Avalon Park Sun June Edition

ORLANDO

KEEPING THE NEWS LO CAL... AND THE COMMUNIT Y CONNECTED. JUNE 2020

LIVE

Coffee Hour with Beat

VOLUME 1

EDITION 5

Avalon Innovation Center

PAGE 2

LEARN

Avalon Middle School

PAGE 6

WORK

Avalon Park Business Directory

Save the Date June 19th SAVE THE DATE

for June 19th, 4-7 p.m. for the 2nd Pop-Up Preview event at Marketplace at Avalon Park. Meet the current restaurant vendors, as well as some of the new Avalon General Store vendors.

For more information on this event, visit MarketplaceAtAvalonPark.com online.

PAGE 10

PLAY

Log Your Steps for June

EGNELLAHC PETS ENUJ

LOG YOUR STEPS FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE

Take a walk, jog or stroll and then log your steps at DowntownAvalonPark.com/LiveWell.

You are on the honor system for electronically reporting your steps using your phone, watch or other tracking device. Don't have a device? Visit us online for some tips on how to track your steps!

Report your steps once daily, then track your rank on the online leaderboard for the entire month!

PAGE 16

The top the top step leader will receive $50!

CONGRATULATIONS KIM GRIFFITH FOR WINNING MAY'S CHALLENGE!

COMMUNITY UPDATES

Rendering of the Corner of Avalon Park East Blvd. & Avalon Lake Drive

Move On To Final Round of the Avalon Innovation Awards

The Avalon Innovation Awards international jury has spent the past 2 weeks reviewing close to 40 formal package submissions. From those 40, 28 submissions have been chosen to move forward to the final round, where they will be able to make a personal presentation to the jury.

Congratulations to the final round participants: Kaboone Life Support Training LLC Young Innovators Technologies INC Marsico Creative Consulting PLH3 Healthcare Solutions SharkBait - Feed Your Innovation American Technologika E-Ride Rentals Evolution Medical Technologies Fit Me In Now, Inc. JRB ENTERPRISE GROUP INC

CompWise Services Glenn R Cook Jr LLC DBA EVTransports JK Creative LLC Fastask Limitless Learning Spotted Cow Estate Sales SMART8 LLC AMLY Sustainability Venture Out Complex Seven Industries LLC WOMANtrepreneur The Dirt Master LLC Pioneer Renewables, LLC Connective Human Spincast TV (Spincast, Inc.) Intern Pursuit Happ For Hotels, LLC. Avalon Language School [Proposed]

LIVE ORLANDO

COFFEE HOUR with

BEAT Over the years many people have asked us why Avalon Park Orlando became one of the most successful and fastest-selling communities in the history of Central Florida.

“What is the secret of your success?” To which we can quickly reply: Partnerships.

When embarking an almost $2 Billion undertaking like Avalon Park Orlando, it cannot be done alone.

Working on this article, I quickly recounted over 100 partnerships that we have engaged in over the years. Avalon Park Group has always been passionate about partnering with any government entity, private group, or individual to make the world, and in this case east Orlando a better place to live, learn, work and play.

Close to two decades ago I met with Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) and discussed the desire to have schools within walking distance for every grade in Avalon Park for all its future residents. At that time leadership from OCPS looked at as if I were from another planet, or maybe Switzerland, when I asked them if OCPS could build schools in Avalon Park on or before the homes would be built. That was a foreign concept and I was told that was not something that could be done. The logic being that we needed to have “rooftops” with school children living there before we could engage in planning and building schools. Sort of the chicken and egg question. I thought that was odd to wait until children were there, but this was the rule at the time.

The Secret of Success:

Public/Private Partnerships

answer, and that is exactly the case here. We knew from focus groups and from our instincts that to have a good community foundation, we must have good schools! So we went back to the drawing board and began working on our partnership with OCPS. That partnership started with a land donation from Avalon Park Group for the Avalon Park Elementary school site. In the early 2000’s this is not something a builder/developer would typically do. In fact, shortly after that land donation I received a rather angry phone call from a large homebuilding company

Park Elementary. Understanding that a great school does not just come from a building, we wanted to continue to grow the partnership. So, I asked Pam Sanders, the legendary former principal for 14 years who opened Avalon Elementary, how the school could become the best elementary school in Orange County. The answer was logic: we need the best teachers. She had a plan to attract the very best teachers by creating a culture for teachers to gain a global perspective. While we look to teachers to educate our children on global matters, they are often the ones

Let’s work together!

Let’s put behind the “we cannot do it this way” and the “we have always done it that way” mentality.

characterizing Avalon Park Group’s land donation to OCPS a “stupid move” with having the potential to set a dangerous precedent for developers and homebuilders. I am proud to say that partnership People who know me, know as kicked off an amazing success stowell that I do not take no for an ry for our community with Avalon

who are among the least traveled.

Our partnership then became finding a way to bring a global experience to the schoolteachers in our community. It is our belief that teachers should be the most traveled and should know the world to be able to teach from first-hand

experience in their classrooms.

