Avalon Park Sun March Edition

ORLANDO

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

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Assisting A Loved One With Memory Loss

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VOLUME 1

PHOTOGRAPHY, CREPES, HOME HEALTH & TRAVEL NOW IN DOWNTOWN AVALON PARK Downtown Avalon Park is happy to welcome several new businesses to our community: Kossina Creative Photography, Rios Crepe Co., Kassy Home Health and Solymar Travel

on bringing the continuum of care to their patients’ homes. Delivering personalized home health to hundreds of patients and their families, in Orange, Seminole and Osceola County, they now have an office located in the Encore building at 13798 Cygnus Drive to service the east Orlando community better. For more information on their care, please call 407-875-1801.

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Rios Crepe Co.

Avalon Middle FFA Wins Awards at the Central Florida Fair!

Kossina Creative Photography PAGE 5

WORK

It’s All About Relationships

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PLAY

Absolutely Avalon: April 11

has opened their doors at 13000 Avalon Lake Drive, Suite 302 in the Avalon Professional Center. Amanda Kossina, owner and photographer, specializes in maternity, newborn and portrait photography. Visit Kossina Creative Photography online or stop by their grand opening event on March 27th.

Another great business now open is Solymar Travel. Owners Lissette Soldado and Victor Jay Lozada are your local travel team with more than 20 years in the industry.

Whether you are looking to plan your next vacation or planning a group trip, Solymar Travel is available to help you create your next dream vacation. Their office is now open and located in Founder’s Hall, 13013 Founder’s Square Drive.

LASER LIGHTS • BOUNCE HOUSES • FOOD TRUCKS For more information on this and other events visit AvalonPark.com or call 407-658-6565.

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COMMUNITY Kassy Home Health is now offering perUPDATES American Legion Post 409 Jet Setters Kiwanis of Avalon Park

Coming soon to Downtown Avalon Park is Rios Crepe Co. This new restaurant will be serving crepes, waffles, fried sweets, espresso, shakes and more from their new location at 3819 Avalon Park East Blvd. Follow Rios Crepe Co. on social media to see some of the tasty treats they will be bringing to Avalon Park later this month.

Solymar Travel

April 11th, 2020 5-9pm Avalon Park is conveniently located in East Orlando, 5 miles south of the 408 Expressway on Alafaya Trail.

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sonalized care and service right from the comfort of home. Since 2006, Kassy has been a leading home health company in Central Florida focused

For more information on these businesses or to open your own business in Downtown Avalon Park call or email 407-658-6565 or Info@AvalonParkGroup.com.

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COFFEE HOUR with

Exactly 15 years ago, in March 2005, I wrote a column for the East Orlando Sun called “Homebuyer Beware,” where I cautioned the consumer against buying a home during that time. Several years later (2009) “Das Magazin,” the weekly supplement to the leading Swiss newspaper the TagesAnzeiger, recognized my prediction as one of very few that foreshadowed an accurate account of what the Florida economy would see, where the real estate crisis became a financial crisis and thus a global economic crisis, which all started in Florida.

The motto came true, “If it’s too good to be true --- we’re in it.”

Many lost their homes to foreclosure. Homebuilders, developers and banks went under. The world experienced its most severe and global financial crisis since the great depression in 1929. Despite the suffering, a great deal has been learned by home-

BEAT

buyers, homebuilders, developers and banks since. The real estate market recovered, so what is next?

Today I have different advice than I did 15 years ago: Buy a home.

Why now? Some people may say we live in an unstable world, home prices have risen in the last 10 years, what about Corona Virus and this list goes on and on.

Having been in business for more than 30 years, I cannot remember a time of being safe all around. Today most of us feel less secure because we are bombarded every minute with news from all over the world. Twenty-five years ago, Coronavirus would probably not even have been noted in the western world. We have been confronted with several epidemic viruses, such as the bird flu, the swine flu and SARS over the last 20 years.

Of course, we must take these and many other

2005 - 2020: From “Homebuyer Beware” to “Home Prices in Central Florida Will Double Over the Next 15 Years” threats seriously and I do not want to downplay the Coronavirus; however, I have a feeling that in 1 year from now this virus will not be in the news at all.

