MetroWest 04.27.17 AllPages

CONNECT

In Partnership with Observer Media Group

APRIL 2017

Sunday, May 7

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2 • MetroWest CONNECT

April 2017

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April 2017

MetroWest CONNECT • 3

MetroWest Corner

MetroWest Master Association

2121 S. Hiawassee Rd., Suite 132 Orlando, FL 32835 (407) 601-5995 www.metrowestcommunity.com

MetroWest

CONNECT Published four times a year by:

in partnership with the MetroWest Master Association

Dear Friends: Thank you for your input into what you would like to see in the MetroWest CONNECT via our recent community survey! We listened to your input and have made some tweaks to feature more photos of your neighbors and community businesses, event information and volunteer opportunities. We hope including this content will make the publication even more valuable to you. Thank you for taking the time to share your opinion. We truly appreciate it.

We hope you will be joining us for the inaugural 2017 MetroWest MusicFest on Sunday, May 7, 2017, 3-8 PM at the MetroWest Golf Club. Following on the success of our annual JazzFests and in response to your community survey input, we are expanding the musical genres featured at our annual spring community event.

This will enable us to present a more diverse celebration of music to appeal to a wider audience.

Entertainment at the inaugural MetroWest MusicFest will feature a capella group Pop Fusion, Mighty Swell, a multiple instrument Bluegrass/Pop group and I-4 Band, a high energy dance/top 40 band. Musical talent from MetroWest schools will also be featured along with delicious food and beverages and local artist and business exhibits.

To learn more about MetroWest MusicFest or to participate as a sponsor, exhibitor or donor, visit www.MetroWestCommunity.com.

We hope to see you there!

We look forward to connecting with you around MetroWest.

Publisher

Jim Drayton

Dawn Willis Executive Editor

Mike Eng

Creative Designers

Kathleen Carreiro Tony Trotti Advertising Executive

Ann Marie Vibbert avibbert@orangeobserver.com or call 407-656-2121

Sincerely,

Jim Drayton President MetroWest Master Association Board of Directors

4 • MetroWest CONNECT

April 2017

WAWA, 24 HOUR FITNESS

‘‘

Photos courtesy of Cuhaci & Peterson.

COMING TO METROWEST

MetroWest has been extremely supportive of the development.

There should be a lot going on there this year.

‘‘

Ryan Stahl, Chief Executive Officer of Equinox Development Properties, Inc.

Equinox Development Properties, Inc., a commercial real estate development company specializing in retail and mixed use projects, will soon start construction on an $18 million retail project at South Kirkman Road and Raleigh Street. A Wawa and a 24 Hour Fitness on roughly 9.5 acres in MetroWest will anchor the Kirkman Station development. Kirkman Station will include a 38,000 square foot, two-story 24-hour fitness location, a quick-service restaurant and 11,000 square feet of additional retail space with the ability to expand to nearly 20,000 square feet if needed.

MetroWest proved to be the ideal location for the 24-hour access anchor tenants to attract students from adjacent Valencia College and passing traffic. An estimated 30,000 students and 1,500 faculty and staff members will have access to Kirkman Station. Equinox worked with Valencia and will create a path system of sidewalks to encourage students to walk through the development. Traffic along the corridor of the property’s intersection typically sees 70,000 vehicles pass through on a daily basis, a significant volume that will additionally boost the businesses at Kirkman Station.

“The project was a hole in the market for Wawa and as we dug into it further, we realized there was a greater potential for more than just a Wawa,” said Ryan Stahl, Chief Executive Officer of Equinox Development Properties, Inc. Pennsylvania-based Wawa recently opened its 100th store in Florida, and has plans to open at least another 10 stores around Florida in 2017. Additionally, California-based 24 Hour Fitness, with more than 400 locations in 13 different states, was also interested in coming into the complex.

“The proximity of Valencia College coupled with easy access and high visibility will make this a strong location for our tenants and a destination of choice for the MetroWest community,” said Stahl.

“MetroWest has been extremely supportive of the development.

There should be a lot going on there this year.”

Kirkman Station is expected to open at the end of 2017.

April 2017

MetroWest CONNECT • 5

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6 • MetroWest CONNECT

April 2017

MetroWest Relief Elementary School –

What’s in a Name?