There is a difference in reading about the Great Wall of China in a book versus having been there to experience it. So, the partnership evolved to a sponsorship of the Avalon Elementary School teachers from APG that gave opportunity to the teachers to travel the world, to places like Switzerland, China, Africa, Australia and South America. Under the leadership of Pam Sanders, Avalon Elementary became a Blue Ribbon School, one of the best schools in the United States.

Then there are sometimes where emergencies arise that force some partnerships for the best of all. In early 2001, when Timber Creek High School (a $55M project) was approximately 90% complete, OCPS realized that Orange County did not have the timing for the access road (today called Avalon Park Boulevard) lined up with the opening of the school. It was in the County’s plan to have the access road to the high school completed in 2004. As you can imagine the shock of the OCPS representatives, what would one tell the public, that there is a brand new needed school complete but students would not be able get there because there was no access road. We all imagined the daily newspaper headline, “$55M Taxpayer Built High School with No Way for Students to Get There.” Orange County Public Works and OCPS convinced me that there would be no chance the road could be built in that timeframe (approximately (cont. on page 3)

LIVE (Cont.)

COFFEE HOUR with BEAT (cont.)

9 months) by a government entity, due to the public bidding, funding and construction process timing.

In a “sort of a handshake deal” forced Avalon Park Group to take over the road construction and because of a private enterprise setting the road was able to be completed just days before the school opened in 2001.

I could go on and on about Avalon Park Group’s Public-Private Partnerships in central Florida.

We could write a book about the YMCA, the Tech Center, the soonto-be-open fire station, and many others, in Avalon Park, if not for partnerships.

Today we are building Avalon Park communities in Wesley Chapel (North Tampa), Tavares (Lake County) and Daytona Beach. In all those undertakings, in total more than $3 Billion, we look back to our successful partnerships in Avalon Park Orlando.

The headline “smart growth” is used often but practiced rarely.

And, in the past smart meant, “let’s build thousands of homes, have developer pay with impact fees (those are going up and sometimes are higher than to pay for a brand new car, make it prohibitive to build homes for the middle class Americans), and then at some time build roads and schools, often year after the taxpayer pays for it and the community needs it.” We need to change that. This is why whenever it is possible, we want to build infrastructure like schools, roads and utilities FIRST. It can be done,

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel

Avalon Park Tavares

but it requires long term thinking and out-of-the box strategies. It requires government agencies and the private sector to work together.

We all need to think beyond the “next quarter mentality of Wall Street” and the next election of politicians. But again, PARTNERSHIPS are the key to success of many of the world’s most stunning accomplishments.

Let’s work together, let’s put behind

the “we cannot do it this way” and the “we have always done it that way” mentality.

Olympic sized swimming pool, a 20-acre park (long promised by Orange County), a new football field for Timber Creek and more.

Hindsight is 20/20. With that in We are proud of our partnerships mind Avalon Park Group has its and look forward to creating many own 20/20 …..we want to bring more. Do you know of a need to forward 20 or more Public/Private do something large, big thinking Partnerships in central Florida and and dreaming undertaking let me continue to build on the success of know? I am almost sure it can the past. only realized if a PARTNERSHIP is Some in Avalon Park Orlando come formed. to mind like a larger YMCA, a new

LIVE (Cont.)

From the Desk of Commissioner

Maribel Gomez Cordero To the residents of Avalon Park, As we continue to adapt to a different way of living, I would like to take this opportunity to update you on how the County is moving forward.

On Monday, May 18, Florida Governor DeSantis announced the beginning of Phase 1 for the state. It began with an operation of 25% in restaurants and small businesses.

At this time, we are still in phase 1 but operating at 50% capacity.

Gyms and fitness centers are also allowed to open.

In addition, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously on May 19, 2020 to make the $243 million dol-

lar relief CARES Act funding avail- dividuals who need a gap filled beable to financially vulnerable seg- tween unemployment benefits and ments of our community. 30% of other social service benefits. Inforthis allocation goes to assist small mation about the programs will be businesses, and another 30% will on Orange County’s webpage. The be separated for social services and County hopes to launch the procommunity grams by the needs. The rest beginning of $243 million dollar relief June. of the funding goes to OrCARES Act funding ange County May is Mental Public SafeHealth Awareavailable to financially ty and health ness Month, vulnerable segments of and it is vital expenditures, municipality that we reach our community and constituout for help if tional officer we need it. As expenditures and a replenishment we work from home or find new account. This means that at least routines with our children, it is half of the funding will be in the important to recognize the toll this hands of small businesses and in- season can have on our health. If

you are feeling over whelmed or isolated, reach out for help. Like your physical health, your mental health matters.

As always, if you need information or have a concern, send me an email at District4@ocfl.net. Stay safe!

Tips for Staying Social While Social Distancing Personal connection in a time of isolation can be challenging — especially for those with restricted mobility and accessibility. The coronavirus outbreak has made visiting loved ones, outings with friends, or even a trip to the store feel like an impossible mission.