While the media leads us believe otherwise, I by and large think that we are living in a stable world. A world which has a more and more aging population, and a prosperity that has never been seen in history. Aging means as well that saving and planning for retirement becomes much more important than 30 years ago. There are many indications that the “state of the world” is improving constantly, life expectancy is at all-time high and poverty at alltime low.

Could this be the roaring 20’s again? Yes, it could, and particularly for central Florida real estate, I believe it will.

Contrary to 2005, I am optimistic and will put my money where my mouth is. Over the last 15 years I have done business, mostly tied to real estate, in many parts of the world on every continent. When looking at the price of

a home, central Florida is a BARGAIN and yes people have higher average house hold incomes in Zurich, Switzerland or Sydney, Australia, but does that justify the average per square foot price of a home to be $1,000, while here it is around $100? No, it does not.

Central Florida has come a long way! I was honored to be a part of a group of business leaders some 20 years ago on the board of the Regional Chamber of Commerce. On one of our retreats the question was posed, “What do we have to do to make central Florida the best place in the South to live, learn, work and play?” The group came up with 3 great ideas: 1.

Build a world class performing arts center, 2.

Build a new football stadium; and 3. Strengthen the medical industry and build a medical school. Despite a severe recession, today all 3 goals of that retreat have been accomplished.

When I started doing business in Florida more than 30 years ago, Orlando was internationally known as “one

large theme park.” It was uncommon when I told someone that I lived in Orlando, they would respond with, “Really? You live in Disney?” Even when I grew up in Switzerland I did not know Orlando at all.

As a child, the Florida that I was familiar with was Miami, because of Miami Vice, and Daytona Beach because of Nascar, not really Orlando.

That has dramatically changed, everybody knows Orlando as the number one tourist destination in the world, as well as an economic powerhouse and more.

Central Florida, from Tampa to Orlando to Daytona Beach has done an amazing job diversifying its economy, and so has Florida as a state. Today Florida’s economy has a GDP as large as Indonesia. That translates into a value of economic activity equal to somewhere to a country with almost 300 million in population!

At our group of companies, we often discuss where to invest in real estate. And while we have invested over the past 15 years not only in the US, but Europe, Asia

and Australia, today our prime market and the vast of our project pipeline is right here at home in central Florida.

Home prices will go up and down in the next 15 years, like any span of 15 years. So again, like I wrote 15 years ago, don’t buy a home for short term gain. You need to be able to afford it in good and bad times.

Today a 15- or 30-year mortgage is at 3-3.5 % (1/3 of the rate it was when I first came to Florida). Can interest rates go further down?

They could. In Switzerland home mortgages are at 1% or below and bonds can be issued at negative rates. However, if you buy a home today and pay your mortgage off in 15 or 30 years, I guarantee you, you will not regret that you have made that decision. The market is right, the history is there, the growth is coming, therefore, I predict home prices in central Florida will at least double in the next 15 years!

Questions or Comments? E-mail: Bkioff@AOL.com.

6 Home Maintenance Tasks to Tackle This Spring

By Jocelyn Ramirez

The concept of “spring cleaning” is different in balmy Central Florida.

You could argue that the best time to make routine outside annual maintenance chores in Central Florida is winter, when temperatures are so beautiful. But of course, that’s when you put them off because the weather is so gorgeous and you have other things to do. The arrival of “spring” means it’s time to tackle maintenance issues that need attention — because you want to do these chores before it really gets hot.

1

The best place to start spring home maintenance is your HVAC system. Winter months

mean little to no need for air conditioning.

Spring is also the best time to call for A/C service. A/C professionals are more flexible during early spring than they are in summer, when sweltering people are desperate for repairs, so it’s easier to book an appointment.

2

Spring is known for birds and bees, but ants and roaches are partial to warm weather, too. There are certainly plenty of chemical pesticides on the market to help curb insect and rodent activity. If you’d prefer a pest-free home without the use of harsh chemicals, there are more eco-friendly pest control options than ever before! Try planting some pest-repelling flowers such as

marigolds or lavender around the yard.

