07.28.16 MetroWest Connect

CONNECT

In Partnership with Observer Media Group

JULY 2016

LIVE. WORK. PLAY. CONNECT.

IN THIS ISSUE:

30th ANNIVERSARY

TOP-RATED

SCHOOLS HIGH SCHOOL

FOOTBALL SCHEDULES

RESTAURANT GUIDE

2 • MetroWest CONNECT

July 2016

The FACES The FACES of Heart of Heart Failure Fa The FACES of Heart Failure

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July 2016

MetroWest CONNECT • 3

MetroWest Corner About MetroWest MetroWest, developed in 1985, is one of Orlando’s first master-planned communities and features award-winning landscaping, MetroWest Golf Club, top-rated public schools, Valencia College and convenient access to both I-4 and the 408 from the west side of Orlando. MetroWest offers a community lifestyle with neighborhood businesses and outdoor recreation options. The diverse community is complemented by a range of living options, from single-family homes of all sizes to apartments and condominiums. For more information, please visit www.metrowestcommunity.com.

A letter from your Neighbor and Secretary of the MetroWest Master Board Dear Friends:

CONNECT Publisher

Dawn Willis Executive Editor

Mike Eng Creative Designers

Andres Tam Tony Trotti Advertising Executive

MetroWest Master Association (MWMA) recently kicked off the 30th Anniversary Celebration of one of the City of Orlando’s most beautiful places to live.

It’s hard to believe that a mere 30 years ago, this area was nothing but endless rows of orange groves divided between the city limits of Orlando and Orange County. Today, our community has swelled to over 18,000 residents, almost 10,000 residential units, 1.4 million square feet of office space and 762,444 square feet of retail and restaurant space. That’s an enviable accomplishment, especially for a member-owned community.

I am proud to say that I am a 26-year resident of MetroWest. I have witnessed firsthand the incredible growth of the community and I am thankful that it has continued to thrive and develop into one of Central Florida’s largest and most beautiful places to live, work, play and connect.

The 30th Anniversary Celebration will continue throughout 2016 as we recognize and honor our long-term residents and businesses. I look forward to connecting with you throughout our 30th Anniversary year.

Sincerely,

Stina D’Uva

MetroWest

26-Year MetroWest Resident & Board Secretary, MetroWest Master Association

Sharlene DeWitz sdewitz@orangeobserver.com or call 407-656-2121 Published four times a year.

Next Issue:

November 17, 2016 Published by:

in partnership with the MetroWest Master Association

ADVERTISE OR SUBSCRIBE TODAY! Call us at 407-656-2121 Email us at subscribe@wotimes.com or advertisenow@wotimes.com

4 • MetroWest CONNECT

July 2016

The Big

3-0

The MetroWest community celebrated its 30th anniversary in March.

Courtesy photo

JENNIFER NESSLAR STAFF WRITER

W

hen Stina D’Uva was looking for a home more than 26 years ago, it was one in MetroWest that caught her eye.

“I just really liked the layout and the look of the house,” she said. “I really liked the landscaping as I was driving along Hiawassee Road with the realtor.”

D’Uva arrived at the community only a few years after it was founded.

MetroWest, one of the first masterplanned communities in Central Florida, celebrated its 30th anniversary March 13.

The development began along the main arteries of MetroWest — Hiawassee Road and MetroWest Boulevard — and expanded from there. The MetroWest Golf Club opened in 1987, soon after the beginning of the development, according to Francine Burruezo, the catering and event director at the MetroWest Golf Club.

Now, more than 1,900 acres have been developed, with more than 9,600 residential units and 42 neighborhoods, and commercial and retail options dotted throughout.

“There’s a lot of business in MetroWest,” said Julie Sanchez, general manager at the MetroWest Master Association.

SUCCESSES

The community affords easy access to Interstate 4, State Road 408 and

“It’s all about the connections of people.

In that, the vision is ‘how do we connect people?’”

Julie Sanchez

Julie Sanchez, general manager at the MetroWest Master Association, in Veranda Park, a part of MetroWest that she hopes to see become an anchor of the community.

downtown Orlando.

Driving into MetroWest, many people notice the landscaping and the large sign that welcomes people into the community.

“You can definitely tell when you come into MetroWest and when you leave it,” Sanchez said.

The slogan — “Live. Work. Play.

Connect.” — resonates with residents such as D’ Uva, who feels the community offers everything she would like to do.

In 2012, MetroWest won Orlando’s City Beautiful award. The community also has been a finalist in the Florida Communities of Excellence for Florida-friendly landscaping and water conservation.

The city of Orlando also awarded the Environmental Excellence award to the

community because of its irrigation system, which is operated remotely.

The web-based irrigation system allows operators to check water levels on irrigation in the common areas from the computer and control the system remotely.

The system also keeps water from being wasted on roadways and sidewalks.