Although it’s tempting to ignore social distancing measures, it’s recommended as the best way to stay safe during the pandemic.

Since seniors are at a higher risk for complications, it is especially important for them to take extra precautions.

While staying at a safe distance away from others can feel lonely and frustrating, there are many ways to remain social during this time of social distancing.

Start a Family Video Chat

Not seeing your family can be hard, especially during such an uncertain time. Luckily, we live in an age where you can see and talk to anyone in the world right from your smartphone or computer.

Scheduling a time to chat with your family can ease the anxiety of being away from them. All you need to video chat is your phone or a computer and a place to relax.

Here are a few applications and ing free online concerts for fans to websites that are free to download attend. There is everything from pop music to symphonies being and make video chatting easy: performed online. Attending an online concert is a great way to en• Skype hance your mood, introduce some • Zoom fun into your quarantine, and en• Facebook Messenger • FaceTime for Apple devices gage with artists and other music lovers online.

Attend an Online Concert

Sudoku, Uno, Tetris, and Words with Friends, which is like a digital Scrabble. You can even access interactive games to play online with your family through apps like Houseparty and Facebook Messenger, or on websites like Arkadium.com.

Encore at Avalon Park Provides

Throughout history, music has Play Your Favorite Games Safe and Social Care been a constant unifier of peo- What’s more fun than a game ple all over the world. Not only night? With games that make you The changes that have taken place during the coronavirus outbreak can be difficult on one’s overall well-being, especially for seniors. Encore at Avalon Park is making every effort to ensure your loved ones are remaining socially active during this isolating this time of social distancing. So not one of life’s precious moments is missed, we encourage and provide support for our residents to engage digitally with their family and friends while in our care.

To see why we are the top senior living community in Central Florida, call us today is music fun to listen to, but it is think, to games that make you at 407-270-7500 and schedule a therapeutic and can reduce the laugh, there’s something for ev- socially-distanced virtual tour. symptoms of depression and anx- eryone available online. There iety. During this time many artists are apps you can download to and organizations have been host- your cellphone like Monopoly,

To SUBMIT your local LIVE news.... to ADVERTISE, to REGISTER or to RECEIVE the Avalon Park Sun email: Info@AvalonParkSun.com

LIVE (Cont.)

Groom, Grub & Belly Rub

has been a part of the Avalon Park Community for 11 years.

We offer cage-free appointment only grooming services.

We specialize in Grain Free All Natural Pet Foods such Orijen, Acana, Fromm and Zignature. We also carry a wide range of All Natural Raw and dehydrated diets like The Honest Kitchen, Sojo's and Primal. We offer Afternoon Dog Walking services in Avalon Park.

We are currently offering curbside pick-up and drop off for both grooming and food items for our customers who do not feel comfortable coming into the shop.

Our current hours are Monday - Saturday from 9-5.

How to Keep Your Energy Bill from Spiking By: OUC Communications As summer heat rises, Central Floridians are accustomed to seeing their utility bills go up.

But, this year, with schools and businesses closed as a result of COVID-19 – and whole families staying home together to help stop the spread – electricity and water consumption are spiking, too. Air conditioners are running constantly, multiple meals are being cooked every day, and toilets are flushing more often. And all that increased usage means higher-than-usual utility bills.

In fact, OUC has already seen a 29% increase in residential usage in April 2020 compared to the same time last year.

But there are ways to take control.

From adjusting the thermostat on your A/C to taking shorter showers, all family members can work together to lower electricity and water usage. Here are some tips recommended by OUC conservation specialists: • Set your thermostat to 78 degrees. That’s the efficiency sweet spot for your home’s air conditioner. For each degree below 78, you’ll add 6 to 8% more to your cooling costs.

• Keep the sun out. Use shades, drapes and blinds to keep the sun and heat out, especially on windows that face east or west.

• Turn on ceiling fans. Make sure they’re rotating counterclockwise, but don’t forget to turn them off when the room is empty.

• Give your A/C a helping hand.

Change the air filter monthly and set the A/C fan to “Auto.”

• Turn off lights – and unplug appliances and electronics not in use. It’s estimated that the average home has 30-50 “energy vampires” – home appliances that drain power even when they’re turned off or in standby mode. Phone chargers, coffee makers and portable fans are among the culprits. Following this simple step can reduce your total energy usage by up to 10%.

• Opt for cold water. Try using the cold – rather than hot – setting on your washing machine and set your water heater to 120 degrees.

• Be water-wise. Wash only full loads in dishwashers and washing machines, take

five-minute showers and turn off the water while brushing your teeth or shaving to decrease your daily water usage.

Don’t forget to regularly check for faucet leaks in the bathroom, kitchen, laundry room and outside the house.

If you’ve followed all these measures and are still looking for more ways to conserve energy, schedule a free home energy efficiency audit via phone with an OUC Conservation Specialist. Each call typically takes less than an hour and is customized to your home and consumption.

The specialist will explain your personal usage and provide useful solutions. OUC customers can schedule an audit by calling 407423-9018 or visiting www.ouc. com/audit-inquiry.

