Lakefront Estate at Bella Collina • 6239 SF, 5 bedrooms, 7.5 Baths
407-909-8000 REPRESENTING SELLERS & BUYERS OF LUXURY HOMES
625 Main Street, Suite 103 • Windermere, FL 34786 • YaporRealty.com • Irma G. Yapor, Broker-Owner • irma@yapor.com
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Table of Contents
Town of Windermere
614 Main Street, Windermere, FL 34786 (407) 876-2563 • www.town.windermere.fl.us
From the Desk of the Mayor
Administration Offices Gary Bruhn, Town Mayor Robert Smith, Town Manager Dorothy Burkhalter, Town Clerk David Grimm, Public Works Director Nora White, Finance Director Amanda Click, Finance Clerk II Jacquelyn M. Hefeli, Administrative Assistant
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Farmer’s Market 4 Family Food Truck Night
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July 4th Pancake Breakfast
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Hurricane Preparedness
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Officer German Tribute
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DBC Quarterly Social
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Stormwater Prevention: Grass Clippings
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Council Members Mayor Gary Bruhn: gbruhn@town.windermere.fl.us John Armstrong: jarmstrong@town.windermere.fl.us Richard Gonzalez: rgonzalez@town.windermere.fl.us Jim O’Brien: jobrien@town.windermere.fl.us Mike Pirozzolo: mpirozzolo@town.windermere.fl.us Molly Rose: mrose@town.windermere.fl.us
Family Health Festival
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Park and Tennis Passes
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Windermere Safety Watch
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Lights on Officer Escalera
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Boards and Committees Special Magistrate • Development Review Board Downtown Business Committee • Elder Affairs Committee Historical Board • Long Range Planning Committee Parks and Recreation Committee • Tree Board
Stop Junk Mail 11
Police Department Business Hours Non-Emergency: 407-876-3757 After Hours Non-Emergency: 321-299-2414 David Ogden, Police Chief Lori Sipek, Interim Police Clerk Jennifer Treadwell, Deputy Chief & School Liaison
Butler Bay Recreation Center
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Summer Tennis Schedule 15
The Windermere Gazette is published quarterly and is designed by Yapor Communications. For more information visit: www.Windermere Gazette.com. For news or advertising information, contact: Jacquelyn M. Hefeli: jhefeli@town.windermere.fl.us.
Calendar
COPYRIGHT © Town of Windermere, FL. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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The Town of Windermere accepts MasterCard, VISA and Discover as methods of payment.
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My Fellow Neighbors…. As always, I hope this Newsletter finds all of you well. It’s hard to believe that Summer is here and it’s time for a mid-year update. Over the past few months I have received letters, e-mails and phone calls about a few issues. The discussion almost always starts with, “I heard that….” So we will name this Newsletter... I HEARD THAT…. I HEARD THAT THERE ARE GOING TO BE OVER 60 HOMES IN THE VACANT PROPERTY AT THE INTERSECTION OF PARK RIDGE GOTHA ROAD AND MAGUIRE ROAD! A development called Windsong of Windermere has been proposed to the Town for this property. As with all development, the individuals would like to maximize their investment and as such, have proposed the maximum utilization for the property. It is important to note that a few years ago this property was annexed into Windermere when we annexed the Willows at Lake Rhea. It was a decision that now allows WINDERMERE to work with the owners and have the final say in the development, instead of Orange County. This is the first step in a long process that will have a number of public meetings that will allow everyone to have input and hear the discussions that will take place. Both our Long Range Planning Committee and our Development Review Board will provide input before it comes before the Council. I know sometimes our residents disapprove of annexations, but in this case, Windermere will not be watching from the sidelines, but will have final approval because of our annexation actions taken years ago. I HEARD THAT THE TOWN OF WINDERMERE SENT A LETTER TO ONLY SOME OF THE RESIDENTS ABOUT THIS DEVELOPMENT. DOES THIS MEAN THE TOWN SUPPORTS IT… AND WHY DIDN’T I GET A LETTER? People tell me…. “Mayor… every resident should have gotten this letter. Why is the Town supporting this?” As I previously stated, this is the first step in a process to determine what is acceptable, and what is not. First of all, the Town has an obligation to honor EVERY request made of them. As a landowner, you could say you want to put a convenience store on your property. You may not be zoned for it, but you have a RIGHT to ask for it, you have a right to request a variance, and you have a right to bring it forward. We notify all of the people affected within a 500 foot radius as required by law, that a REQUEST is being made. The Town does not pay for these certified letters, the applicant does. This does not mean the Town supports it. It means the Town is complying with the Florida Statutes. To send a letter to every town resident that a request is being made would be deemed a burden to the requestor and would be found illegal if we passed an ordinance requiring them to do so. I HEARD THAT WE MAY LOSE OCOEE AS OUR FIRE SERVICE PROVIDER? WHY ARE WE GETTING RID OF THEM?