Another source of pride for the community is that all schools zoned for MetroWest are top-rated.

THE CHALLENGES

But MetroWest has faced challenges along the way.

For most of MetroWest’s existence, the developer controlled the community.

July 2016

MetroWest CONNECT • 5

This aerial was taken as MetroWest was first being developed.

That changed in October 2014, when a buyout gave the MetroWest Master Association control of the community. “(Community members) hold their own destiny versus someone trying to control it,” Sanchez said.

“They make their own decisions, they drive where their money goes, how it’s spent and what the community really needs from their perspective.”

Having a developer-controlled community wasn’t all negative, Sanchez said, and the association has been able to build on some things the developer established in the community.

Since then, the association has been able to create a greater sense of community, using events like the JazzFest as a way to form connections. The community also has created a new mobile app to help people feel connected.

Another challenge the community has faced is changing the perception of crime in MetroWest.

“Right now it is a perception and not so much a reality,” Sanchez said. “(To change perception) is a little more challenging than the fact of the matter. It is about, again, connecting people, educating people, educating the media … when they indicate MetroWest and it’s really not in the boundaries of MetroWest.”

The community has also established a public safety team to address any incidents that do happen in MetroWest. They can also address complaints and concerns residents have.

Courtesy photo

WHAT’S NEXT?

The MetroWest Master Association has plans to continue to make MetroWest feel like a tight-knit community.

“It’s all about the connections of people,” Sanchez said. “In that, the vision is ‘how do we connect people?’”

The association has used events and media platforms to connect people, but ideas include making physical spaces gathering places. Sanchez would like to see Veranda Park be developed into a central place for people to gather, as well as continuing to make the MetroWest Golf Club a place that brings people together.

“Those are two anchor partners in MetroWest that I think drive a lot of people and activities and bring people together,” she said.

Sanchez also envisions the expansion of a bike trail, which currently runs from the east side of Kirkman Road to MetroWest Boulevard. She would like to see the bike trail continue to turn on Hiawassee Road to go south, which would allow the trail to pass through an area with many businesses along Hiawassee and Veranda Park, which is intended to become an anchor of the community. The trail would conclude at Turkey Lake, where a cyclist could pick up other bike trails.

Contact Jennifer Nesslar at jnesslar@orangeobserver.com.

RECOGNITION This year, MetroWest Master Association General Manager Julie Sanchez placed in the top 10 managers in the nation.

“She does an amazing job at bringing the community together and utilizing the club, Veranda Park, as a focal point of the community,” said Francine Burruezo, catering and event director at the MetroWest Golf Club.

6 • MetroWest CONNECT

July 2016

A Celebration of Home and Neighbors A community is not defined by its location, homes, businesses or amenities, but by the people who call it home.

MetroWest’s residents and businesses have transformed our neighborhoods into an outstanding community. As MetroWest celebrates it’s 30th anniversary, we reflect and acknowledge that our residents, property owners and businesses are what sets our home apart from others. MetroWest residents are active, vibrant individuals and families with diverse interests and backgrounds. MetroWest’s mission over the past 30 years has been to promote a living space that combines professional achievements, personal experiences and significant connections that allow residents to enjoy a true sense of community.

During our 30th Anniversary, MetroWest wanted to recognize and thank many of our long­term residents and long­term businesses who have chosen to call this community home. We hope you take a chance to shake a neighbor’s hand or stop by a local business and continue to connect with our thriving community. Thank you for choosing to make MetroWest your home for nearly 30 years!

30 Year Resident

26 Year Resident

24 Year Business

23 Year Residents

Cara Blonder

Stina D'Uva

David Gray of Josie's Pizza

Jolynn Haven Kim and Robert Kreiger Theresa Liperi

22 Year Residents

21 Year Residents

20 Year Residents

19 Year Residents

Madeline Francois Rebecca and Paul Meunier Marilyn Murphy Joseph and Silvia Murray Roderic Van Beuzekom Lovelle and Charles Wright

John Lyons Sonjay Vora

Sandy Kupetz Victoria Popovic Shirley and Stephen Sherer

Tracey Foushi Leigh Hardie Ron Keiper Ronald Paschoal

18 Year Resident

17 Year Resident

16 Year Residents

15 Year Residents

Cynthia Gannon

Louis R. Karbiener

Kamaljeet Singh Dogra Oswald Deally

Tina Lopez Nikki Magyar Robert and Beth Monaco Raghu Patel Alyce Sanders

14 Year Resident

13 Year Residents

12 Year Residents

11 Year Residents

Farideh and Parviz Fathi

Steven Nazario Gerry Zheng

Helen and Scott Ford Gwen Kousaie Israel Lopez Connie Zardo

10 Year Residents

6 Year Residents

5 Year Resident

Yolanda Conley Aggers Noel Arriola Thelma Black Patricia Debierre Cameo DeLoach Maria Encarnacion Darlene S. Williamson

