05.03.18 MetroWest Connect

CONNECT

In Partnership with Observer Media Group

LIVE. WORK. PLAY. CONNECT. MAY 2018

IN THIS ISSUE:

FEATURING

Will Donato, Liverpool Live and our star performer

Rick Derringer

May 2018

2 • MetroWest CONNECT

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May 2018

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 Publisher

Dawn Willis

Dear Friends: Happy spring! MetroWest offers so many opportunities to enjoy this wonderful time of year: beautiful recreational areas, charming places to shop and dine, a top-rated golf course right in our backyard, and festive outdoor events.

So far, 2018 has been an active and productive year with several positive trends to report. We have been enjoying an upswing in the real estate market with developers looking at and considering both commercial and residential parcels in MetroWest. We look forward to having some new good news to share with you as a result of these inquiries!

As always, the MetroWest Master Association continues to focus on the community’s priorities, including the on-going beautification of MetroWest and enhancing our safety initiatives. With the spring planting season upon us, you may have noticed the colorful annuals adorning our medians and entrance signs. With regard to safety, our relationship with CIS is entering its fifth year, with accomplishments including new lighting standards and many of our communities achieving Crime Free Certification.

We welcome your input, too! If you would like to learn more about the inner working of our community, I encourage you to participate this year by signing up on a committee, helping out at an event, or running for a board position. You can do something as simple as attend our next board meeting on Thursday, April 26 at 6 p.m. to see what opportunities are available.

Being involved, participating, and contributing to our community are crucial factors in keeping MetroWest great!

In closing, I hope to see you all at the upcoming MusicFest concert on May 20 featuring headliner Rick Derringer. And don’t forget about our monthly MetroWest Food Truck Connection held on the “fourth Thursday” at Veranda Park!

Please keep an eye on our website calendar and community Facebook page for more details on recent and future activities/events.

Executive Editor

Mike Eng

Sincerely,

Jim Drayton President MetroWest Master Association Board of Directors

Creative Services

Tony Trotti Advertising Executive

Michelle Gentry mgentry@orangeobserver.com or call 407-656-2121

Jim Drayton

May 2018

4 • MetroWest CONNECT

MetroWest Master Association Board News Welcome New Board Member

Farewell to Departing Board Member

Victor Garofalo

Howard Levene

A member of the MetroWest community for more than six years and a resident of Veranda Park, Victor is a Brazilian immigrant who arrived in the United States in 2011. He graduated with his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (B.B.A.) with a minor in Economy from Rollins College. Victor is well-versed in business and real estate. He is a commercial landlord and CEO of AFAM INVESTMENTS, LLC, a Floridabased company with real estate investments throughout Central Florida.

As a longtime resident of the Vista Royale community in MetroWest, Howard Levene actively worked as vice president of the MetroWest Master Association Board of Directors to foster an environment that ensures residents and members have a voice. A motivated business professional with a successful track record of profitable small business ownership, Howard used his ability to identify people’s needs and relay ideas as to how best to achieve results to the benefit of the MetroWest community.

“I am very pleased to serve on the MetroWest Master Association Board and look forward digging in and working hard on many projects that will benefit our growing and vibrant community,” Victor said.

“It has been my honor to serve on the MetroWest Master Association Board since 2015,” Howard said. “I’m proud of our community’s numerous achievements and am confident that we will see even greater accomplishments in the future.”

Springtime Gardening Tips Now that spring is here, gardens have started to come to life thanks to the warm weather plants that can be grown around our sunny Florida homes. Here are some tips to help you prepare your yard for gorgeous landscaping: ENSURE YOUR IRRIGATION IS FULLY OPERATIONAL – With the weather heating up irrigation is important, as it will help your lawn stay cool and resistant to some of the sun’s heat. Be sure to follow our local watering restrictions.

SCOUT FOR INSECTS – Inspect new growth for insect activity and treat accordingly. If you notice lady bugs, treatment likely will not be needed as their juveniles will quickly devour troublesome insects like aphids.

from Girard Environmental Services

By Kelly Martin, Girard Branch Manager

CHOOSE SUN-FRIENDLY PLANTS – Plants like beautyberries, various palm trees and bird of paradise are drought tolerant and native to Florida.

ACCENT YOUR HOME – Use landscape plants to soften the edges of your home and add curb appeal. Select species that bloom at different times of the year.

DON’T OVERPLANT – Keep in mind the size of a plant when it matures. Leave enough space around each plant to make it easier for them to grow and prevent the need for excessive pruning later on.

FERTILIZE – If you have not already, feed your lawn and shrubs with a slow release fertilizer. The spring new growth is demanding on plants’ nutrient reserves.

PLANT SMALLER, SLOW-GROWING TREES – Smaller trees cost less than larger trees, allowing you to purchase more for the same amount of money. Trees like the twilight crape myrtle, tabebuia, laurel oak, dwarf magnolia and the hydrangea grow well in the Florida heat and yield beautiful blooming flowers.