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For a period of time Ocoee was discussing getting out of the Fire and Emergency Service business and turning it over to Orange County. We do not have a Fire Department and to spend the many millions of dollars to start and maintain a Fire Department just doesn’t make sense. But at the same time, we must contract with a provider that can be here in minutes. Let’s put things in perspective. We had 170 calls to the Ocoee Fire Department for service in 2011, 169 in 2012, and 197 in 2013. Let’s look at the last year. We had one building fire, one trash fire, 21 calls dispatched and cancelled, 16 false alarms and 107 calls for EMS excluding vehicle accidents with injury. Public safety is, and always will be my and our Council’s number one priority.
to our carbon footprint. They are not acceptable for today’s standards in technology and they do not provide a standard for what our law enforcement officers should work in. We are going to authorize a study from the experts who do this and we want to look at all aspects, including if we could still accommodate businesses on the complex as well as what are the possibilities for our Public Works area. I HEARD THAT THERE ARE PLANS TO 4 LANE SIXTH AVENUE AND MAIN STREET. Rest assured that I and your Council have no plans to 4 lane these streets. That is why we took control of theses streets a generation ago. Windermere controls these streets. The bad news is we are responsible for the maintenance. The good news is WE decide their fate. The Long Range Transportation Improvement Plan produced by the Municipal Traffic Planning Organization showed these roads as 4 lanes in 25 years. We have notified them that this will not occur and they have modified their long range plan to reflect this.
But as you can see, we have one call almost every two days, and then, most are false alarms and insignificant incidents. But Ocoee and I and your Council agree that every incident could be a life saving incident and we have seen over the last few months how critical their response time and expertise are. There is no price on saving a life. I want to share with you the dilemma that we have. We currently pay over $250,000 a year for our fire services to Ocoee. If we went with Orange County for Fire Service, we would pay 2.2 mils or $1.2 million dollars. Ocoee recently negotiated a new contract and we will be seeing an increase in our fee… and probably a significant increase. This is one service that we cannot plan for or control the cost of. But, one thing that we are going to do is break out the amount you pay in taxes for fire service so you can see it as a separate line item on your tax bill. We cannot do it for the 2014 bill as our fiscal year starts October 1 and it is too late. But we will do this starting next year. WARNING: Our taxes may increase due to the rising cost of fire service.
WHAT ELSE DO YOU NEED TO KNOW? You need to know that I and our Council are very concerned about the traffic issues that exist at Windermere Elementary School and I and Robert Smith, your Town Manager, have spent almost a year meeting with Orange County Public School representatives to improve traffic flow. It is our belief that they will move forward with double stacking lanes and other improvements during the summer break. Meanwhile…. WINDERMERE IS GOING TO repave the last piece of road that has not been repaved on Main Street from the roundabout at Park Avenue to our town’s border at Park Ridge Gotha Road. We are also going to install traffic safety barriers on the west side of Maguire Road from Windermere Road to Park Avenue. Traffic continually enters and exits onto Maguire Road from the school property which is not approved by the Florida Department of Transportation and dangerous. It has also destroyed the road edges making a very unsafe exit and entry. We have discussed this with the staff of the Orange County Public Schools and entry into that area will be from school property. We will do the work this summer while school is out.