Celia Correa Frank Furness Douglas Cavalcante Hernandez Rechelle Williams

Variluz Betnwinkler

Prakhar Agrawal Daniel Beal Donna and Joe Crocco Karen Kahn Adolfo Llanos Diana Scates Gene Schreck Dianna Washburn Johnny Woo Donna and Jonathan Yeung

July 2016

MetroWest CONNECT • 7

MetroWest CONNECT

• A PAGE FROM THE TIMES

Orange County Recognizes MetroWest with Community Excellence Awards Orange County Mayor, Teresa Jacobs, recognized MetroWest at Orange County’s recent 21st Annual Community Conference with the awards for Excellence in Safety & Security Initiatives and Excellence in Innovative Newsletters.

MWMA Board President, Jim Drayton, accepted the safety award on behalf of MetroWest and their partner Critical Intervention Services, for the community’s comprehensive public safety initiatives. Dawn Willis, Publisher of the Observer Group, accepted the award for Excellence in Innovative Newsletters for the partnership with MWMA to produce the quarterly MetroWest CONNECT, a comprehensive community magazine.

“MetroWest Master Association is committed to enriching and connecting our community through innovative initiatives like public safety and integrated communications,” said Jim Drayton.

“It is an honor to accept accolades for these integral initiatives that enhance and expand MetroWest’s reputation as a great place to live, work, play and connect.”

MWMA-179_1/2pg ad_AWARDS.indd 1

Orange County Mayor, Teresa Jacobs, presents Jim Drayton, President of the MetroWest Master Association Board of Directors, with the award for Excellence in Safety & Security Initiatives. (Photo courtesy of Orange County)

Orange County Mayor, Teresa Jacobs, presents Dawn Willis, Publisher of the Observer Media Group, with the award for Excellence in Innovative Newsletters. (Photo courtesy of Orange County)

7/13/16 2:55 PM

8 • MetroWest CONNECT

July 2016

West Orange Chamber of Commerce Celebrates MetroWest Master Association’s 30th Anniversary

- Photo courtesy of West Orange Chamber of Commerce

Meet Your MetroWest Master Association Board of Directors MetroWest is owned by its members and managed by the MetroWest Master Association (MWMA), which has the overall responsibility, and right in maintaining the standards of all common areas within the community.

JIM DRAYTON President

HOWARD LEVENE Vice President

ISRAEL LOPEZ Director

STINA D’UVA Secretary

MADELEINE FRANCOIS Director

July 2016

MetroWest CONNECT

MetroWest CONNECT • 9

• BUSINESS FEATURE

Pinot’s Palette:

Paint, Drink, Have Fun

By Peter M. Gordon One year ago MetroWest resident ScottWisely worked in the corporate world, but he dreamed of owning his own business that would combine Scott and his wife Soozie’s love of art and fine wine.Then he heard about Pinot’s Palette, a franchise business that enabled them to do just that.

On some weekday and most weekend evenings in their studio at 2185 Hiawassee Road, across the street from the MetroWest Country Club, novices and more experienced painters mingle, enjoy an art lesson from Soozie, and sip fine wine and craft beer at reasonable prices. Scott said that even patrons who never painted before walking in their door “get lost in the therapy of art. This activity brings people together and by the end of class everyone’s having a great time.”

Pinot’s Palette also gives back to the community through their Painting it Forward program.

Last year they contributed a painting to the

MetroWest JazzFest that is currently hanging in the office of the MetroWest Master Association. This September 28 the MetroWest studio will host a painting fund raiser for the St. Jude Children’s Research Foundation. They also work with local non-profits and community groups like the MetroWest Jazz Fest to provide a portion of their proceeds from a painting event.

Scott and Soozie celebrated one year in business in June. Members of the West Orange Chamber of Commerce came by to commemorate the occasion. Scott doesn’t think of returning to a corporate job. “I would not trade this for the world,” he said.

Pinot’s Palette accepts walk-ins if they have room, but in general it’s best to make a reservation before stopping by. Individuals and groups can learn more about booking the studio for an event, read the bar menu in detail, and contact Scott and Soozie through their web site: www. pinotspalette.com/orlandowest. The studio’s phone number is 407-730-5252.

10 • MetroWest CONNECT

SOAKING IT IN

July 2016

USA Swimming invited 48 student-athletes from across the United States to participate in its Diversity Select Camp in May — part of an effort to show support for minorities competing in the sport. Olympia High’s Sofia Bernard was one of the fortunate few selected.

ALISSA SMITH EDITORIAL INTERN

S

ofia Bernard has returned home to Southwest Orange Co u n ty w i t h a renewed sense of vigor after attending USA Swimming’s Diversity Select Camp in May. A rising senior at Olympia High, Bernard, 17, arrived at U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs — where the camp was located — on May 5. She started her days there at 6 a.m. with a small snack and swimsuit in hand.