USE MULCH – Mulch helps distribute water among your plants and slows evaporation; it’s also a weed deterrent.

Follow these few tips and you will enjoy a beautiful, landscaped yard this summer and be the envy of the neighborhood!

May 2018

MetroWest CONNECT • 5

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May 2018

6 • MetroWest CONNECT

Seven MetroWest Communities Achieve Crime Free Certification

The MetroWest Master Association extends congratulations to seven MetroWest communities that have achieved Crime Free Certification. This is a notable accomplishment that requires great dedication on the part of the owners and management team at each of these communities: Alvista Horizons at Stonebridge Place Amara at MetroWest The Residences at Veranda Park Central Park Vistas at Stonebridge Place Goldelm Siena Springs Attaining Crime Free Certification is a three-phase process, requiring an eight-hour certification class, inspections by both the Orlando Police Department and Orlando Utilities Commission, and fulfilling the CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) requirements. Plus, the MWMA is pleased to report that several other MetroWest communities are currently working toward Crime Free Certification.

We want to honor all of the Crime Free Certified communities for this outstanding achievement by celebrating with them at a party hosted by MWMA. Congratulations!

MetroWest WinterFest Charity Challenge Residents of Alvista Metrowest enjoyed a community party hosted by the MetroWest Master Association for winning the MetroWest WinterFest Charity Challenge to benefit Edgewood Children’s Ranch. MetroWest communities and businesses competed in the MetroWest WinterFest Charity Challenge by collecting dry goods, sporting equipment, gift cards and more for the Ranch. Once all the donations were tallied, Alvista was the winner. Congratulations!

Mudpies and Manners is a personal, educational and unique fun experience for children K-8th grade to learn manners based on Classical Children’s Stories and Fairy Tales.

Not only is Mudpies and Manners an after school program from 3:30-5:30, four days a week but Mudpies and Manners has now added a fun and exciting summer camp, two hours for four days a week. And what’s more is you get to choose the time convenient to your schedule.

And if you want a unique birthday party for your child, Mudpies and Manners is now coming to your home for birthday parties or other special occassions under the name Mudpies and Manners in a Suitcase.

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Award winning teacher with 40 years experience!

May 2018

MetroWest CONNECT • 7

CRITICAL INTERVENTION SERVICES Offers Safety Tips Over the past five years, Critical Intervention Services (CIS) has become an integral part of the MetroWest community as our public safety partner. CIS has developed this list of safety tips – many of which are related to vehicle safety – for MetroWest residents.

Community Safety

Vehicle/Residential Safety Tips 1. When parking your vehicle at home, park close to your residence in a well-lit area.

2. Remove all valuables to include loose change, wallets, bags, and G.P.S.’s. Remember, thieves often look for signs that there are valuables inside.

When out driving in the community, always be

Removing the G.P.S. stand may further discourage

aware of your surroundings and follow these simple

thieves from victimizing your vehicle.

safety tips: 1. Always park in a well-lit area close to your destination. The best crime deterrent is light.

2. Keep your vehicle locked at all times. Many newer vehicles automatically lock; however, you should always check just in case.

3. When walking to and from your vehicle, walk with your keys out and ready in your hand.

3. Lock all important documents in your residence such as Social Security cards, passports, and birth certificates in a safe that is hidden from sight.

4. Secure all windows and sliding-glass doors of your residence with thumb-locks.

5. Activate all deadbolts.

6. Lock the garage door if applicable.

Most importantly, if you see suspicious people or vehicles in the community, you should always report it to Security/OPD/MetroWest Public Safety.

4. If you believe you are being followed, don’t stop!

Contact 911 IMMEDIATELY! 5. When waiting at traffic lights, be cognizant of your surroundings and what other people are doing. If someone approaches your vehicle, DO NOT roll down your windows. If they are asking for help, advise them that you will contact emergency personnel for them.

POLICE/FIRE/MEDICAL EMERGENCIES: 911 OPD NON-EMERGENCY: (321) 235-5300 METROWEST PUBLIC SAFETY: (407) 473-2021

May 2018

8 • MetroWest CONNECT

Music, Food and Fun Another Free Community Event Brought to You by the MetroWest Master Association Are you ready for MusicFest 2018?

This fun, relaxing annual event is taking place Sunday, May 20 from 2 – 7 p.m. on the lawn at the beautiful MetroWest Golf Club. MusicFest 2018 features headliner Rick Derringer, famous for his hit single “Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo” and other exciting entertainers.

Young entertainer Rick Derringer was just 17 when his band The McCoysTM recorded the No.1 hit “Hang On Sloopy” in the summer of 1965, knocking “Yesterday” by The Beatles out of the top spot.

May 2018

MetroWest CONNECT • 9

MusicFest is a free event offering a wide variety of music, dining options, adult beverages and more. Attendees should bring chairs or blankets. Coolers and pets are prohibited.

