

Volume XXXVII, No. 7 

VICE PRESIDENT 

Yvette Martin 

MANAGING EDITOR 

Lisa Sagers 

lisa@kearneypublishing.com 

ASSISTANT EDITOR 

Lauren Salinero 

lauren@kearneypublishing.com 

P.O. Box 851 

Windermere, FL 34786 

407-351-1573 

www.southwestorlandobulletin.com 

The Southwest Orlando Bulletin is published semimonthly by 

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Neither the publishers nor the advertisers are responsible or liable for 

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©2023/Cornerstone Publishing & Multi-Media LLC 

CIRCULATION 

Robert Barlow 

MARKETING CONSULTANTS 

Madeline DeVito 

407-351-1573, option 1 

mdevito@kearneypublishing.com 

Michelle Oakes 

321-277-3467 

michelle 

@cornerstonepublishinggroup.com

www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com x February 2 — 15, 2023 x 5 

Cupid's 

Corner 

31 

February brings the season 

of love, with Valentine’s Day just 

around the corner. Hands are 

held, flowers are delivered and 

chocolate is consumed by the 

pound. This year, make your valentine 

feel extra-special with one 

(or more) of these fabulous gift 

ideas. Whether it is a relaxing 

massage, a garden addition or a 

relaxing treat, Cupid’s Corner has 

the perfect fit for your loved ones. 

Massage Envy 

butter to boyfriend bath bombs to sunkissed 

body oil, Naples Soap has just 

what you need for a night of passion 

and romance. Skip the calories and 

the flowers, and give your sweetheart 

a luxurious gift that lasts. Visit the gift 

experts at Naples Soap Co. in downtown 

Mount Dora or in Kissimmee at 

the Promenade at Sunset Walk, 3231 

Margarita Blvd., Unit J180. For more 

information, call 407-369-6114 or 

visit naplessoap.com. 

Royal Landscape 

Nursery 

AnnVarkeyRealtor@gmail.com 

7232 Sand Lake Rd #103 Orlando Fl 32819 

Want your valentines to know how 

important they are to you? Give them 

a gift card to the local Dr. Phillips 

Massage Envy! Now through Feb. 

14, 2023, get a free $20 promo card 

when you purchase $100 in gift cards 

in location. Encourage someone special 

to put themselves first with a relaxing 

massage, facial or stretch. Make 

it a gift for two with the re-opening of 

Massage Envy’s Couples Room. Visit 

them in Suite 100 at 8081 Turkey 

Lake Road in Orlando. For more information, 

call 407-354-3689. 

Naples Soap Co. 

Roses are red. Violets are blue. 

Naples Soap Co. has the perfect 

gifts for you. From pure paradise body 

Gift your valentines something 

extra-special this year from Royal 

Landscape Nursery. Think outside 

of the chocolate box and give 

a fruit tree, palm tree or gift card 

to your loved ones for Valentine’s 

Day. Royal Landscape Nursery 

is located at 2204 Hempel Ave 

in Gotha. For more information, 

call 407-296-3042 or visit 

www.royallandscapenursery.info. 

Delivery is available. ª


Jacob Spafford of Windermere 

was named to the 2022 

New England Small College Athletic 

Conference (NESCAC) fall all-academic 

team for football. The recognition 

honors sophomores, juniors 

and seniors who have maintained a 

cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher. 

Currently a sophomore in college, 

Spafford graduated from Lake 

Highland Preparatory School. 

tykes/flag football level. The game 

will be followed by the Juniors championship 

game with the Grand Ave 

Saints battling the Avalon Ravens. 

The Seniors will be next up with the 

Rosemont Eagles facing off against 

the Avalon Ravens for their division’s 

championship in the afternoon. The 

The Sunridge Middle School Lady Eagles volleyball team wins its district 

championship game. 

Exploria Stadium will host the city 

of Orlando 2022 Youth Football 

Championship games Nov. 20. Five 

championship games will be played 

at all youth levels throughout the 

entire day. This will be the first time 

Exploria Stadium hosts the annual 

event, which includes players age 5 

through those in ninth grade. 

The first championship game kicks 

off at 10 a.m. with the Grand Ave 

Saints taking on the Smith 49ers at the 

SOUTHWEST SPORTS 

Mighty Mites championship game 

will follow that and is set for a showdown 

between the Grand Ave Saints 

and the Ivey Lane Jaguars. The day 

will be wrapped up with the Pee Wee 

championship taking place, with 

those teams still to be determined. 

The eighth annual SheBelieves 

Cup, presented by Visa, kicks off 

at the Exploria Stadium on Feb. 

16, with Japan set to face Brazil at 

compiled by Lauren Salinero 

4 p.m., followed by the U.S. and 

Canada at 7 p.m. The tournament 

will run from Feb. 16-22, with the 

matches in downtown Orlando serving 

as the first of the competition. 

The SheBelieves Cup is part of 

U.S. Soccer’s SheBelieves initiative 

to inspire and empower women and 

girls to achieve their goals in sports 

and beyond. 

All four nations participating in this 

year’s tournament are set to take part 

in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World 

Cup next summer, and all four are 

ranked in the top 11 in the world with 

the US at No. 1, Canada at No. 6, 

Brazil at No. 9, and Japan at No. 11. 

For more information, visit 

ussoccer.com. 

The Emerson College women’s 

volleyball team, the Lions, put 

up a fight in its season-ending 

match against Smith College in the 

New England Women’s and Men’s 

Athletic Conference Quarterfinals, 

ultimately losing the game. 

Dr. Phillips resident Caroline 

Davis, a communication disorders 

major and member of the Class of 

2024, was part of that team and 

contributed to its notable 2022 season 

with an overall record of 18-5 

and a NEWMAC record of 7-3. The 

Lions reached a regional ranking 

of No. 3 during the last week of its 

regular season. 

The Osceola Council on Aging 

Meals on Wheels program will 

host the national 2023 March for 

Meals campaign gearing up for The 

March for Meals 5K Walk & Run, 

sponsored by KUA. The event will 

take place March 11 at Kissimmee 

Lakefront Park, rain or shine, and 

will include a 5K run and walk for 

individuals and/or corporate and 

family teams, the largest and mostspirited 

team competition, a free 

kids run, and silent auction. Those 

who finish receive a medal. Plus, 

those who bring nonperishable food 

items to help build the food pantry 

will be entered into a special prize 

drawing. 

Registration starts at 6:30 a.m., 

and the run/walk begins at 7:30 

a.m. Cost of participation is $30 

before March 1, $35 from March 

2-10, and $40 the day of the event. 