To SUBMIT your local LIVE news.... to ADVERTISE, to REGISTER or to RECEIVE the Avalon Park Sun email: Info@AvalonParkSun.com

LEARN ORLANDO

Avalon Middle School

Thank you to our Avalon parents, students and community for such a great year. Although the year did not end as we had planned, everyone did a wonderful job adapting to distance learning. We wish our 8th grade students well as they move on to high school. We know that they are going to accomplish great things.

We are looking forward to meeting our new 6th grade students and to working with our students who are moving up to 7th and 8th grades during the 2020-21school year. While we are not certain what things will look like in August, we encourage you to continue traditional summer activities. This includes getting updated immunizations for students entering 7th grade and updated physicals for students interested in participating in any sports. When you take advantage of summer sales to buy new school clothes and supplies, don’t forget to reference the OCPS Dress Code and our AMS School Supply list, both of which can be found on our school website. We also strongly suggest that your child participate in the Avalon and OCPS Summer Reading programs to keep their reading skills sharp. You can find additional details on our webpage.

Please check our school’s Facebook periodically for updates on the 2020-21 school year. In addition, make certain that you have signed up for Ms. Furno’s electronic newsbriefs which are sent out monthly during the summer.

Continue being safe and enjoy your summer!

Attention Avalon Community! We would like to have your child (3yrs5yrs old) join us for age appropriate educational ZOOM classes every week. Call the school office at 407-306-9035 for more information. We look forward to educating children in our community at this time.

New Facility to Open July 2020 Visit our website www.KidsRKidsAvalonPark.com

WORK ORLANDO

Is Your Business Ready to Open?

By Andrew Cole

Some are saying FINALLY! Others are letting it be known it is TOO SOON. The State and County are reopening the economy, Phase 1 is here. Just because we are starting to return to some type of normalcy, it does not mean this COVID-19 pandemic is over. We need to learn how to live with this virus and protect ourselves and others until a vaccine is created or our immune systems can fight it off. America needs to get back to work, but smartly. It is imperative that our businesses provide

a safe environment for employees and customers. Our world has changed, and so must our practices. It is OUR responsibility to do what is best for our health and the community.

As a business leader, I closely monitor the COVID-19 statistics and messaging our state and county leaders announce. At the same time, I am preparing the Chamber office to reopen to receive visitors and members. We are working on plans to create a safe work environment for employees and to allow visitors to

come to the office. If you are looking to reopen your business or office, I encourage you to review the CDC Guidelines to determine if it is appropriate. Click Here to access the CDC Returning to Workplace Decision Tool Kit. As a business owner, you could be putting your business at risk if you have not taken steps to prepare for the opening or created COVID-19 policies and procedures. We have reposted BakerHostetler’s Returnto-Work Toolkit to assist you with making these policies and procedures. If you have been able to weather this pandemic, it would be a shame to have to close because of poor planning. You need to ensure you have implemented social distancing procedures; you may need to even mark out zones using tape to ensure proper distancing. Are you taking precautions to take temperatures of employees whenever they enter the building? Do you have the proper PPE’s such as facemasks,

hand sanitizer, soap, disinfecting supplies for employees to stay safe and keep the work environment sanitized? These written policies and procedures need to be communicated to your staff and regularly checked to ensure they are being followed.

The East Orlando Chamber of Commerce wants to ensure the safety of our staff, members, and attendees. We have taken steps to protect our business. We may not be able to gather in person yet, but we have a virtual presence.

Join us weekly for these informative events, but do not forget to take a break to recharge with some of our social events. We look forward to connecting with our members in person but let us be smart about this virus and get through this together. For more information about the East Orlando Chamber of Commerce reach us at EOCC.org, EOCC@eocc.org or 407-277-5951.

WORK (Cont.)

OPEN EVERYD AY Mon -

AVALON PARK

3564 Avalon Park East Blvd.

(Shopping plaza in front of Publix)

407.281.0545

Hairc uts fo r Men

Men’s Cuts for all hair types Fades, blowout, flattop, scissor cuts and more

Friday Saturda 10-7 y 9-6 Sunday 12-5

& Boys

Razor Shaves For Men

Get the All Star Ultimate Treatment (Hot towel, razor shave, moisturizing face massage, cool towel finish)

Grey Out Color Service for Men

Grey blending system for men’s unique needs. It gives you the ability to create the natural color in just five minutes.

Daily Special Discounts available for Seniors, Military/Police/Firemen

2

$

Expires 7/31/2020

Home of the WACKY WEDNESDAY $10 BOY’S CUTS Every Wednesday!

OFF

ANY HAIRCUT

Coupon may not be combined with any other offer or discount.

WE ACCEPT WALK-INS or BOOK ONLINE. Easy, Convenient Online Appointments.

FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/avalonallstarcuts WEBSITE: www.AvalonAllStarCuts.com

5

$

Expires 7/31/2020

OFF FIRST TIME CUSTOMER ONLY

Coupon may not be combined with any other offer or discount.