MWMA-213 CONNECT-MWR-School.indd 1

Two community surveys generated the top three names, mascots and colors. The top three name choices were Westpointe Elementary, MetroEast Elementary and Lake Vilma Elementary.

The top three mascot choices were a Dolphin, an Eagle or a Shark. The top three choices for school colors were Blue and Silver/Gray, Gray and Turquoise/Teal or Blue and Yellow/Gold.

The results will be presented to the School Board for approval, most likely this month or in May.

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The MetroWest Elementary Relief School has reached another milestone in its evolution – a potential new name, a mascot and colors. Principal Patricia G. Smith sent a memo to the MetroWest community requesting input into the new elementary school’s name, mascot and colors. The preliminary community survey results indicate that the new relief elementary school could be named Westpointe Elementary with a Dolphin mascot and colors of Blue and Silver/Gray pending School Board approval.

April 2017

MetroWest CONNECT • 7

Join our of Stars!

If you’ve ever wanted to be a star, here is your chance! That’s right.

For just a little of your time every month, you can be a MetroWest community )! star–by joining the MetroWest Community Action Safety Team ( is a community organization of your friends and neighbors, that works with MetroWest Public Safety Officers in their efforts to build a stronger, more connected MetroWest community.

By joining the MetroWest , you can make a big difference in our community–and it won’t take much of your time. For as little as one hour per month, you can help support MetroWest public safety efforts. is designed to be simple, easy–and effective. As a member, you will: • Attend a monthly meeting (approximately 1 hour) to stay connected and informed.

• Receive information regarding public safety trends and strategies that you can share with your specific community.

• Engage in information sharing with other MetroWest communities.

• Plan, coordinate and participate in community events.

• Help get other residents involved in the program.

• Assist MetroWest Public Safety Officers in providing public safety information and tools to MetroWest residents.

Get involved. Make a difference.

Join our !

Play a starring role in making your community, your neighborhood, the best it can be. team, To join the Email contact@metrowestpublicsafety.com or call 407-473-2021.

8 • MetroWest CONNECT

April 2017

METROWEST MUSICFEST EXPANDS MUSICAL GENRES

We hope you will be joining us for the inaugural 2017 MetroWest MusicFest presented by Girard Environmental Services on Sunday, May 7, 2017, 3-8 PM at the MetroWest Golf Club.

Following on the success of our annual JazzFests and in response to your community survey input, we are expanding the musical genres featured at our annual spring community event. This will enable us to present a more diverse celebration of music to appeal

MetroWest MusicFest 2017 will offer yet another opportunity for

to a wider audience.

our community to connect and have a blast dancing, laughing and getting to know your neighbors. Don’t forget to bring your chair or

Entertainment at the inaugural MetroWest MusicFest will feature

blanket to sit on while enjoying the music, however, coolers and

Mighty Swell, a multiple instrument Bluegrass/Pop group, the I-4

pets are not permitted. We hope to see you there!

Band, a high energy dance/top 40 band and a capella sensation Pop Fusion. Musical talent from MetroWest schools will also be featured during the event. Specialty beverages will be available from the MetroWest Golf Club and local food trucks will be cooking up delicious food. Plus, attendees can stroll around the exhibitor zone to discover what local artists and businesses have to offer.

MWMA-213_2-page_MF_Feature_v5.indd 1

To learn more about the event or to participate as a sponsor, exhibitor or donor, visit MetroWestCommunity.com.

4/6/17 3:30 PM

April 2017

MetroWest CONNECT • 9

Featured Artists at MetroWest MusicFest 2017 Mighty Swell Think of progressive Bluegrass pop as an equal blend of country and Appalachian music, Irish, Scottish and English traditional music, jazz music and rock & roll sprinkled in for good measure.

Mighty Swell delivers a comforting combination of acoustical guitars, keyboard and strings that is sure to lift your spirits, get your head bobbing and feet tapping and leave you wanting more of their upbeat sound. As the familiar strains of Bluegrass classics blended with current pop music emanate from the stage, you will find yourself a fan of this musical genre.

I-4 Band The I-4 Band is the hottest high-energy hip show band in Central Florida. I-4 reflects our area’s diversity in look and sound. These first-rate musicians dance, jump and sing while performing. So get moving and dance along to the Top 40, Vintage Pop, Latin Pop and R&B favorites of the I-4 Band.

