rotary-club-of-hw

Horizon West Rotary donates $2,500 to Matthew’s Hope Ministries

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 19:58:42 GMT

At Horizon West Rotary, one of our core values is supporting those who are making a real difference in the lives of others. We believe that when we come together as a community, we can uplift and empower those who need it most—and the organizations that serve them.

One group that truly embodies this spirit is Matthew’s Hope Ministries . When the temperatures dropped earlier this year and many in our area were struggling to stay warm and safe, Matthew’s Hope didn’t hesitate. They stepped up in a big way, providing shelter, supplies, and support to over 100 individuals experiencing homelessness. Their dedication and compassion during such a critical time was nothing short of inspiring.

As a club, we knew we wanted to do more than just say “thank you.” We wanted to take action. That’s why we’re proud to stand beside Matthew’s Hope Ministries and lend our support to the amazing work they do every day. When people care enough to make a difference, it deserves to be recognized—and reinforced by a community that believes in them.

Together, we’re building a stronger, more compassionate Horizon West.

Rotary Club of Horizon West Partners with Observer for The Reading Reindeer Book Drive

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 20:47:12 GMT

Give the gift of reading this holiday season by donating new books for children from birth to age 17 now thru December 4th to The Reading Reindeer, returning for its 27th year to put books into the hands of local children. We at the Rotary Club of Horizon West have partnered with Observer this year, and are collecting books at our upcoming November 20th and December 4th meetings. Other Horizon West donation sites include, Sunset Park Elementary School and

Bridgewater Middle School.

Monetary donations made out to Reading Reindeer can also be mailed to the Observer Media Group office at 661 Garden Commerce Parkway, Suite #180, Winter Garden, Florida 34787.

Rotary Club of Horizon West Honored with Prestigious Awards

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 14:37:16 GMT

Celebrating Excellence in Service: A Milestone Achievement
We are thrilled to announce that the Rotary Club of Horizon West has been honored with the District Rotary Club of the Year award and the esteemed Rotary Citation. Our current president Francisco Nieves-Taranto accepted the award on behalf our the entire club. This recognition is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our incredible members who embody the spirit of "Service Above Self."

A Legacy of Service: From 1905 to Horizon West

Our journey began in 2018, but our roots are deeply intertwined with the rich history of Rotary International, founded in 1905 by Paul Harris. Over the years, Rotary has grown from a platform for professional networking to a global force for humanitarian efforts, promoting peace and eradicating diseases like polio.

The Horizon West Rotary Club is a vibrant, membership-based civic organization. We are proud to be part of Rotary International's global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers, all committed to addressing the world's most pressing challenges.

Gratitude and Commitment: Our Path Forward

Receiving these prestigious awards is a proud moment for our club. It reflects the unwavering commitment of our members, whose contributions make a significant impact in our community and beyond. As we celebrate this milestone, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported our journey.

Gratitude and Commitment: Our Path Forward

Together, we will continue to strive for excellence in service and community engagement, upholding the Rotary spirit of "Service Above Self." Thank you, Horizon West Rotary, for your relentless efforts and dedication. Here's to many more years of making a difference, one project at a time.

REMINDER OF THE ONGOING CHALLENGE TO OUR CURRENT MEMBERS

Our District Governor Andres Goyanes' challenged us to the 4 Way Challenge so we are ramping up our efforts to invite others to come check out our club:

1) a Family Member

2) a Friend

3) a Co-worker

4) a Customer

And if you can't find one of them to come, ask a Veteran or a First Responder.

May 1, 2024 - Recap of Horizon West Rotary Luncheon

Wed, 01 May 2024 17:07:22 GMT

HAPPY DOLLARS
Happy dollars always kick us off on a positive note as members and guests share something they are currently happy about! On May 1st, $126 from today's collection was donated to go towards the 2nd Harvest Food Bank!

GUEST SPEAKERS

Sam Worrell
District 6980 - Assistant Area Governor

Eddie Fernandez
Rotary Youth Leadership Academy

Sam introduced us to Camp RYLA - District 6980 and Eddie Fernandez. Camp RYLA is a 5 day event for teens across central Florida to come and obtain leadership and life skills through various team building activities/ events. Here are the details at a glance!

What:
4-day leadership camp Where: Florida Elks Youth Camp, Umatilla, FL

Why: Because Rotarians care about the skills our youth have as they prepare to take leadership roles that will impact the future of our community and our world

How: Only through sponsorships by a local Rotary club Eligibility: 10th, 11th, 12th graders age 16 or 17 and currently attending a high-school in our Rotary District (or participating in the Exchange Program)

Cost: No cost to the student. If a Rotary club selects a student to attend, the club will pay the attendance fee. Usually around $400/student.

Brochure for Camp RYLA - District 6980 >>

Video Overview:

UPCOMING EVENTS
2024 Golf Tournament Fundraiser

Friday May 10, 2024
Location: Orange County National Golf Course

Get Details on How to Sponsor & Golf >

Monthly Social

Wednesday May 29, 2024 • 5:30pm - right after our board meeting
Location: TBD

Monthly Board Meeting

Wednesday May 29, 2024 • 4pm - just before our social!
Location: TBD
All members are invited

REMINDER OF THE ONGOING CHALLENGE TO OUR CURRENT MEMBERS

Our District Governor Andres Goyanes' challenged us to the 4 Way Challenge so we are ramping up our efforts to invite others to come check out our club:

1) a Family Member

2) a Friend

3) a Co-worker

4) a Customer

And if you can't find one of them to come, ask a Veteran or a First Responder.

April 17, 2024 - Recap of Horizon West Rotary Luncheon

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 17:01:59 GMT

HAPPY DOLLARS
Happy dollars always kick us off on a positive note as members and guests share something they are currently happy about! On April 17th, $237 from today's collection was donated to go towards the Rotary Club Millions Meals Program !

NEW MEMBER INDUCTION
Matt, our Membership Chair inducted new member Jody Long. She is a nurse leader and innovator with a passion for great outcomes for nurses and patients. Her husband describes here as a quintessential overachiever! She is also an avid boater with 7 children between she and her husband Chris who joined with her under a Family Membership. We are grateful to have Jody as our newest member of Horizon West Rotary.

GUEST SPEAKER

Felix Cadevilla
Orange County Sheriff's Office

Members of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Crime Prevention Unit work diligently with members of residential communities and businesses daily to foster good working relationships. Staffed by state certified Crime Prevention Practitioners, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Crime Prevention Unit is committed to the task of stopping a crime before it can occur. This is accomplished through education, awareness, and extensive training. They continue to take the lead in crime prevention and safety education of our citizens and the visitors who visit the Orange County area each year.

Services they offer to our community:

Security Surveys - Resi dential & Commercial
Neighborhood Watch
C.O.P. - Citizens on Patrol
Educational Programs
National Night Out
Senior Programs
Explorer Progam (ages 14-21)
Occupant Protection Program

More Personal Safety Tips & Details about the OCSO Crime Prevention Unit at:
https://www.ocso.com/en-us/Crime-Information/Crime-Prevention

UPCOMING EVENTS
2024 Golf Tournament Fundraiser

Friday May 10, 2024
Location: Orange County National Golf Course

Get Details on How to Sponsor & Golf >

Monthly Social

Wednesday April 24, 2024 • 5:30pm - right after our board meeting
Location: Pizza Playa

Monthly Board Meeting

Wednesday April 24, 2024 • 4pm - just before our social!
Location: Pizza Playa
All members are invited

REMINDER OF THE ONGOING CHALLENGE TO OUR CURRENT MEMBERS

Our District Governor Andres Goyanes' challenged us to the 4 Way Challenge so we are ramping up our efforts to invite others to come check out our club:

1) a Family Member

2) a Friend

3) a Co-worker

4) a Customer

And if you can't find one of them to come, ask a Veteran or a First Responder.

April 03, 2024 - Recap of Horizon West Rotary Luncheon

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 18:43:36 GMT

HAPPY DOLLARS
Happy dollars always kick us off on a positive note as members and guests share something they are currently happy about! On April 03rd, $235 from today's collection was donated to go towards the Rotary Club Millions Meals Program !

GUEST SPEAKER

LUIS BIDROGO

Secretary

Horizon West Rotary Club

Rotary Club Meeting Recap: Empowering Communities Through Clean Water Initiatives and Volunteer Efforts

Today's speaker at our Rotary Club meeting was Luis Bidrogo, who recently joined the Community of Rotary Club International. He shared some exciting updates and initiatives from our organization's recent activities.

Providing Clean Water in Haiti

Firstly, Luis informed us about the remarkable work being done by the Magical Rotary team in providing clean water in Haiti. Their efforts are making a significant impact on the lives of people in Haiti, and they are committed to continuing their work in the region. Additionally, they are planning to collaborate with local projects in Haiti to further support the community.

Volunteer Efforts in Peru

Furthermore, Luis announced that the next group of volunteers will be traveling to Peru. These volunteers, including doctors, will be providing essential medical services to those in need. He encouraged members to consider participating in these volunteer opportunities, emphasizing the importance of giving back to communities in need.

Enhancing Membership Engagement

During his presentation, Luis also emphasized the importance of increasing membership engagement, particularly among younger individuals. He encouraged current members to actively participate in club activities and events, and he urged everyone to invite potential new members to join our club.

Introducing the IGNITE Mobile App

Lastly, Luis introduced us to the IGNITE Mobile App, a platform that allows members to connect with each other and engage in discussions within the membership community. This app provides a convenient way for members to stay connected and informed about club activities and initiatives.

Download the IGNITE Mobile App today and start connecting!

Google Play Store >>

Apple Store >>

Overall, today's meeting provided valuable insights into the impactful work being done by Rotary Club International and highlighted opportunities for members to get involved and make a difference in their communities.

Let's continue to work together to promote Rotary's mission and make a positive impact in the world!

UPCOMING EVENTS
2024 Golf Tournament Fundraiser

Friday May 10, 2024
Location: Orange County National Golf Course

Get Details >

Monthly Social

Wednesday April 24, 2024 • 5:30pm - right after our board meeting
Location: Pizza Playa

Monthly Board Meeting

Wednesday April 24, 2024 • 4pm - just before our social!
Location: Pizza Playa
All members are invited

REMINDER OF THE ONGOING CHALLENGE TO OUR CURRENT MEMBERS

Our District Governor Andres Goyanes' challenged us to the 4 Way Challenge so we are ramping up our efforts to invite others to come check out our club:

1) a Family Member

2) a Friend

3) a Co-worker

4) a Customer

And if you can't find one of them to come, ask a Veteran or a First Responder.

March 20, 2024 - Recap of Horizon West Rotary Luncheon

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 17:26:28 GMT

HAPPY DOLLARS
Happy dollars always kick us off on a positive note as members and guests share something they are currently happy about! On March 20th, $157 from today's collection was donated to go towards the Rotary Club Millions Meals Program !

GUEST SPEAKER

DARLENE ADAMS

Stroke Program Director

Orlando Health

Rotary Club Enlightened by Stroke Awareness with Speaker Darlene Adams.

Today at the Rotary Club meeting, members were privileged to gain insights into stroke awareness from the speaker, Darlene Adams. The session proved to be both enlightening and informative, offering valuable knowledge on a critical health topic.

Darlene Adams, an expert in the field, addressed common misconceptions surrounding strokes and provided clarity on what a stroke truly entails. Through engaging discussions, members learned to discern the warning signs and identify stroke symptoms, empowering them to act swiftly in emergency situations.

