CONNECT
In Partnership with Observer Media Group
APRIL 2016
3rd Annual
Sunday, May 1 4 - 8 p.m.
MetroWest GOLF CLUB
2 • MetroWest CONNECT
April 2016
We can replace your joints because you can‘t replace: Take back your quality of life at Orlando Health – Health Central Hospital, the ONLY Joint Commission Certified Total Knee and Total Hip Replacement facility in the Orlando area! To find an orthopaedic physician near you visit OrlandoHealth.com
Connect with Us:
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April 2016
MetroWest CONNECT • 3
From the
President
MetroWest
CONNECT Publisher
Dawn Willis
Dear Friends:
I
Executive Editor
’d like to extend a personal invitation for you to join the MetroWest Master Association at our 3rd Annual JazzFest on Sunday, May 1, 2016 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the MetroWest Golf Club. Enjoy the nationally recognized contemporary jazz talents of Jeff Kashiwa (saxophone), Matt Marshak (guitar) and Brian Simpson (keyboard) as they entertain guests throughout the event. In addition to amazing music, this free community event will also feature local artists displaying their artwork for sale and delicious food options available from the MetroWest Golf Club grill and several food vendors. If last year’s event is any indication, we expect a huge crowd. It’s a great day to enjoy some good music, beautiful weather and neighborhood connections.To learn more about the event, visit www.MetrowestCommunity.com. And this year’s JazzFest will be extra special as we kick off our 30th Anniversary Celebration at the event.We hope you will join us to start the celebration. I look forward to connecting with you at the MetroWest JazzFest and throughout our 30th Anniversary year.
Sincerely,
Jim Drayton
Board President MetroWest Master Association
Let’s CONNECT! We want to make the MetroWest CONNECT your community source for news and information. Please share your good news with us. NAME: _________________________________________________________ COMMUNITY/BUSINESS: ___________________________________________ EMAIL ADDRESS: _________________________________________________ WHAT’S YOUR GOOD NEWS OR UPCOMING EVENT?____________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ Submit To: mwma.admin@cfl.rr.com.
Mike Eng Creative Designers
Andres Tam Tony Trotti Advertising Executive
Kim Edwards kedwards@wotimes.com or call 407-656-2121 Published four times a year. Upcoming Issues:
July 21, 2016 November 17, 2016 Published by:
in partnership with the MetroWest Master Association
ADVERTISE OR SUBSCRIBE TODAY! Call us at 407-656-2121 Email us at subscribe@wotimes.com or advertisenow@wotimes.com
4 • MetroWest CONNECT
April 2016
City of Orlando Completes MetroWest Boulevard Enhancements You might have noticed some roadwork happening along MetroWest Boulevard over the past few months. Constant excessive pothole repairs resulted in undesirable roadway conditions both eastbound and westbound on MetroWest Boulevard from Hiawassee Road to Robert Trent Jones. Repairs began in January and were completed in March. Arnold Palmer Drive has also been undergoing similar upgrades in both directions from Kirkman Road to Wilshire Drive. Though the enhancements might have caused some minor traffic backups, we hope you agree the end result of new, beautiful entry roads was worth it to welcome residents and guests into MetroWest.
Congratulations to Julie Sanchez, MetroWest Master Association Community Manager for being named one of the Top 10 Managers in the Nation. The Manager of the Year Award is the nation’s premiere award for community managers.
Coming soon! MetroWest’s 30th Anniversary!
www.ManagerOfTheYear.org
The celebration begins at JazzFest.
April 2016
MetroWest CONNECT • 5
BUSINESS PROFILE
A NEW CONCEPT IN DECORATION
Address: 6965 Piazza Grande Ave. Suite 105/106
Orlando – Florida 32835
Phone: 321-247-7007 Email: info@akazzainteriors.com Website: www.akazzainteriors.com
Our Orlando showcase store is the crown jewel of our United States operations. We encourage everyone to stop by and see our uniquely designed and crafted furniture.We provide the highest quality products in the industry, meaning you will enjoy your purchases many years to come.
W. Colonial Dr.
408 Florida T u
rnpike
408
AKAZZA
I-4 203993
We are a company defined by the principle that good design can have a profound influence on both style and comfort. Our furniture integrates well with other design elements, including bold, neutral, textured or pattered palettes.
6965 Piazza Grande Ave. Suite 105/106 Orlando – Florida 32835 321-247-7007 www.akazzainteriors.com
435
With locations in Brazil, Angola and now the USA, our furniture collection is more available than ever. Our pieces are so timeless, chic, and flexible, they adapt to any style or home decor.This is “feel good furniture”, a product that is as fresh and relevant today as it was yesterday and will be tomorrow.
Come visit the newest contemporary furniture store in Orlando!