3

One of the easiest and most noticeable spring maintenance tasks is often the most overlooked. Dirty window screens are hotbeds for sinus irritants and mold growth. But cleaning window screens is simple. First, go over the screen with a lint roller to remove the worst accumulation. Then use a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove any remaining lint and dust.

In most cases, these two steps are all you’ll need for clean, allergen-free screens. You can go the extra mile by removing them and hosing them down.

4

Cleaning your carpet leaves the entire room

looking great. It’s also healthier for the indoor air, since the carpet attracts indoor pollutants, dust mites and allergens. But did you know that regular cleaning of carpet can extend its life? Even if you remove your shoes at the door, dirt and dust particles still get trapped deep inside carpet fibers. When you walk on the floor, those particles rub up against the fibers and sever them. This leads to flooring that ages prematurely. Deep cleaning removes that dirt and grit, giving you extra time between replacements.

5

Over time, your curtains collect dust, lint, and dirt. Most window dressings will have a tag that specifies how you should clean them.

Some can be thrown right in your washing machine. Others are too fragile and require steam cleaning or hand washing. If the label on your curtains offers no instruction, your local dry cleaner is probably your best bet. Spring is also a great time to clean your shower curtains and replace shower curtain liners.

6

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to make a big difference in your home’s appearance. One

easy and inexpensive way to give your property a spring makeover is to follow local home staging tips. Real estate professionals know fresh paint, minor repairs, and decluttering make a home more marketable. Their advice is also great if you want a springtime boost, but have no intention of moving!

Jocelyn Ramirez has been a home stager for more than 10 years. She writes about staging and other issues that help both home buyers and sellers meet in the real estate marketplace.

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ASSISTING A LOVED ONE WITH MEMORY LOSS

A SSISTED L IVING & M EMORY C ARE The moment you realize your loved one is experiencing memory loss, a flood of emotions can take over. While you now start to cherish your relationship more than ever, you may also realize that it will never be quite the same. This realization is often sobering, but your situation is manageable with the right guidance and a strong support system.

Here are some tips to help your family make the most of this change.

you remain patient and trust in the advice given by your doctor to handle situational behaviors.

Be educated and alert Caring for someone with memory loss isn’t as intuitive as you may think. Because education is critical to your role as a caretaker, you can easily feel overwhelmed with learning about memory loss and

the day-to-day tasks that will ease their symptoms. Fortunately, there are a number of ways that you can help them get through every step of the day.

Have a regular routine A regular routine creates familiarity. Familiarity helps your loved one feel safe in any environment when making a big move or lifestyle

might worry about making the wrong choice or feel overwhelmed by the number of options they have, which often results in no choice at all.

Guiding your loved one with pre-made decisions during the day is much more effective. For example, telling your senior “we’re eating pizza tonight” makes the process simple and gives your loved one some peace of mind.

Shifting Your Mindset When you receive news that your loved one has a cognition impairment, allow yourself time to mentally prepare for the upcoming changes in your life.

Be flexible and patient Having a loved one with memory loss requires you to sometimes expand your level of patience. Because of their elevated confusion, your family member will be more prone to unexpected mood shifts and behavioral changes.

When your loved one is expressing distress or having a hard time adjusting, you may find it difficult to intervene and immediately calm their confusion. Therefore, it’s important that

With a busy schedule, catering your home to memory loss can seem nearly impossible. Luckily, technology can automate parts of your senior’s daily routine and keep them safe when you aren’t able to be with them. If your family member tends to forget medication, set reminders with a hands-free device. Or, if they are prone to falling, install a fall sensor to trigger emergency assistance. While there are a vast list of options to choose from, you only need to worry about technology that will benefit your family the most.

Assisting Long Term

Be realistic about expectations Setting unrealistic expectations for yourself or your loved one isn’t going to help either of you ease into the necessary changes. Notwithstanding, some caregivers are still hopeful that symptoms will ease over time or go away altogether. Putting this pressure on your loved one will only make it harder to navigate the inevitable ebbs and flow.