Moreover, Darlene outlined preventive measures individuals can adopt to mitigate their risk of experiencing a stroke. Her comprehensive approach underscored the importance of proactive health management and fostering a community equipped to respond effectively to stroke emergencies.

As the meeting drew to a close, members departed with a renewed sense of awareness and empowerment, ready to apply their newfound knowledge to make a positive impact in the world.

Learn more about stroke awareness at Orlando Health website.

WEBSITE: https://www.orlandohealth.com/services-and-specialties/neuroscience-institute/centers-and-programs/neurology/stroke

NEW MEMBER INDUCTION

Today 1 new members - Sarah Meyer was inducted into the Horizon West club by our officers and members.

UPCOMING EVENTS
2024 Golf Tournament Fundraiser

Friday May 10, 2024
Location: Orange County National Golf Course

Get Details >

Monthly Social

Wednesday March 27, 2024 • 5:30pm - right after our board meeting
Location: Lime Fresh

Monthly Board Meeting

Wednesday March 27, 2024 • 4pm - just before our social!
Location: Lime Fresh
All members are invited

REMINDER OF THE ONGOING CHALLENGE TO OUR CURRENT MEMBERS

Our District Governor Andres Goyanes' challenged us to the 4 Way Challenge so we are ramping up our efforts to invite others to come check out our club:

1) a Family Member

2) a Friend

3) a Co-worker

4) a Customer

And if you can't find one of them to come, ask a Veteran or a First Responder.

March 6, 2024 - Recap of Horizon West Rotary Luncheon

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 18:16:38 GMT

HAPPY DOLLARS
Happy dollars always kick us off on a positive note as members and guests share something they are currently happy about! On March 6th, the funds from today's collection was donated to go towards the Rotary Club Millions Meals Program !

GUEST SPEAKER
ELIZABETH WATKINS

Senior Manager, Government Relations

Walt Disney World Resort

Elizabeth Watkins, Senior Manager of Government Relations at Walt Disney World Resort helped us understand the details of the housing project planned in Horizon West at Hartzog Road and Avalon Road.

She shared that o address the critical need for affordable housing, Walt Disney World is dedicating nearly 80 acres of land for a new housing community in Central Florida. In collaboration with a renowned developer, The Michaels Organization, we envision a place where cost-burdened renters can focus on their personal growth and prosperity by gaining access to affordable housing. By alleviating the weight of escalating housing costs, we hope to give residents the relief they need to prioritize resources necessary to thrive, like food, medication, car payments, childcare and more.

Learn more about Teen Challenge Southeast Region Orlando on their website and Facebook page.

WEBSITE: https://disneyconnect.com/disneyworld/affordable-housing/

UPCOMING EVENTS
2024 Golf Tournament Fundraiser

Friday May 10, 2024
Location: Orange County National Golf Course

Monthly Social

Wednesday March 27, 2024 • 5:30pm - right after our board meeting
Location: Lime Fresh

Monthly Board Meeting

Wednesday March 27, 2024 • 4pm - just before our social!
Location: Lime Fresh
All members are invited

REMINDER OF THE ONGOING CHALLENGE TO OUR CURRENT MEMBERS

Our District Governor Andres Goyanes' challenged us to the 4 Way Challenge so we are ramping up our efforts to invite others to come check out our club:

1) a Family Member

2) a Friend

3) a Co-worker

4) a Customer

And if you can't find one of them to come, ask a Veteran or a First Responder.

February 7, 2024 - Recap of Horizon West Rotary Luncheon

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 18:23:08 GMT

HAPPY DOLLARS
Happy dollars always kick us off on a positive note as members and guests share something they are currently happy about! On February 7th, $357 was donated to go towards the Teen Challenge, Drug Recovery Program, who were our guest speakers today!

GUEST SPEAKERS
Brian Buchanan, Dean & Roy
Teen Challenge, is a non-profit 501c(3) that works with participants on underlying needs and issues, allowing them to rebuild from the inside out. They learn to “own” their mistakes, solve them, and not repeat them. Addiction and bad behavior always start as a way for the individual to fill a void in their life that only God can fill, so a strong relationship with the Lord is foundational to our entire program. Along with the mentoring and counseling from their experienced staff (many who once had similar issues themselves), the more advanced residents in the program are also a critical force in showing the way to the newer residents who arrive. These individuals who have been in the program for months naturally mentor and lift up the newer residents, and in doing so, it strengthens their own resolve.

On the 3 acre Orlando Men's Facility in Sanford, c urrently 52 residents are part of the program and their housing can accommodate up to 70. The daily program provides a lot of structure with the day starting at 5:30am with full days of scheduled activities. Upon completion of the program there are Internships within the organization available as well as re-entry into normal life including job placement assistance.

Teen Challenge is national and has locations that serve Men and Women (of all ages) as well as Boys and Girls (ages 12-17).

Learn more about Teen Challenge Southeast Region Orlando on their website and Facebook page.

WEBSITE: https://teenchallenge.cc/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/TeenChallengeSoutheastRegionOrlando

UPCOMING EVENTS
2024 Golf Tournament Fundraiser

Friday May 10, 2024
Location: Orange County National Golf Course

Monthly Social

Wednesday February 28, 2024 • 5:30pm - right after our board meeting
Location: Simply Capri

Monthly Board Meeting

Wednesday February 28, 2024 • 4pm - just before our social!
Location: Simply Capri
All members are invited

REMINDER OF THE ONGOING CHALLENGE TO OUR CURRENT MEMBERS

Our District Governor Andres Goyanes' challenged us to the 4 Way Challenge so we are ramping up our efforts to invite others to come check out our club:

1) a Family Member

2) a Friend

3) a Co-worker

4) a Customer

And if you can't find one of them to come, ask a Veteran or a First Responder.

January 3, 2024 - Recap of Horizon West Rotary Luncheon

Wed, 03 Jan 2024 18:35:24 GMT

HAPPY DOLLARS
Happy dollars always kick us off on a positive note as members and guests share something they are currently happy about! On January 3rd, $130 was donated to go towards the Rotary Million Meals project.

UPCOMING EVENTS
Monthly Social

Wednesday January 31, 2024 • 5:30pm - right after our board meeting
Location: Homestate Brewery

Monthly Board Meeting

Wednesday January 31, 2024 • 4pm - just before our social!
Location: Homestate Brewery
All members are invited

WAYS WE CAN BE INVOLVED IN THE GREATER COMMUNITY

Rotary Million Meal Second Harvest Event
January 6th from 10am - 2pm
411 Mercy Drive, Orlando, FL 32805

Rotary Business Network

January 25 from 6 - 9pm
Crabby Bills, 1104 Lakeshore Blvd, St. Cloud, FL 34769

Football with Rotary

February 4 at 3pm
1 Citrus Bowl Place, Orlando, FL 32805
TICKETS >>

REMINDER OF THE ONGOING CHALLENGE TO OUR CURRENT MEMBERS

Our District Governor Andres Goyanes' challenged us to the 4 Way Challenge so we are ramping up our efforts to invite others to come check out our club:

1) a Family Member

2) a Friend

3) a Co-worker

4) a Customer

And if you can't find one of them to come, ask a Veteran or a First Responder.

December 6, 2023 - Recap of Horizon West Rotary Luncheon

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 18:13:46 GMT

HAPPY DOLLARS
Happy dollars always kick us off on a positive note as members and guests share something they are currently happy about! On December 6th $198 was donated to go towards the Early Learning.

GUEST SPEAKER
December 6th
Dr. Scott Fritz, CEO
Kathy Hill, Office Manager

Early Learning Coalition of Orange County

Dr Scott Fritz, the CEO of the Early Learning Coalition of Orange County shared with us that their organization is committed to ensuring that every child in our community has access to quality child care, early education, and equal educational opportunities.

To provide the best possible start for children, they connect Orange County families to financial aid, parenting skills training, early learning and child care locator assistance and other services. They also support child care and early learning providers throughout the county with coaching, training, and resources to ensure the highest standards of child care at all our providers' locations.

Highlights of How ELCOC Helps:

Connects families and preschool programs to resources
Provides child care subsidies and manages Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK)
Serves 30,522 Orange County Families

Learn more about The Early Learning Coalition of Orange County on their website.

WEBSITE: https://elcoforangecounty.org/

TOY DRIVE
We Just Hit Our Goal!

The Kids at Maxey Elementary will be so happy.
You can still donate via cash contribution or by dropping off at the locations on our homepage thru December 8th!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Monthly Board Meeting - (no Social for December)

Wednesday December 27, 2023 • 4pm
4pm Board Meeting - no Social for December

Location TBD

2024-2025 BOD & Committee Chairs

Voting on the Nominees for the 2024 - 2025 Board of Directors was held and approved unanimously and Committee Chairs were appointed.

2024-2025 Board of Directors
President - Luis Bidrogo

President Elect - Tricia Embury

Secretary - Terri Hatfield-Full

Treasurer - Jeff Ramos

Service/Civic - Nicholas Harvey

Membership - Matt Brinckerhoff

Fundraising - Bryan Fifer

2024-2025 Committee Chairs

Social - Carl Mataushek

Hospitality - Carol Panico

Public Image - Cynthia Dailey

2023 HORIZON WEST ROTARY GALA
It was amazing to come together to celebrate the season with our fellow Rotarians. Held at the Overlook at Hamlin clubhouse, we enjoyed cocktails, appetizers, delicious paella and lots of laughs and moves on the dance floor!

Click the gold VIEW MORE link above to see more images...

REMINDER OF THE ONGOING CHALLENGE TO OUR CURRENT MEMBERS

Our District Governor Andres Goyanes' challenged us to the 4 Way Challenge so we are ramping up our efforts to invite others to come check out our club:

1) a Family Member

2) a Friend

3) a Co-worker

4) a Customer

And if you can't find one of them to come, ask a Veteran or a First Responder.

November 15, 2023 - Recap of Horizon West Rotary Luncheon

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 20:52:18 GMT

HAPPY DOLLARS
Happy dollars always kick us off on a positive note as members and guests share something they are currently happy about! On November 15th $240 was donated to go towards our Maxey Elementary Toy Drive.

GUEST SPEAKER
November 15th - Ron Cervantes

C Solutions Inc

C Solutions IT offers IT security solutions that keep every part of your network covered from the most pervasive and dangerous attacks. Today he provided tons of tips and tricks to stay secure online.

Tips included:

Use temp emails for website tools you don't plan to use long-term
Don't put your correct birth year on file with any online service that doesn't really need to know
Make up answers for security questions that aren't true, but that you'll remember when you answer them later
Passwords are more secure the longer they are
Use password management tool where you create a master phrase that is long and you've never used anywhere else
Salt your passwords that your password manager provide - which means you add a set of characters at the end of every password generated by the manager
Use 2FA - Two Factor Authentication - texting the code is better than not having it, but is the least secure - using an Authenticator is the most secure option
Security does not equal convenience - until you have an issue, then then the inconvenience because much larger
Phishing emails take some awareness to identify, but with a few tips you can avoid accidently interacting with a false entity
If you're not paying for the product, you are the product in the form of data mining
Use your own personal hotspot when possible instead of public wifi as someone with bad intent could make their hotspot be called the name of the business you are at
haveibeenpwned.com - to check your email address
havibeenpwned/com/Passwords - to check your passwords
Shutdown is more thorough in resetting your computer than a Restart
Website extensions - be discerning with which you install as every one of them has the ability to gather certain information from your computer
Don't post on social media when you're away from home - wait until you're back and post as a recap

Learn more about supporting Rotary Foundation on their website.

