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News and events happening in Winter Park 
January 20 - February 2, 2016 
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Chamber News
AWARD SEASON IS HERE!
It seems like Hollywood is the center of attention with awards and accolades pouring in. Here in Winter Park we have our own version of awards season with the Ovations Awards Ceremony (January 21) and Membership Awards Celebration presented by Orlando Health and Rollins College (January 29). 

In partnership with the Winter Park Maitland Observer, The Ovations Awards recognize the "best of" our community as voted by residents, readers and chamber members. This reception offers a great chance to mix, mingle and network with the finalists in 50 different categories and the winners are announced live at the Rachel D. Murrah Civic Center beginning at 5:30 p.m. RSVP to reserve tickets at the $10 Chamber member price. Tickets are $15 for everyone at the door. Interested in a marketing table at this event? Contact Ashley Fraebel at afraebel@winterpark.org.

You don't want to miss our annual Membership Awards Celebration at The Alfond Inn. This event is a tribute to the members, sponsors and volunteers who make our organization and community so exceptional. The evening will also honor Patty Maddox, President/CEO, Winter Park Health Foundation as the Lydia Gardner Citizen of the Year. Reservations are required by January 22.
CELEBRATE THE GIFTS OF OUR COMMUNITY
SIDE BY SIDE was inspired by the community events held in honor of the city's 125th Anniversary in 2012, and will serve as an opportunity for the community to recognize its gifts as well as strengthen relationships with one another. The celebration will feature remarks from leaders representing the civic, business, and spiritual attributes of Winter Park, as well as music from talented soloists and groups from the community. 

This community-wide celebration is presented by First Congregational Church of Winter Park and Rollins College in partnership with the City of Winter Park and the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce. Refreshments will be served immediately following the ceremony near the rose garden outside the chapel compliments of Sodexo. RSVP here by January 22.
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Chamber Trustees help provide a strong foundation for the Chamber to develop, promote and sustain a thriving business climate. Click here to learn more about our Chamber Trustees and how your company can enhance its membership through this unique program.
Upcoming Events & Programs
For more information, please visit the online events calendar or call (407) 644-8281.

Thursday, January 21, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Rachel D. Murrah Civic Center, 1050 W. Morse Boulevard, Winter Park, FL 32789
See who gets a feather in their cap! Join us as we recognize the finalists and winners for the 2016 Ovations Awards with our partners at Winter Park/Maitland Observer. Cost: $10 Members in advance / $15 Non-members and everyone at the door. Click here to register. Participating sponsorships are available for $500 and include a marketing table, recognition at event, two tickets and category exclusivity. Contact Ashley Fraebel to reserve sponsor space. Supported by: BARR Financial Services, Euro Day Spa, Florida's Finest Linen Service and Hamilton Holt School at Rollins College's "Starry, Starry Night".

Friday, January 29; 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.
Knowles Memorial Chapel at Rollins College, 1000 Holt Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789
In the spirit of unity and appreciation, the community is invited to join in a celebration of unity featuring remarks from leaders representing the civic, business and spiritual attributes of Winter Park, as well as music from talented soloists and groups from the community. Refreshments will be served immediately following the ceremony near the rose garden outside the chapel. The event is free and open the public.  Kindly RSVP by Friday, January 22Supported by City of Winter Park, Sodexo and Winter Park Chamber of Commerce.

Friday, January 29; 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
The Alfond Inn, 300 E. New England Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789
Our annual awards dinner is a tribute to the members and volunteers who make the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce and our community so exceptional. Join us as we honor Patty Maddox, President/CEO, Winter Park Health Foundation as the Lydia Gardner Citizen of the Year. The evening includes a cocktail reception, gourmet meal and awards presentation. Cost: $75 individuals / $700 corporate table. RSVP required by January 22. Click here to register. Event Partners: The Alfond Inn and Winter Park/Maitland Observer.

Monday, February 1; 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Winter Park Welcome Center, 151 W. Lyman Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789
Get your burning health questions answered by a panel of specialized female physicians in the Orlando Health medical network. The panel will feature three physicians who will provide tips, advice and personalized answers to help lead you into a healthy 2016. Cost: $20 members in advance / $25 non-members, and late registration. Register by January 29.
Leadership Winter Park
Leadership Winter Park identifies and promotes potential leaders who desire to become involved in making a difference in Winter Park. Programs offered for youth and adults.

Class XXVI "Government" Session Day
Thursday, February 11
Park Avenue Merchants Association
The Park Avenue Merchants Association consists of Central Business District merchants and non-retail members committed to the betterment of the Park Avenue area.

