Michael Kulich wins award … and other Neighborhood News!

compiled by Lauren Salinero


Turtle Creek

Members of the board of directors of Pinceladas de Mujer, including Dr. Francelis Gonzalez of Turtle Creek (second from left), receive a proclamation from Luis Martinez (third from left), a representative of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, at the organization’s first Spring Hat Show.

Turtle Creek resident and owner of Kidsville Pediatrics Francelis Gonzalez, M.D., FAAP, attended Pinceladas de Mejuer’s first Spring Hat Show, benefiting Hope Community Center. The charity event, held at Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, showcased Winter Park designer Liz Sheppard, with her latest spring/summer collection on the catwalk while guests enjoyed a three-course preselect menu. Attendees also had the opportunity to enter a dual-category hat competition, where they were judged on elegance and in coordination with the season.


Southwest resident and Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs presents the Monica Harris Spires Excellence in Leadership Award to Turtle Creek Homeowners Association President Michael Kulich.

Based on his leadership and achievements in the Turtle Creek community throughout the past year, Turtle Creek Homeowners Association President Michael Kulich was awarded the Monica Harris Spires Excellence in Leadership Award for the second consecutive year. He was presented the award at the 22nd annual Community Conference, organized by the Orange County Neighborhood Preservation and Revitalization Division. The Turtle Creek Homeowners Association also received the Excellence in Safety & Security Initiatives for initiating programs, policies and procedures designed to protect and ensure the safety of the neighborhood’s residents and property.

Windermere

Amber Hughes, a Florida League of Cities Legislative advocate, presents a 2017 Home Rule Hero Award to Windermere Mayor Gary Bruhn.

Florida League of Cities officials recognized Windermere Mayor Gary Bruhn with a 2017 Home Rule Hero Award. Bruhn earned the prestigious award for his tireless efforts to advance the league’s legislative agenda and help protect the Home Rule powers of Florida’s cities during the 2017 regular legislative session. Home Rule is the ability of a city to establish its own form of government and enact ordinances, codes, plans and resolutions without prior state approval. The mayor was also the recipient of the league’s inaugural Home Rule Hero Award in 2009 and has received the honor the past four consecutive years.

“I am truly honored to be recognized by the Florida League of Cities for my efforts,” Bruhn said. “As all of our local officials can attest to, this legislative session contained many bills that attempted to diminish our self-governance and have Tallahassee dictate what our local governments can do. We need to continue our efforts, as I expect we will see more of the same in our next session.”


(L. to r.) Windermere resident Vernic Popat, Russell Simmons and Windermere resident Mitesh Popat attend the annual Art for Life Gala.

Mitesh and Vernic Popat of Windermere, CEO and CFO of PlantOGram, respectively, were invited to The Hamptons in New York, for Russell Simmons’ annual Art for Life Gala. The theme was Moroccan, and the entire event was filled with spices and Moroccan designers. Mitesh and Vernic donated items for the VIP gift bags and silent auction. The gala raised more than $1 million.

Winter Garden

John Gordon of Winter Garden joins the Southwest Orlando office of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty.

Representatives of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty announced the appointment of Winter Garden resident John Gordon to the company’s Southwest Orlando office. Originally from Barre, Vermont, John is a longtime resident of Southwest Orlando. He previously served as managing director of the company’s Windermere and downtown Orlando offices from 2004-09. With more than 15 years of real estate experience, John has an impressive professional background, including successful ventures in several service-related industries.

Et Al

Rotary Club of Lake Buena Vista Public Relations Director Phillip Wright (left) and club President Eduardo Fernandez (center) welcome new member Anthony Lightman.

Rotary Club of Lake Buena Vista added a new member to its roster at a recent meeting. Anthony Lightman, a Windermere resident and builder with Osprey homes, is eager to “give back to the community.” His sponsor is Phillip Wright, the club’s director of public relations.


After their Scouting for Food community food drive, American Heritage Girls Troop FL2911 members (front, l. to r.) Demi, Courtney, Daliana, Daphne, Kylee, Sienna, Jasmine, Micaela, (middle, l. to r.) Ava, Yalisa, Kate, Bella, Emme, Veronica, (back, l. to r.) Lucy, Abby, Natalie, Soriya and Megan donate nonperishable food items to local food pantries.

American Heritage Girls Troop FL2911 conducted a Scouting for Food community food drive in neighborhoods throughout Southwest Orlando. The girls collected more than 1,100 pounds of nonperishable food items, which were donated to several local food pantries to help those in need. AHG is a Christ-centered character-development program for girls ages 5-18. Since it was founded in 1995, AHG has grown to include thousands of girls attending troops in all 50 states, as well as several foreign countries. AHG Troop FL2911 meets at the First Baptist Church of Winter Garden.


Girl Scouts from Daisy Troop 18 help to sort and package food donations at Matthew’s Hope.

Girl Scout Daisy Troop 18 volunteered at Matthew’s Hope in Winter Garden on two occasions during the summer. The children helped to sort and package food donations, and were treated to a tour and talk about the services that Matthew’s Hope provides to
the community. Troop members also donated $100 from their hard-earned cookie profits to Matthew’s Hope.


MetroWest resident Susan Barefoot joins Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate LLC.

Dr. Phillips resident Peggy Bohart joins Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate LLC.

Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate LLC added two Southwest Orlando residents to its roster: Susan Barefoot of MetroWest and Peggy Bohart of Dr. Phillips. Formerly, Susan was with Several National Homebuilders, and Peggy was with Orlando Realty Service. Both women specialize in residential
property sales.

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. ♥