WEBSITE: https://csolutionsit.com/

UPCOMING EVENTS

Monthly Board Meeting - Followed by Social

Wednesday November 29, 2023 • 6pm
4pm Board Meeting - Social 6:30pm
Gator's Dockside

RSVP on Facebook Event >>

Holiday Gala

Friday December 1, 2023 • 6pm
$50 per person
Overlook at Hamlin Club House

7709 Lake Hancock Blvd
Winter Garden, FL 34787

Attire: cocktail/semiformal

RSVP Online No Later Than Nov 29, 2023 >>

BOARD NOMINATIONS

If you are interested in running for one of the elected positions for next year's board please email that interest via our contact form .

NEW MEMBER INDUCTION

Today 3 new members were inducted into the Horizon West club by our officers and members.

Left to right: Francisco J. Nieves-Taranto, President • Christopher Devanney, New Member • Horizon West Happenings, New Corporate Member (represented by Audrey Houston) • Nicholas Harvey, New Member • Luis Bidrogo, President-Elect • Matt Brinckerhoff, Club Member

THANKSGIVING BASKET DRIVE A SUCCESS

Our m embers came together to successfully fill 20 baskets to donate to Eight Waves for families in the Winter Garden area to have a happy Thanksgiving. Our members are the best!!!

REMINDER OF THE ONGOING CHALLENGE TO OUR CURRENT MEMBERS

Our District Governor Andres Goyanes' challenged us to the 4 Way Challenge so we are ramping up our efforts to invite others to come check out our club:

1) a Family Member

2) a Friend

3) a Co-worker

4) a Customer

And if you can't find one of them to come, ask a Veteran or a First Responder.

Oct 4 & 18th 2023 - Recap of Horizon West Rotary Luncheons

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 17:08:46 GMT

HAPPY DOLLARS
Happy dollars always kick us off on a positive note as members and guests share something they are currently happy about! On October 4th $260 was donated to go towards the Frankie Valente Scholarship Fund. And on the 18th, $236 was donated to the Rotary International PolioPlus drive.

GUEST SPEAKERS

October 18th - Alex Sacharoff

Rotary Foundation

The Rotary Foundation helps Rotary members to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace by improving health, providing quality education, improving the environment, and alleviating poverty.

What impact can one donation have?

For as little as 60 cents, a child can be protected from polio.
$50 can provide clean water to help fight waterborne illness.
$500 can launch an anti-bullying campaign a nd create a safe environment for children.

Three Funds are Each Focused on Different Levels of Focus:

PolioPlus - End Polio Now
Annual Fund - for Support Today
Endowment Fund - to Secure Tomorrow

Areas the Global Grants make a difference can be seen in the pie chart below and with the slide below Alex shared is a general update of the foundation.

Donations made thru 2026 are matched 2:1 by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Contributions any members make is credited to the donor's club and applied to the club's Annual Fund goal.

Learn more about supporting Rotary Foundation on their website.

WEBSITE: https://www.rotary.org/en/about-rotary/rotary-foundation

October 4th - Maxey Elementary

Sean Brown, Principal
Dr. Urguat, Behavior Specialist

New school year - new opportunity to MENTOR. Timeframe is 10:45 - 11:45 during their lunch - very flexible on frequency and length of time for each mentoring session.

• Teach In, Nov 8 at Maxey Elementary

• Maxey Elementary Fall Festival Oct 26

You can register to volunteer online >>

October 4th - Anthony Valente

FVSF - Frankie Valente Scholarship Fund

Frankie's Dream...

EMT Frankie Valente devoted his life to helping others. His desire to assist as many people as possible inspired our nonprofit organization. FVSF assists students in achieving their dream of working as EMS/EMTs so they can serve you. With your support, FVSF can fund scholarships for students pursuing this formidable and honorable career path. Help us reach as many students as possible.

Learn more about supporting FVSF at the links below...

WEBSITE: https://www.thefvsfund.com/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/frankievalentescholarshipfund

UPCOMING MEETINGS, GATHERINGS & EVENTS

Social & Board Meeting
Wednesday October 27th

Home State Brewing Co.

4pm - Board Meeting for our club - all members are welcome
5:30pm - Social

Fall Festival at Maxey Elementary - October 26, 2023

Teach-In at Maxey Elementary - November 8, 2023

Flavor Fest of Horizon West - November 11, 5-9 pm

Horizon West Golf Tournament 2024 - Morning of May 10, 2024

Future Lunch Meetings at Noon

11/1/2023 - Landra Womack - Orange County Tax Collector

Volunteer Hours - Remember to register hours with Carol when you check in each meeting. Any time you spend at Rotary events and volunteering

ROTARY HAPPY HOUR • LAST WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH

To further our club's focus on community service, networking & fellowship, save the last Wednesday of every month from 5:30 - 7:30pm on your calendar now!

Next Event: Wed October 25th - Location: Home State Brewing Co. - Details on Facebook >>

REMINDER OF THE ONGOING CHALLENGE TO OUR CURRENT MEMBERS

Our District Governor Andres Goyanes' challenged us to the 4 Way Challenge so we are ramping up our efforts to invite others to come check out our club:

1) a Family Member

2) a Friend

3) a Co-worker

4) a Customer

And if you can't find one of them to come, ask a Veteran or a First Responder.

Sept 6 2023 Meeting - Horizon West Rotary

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 16:57:49 GMT

HAPPY DOLLARS
Happy dollars always kick us off on a positive note as members and guests share something they are currently happy about! Today $79 was donated to go towards Million Meals.

GUEST SPEAKER

Dr. Bradley Gaddis DO

Gallstones and Gallbladder Disease

Dr. Gaddis is a board-certified and fellowship-trained laparoscopic and robotic surgeon with Orlando Health Medical Group Surgery. He specializes in hernia, foregut and colorectal procedures.

It was great to meet a medical professional active in our community and learn about the causes, symptoms and treatment of gallstones.

You can connect with Dr. Gassis at:

https://www.orlandohealth.com/physician-finder/bradley-jason-gaddis-do#/overview

Volunteer Hours - Remember to register hours with Carol when you check in each meeting. Any time you spend at Rotary events and volunteering

UPCOMING MEETINGS & GATHERINGS

Social & Board Meeting
Wednesday September 27th

Piesanos

4pm - B oard Meeting for our club - all members are welcome
5:30pm - Social

Future Lunch Meetings at Noon

September 20th - District Governor, Don Harris

October 4th - Anthony Valente, Frankie Valente Scholarship Fund

ROTARY HAPPY HOUR • LAST WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH

To further our club's focus on community service, networking & fellowship, save the last Wednesday of every month from 5:30 - 7:30pm on your calendar now!

Next Event: Wed September 27th - Location: Piesanos - Details on Facebook >>

REMINDER OF THE ONGOING CHALLENGE TO OUR CURRENT MEMBERS

Our District Governor Andres Goyanes' challenged us to the 4 Way Challenge so we are ramping up our efforts to invite others to come check out our club:

1) a Family Member

2) a Friend

3) a Co-worker

4) a Customer

And if you can't find one of them to come, ask a Veteran or a First Responder.

August 16 2023 Meeting - Horizon West Rotary

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 17:27:11 GMT

HAPPY DOLLARS
Happy dollars always kick us off on a positive note as members and guests share something they are currently happy about! Today $191 was donated to go towards Matt's Mission.

JUNE 21ST GUEST SPEAKERS

Joe Cobb with Matt's Mission

Saving Lives of Cardiac Arrest Victims Through Training and Donations

Matt had cardiac arrest at age of 20 in 2020 and the family's experience led to creating the non-profit, Matt's Mission. Their mission is t o increase the survival rate of SCA victims through AED donations, education and training. They teach hands-only CPR and donate AEDs complete with a Save Station for storage and high visibility access.

Cardiac Arrest Claims More Lives than car accidents, breast cancer, prostate cancer, influenza, HIV, firearms, house fires and pneumonia
… COMBINED.

For those experience cardiac arrest, getting a shock from AED in first 10 minutes raises survival rate substantially.

Volunteers and donations are two great ways to help Matt's Mission. Their website and Facebook page have all the details about connecting with them.

https://www.matthewsheart.org/

https://www.facebook.com/mattsmission2020

J.J. Lullen - Rotary District Service Programs Chair

Million Meals

J.J. is with the Rotary Club of Dr. Phillips and joined us to talk about a variety of programs that Rotary Clubs in our district are involved in and that we can support as Rotary Members as well as club initiatives.

Million Meals
Partners in Education
Gift for Teaching - non-profit store that enables teachers to order supplies at no charge.
Girls on the Run - g irls of all abilities learn to embrace their inner strength and make meaningful connections with others

Salvation Army Bell Ringing - district provides club poster at no cost to display during the club's volunteer shifts

HELPING OUR COMMUNITY!
BOOKS FOR BABIES - BOARD BOOK DRIVE FOR EIGHT WAVES

Our Books for Babies Drive goal was to collect 400 new or used infant board books by August 1 and we far exceeded it with 515 books.

Local Winter Garden area families in need will receive these books to read to their infants through Eight Waves Children & Family Services. Did you know that around 60% of low-income families in the Orlando area do not own age-appropriate books for their children.

You can still be a part of helping reduce that staggering number!

Keep gathering your gently used or purchase brand new infant board books and get them to a Rotary Club of Horizon West Member.

You can easily drop them off as well at these 3 area locations:

Bryan Fifer, State Farm Insurance Agent - on 535 near Walgreens
Axiom Bank N.A. - in Hamlin
ScribbleSpace - in Summerport Village

Please share the post about this drive to your page and groups on Facebook >>

Volunteer Hours - Remember to register hours with Carol when you check in each meeting. Any time you spend at Rotary events and volunteering

Meet the Teacher at Maxey Elementary - last week several of our club's members volunteered to help at the event passing out snacks and greeting parents and their children. Details for being a mentor will be shared soon!

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Wednesday August 30th

4pm - Piesanos

Board Meeting for our club - all members are welcome

Wednesday September 6th & 20th at noon

September 6th - Dr. Graddis with Orlando Health

September 20th - District Governor, Don Harris

ROTARY HAPPY HOUR • LAST WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH

To further our club's focus on community service, networking & fellowship, save the last Wednesday of every month from 5:30 - 7:30pm on your calendar now!

Next Event: Wed August 30th - Location: Piesanos - Details on Facebook >>

MAXEY ELEMENTARY SHOWS THEIR APPRECIATION

Maxey Elementary recognizes two of our own for their mentoring services. The experience is one of a kind. Being able to help students become and belong is rewarding to all involved in the process. Service above self!

MAXEY ELEMENTARY SHOWS THEIR APPRECIATION

Volunteer Hours at a Rotarian expands Rotary's reach by bringing the knowledge and talents of local people to projects in their communities. Our President Francisco Nieves-Taranto recently volunteered at Second Harvest Food Bank.
https://www.feedhopenow.org/

REMINDER OF THE ONGOING CHALLENGE TO OUR CURRENT MEMBERS

Our District Governor Andres Goyanes' challenged us to the 4 Way Challenge so we are ramping up our efforts to invite others to come check out our club:

1) a Family Member

2) a Friend

3) a Co-worker

4) a Customer

And if you can't find one of them to come, ask a Veteran or a First Responder.