To SUBMIT your local LIVE news.... to ADVERTISE, to REGISTER or to RECEIVE the Avalon Park Sun email: Info@AvalonParkSun.com

WORK (Cont.)

We Sell & Install: • Floor Tile • Wood-like Tile • Carpet • Laminate • Hardwood Floors • Baseboards

• Granite • Bathroom Tile • Kitchen Backsplash • Pavers • Custom Cabinets

Plus We Also Offer Professional Painting for Interior and Exterior

AVALON: 407.988.3361

FLOORS, INC INC

3738 Avalon Park E Blvd Orlando, FL 32828

& POLO PALM PALM PAINT PAINT

PoloFloors@yahoo.com www.PoloFloors.com

OVIEDO: 321.203.4697

2871 Clayton Crossing Way, Suite 1081 Oviedo, FL 32765

WANT TO GET HEALTHY?

OPENING SOON:

EXPLORE THE UNIQUE AND EXCLUSIVE CROSSFIT BOX IN AVALON PARK

IT IS YOU VS YOU, MAKE SURE YOU WIN! CONTACT US: CONTACT@YOUVSYOUCROSSFIT.COM We offer to our members the most structured programming that prepares you to live life to its maximum whether is enjoying your kids, grand kids, your favorite sport (other than CrossFit, we know!!) or just staying away from chronic diseases.

Join

Tiffany Bayley as she hosts

SHOP WITH TIFFANY LIVE! The Show airs every Wednesday at 8pm.

It can be viewed on Facebook page/Avalon Park Jewelers or on YouTube Channel: SHOP with TIFFANY Live

To SUBMIT your local LIVE news.... to ADVERTISE, to REGISTER or to RECEIVE the Avalon Park Sun email: Info@AvalonParkSun.com

WORK (Cont.)

Contact: Bill Cowles Orange County Supervisor of Elections (407) 836-2070 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Orange County Supervisor of Elections announces video contest The Orange County Supervisor of Elections office is holding a contest for an animated video about vote-by-mail. The deadline to submit an entry is July 12, 11:59 p.m., and the maker of the winning video will receive a $200 Visa gift card.

All video entries must mention certain aspects of the vote-by-mail process, such as the deadline to make a vote-by-mail request, the contact information for the elections office, and how voteby-mail ballots can be returned. The public will have the opportunity to vote on the submissions to choose the winner.

“Voting by mail is easy and safe,” said Bill Cowles, Orange County Supervisor of Elections.

“Even though our voters have increasingly been voting by mail, there are still a lot of misconceptions about the process. We hope this contest informs our community about vote-bymail in a fun, engaging way.”

All requirements for entries can be found on the Orange County Supervisor of Elections website: www.ocfelections.com/videocontest. Entries should be submitted to videoentry@ocfelections.com. Contact the Orange County Supervisor of Elections office at 407836-2070 for more information.

The deadline to update your party affiliation or register to vote in the August primary election is Monday, July 20, and the deadline to request a vote-by-mail ballot for this election is 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 8 – but the earlier you submit your request, the better. ###

Download the latest Downtown Avalon Park Business Directory

We believe that companionship within a community is an essential ingredient for successful aging.

A SSISTED L IVING & M EMORY C ARE

• •

vd ran Bl

Alafaya Tr.

Semo

UCF-20 minutes

Assisted Living License AL12618

.

Waterford Lakes Town Center

Colonial Dr.

Memory Care programming

•

Oversight of physical well-being

by Florida Hospital physician team

•

All neighborhood design

•

Social, educational & cultural activities in our community

•

Outreach room

AT

A SSISTED L IVING & M EMORY C ARE

W

ay

Medical City

tio

n

In n o v a

wy y Exp newa

Future Road Expansion

407.270.7500

Wellness center with geriatrician on site

•

East/West Expwy

Gree

Walking access to restaurants, shops & community festivals

13798 Cygnus Drive, Orlando, FL 32828

EncoreAtAvalonPark.com

To SUBMIT your local LIVE news.... to ADVERTISE, to REGISTER or to RECEIVE the Avalon Park Sun email: Info@AvalonParkSun.com

WORK (Cont.)

NEW VENDORS JOIN THE MARKETPLACE AT AVALON PARK Avalon General Store, located inside of the Marketplace at Avalon Park, brings together local artisans, makers and creators to share their innovations with a traditional shopping experience.

Earth Girl Organic Spa Products has signed an agreement to join the Avalon General Store in the Marketplace at Avalon Park scheduled to open fall 2020.

were, I knew I had to find a better, healthier solution.” Earth Girl Products proudly make all-natural, vegan beauty products that are handcrafted using only organic ingredients.