Packet pickup is March 10 from 10 

a.m.-4 p.m. at the Kissimmee Civic 

Center, located at 201 E. Dakin Ave. 

in Kissimmee. 

For more information, visit www. 

osceolagenerations.org. To register 

online through RunSignUp, visit 

runsignup.com/race/fl/kissimmee/ 

marchformealsstpatricks5krunwalk 

presentedbykua. 

Although we try to ensure that all information 

presented above is the most current, correct and 

dependable available, we do rely on others for 

the source of our n ews. Therefore, the Southwest 

Orlando Bulletin and Cornerstone Publishing & 

Multi-Media LLC cannot be held responsible for the 

validity of the information presented here, nor does 

mentioning it constitute an endorsement. Sports information 

is welcome and may be mailed to P.O. 

Box 851, Windermere, FL 34786; or emailed to 

Lauren@kearneypublishing.com. ª 

Guillermo J. Nazario, D.C.


The Bridal Planner 

Love is in the air, and the wedding season 

is closer than you might think. With 

the amount of work that goes into planning 

a wedding of your dreams, a little 

extra help goes a long way. Whether you 

are newly engaged or taking your time 

getting to the alter, The Bridal Planner 

answers bridal questions and provides 

tips on getting through your wedding 

without turning into a “bridezilla.” Also 

included are a couple of local vendors 

that can make your special day magical. 

Simple 

Tips for a Better 

Wedding Registry 

For some couples, the idea of 

registering for wedding gifts is an 

exciting way to start planning for 

the home they’ll be sharing as newlyweds. 

For others, the registry is 

just one more chore to check off the 

wedding to-do list. 

Regardless of where you fall on 

the love-it-or-hate-it spectrum, most 

experts agree a registry is a good 

idea, especially for couples who will 

be setting up a home together for 

the first time. Keep these tips and etiquette 

guidelines in mind to get the 

most out of your registry. 

• Take inventory of what you have 

and what you need. For couples who 

have lived alone or together, the registry 

may be a way to fill in gaps 

for necessities neither of you already 

have. It’s also a good way to begin 

upgrading the less-expensive kitchen 

items and furnishings you had as 

college students or singles. Make a 

list of your needs and wants so you 

don’t forget any essentials. If you’re 

still in doubt, request a checklist from 

the store where you’ll be registering 

so you can do some planning. 

• Register for things at a wide 

range of price points. The whole 

purpose of a registry is to make it 

easy for your guests to get you things 

you’ll like and need. Part of making it 

easy is recognizing your guests have 

CONTINUED ON PAGE 8 

Kissimmee • The Promenade at Sunset Walk • 3231 Margarita Blvd Unit J180 

Mount Dora • 429 North Donnelly Street • Shop online at NAPLESSOAP.COM


CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 

diverse financial situations. While 

it’s customary to gift the bride and 

groom, not everyone can afford an 

extravagant gift, especially if they’ve 

spent money on travel and attire to attend. 

While it’s a good idea to offer 

modest options, don’t shy away from 

bigger ticket items that a small group 

might chip in on together. 

• Keep access in mind when you 

choose where to register. Avoid stores 

that are local or regional if you have 

many guests who live out of the area. 

Also avoid the temptation to choose 

online-only options, as some guests 

will prefer to see what they’re buying. 

Aim for a mix of large national stores 

and online retailers. 

• Plan to block off at least a few 

hours for an in-person registry. It will 

take time to get everything set up. 

Traveling through the store, debating 

options and making your selections 

could take longer than expected. 

Also be sure to ask how you can add 

to or edit your registry after your initial 

visit. 

• Get your partner involved. There 

are bound to be some parts of the registry 

your partner may not care about, 

but asking for input and making decisions 

together lets you both share in 

the excitement. Focus on things you’ll 

each find useful as you settle into your 

new home. For example, the person 

who will be responsible for taking out 

the trash should get to pick the new 

kitchen trash can. 

Find more inspiration for planning 

your way to wedded bliss at 

elivingtoday.com. 

Source: eLivingToday.com 

(Family Features) 

Put More You 

Into Your 

Wedding Day 

A wedding day is filled with symbolic 

traditions, from varied religious 

customs to the never-ending circle reflected 

in the rings and the types of 

flowers accentuating the celebration. 

Even with all the traditional rituals 

to consider, nearly every bride and 

groom can find ways to give their special 

day some unique touches that reflect 

their personality and love. 

• Music sets the mood for every 

wedding, and it’s an easy place to 

put your own spin on the celebration. 

Whether you forgo the traditional bridal 

march entirely or simply look for an 

arrangement that gives an updated 

twist to the classic version, let guests 

know this isn’t your average wedding 

by setting the festivities against a 

soundtrack that lets your true character 

shine. 

• The wedding party is intended to 

be a collection of those nearest and 

dearest to the bride and groom, who 

help ensure the day goes off without 

a hitch, and who lead fellow revelers 

in celebrating the start of the new 

couple’s life together. That being said, 

there’s no reason this group must be 

limited to women on her side and guys 

on his, or even that it’s limited to humans 

— a beloved pooch can make 

for an adorable ring bearer, after all. 

• Photography is an essential element 

of your big day, but think beyond 

the images you’ll capture throughout 

the wedding and reception. Photos 

lend a personal touch, no matter what 

your color scheme or theme. Integrate 

photos of the two of you at various 

stages of life, together as a couple and 

with loved ones (perhaps even some 

you’re honoring in memoriam). You 

can display these at a table with the 

guest book, as part of the table centerpieces, 

or even on the gift table. Or 

take things digital and load all your images 

into a slideshow set to music. 

• Make favors meaningful. Forgo 

more common items like bubbles and 

chocolate, and instead, send a little of 

yourself home with your guests. Maybe 

it’s a memento from a place with special 

meaning to you both or a bottle 

opener shaped like a bicycle to represent 

the way you met. Just think about 

the moments and things that define you 

as a couple and do some searching 

online. You’ll probably be surprised by 

how quickly the options pile up. 

• Serve up a menu that shows guests 

more about your life together. Your 

loved ones can order basic beef or 

chicken anywhere. Instead, give them 

a glimpse into you. Make your main 

Be mine 

Enjoy a 

facial 

You’re 

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You deserve 

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course the same food you enjoyed on 

your first date or during another monumental 

moment in your courtship. Or, 

plan the entire menu around a region 

that you hold close to your heart. 

Weddings are filled with traditions, 

but that doesn’t mean you can’t 

put your own touches on the day for 

a special event filled with memories 

that are uniquely your own. Find more 

advice for life’s special moments at 

elivingtoday.com. 

Source: eLivingToday.com 

(Family Features) 


Local Vendors 

Massage Envy 

information, call 407-354-3689 or 

visit massageenvy.com. 

