040623_Summer Kids Calendar II _DIGITAL EDITION

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6 x April 6 — 19, 2023 x www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com Some students like geography, and then there are students who want others to appreciate the joys of geography as much as they do. That would describe the recently published author of Kobe's World Adventure, Windermere School student Kaylan Patel. A two-time Florida Geography Bee champion, Kaylan felt the need to give youth in Central Florida the opportunity to love geography as much as he does. “The book basically takes the kids on a little tour of the country with some fun facts but some geography facts, as well, for them to learn,” the 16-year-old high school junior said. “Considering I used to compete, I wanted to do something with geography, and I thought the best way to do that [at] another level would be to write a geography book for kids.” Preparatory Kobe’s World Adventure revolves around the character SOUTHWEST SPOTLIGHT Young Author Is Going Places Taking Geography to the Next Level by Blair Parke Windermere Preparatory School student Kaylan Patel publishes Kobe's World Adventure. Kobe and his family traveling the U.S., visiting some known landmarks in each state, and learning something new connected with the states. The book is written for elementary-age children, and, after publishing the book, Kaylan decided he wanted to share his book by reading and later gifting it to area elementary schools. He most recently read the book at Hungerford Elemen tary School during the past summer, an experience he will treasure. “When I was reading to them, they were really engaged and asking questions, enjoying the book and excited to get the book,” said Kaylan, who also has read to children at a Boys & Girls Club of Central Florida and an intensive care unit in an AdventHealth hospital. Kaylan and his parents started their own 501(c)3 foundation — Lending Hand Global Foundation — and plan to partner with A Gift for Teaching to include Kaylan’s book with boxes of supplies to Title 1 teachers in Central Florida. The foundation also plans to sponsor more book, clothing and food drives. As he looks to the future, Kaylan already is planning to write more Kobe’s World Adventure books for all the world’s continents, anything to give students the opportunity to learn and love geography. “I want to spread knowledge to as many people as I can,” he said. For more information, visit www.lendinghandg lobalfoundation.com. ª DIANA HUSSAIN, M.D. 7345 W. Sand Lake Rd. Ste 301 Orlando, FL 32819 321-204-8237 www.flwellnessmd.com • Mayo Clinic trained and double board-certified M.D. in Interventional Pain Medicine and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation • Voted and featured in Best Doctors in Orlando Magazine • Fluent in Spanish Services offered: • High-quality Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and image-guided injections for chronic injuries and arthritis • PRP for male and female hair restoration • Worker’s compensation, auto accidents and Slip and falls • Botox® injections for Migraines and aesthetics • Joint and spinal injections under X-ray and ultrasound guidance • Evaluation and non-opioid treatment of pain disorders • Specialized tests for muscle and nerve problems (EMG/NCS) All Together Now June 3 - July 29 In-person and virtual events for kids of all ages Fun - Educational - Free
www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com x April 6 — 19, 2023 x 7 COMMUNITY AWARENESS Italian-Americans Unite in Community Unico Civic Group Is Established in Central Florida by Leona Braun Have you heard of Dr. Anthony P. Vastola of Waterbury, Connecticut? Do you know what he has to do with the Italian-American community in the Greater Orlando area? Dr. Vastola was born in 1889 in San Valentino, Italy. When he was 6, his family immigrated to New Haven, Connecticut. He graduated from Yale University and Fordham Medical School as a physician and surgeon. When his request to join a local service organization was turned down because of his ethnic background, he conceived the idea of a civic group with members of Italian heritage. In October 1922, a group of 15 men met in Dr. Vastola’s home to organize just such a group patterned after other civic organizations. It was a fulfillment of his dream to unite men of Italian heritage in an organization to perform charitable, patriotic and educational deeds. This was the birth of Unico — its name taken from the Italian language to indicate that the group was “unique.” Soon, word spread about the organization, and chapters began to spring up around the country. Windermere residents Joe and Jeana Scalo also had a dream to establish a chapter of Unico. They both grew up in Italian families in upstate New York. “I hid my Italian heritage from the bullies, especially in high school,” Jeana said. “I did not grow up with extended family support like Joe did.” The Scalos moved to Florida in 1983 when Joe landed a job at a Tampa law firm. This led to a job in the Orlando area in 1988, where they settled to raise a family. The couple has four daughters and one son. During a family trip to Italy in 2019, when Joe visited his grandfather’s home, he became inspired to preserve and pass on his heritage. “It was shortly thereafter that we started our effort to establish a chapter in Orlando as a means of promoting and embracing our Italian-American heritage and culture,” Jeana said. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, little happened toward building a Central Florida chapter. After the pandemic, however, the work began to organize and publicize. The Orlando chapter of Unico received its charter March 27, 2022, creating the 100th chapter in the USA in the 100-yearold organization. Another dream realized. Today, the Greater Orlando chapter of Unico is presided over by Joe, president, and Jeana, assistant vice president; and they want to hear from others of Italian- American heritage in the area. One of its most important activities involves fundraising for college scholarships in all areas of study. In 2022, local Unico awarded 20 scholarships totaling $98,250 to graduating high school seniors. The members also have fun events. Four times per year, a couple in the group hosts a heritage dinner that features foods from their ancestors’ region of Italy. They also sold raffles to win a trip to Italy. The winner was drawn at the club’s anniversary celebration last month. If you are of Italian heritage, want to make friends with those who share your customs, and desire to be a positive influence in the community, Unico is your service/social club. Jeana and Joe are waiting for your email at joescalo324@gmail.com. ª
Page 1 and 2: SUMMER KIDS CALENDAR ... PAGE 9 The
Page 3 and 4: www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com x
Page 5: TABLE OF CONTENTS SOUTHWEST SPOTLIG
Page 15 and 16: Stephanie Xenias, support person of
Page 17 and 18: Q Dr. Phillips West Orange Chamber
Page 19 and 20: Q Winter Garden U.S. Navy photo by
Page 21 and 22: at 407-963-5277. For more informati
Page 24: P.O. Box 851 Windermere, FL 34786 F

040623_Summer Kids Calendar II _DIGITAL EDITION

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