News & Bizness Briefs - 02/16/12

Representatives from Dell and Goodwill Industries announced the opening of an additional 319 Dell Reconnect donation sites throughout the U.S. The free program provides residents a way to safely recycle computer equipment and other electronics. Goodwill currently accepts computer and electronic donations at all of its Orange County stores and donation sites, including the Winter Garden location at 13221 W. Colonial Drive. Dell Reconnect diverts used computers and computer equipment from area landfills and provides consumer education about the importance of environmentally responsible computer disposal.

For more information and a complete list of participating locations, visit www.dellreconnect.com on the Web.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce held its first Trustee Luncheon of 2012 at Bravo Cucina Italiana in the Dellagio. The event was sponsored by Advocate Enterprises, and Julie Young, president/CEO of Florida Virtual Schools, was the guest speaker. Young discussed FVS’s role in today’s world, the importance of online education, and what to expect for the future. For more information, call 407-656-1304 or visit www.wochamber.com on the Web.

Clearwater Pool Supplies, located in Unit 142 at 13848 Tilden Road in Winter Garden, will fully convert a chlorine pool to a salt system for less than $1,000. The price includes full installation. For more information, call 407-614-5886 or visit www.cwpoolsflorida.com on the Web.

Horticulturist Steve DeCresie and employees at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, located at 3755 N.W. Highway 17-92 in Sanford, planted a cypress tree in honor of The Senator, the 3,400-year-old cypress tree in Seminole County that was recently destroyed by fire. The new tree is planted along the Florida Trek at the zoo and is designated by a plaque honoring The Senator. For more information, call 407-323-4450 or visit www.centralfloridazoo.org on the Web.

Lorraine Barrett, a South Bay resident and 22-year real estate veteran, was appointed vice president of sales and marketing at Florida Ranch Lands. The real estate brokerage was responsible for the sale of 30,000 acres to Walt Disney, which was used to begin construction of Walt Disney World Resort. For more information, call 407-721-2915 or visit www.floridaranchlands.com on the Web.

Ductz of Greater Orlando received a prestigious 2011 Angie’s List Super Service Award, an honor given annually to approximately 5 percent of the businesses rated on the consumer-review website. Award-winners have to meet strict eligibility requirements, including receiving a minimum number of reports, earning an exemplary rating from clients, and abiding by Angie’s List operational guidelines. For more information, call 407-294-9640 or visit www.ductzorlando.com on the Web.

Huntington Learning Centers in the Orlando area supported Catholic Schools Week 2012, which was held Jan. 29 through Feb. 5. The week highlighted the three components of Catholic schools and was themed “Catholic Schools: Faith, Academics, Service.” For more information, call 407-522-4477 or visit
www.huntingtonlearning.com on the Web.

The Gift of Swimming, located at 205 Windermere Road in Winter Garden, received a $20,000 grant from the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation. On hand to accept the check were Vice President Maureen McGinty, Acting Executive Director Susan Polder, and board member Juan Garriga. For more information, call 407-905-0999 or visit www.giftofswimming.org on the Web.

NL Acting Studio is offering workshops with actor, director and producer James Ritz, assisted by Natalia Leigh Denny, throughout February. Workshops are for children and young adult actors who have existing experience and training. Ritz is best known for his roles in Apollo 13, Cinderella Man and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The cost is $25 per student, and workshops are limited to 15 students each. For more information, call
407-506-2906.

Outlet Marketplace, located at 5269 International Drive in Orlando, will hold a President’s Day sale Feb. 17 through Feb. 20. The center offers 25 percent to 65 percent off at 40 designer and name-brand outlets, including Bass, Calvin Klein, Guess, Nine West, Sunglass Hut, Wilsons Leather and more. Operating hours are 10 a.m.-9 p.m. For more information, call 407-352-9600 or visit
www.premiumoutlets.com/marketplace on the Web.

Designed as a favorite neighborhood hangout for guests and Florida residents, Wreckers Sports Bar opened earlier this month at Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, located at 6000 W. Osceola Parkway in Kissimmee. The sports bar boasts a two-story video wall, more than 50 high-definition TVs, oversized rattan chairs, an upscale VIP skybox, lounge, private dining room, patios and more. The feel is of an old Key West neighborhood bar with a modern twist. The casual menu offers the coldest beer in Florida and numerous traditional favorites, including burgers, chicken wings, baby back ribs and more. Operating hours are 11 a.m.-2 a.m. daily. For more information, call 407-586-1330 or visit www.gaylordpalms.com/wreckers on the Web.