This year’s exciting MusicFest lineup includes: • Rick Derringer, who is known for his hits “Hang on Sloopy” (with The McCoys) and the “Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo.” Derringer also worked as a producer with the Winter Brothers and was featured on three of their albums, including their gold LP, “Roadwork.”

• Liverpool Live, voted the number one Beatles tribute band in Florida … and everyone loves the Beatles!

• Jazz saxophonist Will Donato, a national recording artist and exciting performer. NewJazz.com says Donato is a “Must See Show!”

Produced by the MetroWest Master Association this annual event attracts crowds of as many as 3,500 who enjoy a lovely afternoon filled with multiple music genres and community comradery.

We look forward to seeing you at MusicFest 2018!

PRESENTED BY

DIAMOND SPONSOR

Premier Host

MANAGED BY

May 2018

10 • MetroWest CONNECT

Simmonds Dental Center Celebrates 10 Years in MetroWest

By Peter M. Gordon The MetroWest Master Association would like to congratulate Simmonds Dental Center for 10 successful years in our community!

With the motto “Changing Lives, One Smile at a Time,” Simmonds Dental Center specializes in cosmetic dentistry, periodontist services, denture services, denture products and pediatric dentistry. Founder Dr. Sonia Simmonds is a caring general dentist who delivers personalized care and cutting-edge therapies for lasting oral wellness. In addition, Associate Dentist Dr. Rolando Catral is a key member of the professional team; Dr. Catral prides himself on treating people with compassion, dignity, and respect applying these values to his dentistry and patient care.

Clients of Simmonds Dental Center receive the latest in cosmetic dentistry including Invisalign®, Lumineers, Zoom Whitening, soft-tissue laser treatments, tooth-colored fillings, root canals, crowns/bridges, dentures/ partials, minor oral surgery and dental implants.

For more than a decade, Simmonds Dental Center has been welcoming and treating patients of all ages at their office located at 1601 Park Center Drive, Suite 1 in MetroWest. Safety, hygiene and patient comfort are top priorities at Simmonds. The practice utilizes hospital-grade sterilization equipment, digital X-rays, intra-oral cameras, Caesy patient education system, and televisions with wireless headphones in each room.

Dr. Sonia Simmonds Dr. Simmonds is a compassionate caregiver for all patients, from all walks of life. No matter what your dental issue is, Dr. Simmonds can help. The entire dental team, including hygienists and office staff, at Simmonds Dental Care all possess warm demeanors and positive attitudes, leading to more than 700 five star online patient reviews.

Check them out at https://www.simmondsdentalcenter.com/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Bestorlandodentist/.

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Limit 1 per patient. These offers cannot be combined with insurance and are not valid with other offers or prior service. No cash value. ADA Code (D0150, D0274)

May 2018

MetroWest CONNECT • 11

Good Food In the Neighborhood!

The new MetroWest Food Truck Connection is already considered a great success by neighbors and vendors alike!

Reinvented and relaunched in January in conjunction with Food Truck Crazy, the Food Truck Connection has been enhanced with new and exciting food vendors, music and family fun activities including “Spirit Night,” benefiting local schools.

The event takes place every fourth Thursday of the month from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at Veranda Park and features sumptuous menu items from some of the best food trucks in Central Florida.

So take a night off from cooking, grab the family and some friends, and enjoy a wide variety of culinary delights ranging from barbeque, burgers, ice cream and, even lobster, at the Food Truck Connection!

Visit www.metrowestcommunity.com

Making Memories with Music Weddings Private Parties School Dances Corporate Gatherings Karaoke Phone: (800)-674-8404 Web: www.mmdjs.net Email: contact@mmdjs.net Social: @mmdjsFL

for the latest news about the new MetroWest Food Truck Connection.

Photo by Gabriel Ramos on Unsplash

May 2018

12 • MetroWest CONNECT

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May 2018

MetroWest CONNECT • 13

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DON’T MISS THE NEXT ISSUE!

CONNECT

In Partnership with Observer Media Group

LIVE. WORK. PLAY. CONNECT. MAY 2018

Published in partnership with the MetroWest Master Association. 18,000 copies distributed through the Windermere Observer, the Master Association and businesses throughout MetroWest. The MetroWest Connect publication includes news, information and events about your community.

Next Issue Publish date: IN THIS ISSUE:

FEATURING

Will Donato, Liverpool Live and our star performer

Rick Derringer

Ad Deadline date:

July 26, 2018...........July 12, 2018

For more information or to advertise please contact Michelle Gentry at mgentry@orangeobserver.com or call 407-656-2121

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

273325

1701 Park Center Dr., Ste 140 Orlando, FL 32835

May 2018

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14 • MetroWest CONNECT

May 2018

MetroWest CONNECT • 15

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May 2018

16 • MetroWest CONNECT

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