Hiawassee Rd.
Established over 15 years ago, Akazza Interiors is a home furniture store that bridges the gap between design and comfort. Many signature pieces are made using certified reclaimed wood from the Amazon, creating the most unique living and dining room furniture.
6 • MetroWest CONNECT
April 2016
MetroWest Master Association Managed by
3rd Annual
Sunday, May 1 4 - 8 p.m.
MetroWest GOLF CLUB
Doors open at 3:30 p.m.
Local Artist Showcase
Local Food Vendors
Nationally Recognized Jazz Talent
Beer, Wine and Cocktails Gold Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
West Orange Times. Windermere.
JEFF KASHIWA MATT MARSHAK
ent v E y t i n u m No coolers, please. FREE Com
BRIAN SIMPSON
April 2016
MetroWest CONNECT • 7
Featured Entertainment iwa
M a
Je f
f
sh Ka
tt
Br i
a
Jeff Kashiwa, established himself in the 1990’s as one of the most diverse saxmen in contemporary jazz during his decade long tenure with The Rippingtons. He earned continued praise as a solo artist, guest artist, and founder of The Sax Pack, a trio of saxophone headliners, touring the U.S. and abroad. In addition to touring, Jeff expanded his career to include the realm of music education, teaching various courses through the music program at Shoreline Community College in Seattle.
k rsha a M
im nS
Guitarist Matt Marshak infuses new energy into contemporary jazz and R & B. An international and national tour veteran, Matt also toured with Canadian jazz supergroup Four80East and he teamed up with Marcus Anderson (Prince’s saxophonist) for many live shows. You can also catch him strumming at clubs such as Yoshi’s in San Francisco, Scullers in Boston and many other respected venues nationwide.
pson
Inspired keyboardist, composer, studio musician and producer, Brian Simpson’s multiple talents are revered for his unparalleled ability to compose unforgettable melodies and irresistible grooves. His knack for blending genres and churning out timeless anthems coupled with his soulful approach to music has resulted in collaborations with Janet Jackson, Teena Marie, George Duke, Stanley Clarke and Dave Koz, for whom he has served as musical director for nearly two decades.
4/11/16 3:58 PM
8 • MetroWest CONNECT
April 2016
West Orange Chamber of Commerce Celebrates MetroWest Business Heather Papoulis, Manager of Membership Development for the West Orange Chamber and resident of The Madison hanging out with Mickey Mouse at the 2016 Big Orange Awards at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
Francine Burruezo of MetroWest Golf Club with Mickey Mouse at West Orange Chamber 2016 Big Orange Awards at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
- Photo courtesy of Brion Price Photography
- Photo courtesy of Brion Price Photography
- Photo courtesy of Brion Price Photography
Pam Gould, OCPS Board Member District 4 which includes MetroWest at the West Orange Chamber 2016 Big Orange Awards at Disney’s Contemporary Resort with Chamber President and resident of Fairway Cove, Stina D’Uva.
- Photo courtesy of West Orange Chamber of Commerce
West Orange Chamber Ambassadors celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Edgewood Children’s Ranch.
The West Orange Chamber of Commerce
Economic & Governmental Advocacy Committee presents
Learn more about the candidates for Orange County Commission District 1
Wednesday, May 11, 2016 11:30 am – 1:30 pm Tanner Hall 29 W. Garden Ave. Winter Garden, FL
Chamber member earned rates: $41 per person; $328 for a table of 8 Non-Chamber member rates: $51 per person; $408 for a table of 8 All tickets must be paid in advance. Featuring Guest Moderator Matt Austin All reservations and or cancellations must be made by Friday, May 6. No Shows will still be charged.
To purchase tickets, please visit wochamber.com or call 407-656-1304.
April 2016
MetroWest CONNECT • 9
BUSINESS PROFILE
Simmonds Dental Center Address: 1601 Park Center Drive Suite 1
Orlando, Fl 32835
Phone: 407-253-3787 Website: www.SimmondsDentalCenter.com Hours: Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 5pm Who are we? Our Motto at Simmonds Dental center is “Changing lives, one smile at time,” which is exactly what we do.We are unique because we treat our patients like family, existing and new patients alike. Dr. Sonia Simmonds is our Senior Dentist and owner of Simmonds Dental Center. She has been practicing dentistry for almost twenty years and has made it a top priority to have her office staff deliver exceptional, compassionate service. All of this has contributed to her reputation as one of the friendliest dentists in Orlando. Dr. Andrea Irarrazabal (aka Dr. Razz) is a South Florida native and graduate of Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine. Her passion is treating the dental phobic patient and she creates a caring, fun environment, allowing them to get the dental care they need. Where are we? Simmonds Dental Center has provided dental care for patients in the Metrowest and surrounding communities for the last 8 years and are happy to have contributed to the robust growth and rebirth of this area.We look forward to continuing to serve the community in the coming years. What makes us different? We know the reservations that some patients have when coming to the dentist, and we aim to soothe their fears and take care of their dental needs in a relaxing environment. At Simmonds Dental center we put our patients needs and comfort first. We love what we do and overcoming fear is our specialty as there are few joys more rewarding than seeing a once fearful patient become completely at ease in the chair. Our office has also been able to give back by hosting an annual Free Dental Day where we provide dental care to those who are less fortunate in our community at no charge.We believe that it is our mission and purpose to serve using the abilities God has blessed us with.
