compiled by Lauren Salinero
Bay Hill
Give Kids The World Village celebrated the birthday of founder and former Bay Hill resident Henri Landwirth. The organization hosted a party in his honor and unveiled a new intergalactic makeover to its popular Ice Cream Palace, which will be renamed after Henri. The building’s name and theme will celebrate Henri’s history with the early space industry in Cocoa Beach. The village also launched a fundraising campaign to pay for capital and operating costs. For more information, visit www.gktw.org.90for90.
Dr. Phillips
Clarke Toole (right), Florida president of Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, presents an International Diamond Society Award to Dr. Phillips resident George Rahi.
Dr. Phillips resident George Rahi of Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate was awarded an International Diamond Society Award. The award is earned by the top 11 percent of Coldwell Banker agents worldwide. George received the honor because of his market knowledge, industry experience and dedication to his clients throughout 2016.
Windermere
Windermere Mayor Gary Bruhn (back, third from left) recognizes town volunteers (front, l. to r.) Leesha Miller, Nora Brophy, Jacqueline Rapport, Theresa Schretzmann–Myers, Richard Montgomery, Vicki Hearst, Susan Norris Carter, Angela Withers, Stephen Withers, Karen Fay, and council members (back, l. to r.) Jim O’Brien, Molly Rose, Robert McKinley, Allen Pichon and John Armstrong.
On National Mayor’s Day of Recognition for Service, mayors across the nation took time to recognize the numerous volunteers who work to make their communities better. Windermere Mayor Gary Bruhn delivered a proclamation at the council meeting to recognize the “many volunteers who are willing to give of their time and talent to make our community a better place to live and work.” He then thanked the council members seated with him, noting their service and the many hours they spend receiving no compensation as the ultimate volunteers. He noted that “volunteers have been the backbone of what makes our town great through their selfless commitment and ask nothing in return.” He then asked the volunteers in attendance, which represented just a portion of those who serve, to join his council members to be
recognized.
Winter Garden
During Florida Wildlife Federation’s 80th annual Conservation Awards Banquet, 14 outstanding Florida conservationists were recognized for their conservational achievements. Award winners were chosen from nominations made to the federation’s board of directors based on each nominee’s accomplishments on behalf of Florida’s fish, wildlife and natural resources. Among those was Winter Garden resident Jim Thomas, who was selected by FWF’s board of directors to be inducted into its Conservation Hall of Fame.
Maiya (left) and Maria Lester of Winter Garden take in their first puppy, Felton, as volunteer puppy-raisers for Canine Companions for Independence.
Winter Garden residents Maiya and Maria Lester decided to put their love of puppies to good use by helping change lives as volunteer puppy-raisers for Canine Companions for Independence. Maiya, a junior at Bishop Moore Catholic High School, and Maria make up an excellent mother/daughter team. They recently took on their first puppy, Felton, an 8-week-old yellow ball of fur with lots of potential but in need of help to shape it into a trustworthy assistance dog. Once the dog is turned back to Canine Companions for additional training, it will have mastered 30 commands and gone through basic obedience instruction and socialization opportunities. Maiya and Maria went through a rigorous selection process to become volunteer puppy-raisers. They will help socialize puppies and develop the canines’ confidence by taking them to many places, allowing them to meet new people, walk amid crowds and traffic, and otherwise become familiar with the world around them. They also will provide a safe home and give lots of love.
Et Al
Rotarian sponsor Rebecca Murray welcomes new member Tim Lambert to the Rotary Club of Dr. Phillips.
Rotary Club of Dr. Phillips President Ken Peach (left) welcomes new Rotarian Eric Meyer.
Rotary Club of Dr. Phillips’ new membership chairman, John Skandamis, together with club President Ken Peach and sponsors Steven Jamieson, Michael Hanley and Rebecca Murray, welcomed new members at a recent meeting. New Rotarians include David Chilton, Tim Lambert, Eric Meyer, Anne Moy and Anne Marie Vibbert.
(L. to r.) J’Nya, Lilly, Leah, Elise, Shauna, Emma, Selene, Kelsy and Samantha of Brownie Troop 4015 tour Wondermade, a gourmet marshmallow cafe in Sanford.
In celebration of this year’s new Girl Scout cookie flavor, S’mores, Brownie Troop 4015 visited Wondermade, a gourmet marshmallow cafe in Sanford, for a workshop on the classic treat. The girls had an opportunity to sample unique ice cream flavors, make s’mores, tour the kitchen, learn about the process of making marshmallows, and cut and decorate their own handcrafted
marshmallows.
(L. to r.) Keith Wolling of Windermere, John Stine of Dr. Phillips, Mark Reid of Dr. Phillips, Duane Winjum, Tom White and Jetse Pottinga of Celebration are Skal International Orlando’s officers for the 2017-18 term.
During its annual installation gala at Hard Rock Hotel Orlando, Skal International Orlando installed its slate of officers for 2017-18, several of whom are Southwest residents. New officers include Dr. Phillips resident Mark Reid, president; Celebration resident Jetse Pottinga, vice president; Dr. Phillips resident John Stine, secretary; Windermere resident Keith Wolling, treasurer; and Dr. Phillips resident Richard Scinta, Skal USA representative. Skal International Orlando is an international organization that brings together sectors of the travel and tourism industry while networking, conducting business and helping communities locally, nationally and internationally.
“Our club is so fortunate to have the dedication of such visionary officers for 2017-18,” Mark said. “They are highly accomplished industry leaders who help our club tremendously while representing Skal nationally and internationally with great pride.
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