Mark Russell

ORLANDO, FLa.--Newly appointed editor Mark Russell of the Orlando Sentinel engaged news reporting students Tuesday at Valencia Community College West Campus.

Russell ,48, has been with the Orlando Sentinel since 2004, and replaces Charlotte Hall, who retired Oct 1.  

Recovering  from a recent cold, Russell dressed to impress stood in front of the eager young crowd and began to deliver his speech on the rise of his success as editor  of the Orlando Sentinel.

Russell a graduate of the University of Missouri received his start at the Wall Street Journal. He explains to the students how his position there served as a prerequisite  for his later position at the Sentinel.

“ I have really learned to love the newsroom for all it can offer.” Stated Russell

His new position has plenty of challenges , beginning with staying relevant in the era of online news and media outlets such as Twitter and Facebook.

“We at the Sentinel are constantly updating our site with current events, I am glued to my smart phone.” Stated Russell.

Jessica a member of the audience states “He is a very well spoken man and interesting.”

Russell seems to be enjoying his new position so far. He plans on expanding the El Sentinel for more local coverage of Hispanic  issues and events. He certainly has his work cut out for him.

Russell can be reached at: 633 North Orange Avenue - Orlando, FL  32801

Phone (407) 420-5419 - Fax (407) 420-5286

The Gift of Gift Wrapping

ORLANDO, Fla-- Professional gift wrapper Shelly Lufti of Orlando displayed several lavish gift wrapped boxes at her kiosk inside of the West Oaks Mall Saturday. Lufti launched her business "The gift of wrapping" last year.

Surrounded by a small crowd of adults and children, Lufti explains how gift wrapping can be fun for the entire family year round. "Gift wrapping is not only a career for me, its also my passion."

Lufti expalins to the audience how to wrap a perfect gift just by using basic items that can be found around your house. She chooses 2 audience members from the crowd to help assist her with cutting and wrapping a shoe box.

Jennifer Mills of Winter Garden states "I love this stuff, it puts the whole family into the holiday spirit."

Lufti provideds basic intructions to the crowd on how to make a large bow simply using water bottles and hot glue. "I would have never imagine making a bow out of bottles.'' states Ashely Jackson of Orlando.

Lufti states "People don't have to spend a fortune on decorations, just use your god giving talents."

Shelly Lufti can be found at the West Oaks Malls every Saturday between 3pm-5pm.

Jason Lee

ORLANDO, Fla- Singer songwriter Jason Lee performed a graceful selection of acoustic guitar songs amongst a small crowd of eager listeners Sunday at Lake Eola Park. Swaying his long lochs while singing softly, he strummed his guitar with low energy thus setting the mood for the evening.

The Winter Park native has always had a passion for playing the guitar. He explains that only recently he began singing and fell in love with his voice. Lee states “At first, I didn’t like the sound of my voice; I couldn’t get in sync with the music.”

Lee draws inspiration for his music from his mother, who is a breast cancer survivor of 11 yrs.

He explains that a portion of his donations are donated to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure research for Breast Cancer Fund.

Lee states “I have good and bad nights but I love it just the same!”

Amid the crowd are Ryan and Megan Cliffs of Orlando. Ryan states “He rocks with the guitar, he shouldn’t sing though.”

Lee can be found at Lake Eola Park every other Sunday evening around 6pm.

Colombian folk artist, Nhora Suttinger

Nhora Suttinger, an Colombian folk artist, greeted guests Sunday in the downtown Orange County Public Library. Dressed in a flamboyant green frog suit, adorned with glitter and bells. Suttinger displays exclusive one of a kind hand painted, hand made folk art.

For 8 years she has drawn her inspirations from her Colombian culture and heritage. Her paintings have a dark and gritty tone, in which she calls "funky art." Suttinger states "Really I am painting my dreams and thoughts into reality."

She has brought in a large crowd eager to view new and old pieces of her unique creations. Amid the crowd is Juan Carlos Otero of Orlando. "Her work is colorful, different and it goes to a good cause." According to Otero, Suttinger has a way of staying edgy and relevant.

Every Wednesday at the Hunters Creek library branch, Nhora Suttinger displays her art creations. Donating a portion of the proceeds to "Regions National," a Tampa based charity for displaced youths.

"My hope is to open eyes to art and open hearts to charity." says a smiling Suttinger.