Pop Fusion This all-star a cappella group is exploding with fun, upbeat vocals for audiences of all ages. Their huge repertoire of popular songs include today’s Top 40 Pop (Taylor Swift, Maroon 5), Classic Pop (Journey, Michael Jackson) and Latin (Enrique Iglesias, Jennifer Lopez.) This sensational Orlando group has performed around the U.S. and has been featured at Walt Disney World and SeaWorld even performing on national TV and numerous international radio stations. PITCH PERFECT + PENTATONIX + GLEE = POP FUSION. It’s aca-awesome!

MWMA-213_2-page_MF_Feature_v5.indd 2

4/6/17 3:30 PM

10 • MetroWest CONNECT

April 2017

SPRING LAWN CARE TIPS FROM GIRARD – THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROS FOR METROWEST Having well maintained landscaping can go a long way to maximize the overall curb appeal of any property. Here are some tips for keeping your landscaping at its best throughout the year from Girard Environmental Services, our partner in keeping MetroWest’s award-winning landscape beautiful.

PROPER TREE MAINTENANCE

• The proper lifting and thinning of tree canopies can protect them during storms, benefit the landscaping underneath and help prevent serious damage to buildings, vehicles and people.

• Tree trimming and canopy thinning should be set up on a three-year rotation to achieve optimal care for trees.

MOWING & DETAILING • Summer lawn mowing and detailing schedules typically start in the middle of March and last through the middle of October. However, there are many variations to the scheduling of lawn services, especially during the transitional months and during the winter.

• Determine the best approach for your unique property and budget.

FERTILIZATION & PEST CONTROL

MULCH REPLACEMENT

COLOR REPLACEMENT

• Florida is one of the toughest geographies for dealing with extreme weather conditions and having the most diverse population of bugs and disease.

• Turf and shrub care programs should typically include between 5-8 regularly scheduled applications throughout the year.

• Your ultimate goal is to have healthy, green, weed free turf and shrub beds.

• Nothing makes a property look more complete than fresh mulch.

• In addition to adding color and definition, mulching plant beds can help conserve moisture and control weed growth. You only need to do this once a year to keep your shrub and flower beds healthy.

• For high profile areas, a “seasonal touch-up” before the holidays, a special event or an important site visit can also help give your yard a boost.

• Color plantings and potted plants can make your property stand out from the rest. A color replacement program that is unique to your property provides a cost effective, year-round solution.

• Planting rotations may occur 4-6 times per year, depending on the types of plants selected, their particular location and your landscaping budget.

April 2017

MetroWest CONNECT • 11

MetroWest Golf Club Becomes Community Hub

By Peter M. Gordon MetroWest Golf Club is under new management. On April 1, Hampton Golf, a Jacksonville-based company that manages courses throughout Florida, took official control of the property and started making improvements.

“Our goal is to make MetroWest Golf Club a destination for the community,” said Justin Kuehn, Hampton Golf’s Vice President of Marketing. Hampton Golf has transformed other courses by integrating them into the life of their neighborhoods.

Kuehn said, MetroWest patrons will “experience improvements in customer service and hospitality.” Hampton focuses on the customer experience from the time patrons arrive in the parking lot to the time they drive away.

To implement these changes Hampton Golf appointed an interim general manager and a new course superintendent. Mike Henderson, the superintendent, spearheaded the reconditioning of Falcon’s Fire golf course in Kissimmee, and plans a similar overhaul for MetroWest.

Kuehn said there are no plans to change the course’s “exceptional” Robert Trent Jones, Senior, design. The course’s fairways, greens, tee boxes, and clubhouse will be renovated to create a top-flight

experience for golfers of all abilities. In May, patrons can expect a full course aerification along with verti-cutting of the grass to stimulate growth.

Kuehn said the goal of these renovations is for “MetroWest residents to use the club and be proud of it.” Hampton Golf plans to offer incentive pricing for all MetroWest’s facilities and “work with local HOAs and the Master Association” to make the club a community resource.

Hampton’s upgrades to the Stone Creek Club of Ocala can serve as a model for MetroWest. The club’s managers reached out to all residents, even those who didn’t play golf, by offering trivia nights at the club’s restaurant. Other events they promoted included sock hops and chili cook offs. While the specific events for MetroWest are still in the planning stage, area residents should expect a fun and entertaining lineup of activities.