Changing lives one smile at a time!
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1601 Park Center Dr #1 Orlando, FL 32835
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10 • MetroWest CONNECT
April 2016
Orange County Public Schools 2016 -‐ 2017 Calendar Orange County Public Schools 2016 -‐ 2017 Calendar
Monday-‐Friday Monday-‐Friday Monday Monday Monday Monday Thursday Friday Monday Thursday Friday Friday Monday Wednesday-‐Friday Friday Friday Two Weeks Wednesday-‐Friday
2016-2017 Calendar August 8-‐12, 2016
Friday Tuesday Two Weeks Wednesday
August 8-‐12, 016 August 15, 22016 September 5, 2016 August 15, 2016 September 5, 22016 016 October 13, October 14, 2016 October 17, 22016 016 October 13, October 28, 22016 016 October 14, October 17, 2016 November October 28, 223-‐25, 016 2016 December 16, 2016 December 213-‐25, 9, 2016 – November 2016 January 2 , 2 017 December 16, 2016 January 3, 129, 017 December 2016 – January 4 , 2 017 January 2, 2017
Tuesday Monday Wednesday
January 3, 2017 January 16, 2017 January 4, 2017
Monday Monday
February 20, 2017 January 16, 2017
Thursday March 16, 2017 Monday February 0, 2017 Friday March 127, 2017 Monday-‐Friday March 20-‐24, 2017 Thursday March 16, 2017 Friday March 17, 22017 Monday March 27, 017 Monday-‐Friday March 0-‐24, 2017 Friday April 228, 2017 Monday May 29, 2017 Monday March 27, 2017 Friday April 238, Wednesday May 1, 22017 017 Monday May 29, 2017 Thursday-‐Friday June 1-‐2, 2017 Wednesday May 31, 2017 Thursday-‐Friday June 1-‐2, 2017 First semester: 84 days (43/41) Second semester: 96 days (50/46) First semester: 84 days (43/41)
Pre-‐planning for teachers (Aug. 10 is a staff development day.) Pre-‐planning for teachers First day of school for students (Aug. 1 0 i s a s taff d Labor Day Holiday evelopment day.) First day aond f school for students (Schools district offices are closed.) st Labor Harking oliday p eriod (43 days) End of D1ay m (Schools nd district offices are closed.) Student haoliday/teacher workday nd st Begin End of 21 m marking arking pperiod eriod (43 days) Student holiday/teacher oliday/teacher pwrofessional Student orkday day/ teacher nd non-‐workday Begin 2 marking period Thanksgiving Break Student holiday/teacher professional day/ teacher nd End of 2 marking period (41 days) non-‐workday Winter Break B reak Thanksgiving
End of 2nd marking period (41 days) Student Bhreak oliday/teacher workday Winter Students return to school/begin 2nd semester/begin 3rd marking period Student holiday/teacher workday Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Students return to school/begin 2nd (Schools and district offices are closed.) semester/begin 3rd marking period Presidents' Day holiday Martin Luther King, J Dr. istrict Holiday are open.) (Schools are closed. offices (Schools district offices are closed.) End of 3ardnd marking period (50 days) Presidents' D ay h oliday Student holiday/teacher workday (Schools are c losed. District offices are open.) Spring Break rd End o f 3 marking eriod (50 days) (Schools a re closed. p D istrict offices are open.) th Student h oliday/teacher w orkday Begin 4 marking period Spring Break Student holiday/teacher non-‐workday (Schools a re c losed. D istrict offices are open.) Memorial Day Holiday th Begin 4 amnd arking period (Schools district offices are closed.) Student h oliday/teacher non-‐workday End of 4th marking period/last day of school for students (46 days) Memorial Day Holiday Post-‐planning f or teachers (Schools and district offices are closed.) th End of 4 marking period/last day of school for students (46 days) Post-‐planning for teachers
April 2016
MetroWest CONNECT • 11
MetroWest CONNECT
• AREA SCHOOLS
OLYMPIA HIGH SCHOOL
METROWEST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