July 19 2023 Meeting - Horizon West Rotary - Preventing Human Trafficking

Thu, 20 Jul 2023 02:08:52 GMT

HAPPY DOLLARS
Happy dollars always kick us off on a positive note as members and guests share something they are currently happy about! Today $123 was collected to go towards Victim Service Center of Central Florida.

JUNE 21ST GUEST SPEAKER - Hannah Jenarine
Violence Prevention Educator - Victim Service Center of Central Florida

Preventing Human Trafficking

Hannah joined us today so we could learn more about what we can do to help combat human trafficking.

She shared the stories of several real people who were manipulated and groomed into being in the sex worker industry. We learned that 15-50k women and children are forced into sexual slavery in the United States every year. These victims all have in common, that they are in a vulnerable place in their lives and use trauma bonding to lure them in. Men actually account for 25 percent.

Lies, threats and manipulation are used to recruit people into both sex and labor trafficking.

As shown in the included slides, there are behavioral and physical signs you can be aware of when out and about, especially at hotels. If you see something say something - numbers on the slide "What to do if you suspect human trafficking". Locally in Central Florida, they can be reached at their 24/7 Crisis Helpline at 407-500-HEAL

Hannah is with the Victim Service Center of Central Florida. They serve all victims of sexual assault, violent crime and traumatic circumstance through free and confidential crisis intervention, therapy, advocacy and outreach.

Please connect with them online on Facebook and their website.

https://www.facebook.com/vscflorida

https://victimservicecenter.org/

HELPING OUR COMMUNITY!
BOOKS FOR BABIES - BOARD BOOK DRIVE FOR EIGHT WAVES

Our current Books for Babies Drive goal is to collect 400 new or used infant board books by August 1, 2023.

You can be a part of helping reduce that staggering number!

Simply gather your gently used or purchase brand new infant board books and get them to a Rotary Club of Horizon West Member.

You can easily drop them off as well at these 3 area locations:

Bryan Fifer, State Farm Insurance Agent - on 535 near Walgreens
Axiom Bank N.A. - in Hamlin
ScribbleSpace - in Summerport Village

Please share the post about this drive to your page and groups on Facebook >>

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Wednesday July 26th

4pm - Hagan O'Reilly's

Board Meeting for our club - all members are welcome

Wednesday August 2nd & 16th at noon

Speakers TBD

ROTARY HAPPY HOUR • LAST WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH

To further our club's focus on community service, networking & fellowship, save the last Wednesday of every month from 5:30 - 7:30pm on your calendar now!

Next Event: Wed July 26th - Location: Hagan O'Reilly's - Stoneybrook - Details on Facebook >>

MAXEY ELEMENTARY SHOWS THEIR APPRECIATION

REMINDER OF THE ONGOING CHALLENGE TO OUR CURRENT MEMBERS

Our District Governor Andres Goyanes' challenged us to the 4 Way Challenge so we are ramping up our efforts to invite others to come check out our club:

1) a Family Member

2) a Friend

3) a Co-worker

4) a Customer

And if you can't find one of them to come, ask a Veteran or a First Responder.

June 21 2023 Meeting - Horizon West Rotary - UCP of Central Florida

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 17:20:24 GMT

HAPPY DOLLARS
Happy dollars always kick us off on a positive note as members and guests share something they are currently happy about! Today $72 was collected and our minimum donation of $100 will go towards our featured non-profit of UCP of Central Florida.

JUNE 21ST GUEST SPEAKER - NANCY MIRELES WITH UCP OF CENTRAL FLORIDA

Unlocking Children's Potential

Nancy Mireles shared with us how UCP unlock's children's potential. Through the services provided by UCP, the dedication of their Team Members, and the hard work of their children and families, they’ve seen children overcome incredible hurdles.

UCP's mission is to empower children with and without disabilities to achieve their potential by providing individualized support, education and therapy services in an inclusive environment.

HISTORY & OFFERINGS

The Central Florida branch started in 1955 to help families with children who had cerebral palsy with support and therapy that didn't exist in our community.
In the 80s they expanded to help children with all disabilities with a new campus.
They've grown through the years to support more areas of Central Florida Public with tuition-free OCPS Charter School offerings for education, support and therapy - details of each are in the slides shown above.
Now working to merge with the BETA Center to incorporate a full inclusion-based program.

UCP's Volunteer HERO Program - there are tons of ways that anyone can get involved to assist as a volunteer.
Details can be found at: https://www.ucpcfl.org/volunteer

Connect with UCP online:

FACEBOOK

https://www.facebook.com/UCPcentralflorida

WEBSITE
https://www.ucpcfl.org/

HELPING OUR COMMUNITY!
BOOKS FOR BABIES - BOARD BOOK DRIVE FOR EIGHT WAVES

Our current Books for Babies Drive goal is to collect 400 new or used infant board books by August 1, 2023.

You can be a part of helping reduce that staggering number!

Simply gather your gently used or purchase brand new infant board books and get them to a Rotary Club of Horizon West Member.

You can easily drop them off as well at these 3 area locations:

Bryan Fifer, State Farm Insurance Agent - on 535 near Walgreens
Axiom Bank N.A. - in Hamlin
ScribbleSpace - in Summerport Village

Please share the post about this drive to your page and groups on Facebook >>

APPRECIATION AWARDS

As part of our final meeting of our term year, appreciation awards were presented to our corporate sponsors as well as our outgoing president, Andy Ortiz.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Wednesday June 28th

4pm - Loop Cafe

Board Meeting for our club - all members are welcome

Wednesday July 5th

Speaker TBD

ROTARY HAPPY HOUR • LAST WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH

To further our club's focus on community service, networking & fellowship, save the last Wednesday of every month from 5:30 - 7:30pm on your calendar now!

Next Event: Wed June 28th - Location Loop Cafe, Summerport Village - Details on Facebook >>

MAXEY ELEMENTARY STUDENT MENTORS NEEDED

Please contact Francisco to get signed up to be a mentor to one our our Maxey Elementary children that are in need of an adult mentor. Half hour a week is all it takes to make a huge difference in the children's lives and our members that have been doing this for several years share over and over how much it actually has enriched their life as well.

Definitely time worth committing to.

francisco@rentcare.net

REMINDER OF THE ONGOING CHALLENGE TO OUR CURRENT MEMBERS

Our District Governor Andres Goyanes' challenged us to the 4 Way Challenge so we are ramping up our efforts to invite others to come check out our club:

1) a Family Member

2) a Friend

3) a Co-worker

4) a Customer

And if you can't find one of them to come, ask a Veteran or a First Responder.

June 7th 2023 Meeting - Horizon West Rotary - Lance Loya

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 17:16:22 GMT

HAPPY DOLLARS
Happy dollars always kick us off on a positive note as members and guests share something they are currently happy about! Today $171 was collected to go towards ending Rotary International's goal to end polio. For more info on this effort visit: https://www.rotary.org/en/our-causes/ending-polio

JUNE 7TH GUEST SPEAKER - LANCE LOYA

The Good Teammate Factory

Great message from Lance Loya today about teamwork!

It's not about me, it's about WE !

A.L.I.V.E.
Active

Loyal

Invested
Viral
Empathetic

D Lance Loya is the founder and CEO of The Good Teammate Factory and the creator of National Be a Good Teammate Day.

As a leading authority on team dynamics, he specializes in getting individuals to shift into the We Gear and change their focus from me to we. Other experts concentrate on improving teamwork, but Lance concentrates on improving the teammate. Lance’s method works!

A former college basketball coach turned best-selling author, blogger, podcaster, and professional speaker, he is known for his enthusiastic personality and his passion for transforming teambusters into teammates.

Lance is the author of nine books on the subject of being a good teammate, including The WE Gear, which made Forbes’ list of “20 Books to Make You a Better Coach or Mentor,” and the heartwarming children’s book Be a Good Teammate.

He is a rare two-time recipient of the prestigious Schoenfeld Award for Sportsmanship, Character, and Ethics, as presented by the Collegiate Basketball Officials Association.

As a former intercollegiate student-athlete, Lance was an academic All-American. He holds an undergraduate degree in theatre and a master’s degree in sports management.

Prior to becoming a coach, he honed his speaking skills as a radio morning show disc jockey.

Lance believes everybody is part of a team in some capacity, and every affliction facing our society comes down to people not being good teammates. He has inspired readers and audiences around the globe with this impactful message through his books, keynotes, and seminars.

Connect with Lance online:

FACEBOOK

https://www.facebook.com/coachloya/

WEBSITE
https://www.coachloya.com/

LINKED IN

https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachloya/

INSTAGRAM

https://www.instagram.com/coachlanceloya/

HELPING OUR COMMUNITY!
BOOKS FOR BABIES - BOARD BOOK DRIVE FOR EIGHT WAVES

Our current Books for Babies Drive goal is to collect 400 new or used infant board books by August 1, 2023.

You can be a part of helping reduce that staggering number!

Simply gather your gently used or purchase brand new infant board books and get them to a Rotary Club of Horizon West Member.

You can easily drop them off as well at these 3 area locations:

Bryan Fifer, State Farm Insurance Agent - on 535 near Walgreens
Axiom Bank N.A. - in Hamlin
ScribbleSpace - in Summerport Village

Please share the post about this drive to your page and groups on Facebook >>

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Wednesday June 21st

Speaker TBD

Wednesday June 28th

4pm - Loop Cafe

Board Meeting for our club - all members are welcome

ROTARY HAPPY HOUR • LAST WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH

To further our club's focus on community service, networking & fellowship, save the last Wednesday of every month from 5:30 - 7:30pm on your calendar now!

Next Event: Wed June 28th - Location Loop Cafe, Summerport Village - Details on Facebook >>

MAXEY ELEMENTARY STUDENT MENTORS NEEDED

Definitely time worth committing to.

francisco@rentcare.net

REMINDER OF THE ONGOING CHALLENGE TO OUR CURRENT MEMBERS

Our District Governor Andres Goyanes' challenged us to the 4 Way Challenge so we are ramping up our efforts to invite others to come check out our club:

1) a Family Member

2) a Friend

3) a Co-worker

4) a Customer

And if you can't find one of them to come, ask a Veteran or a First Responder.

May 3rd 2023 Meeting - Horizon West Rotary - Dress for Success

Wed, 03 May 2023 16:48:09 GMT

HAPPY DOLLARS
Happy dollars always kick us off on a positive note as members and guests share something they are currently happy about! Today $100 was collected to go towards Dress for Success.

MAY 3RD GUEST SPEAKER - Joann Febus from Dress for Success

Dress for Success

Dress for Success is a network of tremendously dedicated, energetic and generous people make it possible for Dress for Success of Greater Orlando to fulfill its mission. From the staff and board who build the infrastructure, raise the funds needed to operate and implement our programs to the volunteers who make it possible for us to serve thousands of women annually, our success is truly a team effort.

Dress for Success of Greater Orlando is an entirely volunteer-run 501(c)(3) organization with aggressive growth goals: 1) to achieve financial stability to protect our ability to operate and serve the Greater Orlando community and
2) to secure needed resources to provide career development programming through the Professional Women’s Group (PWG).

Dress for Success of Greater Orlando was created to fill a critical need for interview appropriate clothing for low-income women entering the workforce. We help solve the dilemma: Without a job, how can I afford a suit? Without a suit, how can I get the job?

Since first opening their doors in May 2001, they’ve served 800-1,000 women per year in Central Florida. Their boutique is designed to help women shop for their clothing in an atmosphere of support and encouragement, helping to build their self-esteem.