Likewise, these expectations and the necessary treatments might even lead you to burnout.

Take this process one day at a time and simply enjoy quality moments with your loved one.

Use assistive technol- Financial planning ogy

the best ways to assist your family member. It might seem demanding, but doing your research will only aid in making both you and your loved one more comfortable with the shift.

Be mindful of self-care and support The common saying, “you can’t give what you don’t have,” rings especially true as a caregiver.

It’s imperative that you don’t put all the pressure on yourself when caring for your loved one. If you begin to feel overwhelmed or alone, reach out to family and friends for trusted assistance. Having someone help you pick up prescriptions or keep watch while you grab groceries can make a huge difference in your ability to provide effective care to your loved one and yourself.

Assisting Day-to-Day When a loved one has memory loss, it’s often

change. Likewise, an established routine allows you to enjoy time with your loved one without having to prepare an agenda. Don’t be concerned about filling every moment with something to do. Instead, think of activities that can fit perfectly with your schedule and cater to your family member’s needs, such as: Household chores Vacuuming, folding laundry, and washing dishes Leisurely activities Reading, listening to music, and watching television Physical activities Taking a walk, swimming, and dancing Mind-stimulating activities Puzzles, crosswords, and board games

Explain instead of ask Simply asking, “What do you want to eat?” can sometimes trigger angst in a family member with memory loss. They

Rearrange the environment Those with memory loss experience altered perceptions. Your loved one’s depth perception and regular recognition can worsen and make it hard to navigate their everyday environment. Fortunately, you can make their home and yard safer by marking the edges of

It’s easy to forget that helping your loved one with daily tasks is only half the battle. Therefore, you must also plan for their well-being in the future by preparing with professional advisors.

Legal planning The sooner you can make arrangements to take care of legal obligations, the better.

Oftentimes, you can personally assist your loved one during the early stages of this process as well. Early on,

...your situation is manageable with the right guidance and a strong support system. steps, repairing uneven flooring, and clearing any walkways. Furthermore, your loved one may start struggling with lost items like keys or purses. Labeling important objects or finding a dedicated area to place them can ease the distraught that comes with these changes.

decide who will make legal decisions on your loved one’s behalf after they no longer have the legal capacity. Then, find out if there are any legal documents that need updating or any advance directives, such as a living will or trust fund. To ensure that no documents are left outdated, you may want to have an attorney guide you through this process.

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Cost is one of the first things to consider after a diagnosis. Common care necessities like medical treatment, equipment, and prescriptions are ongoing expenses. Luckily, resources like Medicare/ Medicaid, Social Security, or retirement benefits can cover eligible costs.

Keep in mind a fiduciary must be named, and this individual will be in charge of managing the money and property of your family member. Their responsibilities could be as simple as paying bills or as involved as finalizing investment decisions.

Fortunately, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau can better uncover what this looks like.

End-of-life planning This part of the process can often be strenuous and emotional. But knowing your loved one’s needs will help you respect them and their preferences moving forward. Is your loved one comfortable living in a memory-care community? How do they feel about life-sustaining treatments? Do they have any wishes for their memorial services? These are seemingly loaded questions.

However, empowering your loved one with these decisions will allow you to fully carry out their wishes.

A Trusted Memory Care Community Here at Encore at Avalon Park, we understand the challenges of caring for a loved one with memory care issues. That’s why we are proud to offer a unique memory-care living community that creates and nurtures long-term comfort. Call us today at 407-270-7500 to schedule a tour or get answers to any of your memory care questions.

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Exceptional Apartments. Extraordinary Neighborhood.

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Rates effective 12/6/17. Paramount Residential Mortgage Group, Inc. NMLS# 75243, www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org. Financing is shown for comparison only, not an offer of credit or commitment to lend. Based on buyer & property qualification. Rates & fees are subject to change without notice. Aprobación del préstamo y tasa de interés depende del crédito del solicitante, colateral, historia financiera y disponibilidad del préstamo en el momento de originación del préstamo. Tarifas y condiciones pueden cambiar sin notificación. Florida Mortgage Lender License #MLD23.