MetroWest Elementary School, “Where Miracles are In the Making,” is led by principal Patricia G. Smith. MetroWest Master Association supports the elementary school by an annual donation, which has funded technologically advanced learning tools, like interactive white boards, as well as supporting increases in the flourishing Accelerated Reading program. Visit www.ocps.net/lc/west/emt/Pages/default.aspx
GOTHA MIDDLE SCHOOL
Gotha Middle School is led by principal Cheri Godek. Gotha has been an A-rated school for the past ten years, as well as recognized as a Red Ribbon School, Five Star School and received the Golden School recognition for the last three years. Visit www.ocps.net/lc/west/mgo/Pages/default.aspx
CHAIN OF LAKES MIDDLE SCHOOL
Chain of Lakes Middle School is lea by principal Karen Furno. As well as being an A-rated school, Chain of Lakes is also a Five Star School and boasts an award-winning PTSA program. Visit www.ocps.net/lc/southwest/mch/Pages/default.aspx
OLYMPIA HIGH SCHOOL
Olympia High School is led by principal Guy Swenson. Olympia is the only high school in Orange County to earn all A’s for three years in a row. Additionally, more than $5.1 million in scholarships have been earned by seniors, and the outgoing class had six seniors accepted to Top 20 colleges and universities, three National Merit Scholars and one National Hispanic Scholar. Visit www.ocps.net/lc/west/hol/Pages/Default.aspx
VALENICA COLLEGE FOUNDATION, INC. 1768 Park Center Drive, Orlando, FL 32835 407-582-1701 Visit www.valenciacollege.edu
FLORIDA VIRTUAL SCHOOL
2145 Metrocenter Blvd., Suite 200, Orlando, FL 32835 407-513-3587 Visit www.flvs.net
DA VINCI ACADEMY
1901 Park Center Drive, Orlando, FL 32835 407-290-5437 Visit www.davinci-academy.com
PIAGET ACADEMY
6395 Raleigh Street, Orlando, FL 32835 407-293-9372 Visit www.piagetpreschool.com
EMBANET COMPASS
2145 Metrocenter Blvd., Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32835 1-877-303-2340 Visit www.embanet.com
MICROTEK – COMPUTER CLASSROOM RENTAL 2145 Metrocenter Blvd #150, Orlando, FL 32835 407-532-4704 Visit www.mclabs.com
NC PEARSON
2101 Park Center Drive, Orlando, FL 32835 www.pearsonassessments.com
12 • MetroWest CONNECT
April 2016
MetroWest CONNECT ACHILLE’S ART CAFE – COFFEE SHOP 2869 Wilshire Drive, Suite 103 Orlando, FL 32835 (407) 704-7860 www.achillesartcafe.com
CHEESESTEAK FACTORY 6405 Raleigh St. Orlando, FL 32835 (407) 985-1988 www.gotcheesesteaks.com
CHINA GARDEN
• AREA RESTAURANTS
FIVE GUYS BURGERS AND FRIES 3120 Villa Strada Way, Suite T Orlando, FL 32811 (407) 292-0422 www.fiveguys.com
FLORIDA TAP ROOM 6409 Raleigh St. Orlando, FL 32835 (407) 296-9690
HABANERO’S
2258 S. Kirkman Road Orlando, FL 32811 (407) 822-8882
6996 Piazza Grande Ave, Suite 100 Orlando, FL 32835 407-757-2541 www habanerosmexicangrillrestaurant.com
CHINA GRILL
HABIBI
CHINA “TIAN MEI” RESTAURANT
HUNGRY HOWIES
6433 Raleigh St. Orlando, FL 32835
in Publix Shopping Center 2407 S. Hiawassee Road Orlando, FL 32835 (407) 299-8687
CHINA LEE
2451 S. Hiawassee Road Orlando, FL 32835 2304 Kirkman Road Orlando, FL 32835 (407) 296-7070 www.hungryhowies.hungerrush.com
ITAR BISTRO
2338 S. Kirkman Road Orlando, FL 32835
7065 Westpointe Blvd Orlando, FL 32835 www.itarbistro.com
CHIPOTLE
JORDANOS CHICKEN & GYRO
2850 S. Kirkman Road Orlando, FL 32811 (407) 532-8808 www.chipotle.com
COLD STONE CREAMERY 2312 S. Kirkman Road Orlando, FL 32811 (407) 563-2181 www.coldstonecreamery.com
CRAFTED
2417 South Hiawassee Road Orlando, FL 32835 (407) 601-6887 www.craftedorlando.com
CRISPERS
2228 S. Kirkman Road Orlando, FL 32811 (407) 296-4551 www.crispers.com
DUNKIN DONUTS 2900 S. Kirkman Road Orlando, FL 32811 (407) 295-8646 www.dunkindonuts.com
5920 Metropolis Way, Suite 105 Orlando, FL 32835 (407) 521-1802
JOSIE’S PIZZA AND WINGS 1225 S. Hiawassee Road Orlando, FL 32835 (407) 296-4009 www.josiespizza.com