Their biggest need right now is financial donations to help them pay for storage for donations, transportation to deliver and hire an administrative staff member.

Donations can be made on their website or by mailing a check to:

Dress for Success Greater Orlando - c/o Career Source Central Orlando

9401 Colonial Drive

Ocoee, Florida 32789

May 22nd will launch the $22 Challenge - you'll be able to participate via social channels!

Connect with them online on Facebook and their website.

FACEBOOK

https://www.facebook.com/dressforsuccessgreaterorlando/

WEBSITE
https://greaterorlando.dressforsuccess.org/

LINKED IN

https://www.linkedin.com/company/dress-for-success-greater-orlando/

INSTAGRAM

https://www.instagram.com/dressforsuccessgreaterorlando/

TOILET PAPER DRIVE FOR EIGHT WAVES

Thank you to all the members and community members who helped us donate 1,314 rolls of toilet paper to Eight Waves!!

Check out their post about the donation on their Facebook Page >>

UPCOMING MEETINGS
Wednesday May 3rd

Zoom - 1pm following today's noon meeting

Board Meeting for our club - all members are welcome

Wednesday May 17th

Speaker TBD

ROTARY HAPPY HOUR • LAST WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH

To further our club's focus on community service, networking & fellowship, save the last Wednesday of every month from 5:30 - 7:30pm on your calendar now!

Next Event: Wed May 31st - Location Tentative: Persimmon Hollow Brewing Co. - Details on Facebook >>

MAXEY ELEMENTARY STUDENT MENTORS NEEDED

Definitely time worth committing to.

francisco@rentcare.net

REMINDER OF THE ONGOING CHALLENGE TO OUR CURRENT MEMBERS

Our District Governor Andres Goyanes' challenged us to the 4 Way Challenge so we are ramping up our efforts to invite others to come check out our club:

1) a Family Member

2) a Friend

3) a Co-worker

4) a Customer

And if you can't find one of them to come, ask a Veteran or a First Responder.

April 5th 2023 Meeting - Horizon West Rotary - Special Hearts Farm

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 18:03:34 GMT

HAPPY DOLLARS
Happy dollars always kick us off on a positive note as members and guests share something they are currently happy about! Today $112 was collected to go towards the Special Hearts Farm.

MARCH 8TH GUEST SPEAKER - EMILY DAVIS WITH SPECIAL HEARTS FARM

Special Animals for Special Hearts

Emily Davis joined us today to share all about Special Hearts Farm.

Their mission is to provide safe, meaningful and beneficial farming and gardening experiences for individuals with disabilities and unique abilities who have been denied opportunities for college and supported employment.

The farm, currently located in the city of Winter Garden, has about 60 animals to care for, gardens to tend, products to be produced for the retail store such as woodworking items and goat soap. OCPS teachers teach clients between the ages of 18-22 and they learn many facets of what it really is like to work on a farm.

Their program is at the point where they are ready to move their facilities,improve their spaces as well as increase the number of clients they can provide education to. Fifteen acres have been purchased in Mount Dora and they have just received a $5.3 million Florida State Appropriation to be used specifically for construction. With this growth and move from Winter Garden to Mount Dora, Special Hearts Farm will triple capacity for client in-take to 150 at a time. Weddings and corporate event space to generate additional revenue to support the new farm and provide additional skill training to their future clients. Phase 2 will include housing for 50 clients to create an even more immersive experience for those that will utilize the housing.

Volunteer opportunities are available every day of the week and especially needed on the weekends. And donations are greatly appreciated to

Connect with them online on Facebook and their website.

FACEBOOK

https://www.facebook.com/thespecialheartsfarm

WEBSITE
https://www.SpecialHeartsFarm.com

ROTARY HAPPY HOUR • LAST WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH

To further our club's focus on community service, networking & fellowship, save the last Wednesday of every month from 5:30 - 7:30pm on your calendar now!

Next Event: Wed April 26th - Locations TBD - Details on Facebook >>

UPCOMING MEETINGS
Wednesday April 26th

Location TBD - 4:30pm

Board Meeting for our club - all members are welcome

Wednesday April 19th

Speaker TBD

MAXEY ELEMENTARY STUDENT MENTORS NEEDED

Definitely time worth committing to.

francisco@rentcare.net

REMINDER OF THE ONGOING CHALLENGE TO OUR CURRENT MEMBERS

Our District Governor Andres Goyanes' challenged us to the 4 Way Challenge so we are ramping up our efforts to invite others to come check out our club:

1) a Family Member

2) a Friend

3) a Co-worker

4) a Customer

And if you can't find one of them to come, ask a Veteran or a First Responder.

March 2023 Recap - Horizon West Rotary

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 17:02:01 GMT

HAPPY DOLLARS
Happy dollars always kick us off on a positive note as members and guests share something they are currently happy about! On March 15th $200 was collected to go towards the Matt's Mission program .

MARCH 8TH GUEST SPEAKER - STEPHANIE BOWMAN W/ ONE HEART FOR WOMEN & CHILDREN

Stephanie Bowmen joined us today to share all about One Heart for Women & Children.

Fifteen years ago Stephanie and her children were homeless and running from a dangerous domestic situation. After lots of work and assistance to change her reality she found herself working two full-time jobs plus being a mother and realized she needed to take a pause and find her passion.

The first efforts involved making PB & J sandwiches and taking to the local areas where she herself had been when homeless.

One action led to another and the now non-profit 501(c)(3) public charity organization helps individuals who are homeless or in times of transition by helping them meet their most essential needs. They provide access to food, clothing, school supplies, personal hygiene items, household items, and more. In addition, wrap around services take it to the next step beyond the basics. It takes 350 people per month to make everything happen every month across all of the ways the organization supports and helps their clients.

Upcoming One Heart Fundraiser Events

Diamonds are Forever at the Citrus Club on Saturday, April 15th

DETAILS: https://www.facebook.com/events/508827694659105

Golf Tournament at Falcon's Fire Golf Club on Friday, April 21st
DETAILS: https://www.facebook.com/OneHeartMatters/posts/pfbid0bXvPACwmwhh1y4Yfpp1u3NyCUCCHAGuxTESjnyoqxJ31mBBiaLsXZjxeeamp3oJBl

One Heart for Women and Children is located at:

2040 N Rio Grande Ave, Orlando, FL 32804

Phone: 321-299-4594

Donation Drop-Off Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 9am-3pm & Sat 8am-2pm.

Our Food Pantry is open Mon, Tue, Thu & Fri 12-4pm.

Our Thrift Store is open Saturday only 8am-2pm.

Closed on Wed & Sun.
Connect with them online on Facebook and their website.

FACEBOOK

https://www.facebook.com/OneHeartMatters

WEBSITE
https://OneHeartOrlando.org

HORIZON WEST FEST - ROTARY BOOTH

Club members manned our booth at the 5th annual Horizon West Fest put on by Horizon West Happenings. Local residents stopped by to learn more about the opportunities to serve their community. Many residents and members also gave back by bringing items for One Heart Supply Drive we shared with the community leading up to the event. Thank you to Francisco for getting the donated items delivered to One Heart for Women & Children's location.

ROTARY HAPPY HOUR • LAST WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH

To further our club's focus on community service, networking & fellowship, save the last Wednesday of every month from 5:30 - 7:30pm on your calendar now! Next Event: Wed Mar 29th - Piesanos - Details on Facebook >>

UPCOMING MEETINGS
Wednesday March 29th

Piesanos - tentative time 4:30pm

Board Meeting for our club - all members are welcome

Wednesday April 5th

Speaker TBD

MAXEY ELEMENTARY STUDENT MENTORS NEEDED

Definitely time worth committing to.

francisco@rentcare.net

REMINDER OF THE ONGOING CHALLENGE TO OUR CURRENT MEMBERS

Our District Governor Andres Goyanes' challenged us to the 4 Way Challenge so we are ramping up our efforts to invite others to come check out our club:

1) a Family Member

2) a Friend

3) a Co-worker

4) a Customer

And if you can't find one of them to come, ask a Veteran or a First Responder.

House of Hope Shared How They Are a Lighthouse for Local Teens

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 18:25:09 GMT

HAPPY DOLLARS
Happy dollars always kick us off on a positive note as members and guests share something they are currently happy about! Today $121 was collected to go towards the House of Hope.

GUEST SPEAKER - SARA MEYER WITH EIGHT WAVES CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES

Tete Sara as she's called, has 3 of her own kids and 55 kids from the east part of the city of Winter Garden who Eight Waves provides an after-school style service to that enrich their quality of lives and provide family stability.

Eight Waves started in 2018 when Sara noticed activity in an east area neighborhood in the downtown Winter Garden area where kids didn't have knowledge and support found in more well off areas.

To address the literacy issue that was evident, reading tutoring services in an after-school environment was one of the first initiatives provided.

Food & basic hygiene supplies and services were another evident need. This has evolved to providing healthy meals and a cooking club where they learned how to prepare their own food and practice their reading skills by following the recipes.

Hygiene drives through Eight Waves now regularly provide 300 children in Winter Garden schools with items such as shampoo, deodorant and toilet paper.

Around 70 kids at West Orange High School are part of a Wednesday lunch program where an outside meal is provided to the 20% of kids that are most at risk from graduating and each gathering includes a talk and discussion around a topic or skillset designed to help them in life skills that can help them after they finish their high school experience.

These examples are just part of the eight areas of initiatives they are currently providing services within: Reading Intervention, Mentoring, Birthday Wish, Mothers Community, Books for Babies, Hygiene Help, Life Experiences, and Family Stability.

The organization is currently housed within the West Orange Dream Center and has plans for a community center to provide underserved West Orange County kids with the opportunities they deserve.

Eight Waves is one of the core organizations that the Rotary Club of Horizon West supports through our fundraising initiatives, but please also connect with them to learn how you can help directly.

FACEBOOK

https://www.facebook.com/eightwavesyouth

WEBSITE

https://www.eightwaves.org/ur calendar now!

ROTARY HAPPY HOUR • LAST WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH

To further our club's focus on community service, networking & fellowship, save the last Wednesday of every month from 5:30 - 7:30pm on your calendar now!

Next Event: Wed Jan 25th - New York Beer Project

WELCOME TO NEW MEMBER - ELIZABETH STEPHENSON

Elizabeth is a new member that joined recently. She lives in Summerport here in Horizon West and is working as a realtor within our Horizon West community. She checked out Rotary based on recommendations of others as a great place to network and then realized the opportunity to serve our community and realized it really was a place she wanted to be.

UPCOMING MEETINGS
February 1st 
Cheryl Sharpe with House of Hope

MAXEY ELEMENTARY STUDENT MENTORS NEEDED

Definitely time worth committing to.

francisco@rentcare.net

REMINDER OF THE ONGOING CHALLENGE TO OUR CURRENT MEMBERS

Our District Governor Andres Goyanes' challenged us to the 4 Way Challenge so we are ramping up our efforts to invite others to come check out our club:

1) a Family Member

2) a Friend

3) a Co-worker

4) a Customer

And if you can't find one of them to come, ask a Veteran or a First Responder.

Eight Waves Shared their Mission With Us Today

Wed, 18 Jan 2023 18:33:10 GMT

HAPPY DOLLARS
Happy dollars always kick us off on a positive note as members and guests share something they are currently happy about! Today $110 was collected to go towards the our guest speaker organization - Eight Waves Children and Family Services.