MEET & GREET
Wednesday, January 27; 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
The Alfond Inn
This annual event is an opportunity recap the Park Avenue Merchants Association's successes in 2015 and look ahead to new initiatives for 2016. It is a great time to network with fellow business owners on Park Avenue and meet the new board of directors for the association. Thank you to our event sponsors: Luxury Trips, Scout & Molly's, Simmons Jewelers, The Alfond Inn, The Avenue Network and Winter Park Wedding Chapel. RSVP to Sarah Grafton, 2016 PAMA President, at sarah_grafton@ml.com.

SIGN UP FOR SIP
All Park Avenue Merchants Association members are invited to participate in the first Sip, Shop & Stroll event for 2016 on Thursday, March 3. This event attracts residents, tourists and other visitors to Park Avenue to discover the charm of our downtown while enjoying lite bites and drinks along the way. Anticipated attendance: 400. Deadline to participate: Friday, January 22. Download registration form here.
Work Well Winter Park
Work Well Winter Park
Work Well Winter Park is a movement spearheaded by the Chamber to improve the health and well-being of the workforce in our community.

Locally Grown
Did you know produce that travels long distances can lack nutrients (and even taste) because it is picked prematurely? It is also more likely to be exposed to harmful chemicals and pesticides during its long journey.  In addition, food miles result in a tremendous amount of air pollution from carbon dioxide emissions. How about changing things up and trying locally grown produce? Our community is filled with wonderful local food markets and farmers' markets that are just around the corner. To learn more or to find a market close to you visit healthycentralflorida.org
Membership Updates
NEW MEMBERS 
The Chamber continues to add new members to its roster each week. The following have joined since January 6: Adult Literacy League, Inc.; Jersey Mike's Subs; Courtney Karem; Debra Morgan; Safari Pediatrics; Vinaccia Hair Goddess; The Winter Park Florist; and Winter Park Neighbors / Downtown NeighborsLearn more about our new members in our online membership directory.

SOLUTIONS NOON IS RECRUITING NEW MEMBERS
This Chamber-sponsored networking group meets twice each month on the second and fourth Tuesdays at The Bistro on Park to exchange leads at 11:45 a.m. Only one member per business category can participate. There is no cost to participate, except your own lunch tab. If interested, call Jay Rupert at 407-644-8281 or email jrupert@winterpark.org to learn if your category is available. 
 
MEMBER ORIENTATION 
All new Chamber members or new staff members of existing members are invited to attend our monthly Member Orientation. This is a great way to connect with fellow members and Chamber staff, learn more about the organization and identify opportunities to maximize your membership. The next orientation is Wednesday, February 17, at 8:30 a.m. at the Winter Park Welcome Center. A complimentary professional headshot is offered by Brion Price Photography and refreshments provided by AAA. RSVP to jrupert@winterpark.org.

RIBBON CUTTINGS 
Ribbon cutting photos are provided courtesy of Rick Zimmer from Absolute Photography, unless otherwise noted. You can view past ribbon cutting photos on our Facebook page. To schedule a ribbon cutting to celebrate your grand opening, contact Jay Rupert at jrupert@winterpark.org

Wall Street Strategies

Member News
Share your news with your fellow members! Submit information about new employees, awards and recognition, new products and services, special promotions and discounts for fellow members for inclusion. Submissions for the next edition of What's Up Wednesday are due by Monday, February 1. Submit your news online here.

90.7 WMFE: Jenny A. Babcock has joined 90.7 WMFE, Central Florida's public radio station, as communications and marketing specialist. Babcock, a Winter Park resident, previously worked for Orlando-based Professional Artist magazine and the Winter Park/Maitland Observer. Visit wmfe.org to learn more.

Lowndes, Drosdick, Doster, Kantor & Reed, P.A.: Shareholder Drew Sorrell has been reappointed as the chair of the Orlando Division, Middle District of Florida Grievance Committee by United States District Judge Steven D. Merryday. Sorrell served in the same position for a three-year term and will continue to serve until December 31, 2016. The Grievance Committee reviews claims of lawyer misconduct and makes recommendations to the court regarding such issues.

Orlando Business Journal: The new Technology IQ Awards, honors the region's top information and technology officers and companies who leverage technology in innovative ways to create a competitive advantage, optimize business processes and impact the bottom line. Honorees will be recognized at an awards luncheon on Friday March 4. Nomination deadline is January 22. Details at bizjournals.com/orlando/nomination/78112.

Whole Family Healthcare: Lois Dorotiak has joined the practice as a Certified Holistic Health Coach. Lois's passion for eating to "fuel" the body when a health crisis arose in her family. She recently became a Certified Holistic Health Coach through Institute for Integrative Nutrition and attended Rouxbe Cooking course for plant based diet. Services offered include: healthy and fun meal planning, weight loss planning, creating good food habits, how to order in a restaurant, home visits to change up your pantry, how to read food labels, one-on-one personal shopping, and more.

