8 minute read
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN METROWEST
Your Local: Edgewood Children’s Ranch
By Nancy Glasgow
Since 1966, Edgewood Children’s Ranch has helped children who struggle with behavior issues created by past traumatic experiences. Edgewood’s program has helped more than 5,000 children have a second chance for a better future
Edgewood works with children often labeled “at-risk,” “troubled” and “rebellious.” Many have backgrounds that include drugs, alcohol, inappropriate sexual behavior, running away, failing in school, disrespect and violence. Traumatic experiences such as divorce, abuse, loss of a family member, negative peer influence, and other painful situations have led them to cope using negative behavior. Edgewood offers hope to these children, rehabilitating youth-at-risk and working closely with their families, returning children to their homes and society as healthy, functioning young people.
Located on more than 100 acres across the lake from MetroWest Golf Club, the nonprofit, residential program helps boys and girls ages 7-17 address and overcome behavioral issues in a positive, safe environment. Today, the Ranch accommodates up to 56 students at a time, providing structure, a loving home environment, academic remediation, behavioral training and a safety net for their troubled lives, along with love and prayer.
The Edgewood Children’s Ranch program is voluntary, and the parent and child are asked to reach an agreement to work within the Ranch’s guidelines. Children stay at the Ranch for two years on average and are evaluated at the end of each school year to determine if they should return to the program. Parents must also participate in the program, through parenting classes and attending weekly Chapel.
Children live full time at the Ranch in cottages and attend the accredited on-site school; the school maintains a ratio of one teacher for every 8 to 10 students. The children have visitation with their parents each Sunday afternoon, go home on designated weekends throughout the school year, and have holidays and summer break at home.
Students are accepted based on need and the desire to participate rather than the ability to pay. The Ranch asks that families pay towards the monthly tuition, but most families are unable to afford the full amount. As a result, the Ranch reaches out to the local community for support and holds several fundraisers throughout the year. Funding for Edgewood Children’s Ranch comes from community support in the form of donations, grants and in-kind gifts. The Ranch does not take state or federal funding.
Find out more about Edgewood Children’s Ranch at edgewoodranch. com.
By Nancy Glasgow
Presented by Orlando Health, the ninth annual MetroWest WinterFest will welcome thousands of attendees to the MetroWest Golf Club on Sunday, Dec. 11 from 3 to 7 p.m.
Staged by the MetroWest Master Association (MWMA), MetroWest WinterFest is a free community event designed for families with young children.
“WinterFest brings the MetroWest neighborhood together for an afternoon of holiday fun and camaraderie,” said Julie Sanchez, MWMA General Manager.
WinterFest 2022 will begin with Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving in a Clydesdale-drawn carriage, which will then be available for rides for event attendees.
WinterFest will include: ■ Free photos with Santa and Mrs.
Claus ■ 16-ton snow slide and play area ■ Holiday-themed performances by MetroWest Elementary School and Westpointe Elementary
School ■ Merry-go-round, bungee bouncer, and a ballistic swing carnival ride ■ Face painters ■ Horse and carriage rides ■ Food Truck Zone ■ Vendors
WinterFest will also feature a check presentation from MWMA to MetroWest Elementary School and Westpointe Elementary School.
MetroWest WinterFest 2022 benefits Edgewood Children’s Ranch, a nonprofit, residential program that helps boys and girls ages 6-17 address and overcome behavioral issues in a positive, safe environment. Every year, MetroWest communities and businesses compete in the MetroWest WinterFest Charity Challenge by collecting gift cards for the Ranch.
“Edgewood Children’s Ranch is part of our MetroWest community and offers much needed support for children with behavioral challenges. It’s our honor to support the Ranch and its exemplary residential program,” said Sanchez.
WinterFest is a rain or shine event, except in the case of extreme weather. Pets and coolers are not allowed.
For more information, visit www. metrowestcommunity.com or like MWMA on Facebook at www.facebook. com/MetroWestMasterAssociation.