*Gift cards are not redeemable or refundable for cash 

or credit except where required by law. See location for 

additional details. Additional local taxes and fees may apply. 

Each location is independently owned and operated. 

©2023 Massage Envy Franchising, LLC. 

Paradise Cove 

SATURDAY, FEB 18 

5:00PM - 8:00PM 

Are wedding bells ringing in your 

future? We all know how stressful 

and fun wedding planning can be 

for brides, grooms and their families. 

Running around town, securing 

venues, creating guest lists, making 

seating charts, it all takes a toll on 

the body and mind. The Massage 

Envy — Dr. Phillips franchised location 

has many services to help you 

unwind. They are the perfect solution 

for when planning gets overwhelming. 

Visit them and enjoy a classic 

Swedish massage, signature facial 

or even a stretch session to help you 

stay relaxed before your big day. A 

gift card from the Massage Envy — 

Dr. Phillips franchised location also 

makes a perfect present for a bride 

or groom that you love! For more 

Tucked away in a private corner 

of Orlando, Paradise Cove is a 

breathtaking, tropical venue that is 

truly a favorite for both weddings 

and social affairs. Twinkling market 

lights, tiki torches and white sandy 

beaches add to the magical glow 

of this secluded venue. Whether 

you are planning an intimate ceremony 

or an elaborate reception, 

the event designers at Paradise 

Cove can create the perfectly customized 

package to fit your vision 

and your budget! For more information, 

call 407-239-6939 or visit 

paradisecoveorlando.com. ª 

Michael J. Tortorella, MD 

Obstetrics & Gynecology 

Board Certified 

Pregnancy 

Family Planning 

Menstrual Disorders 

Menopause 

Second Opinion for Surgery 

In-Office Ultrasounds 

In-Office Surgery 

Minimally Invasive 

Surgery 

Sterilization 

(407) 363-1003 Michaeljtortorellamd.com 

7300 Sandlake Commons Blvd. 

Suite 320, Medplex A 

next to Dr. P. Phillips Hospital 

Listed in Best Doctors 

in Orlando Magazine


Meet The Goodless Dermatology Team! 

Same day appointments available 

Treatments for Skin Cancer, Acne Psoriasis, Eczema. 

Offering Radiation Therapy (SRT) 

MOHs Surgery Phototherapy 

Same day appointments available 

407-566-1616 | www.goodlessdermatology.com

Living Well x February 2023 x 1 

SOUTHWEST ORLANDO 

Home & Real Estate 

Volume 3, Issue 10 — February 2023 

What You 

Need to 

Know 

About 

Cholesterol 

Staying 

Healthy This 

Flu Season 

A Noninvasive, 

Affordable 

Alternative to 

Injectables 

A Product A Product of the of the 

Southwest Orlando Bulletin

2 x February 2023 x Living Well 

Starting on a path toward healthy 

habits is often easier than maintaining 

them long term. This year, you 

can avoid a major pitfall of healthy 

resolutions and build healthy habits 

that stick by working small, positive 

steps into your daily life. 

In fact, healthy habits are the 

first suggested treatment strategy 

for people whose blood pressure 

and cholesterol levels are creeping 

higher than normal, according to an 

American Heart Association scientific 

statement. 

“The current guidelines for managing 

high blood pressure and cholesterol 

recognize that otherwise 

healthy individuals with mildly or 

moderately elevated levels of these 

cardiovascular risk factors should 

actively attempt to reduce these 

risks, and increasing physical activity 

is a great place to start,” said 

Bethany Barone Gibbs, Ph.D., 

chair of the statement writing group 

and chair of the department of epidemiology 

and biostatistics at West 

Virginia University School of Public 

Health. 

The following six ideas from 

American Heart Association’s 

Healthy for Good Habit Coach can 

help: 

Six Ways to 

Build Healthy Habits 

©courtesy of Getty Images 

Choosing a habit that is rewarding on its own, such as an exercise that you enjoy, makes 

the habit more likely to stick. 

• Bust common habit-building 

myths. You may be surprised to learn 

the truth about creating and sticking 

to healthy habits. One myth is getting 

healthy means doing things you 

don’t like. Research shows positive 

emotions make habits stick, so set 

your intentions on something you 

enjoy. Another misconception is big 

results require big changes, which 

may lead to overly ambitious habits. 

However, the simpler the routine is, 

the more likely it is to become habit. 

• Work with your “brain loops.” 

Your brain creates “loops” for habits 

made up of three things: a cue, a 

routine and a reward. Each time the 

loop is repeated, it becomes more 

routine and may become automatic. 

Knowing this, you can design cues for 

developing new, healthy habits such 

as setting walking shoes by the bed 

to start a walking habit. The routine 

is putting on the shoes and walking 

around the block, and the reward is 

the pleasant sensations and a brighter 

mood from a morning stroll. 

• Create cues that work for you. 

Most successful health habits begin 

with a cue. The cue can be external 

in your environment or internal 

in terms of your mindset. The more 

consistent the cue, the more likely it 

is to trigger the habit. Hacking your 

brain’s reminder system can help you 

remember your cue. Some examples 

of visual cues are placing a sticky 

note where you’ll see it often, keeping 

a water bottle on your desk, or 

refrigerating fresh veggies at eye 

level. 

• Build a routine that supports 

your goals. Positive and consistent 

habits are important to achieving 

your personal goals. Small habits 

done consistently can add up to big 

results. To create a new, healthy habit, 

think through the steps that could 

lead to your desired outcome. Ask 

yourself whether you want to do it, 

if it’s easy and if it’s high impact. It’s 

important to choose habits that make 

a difference and move you closer to 

your goals. 

For example, if one of your goals 

is improving your heart health, a 

meaningful habit might be to move 

more. Increasing physical activity 

can help lower blood pressure and 

cholesterol along with many other 

health benefits, according to Gibbs. 

“Every little bit of activity is better 

than none,” she said. “Even small initial 

increases of 5-10 minutes a day 

can yield health benefits.” 

• Use rewards to make habits 

stick. Start by choosing a habit you 

enjoy that’s rewarding by itself. If 

you’re more of a dancer than runner, 

increase your physical activity with 

an upbeat dance class. You might 

also look for a more enjoyable version 

of a new habit, such as getting 

more fruits and veggies by sipping 

on a delicious smoothie. 

• Understand resets are part of 

the process. New habits are experiments. 

If they don’t stick, you haven’t 

failed. Instead, you’ve learned what 

doesn’t work, which is useful. Get curious 

and ask yourself which part of 

the habit didn’t work for you. Maybe 

the cue was ineffective. Maybe the 

steps of the routine were too ambitious, 

and you need to split them into 

smaller, easier steps. If you realize 

you don’t enjoy the habit, stop doing 

it and try something else. 