GUEST SPEAKER - SARA MEYER WITH EIGHT WAVES CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES

Eight Waves started in 2018 when Sara noticed activity in an east area neighborhood in the downtown Winter Garden area where kids didn't have knowledge and support found in more well off areas.

To address the literacy issue that was evident, reading tutoring services in an after-school environment was one of the first initiatives provided.

Hygiene drives through Eight Waves now regularly provide 300 children in Winter Garden schools with items such as shampoo, deodorant and toilet paper.

The organization is currently housed within the West Orange Dream Center and has plans for a community center to provide underserved West Orange County kids with the opportunities they deserve.

Eight Waves is one of the core organizations that the Rotary Club of Horizon West supports through our fundraising initiatives, but please also connect with them to learn how you can help directly.

FACEBOOK

https://www.facebook.com/eightwavesyouth

WEBSITE

https://www.eightwaves.org/ur calendar now!

ROTARY HAPPY HOUR • LAST WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH

To further our club's focus on community service, networking & fellowship, save the last Wednesday of every month from 5:30 - 7:30pm on your calendar now!

Next Event: Wed Jan 25th - New York Beer Project

WELCOME TO NEW MEMBER - ELIZABETH STEPHENSON

UPCOMING MEETINGS
February 1st 
Cheryl Sharpe with House of Hope

MAXEY ELEMENTARY STUDENT MENTORS NEEDED

Definitely time worth committing to.

francisco@rentcare.net

REMINDER OF THE ONGOING CHALLENGE TO OUR CURRENT MEMBERS

Our District Governor Andres Goyanes' challenged us to the 4 Way Challenge so we are ramping up our efforts to invite others to come check out our club:

1) a Family Member

2) a Friend

3) a Co-worker

4) a Customer

And if you can't find one of them to come, ask a Veteran or a First Responder.

Welcome to 2023 Horizon West Rotary

Wed, 04 Jan 2023 17:41:05 GMT

To kick off the new year, we took advantage of less items to cover on the agenda to go around the room to get to know each other, how long we've been involved in Rotary and a little about our family, career and hobbies.

HAPPY DOLLARS

Happy dollars always kick us off on a positive note as members and guests share something they are currently happy about! Today $ 51 was collected to go towards the Million Meals effort.

ROTARY HAPPY HOUR • LAST WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH

To further our club's focus on community service, networking & fellowship, save the last Wednesday of every month from 5:30 - 7:30pm on your calendar now!

Next Event: Wed Jan 25th - at New York Beer Project

MAXEY ELEMENTARY STUDENT MENTORS NEEDED

Definitely time worth committing to.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

January 18th

Sara Meyer

Eight Waves Children and Family Service

February 1st Cheryl Sharpe

House of Hope

REMINDER OF THE ONGOING CHALLENGE TO OUR CURRENT MEMBERS

Our District Governor Andres Goyanes' challenged us to the 4 Way Challenge so we are ramping up our efforts to invite others to come check out our club:

1) a Family Member

2) a Friend

3) a Co-worker

4) a Customer

And if you can't find one of them to come, ask a Veteran or a First Responder.

Celebrating Our Club's Successes & Future Happenings!

Wed, 07 Dec 2022 18:15:12 GMT

Happy dollars always kick us off on a positive note as members and guests share something they are currently happy about! Today $60 was collected to go towards the Million Meals effort.

With no speaker today, we celebrated all of the amazing efforts that have been happening as well as new ones that are coming up in the future.

THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE

In partnership with Horizon West Cares, we collected food items for the Annual Thanksgiving Basket Drive and Rotary donated gift cards for over 40 baskets that a few of our members also volunteered with Horizon West Cares to assemble and then deliver to EightWaves. Pictures and Links at: https://www.horizonwestrotary.com/thanksgiving-basket-drive-2022-a-success

GOLF TOURNAMENT RECAP • HAPPENED FRI NOV 18

Our Inaugural Rotary Club of Horizon West was a big success with 82 Golfers and a day of fun, camaraderie and our goals achieved:

- Netted around 20k to to support the various programs that our club has adopted

- Membership and Community Relationship Building

- More awareness of our Rotary Club in the Horizon West community

- List of potential Sponsors for 2023

MAXEY ELEMENTARY TOY DRIVE

This year we are helping 140 children at Maxey Elementary and met our goal of a gift for every child! Members and their families are showing with scissors in hand to help wrap all 140 presents tonight, Wed, Dec 7th from 6 - 8pm in our regular Orlando Health meeting room. Pizza and cookies are being provided by our club.

ROTARY HAPPY HOUR • LAST WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH

To further our club's focus on community service, networking & fellowship, save the last Wednesday of every month from 5:30 - 7:30pm on your calendar now!

Next Event: Wed Dec 28th - Loop Café in Summerport Village

MAXEY ELEMENTARY STUDENT MENTORS NEEDED

Definitely time worth committing to.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

December 21

Club Assembly

Nominations for Next Year's Officers

January 18th

Sara Meyer

Eight Waves Children and Family Service

February 1st Cheryl Sharpe

House of Hope

REMINDER OF THE ONGOING CHALLENGE TO OUR CURRENT MEMBERS

Our District Governor Andres Goyanes' challenged us to the 4 Way Challenge so we are ramping up our efforts to invite others to come check out our club:

1) a Family Member

2) a Friend

3) a Co-worker

4) a Customer

And if you can't find one of them to come, ask a Veteran or a First Responder.

Thanksgiving Basket Drive 2022 - A Big Success

Wed, 30 Nov 2022 18:16:46 GMT

Service Above Self!

Kudos to all our Rotary Club of Horizon West members who donated to the Thanksgiving Basket Drive to support Horizon West Cares ' annual effort!

Special thanks to Terri Hatfield Dull - Senior Mortgage Consultant NMLS #1616752 & Elizabeth Greer Stephenson for working for hours to prepare over 40 baskets last week with the Horizon West Cares team and volunteers.

The truck was yesterday and headed to Eight Waves for delivery in time to help their families!

#horizonwestrotary

November 16 Meeting Recap - So Many Amazing Things Happening!

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 18:38:14 GMT

HAPPY DOLLARS
Happy dollars always kick us off on a positive note as members and guests share something they are currently happy about! Today $110 was collected to go towards the Horizon West Cares Thanksgiving Basket Drive . And over the last few months, other happy dollars resulted in a $386 donation to the Million Meals effort.

GUEST SPEAKER - Jason McMillan Shared the Details on the Orange County CERT Program

At our 3rd Wednesday Rotary Club of Horizon West noon meeting on November 16, 2022, Jason McMillan the Training & Program Manager for CERT for Orange County. CERT stands for Certified Emergency Response Training

Organized by the Orange County Citizen Corps, the CERT helps communities, organizations or businesses train and educate volunteer teams about disaster preparedness and basic disaster response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, medical operations, disaster psychology, and terrorism awareness.

CERT is a volunteer program that requires 8 training classes + final drill and efforts are underway to grow the program and make it even more accessible to those wanting to get involved.

To get more information on how sign up for CERT, find the contact info at the bottom of this page:

Orange County City Corps Webpage >>

GOLF TOURNAMENT UPDATE • HAPPENING FRI NOV 18!

Stacey Sellaro, provided an update on our inaugural Golf Tournament which is happening this week. Individual & Foursomes will gather and have tons of fun on the greens this Friday - 7am registration. Prizes will be awarded Friday for the longest drive, best woman, best man, and closest to the pin.

If you're volunteering or participating please take photos and video clips and share via an upload link that will be sent out to club members and hopefully golfers as well so we can create a great photo gallery recap to be shared after the event!

OUR CLUB SOLD THE NON-ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AT FLAVOR FEST ON SATURDAY NOV 12TH

As a fundraiser, our club sold all of the non-alcoholic drinks at FlavorFest, attended by over 2,000 attendees and raised $1,000 to go towards our adopted programs. You can check out and vote for the best of the food, entertainment, artisans and community partners at: HorizonWestMagazine.com/BestOf

ROTARY HAPPY HOUR • LAST WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH

To further our club's focus on community service, networking & fellowship our much missed monthly happy hour events are back!!!

Save the last Wednesday of every month from 5:30 - 7:30pm on your calendar now!

Next Happy Hour: Wed Nov 30th - Location being finalized

MAXEY ELEMENTARY TOY DRIVE

This year we are helping 140 children at Maxey Elementary. Signup Genius is available so we can each select specific children to buy for. Gift should be valued around $25-30 and should fit into their backpack to be taken home easily.

Wrapping event where you can bring your family to help is happening Wed, Dec 7th from 6 - 8pm in our regular Orlando Health meeting room. Pizza and cookies will be provided by our club.

REMINDER OF THE ONGOING CHALLENGE TO OUR CURRENT MEMBERS

Our District Governor Andres Goyanes' challenged us to the 4 Way Challenge so we are ramping up our efforts to invite others to come check out our club:

1) a Family Member

2) a Friend

3) a Co-worker

4) a Customer

And if you can't find one of them to come, ask a Veteran or a First Responder.

Congressman Daniel Webster Vistited, Flavor Fest is Around the Corner & Our Inaugural Golf Tournament is Right Behind It!

Wed, 02 Nov 2022 17:58:53 GMT

HAPPY DOLLARS
Happy dollars always kick us off on a positive note as members and guests share something they are currently happy about! Today $73 was collected to go towards the Million Meals effort.

GUEST SPEAKER - CONGRESSMAN DANIEL WEBSTER

At our 1st Wednesday Rotary Club of Horizon West noon meeting on November 2, 2022, Congressman Daniel Webster joined us to update on many things happening in Washington that effect the state of things here in Horizon West in SW Orange County.

He shared that his team and colleagues are determined to bring change to get America back on track with goals to create an economy that's strong, a nation that's safe, a future that's built on freedom and a government that's accountable.

To get more information on how Daniel Webster is representing his district of our state - visit:

DANIEL WEBSTER - Serving Florida's 11th District:

https://webster.house.gov/

OUR CLUB WILL BE AT FLAVOR FEST ON SATURDAY NOV 12TH

Tickets are on sale now for anyone not volunteering at the Rotary tent where we'll be selling all the non-alcoholic beverages to guests as a fundraiser.

Special Rotary Discount Code is: ROTARY50

Reach out to tricia@keybella.com to sign up to volunteer

And for all the details and tickets for FlavorFest visit: HWFlavorFest.com

ROTARY HAPPY HOUR • LAST WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH

To further our club's focus on community service, networking & fellowship our much missed monthly happy hour events are back!!!

Save the last Wednesday of every month from 5:30 - 7:30pm on your calendar now!

Next Happy Hour: Wed Nov 30th - Ford's Garage

MAXEY ELEMENTARY TOY DRIVE

Signup Genius to be sent out by 11/14 so we can each select specific children to buy for. Gift should be valued around $25-30 and should fit into their backpack to be taken home easily.

Wrapping event where you can bring your family to help is happening Wed, Dec 7th from 5:30 - 8pm in our regular Orlando Health meeting room. Pizza and cookies will be provided by our club.

GOLF TOURNAMENT UPDATE • HAPPENING FRI NOV 18!

Stacey Sellaro, provided an update on our inaugural Golf Tournament.

Individual & Foursomes are still open for registration and there are only a few spots left - open thru Mon, Nov 7 - please share the news on social from our public Facebook page and by sending anyone interested to: https://www.horizonwestrotary.com/golftournament

STILL SOME ROOM FOR MORE VOLUNTEERS & DONATIONS!!!!!