In the pool by 7 a.m., Bernard practiced for two hours, after which she would head back to the cafeteria for a heavier meal.

USA Swimming hosted meetings aimed to inspire and educate the swimmers twice a day, before lunch and after dinner.

Bernard said that USA Swimming emphasized how limited ethnic diversity is in swimming.

“They were telling us that …. we have this really special opportunity because of how different we are, that we possess talent in the sport and how lucky we are,” Bernard said.

“And [they] just taught us to be proud of who we are and how to keep going even through hard practices.”

Bernard said USA Swimming told her to be proud of her heritage — Mexican and Spanish — and that she should embrace it because it would provide her with opportunities others might not have.

Besides learning new drills and the meetings, Bernard said the camp also worked to teach attendees about nutrition — even going as far as holding cooking classes to show swimmers what’s healthy to eat after practice.

SOFIA’S STATS Here are Olympia High senior Sofia Bernard’s best times (in seconds) in the pool:

23.2

50-meter freestyle

50.9

100-meter freestyle

Alissa Smith

Sofia Bernard, 17, poses near the swimming pool at the YMCA Aquatic Center on International Drive. Bernard practiced at this pool when she was younger. She currently swims club for Lake Highland Preparatory School and swims competitively for Olympia High School.

The Diversity Select Camp required applicants to be ethnic and to submit their best times and their IMX scores. From a large pool of applicants, 48 athletes (24 boys and 24 girls) were chosen.

Since returning, Bernard — who competes for Olympia on the school’s swimming and water polo teams — has been at work training under Michael Curley, the swim coach at Lake Highland Prep in Orlando. Though the two have only been working together for around a month, the veteran swim coach sees a lot of potential in Bernard.

“I don’t see why she couldn’t be considered for the 2020 Olympics,” Curley said. “I think she’s that gifted … whatever school she chooses for college she’s going to have an impact.”

Reflecting on Bernard’s involvement in the Diversity Select Camp, Curley said a common misconception is that swimming is a sport for the wealthy. He said this is some-

150.3

200-meter freestyle

thing USA Swimming is actively working against with effort such as the camp.

Bernard says she wants to swim at a Division I program in college next fall and is looking at attending Auburn University. She plans to major in foreign affairs and international security paired with a minor in forensic science.

Though camp ended May 8, Bernard still holds the experience close. She said her favorite part of camp was when the camp held a mock meet toward the end of the trip; she came in first in the 100-meter freestyle, with her team coming in first for the relay.

“Honestly, it’s probably one of the best experiences I’ve ever had,” Bernard said.

She left with a strong message.

“You can’t give up,” she said. “If someone knocks you down you have to get right back up. Life’s a challenge and you have to rise to it.”

July 2016

MetroWest CONNECT • 11

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12 • MetroWest CONNECT

July 2016

SCHOOL UPDATE

MetroWest Elementary:

“Miracles are In the Making”

By Peter M. Gordon Christine Szymanski, MetroWest Elementary’s principal, is proud of her school’s motto: “Where Miracles are In the Making.” MetroWest’s first principal, Vicki Brooks, coined this phrase when the school opened in 1988. To Ms. Szymanski, it means “every student that walks through our door is a miracle in their own way. Our goal is to challenge them and help them become the next generation of community leaders.”

One of the key factors supporting MetroWest’s success is community involvement. “We are very fortunate to have a very supportive community and parents. Some volunteer in our classrooms and work directly with students,” Ms. Szymanski said. She began a mentoring program that matches volunteers with students. Mentors have lunch with their mentees, help with schoolwork and provide another caring role model in each child’s life.

Ms. Szymanski and her staff planned several events this fall for students and their families to help keep the community involved. “Meet the

Teacher” night starts the year on August 11. School open house and parent conference night will take place mid-September. One new event this fall is family art night. Families will need to reserve in advance since space will be limited. If bringing families together through art projects works as well as she expects, Ms. Szymanski will schedule more throughout the year. In January the school plans a Celebrate Literacy Week and Bedtime Story Night for all primary students. Parents and students can find more information, including dates, at www.metrowest.ocps.net.

It should be easier this fall for parents to drop off and pick up their children at the school. Orange County Public Schools finished the first phase of improvements to the property, which includes building a relief school. Phase One built a new entrance and longer parent loop. The loop includes places for parents to pull out of the line if they need to wait longer, which should make student pickup and drop-off move more swiftly and smoothly. All construction on the property is planned to end, and the relief school set to open by the start of the fall 2017 school year.

July 2016

MetroWest CONNECT • 13

MetroWest CONNECT

• AREA SCHOOLS

GOTHA MIDDLE SCHOOL

MetroWest’s zoned elementary, middle and high schools are top rated schools!