Find more inspiration and ideas to 

jump-start healthy habits this year at 

heart.org/habits. 

Source: American Heart Association 

(Family Features) ª

Understanding and improving cholesterol 

is important for people of all 

ages, including children and teens. 

Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels 

can help keep your heart 

healthy and lower your chances 

of getting heart disease or having 

a stroke. 

High cholesterol usually has 

no symptoms. In fact, about 

38% of adults in the U.S. are 

diagnosed with high cholesterol, 

according to representatives of 

the American Heart Association. 

Understanding what cholesterol 

is, the role it plays, when to get 

screened, and how to manage it 

are important aspects of protecting 

your overall health and preventing 

a heart attack or stroke. 

Understanding Cholesterol 

A waxy, fatlike substance created 

by the liver and consumed 

from meat, poultry and dairy 

products, cholesterol isn’t inherently 

bad for you. In fact, your 

body needs it to build cells and 

make vitamins and other hormones. 

However, too much cholesterol circulating 

in the blood can pose a 

problem. 

The two types of cholesterol are 

low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which 

is considered “bad,” and high-density 

lipoprotein (HDL), which can be 

thought of as “good” cholesterol. 

Too much of the “bad” kind, or not 

enough of the “good,” increases the 

risk of cholesterol slowly building up 

in the inner walls of the arteries that 

feed the heart and brain. 

Cholesterol can join with other 

substances to form a thick, hard 

deposit on the inside of the arteries 

called plaque. This can narrow the 

arteries and make them less flexible 

— a condition known as atherosclerosis. 

If a blood clot forms, it may 

be more likely to get stuck in one of 

these narrowed arteries, resulting in 

a heart attack or stroke. 

Understanding Risks 

Your body naturally produces all 

the LDL it needs. An unhealthy lifestyle 

can make your body produce 

more LDL than required. Behaviors 

that may negatively affect your 

What You Need to 

Know About Cholesterol 

©courtesy of Getty Images 

Getting your cholesterol checked when recommended by your 

doctor is essential in monitoring potential health risks. 

cholesterol levels include lack of 

physical activity, obesity, eating an 

unhealthy diet, and smoking or exposure 

to tobacco smoke. 

In addition to unhealthy habits, 

which are the cause of high LDL 

cholesterol for most people, some 

people inherit genes from their 

parents or grandparents — called 

familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) 

— that cause them to have too much 

cholesterol and can lead to premature 

atherosclerotic heart disease. 

If you have a family history of FH 

or problems related to high cholesterol, 

it’s important to get your levels 

checked. 

Getting Cholesterol Checked 

Adults age 20 and older should 

have their cholesterol and other traditional 

risk factors checked every 

four to six years as long as their 

risk remains low. After age 40, your 

health care professional will use an 

equation to calculate your 10-year 

risk of heart attack or stroke. People 

with cardiovascular disease and 

those at elevated risk may need their 

cholesterol and other risk factors assessed 

more often. 

Managing Cholesterol 

If you have high cholesterol, 

understanding 

your risk for heart disease 

and stroke is one 

of the most important 

things you can do, along 

with taking steps to lower 

your cholesterol. 

Often, simply changing 

certain behaviors 

can help bring your 

numbers into line. 

Eating a heart-healthy 

diet that emphasizes 

fruits, vegetables, whole 

grains, lean or plantbased 

protein, fish and 

nuts while limiting red 

and processed meats, 

sodium and sugarsweetened 

foods and 

beverages is one of the 

best ways to lower your cholesterol. 


While grocery shopping, look for 

the American Heart Association’s 

Heart-Check mark to help identify 

foods that can be part of an overall 

healthy eating pattern. 

Other lifestyle changes include 

losing weight, quitting smoking and 

becoming more physically active, 

as a sedentary lifestyle can lower 

HDL. To help lower both cholesterol 

and high blood pressure, experts 

recommend at least 150 minutes of 

moderate-intensity aerobic exercise 

a week, such as walking, biking or 

swimming. 

For some people, lifestyle changes 

may prevent or manage unhealthy 

cholesterol levels. For others, medication 

may also be needed. Work 

with your doctor to develop a treatment 

plan that’s right for you. If medication 

is required, be sure to take it 

as prescribed. 

Controlling your cholesterol may 

be easier than you think. Learn more 

about managing your cholesterol at 

heart.org/cholesterol. 

Source: American Heart Association 

(Family Features) ª

4 x February 2023 x Living Well 

As you age, you may notice that 

crow’s-feet, 11 lines and smile lines 

pop up or deepen over time. There 

are many ways to treat these signs of 

aging. Many people opt for injectable 

fillers because they can have 

immediate and noticeable effects. 

However, there are some drawbacks 

to injectables. If you’ve chosen 

to get injectables at a dermatologist’s 

office to treat these fine lines 

and wrinkles, you know it’s not a 

cheap endeavor. They can also be 

painful and require in-office visits. 

The good news is that injectables 

and other invasive treatments aren’t 

the only ways to get smoother, more 

youthful-looking skin. If wrinkles 

are a key concern and you want to 

avoid the expensive and often painful 

in-office treatments, you’ll need to 

integrate three important ingredients 

into your skin care routine. 

• Hydrate from the outside with 

hyaluronic acid. Hydration is super 

important in protecting your skin and 

maintaining its youthful vigor. In addition 

to drinking enough water, you 

need to hydrate your skin from the 

We 

deliver 

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outside. If you want a product 

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According to a study published 

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a group of women applied 

topical hyaluronic acid twice 

a day for eight weeks. The 

results of the study showed 

that the treatment significantly 

increased skin hydration, enhanced 

skin firmness and elasticity, 

and decreased the depth of wrinkles. 

• Increase collagen with retinol. 

Your body naturally produces less 

collagen as you age, which contributes 

to wrinkles and other signs of 

aging. As you get older, it’s a good 

idea to take collagen supplements, 

eat collagen-rich foods, and use 

Hydration is key to treating and preventing fine lines and 

wrinkles. 

products that increase or support collagen 

production in your skin. 

One collagen-supporting topical 

ingredient you can use is retinol. 

According to the Cleveland Clinic, 

retinol increases skin cell turnover, exfoliates 

skin and increases collagen 

production. Overall, products formulated 

with retinol can reduce the appearance 

of fine lines and wrinkles. 

• Kick-start skin regrowth with 

swertiamarin. Your body is constantly 

making new skin cells and shedding 

old ones. According to Verywell 

Health, the average cellular turnover 

rate is 28 to 40 days, though this rate 

is higher in teens and decreases as 

you age. To maintain healthy, supple 

skin after age 30, you’ll need to help 

your skin regrow healthy, new cells. 

