In Your Neighborhood - 04/19/12
Dr. Phillips
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Dr. Phillips residents Edgar Schaked and Aileen Mand are the co-founders of The Festival of Chocolate. |
Inspired by their children, who attend Palm Lake Elementary School, Aileen Mand and Edgar Schaked of Dr. Phillips created The Festival of Chocolate. Held in three Florida cities, with plans to add two more locations, The Festival of Chocolate was named one of the Top Ten Chocolate Festivals in the USA, and Aileen was named 2011 Event Producer of the Year by BizBash magazine. This year, the event will be held from April 27 through April 29 at the University of Central Florida Arena. The festival includes baking competitions, chocolate and wine pairings, brownie bingo, a chocolate museum, local and regional chocolatiers, a fashion show and more. |
MetroWest
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MetroWest was selected as one of four finalists for the 2012 Florida Communities of Excellence Awards in the Safety & Security category. The MetroWest Master Association was recognized for its Stomp Out Crime initiative, which brought together existing safety programs like Neighborhood Watch and Business Watch, as well as worked to inform residents and business owners about these programs. Additionally, MWMA utilizes a partnership with the Orlando Police Department and employs a former OPD officer as its crime prevention manager and liaison to OPD. While MetroWest was not selected as the winner, being nominated is considered one of the highest honors possible for a community. |
Sterling Pointe
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Robert “Bobby” Olszewski (far right) of Sterling Pointe takes the oath of office as Winter Garden District 3 commissioner. Attending the ceremony are his fiancee, Allison West (far left), and city clerk Kathy Golden. |
Robert “Bobby” Olszewski took the oath of office as Winter Garden District 3 commissioner. The Sterling Pointe resident won the three-way race with 70 percent of the votes. Bobby is the managing principal of Emerson Management & Consulting Group Inc. |
Stoneybrook West
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Stoneybrook West residents hold a fundraiser to benefit their neighbor, Sylvia Cruz (second from left), who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Co-hosting the event are (l. to r.) Patty Downs, Denise Petersen and Melanie Boscan. |
Neighbors in Stoneybrook West gathered for a “friendraiser” to benefit Sylvia Cruz, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The event, titled Cruzin for a Cause, raised more than $17,000 for the Cruz family. Numerous local businesses donated raffle and silent auction items, and food was donated by The Big Easy in Winter Garden. |
Windermere
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Rotary Club of Windermere President Brad Busbin (far left) and member Kobie Pieterse (far right) congratulate the Edgewood Children’s Ranch winners of the Rotary’s 4-Way Test essay contest — (l. to r.) Maureen, Anthony, Dwendy and Sydney. |
Edgewood Children’s Ranch residents participated in Rotary Club of Windermere’s 4-Way Test essay contest. The annual competition addresses the following four questions: Is it the truth; Is it fair to all concerned; Will it build good will and better friendships; and Will it be beneficial to all concerned. President Brad Busbin and 4-Way Test coordinator Kobie Pieterse visited ECR to congratulate this year’s winners. |
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The Windermere Downtown Business Committee sponsors the third annual Windermere Auto Show. |
The Windermere Downtown Business Committee held the third annual Windermere Auto Show along the streets of downtown Windermere. The event included entertainment, local business and vendor booths, food, photo opportunities and automobiles on display. In addition, WDBC now sponsors a Family Food Truck Night the fourth Friday of each month from 5-9:30 p.m. in front of town hall. |
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During his recent visit to west Orange County, Gov. Rick Scott (right) talks with Windermere Mayor Gary Bruhn. |
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Parenting magazine officials selected Lisa Hilgenfeldt, founder of FuelMySchool.com, to represent Florida at the third annual Mom Congress on Education and Learning that will be held in Washington, D.C., from April 29 through May 1. The Windermere resident was chosen for her outstanding contributions and dedication to improving local schools. Lisa will receive an all-expenses-paid trip and have the opportunity to connect with national leaders in education, Parenting editors and past Mom Congress delegates. Only one delegate from each state and the District of Columbia was selected for this honor. |
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Fifteen-year-old Ben Torres of Windermere plays guitar with The James Crouch Band during Bike Week in Daytona Beach. |
Windermere resident Ben Torres, who enjoys performing as a guest electric guitarist, recently performed with The James Crouch Band. The popular blues band took the stage during Bike Week in Daytona Beach. In addition, 15-year-old Ben recently completed his first CD, featuring songs that were written when he was 13 and 14. Holding On to Now is available for purchase on iTunes. |
