News & Bizness Briefs - 12/15/11

More than 2,000 corporate volunteers participated in Heart of Florida United Way’s Days of Caring, the largest annual volunteer event in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties. Employees from 56 companies contributed more than 9,430 hours and completed 72 projects at 32 local agencies supported by HFUW. As a result, these organizations received the equivalent of $201,569 in volunteer service and support. For more information, call 407-835-0900 or visit www.hfuw.org on the Web.

As part of a Veterans Day celebration, almost 100 residents of Solivita, an active adult community in Poinciana, gathered for a flash mob to honor 11 active duty military members and their families. Five families from the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell in Kentucky joined six families from U.S. Central Command in Tampa for an all-expenses-paid, four-day vacation at Solivita. For more information, call 877-889-7098 or visit www.solivita.com on the Web.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2011 Home Buyer/Seller Study recognized Re/Max for providing the highest overall consumer satisfaction for both home buyers and home sellers. In last year’s study, two different companies ranked the highest in each category; however, for 2011, home buyers and sellers both rated Re/Max as highest in overall satisfaction. Longtime Southwest residents Eric and Sally Martell offer real estate services at Re/Max Properties S.W. Inc. in Dr. Phillips. For more information, call 407-352-5800, ext. 618; or visit www.orlando-properties.com on the Web.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce held the Congressional Luncheon: A Conversation with Congressman Daniel Webster, which was co-sponsored by SeaWorld Orlando, Universal Orlando and the University of Central Florida. The event took place at Valencia College’s West Campus. For more information, call 407-656-1304 or visit www.wochamber.com on the Web.

Cranium Clubhouse, located at 4068 Winter Garden-Vineland Road in Winter Garden, launched the prestigious Cranium Academy for children in preschool through second grade. The school offers advanced learning curriculum, a modern Montessori approach toward critical thinking, innovative technology and a custom learning path for each child. Classrooms are equipped with iPads, wireless laptops and touchboards. Students develop lifelong learning advantages in critical thinking, core knowledge, creativity, reading, math, writing and confidence. Children in kindergarten through second grade need to test into the program, as the curriculum is very advanced and individualized. For more information, call 407-294-6950 or visit www.craniumacademy.com on the Web.

The Peabody Orlando, located at 9801 International Drive in Orlando, earned the coveted four-star rating from Forbes Travel Guide, maintaining its status as the largest nongaming hotel in the U.S. to earn this distinction. Recognized for its excellence in hospitality and service, The Peabody Orlando has received the four-star rating for 23 consecutive years. As part of the 54th Forbes Travel Guide Awards, the hotel will be showcased with all the 2012 winners on www.startle.com, a new interactive website from Forbes Travel Guide. For more information, call 407-352-4000 or visit www.peabodyorlando.com on the Web.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual Big Orange Awards Reception, co-presented by DRB Benefits Group and Orlando Health, on Feb. 2, 2012, from 6-9 p.m. at Valencia College’s West Campus. Residents who would like to nominate a business for the Business Member of the Year award can download a nomination form from www.wochamber.com on the Web. Nominees must be a WOCC member in good standing for at least one year. The deadline for nominations is Jan. 11, 2012. All nominees will be invited to participate in the awards reception, where WOCC will also celebrate its 40th anniversary. For more information, call 407-656-1304.

NL Acting Studio, which is hosted in partnership with Garden Music School in downtown Winter Garden, is accepting registrations for private instruction for January 2012. The premier acting studio offers courses in film, TV and stage, and is directed by British actress Natalia Denny. Lessons are geared toward the serious young performer, and credits and experience are required. For more information, call Matt Farrington at 407-654-5277 or visit www.nlactingstudio.com or www.gardenmusicschool.com on the Web.