I HEARD THAT YOU WANT TO TEAR DOWN OUR OFFICE BUILDINGS AND BUILD A TAJ MAHAL COMPLEX. These are not my words… but the words already being shared with me. I know for years we have enjoyed the various businesses that are downtown…. from the Elizabeth Parsons School of Dance to Kaleys Alterations and most recently Allen’s Real Estate. First of all I must state that it is NOT local government’s job to provide facilities for private businesses on public property. We have always reminded tenants that we have extra space and we lease that space. We receive $54,000 a year in rental property, and yes, this is income. But, these are buildings that were built in1916 and it is impossible to maintain them. These are buildings that are not acceptable as office buildings due to their inefficiencies as well as safety concerns. These buildings have no fire sprinkler systems, they are wasting energy and costing our taxpayers thousands of dollars every year in energy costs contributing
And finally, I hate to use the nasty “H” word, but now is the time to get ready for hurricane season. Make sure you are prepared and ready. Wishing you a very happy and safe summer…. Your Mayor,
Gary Bruhn
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Stop by for Lunch and enjoy tasty
Tamales, Hot Dogs, Philly Steak Sandwiches, Bratwurst and more! Also pick up fresh produce, local honey, fresh bread, pasta, organic tea, nuts, gourmet cheeses, roasted coffee, healthy snacks, plants, fresh kettlecorn and much more! Visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/WindermereFarmersMarket.
Every Friday 9 am – 2 pm Main Street
Every 4th Friday 5 – 9:30 pm Main Street Every 4th Friday of the month, the Town of Windermere’s Downtown Business Committee hosts the Family Food Truck Night. The event is held on brick Main Street, in front of Town Hall, located in the heart of Downtown Windermere. Bring friends, family, chairs, blankets and an appetite. For the current month list of participating trucks please visit our website at www.town.windermere.fl.us. The DBC is currently looking for entertainment sponsors —please contact Chris Sapp at chrissapp@cfl.rr.com for sponsorship information. 4
DON’T MISS THE
July 4th • 8:30 – 10:30 am $7 for adults, $3 for children @ Town Hall (tickets for sale at the door)
HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS Prepare and Stay Aware!
www.floridadisaster.org
It is never too early to prepare. Stay informed and alert. Here are just a few tips to get you started. Please visit the websites below to obtain thorough information to get you ready. • Get a weather radio and stay current with the weather news. • Have a safe place to go for you, your family and your pets. • Have on hand: canned foods, manual can opener, water bottles, first-aid kit, battery-powered radio, flashlights, wrench or pliers, duct tape and extra batteries; and make sure your car has a full tank of gas and your cell is fully charged. • Visit www.town.windermere.fl.us for Town instructions • National Hurricane Center: www.nhc.noaa.gov • Road Closures - Florida 511: www.fl511.com • Florida Highway Patrol: www.flhsmv.gov/fhp/traffic
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On behalf of the Windermere Police Department, we would like to express our heartfelt thanks to our wonderful community for embracing us during our time of need.
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The Downtown Business Committee (DBC) of Windermere invites all Town Business Professionals to attend the next
DBC Quarterly Social
Thursday, August 28, 5 –7 pm @ Suzi Karr Realty - 527 Main Street, Windermere Meet, network and have some fun. Drinks and Hors d’Oeuvres will be served. For more information or to RSVP please call 407-876-3688.
A History of Real Estate Excellence.
•Serving Windermere since 1976 •Butler Chain Experts •Top Producers of Estate & Luxury Properties 527 Main Street, Windermere I 407-876-3688 I
I www.SuziKarrRealty.com
Do not blow leaves and grass into storm drains or ditches – Dumping leaves and grass clippings into the stormwater system affects streams. The increase in nutrients associated with grass clippings can cause algae growth, which can kill fish and other aquatic life. Keep this green waste out of storm drains. Try the following: 1. RETURN TO LAWN — It is best to leave grass clippings uncollected on the lawn so that they are recycled, contributing to soil organic matter and supplying part of the fertilizer needs of the lawn. Adopt a mowing schedule to keep clippings short enough to filter through growing grass and not remain as a mat on top of the lawn. Research and experience indicate that only 1/3 of the grass length should be removed during mowing. Never allow the lawn grass to double its height between mowing. This approach not only eliminates clipping collection and disposal problems, but also can contribute to improvement of the lawn.