KEKE’S – COMING SOON 2433 S. Hiawassee Rd. Ste 130 Orlando, FL 32835 407-298-3684 http://www.kekes.com
MARCO’S PIZZA
2457 S. Hiawassee Road Orlando, FL 32835 (407) 294-5522 www.marcos.com
MCDONALD’S
SUBWAY
MCDONALD’S
SUBWAY
1411 S. Hiawassee Road Orlando, FL 32835 (407) 298-9366 www.mcdonalds.com 2944 S. Kirkman Road Orlando, FL 32811 (407) 296-6265 www.mcdonalds.com
MIKADO JAPANESE CUISINE
6417 Raleigh St. Orlando, FL 32835 (407) 822-1080 www.mikadosushiorlando.com
PACIFIC ROOTZ
6996 Piazza Grande Avenue, Suite 103 Orlando, FL 32835 321-228-4864 www.pacificrootz.com
PANDA EXPRESS
2972 S. Kirkman Road Orlando, FL 32811 (407) 291-1698 www.pandaexpress.com
2455 S. Hiawassee Road Orlando, FL 32835 (407) 297-7735 www.subway.com 3120 Villa Strada Way, Suite K Orlando, FL 32811 (407) 293-4567 www.subway.com
SUNDANCE TAVERN AT METROWEST GOLF CLUB
2100 S. Hiawassee Road Orlando, FL 32835 www.metrowestgolf.com/restaurants
TACO BELL
2403 S. Hiawassee Road Orlando, FL 32835 (407) 293-9803 www.tacobell.com
TEAK BAR AND GRILL
6400 Time Square Ave., Suite A Orlando, FL 32835 (407) 313-5111 www.teakorlando.com
PHILLY CONNECTION
TIJUANA FLATS
2328 S. Kirkman Road Orlando, FL 32811 (407) 822-5466 www.phillyconnection.com
2320 S. Kirkman Road Orlando, FL 32835 (407) 822-4257 www.tijuanaflats.com
PHILLY’S BEST CHEESESTEAKS
TROPICAL SMOOTHIE CAFE
2295 S. Hiawassee Road Orlando, FL 32835 407-488-3960 www.phillysbestfoodtruck.com
PIE-FECTION
3120 Villa Strada Way, Suite F Orlando, FL 32811 (407) 523-2200 www.piefectionorlando.com
PIZZA HUT
2426 S. Kirkman Road Orlando, FL 32811 (407) 445-4299 www.pizzahut.com
POUR HOUSE BAR AND GRILL 2461 S. Hiawassee Road Orlando, FL 32835 (407) 704-8648
STONINGTON’S SEAFOOD 2316 S. Kirkman Road Orlando, FL 32835 www.stoningtonsseafood.com
3120 Villa Strada Way, Suite E Orlando, FL 32835 www.tropicalsmoothie.com
URBAN HIBACHI
3120 Villa Strada Way, Suite I Orlando, FL 32835 www.urbanhibachi.com
WENDY’S
2751 Wilshire Drive Orlando, FL 32835 (407) 292-2039 www.wendys.com
WESTERLY’S AT METROWEST GOLF CLUB 2100 S. Hiawassee Road Orlando, FL 32835 www.metrowestgolf.com/ restaurants
April 2016
MetroWest CONNECT • 13
LOCAL EATS
Keke’s Breakfast Cafe – MetroWest
ADDRESS: 2433 South Hiawassee Rd., Suite 130
Orlando, FL 32835 PHONE NUMBER: (407) 298-3684 EMAIL: metrowest@kekes.com WEBSITE: www.kekes.com
The newest Keke’s Breakfast Cafe is now open for business in MetroWest. If you have not had the opportunity to eat at one of Keke’s other twenty locations, Keke’s is a full-service breakfast and lunch restaurant dedicated to providing an outstanding breakfast and lunch experience; a meal where everything is handmade, using the best ingredients available, with fresh fruit and vegetables that are delivered daily, and using fresh bread and dairy products. Some favorite Keke’s dishes are the Florida Pancakes, topped with fresh strawberries, banana, blueberries and powdered sugar, the Banana, Nut &
Caramel Waffle, which features banana and pecans baked in the waffle, topped with more banana, pecans, caramel and powdered sugar, an extensive amount of omelet options such as Greek,Three Meat, and Hawaiian omelets, as well as a complete lunch menu. Additionally, a must-have at every Keke’s visit is a serving of our fresh, hand cut, redskin potato home-fries. Since opening its first location outside the Mall of Millenia in the fall of 2006, Keke’s has grown to become Central Florida’s premier breakfast restaurant with 21 locations spanning across Orlando,Tampa, Lakeland, the Space Coast and South Florida. Keke’s is open every day of the year, excepting Thanksgiving and Christmas days. Breakfast is served all day from 7:30am – 2:30pm, while lunch services starts at 10:30am. The MetroWest Keke’s is located 2435 South Hiawassee Road, Suite 130 in the MetroWest Village plaza, immediately adjacent to Publix.