2020 Buyer Trends

By Veronica Figueroa

Another year has come and gone, and with a new year comes new goals. Whether you’ve decided this is the year you’re going to sell your home or if you’re just considering it, you need to know which buyer trends to expect in 2020. We’ve laid out the most important trends for this year and how it could affect your decision as a seller.

TREND #1:

MILLENNIALS ARE STILL ON THE MOVE

Millennials are anyone born between the years 1981 and 1997 and the largest majority of them

will be turning 30 in 2020. This year, older millennials will be starting to think about settling down, having kids and buying their first home. By the time we’re halfway through 2020, millennials will account for more than half of all mortgages taken out in the US which is greater than all other generations combined.

With millennials looking to buy this year, most older generations such as the baby boomers and Generation X aren’t going to be making moves anytime soon. Most may still be raising kids or not ready to retire

yet, which means they are staying put. So for 2020, it’s all about millennial homebuyers.

What this means for sellers:

• If you’re considering making upgrades to your home before you sell, know what millennials want. The features at top of their lists include a patio, hardwood front exterior, a laundry room, and a walk-in pantry.

• Millennials are less concerned with how big a home is and more concerned with how far it is from work and what school district the home is in. According to NAR, most millennials are less willing

3680 AVALON PARK EAST BLVD., STE. 110, ORLANDO, FL 32828 THEFLATSATAVALONPARK.COM | 407.273.4337

to compromise on the quality of the neighborhood and schools when buying a home.

• Almost all millennials search online when looking for a home, and 80% of them actually found their home on their phone. Be sure that your online listing photos are high quality and your listing can easily be found on the major consumer search websites.

TREND #2:

PRICES & IBUYER’S ARE ON THE RISE

In 2018, home prices rose by 5%, in 2019 they rose by 3.3%, and in 2020 they are predicted to rise by 2.8% according to The Economic & Housing Research Group.

Even though that’s not a whole lot, it’s still a steady increase each year.

The iBuyer trend is also predicted to increase this year. An iBuyer is a real estate company that makes an offer on a home within days.

According to REAL Trends, Zillow is planning to expand in 6 new markets with their iBuyer business, Zillow Offers.

What this means for sellers:

• With home prices still on the rise, you may make a profit on your home if you sell this year. It’s also vital to keep in mind that some buyers may be priced out of the market, which potentially means fewer offers.

Make your home really stand out and if you’re not in a hurry to sell, don’t be afraid to wait for the right offer.

• Although “location, location, location” has been the slogan for the past few years, it seems that buyers (especially since millennials are now the largest group of homebuyers) are willing to comprise location for a more affordable option.

• With iBuyer companies on the rise, it’s important to know what you’re up against. iBuyers basically take the human experience out of selling your home and you’re likely to get a not-so-good offer. If you’re not in an absolute rush, don’t take the easy way out.

TREND #3:

MORTGAGE INTEREST RATES ARE ON THE DECLINE Interest rates for

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mortgages have been dropping below 4% for some loans in 2019.

Some say that for 2020, a 30-year loan should have a rate of 3.7%, and a 15-year loan will be at 3.2%. Just like anything in life, this isn’t a guarantee. Trade wars and tariffs could shift the economy causing an increase in interest rates to balance out the economy. But if mortgage rates do stay on the decline, this could be a motivation for more buyers.

What this means for sellers:

• Lower interest rates means buyers will be more motivated to buy sooner rather than later.

A mortgage is a huge financial commitment, so if someone has been thinking about buying and sees lower interest rates, this may push them to commit.

• Nothing in life is certain so if rates do increase, be prepared for your home to be on the market longer than you expected.

Veronica is the owner of Figueroa Team, located in Downtown Avalon Park.

For more information, visit www.FigueroaTeam. com or 407-625-3749.

LEARN ORLANDO

Avalon Middle FFA Wins Awards at the Central Florida Fair!

By: Jessica A. Long, Avalon Middle School Avalon Middle FFA won many awards at the Central Florida Fair this year. Due to all of the hard work, studying, creativity, and dedication these students have towards their animal projects, many of our members came home with big awards, and all of them came home with a real sense

of pride.