METROWEST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

MetroWest Elementary School, “Where Miracles are In the Making,” is led by Principal Christine A. Szymanski. MetroWest Master Association supports the elementary school with an annual donation that has funded technologically advanced learning tools such as interactive white boards and initiatives supporting the flourishing Accelerated Reading program.

Visit www.ocps.net/lc/west/emt/Pages/default.aspx

GOTHA MIDDLE SCHOOL

Gotha Middle School is led by Principal Patrice Knowles.

Gotha has been an “A” rated school for the past 11 years, as well as recognized as a Red Ribbon School, Five Star School and received the Golden School recognition for the last three years.

Visit www.ocps.net/lc/west/mgo/Pages/default.aspx

CHAIN OF LAKES MIDDLE SCHOOL

VALENICA COLLEGE FOUNDATION, INC. 1768 Park Center Drive, Orlando, FL 32835 407-582-1701 Visit www.valenciacollege.edu

FLORIDA VIRTUAL SCHOOL

2145 Metrocenter Blvd., Suite 200, Orlando, FL 32835 407-513-3587 Visit www.flvs.net

DA VINCI ACADEMY

1901 Park Center Drive, Orlando, FL 32835 407-290-5437 Visit www.davinci-academy.com

PIAGET ACADEMY

6395 Raleigh Street, Orlando, FL 32835 407-293-9372 Visit www.piagetpreschool.com

Gotha Middle School is led by Principal Cheron L. Anderson.

A Five Star school, Chain of Lakes also boasts an awardwinning PTSA program.

Visit www.ocps.net/lc/southwest/mch/Pages/default.aspx

EMBANET COMPASS

OLYMPIA HIGH SCHOOL

MICROTEK – COMPUTER CLASSROOM RENTAL

Olympia High School is led by Principal Guy Swenson.

Olympia is the only high school in Orange County to earn all “A”s for four years in a row. Additionally, Over 1.5 million dollars in scholarships have been earned by seniors and the outgoing class had six seniors accepted to Top 20 colleges and universities, three National Merit Scholars and one National Hispanic Scholar.

Visit www.ocps.net/lc/west/hol/Pages/Default.aspx

2145 Metrocenter Blvd., Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32835 1-877-303-2340 Visit www.embanet.com 2145 Metrocenter Blvd #150, Orlando, FL 32835 407-532-4704 Visit www.mclabs.com

NC PEARSON

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14 • MetroWest CONNECT

July 2016

Orange County Public Schools 2016 -­‐ 2017 Calendar Orange County Public Schools 2016 -­‐ 2017 Calendar

Monday-­‐Friday Monday-­‐Friday Monday Monday Monday Monday Thursday Friday Monday Thursday Friday Friday Monday Wednesday-­‐Friday Friday

Friday Two Weeks Wednesday-­‐Friday

2016-2017 Calendar August 8-­‐12, 2016

Friday Tuesday Two Weeks Wednesday

August 8-­‐12, 016 August 15, 22016 September 5, 2016 August 15, 2016 September 5, 22016 016 October 13, October 14, 2016 October 17, 22016 016 October 13, October 2 8, 2 016 October 14, 2016 October 17, 2016 November October 28, 223-­‐25, 016 2016 December 16, 2016 December 213-­‐25, 9, 2016 – November 2016 January 2, 126, 017 December 2016 January 3 , 2 017 December 19, 2016 – January 4 , 2 017 January 2, 2017

Tuesday Monday Wednesday

January 3, 2017 January 16, 2017 January 4, 2017

Monday Monday

February 20, 2017 January 16, 2017

Thursday March 16, 2017 Monday February 0, 2017 Friday March 127, 2017 Monday-­‐Friday March 20-­‐24, 2017 Thursday March 16, 2017 Friday March 17, 22017 Monday March 27, 017 Monday-­‐Friday March 0-­‐24, 2017 Friday April 228, 2017 Monday May 29, 2017 Monday March 27, 2017 Friday April 238, Wednesday May 1, 22017 017 Monday May 29, 2017 Thursday-­‐Friday June 1-­‐2, 2017

Wednesday May 31, 2017

Thursday-­‐Friday June 1-­‐2, 2017

First semester:

84 days (43/41) Second semester: 96 days (50/46)

First semester: 84 days (43/41)

Pre-­‐planning for teachers (Aug. 10 is a staff development day.)

Pre-­‐planning for teachers First day of school for students (Aug. is Ha oliday staff d evelopment day.)

Labor 1D0 ay First day aond f school for students (Schools district offices are closed.) st Labor Harking oliday p eriod (43 days) End of D1ay m (Schools nd district offices are closed.)