14 • MetroWest CONNECT
April 2016
VoiceOnyx Celebrates 10 Years ORLANDO, FLORIDA (PRWEB) MARCH 28, 2016
“Making it easy for our customers to grow or downsize without penalty, hassle, or commitments, provides a peace of mind to business owners and some of our customers who have been with us for all 10 years are loyal to us for that reason.”
The telecommunications landscape has and continues to change in Florida, leaving some business owners in the dark about their options. As VoiceOnyx celebrates 10 years of serving Florida businesses, they reminisce about the past and look forward to the future.VoiceOnyx has been around long enough to see Central Florida’s major cable provider change hands from Time Warner to Brighthouse, and as recently announced; to Charter Communications. “We pay close attention to the telecom industry here in Florida as it is important for us to help our customers better understand the most reliable Internet connection for their area,” says Edward Warren. Edward, the operations manager at the Orlando headquarters, reflected with the VoiceOnyx team as they highlighted the business practices that attributed to their last decade. VoiceOnyx closely monitors its customers Internet connections and provides a complimentary managed router solution to ensure consistent quality of service. “We have found that over the years, Internet service provider’s quality of service fluctuates as population density changes, or as technology evolves. It is our job to advise our customers on the most reliable connection for their business,” explains Edward.VoiceOnyx can provide a dedicated line based service, however, the more popular option has evolved to VoIP, which allows VoiceOnyx customers to change Internet service providers or to move to a new location
without service interruption or the need to change their telephone company. “Florida went through a tough economic time a couple of years ago and we witnessed how hard some Florida business were affected and most were forced to downsize.We are now happy to report that almost all of our customers that survived the great recession are growing again,” says Elizabeth Allen, Director of Marketing at VoiceOnyx.While most telecommunications companies locked their customers down with long term contracts, VoiceOnyx has always remained contract free. “Making it easy for our customers to grow or downsize without penalty, hassle, or commitments, provides a peace of mind to business owners and some of our customers who have been with us for all 10 years are loyal to us for that reason,” says Christy Ghant, Director of Operations for the Jacksonville region. VoiceOnyx is enjoying growth as the Florida economy is now back in full swing and acquired Wonderlink Communications business customer portfolio last year. As the VoiceOnyx team celebrates their 10 years, they look forward to the next 10 years staying true to their tradition of always doing right by the customer. VoiceOnyx is a licensed and insured telecommunications company and provides services throughout the State of Florida. VoiceOnyx was established in 2006 and is headquartered in Orlando, FL.
April 2016
MetroWest CONNECT • 15
We hope you enjoy this issue of MetroWest CONNECT. CONNECT
HILLCREST INSURANCE AGENCY
In Partnership with Observer Media Group
APRIL 2016
3rd Annual
Kevin McEwen Owner
Jodie McEwen Owner
Sunday, May 1 4 - 8 p.m.
MetroWest GOLF CLUB
4/5/16 3:39 PM
he Observer Media Group has been commited to you, your neighbors and your community for over 110 years. The Observer Media Group and the MetroWest Master Association have partnered together to keep the MetroWest area connected and informed about what is going on in and around the neighborhoods of the MetroWest area. 18,000 copies distributed through the Windermere Observer — in addition to distribution through the Master Association and key locations throughout MetroWest. For more information about MetroWest CONNECT or to reserve your ad space call 407-656-2121,or email Kim Edwards at kedwards@wotimes.com
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MWMA-170_CONNECT_cover_FINAL.indd 1
16 • MetroWest CONNECT
April 2016
FREE EVENT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Health & Wellness Expo Saturday, May 21, 2016 10am - 4pm You are invited to a FREE community Health and Wellness Expo.
Fun for the Entire Family!
Special Guests & Celebrity Appearances!
• FREE Health Screenings • FREE Prizes and Giveaways Hourly • FREE Exciting Healthy Activities Including Cooking and Fitness Demonstrations • Great Vendors • DJ, Entertainment & More!
At...
