Community Bulletin and Business Briefs

Sarah Purser, 28, won Florida Opera Theatre’s 2011 Orlando Idol Voice Competition. Purser is currently a candidate for her master’s degree in music, vocal performance and conducting at UCF. A Judge’s Choice award of $500 was awarded to East Orlando resident Natasha Harrison, who works in the Entertainment Department at Disney World.

Last week, Habitat Orlando and Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs passed the keys to new Habitat homeowners Bruce and Gizzel Stephens. Their renovated home is the first of seven to be completed through the Habitat partnership with Orange County on the Neighborhood Stabilization Program.

Connor Christie,13-year-old Winter Park actor, is set to appear as “TJ LeBlanc” alongside Catherine Bell, Kim Delaney, Brigid Brannagh and Sally Pressman in Lifetime’s hit series “Army Wives,” premiering at 9 p.m. Sunday, March 6.

Kaplan University celebrated the graduation of its winter 2011 class during a live graduation ceremony on Feb. 5 in Miami. The following local students were awarded degrees:

Leonardo Linares, Maitland, was awarded an Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology.

Tarmale Daniel, Winter Park, was awarded a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology.

Shawntia Lee, Winter Park, was awarded a Bachelor of Science in Communications.

Eva Hinkeldey, Maitland, a first-year student at Gettysburg College has been placed on the Deans’ Commendation List for outstanding academic achievement in the Fall 2010.

The Central Florida Watercolor Society has announced the winners of its Annual Members’ Show, on display now through March 6 at the Art and History Center, Maitland. First place was awarded to Bob Hague, Casselberry, for “Redhead.” Second place winner was “Provision” by Ellen Smith, Orlando, and third place went to Ralph Dunagin, Winter Park, for “Maine Morning.” Visit CentralFloridaWatercolor.com

The Florida Young Artists Orchestra announced that it has named its current Principal Conductor, Dr. Alvaro Gomez, as its new Artistic Director, beginning in June.

Winter Park Chiropractor Dr. Andrew J. Hull will continue to sponsor the Winter Park High School Athletic Department for the Spring Athletic Season. All students of Winter Park High School participating in spring sports can maintain their spinal and joint health and reduce recovery time of sports injuries with the help of Dr. Andrew J. Hull, a chiropractor in private practice on North Lakemont Avenue, Winter Park.

Trinity Preparatory School senior Griffin Jaworski signed his commitment to run cross-country for Auburn University on Feb. 15. Griffin helped lead Trinity Prep to the Class 1A championship last fall.

Volunteer opportunities

Habitat for Humanity Orlando is seeking women to create fundraising teams to volunteer during its 2011 Women Build Week, May 2-7. Contact Lynn Ivanek at [email protected] or 407-648-4567 extension 404.

Seniors First is seeking drivers to deliver Meals on Wheels to elderly clients in Orange County. Contact Lorraine Shumaker at 407-615-8982.

Junior Achievement of Central Florida’s annual Bowl-A-Thon fundraiser will take place throughout the spring across Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Volusia and Lake counties. Contact 407-898-2121, extension 19 or [email protected]

Jewish Family Services is collecting non-perishable items, canned goods and cash donations during the national hunger awareness campaign, The Feinstein Challenge, through April. Drop off donations of food or cash at one of JFS’ two offices: 2100 Lee Road or 11184 S. Apopka Vineland Road.

The Winter Park Police Department placed a Prescription Reclamation Station in the lobby of the Public Safety Building, 500 N. Virginia Ave. This program is designed to help the community with safely disposing of outdated, unwanted and unused medicines and will be accessible during normal lobby business hours between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except for holidays.