“Earth Girl Products is a natural fit to the artisan offerings we have at Avalon General Store,” says Earth Girl Products was founded Mara Hunt, Marketplace at Avalon by local resident Melissa Wen- Park. “Melissa’s vision to bring lohold. Her journey to find chem- cally-sourced, natural ingredients ical-free beauty products began fits hand in hand with our philoswhile planning her best friend’s ophy.” spa themed baby shower. “I realized that while there are many Earth Girl Products can be purproducts out there that claim to be chased online at https://earthgirl“natural,” it is rare that they actu- products.com/ and at the upcomally are,” said Wenhold. “When I ing pop-up preview on June 19th, discovered just how toxic many of 4-7 p.m. in the Marketplace at these beauty product ingredients Avalon Park parking lot.

A Fancy Olive is the first culinary artisan to join the Av a l o n General Store in the Marketplace at Avalon Park scheduled to open fall 2020.

my creations and share them with the greater culinary community so they can do the same.”

“A Fancy Olive is the perfect example of the types of high-end products we are looking to bring into the Avalon General Store,” says Mara Hunt, Marketplace at Avalon Park. “We are a specialty store so that artists of all backgrounds and genres can have unique tools A Fancy Olive was founded by Ava- to create and showcase those crelon resident, Brandy Rowley-De ations.”

La Cruz to add flair to everyday dishes with high quality olive oils A Fancy Olive will open as part and vinegars. “I have a passion for of the Avalon General store this taking traditional dishes and tak- fall, but in the meantime, the high ing them to the next level,” said quality products can be purchased De La Cruz. “The creation of A online at https://www.AFancyOFancy Olive allows me to utilize live.com. the highest quality products in

WORK (Cont.)

PLAY ORLANDO

Keeping Kids Entertained!

Our thoughts and prayers go out to you during this unprecedented and difficult time!

The travel industry has been significantly impacted but we are still here working behind the scenes helping people get home safely and planning ahead to help you with your travel plans once this is all over and things get back to normal!

One difficult thing that we are encountering is finding ways to keep our kids busy and distracted while they are at home. Print out this coloring page for your little ones to help stimulate their minds and bring out their creativity!

Stay safe and enjoy it!

Lissette Soldado Victor Lozada 407-203-5000 13013 Founders Square Dr. Orlando, FL 32828 www.solymartravels.com

Color BY NUMBERS

EGNELLAHC PETS ENUJ

LOG YOUR STEPS FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE

Color each section by the colors shown in the list. If you don’t have all the colors listed or find an area that’s not numbered, make your best color choice.

1. Blue 2. Light Blue 3. Dark Green

4. Green 5. Yellow 6. Orange

7. Beige 8. Brown 9. Red

THANK YOU

to our Frontline

First Responders!

To show our appreciation for their service, we proudly offer

10% OFF

ALL VACATIONS

for Active Healthcare Professionals, First Responders and Military Personnel1

Take a walk, jog or stroll and then log your steps at DowntownAvalonPark.com/LiveWell.

You are on the honor system for electronically reporting your steps using your phone, watch or other tracking device. Don't have a device? Visit us online for some tips on how to track your steps!

Help them recover and reconnect with the people and places that mean the most to them. ✦ Hit the beach on a tropical escape to Hawaii, California, Florida, Mexico or

the Caribbean ✦ Indulge in championship golf courses, pampering spa treatments and more

on a wellness retreat

Report your steps once daily, then track your rank on the online leaderboard for the entire month!

The top the top step leader will receive $50!

CONGRATULATIONS KIM GRIFFITH FOR WINNING MAY'S CHALLENGE!

✦ Toast the sunset on a Wine Country weekend in Napa Valley or Santa Barbara ✦ No blackout dates

H Vacations Commissionable to Travel Advisors2 H Book everything they need – flights, hotel, cruises, car rental, tours and activities, travel protection coverage with cancel for any reason options – PLUS receive 10% OFF their total vacation package when they use their military, first responder or medical professional I.D. to book vacations only from Pleasant Holidays!

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1 Valid for active-duty Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, Active Reserve, Air National Guard, National Guard, Military Academy Students and those who have been honorably discharged within 30 days of date of travel. Also valid for active first responders, including police officers, firefighters, paramedics and healthcare professionals. I.D. required at time of booking. Certain restrictions may apply. Pleasant Holidays reserves the right to terminate this program at any time without notice.

2 Travel Advisor commission limited to 10%.

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04232020

Coming together to create a healthy community

An East Orlando Health Alliance

ORLANDO

An Easy Guide to Carbs

By Chef Gary Appelsies

There’s a good chance you’ve wondered about carbs at one point or another. With many conflicting sources of information out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, confused, and ultimately afraid when it comes to carbs! But don’t worry, we’ve made a simple guide for you.

them referred to as “empty calories.” Added sugars go by many different names on the nutrition label: table sugar, brown sugar, molasses, honey, powdered sugar, and high-fructose corn syrup, to name a few.

Fiber

a healthy mix of whole grains, fruits, veggies, and legumes. You don’t have to hide from pasta, rice, and bread your whole life. Just be smart in the way you consume them, and make healthful swaps— whole-grain pasta instead of white pasta, a bowl of fruit instead of a bowl of candy—when you can!