Student haoliday/teacher workday nd st Begin End of 21 m marking arking pperiod eriod (43 days) Student h oliday/teacher Student oliday/teacher pwrofessional orkday day/ teacher nd non-­‐workday Begin 2 marking period Thanksgiving Break Student holiday/teacher professional day/ teacher nd End of 2 marking period (41 days) non-­‐workday Winter Break B reak Thanksgiving

End of 2nd marking period (41 days) Student Bhreak oliday/teacher workday Winter

Students return to school/begin 2nd semester/begin 3rd marking period Student holiday/teacher workday Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Students return to school/begin 2nd (Schools and district offices are closed.) semester/begin 3rd marking period Presidents' Day holiday Martin Luther King, J Dr. istrict Holiday are open.)

(Schools are closed. offices (Schools district offices are closed.)

End of 3ardnd marking period (50 days) Presidents' D ay h oliday

Student holiday/teacher workday (Schools are c losed. District offices are open.)

Spring Break rd End of 3 a re marking eriod (50 days) (Schools closed. p D istrict offices are open.) thholiday/teacher workday Student Begin 4 marking period Spring Break

Student holiday/teacher non-­‐workday (Schools a re c losed.

D istrict offices are open.)

Memorial Day Holiday th Begin 4 amnd arking period (Schools district offices are closed.) th Student non-­‐workday End of 4 h oliday/teacher marking period/last day of school for students (46 days) Memorial Day Holiday Post-­‐planning or teachers (Schools and dfistrict offices are closed.)

End of 4th marking period/last day of school for students (46 days) Post-­‐planning for teachers

July 2016

MetroWest CONNECT • 15

We hope you enjoy this issue of MetroWest CONNECT. T

CONNECT

he Observer Media Group has been commited to you, your neighbors and your community for over 110 years. The Observer Media Group and the MetroWest Master Association have partnered together to keep the MetroWest area connected and informed about what is going on in and around the neighborhoods of the MetroWest area.

18,000 copies distributed through the Windermere Observer — in addition to distribution through the Master Association and key locations throughout MetroWest.

In Partnership with Observer Media Group

JULY 2016

LIVE. WORK. PLAY. CONNECT.

For more information about MetroWest CONNECT or to reserve your ad space call 407-656-2121,or email AdvertiseNow@OrangeObserver.com

IN THIS ISSUE:

NEXT ISSUE PUBLISHES NOVEMBER 17

30th ANNIVERSARY

Ad Deadline November 3

TOP-RATED

SCHOOLS FOOTBALL GUIDE

RESTAURANT GUIDE MWMA-172_CONNECT_cover_new.indd 1

6/10/16 3:40 PM

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16 • MetroWest CONNECT

MetroWest CONNECT

July 2016

• MILESTONES

Edgewood Children’s Ranch:

Helping Families for FiftyYears

By Peter M. Gordon When parents and children struggle to adjust to changing circumstances, Edgewood Ranch in MetroWest is there to help. Judge AnthonyYergey and Jack Lynd founded the Ranch in 1966 as a non-profit, residential program to help children, teens and parents address behavioral issues resulting from problems in their home lives.

Edgewood Ranch is a non-denominational Christian residence on 110 acres just down the road from MetroWest Elementary. Boys and girls between the ages of six and seventeen live at the ranch during the school year. The program teaches them to develop self-reliance, self-control, and study skills that change the direction of their lives.

Boys and girls live on the property in cottages of between eight and ten children, supervised by a house parent.

Parents remain involved by attending weekly religious services, events, and taking parenting classes. The residents come from all walks of life. Grant Writer Joan Bailey said, “it’s not just somebody else’s kids. It’s our kids, our neighbor’s kids.”

Development Director KimberleyVinson said that after a year or two at the Ranch, “90% of residents return to school at the appropriate level.” A typical day begins

with a 6:00 AM wakeup call. Students make their beds, exercise, and do chores before starting school at 8:30 AM. Students receive grade appropriate lessons from their teachers, and enjoy PE in the afternoon.

After school ends they do homework and chores, followed by supper, free time and devotions. Everyone’s in bed between 8:00 and 9:00 pm.

Edgewood Ranch receives no money from the state or federal government. A paid staff of 36, that includes teachers, support staff, school principal, and cook, takes care of up to 63 students each year.

It costs $1600-1700 per month to keep a student in residence. Parents pay what tuition they can afford, which means the Ranch depends upon donations to stay open. People interested in donating can find more information at www.edgewoodranch.com.

Edgewood Ranch plans two major fund raising events this fall. Their golf tournament is scheduled for September 30, at the Bella Collina Golf Club in Monteverde. Their biggest fund raiser of the year is their 34th Annual Country Roundup Dinner and Auction, held October 21 at 6:00 PM at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Kissimmee. Ranch supporters eat, mingle, and bid on silent auction items.

More details are available at www. edgewoodranch.com.

July 2016

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SAVE THE DATE

MetroWest will be hosting a National Night Out in partnership with our Public Safety Team, Critical Intervention Services. Mark your calendars now and watch for more upcoming information!!