Instead of Traditional Gifts, Consider Giving Experiences This Holiday Season By Kimbra Hennessy
As the holiday season approaches many of us have come to realize that we just have too much stuff; closets and garages are bursting with outdated clothes, toys, gadgets and more. Perhaps you are thinking, “What do I buy when it seems we already have too much?”
With this in mind, and the pandemic behind us, some are taking a fresh look at gift giving and considering the idea of giving experiences rather than traditional store-bought gifts this year. Whether fulfilling a wish, encouraging a passion, or enjoying an indulgent night out on the town, giving an experience may please and surprise the person in your life who “has everything.” And what could be better than creating lasting memories with your loved ones?
We are fortunate to live in Central Florida where fun and unique experiences abound; from world-famous attractions, renowned restaurants and cultural destinations, there is something for everyone in the family. Even better is the fact that MetroWest is located in the midst of all the action, with plenty of delightful experiences right in our own backyards.
For a different take on holiday gift giving, consider some of the following activities and experiences in and around MetroWest:
■ A round of golf (or golf lessons) at The MetroWest Golf Club —
Located in the heart of MetroWest on Lake Hiawassee. ■ Club Membership at Planet
Fitness – Get in shape in 2023 with a gym membership at Planet
Fitness which boasts a workout environment where everyone feels accepted and respected. ■ Izziban Sushi and BBQ – For a truly unique dining experience, enjoy all you can eat Korean BBQ and sushi in a trendy, upscale environment. ■ A day disc golfing or fishing at
Bill Frederick Park – Bill Frederick Park covers 183 acres of land alongside Turkey Lake, one of the top-five rated fishing lakes in the state of Florida.
■ A gift card to a Classpop sushi making class – If someone in your life loves sushi, they may want to try the art of sushimaking; this cooking class with
Chef Kimesha is the perfect place to start. ■ Shopping at Scan Design – Purchase a unique piece art or stylish
Scandinavian furniture that will last a lifetime. ■ Visit DEFY – this thrill-seeker’s attraction features a massive, 30,000-square-foot indoor playground with over 35 trampolines, circus equipment and obstacle courses safely ensconced by an allfoam platform. ■ Pay for a Continuing Educa-
tion class at Valencia College
– perhaps the person in your life would like to update their skills, prepare for a new position/career, or learn a new language. Valencia offers a wide range of in-person and online classes.
■ Buy bikes for the entire family from Full Circle Cycle – Full Circle is locally owned and Orlando’s is the most trusted bike shop since 1993. Full Circle offers quality products for all levels of cycling and advice about Orlando’s best bike trails. ■ Enjoy a couples massage at
Essential Spa of MetroWest
– Essentials offers outstanding personal spa services executed by a staff of skilled estheticians and massage therapists. ■ Give back by volunteering at
Second Harvest Food Bank –
Second Harvest Food Bank is a nonprofit that collects, stores and distributes donated food to more than 500 feeding partners throughout Central Florida. ■ Putting Edge Mini-Golf – Enjoy 18 holes of glow-in-the-dark fun on this unique “black light” mini-golf course where you will be immersed in a kaleidoscope of dazzling colors and sounds. ■ Making Big Bass Memories – Targeting largemouth bass,
Makin Big Bass Memories is a fishing charter company guided by experienced angler, Capt. Justin
Makin. Join him as he takes you to the right spots to reel in your first (or, perhaps, your biggest) bass.
Maybe it’s time to literally “think outside the box” when it comes to gift giving this holiday season. Experts agree that with the passing of time people tend to get less satisfied with material purchases and happier with experiences that create lasting memories.
MetroWestNational Night Out Recognized by City of Orlando
By Nancy Glasgow
MetroWest’s National Night Out (NNO) event on Oct. 4 was recognized by the City of Orlando as the third-place contest winner for the NNO theme of “Giving Crime and Drugs a Going Away Party,” winning a cash prize of $200. Held at the MetroWest Golf Club, MetroWest’s National Night Out featured vendors and exhibits, food trucks, kids’ events, and crime prevention and safety demonstrations. National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes strong police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie, enhancing the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of connection.