Signup is easy via the links below...

DAY OF EVENT

(Morning and Afternoon Time Frames)

Volunteer signup: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0c4da9a82ea5f85-volunteer

DONATION OF GIFTS FOR SILENT AUCTION BIDDING

Individual Member or Businesses

Items value from $25 - $500+

Please get creative with gifts to entice bidding!

DONATION OF CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST ITEMS (Items listed on signup page)

Silent Auction and Breakfast Donation Signup: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0C4DA9A82EA5F85-silent

We are expected to net around $15k to support the causes our club has adopted with such as Apple-a-Day • Maxey Elementary School • Horizon West Cares • One Heart for Women & Children.

REMINDER OF THE ONGOING CHALLENGE TO OUR CURRENT MEMBERS

Our District Governor Andres Goyanes' challenged us to the 4 Way Challenge so we are ramping up our efforts to invite others to come check out our club:

1) a Family Member

2) a Friend

3) a Co-worker

4) a Customer

And if you can't find one of them to come, ask a Veteran or a First Responder.

Orlando Health - Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Wed, 19 Oct 2022 18:04:24 GMT

At our 3rd Wednesday Rotary Club of Horizon West noon meeting on October 19, 2022, the team with Orlando Health shared tons of information about Breast Cancer as October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Welcome to our visitors today! We look forward to you coming back and if it's a great fit for how you'd like to serve your community, we are excited to welcome you as official members soon!

HAPPY DOLLARS
Happy dollars always kick us off on a positive note as members and guests share something they are currently happy about! Today $48 was collected and our club will supplement to contribute $100 towards For the Love of a Veteran. We heard from Lance Price in September and are happy to be able to support their cause!

GUEST SPEAKER - Orlando Health Imaging Center

The team with Orlando Health shared tons of information about Breast Cancer as October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Their West Orange area Imaging Center has now reopened after a hiatus during covid with upgraded features. It is located on the 1st floor of Orlando Health - Health Central Hospital in Ocoee at 10000 W Colonial Drive.

They invited everyone out on Tuesday, October 25, 2022 from 6-7:30pm for a tour of the new center. Physicians will be on hand and you can enjoy refreshments and schedule your mammogram! To attend you can RSVP to Dawn Willis at Dawn.Willis@OrlandoHealth.com

To get more information on how you can benefit from the FREE offerings provided by the National Entrepreneur Center - visit:

ORLANDO HEALTH MAMMOGRAPHY

https://www.orlandohealth.com/services-and-specialties/mammography#/OH+Mammography/

OUR CLUB WILL BE AT FLAVOR FEST ON SATURDAY NOV 12TH

Tickets go on sale Thursday Oct 5th, but if you volunteer at the Rotary tent, where we'll be selling all the non-alcoholic beverages to guests as a fundraiser, you'll have free admission!

Reach out to tricia@keybella.com to sign up to volunteer

And for more info on FlavorFest visit: HWFlavorFest.com

ROTARY HAPPY HOUR NEWS

To further our club's focus on community service, networking & fellowship our much missed monthly happy hour events are coming back!!!

Save the 4th Wednesday of every month from 5:30 - 7:30pm on your calendar now.

OCTOBER 26th - TENTATIVE Miller's Ale House in Horizon West
in the Hamlin area of the Town Center

TRACKING VOLUNTEER HOURS FOR OUR CLUB

T Ellie shared how to log any of our volunteer hours in the DAC system - more details to come to our website soon so that our members can access this information easily at any time.

HALLOWEEN COSTUMES NEEDED!

Drive to help Eight Waves Children and Family Services. Please collect and get any gently used costumes to Terri Hatfield-Dull. Look for our social post on the public HW Rotary Facebook page to share to your own page and neighborhood groups so you can collect a big bag of them to get to Terri. She will be collecting through this Friday Oct 21, 2022. You can reach her on social or at: Terri@cmpfl.com

THE ROTARY CLUB OF DR PHILLIPS CITRUS - PINTS4PAWS
We love visitors and today we heard from Patrick with the Dr Phillips/Citrus club about their Pints4Paws fundraiser. Check out the flyer above for all the details or click thru to the event on Facebook !

GOLF TOURNAMENT - SINGLE & FOURSOME GOLF SIGN UPS NOW OPEN!

Stacey Sellaro, provided an update on our inaugural Golf Tournament.

Individual & Foursomes are now open for registration - please share the news on social from our public Facebook page and by sending anyone interested to: https://www.horizonwestrotary.com/golftournament

VOLUNTEERS & DONATIONS NEEDED!!!!

Signup is easy via the links below...

DAY OF EVENT

(Morning and Afternoon Time Frames)

Volunteer signup: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0c4da9a82ea5f85-volunteer

DONATION OF GIFTS FOR SILENT AUCTION BIDDING

Individual Member or Businesses

Items value from $25 - $500+

Please get creative with gifts to entice bidding!

DONATION OF CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST ITEMS (Items listed on signup page)

Silent Auction and Breakfast Donation Signup: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0C4DA9A82EA5F85-silent

Our goal is to raise $43k to cover costs and be able to support the causes our club has adopted such as Apple-a-Day • Maxey Elementary School • Horizon West Cares • One Heart for Women & Children.

REMINDER OF THE ONGOING CHALLENGE TO OUR CURRENT MEMBERS

Our District Governor Andres Goyanes' challenged us to the 4 Way Challenge so we are ramping up our efforts to invite others to come check out our club:

1) a Family Member

2) a Friend

3) a Co-worker

4) a Customer

And if you can't find one of them to come, ask a Veteran or a First Responder.

Jerry Ross from the National Entrepreneur Center Shared How Entrepreneurs are the Innovators of Horizon West

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 18:00:25 GMT

At our 3rd Wednesday Rotary Club of Horizon West noon meeting on October 5, 2022, Jerry Ross, President of the National Entrepreneur Center joined us today to share all about how entrepreneurs are the innovators of our community.

We had a great show of visitors this morning - welcome to all 6 of you that joined us today! We look forward to you coming back and if it's a great fit for how you'd like to serve your community, we are excited to welcome you as official members soon!

HAPPY DOLLARS

Happy dollars always kick us off on a positive note as members and guests share something they are currently happy about! Today $59 was collected and will go towards the Million-and-a-Half Meals Marathon. This effort is fighting food insecurity by volunteering at local food banks and working with local supermarkets to generate donations in food and cash. We are also developing stronger ties to Second Harvest Food Bank and The Salvation Army to ensure the highest impact in our community.

GUEST SPEAKER - Jerry Ross, President of the National Entrepreneur Center

Jerry Ross, President of the National Entrepreneur Center provided an overview of how the National Entrepreneur Center helps entrepreneurs all over Central Florida with any and all aspects of starting, running and expanding their businesses.

Did you know that 311 even has a matrix to point callers to the right resource for whatever business help they need? How cool is that!

To get more information on how you can benefit from the FREE offerings provided by the National Entrepreneur Center - visit:

NATIONAL ENTREPRENEUR CENTER

https://nationalec.org/

BIZLINK ORANGE

https://bizlinkorange.com/

And follow them on Facebook to stay in the loop on social:

NATIONAL ENTREPRENEUR CENTER

https://www.facebook.com/NationalEC

BIZLINK ORANGE

https://www.facebook.com/BizLinkOrange/

OUR CLUB WILL BE AT FLAVOR FEST ON SATURDAY NOV 12TH

Tickets go on sale Thursday Oct 5th, but if you volunteer at the Rotary tent, where we'll be selling all the non-alcoholic beverages to guests as a fundraiser, you'll have free admission!

Reach out to tricia@keybella.com to sign up to volunteer

And for more info on FlavorFest visit: HWFlavorFest.com

ROTARY HAPPY HOUR NEWS

To further our club's focus on community service, networking & fellowship our much missed monthly happy hour events are coming back!!!

Stay tuned for details here and on our Facebook group for location and save the 4th Wednesday of every month from 5:30 - 7:30pm on your calendar now.

NEW MEMBER INDUCTION

Welcome to Jeff Ramos! We got to know more about him, his family and his business. Great to have you officially Jeff!

GOLF TOURNAMENT - SINGLE & FOURSOME GOLF SIGN UPS NOW OPEN! CLICK ON IMAGE ABOVE...

Stacey Sellaro, provided an update on our inaugural Golf Tournament. Our goal is to raise $43k to cover costs and be able to support the causes our club has adopted such as Apple-a-Day • Maxey Elementary School • Horizon West Cares • Interact Club at HHS & WHS • One Heart for Women & Children.

Individual & Foursomes are now open for registration - please share the news on social from our public Facebook page and by sending anyone interested to: https://www.horizonwestrotary.com/golftournament

VOLUNTEERS & DONATIONS NEEDED!!!!

Signup is easy via the links below...

DAY OF EVENT

(Morning and Afternoon Time Frames)

Volunteer signup: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0c4da9a82ea5f85-volunteer

DONATION OF GIFTS FOR SILENT AUCTION BIDDING

Individual Member or Businesses

Items value from $25 - $500+

Please get creative with gifts to entice bidding!

DONATION OF CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST ITEMS (Items listed on signup page)

Silent Auction and Breakfast Donation Signup: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0C4DA9A82EA5F85-silent

We are about halfway to our goal so there is room for more sponsors to get involved before the sponsor registration deadline of November 7th and details can be found at: HorizonWestRotary.com/GolfTournament

REMINDER OF THE ONGOING CHALLENGE TO OUR CURRENT MEMBERS

Our District Governor Andres Goyanes' challenged us to the 4 Way Challenge so we are ramping up our efforts to invite others to come check out our club:

1) a Family Member

2) a Friend

3) a Co-worker

4) a Customer

And if you can't find one of them to come, ask a Veteran or a First Responder.

Lance Price from For the Love of A Veteran - Shared Information About a Not Well Known PTSD Treatment - SGB

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 19:27:27 GMT

At our 3rd Wednesday Rotary Club of Horizon West noon meeting on September 21, 2022, Lance Price, Dir of Operations of For the Love of a Veteran, Inc. and his service dog Copper joined us today to share all about how the organization “fights for those who fought for us”.

We had a record number of visitors this morning - welcome to all 7 of you that joined us today! We look forward to you coming back and if it's a great fit for how you'd like to serve your community, we are excited to welcome you as official members soon!

HAPPY DOLLARS

Happy dollars always kick us off on a positive note as members and guests share something they are currently happy about! Today $30 was collected and will go towards our general fund to support our adopted projects.

GUEST SPEAKER - Lance Price, Director of Operations of For the Love of a Veteran, Inc. - Central Florida

Lance Price, Dir of Operations of the Central Florida area of For the Love of a Veteran, Inc. (FTLOAV) shared that once he retired from the military, the big question in front of him was...

Who Am I Now?

This is the question that led Lance to do the work he is now doing for FTLOAV, an organization that began in 2013.

We learned that FTLOAV helps heroes heal through SGB treatment. This treatment has be used for over 100 years for various needs and was discovered to relieve PTSD over 12 years ago. It is not a standalone treatment, but it has been used to treat thousands of patients with 80+% success rate.

In 2022 the Florida Chapter was begun because Florida has the 3rd largest population in the nation with over 1 million wartime veterans.

For the Love of A Veteran, Inc. Florida Chapter mission is to contribute to veterans' purpose and quality of life. By providing funding for SGB treatment for those suffering with PTSD. And they plan to provide activities and programs that advance the well-being of veterans, their families, caregivers, survivors, and other eligible members of the military community .