Kuehn summed up the new management philosophy: “We’re going to throw the party and invite you to the party.”

For more information, to reserve a tee time, or to check out the new event schedule, go to www.MetroWestgolf.com or call the course at 407-299-1099.

12 • MetroWest CONNECT

April 2017

Hair in Motion of New York Puts Customers First

By Peter M. Gordon

BEAUTY COMES FROM WITHIN!

Hair In Motion of New York Salon Welcomes You. Here there is something for everyone!

All first time clients receive 10% off their first visit.

We look forward to seeing you and giving you an exceptional Salon & Spa experience.

www.hairinmotionofny.com

email: hairinmotionofnewyork@gmail.com 237950

IG: hairinmotionofny

(407) 704-8300 2121 S. Hiawassee Rd. 106, Orlando, FL 32835

“Hair is my passion,” said Lesline Powe Barton, owner of Hair in Motion of New York, at 2121 South Haiwassee Blvd. After managing her own salon business in New York City for many years, she moved to Orlando in 2010 hoping to take it easy. She thought she was done with management.

“But God had another plan for me,” said Barton. Working as a stylist with a local salon, she saw many young cosmetologists struggle to make a living after they graduated from a training program. She said, “I realized my true purpose and destiny” was “educating, equipping and empowering cosmetologists for successful careers.”

Barton first opened a salon near downtown Orlando. Her search for a better location brought her to MetroWest, where she opened Hair in Motion of New York in 2013. The business grew rapidly. Barton offers customers a full-service salon and spa experience that includes hair styling, coloring, makeup, manicures, pedicures, massages, waxing, and facials. “We are a multi-cultural salon with affordable prices,” said Barton.

“We create a culture where everybody is family. Our main objective is to make sure our customers are satisfied.”

Barton sees community participation as an important part of her mission. She is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and participates in many local events. Hair in Motion of New York has received awards from several local groups, including Business of the Year from the Black Business Investment Fund (BBIF).

Many of her stylists are MetroWest residents. Some walk to work. Barton also gives back through the apprentice program she created for recent cosmetology graduates. She collaborates with local schools to help graduates develop not only hair styling skills but also time management, customer service, and entrepreneurship abilities.

This year Barton celebrates her 30th year as a cosmetologist. She attributes her success to her faith. “I love the Lord,” she said. “I can’t do anything without Him.” She has no plans to slow down. Barton has maximized her current space and hopes to expand her space and the services she can offer by the end of the year. She looks forward to serving the MetroWest area for many years.

Hair in Motion of New York is open Monday through Saturday, 10:00 AM to 7 PM. To learn more about their offerings, or to make an appointment, go to www.hairinmotionofny.com or call 407-704-8300.

April 2017

MetroWest CONNECT • 13

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As an independent insurance agent, we represent many toprated insurance companies. We’re here for you locally, 24/7 via our website or by calling us at: (407) 656-2211.

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14 • MetroWest CONNECT

April 2017

WELCOME (BACK) TO METROWEST, CONGRESSWOMAN VAL DEMINGS Val Demings is no stranger to Orlando, having served as Orlando’s first female Chief of Police. Her commitment to our community continues with her election last fall to the U.S. House of Representatives representing Florida’s 10th District that includes MetroWest.

When it came time to establish a district office, she turned to MetroWest as the ideal location, opening her district office in January. “I love the accessibility of our office location in MetroWest,” said Congresswoman Demings. “I know this area well. My husband and I raised our children in a home in MetroWest before moving further west. It has all the amenities we could need and provides our constituents and various community members and leaders with access to our staff.“

MWMA-213 CONNECT-Demings.indd 1

Congresswoman Demings’ Orlando office: 2295 S Hiawassee Road Suite 301 Orlando, FL 32835 Phone: 321-388-9808

4/19/17 9:31 AM

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An official community open house was held on Saturday, April 8 and the ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on April 17.

Constituent services available at her MetroWest office includes Veterans benefits access, Medicare, immigration, Internal Revenue Services, Housing and Urban Development, Social Security, voter registration, passport services and United States Postal Services.

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MetroWest CONNECT • 15

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16 • MetroWest CONNECT

April 2017

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