WEST ORANGE HIGH SCHOOL 1625 Beulah Rd, Winter Garden (Expo will be in the gymnasium)
For more information or to become a vendor email: sdewitz@orangeobserver.com or call 407-656-2121
Eat, Work, Play, & Stay Healthy West Orange!
For more information visit: HealthyWestOrange.org CHAMPIONED BY:
The West Orange Healthcare District, Orlando Health – Health Central Hospital, and the West Orange Times & Windermere Observer are joining together in championing efforts to become the healthiest community in the nation, by fostering a culture of health and wellness based on health status, nutrition, fitness, and lifestyle.
www.HealthyWestOrange.org www.Facebook.com/HealthyWestOrange twitter.com/healthyworange
Feel better about your health. Connect with us for tips, health news, and a chance to win great weekly prizes!
April 2016
Project1:CIS_MW-ConnectAD 4/5/2016 10:16MAM Page 1 etroW est CONNECT
• 17
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2121 S. Hiawassee Rd., Suite 132 Orlando, FL 32835 (407) 601-5995 www.metrowestcommunity.com
203982
MetroWest Master Association
18 • MetroWest CONNECT
April 2016
“Community Action Safety Team” (CAST) New MetroWest Public Safety Program We are pleased to announce that The MetroWest Public Safety Program implemented a new program in MetroWest in March called the “Community Action Safety Team” (CAST). This group of volunteers from each community will meet on a regular basis to strengthen the social fiber in the various communities by sharing information and working with one another on projects and community events. This group will be led by the Community Action Safety Team Strategy Committee who will meet monthly to bring the communities together to discuss trends, strategies, crime prevention tools, community events and other ways in which we can continue to connect with one another.
We are extremely excited about this new program and invite you to join our CAST. If you are interested, please email us at management@ metrowestpublicsafety.com or call us at 407-473-2021. Your continued participation and support of the MW Public Safety Program is greatly appreciated. We have come such a long way since April 2014 and look forward to the positive accomplishments we will achieve together in the future as we roll out this next stage of our program. Remember, “A Connected Community is a Protected Community”.
April 2016
MetroWest CONNECT • 19
Expanded Reach! W EST O RA N G E T I M ES &
WINDERMERE
Observer Celebrating 110 years in West Orange
VOLUME 82, NO. 40
FREE
•
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2015
Meet the man in the rave cave
Sean O’Neill launched the Facebook group, Winter Garden — Rants, Raves and Reviews, 18 months ago. Story on 13. ARTS+CULTURE
Observer Serving Southwest Orange County
INSPIRED DESIGN Read about our new look. Page 8
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 1, NO. 1
West Orange High thespians dish up a spoonful of sugar.
AMY QUESINBERRY RHODE
R
MICHAEL ENG EXECUTIVE EDITOR
HISPANIC HERITAGE Ocoee is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month through Oct. 15. The month recognizes the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the United States. Motorists traveling on Clarke Road will see festive “Ocoee Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month” pole banners dotting the street. Viewers can tune in to Ocoee TV to watch a fourpart series titled “Latino Americans: The 500-Year Legacy that Shaped a Nation.” The show will air at 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays on Channel 493, Bright House Networks.
David Haynes
Windermere Mayor Gary Bruhn strikes the only suitable pose when holding a glass from “The Godfather.”
David Haynes
Erin Akers is nearly finished with her firefighting training, and then she’s hoping to get a position with a local fire department. She and her 6-year-old son, Liam, live in Winter Garden.
Parker Boudreaux chooses Notre Dame — much to the delight of longtime supporters of his school. SEE STORY ON 25
Car-show organizers search for new sponsor ZAK KERR STAFF WRITER WINTER GARDEN
SEE CAR SHOW PAGE 4
Since the 1980s — far longer than he has been mayor of Windermere — Gary Bruhn has collected and sold movie memorabilia. SEE STORY ON PAGE 4
YOUR TOWN SCOTT APPOINTS AREA RESIDENT Gov. Rick Scott announced Sept. 18 two appointments and one reappointment to the Florida Virtual School Board of Trustees. Robert Gidel Sr., of Windermere, is the managing partner at Liberty Capital. He fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term that began Sept. 18 and ends Sept. 10, 2017. He joins Iris Gonzalez, of Tierra Verde, on the board.
The Sept. 19 Cruz-N-Car Show in downtown Winter Garden might have been the last.
Droves drove to the large parking lot on West Plant Street for what might have been the last Cruz-N-Car Show, a tradition each third Saturday of the month for about seven years. The longstanding sponsorship of the show from the Winter Garden Merchants Association ended recently, based on cost increases that caused the association to lose money with the show each
community news source in more locations as
PAGE 13
Welcome to your new hometown newspaper
STORY ON PAGE 4
Two former West Orange Wildcats and West Orange Warrior football players competed in a recent SEC game. Garrett “Juice” Johnson is a wide receiver for the Kentucky Wildcats, and Sean Kelly is a punter for the South Carolina Gamecocks. With them is Eric Poole, who was one of their coaches during their Wildcats years.