Found exclusively in plant foods, fiber is the indigestible part of fruits, veggies, whole grains, nuts, and legumes. On a nutrition label, you can actually subtract the fiber content from the total carbohydrate number, since you don’t You don’t have to completely avoid digest it. Fiber supports healthy Carbohydrates have long been a added sugar, but do pay attention digestion and helps you feel full. staple in the human diet. In fact, to your nutrition labels and be Most of us don’t get enough fi- Chef Gary Appelsies MS, CHHC, AADP carbs are one of three macronu- aware of the types and amounts of ber in our diets, which is another is the Director of Healthy Eating at the trients—along with proteins and sugars in the foods you’re eating. reason to add more whole grains, YMCA of Central Florida. For more healthy fats—that make up the fruits, beans, legumes, and veggies healthy eating tips and recipes, visit ymcacf.org/health-wellness. bulk of your diet and help give to your plate!

Complex Carbs (Starch) your body energy.

Complex carbs include starchy Enjoy carbs in your diet with But today, many people believe vegetables (e.g. peas, corn, lima that all carbs are bad. Oftentimes, beans, and potatoes), lentils and this is because they appear in many peas (e.g. pinto beans, black eyed processed or unhealthy foods that peas, etc.), and grains (e.g. oats, are void of nutrition and some- rice, etc.). Grains can be broken times linked to chronic illness and down into whole grains and redisease. However, not all carbs fined grains. Aim to fill your plate with whole-grain are created equaloptions, which ly. Carbohydrates offer great nuare made up of tritional value. three categories: Whole grains insugar, starch, and clude whole-wheat fiber. It’s importflour, oatmeal, and ant to understand brown rice. Along the differences bewith fruits, starchy tween these three veggies, lentils, and types of carbohypeas, whole grains drates to make the are high in fiber. best choices for Refined grains (e.g. you and your famiwhite breads, bagels, and pastas) ly. Here’s a simple explanation: contain only part of the grain, so you miss out on important nutriSimple Carbs (Sugar) ents. While many refined grains These fast-acting carbs are either are enriched with additional nutrinaturally occurring sugars (e.g. ents, fiber isn’t added back in. in milk and fruit) or added sug- Like proteins and healthy fats, ars (e.g. in cookies, ice cream, and complex carbs are beneficial for soda). Naturally occurring sugars your body in the right portions. can provide a boost of quick ener- You can top your complex carbs gy and are a healthy sweet alterna- with a beautiful tomato sauce, tive to processed foods with added fresh veggies, fish, chicken, or We’re happy to welcome members back during our phased reopening. We’ll have enhanced safety sugar, like cookies and cakes. Plus, cheese for a satisfying and filling measures to keep everyone healthy, so for more fruits are packed with many other meal. In fact, here’s a tasty Noinformation about how to return to your Y, nutrients! We find added sugar in Bake Carrot Cake snack recipe to please visit ymcacf.org/covid19/reopening. many of our processed and pack- try out that includes healthy comaged foods. They lack nutritional plex carbs.

The YMCA of Central Florida is a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening our community. value, which is why we often hear

Not all carbs are created equally!

WE ARE

STRONGER WITH YOU WELCOME BACK!

5

LIVE WELL (Cont.)

Summer Picnic Tips for Seniors As we approach the wonderful and warm summer weather, North Star Senior Advisors would like to offer tips to enjoy an outdoor summer picnic. Right now, due to social distancing, getting together with family and friends is a little bit tough but you can still enjoy a nice day outside with your spouse, close loved one or on your own with nice book to read. For seniors, consider these five tips below for an easier and safer planning experience.

An umbrella could also be used to offset too much sunlight.

3. Easy, Healthy Meals

When planning a picnic, you or your loved one’s health is also a top priority. Conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure and more are common in the elderly and should be treated as such. Keeping these diets in mind, heart-healthy meals are always a good idea, especially a Mediterranean diet. This diet incorporates nutritious plant-based 1. Apply Sunscreen foods such as fruits and veggies, Sunscreen is a must! Failing to whole grains and nuts, all easy properly apply sunblock to you to prepare. Drinking red wine in and your loved one is a crucial moderation has a lot of health benmistake you cannot afford. Anoth- efits as well that pares nicely with er common error is forgetting to a cheese and veggie tray. reapply which is as important as applying it in the first place! As we age, our skin becomes frailer and 4. Stay Hydrated thinner, so remind yourself or your This is so important! We do not loved ones to bring the sunscreen drink enough water as it is so stayand reapply every two hours. Also, ing hydrated is also key for aging according to American Academy loved ones. Keep it simple and of Dermatology (AAD), most peo- pack bottles of water so you reple only apply 25-50% of the rec- member to drink it. Many seniors ommended amount while about do not like the taste of water, so it’s one-shot glass worth of sunblock a good idea to provide fruits that is enough to fully cover the body. are also high in water content to go with the Mediterranean diet, so you are not only eating healthy 2. Medications but increasing your water intake.