This, in turn, can produce strong, unpleasant odors. These odors are particularly noticeable when the pile is disturbed. Because of these problems, grass clippings should not be composted alone, but rather mixed with composting leaves. One must be aware, however, that an excess of damp grass in the pile will soon become anaerobic, produce very unpleasant odors, and reduce the rate of decomposition. The objective is to keep the material aerobic. Also, to ensure that excess nitrogen is not given off as ammonia, do not add more than 1 part fresh grass clippings to 3 parts partially composted leaves.
Clippings are not a cause of thatch in lawns. Instead, thatch is formed primarily from a dense accumulation of grass roots and stemmy material. Returning clippings along with proper mowing frequency will not increase disease problems. Use caution when removing collection bags from mowers. Some machines are not designed to operate safely without a bag or other attachment in place. Check with your equipment supplier if you are unsure if your mower can operate without a collection bag.
The resulting compost can be used as a soil amendment, as mulch for gardens, flower or shrub beds, or as a potting medium.
2. GARDEN MULCH — Grass clippings can be used as garden mulch. To reduce any tendency to protect slugs, clippings can be dried in the sun for a day prior to being used in this way. Clippings can be spread on garden soil to check weed growth, reduce soil spattering and crusting, moderate soil temperatures, etc. As a precaution, do not use grass clippings from herbicide-treated lawns until after two grass cuttings have been made. 3. SOIL INCORPORATION — Clippings can serve as a source of organic matter for soil improvement when incorporated into the garden. 4. BACKYARD COMPOSTING — Grass clippings can be composted, especially when used in a backyard leaf composting pile. However, grass has high nitrogen content, a much higher demand for oxygen than leaves, and a tendency to mat, which reduces the passage of oxygen. Composting piles containing grass clippings can become anaerobic.
When lawn clippings, fertilizers, soil, leaves, or animal wastes, are picked up by storm water runoff, they are carried directly to our local streams and lakes. All of these materials including grass clippings contain phosphorus. According to the U.S. EPA, phosphorus is one of the most troublesome pollutants in storm water runoff and it is considered the primary cause of water quality problems in our lakes, ponds and streams. Grass clippings contribute nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorous, which cause unwanted and uncontrolled growth of algae and aquatic weeds in the waterways. Increased algae growth is observed as green algae blooms or “scums” on lakes and ponds. Too much algae is harmful to a lake system. It blocks sunlight and prevents other plants from growing. When it dies and decays, it also takes much needed oxygen away from fish. Limiting phosphorus reduces algae blooms. According to the Northeast Wisconsin Stormwater Coalition, one bushel of fresh grass clippings can contain 0.1 pounds of phosphorus which if it ends up in lakes or ponds is enough to produce 30 to 50 pounds of algae. When mowing your yard, make certain that you do not blow grass clippings into the street. When mowing, make the first few passes with the lawnmower blowing the grass clippings into the lawn not the street. If there
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are grass clippings on the street or sidewalk, use a broom or leaf blower to blow them back into the lawn. Do not use a hose to wash them into the street or storm drains. Keeping your leaves and lawn clippings out of the streets and gutters will have significant benefits for your local lake or stream. You can reduce the amount of phosphorus entering a lake or stream. You should apply only the amount of fertilizer your lawn needs. A soil test will tell you how much-if anyfertilizer your lawn needs. A soil test will inform you of the amount of phosphorus in your soil and the appropriate application rate. Excess fertilizer may harm your lawn or pollute surface water. Fertilizer applied to your streets or sidewalks will get into the nearest lake or stream. You should mow your lawn when the grass is dry, to avoid clumping. Set the mower cutting height up to 2 to 2½ inches to hide clippings better, and make a healthier lawn. Try to remove only one-third of grass length per mowing. If the grass is very overgrown, mow twice: first at a high setting, then wait a few days and mow lower. Mow every five to seven days in the spring. (Every two weeks may be enough in the summer.) You’ll still save time over bagging and dragging clippings to the curb, water and fertilize less. Sharpen mower blades twice a year. Control soil erosion around your house. When soil is left bare, rain water will run quickly over it. The moving water picks up soil particles. These soil particles have phosphorus attached to them. Some soils are high in phosphorus and are another source of phosphorus in storm water runoff. Keep your grass clippings on the lawn and not in the street or gutter. Remember, when you leave your grass clippings on the lawn, you add free fertilizer to your lawn. According to the U.S. EPA, leaving your grass clippings on the lawn doesn’t cause thatch buildup. Grass clippings are about 90 percent water, so they decompose very quickly. Leaving your grass clippings on the lawn can reduce your lawn’s annual fertilizer needs, reduce your fertilizer costs and reduce water pollution.
