compiled by Lauren Salinero
Hidden Springs/Estates
Hidden Springs/Estates residents participate in National Night Out.
In conjunction with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Hidden Springs/Estates residents participated in last month’s National Night Out. As part of the activities, the homeowners association set up a tent at the retention pond, grilled hot dogs, served light refreshments and provided informational brochures and giveaways. The Mounted Patrol Unit stopped by, along with several other deputy sheriffs, who shared their safety tips with residents and answered questions. Residents also enjoyed rides around the neighborhood in a firetruck tour bus, and the HOA was presented with a certificate of appreciation. The event was a good way for neighbors to get to know each other better and raise awareness about crime prevention.
The Hidden Springs/Estates Yard of the Quarter award goes to Forrest and Deborah Bahruth.
Forrest and Deborah Bahruth were selected as recent Hidden Springs/Estates Yard of the Quarter winners. They have lived in Hidden Springs since 1984, and, throughout the years, their original house has transformed from a ranch-style to a more contemporary home. The couple incorporated pale gray on the exterior paint, and white vinyl window treatments give the front of the home a wider look. They also used light gray brick pavers along the walkway to the house and travertine for the step-up front entranceway. They have Japanese plants abutting the front of the home and African irises that surround an oak tree. The yard-of-the-quarter program is sponsored by Dr. Phillips resident and Realtor John Scolaro, who awarded the Bahruth family a gift certificate to Orchard Supply Hardware.
Ocoee
Myra Kinnie and Gail Waxman launched their book, Ocoee: A Novel, at The Winter Garden History and Education Center. The award-winning novel is a powerful coming-of-age story that bears witness to a tragedy during the 1920 presidential election. In response to African-Americans attempting to exercise their right to vote, a mob of white supremacists and Ku Klux Klan members went on a rampage through a black neighborhood, killing a number of people and burning many homes. The nearly 500 survivors fled, never to return. For more than 60 years, Ocoee remained a white-only town. The novel is a fictionalized account that chronicles the massacre and events surrounding it as seen through the eyes of a spirited, young, white girl whose diary brings to life the community and many people involved. Ultimately, the story is about the power of forgiveness, understanding and healing that points toward the possibility of a better future for all people today.
Applications for the city of Ocoee’s Most Valuable Partnership Grants are now available. Ocoee homeowners associations and civic groups may submit projects that beautify neighborhoods; address public safety concerns; or foster cultural, recreational or educational wants and needs of the neighborhood or organization. There is $12,000 available, and the maximum grant award is $2,000. The deadline to submit applications is Nov. 30, 2017. Applications are available at www.ocoee.org or at the city hall reception desk. Completed applications should be mailed or delivered to City Hall, Community Relations, 150 N. Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee, FL 34761.
Windermere
Windermere resident Avani Desai was named a top global leader in consulting by Consulting magazine. This is the magazine’s first year giving out this award. Recipients of the international award display outstanding leadership qualities and capabilities, and exert extraordinary influence in their firms, for their clients and over the consulting profession. Avani and the other award recipients will be recognized next month at a gala awards dinner in London.
Et Al
Southwest resident Mohamed Blarj is among the new affiliated sales associates at Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate.
Dr. Phillips resident Courtney Hahn is among the new affiliated sales associates at Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate.
Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate officials added several affiliated sales associates to their team. Among them are Southwest resident Mohamed Belarj, Orlando office; Dr. Phillips resident April Brumley, Sand Lake Road office; Southwest resident Travis Cambre, Venetian Plaza Center office; Dr. Phillips resident Courtney Hahn, Sand Lake Road office; and Hunter’s Creek resident Alexandra Costa Thomas, Venetian Plaza Center office.
Congratulations to the following Southwest-area residents on their recent academic achievements:
- Graduates from Western Governors University include MetroWest resident Cecilia Barreto, Master of Science in Nursing — Education, and Dr. Phillips resident Lauren Cooper, Master of Business Administration.
- Joseph Forte of Southwest Orlando graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Florham campus with a Bachelor of Arts in film and animation.
- Madeliene Hanley of Windermere earned a Master of Education in communication disorders from Valdosta State University.
- Kun Hua of Windermere earned a Bachelor of Arts in mathematical sciences from Binghamton University, State University of New York.
- Dr. Phillips resident Sam Lazzaro earned a Bachelor of Science in business management from Tulane University’s
A.B. Freeman School of Business. - Windermere resident Megan McKensie graduated from The University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Science in human environ science.
- Southwest resident Brianna Roth earned a Bachelor of Science in psychology from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.
- Jeremy Roy of MetroWest graduated from Roger Williams University with a Bachelor of Science in computer information systems.
- Kelsey Shonts of Windermere graduated from Fort Hays State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in management.
Bozo the Clown (far left) attends a Rotary Club of Dr. Phillips meeting with (l. to r.) Steve Clapp, club president; Collin Galloway and Robin O’Donnell.
Rotary Club of Dr. Phillips President Steve Clapp and Sonja Giselbrecht (right) congratulate Rebecca Murray for being named a Rotarian of the month.
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 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. ♥