Certain medications often pre- A few suggestions include celery, scribed to seniors become more watermelon, salad, strawberries, sensitive in the sun. It can increase and cucumbers. You can also add risk of stroke or sun poisoning, so these fruits or fruit droplets like remaining aware of the side effects Mio that’ll add flavor to any water is vital. Ask your doctor or attend- for a fruit infused mix. Something ing nurse which medications may else to consider is popsicles or Italcause issues if in the sun for a pro- ian ice which can be packed in a longed amount of time. Find out cooler for a nice, refreshing treat. a safe time or find a spot with lots of shade that’ll limit sun exposure.

5. Identify Warning Signs

We all know on a summer day, the sun in Central Florida is extremely powerful. Recognizing warning signs of heat-related illnesses in seniors may be key in helping them to receive treatment in time in the event care is needed. For older adults, this occurs more frequently than in younger adults. The Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) offers this a quick tip sheet (www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/warning.html) for early warning signs and what to do for the illness. These tips will ensure a safe and comfortable day outside in the sun with your loved ones!

It is also good to note that different assisted living facilities in the Central Florida area will organize

events that involve outdoor activities, picnics being a pretty big hit.

Remember your body is a temple and as we age it’s important to consider your health in order to avoid negative health effects such as diabetes, strokes, heart attacks, cancer, and obesity in the long run.

Use these tips to every day not just for outdoor picnics to maintain a healthy lifestyle while lowering your risk of potential health issues.

To SUBMIT your local LIVE news.... to ADVERTISE, to REGISTER or to RECEIVE the Avalon Park Sun email: Info@AvalonParkSun.com

DINING ORLANDO

DINING (Cont.)

COMMUNITY CORNER ORLANDO

ROTARY

When It Rains, RESPONDS It Drains!

As summer approaches, the rains increase. Avalon Park, as in most cities and towns in Florida, you’ll find storm drains and catch basins along our streets and in many yards. What most people don’t realize is that these drains lead directly to our rivers and streams, not to a wastewater treatment plant.

On Saturday, May 16, the Rotary Club of Avalon Park replaced 220 storm drain labels reminding citizens not to dump pollutants down the drains. This project started in 2019 and is coordinated through the Orange County Environmental Protection Division. To date, the Rotary Club has replaced over 500 labels with a goal of finishing Avalon Park in the coming months.

Consequently, pollutants such as motor oil, fertilizers, yard waste and litter find their way into our rivers, streams and oceans via these drains, often carried by rain that becomes storm water runoff. Polluted streams impact our water resources as well as our downstream neighbors' water resources.

This storm drain label task is one of many commitments to our community. Since July 2019 the Rotary Club of Avalon Park has completed 50 different service projects including stocking the "Little Free Library", serving a pancake breakfast to our senior citizens and veterans and delivering meals to essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic,

just to name a few.

A Hard Earned Thirst Due to the Coronavirus, we postponed our annual craft beer festival until late summer or early fall 2020 (date TBD). All prepaid tickets remain valid for the new event. For those looking forward to attending, here are the details: • The 3rd Annual Rotary Craft Beer Festival presented by Loyal Source • Benefiting: Yellow Brick Road: The Holden Flynn Foundation & Rotary Club of Avalon Park • Featuring: Local craft beer, food trucks, and live music • Location: Downtown Avalon Park - Town Park • Thank you, sponsors: Crystal Adams / ReMax Innovation, The Orlando Law Group, Waterstone

Avalon Park JET SETTERS

We can't wait to raise a glass with you soon!

Weekly National Anthem Live Performance Join us every Friday at Noon on Facebook Live as a member of the community sings the National Anthem Live From Founder's Square.

Good day friends!

We have survived another month of stay at home or intense social distancing. We haven’t seen our friends and for some of us haven’t even been able to visit family. Our social activities have been drastically curtailed and some of us have been forced to actually communicate with our significant others. All in all, let’s be thankful that we’re alive and healthy.

Our Jetsetter’s activities are still cancelled for the foreseeable future.

Encore Ballroom is still closed and volunteer opportunities are not reopened to us yet. If you have suggestions for Fall events please share with us.

Russ Mozier is hopefully going to be able to sponsor a kite flying day around the 4th of July. That outing will be dependent upon weather, covid19 and available field space.

We are hoping for a bbq gathering before summer is over!

Stay safe and stay healthy! Watch your emails and our website.

To SUBMIT your Community News... email: Info@AvalonParkSun.com

Mortgage / The Eric Putt Team, Avalon Park Group, Richard Varner / Go Realty, Aero Shields, Inc., Ewald Auction & Realty, A. Clore Interiors, Fairwinds Credit Union, Whitney Russell / Aflac, The Umansky Law Firm, Jim McQueeney / Edward Jones, Adaptive Consultants, Avalon Insurance Services, Eastside Bistro, Sterling Pest Control Services, Christy Ofria Photography, Knight Agency, and Avalon Park Craft Beer & Homebrew.

/DOWNTOWNAVALONPARK /AVALONSCHOOLOFMUSIC