Fall into Health this October! DON’T MISS THE
Celebrating good health, wellness and fitness. Come and enjoy a day full of fun and awareness for the whole family, with free screenings, activities, nutrition and much more!
Saturday, October 4, 2014
10 AM – 4 PM town hall grounds • free to the public For more information about participating or sponsorships, please contact: Irma Yapor at 407-909-8000 or irma@yapor.com. www.FamilyHealthFestival.org • www.Facebook.com/FamilyHealthFestival
Your Park Passes and Tennis Passes now run concurrent with the fiscal year: 10/1/2014 – 9/30/2015. The locks change October 1st. Passes and keys are now available at the Town Office. The gates will be open for one week to give people an opportunity to purchase the new keys and passes, then the gates will be locked. You can purchase the passes during regular business hours, Monday – Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.
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We invite you to participate in the new Town of Windermere “Windermere Safety Watch” (WSW) program. By emailing your name, home address, email address and phone number to windermeresafetywatch@gmail.com, your contact info will be entered into a confidential database and you will receive emails and updates throughout the year on the following: 1. How to start a traditional Neighborhood Watch Program (NWP) for your street or block. If there is a Neighborhood Watch Program already established for your street or block, the WSW will let you know who to contact and have someone contact you to participate. Neighborhood Watch Program ‘Sector Leaders’ have been identified and they are currently recruiting ‘Street/Block Captains’ for the Town of Windermere. If you would like to be a ‘Street/Block Captain’ for your part of town or have further questions about the WSW program, please email bonny.elder@gmail.com. You can learn more now about NWPs by going to the Orange County Sheriff ’s website: http://www.ocso.com. 2. Receive accurate and timely communication from the Windermere Police Department (WPD) on crime updates and safety tips for yourself, family, home and vehicles distributed via email. 3. Stay informed about fun safety events, to be held in the Town of Windermere later this year and in years to come. Vendors will include alarm companies, video surveillance companies, locksmiths, etc. Find out how you can improve the security of your home and vehicles at these events. CAUTION: Windermere residents must understand that the Windermere Safety Watch will undertake efforts to enhance the safety of persons and property in the Town of Windermere. All residents and business owners should continue to take the action necessary to protect the safety of themselves and their property, and not rely on the efforts of the Windermere Safety Watch.
Windermere Safety Watch is a program designed to provide information and better communicate to residents, to help prevent crime in the Town of Windermere. It is not a community policing program or patrolling program.
Additional ways to stay connected with Town safety information:
• Follow Windermere Chief David Ogden on Facebook Always be aware of your surroundings, DO NOT take matters into your own hands and report ALL suspicious activity to your local law enforcement by • Sign up for Town of Windermere calling 911 or the WPD patrol line 321-299-2414 for non-emergencies. E-Notifications and visit the Windermere Police Department Please forward this email along to neighbors and friends that live in the Town of Windermere, and have them contact windermeresafetywatch@gmail.com webpage on the Town’s website at to participate in the program—the goal is to have all town residents involved. http://town.windermere.fl.us
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Born in Brooklyn, New York, Officer Escalera moved to Hopatcong, New Jersey, at the age of 11. He moved to Florida in 1998. In 2008, he began his career in Criminal Justice when he was hired by the Florida Department of Corrections. He worked with the Florida Department of Corrections for one year prior to being hired with Osceola County Corrections, where he continued his employment until being hired with the Windermere Police Department in 2014. In his off time, Officer Escalera likes to spend time at the beach with his three stepchildren and wife. Officer Escalera’s future goals are to maintain employment with WPD and possibly move through the ranks of Supervisor or Detective. Officer Escalera says he joined Windermere Police Department because it is a small community and it will give him the opportunity to work closely with the residents.