Expect to see your favorite West Orange
ARTS+CULTURE
The secret life of
appelling down the side of a sevenstory building was easy for Erin Akers because she’s not afraid of heights, but confined-spaces training was a bit of a challenge for the Winter Garden resident, who is working toward becoming a firefighter.
YOUR TOWN
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2015
MAYOR BRUHN
COMMUNITY EDITOR
PAGE 15
Meet Olympia setter Lorissa King PAGE 17
•
Officials hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the new West Orange County high school Sept. 24. STORY ON 6
Winter Garden single mom Erin Akers has found her passion — firefighting.
West Orange High thespians dish up a spoonful of sugar.
FREE
At last! Work begins on relief school
ALL FIRED UP
ALUMNI MEET ON GRIDIRON
INSIDE
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
Courtesy photo
A lack of sponsorship has led to the possible finale of a monthly downtown Winter Garden car show fervently supported among community members.
PRSRT STD ECRWSS US POSTAGE PAID WINTER GARDEN, FL PERMIT NO. 81
*****************ECRWSSEDDM****
Postal Customer
THE GROVE ORLANDO BOOGIES AT BIRTHDAY BASH SEE MORE PHOTOS ON PAGE 10
What you’re holding in your hands is the product of more than a year of planning. It’s the product of our wildest dreams — a bold step for a company that last month celebrated our 110th anniversary. Welcome, readers, to the first edition of the Windermere Observer, a sister paper of the West Orange Times & Observer, which has roots that date back to the Winter Garden Ricochet in 1905. For more than a century, our newspaper — through all its previous owners and iterations — covered the entire West Orange region with just one edition. Today, that changes. Put simply: West Orange has grown too large for one hyperlocal community newspaper. For longtime readers: this new Windermere Observer will cover Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips, Bay Hill, Gotha and MetroWest, while the West Orange Times & Observer will renew its focus on Winter Garden, Ocoee and Oakland. As the 10th newspaper owned by the Sarasota-based Observer Media Group, the Windermere Observer will strive to deliver on OMG’s slogan: “You. Your Neighbors. Your Neighborhood.”
we extend our reach and readership. We continue to be your credible source for local community news, events and
SEE NEWSPAPER PAGE 6
information for more than 110 years.
Continued Growth! Circulation: 15,000
Circulation: 15,000
ADVERTISE OR SUBSCRIBE TODAY! Call us at 407-656-2121 • Email us at subscribe@orangeobserver.com or advertisenow@orangeobserver.com
20 • MetroWest CONNECT
April 2016
ITAR Restaurant Hosted the Community Cocktail Connection on March 18
Upcoming Community Cocktail Connection: May 27, 2016 is MetroWest Golf Club
April 2016
MetroWest CONNECT • 21
Edgewood Children’s Ranch
Join Us … COMMUNITY
COCKTAIL Drink Specials, Food, Networking Find out more at metrowestcommunity.com!
May 27, 2016 5:30 - 8:00 p.m.
CONNECTION
2100 S Hiawassee Rd Orlando, FL 32835
22 • MetroWest CONNECT
Cuban Food Festival at Valencia College West Campus held on February 20
MetroWest Unit Five Easter Egg Hunt on March 19
April 2016
April 2016
MetroWest CONNECT • 23
LIVE. WORK. PLAY. CONNECT.
Get Connected in MetroWest! - Read the MetroWest CONNECT - Visit our website: MetroWestCommunity.com - “Like” Us on Facebook - Sign up for E-Blasts on our website - Connect via the MetroWest Mobile App - Sign Up for our SMS Emergency Alert System - Attend Events - JazzFest - WinterFest - Community Connections - Join a Committee
Instant Connection!
- Volunteer!
Download the MetroWest Mobile App Here
Contact Us
Call: 407-601-5995 Email: mwma.admin@cfl.rr.com 2121 S. Hiawassee Rd., Suite 132 Orlando, FL 32835
24 • MetroWest CONNECT
April 2016
r e m m Su e r u t n e Adv Camp Our program promotes your children’s social, emotional, intellectual and physical development in a safe and nurturing environment.
12 June 13 - Auguesattre, Th Rich in Dance, & Crafts, s Filed Trips, Art re. and mo
HURRY!
Limited space ava ilable Please call today
407-293-9372
E E FEnR rollment
MUSICAL PLAY
6395 Raleigh St • Orlando, FL
FIELD T
RIP
203986
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NIN R A E L UN
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AY MONDAY thru FRID