There are many products you can 

use to help with cell turnover and regrowth, 

but an innovative ingredient 

to look for is swertiamarin. This plant 

extract isn’t often seen in skin care, 

but it’s commonly used by the U.S. 

military to help treat burn victims. 

If you’re looking for an affordable, 

effective product to target fine lines 

and wrinkles that contains 

all three of these ingredients, 

consider using the new Derm 

Correxion Fill + Treat Serum by 

RoC Skincare. Developed in 

partnership with an advisory 

board of dermatologists and 

plastic surgeons, the serum 

had 97% of users experiencing 

instantly filled lines in just 

minutes, with 100% reporting 

visibly reduced deep wrinkles 

in just four weeks. 

NYC-board-certified dermatologist 

Dr. Michelle Henry 

recommends the Fill + Treat serum 

as an alternative to injectable treatments 

through the product’s highefficacy 

formulation. 

“This clinically proven serum uses 

three forms of hyaluronic acid to 

plump and fill in the look of stubborn 

lines and wrinkles,” she said. 

“Meanwhile, RoC’s patented retinol 

increases cell turnover and therefore 

reduces wrinkles while swertiamarin 

triggers skin’s regrowth factors to 

build up epidermal layers that may 

be lost through the years.” 

No matter what, to smooth wrinkles 

and fine lines, you’ll need a targeted 

treatment, whether it be injectables 

or topical targeted treatments. Start 

your journey to more youthful skin 

in the comfort of your home without 

breaking the bank; find this noninvasive 

wrinkle filler for only $24.94 at 

walmart.com. 

(BPT) ª 

Please pardon our mess while we are making 

improvements to our facilities and building new offices. 

Make sure to keep an eye out for our new product lines 

coming soon in Spring of 2023! 

Ask how to win a free potted plant as a token of our appreciation 

Nurse Practitioners: 

Esther Pelissier, ARPN-BC 

Irene Gan, PMHNP 

Raykha Crag-Chaderton, PMHNP-BC 

Nadine Massillon, ARPN 

Therapists: 

Michael Kellogg, LMHC, ATR-BC 

Randie Morillo, LCSW, ACSW 

Amy Singleton, LMHC 

Brooke Parker, LMHC 

Cristal Daniel, LMHC 

Nadine Massillon 

Esther Pelissier


Staying Healthy This Flu Season 

December through March is 

peak influenza (flu) season. While 

common, flu is a potentially serious 

and highly contagious respiratory 

illness. 

This winter, a new American 

Lung Association campaign funded 

by CSL Seqirus aims to educate 

Americans about the flu and steps 

they can take to protect themselves 

and others from severe flu illness. 

Here’s what to know: 

• Who is impacted by the flu? 

The flu can affect anyone; however, 

certain communities are at higher 

risk of severe illness and complications, 

such as those living with 

chronic medical conditions, including 

chronic lung disease, heart disease 

and/or diabetes. During past 

flu seasons, approximately 90% of 

flu-related hospitalizations were 

among adults with at least one underlying 

medical condition. During 

the 2021-22 flu season, approximately 

30% of hospitalizations 

were among adults with chronic 

lung disease. People from certain 

racial and ethnic minority groups 

are also at higher risk for being 

hospitalized with the flu compared 

to non-Hispanic white adults. 

• What will this year’s flu season 

look like? Flu activity was relatively 

low the past two flu seasons, but it 

causes a significant burden every 

winter. Seasonal influenza activity 

is already elevated and continues 

to increase across the country. 

Officials of the Centers for Disease 

Control and Prevention estimate 

that as of early January, there have 

been at least 22 million illnesses 

and 230,000 hospitalizations. 

• How can I protect myself? 

While covering your cough, washing 

your hands frequently, and 

staying home when you’re sick can 

help stop the spread of the flu, the 

very best way to protect yourself, 

your loved ones and your community 

is with vaccination. The flu 

shot is recommended on an annual 

basis for everyone age 6 months 

and older. The flu vaccination is especially 

important for people with 

chronic lung disease and other 

chronic health conditions. Speak 

with your health care provider to 

learn more about influenza and annual 

vaccination. 

• When should I see a doctor? 

If you do get sick, call your doctor 

as soon as possible for diagnosis 

and treatment — especially 

if you’re at high risk for complications. 

You should also consult your 

doctor if you have complications 

like difficulty breathing, chest pains 

or a cough persisting for weeks or 

months after other symptoms go 

away. 

Take steps to protect yourself, 

your family and your community 

from the flu. Practice good health 

habits and get your annual vaccination 

as early as possible. 

To learn more, visit lung.org/ 

prevent-flu. 

(StatePoint) ª 

DIANA HUSSAIN, M.D. 

7345 W. Sand Lake Rd., Ste 301 

321-204-8237 

www.flwellnessmd.com 

Now open in a new location and accepting new 

patients. 

Dr. Hussain is a Mayo Clinic-trained and double 

board-certified Medical Doctor specializing in 

Regenerative Medicine with the latest technology in 

high-quality Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and 

image-guided injections for painful conditions such 

as arthritis, chronic injuries, as well as hair 

restoration and aesthetics. 

Dr. Hussain has more than 15 years of experience 

in evaluation and non-opioid treatment of painful 

disorders with joint and spinal injections, under 

X-ray and ultrasound guidance; Botox® injections 

for Migraines and other conditions; as well as 

performing specialized tests for muscle and nerve 

problems (electrodiagnostic studies). 

Dr. Hussain is fluent in Spanish. 

You should seek a consultation if you have a 

condition that causes pain and limits your function 

or if you had a recent injury or motor vehicle 

accident, even if you are feeling fine. You have 14 

days to get medical attention after a motor vehicle 

accident or your insurance may deny your claim.


n Oakland 

Oakland Heritage Day, presented 

by Orlando Health and in partnership 

with Healthy West Orange 

and Oakland Nature Preserve, 

commemorated the town’s 135th anniversary. 

The time-honored festival 

was revitalized with fresh, new experiences 

tailored for both longtime 

and new residents alike. The festival 

celebrated Oakland’s small-town 

charm, unique history, nature, wellness 

and the arts with a family-friendly 

day of live music, food trucks, fine 

arts and crafts, quality vendors, interactive 

kids activities and more. 