To get more information on how you can support FTLOAV or seek SGB assistance for a veteran you love - visit:

ForTheLoveOfAVeteran.org

AND

follow them on Facebook to stay in the loop on social .

ROTARY HAPPY HOUR NEWS

To further our club's focus on community service, networking & fellowship our much missed monthly happy hour events are coming back!!!

Stay tuned for details here and on our Facebook group for location and save the 4th Wednesday of every month from 5:30 - 7:30pm on your calendar now.

GOLF TOURNAMENT UPDATE

Donations for the goody bags and silent auction are still needed. We are looking for 150 of each item to add to all of the bags. Silent auction items can be anything that someone would be willing to buy is worth gathering. Bidders have an opportunity to bid and receive the item for a reduced value - anything from a $25 Publix gift card to a vacation getaway and anything in between.

To express interest in helping please email Stacey at: Stacey.Sellaro@Roche.com

We are about halfway to our goal so there is room for more sponsors to get involved before the sponsor registration deadline of October 15th and details can be found at: HorizonWestRotary.com/GolfTournament

REMINDER OF THE ONGOING CHALLENGE TO OUR CURRENT MEMBERS

Our District Governor Andres Goyanes' challenged us to the 4 Way Challenge so we are ramping up our efforts to invite others to come check out our club:

1) a Family Member

2) a Friend

3) a Co-worker

4) a Customer

And if you can't find one of them to come, ask a Veteran or a First Responder.

Commissioner Nicole Wilson Shared Tons About OC & Horizon West

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 17:37:02 GMT

At our 1st Wednesday Rotary Club of Horizon West noon meeting on September 7, 2022, Commissioner Nicole Wilson was our guest speaker and talked about the importance of community service.

We had a record number of visitors this morning - welcome to all 6 of you that joined us today! We look forward to you coming back and if it's a great fit for how you'd like to serve your community, we are excited to welcome you as official members soon!

HAPPY DOLLARS

Happy dollars always kick us off on a positive note as members and guests share something they are currently happy about! Today $42 was collected and will go towards our general fund to support our adopted projects.

GUEST SPEAKER - DISTRICT 1 COUNTY COMMISSIONER NICOLE WILSON

Commissioner Wilson talked about how Horizon West is a unique part of West Orange County in that we as community leaders living and working here in HW, we are building what this area will become. Our children will be talking about what we all did to build up such a strong community that has all the aspects needed for a hometown to thrive. A brief mention about the idea of Horizon West having its own mailing address was mentioned.

She covered a lot of great information for our attendees such as:

• Current Redistricting - How District 1 changed

• Hot Topics in District 1

- Tree Protection

- OC Sheriff Substation in Horizon West Efforts

- Pedestrian Safety Including OC Vision Zero Effort

• Schools - OCPS is continuing growth and needs Crossing Guards - more info on this here if you know anyone interested in exploring this opportunity:

• Safety - traffic spots being focused on currently

• Fertilizer Ordinance Update & FL Friendly Landscaping

• OC Budget Snapshot

• How That Budget is Getting Spent in HW at the Moment:

- Parks

- Fire Stations

• How OC TDT/Tourist Development Tax is spent

• Various Unique Things OC Budget Funds in Our Community - many managed via the 311 App/Phone Number

• Transportation Sales Tax that will be on the November 8th, 2022 Ballot - Commissioner Wilson shared some of her frustrations and unanswered questions around what benefits, if approved, would be planned within Horizon West

• Housing Crisis and Affordable Rent

To stay in the loop on what the District 1 office is up to - subscribe to their newsletter at the bottom of NicoleWilson.org

NEW MEMBER WELCOME

Linda Sibley was officially welcomed as our newest member! You can find her online helping neighbors in Horizon West at: https://www.facebook.com/HWNeighborsHelpingNeighbors

GOLF TOURNAMENT UPDATE

Bryan Fifer, provided an update on our inaugural Golf Tournament. Our goal is to raise $43k to cover costs and be able to support the causes our club has adopted such as Apple-a-Day • Maxey Elementary School • Horizon West Cares • Interact Club at HHS & WHS • One Heart for Women & Children.

At least one volunteer is needed to help reach out to local community businesses and organizations to put together goody bags and items for the Silent Auction baskets. For the goody bags we are looking for 150 of each item to add to all of the bags. Silent auction items can be anything that someone would be willing to buy is worth gathering. Bidders have an opportunity to bid and receive the item for a reduced value - anything from a $25 Publix gift card to a vacation getaway and anything in between.

To express interest in helping please email Stacey at: Stacey.Sellaro@Roche.com

We are about halfway to our goal so there is room for more sponsors to get involved before the sponsor registration deadline of September 15th and details can be found at: HorizonWestRotary.com/GolfTournament

REMINDER OF THE ONGOING CHALLENGE TO OUR CURRENT MEMBERS

Our District Governor Andres Goyanes' challenged us to the 4 Way Challenge so we are ramping up our efforts to invite others to come check out our club:

1) a Family Member

2) a Friend

3) a Co-worker

4) a Customer

And if you can't find one of them to come, ask a Veteran or a First Responder.

District Assistant Governor Sam Worrell Shares How He Can Help Our Club

Fri, 19 Aug 2022 00:25:06 GMT

At our 3rd Wednesday Rotary Club of Horizon West noon meeting on August 17, 2022, our District Assistant Governor Sam Worrell (center in above photo) shared more about his role and how he can help us grow and follow the Rotary mission!

Happy dollars always kick us off on a positive note as members and guests share something they are currently happy about! Today $60 was collected and will go towards our general fund to support our adopted projects.

Sam then shared details on what he can he do for us as our District Assistant Governor:

Sam hosts quarterly Zoom meetings where Presidents from clubs in the district, which covers 5 counties, can attend to share information with the other clubs about what they are doing

Bill Peepers, District Public Image/PR Chair can help us with our public image if we let them know what we are doing so he can share the info via his PR efforts.

We should track public hours and report to our Club President, Andy Ortiz so we can meet our goal of 10k hours a year

Sam can be our "Answer Guy" when we don't know something or can't find something

MAXEY ELEMENTARY UPDATE

Michelle Urquhart, Behavioral Specialist with Maxey Elementary shared what is coming up in the new school year. Maxey is an OCPS magnet school and the only elementary in our district with a Visual & Performing Arts Magnet program.

Their biggest need is the human factor, not financial contributions. Their Dream Catcher's program allows us as club volunteers to be matched with a student to support them in a mentoring capacity. So they welcome our continuing involvement in that program.

As of today, we have 6 club members ready to volunteer, but there's room for more and Michelle encouraged us to even bring non-members to get involved.

NEW MEMBER WELCOME

Classification speeches are where our new members share more information about themselves with the members.

Today we heard from Courtney Crossland. She was officially welcomed into the club by our President Andy Ortiz and President Elect, Francisco Nieves Taranto. Here's a quick recap from Courtney! (all shown above)

GOLF TOURNAMENT UPDATE

Stacey Sellaro, our club’s fundraising chair provided an update on our inaugural Golf Tournament. Our goal is to raise $43k to cover costs and be able to support the causes our club has adopted such as Apple-a-Day • Maxey Elementary School • Horizon West Cares • Interact Club at HHS & WHS • One Heart for Women & Children.

To express interest in helping please email Stacey at: Stacey.Sellaro@Roche.com

There's also room for more sponsors to get involved before the sponsor registration deadline of September 15th and details can be found at: HorizonWestRotary.com/GolfTournament

REMINDER OF THE ONGOING CHALLENGE TO OUR CURRENT MEMBERS

Our District Governor Andres Goyanes' challenged us to the 4 Way Challenge so we are ramping up our efforts to invite others to come check out our club:

1) a Family Member

2) a Friend

3) a Co-worker

4) a Customer

And if you can't find one of them to come, ask a Veteran or a First Responder.

Our Rotary District Governor for 2022-2023, Andres Goyanes Challenged Us!

Wed, 03 Aug 2022 17:18:18 GMT

During the August 3rd, 2022 lunch meeting of the Horizon West Rotary Club, Andres Goyanes, our Rotary District Governor for 2022-2023 donned his signature purple blazer and challenged us as a club to focus on a few things this year.

Firstly he encouraged all members to bring 4 people to Rotary by thinking who is a good fit amongst your:

Family
Friends
Coworkers
Clients

Secondly he challenged our club to log 10k hours of volunteers in the coming year.

Thirdly he encouraged us to get out there more on social media and when interacting personally with other locals to increase the public image of our club.

Lots of plans are already in motion for our club to tackle these challenges head on this year.

Thank you for the inspiration Andres!

Local Publication: Horizon West Happenings, Gives Rotary The Rundown

Wed, 20 Jul 2022 19:33:45 GMT

Our Rotary Club recently had the opportunity to hear from Cynthia Dailey of Horizon West Happenings about all of the amazing things coming to Horizon West. Cynthia shared great information about our growing community's past, present and future, in a fun and engaging way that left us all eager for everything that is coming to this wonderful area we call home!

Maxey Elementary Toy Drive 2020

Thu, 17 Dec 2020 15:57:11 GMT

We Did It!

Goal: 92 Toys

Total Donated: 112 Toys

We were able to deliver 112 Toys to Maxey Elementary. These toys were sent home with students who were identified as having the greatest need. Because of you, our fellow Rotarians, these kiddos had a special gift to unwrap Christmas Day. Way to go Rotary Club of Horizon West!!

Special thanks to Emily Tornatore for being our on-call shopping pro! Emily braved the holiday crowds to get all of the last minute toys needed with funds donated from our generous club members.

Special thanks also goes to JoAnne Quarles, Bryan Fifer, Stephanie Lang and her daughter, as well as Tara Gomez and her daughter for spending their time gift wrapping over 70 toys!

Thank you to all that donated and helped make our Maxey Elementary Toy Drive a huge success.

Habitat For Humanity

Sun, 11 Oct 2020 14:54:29 GMT

Rotary Club of Horizon West in action in our community helping with successful builds with Habitat for Humanity. A big applause to all of our club members who came together to serve others in our community.

One Heart for Women and Children

Wed, 20 May 2020 17:05:16 GMT

Club President, Bryan Fifer, and Civic Outreach Chair, Stephanie Lang met with the founder of One Heart for Women and Children , Stephanie Bowman to deliver the funds that were collected through our 1 Heart: 100 Family Fundraiser! The total amount of $4,350 will provide food for 174 Central Florida families.

Bowman gave an in depth behind the scenes tour of the 10,000 sq. ft. facility in which One Heart operates and shared a personal account of her own story and journey which has fueled her passion to help so many others in our community. We are grateful that our club was able to pull together and offer assistance to so many families through a partnership with this amazing organization.

Jeans and Sneakers Drive

Wed, 06 May 2020 16:02:07 GMT

Thank you to all who donated to the Jeans & Sneakers Drive for Matthew's Hope! Donations were collected and dropped off at Matthew's Hope courtesy of Louie Bidrogo. Clothing will be sorted through and distributed to our neighbors in need via the Matthew's Hope mobile outreach.

Miles to Go Charity

Sat, 28 Sep 2019 19:48:54 GMT

We were honored to support Miles To Go charity by packing 100 bags! These bags were able to bring nutrition, warmth, hygiene, support and a note of encouragement to local individuals that need our support. Thank you to our members and their families that provided the items for the bags and the ones that came out to put it all together.