The annual National Night Out event helps to increase Neighborhood Watch participation by promoting the work that police, fire, residents and businesses do together to make Orlando neighborhoods safer and better places to live.

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OCTOBER 4, 2016

18 • MetroWest CONNECT

July 2016

LEASE NOW Be your own boss. Stop dreaming.

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WWW.WESTOAKSMALL.COM

July 2016

MetroWest CONNECT • 19

Record-Breaking Crowd at MetroWest’s JazzFest MetroWest hosted their 3rd Annual JazzFest on Sunday, May 1 at the MetroWest Golf Club to kick off MetroWest’s 30th Anniversary Celebration. This free, family event attracted a record-breaking crowd of 3,500 people that enjoyed a relaxing, sunny afternoon filled with the jazz stylings of nationally known jazz musicians Jeff Kashiwa (saxophone), Matt Marshak (guitar) and Brian Simpson (keyboard).

The event even highlighted community talent and resources like Valencia College, Edgewood Children’s Ranch and local artists who displayed their wares for sale.

A trio from the Valencia College East Campus Music Department performed in between headliner sessions. Students Ryan Devlin (sax), Francheska Mitchell (vocal) and John Olearchick (keyboard) were so professional that the headliner’s backup guitarist and drummer even joined in! Attendees at the event also donated $758 to the Edgewood Children’s Ranch, a nonprofit, residential program helping children, teens and their families address behavioral issues. MetroWest Master Association also donated $5,000 to MetroWest Elementary School. Thank you to everyone who celebrated with MetroWest!

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

July 2016

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20 • MetroWest CONNECT

July 2016

MetroWest CONNECT • 21

MetroWest Master Association (MWMA) will host its 4th Annual “Pick of the Patch” Realtor Tour on Friday, October 28, 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Realtors serving MetroWest and the Central Florida area are invited to join MetroWest management and business leaders for an afternoon learning about our community’s newest businesses, residential opportunities and exciting developments. Lunch will be served by Westerly’s at the MetroWest Golf Club and transportation will be provided for a tour of the community. Interested realtors may contact MWMA no later than Monday, October 24th at .

Realtor Tour

Premier Host

SAVE THE DATE

2016 Sunday, December 11, 2016 MetroWest GOLF CLUB •

Holiday-themed entertainment •

•

Free and open to the public

•

Food and beverages & much more!

More details coming soon!

MetroWest Master Association MetroWestCommunity.com • 407-601-5995 • MetroWest Master Association 2121 S. Hiawassee Road, Suite 132, Orlando, Florida 32835 Register to be a Sponsor here: www.surveymonkey.com/r/WinterFestSponsor2016

MWMA-179_1/2pg ad_WINTERFEST.indd 1

7/15/16 2:45 PM

22 • MetroWest CONNECT

July 2016

MetroWest CONNECT

• AREA RESTAURANTS

ACHILLE’S ART CAFE – COFFEE SHOP

DUNKIN DONUTS

MCDONALD’S

SUBWAY

CHEESESTEAK FACTORY

FIVE GUYS BURGERS AND FRIES

MCDONALD’S

SUBWAY

2869 Wilshire Drive, Suite 103 Orlando, FL 32835 (407) 704-7860 www.achillesartcafe.com 6405 Raleigh St. Orlando, FL 32835 (407) 985-1988 www.gotcheesesteaks.com

2900 S. Kirkman Road Orlando, FL 32811 (407) 295-8646 www.dunkindonuts.com

3120 Villa Strada Way, Suite T Orlando, FL 32811 (407) 292-0422 www.fiveguys.com

1411 S. Hiawassee Road Orlando, FL 32835 (407) 298-9366 www.mcdonalds.com 2944 S. Kirkman Road Orlando, FL 32811 (407) 296-6265 www.mcdonalds.com

MIKADO JAPANESE CUISINE

CHICKEN BITES - COMING SOON

FLORIDA TAP ROOM

2405 S. Hiawassee Rd. Suite 10 Orlando, FL 32835

6409 Raleigh St. Orlando, FL 32835 (407) 296-9690

6417 Raleigh St. Orlando, FL 32835 (407) 822-1080 www.mikadosushiorlando.com

CHINA GARDEN

HABANERO’S

PACIFIC ROOTZ

2258 S. Kirkman Road Orlando, FL 32811 (407) 822-8882

CHINA GRILL

6433 Raleigh St. Orlando, FL 32835

CHINA “TIAN MEI” RESTAURANT in Publix Shopping Center 2407 S. Hiawassee Road Orlando, FL 32835 (407) 299-8687