In honor of its commitment to effective 

urban forest management, 

Oakland was named a Tree City USA 

by the Arbor Day Foundation for the 

20th year. In 2022, public works department 

staff oversaw the installation 

of approximately 500 new trees 

of various species, which included 

those planted on town-owned 

IN YOURNEIGHBORHOOD 

properties, at Oakland Nature 

Preserve, and within newly constructed 

neighborhoods. Oakland 

achieved Tree City USA recognition 

by meeting the program’s four requirements: 

having a tree board or 

compiled by Lauren Salinero 

department, having a tree care ordinance, 

having an annual community 

forestry budget of at least $2 per 

capita, and having an Arbor Day 

observance and proclamation. The 

town exceeded these standards and 

Oakland Public Works Department Supervisor Scott Townsend (left) and Jon 

Bahamonde of Paradise Landscaping & Irrigation plant a tree donated by the company. 

required developers to replace trees 

during construction. The benefits 

trees provide to urban environments 

are endless and include cooler temperatures, 

cleaner air, higher property 

values and healthier residents. 

Oakland has demonstrated a commitment 

to doing its part in this effort. 

For more information about the program, 

visit arborday.org/treecityusa. 

n Ocoee 

Officials of Graceland University, 

located in Lamnoi, Iowa, announced 

the college’s fall 2022 graduation 

list. Among them was Ocoee resident 

La’Stacia Bush, who earned 

a Master of Science in nursing (family 

nurse practitioner). 

West Orange Chamber of 

Commerce ambassadors held 

a ribbon-cutting for StretchLab in 

Ocoee. WOCC builds partnerships, 

strong businesses and commitment 

to the community by serving as


ideals. Fewer than 5% of students on 

a campus are invited to join each 

year. 

photo courtesy of WOCC 

West Orange Chamber of Commerce ambassadors celebrate the opening of 

StretchLab in Ocoee. 

the leading business advocate in 

Central Florida, facilitating opportunity 

to nearly 1,000 member businesses. 

For more information about 

WOCC, call 407-656-1304 or visit 

wochamber.com. 

n Et Al 

Omicron Delta Kappa, the 

National Leadership Honor 

Society, recently welcomed 1,085 

new initiates from 45 universities. 

Among them were University of 

Central Florida students Joao de 

Mendonca Salim of Winter 

Garden and Elizabeth Williams 

of Southwest Orlando. Students initiated 

into the society must be sophomores, 

juniors, seniors or graduate/ 

professional students in the top 35% 

of their class; demonstrate leadership 

experience in at least one of the 

five pillars; and embrace the ODK 

Alan Fickett (right), foundation chair for 

the Rotary Club of Dr. Phillips, presents 

a Paul Harris award to Dave Lehman. 

Mark Ramey, president of the Rotary 

Club of Dr. Phillips, welcomes guest 

speakers from Dave’s House — Ellen 

O’Connor (left), executive director, and Lin 

Wilensky, founder. 

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18


SAT, FEBRUARY 11 

11 AM – 10 PM 

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN 

WINTER GARDEN 

COME CELEBRATE THE CITY’S 

120TH ANNIVERSARY AT THIS 

COMMUNITY EVENT 

FEATURING 

LIVE MUSIC • ENTERTAINMENT 

HERITAGE ACTIVITIES • HISTORY WALKING TOURS 

KIDS’ ZONE • AND MUCH MORE! 

LEARN MORE 

www.cwgdn.com 

www.downtownwg.com 

Like 

us on 

Facebook! 

www.facebook.com/ 

southwestorlandobulletin 


U.S. Navy photo by 

mass communication 

specialist seaman 

Charlotte 

Dudenhoeffer 

Orlando 

natives airman 

Ashley 

Fromme (left) 

and aviation 

boatswain’s 

mate airman 

Christian 

Vazquezcruz 

of Southwest 

Orlando perform 

corrective 

maintenance 

on guide rails 

on the flight 

deck aboard 

the U.S. Navy’s 

only forwarddeployed 

aircraft carrier, 

USS Ronald 

Reagan. 

Although we try to ensure that all information presented above is the most current, correct and dependable 

available, we do rely on others for the source of our news. Therefore, the Southwest Orlando Bulletin and 

Cornerstone Publishing & Multi-Media LLC cannot be held responsible for the validity of the information 

presented here, nor does mentioning it constitute an endorsement. In Your Neighborhood news is welcome and 

may be mailed to P.O. Box 851, Windermere, FL 34786; or emailed to Lauren@kearneypublishing.com. ª 

PAVER SEALING 

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COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD 

compiled by Lisa Sagers 

n Charities/Fundraisers 

Feb. 7 — Orlando Networking Event 

Pilars Martini and Loft, 146 W. Plant St., Suite 210, 

Winter Garden, hosts the 60th Orlando Networking Event 

(O.N.E.) for Base Camp Children’s Cancer Foundation 

and Each Other. Attendees must be age 21-older. Time: 

5:30-9:30 p.m. Cost: $10 in advance; $15 at the door. 

For more information, visit orlandonetworkingevent.com. 

Feb. 9 — Walk A Mile In Her Shoes 

The 10th annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, during which men 

and women strap on stilettos (or blingy flip-flops or sneakers if 

preferred) and walk down Orange Avenue to show solidarity 

with survivors of domestic violence. Time: 5 p.m. for registration 

and various activities; the event formally kicks off on the 

steps of the Orange County Courthouse at 6 p.m. Cost: $35 

to receive an event T-shirt; $25 without receiving a T-shirt, with 

proceeds benefiting Harbor House of Central Florida. For 

more information or to register, visit www.classy.org/event/ 

walk-a-mile-in-her-shoes-2023/e457201. 

Feb. 11 — Paws In The Park 

Downtown Orlando’s Lake Eola Park hosts Pet Alliance of 

Greater Orlando’s 29th annual Paws in the Park pet festival, 

including a pet costume contest with celebrity judges and 

cash prizes at 10 a.m. (Themes are “Stars of Film & TV,” 

“Favorite Food,” and “Dogs With Jobs.”) Other activities, 

which take place until 4 p.m., include dock diving for dogs, 

lure courses, a beer garden, a variety of food trucks and shopping, 

pet products and more, plus pet adoption opportunities. 

Pet Alliance’s mobile vet unit also is on-site and provides free 

vaccines. For more information, visit www.pawsinthepark.org. 

Feb. 11 — Cupid’s Undie Run Orlando 

Elixir, 9 W. Washington St., Orlando, kicks off Cupid’s Undie 

Run Orlando, the largest pantless party and mile(ish) run in 

the nation, which begins with drinking and dancing, followed 

by a jog, and ending with an epic dancing party. Time: noon- 

4 p.m. Monies raised benefit neurofibromatosis (NF) research 

through the Children’s Tumor Foundation and improve lives 

for those living with NF, a genetic disorder that causes tumors 

to grow on nerves throughout the body. For more information, 

to donate or to register for the event, visit my.cupids.org/ 

event/2023-cupids-undie-run-orlando/e390994. 