Valencia College: Recently, a team from Public Radio International came to campus to interview Valencia students and produced a segment for "The Takeaway," which aired on public radio stations around the nation. Listen to the story here: https://soundcloud.com/thetakeaway/audio-postcard-get-to-know-valencia
Member Events
Share information about your upcoming events with your fellow members!  Grand openings, seminars, gallery openings, performances, charitable fundraisers and community events are welcome. Submissions for the next edition of What's Up Wednesday are due by Monday, February 1. Submit your event information online here.


Meet Author of My Old Dog
January 24; 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Doggie Door, 329 N. Park Avenue, Winter Park, Florida 32789
Meet author Laura Coffey, Today Show Producer who wrote the book, My Old Dog:  Second Acts for Older Dogs.  Two dogs from Central Florida are showcased in the book!

An Evening with the Authors of The Forgotten Room
January 26; 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Writer's Block Bookstore, 124 E. Welbourne Avenue, Winter Park, Florida, 32789
Meet NYT Bestselling authors Karen White, Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, as they launch their new book, The Forgotten Room.  Wine, conversation, and have them sign their new book plus other of their bestselling books. 

You Can Age Gracefully Seminar
January 30; 11 a.m.
AesthetiMED, 1300 Minnesota Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789
This month's topics is "Bio Identical Hormones and Your Best Body in 2016".  RSVP online at bestfaceorlando.com or call 407-369-8994.

GladdeningLight Symposium
January 29 - 31, 2016
This year's symposium features world-renowned poet of distinction David Whyte, author of eight books of poetry and four books of prose, and associate fellow of Oxford University's Saïd Business School. Joining Whyte are Irish brothers Owen and Moley Ó Súilleabháin, who harmonize a cappella ancient canticles and Gaelic sean nos traditional folk hymns. All events will occur within close proximity to downtown Winter Park and Rollins College. Cost for access to all of the weekend's events, including an evening performance by Owen and Moley at Rollins College's Tiedtke Concert Hall, is $225. Individual event information and registration details can be found at: http://gladdeninglight.org/symposium-2016/.

Grand Opening of Safari Pediatrics
January 30; 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Safari Pediatrics, 340 N. Wymore Rd., Winter Park, FL 32789
You're invited!  Please join us for the Grand Opening of Safari Pediatrics. Come meet the doctor and tour our office, bring your family and friends. Food and refreshments will be offered and many activities for children. We look forward to seeing you!

Friends Talking Faith: Making Sense of Turbulent Times
February 2; 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Performing Arts Center, Valencia College, East Campus, 701 N Econlockhatchee Trail, Orlando, FL 32825
With terrorism, gun violence, racial/cultural tensions and more, 2015 proved to be a turbulent year. Join us at the next 90.7 WMFE Speaker Series event, "Friends Talking Faith: Making Sense of Turbulent Times," featuring the stars of The Three Wise Guys, Imam Muhammad Musri, Rabbi Steven Engel and the Rev. Bryan Fulwider, and special guest Professor Rachel Allen, coordinator of the Valencia College Peace and Justice Institute. Listen as a minister, a rabbi and an imam discuss these important issues and how the world's major religions can offer some insight and coping strategies. A Q-and-A session will follow the program.  This is a FREE event, but RSVP is required.

Expecting Isabel
February 12 - 20; show times vary
Annie Russell Theatre, 1000 Holt Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789
Set in modern-day New York City, Expecting Isabel tells the story of a middle-aged couple eager to have a child. Written by actress, stand-up comedian, and award-winning playwright Lisa Loomer, Isabel moves briskly from the bedroom, to fertility clinics, to adoption agencies. Miranda and Nick serve as candid narrators, revealing the comedic highs and bitter lows of modern marriage. Tender, quirky, and honest, our third show of the season explores the often terrifying miracle of parenthood. Cost: $20 general admission, $18 seniors, $10 students. Tickets and show times at http://www.rollins.edu/annierussell.

Restore the Roar
February 20; 6:0 - 10:00 p.m.
Showalter Field
Join the Winter Park community for a unique dining opportunity featuring delicious food from Sonny's BBQ, live music from Room 2, fireworks and much more!  Don't miss your chance to be part of the inaugural experience!  Tickets available online.

Wickets to Fair Trade
Saturday, March 12; 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Casa Feliz, 656 North Park Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789
Join Ten Thousand Villages of Winter Park for croquet! Players of all ages and skill levels are invited to participate. Cost: $50 per team of two / $30 for student team. Equipment is provided. Funds raised will benefit Ten Thousand Villages fair trade outreach programs in developing nations around the world. Learn more and register online or call 407-644-8464.