CHINA LEE

2338 S. Kirkman Road Orlando, FL 32835

CHIPOTLE

2850 S. Kirkman Road Orlando, FL 32811 (407) 532-8808 www.chipotle.com

COLD STONE CREAMERY 2312 S. Kirkman Road Orlando, FL 32811 (407) 563-2181 www.coldstonecreamery.com

CRAFTED

2417 South Hiawassee Road Orlando, FL 32835 (407) 601-6887 www.craftedorlando.com

CRISPERS

2228 S. Kirkman Road Orlando, FL 32811 (407) 296-4551 www.crispers.com

DONA JUANA COFFEE SHOP – COMING SOON

6965 Piazza Grande Avenue Suite 104 Orlando, FL 32835

6996 Piazza Grande Ave, Suite 100 Orlando, FL 32835 407-757-2541 www habanerosmexicangrillrestaurant.com

HABIBI

2451 S. Hiawassee Road Orlando, FL 32835

HUNGRY HOWIES

2304 Kirkman Road Orlando, FL 32835 (407) 296-7070 www.hungryhowies.hungerrush.com

ITAR BISTRO

7065 Westpointe Blvd Orlando, FL 32835 www.itarbistro.com

JORDANOS CHICKEN & GYRO 5920 Metropolis Way, Suite 105 Orlando, FL 32835 (407) 521-1802

JOSIE’S PIZZA AND WINGS 1225 S. Hiawassee Road Orlando, FL 32835 (407) 296-4009 www.josiespizza.com

KEKE’S – COMING SOON 2433 S. Hiawassee Rd. Ste 130 Orlando, FL 32835 407-298-3684 http://www.kekes.com

MARCO’S PIZZA

2457 S. Hiawassee Road Orlando, FL 32835 (407) 294-5522 www.marcos.com

6996 Piazza Grande Avenue, Suite 103 Orlando, FL 32835 321-228-4864 www.pacificrootz.com

PANDA EXPRESS

2972 S. Kirkman Road Orlando, FL 32811 (407) 291-1698 www.pandaexpress.com

2455 S. Hiawassee Road Orlando, FL 32835 (407) 297-7735 www.subway.com 3120 Villa Strada Way, Suite K Orlando, FL 32811 (407) 293-4567 www.subway.com

SUNDANCE TAVERN AT METROWEST GOLF CLUB

2100 S. Hiawassee Road Orlando, FL 32835 www.metrowestgolf.com/restaurants

TACO BELL

2403 S. Hiawassee Road Orlando, FL 32835 (407) 293-9803 www.tacobell.com

TEAK BAR AND GRILL

6400 Time Square Ave., Suite A Orlando, FL 32835 (407) 313-5111 www.teakorlando.com

PHILLY CONNECTION

TIJUANA FLATS

2328 S. Kirkman Road Orlando, FL 32811 (407) 822-5466 www.phillyconnection.com

2320 S. Kirkman Road Orlando, FL 32835 (407) 822-4257 www.tijuanaflats.com

PHILLY’S BEST CHEESESTEAKS

TROPICAL SMOOTHIE CAFE

2295 S. Hiawassee Road Orlando, FL 32835 407-488-3960 www.phillysbestfoodtruck.com

PIE-FECTION

3120 Villa Strada Way, Suite F Orlando, FL 32811 (407) 523-2200 www.piefectionorlando.com

PIZZA HUT

2426 S. Kirkman Road Orlando, FL 32811 (407) 445-4299 www.pizzahut.com

FRIENDLY CONFINES 2461 S. Hiawassee Road Orlando, FL 32835 (407) 704-8648 myfriendlyconfines.com

STONINGTON’S SEAFOOD 2316 S. Kirkman Road Orlando, FL 32835 www.stoningtonsseafood.com

3120 Villa Strada Way, Suite E Orlando, FL 32835 www.tropicalsmoothie.com

URBAN HIBACHI

3120 Villa Strada Way, Suite I Orlando, FL 32835 www.urbanhibachi.com

WENDY’S

2751 Wilshire Drive Orlando, FL 32835 (407) 292-2039 www.wendys.com

WESTERLY’S AT METROWEST GOLF CLUB 2100 S. Hiawassee Road Orlando, FL 32835 www.metrowestgolf.com/ restaurants

July 2016

MetroWest CONNECT • 23

Come and visit us for

FREE Estimates Keeping You On the Road Specializing in BMW, Mercedes and Volvo Service & Sales

Vehicle consignment sales and vehicle locator available

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BRAKE PAD SALE

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Mercedes C-Class

179.95 Mercedes E-Class $199.95 $

Service includes: Front or Rear Pads, Parts and Labor.

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HIGH LINE CAR SALES, INC. SALES • SERVICE 407-877-3841 2718 Rew Circle • Ocoee, FL 34761 Located at Hwy 50 & Bluford Ave South www.highlineinc.com

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Email: highlinecarsalesinc@gmail.com

24 • MetroWest CONNECT

July 2016

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