Are you Receiving Unwanted Advertising on your Yard? You may have noticed recently that unsolicited newspaper bags of commercial ads are being thrown on your lawn or driveway. I have received e-mails with concerns that while you are away on vacation, they pile up and clearly identify that no one is home. We have had discussion at our Council from residents who want us to have it stopped. For the past few weeks our attorneys have been working with one of the distributor’s attorneys, delivering them under the title of “The Sentinel Express”. At this time, the Sentinel is asserting that our Ordinance regarding “unwanted handbills, advertising, notices, printed matter or rubbish upon any real property located in the town, without the consent of the owner” is a violation of their First Amendment rights and they will continue to distribute it. We are continuing to work this, but their attorneys have stated that you can “opt out” by dialing 407-420-6185. If you no longer wish to receive them, I would recommend taking this action. Meanwhile we will continue with our legal options. Mayor Gary Bruhn
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Parks and Recreation would like to say THANK YOU to our wonderful sponsors, volunteers, participants and first responders for making our 13th Annual event a huge success!
SELLING WINDERMERE SINCE 1980
407.810.1803
www.judyblacklakefront.com
The Town of Windermere and Windermere Parks and Recreation Committee is placing the finishing touches on our brand new Pavilion, restroom facilities and split rail fencing at Butler Bay Recreation Center. These Phase II amenities round out the three lighted and refinished tennis courts now available to town residents. These improvements have been made possible by the generous contributions of the Windermere Parks & Recreation Committee, the Windermere Rotary and significant private donations by Windermere residents. The 2,000 square foot pavilion and paver patio features a dramatic roofline to maximize the light and sightlines of Lake Crescent and island area that make this park such a perfect setting for relaxing with your family and friends. The phase III will include improvements to the island area including and include a fishing and kayak launching dock and waterway clean-up. Stay tuned for additional opportunities to make your mark on this facility and thanks to the many that have been involved in making Windermere’s newest park a treasure for generations to come!
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The Summer Tennis Program will be offered in two sessions: Session A – week of July 7-25 Session B – week of July 28-August 15
BEGINNERS Quickstart Quickstart
NOVICE Rallyball Rallyball
(First time students or very little experience)
Ages 7-10 Ages 11-14
Cost/Session $50 Cost/Session $50
(For students with basic tennis experience or participated in recent Beginner or Rallyball classes)
Ages 7-10 Ages 11-14
INTERMEDIATE Junior Acers Junior Acers
Monday 8:30 - 9:30 am Monday 8:30 - 9:30 am Tuesday & Thursday 8:30 - 10:00 am Tuesday & Thursday 10:00 - 11:30 am
Cost/Session $150 Cost/Session $150
(For students currently participating in Intermediate classes or proven skills above Rallyball level)
Ages 7-10 Ages 7-10
Monday & Wednesday 8:30 - 10:00 am Monday & Wednesday 10:00 - 11:30 am
Cost/Session $150 Cost/Session $150
LITTLE TENNIS Ages 5-6
Wednesday 8:30 - 9:00 am
Cost/Session $50
To register please visit: www.mgtennis.com/windermere-tennis. For questions or further information please contact Marcelo Gouts at 407-963-1471 or email marcelo@mgtennis.com.
(10% off Town of Windermere Tennis Members)
NEW Ladies Tennis C-3 Wait League Windermere Tennis Members invited to check out the brand new Windermere Wildflowers Team. Summer Practices and Home Matches are at Lake Cane Tennis Center. Weekly Wednesday Clinics beginning August 20 are held at the Butler Bay Courts 9:30-11:00. Interested? Call Team Captain Karen Hammer at 407-276-6000.
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Farmer’s Market ..................................................... Every Friday July 4th Pancake Breakfast .............................................. July 4 Food Truck Night .......................................................... July 25 National Night Out ..................................................... August 5 Awonderful opportunity for communities nationwide to promote police-community partnerships, crime prevention, and neighborhood camaraderie. [http://natw.org]
DBC Quarterly Social ............................................... August 21 Food Truck Night .................................................... August 22 Mayor’s Candlelight Vigil ...................................... September 11 Begins at 7 pm behind Town Hall, to honor and remember all who lost their lives during that tragic day.
Food Truck Night ................................................ September 26 Tennis Court & Boat Ramp Keys Renew ................... October 1 Family Health Festival ............................................... October 4 Craft Beer Festival ..................................................... October 11 For more information on these or any other Town activity please contact us at: (407) 876-2563 or visit our website: www.town.windermere.fl.us
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