Feb. 11 — Indigo Bluegrass BBQ 

Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens’ Orianne Center 

for Indigo Conservation, hosts the second annual Indigo 

Bluegrass BBQ, including live music, an array of barbecue 

favorites provided by OakWood Smokehouse & Grill, wine 

and beer and a live auction. Parking is only available at 

the Cassia Community Center, 29245 Florida Highway 

44, Eustis. Time: noon-4 p.m. Cost: $30 per person; $50 

for two people, with proceeds benefiting OCIC’s mission to 

reestablish the eastern indigo snake, a threatened species 

in Florida and surrounding states. OCIC also works to reintroduce 

the striped newt. For more information, to purchase 

tickets or to bid on auction items, visit www.biddingforgood. 

com/auction/auctionhome.action?auctionId=341700125. 

Feb. 25 — An Evening With Fabulous 

Friends 

Mennello Museum of American Art, 900 E. Princeton 

St., Orlando, hosts An Evening With Fabulous Friends, 

including art, music, dinner, a champagne toast and luxury 

auction with featured artist Donna Dowless’ The Colors of 

Love. Time: 6-9 p.m. Cost: $275. Sponsorships are available. 

For more information or to purchase tickets, email 

mennello.museum@cityoforlando.net or visit mennellomu 

seum.charityproud.org/eventregistration/Index/10795. 

Feb. 26 — Season Gala 

The John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center, 812 E. 

Rollins St., Orlando, hosts Orlando Shakes’ 34th Season 

Gala, including, food, wine, live entertainment and more. 

Cocktail attire is requested. Time: 5 p.m. Cost: $300, 

benefiting the theater’s mission to produce bold professional 

theater, develop new plays and provide innovative 

educational experiences for all ages. For more information, 

call 407-447-1700 or visit www.orlandoshakes.org. 

March 3 — A Runway For Giving 

The Oceana Grand Ballroom at Loews Royal Pacific 

Resort, 6300 Hollywood Way, Orlando, hosts Morning 

Star Catholic School’s 60th annual fashion show A 

Runway for Giving, including a silent auction, passed 

hors d’oeuvres and mimosas, a gourmet luncheon, a 

program and fashion show. Attire is daytime dressy — a 

jacket for the men (tie optional) and a dress or pantsuit for 

women. Time: 10:30 a.m. Cost: $250, benefiting MSCS 

for special-needs students. For more information, visit one. 

bidpal.net/fashionshow2023/welcome. 

April 15 — Over The Edge 

Hyatt Regency Orlando, 9801 International Drive, 

Orlando, hosts Over the Edge, presented by Avalon 

Roofing Solutions. Participants rappel down the side of 

HRO’s 32-story building to raise funds for Give Kids The 

World. Cost: A nonrefundable $50 to register. A fundraising 

page is created for each participant, who must 

raise a minimum of $1,000 by April 10, 2023. For more 

information or to register, visit give.gktw.org/event/overthe-edge-2023/e394243. 

n Children’s/Teen 

Programs 

Ongoing — In-Person Storytimes 

Winter Garden Library, 805 E. Plant St., Winter Garden, 

hosts the following in-person storytimes for children: 

Storybook Fun for preschoolers is Fridays at 10:15 a.m., 

Toddler Time is Fridays at 10:45 a.m., and Tiny Tales for 

babies up to 18 months is Fridays at 11:15 a.m. For more 

information, call 407-835-7323 or visit www.ocls.info. 

n Events/Performances 

Through Feb. 28 — Art Exhibition 

Crealdé School of Art and the city of Winter Garden 

co-present Reflection of Time, an exhibition in honor of 

Black History Month, at the Art in Public Places Gallery 

at Winter Garden City Hall. For more information, call 

407-671-1886 or visit crealde.org. 

CONTINUED ON PAGE 20



Through March 17 — Art & History 

Exhibit 

In celebration of Black History Month, the town of Oakland 

invites the public to Hold Fast to Dreams, a new art and 

history exhibition that delves into Oakland’s African 

American heritage. Time: Wednesday-Friday from 10 

a.m.-3 p.m. and the first Saturday of the month. For more 

information, visit www.oaklandfl.gov/artsandheritage or 

www.facebook.com/hwoahatoakland. 

Feb. 11 — Heritage Music Festival 

In celebration of the city’s 120th anniversary, historic 

downtown Winter Garden hosts the Winter Garden 

Heritage Music Festival, including live music, entertainment, 

heritage activities, history walking tours, a kids 

zone and more. Time: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Admission is free; 

however, sponsorships are available. For more information, 

visit www.cwgdn.com or www.downtownwg.com. 

Feb. 18 — Wedding Venue Open House 

Paradise Cove, 13245 Lake Bryan Drive, Orlando, hosts 

Orlando’s premier wedding venue open house, an evening 

of fun, romance and wedding planning. Attendees meet 

wedding vendors such as caterers, DJs, florists, photographers 

and more. Time: 5-8 p.m. For more information, 

call 407-239-6939 or visit paradisecoveorlando.com. 

Feb. 18 — Presentation & Book Signing 

Winter Garden Heritage Foundation’s Heller Hall, 21 

E. Plant St., Winter Garden, hosts Florida: A History 

in Pictures, a portrait of the state. After an informative 

presentation, books are available for purchase and signing. 

Time: 1:30 p.m. For more information, visit wghf.org. 

Feb. 18 — MLK Gospel Concert 

Steinmetz Hall at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing 

Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando, hosts the eighth 

annual MLK Gospel Concert, produced and directed by 

Grammy Award winner Jeffrey Redding. Time: 7 p.m. 

Admission is free; however, attendees are encouraged to 

bring nonperishable food donations for Second Harvest 

Food Bank of Central Florida. For more events, visit 

orlando.gov/events/mlk. 

n Miscellaneous 

Feb. 14 — Group Wedding Ceremony 

Southwest Orlando resident and Orange County Clerk of 

Courts Tiffany Moore Russell performs a group wedding 

ceremony for up to 30 couples in front of the steps of the 

Orange County Courthouse in downtown Orlando. Time: 

1 p.m. Cost: $70, which includes the wedding ceremony 

fee, a commemorative certificate, wedding photos, a delicious 

treat and a special gift. You must obtain your marriage 

license first for an additional fee before registering 

for the event. For more information or to register, visit 

www.myorangeclerk.com. 

