Community Bulletin

The Voice in its third year

Winter Park High School is home to the nation’s first high school chapter of the English-Speaking Union, an international organization devoted to advancing global understanding by providing educational opportunities through programs and scholarship for students, educators and members. Its goal is to promote communication and open exchange of ideas among the world’s speakers of English. ESU provides tutoring to ESOL students, sponsors writing contests and brings in guest lecturers. Pictured are founder and WPHS senior Sylvie Wise and Kenneth Curry Professor of Literature at Rollins College Maurice O’Sullivan at the Central Florida English-Speaking Union dinner held at Maison de Jardin on Oct. 8. For more information about The Voice, the high school chapter of ESU, email Sylvie Wise at [email protected]

Student empowers herself and others

Izzy Hadala, 14, is on a mission to empower kids with physical differences. Since first grade, Izzy has given a speech on the first day of school every year to educate her classmates on her physical disability. Izzy was born with ectodermal dysplasia, or lobster claw syndrome, which halted the development of her teeth, hands and feet. Izzy, a Orangewood Christian School student, wrote the book, “The First Day Speech,” to help tell her story and empower others who look physically different. Izzy transformed her story into a picture book that follows a little boy named Nathan as he struggles to accept his physical difference, a cleft lip. See more of Izzy’s story here: http://bit.ly/TEbuCw

Manners mom’s book published

“Manners That Matter for Moms,” published by Harvest House, was released nationwide on Oct. 1. The launch party was held at Tolla’s Italian Restaurant in Winter Park with author and Winter Park resident Maralee McKee and her family. For more than 10 years, Maralee’s mentoring and manners programs have been featured nationwide. She has traveled nationally presenting contemporary etiquette programs for large corporations, universities, women’s groups and ministry organizations. Her fun etiquette classes for children gained national media attention and were featured on NBC news. In her new book ”Manners That Matter for Moms,” Maralee gets to the heart of why etiquette is important in today’s fast-paced society. Visit www.mannersmentor.com

Michelin donates to Maitland Soccer

Maitland Soccer Club has received $1,658 in donations and equipment from Maitland Tire Co. and Michelin North America. Over the last 12 years, the Michelin Soccer Program has donated funds and equipment because of committed dealers such as Maitland Tire Co.

Ballot background available online

A customized sample ballot for every voter in Florida, accompanied by extensive information about the candidates and issues that they’ll be voting on is the latest feature of the League of Women Voters of Florida Education Fund’s nonpartisan online voter resource, BeReadyToVote.org. The website’s sample ballot tool provides information about candidates’ professional, career and educational information, as well as financial data about campaign contributions. Other items available on the site include written position statements, videos, answers to the League’s candidate questionnaire and links to the candidates’ websites.

Program serves 1,203 homeless

Fifth Third Bank’s Summer of Dreams recently concluded the 10-week program, which provided food, activities, mentoring, school supplies and financial counseling for parents in Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties. In total, 1,203 homeless students were served. Visit TheSummerofDreams.com

New online way to see Central Florida history

The University of Central Florida’s new RICHES Mosaic Interface, an innovative online project, taps into places, people and events that shaped the region’s history using geography and time to display search results. Visit http://riches.cah.ucf.edu/mosaic.php

Garden Club looking for members

Orlando Garden Club has openings for new members – men and women! If you’re interested and want more information, call 407-645-0944 or visit orlandogardenclub.org

Get your flu shot

Flu shots for children and adults are offered at the Orange County Health Department’s Central Health Center at 832 W. Central Blvd., Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on a first-come, first-served walk-in basis. The immunization program is closed the second Friday of each month.

In Seminole County, flu shots for children and adults are available at the Seminole County Health Department’s Sanford location at 400 W. Airport Blvd. Monday through Friday 8 to 11:30 a.m. and from 1 to 4 p.m. The immunization clinic is only open from 8 to 11:30 a.m. on the second and fourth Thursday of each month.

Flu shots are free for children up to 18 years of age. For information, visit orchd.com and SeminoleCoHealth.com

Maitland in need of volunteers

Maitland residents are invited to participate in their city government. Volunteers are needed to serve on various advisory boards. Those interested can apply online at ItsMyMaitland.com/offers_volunteers.aspx or by contacting the City Clerk at [email protected]

Caregivers needed in Winter Park

FirstLight HomeCare of Winter Park is looking for compassionate caregivers with a CAN, MA or HHA. They are the the nation’s newest, most innovative solution for in-home care. To apply visit WinterPark.FirstLightHomeCare.com or email resume to [email protected]

Help seniors file their taxes

Volunteers are needed for AARP’S Tax-Aide Program. Tax-Aide counselors help prepare tax returns and assist with filing requirements for older taxpayers and others. Individuals with an aptitude for tax preparation, experience in filing personal returns and good communication skills are urged to sign up. AARP membership is not required to be a volunteer with this program. Volunteer counselors are trained by AARP in cooperation with the Internal Revenue Service. An orientation will be held in December and training for volunteer counselors begins around Jan. 7 in the Orlando area. Anyone interested in joining the program should call Jackie Sward at 407-647-5233 or Jean LeaMond at 407-774-1958.

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