Community Bulletin and Business Briefs

Community Bulletin

Christian HELP is an important ministry in Central Florida reaching out to the unemployed, hurting, and hungry. Eighteen years in Central Florida have produced astounding results for job seekers with more than 71,000 people connected with jobs and more than 6.8 million pounds of food distributed. Christian HELP is a safe place for all job seekers regardless of faith. For more information, call Sandi at 407-497-3329.

The median sales price of existing homes in September climbed 5.11 percent to $105,000, up from the $99,900 median price recorded in August, reports the Orlando Regional Realtor Association. Compared to the September 2009 median price of $125,000, the September 2010 median price of $105,000 represents a decrease of 16 percent. For detailed statistical reports, please visit www.orlrealtor.com

Imagine 6 million bars of soap. That’s how much Paul Till and Shawn Seipler of Orlando nonprofit Clean the World have distributed to impoverished countries worldwide since 2009. The men were recognized during the Oct. 6 UCF Knights football game as Holler-Classic Heroes.

On Friday, Oct. 8, the Maitland Art and History Association grooved in the grove with a 70s inspired theme for their 12th annual benefit auction. It raised more than $64,000 to benefit the art and history educational programs.

Trinity Preparatory School has been recognized as one of the nation’s top 100 schools in speech and debate activities by the National Forensic League. Trinity Prep’s 2009-2010 speech and debate team ranked 52 out of more than 3,000 schools nationwide based on student participation and achievement in speech and debate activities. Trinity Prep’s team was the top team in Central Florida.

In order to help the Winter Park Fire Rescue Department fully transition to a paperless model, Cooper, Simms, Nelson & Mosley Insurance and Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company are donating $5,259 to purchase three mobile computers. The devices will be used by the department’s fire inspectors to gather data during field inspections. The program is designed to provide needed equipment, training and educational tools to local fire departments.

The University Club of Orlando Foundation awarded college and university scholarships valued at more than $50,000 to deserving Orlando area students at a banquet recently. Susan Greene, general manager of the University Club of Orlando, said the students will attend classes at the University of Central Florida, Hamilton Holt School at Rollins College, Florida A&M Law School, Seminole State College and Valencia Community College.

The Orlando Philharmonic has named Joseph Prior, 15, a winner in the chamber ensemble category of the 2010 Young Composer’s Challenge. The Challenge was open to all composers ages 13-18 from around the United States. Prior won for his composition “Dance Royale”. For more information visit www.YoungComposersChallenge.org

Business Briefs

Susan Skolfield has been named executive director of the Winter Park Historical Association (WPHA).

Winter Park Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Patrick Chapin was honored last week by Orlando Business Journal as one of Central Florida’s Most Influential Businessmen for his dedication to the local community.

Dr. Mark Trolice of Fertility C.A.R.E. has been honored by Best Doctors in America as being one of the top 5 percent of doctors in the country. He founded Fertile Dreams, the Winter Park non-profit organization. This highly respected, double board-certified physician will take to the stage on Friday, Nov. 19 at Leu Gardens, performing the music of Frank Sinatra.

NAI Realvest negotiated three industrial lease agreements for 1,875 square feet each — two at the Hanging Moss CommerCenter in Orlando and one at Carter CommerCenter in Winter Garden.

Dr. Michael A. Keating, a board certified, fellowship-trained pediatric urologist, recently joined the Walt Disney Pavilion at Florida Hospital for Children.

Evok Advertising has announced today the promotion of Vanessa Ezeta to junior account manager, where she will serve as the primary day-to-day contact for a number of agency clients.

Old Florida National Bank and Mercantile Capital Corporation announced they have closed on their merger agreement three months ahead of schedule.

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, was recently awarded a contract to remodel two Winn-Dixie Supermarkets in Apopka and Jacksonville.

Florida Bank of Commerce recently hired Gerald Watson as senior vice president of commercial banking.

Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF is pleased to welcome Noreen Levitt as the new director of development.

Medi-Weightloss Clinics in Winter Park is proud to announce its expansion and relocation to a new 3,000-square-foot building in the heart of Winter Park, located on the corner of Fairbanks Avenue and Orlando Avenue.