Feb. 23 — Food Truck Connection 

MetroWest Golf Club, 2100 S. Hiawassee Road, 

Orlando, hosts the MetroWest Food Truck Connection, 

including food, fun and music. Time: fourth Thursday of 

every month from 5:30-8:30 p.m. For more information, 

visit www.metrowestcommunity.com. 

n Networking/Clubs 

Ongoing — Members Wanted 

The West Orange Women seeks females of all ages 

to join its group for fun, friendship and philanthropy. 

Annual dues are $25. For more information, email 

Alice Bergeson, westorangewomen@gmail.com; or visit 

www.westorangewomen.com. 

Feb. 7, 14, 21 & 28 — Virtual 

Toastmasters Meetings 

Windermere Toastmasters Club No. 4662754 holds Zoom 

meetings. Attendees learn to develop their oral communication 

and leadership skills in a supportive and positive learning 

environment. Time: Tuesdays from 7-8:30 p.m. For more 

information or to request online Zoom meeting details, visit 

www.4662754.toastmastersclubs.org and click “Contact Us.” 

Feb. 8, 15 & 22 — Virtual Toastmasters 

Meetings 

The Turnpike Toastmasters Club holds Zoom meetings. 

Time: Wednesdays from noon-1 p.m. For more 

information or to register for a virtual meeting, visit 

2362.toastmastersclubs.org and click “Contact Us” at 

least one day before the event. 

Feb. 9, 16 & 23 — Virtual Thursday 

Morning Men’s Group 

St. Luke’s United Methodist Church hosts a men’s online 

group with the Rev. Jad. Time: Thursdays at 7:45 a.m. 

via Zoom. For more information or to register, call 407- 

876-4991 or visit st.lukes.org/adults. 

Feb. 9, 16 & 23 — Virtual Toastmasters 

Meetings 

The Vista Toastmasters Club holds Zoom meetings. 

Time: Thursdays from 7-8:30 p.m. For more information, 

email vistatoastmasters.zoom@gmail.com or visit 

www.vistatoastmasters.org. 

n Support Groups 

Ongoing — Hope For Hurting Parents 

Support Group Meetings 

The Parish Life Center at Holy Family Catholic Church, 5125 

S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando, hosts Hope for Hurting 

Parents support group meetings for parents, grandparents, 

aunts, uncles, etc., who have children of any age who 

struggle with mental health issues, self-harm, eating disorders, 

substance abuse, gender confusion, suicidal thoughts 

and more. Time: first and third Monday of each month 

from 6-8 p.m. For more information, email Beth Denhof, 

bethdenhof@msn.com, or call her at 407-399-5872; or email 

Kelly Muscaro, kkmuscaro@aol.com, or call her at 407-963- 

5277. For more information, including resources and book 

recommendations, visit www.hopeforhurtingparents.com. 

Feb. 7 & 21 — Virtual Teen Grief 


The Cornerstone Hospice Bereavement Team holds virtual teen 

grief support group meetings for teens 12-17 struggling with 

the loss of a loved one or feeling anxious, upset or confused 

because of the pandemic. Groups are free and open to the 

public. Registration is required. Time: first and third Tuesday of 

each month from 5-6 p.m. For more information or to register, 

call 866-742-6655 or visit www.cornerstonehospice.org. 

PICTURE MY PET! 

Submit your purrr-fect pet photos for Southwest Orlando Bulletin’s 22nd 

annual pet photo album! Southwest Orlando's picture-perfect pets will 

be featured in our March 16 issue. 

All photos must be received by Feb. 22. Email photos to 

Lauren@kearneypublishing.com. 

All photos must be at least 200 KB in size. 

Please include name, pet’s name, address, neighborhood and phone 

number on entry. For more information, call 407-351-1573, option 4, 

or email Lauren@kearneypublishing.com. 

* Must be a Southwest resident to participate. 

Dogs • Cats • Birds • Reptiles • Rabbits • Fish • Rodents • Horses • Etc.

Feb. 14 & March 14 — Virtual Support 

Group Meetings For Caregivers 

The Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center sponsors 

a free support group meeting for caregivers in the Suite 

281 Conference Room (next to the south elevators on 

the second floor) at Health Central Hospital, 10000 W. 

Colonial Drive, Ocoee. Time: second Tuesday of each 

month at 6 p.m. For more information, call 407-843-1910 

or visit www.adrccares.org. 

Feb. 15 & March 1 — Virtual Teen Talks 


The Cornerstone Hospice Bereavement Team holds virtual 

teen talks support group meetings for youth 12-17. Groups 

are free and open to the public. Registration is required. 

Time: first and third Wednesday of each month from 3:30- 

4:30 p.m. For more information or to register, call 866-742- 

6655 or visit www.cornerstonehospice.org. 

Feb. 28 & March 14 — Mental Health 


The second floor of 

Building B at St. Luke’s 

United Methodist Church, 

4851 S. Apopka-Vineland 

Road, Orlando, hosts free 

connection and family 

support group meetings 

for individuals affected by 

mental illness. The connection 

support group meets 

in Room B-204, and families 

meet in Room B-206. 

The 90-minute meeting is 

peer-led and helps participants connect with each other, 

learn from each other’s experiences, share coping strategies 

and offer each other encouragement and understanding. 

Time: the second and fourth Tuesday of each month 

at 6:30 p.m. For more information, call 407-253-1900, 

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

n Volunteers Needed 

Ongoing — Volunteers Needed 

My Brother’s Keeper seeks volunteers — especially adult 

men (18-older) of color — who can serve as positive role 

models and mentor boys and young men of color. For 

more information, email Grace, gdearden@vcifl.org, at 

Volunteers for Community Impact. 

Contributions to Community Bulletin Board are 

welcome. Please send information six weeks 

before the event to P.O. Box 851, Windermere, 

FL 34787; call 407-351-1573, option 5; or email 

Lisa@kearneypublishing.com. ª 

www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com x February 2 — 15, 2023 x 21


Southwest Social 

SEEN 

Orlando’s largest pet festival, Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando’s 

29th annual Paws in the Park, returns Feb. 11 at downtown 

Orlando’s Lake Eola Park. Activities include a pet costume contest 

with celebrity judges and cash prizes, and the themes are “Stars of 

Film & TV,” “Favorite Food” and “Dogs With Jobs.” Participants and 

their furry family members can register online and invite their friends 

and family to join them for a special award ceremony, costume 

contest and numerous other festivities. The event ends at 4 p.m. For 

more information or to register, visit www.petallianceorlando.org or 

www.pawsinthepark.org.

P.O. Box 851 

Windermere, FL 34786 

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DISNEY SPRINGS ® , ORLANDO, FLORIDA 

1560 East Buena Vista Drive • Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 

@mariaandenzos

020223_Bridal Edition _DIGITAL EDITION

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