Jocelyn Bew took home Intermediate Champion Poultry Exhibitor, Kennedy Joyce, Isabelle Barnett, and Jocelyn Bew took the top three places in Intermediate Poultry Showmanship, Arena Gomez won Reserve Best in show with her cavy, and our Rab-

bit/Cavy team won the Herdsman award.

Every single student did a wonderful job, and I could not be more proud of their accomplishments.

Timber Creek SGA hosts a 5K for Dance Marathon

Photo Credit: Avalon Middle School

On February 8, 2020, the Timber Creek SGA hosted a 5k for Dance Marathon.

Thank you to all of the volunteers and participants that came out to support us! We raised over $1,000 for The Children’s Miracle Network, every dollar of which goes directly to the Network! We fund-raise all year long, having spirit nights at places such as Chick-fil-a and Jeremiah’s along the way, as well as car washes and other fundraisers. Our car wash was at the CVS on Tanja King Blvd. on February 22, 2020. Thank you all who came out to support our SGA and the kids at Arnold Palmer by donating. On February 28, 2020, Timber Creek High School hosted our 5th annual Dance Marathon to support the Arnold Palmer Hospital Children’s Miracle Network.

Thank you for joining us as we came together to aid those who need treatment and celebrate our efforts.

We raised $23,886.09 for the Children’s Miracle Network!

Photo Credit: Avalon Middle School

Music Lessons

VPK Registration is NOW OPEN for our NEW

for all ages!

State of the Art Building !!

FREE GuitaR LEssons FoR GRandpaREnts & paREnts!

If a child or grandchild is enrolled in private lessons.

If you live in Florida, and your child turns 4 years old by September 1, 2020 your child is eligible to participate in Florida's FREE Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) education program.

Build a Register online at www.floridaearlylearning.com/vpk Fill out application online Print your certificate/voucher of eligibility at home Bring in your voucher to reserve your spot today!

Sign up for our VPK classes at

Avalon Park

Call Today *407-306-9037 *12001-C Avalon Lake Drive Orlando, Fl 32828

FREE 5 days and 3 days programs available

Musical Foundation!

itar | Lessons in: piano | Gu

Voice | Violin | ukulele

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programs for most We offer private lesson based on your age instruments and voice d part of our family an and skill. Come be a ! sic mu for e develop a lifelong lov ’ll match enced teachers—we • Learn from experi you fits t tha e you with the on es— itals and performanc • participate in rec phies tro and s ard aw e students receiv cts— no long-term contra • We make it easy, th on -m -to nth our tuition is mo “Welcome to our school! We are avalon Park’s Neighborhood Music school, proudly serving avalon Park and surrounding areas with outstanding private music lessons since 2003!” —John & philip Kolbrich

Call us today to schedule a lesson! 407-770-0323 or visit us at www.avalonschoolofMusic.com to request info.

We are located at 12001 Avalon Lake Dr., Suite E1, Orlando, FL

LEARN (Cont.)

Photo Credit: TCHS

Congratulations

Timber Creek High School Programmers

on their win at the UCF High School Programming Tournament.

The students placed 1st, 10th, 22nd, 36th and 45th out of 126 teams from around the nation. This is the first time TCHS won this competition.

Each student on the first place team received a new Lenovo Yoga C740 laptop.

Photo Credit: TCHS

Congratulations

Timber Creek High School Dancers on their East Side Dance Battle win for the 2nd year in a row!

StoryWalk STARTING MARCH 16TH, WATCH A NEW STORY UNFOLD EACH MONTH AS YOU TAKE A RELAXING FAMILY STROLL THROUGH AVALON PARK, WHERE A DIFFERENT PAGE OF A FEATURED BOOK WILL BE LOCATED THROUGHOUT DOWNTOWN. FOR A MAP AND MORE DETAILS VISIT US ONLINE.

StoryWalk March: If You Give a PIg a Pancake By: Laura Numeroff

WWW.DOWNTOWNAVALONPARK.COM/STORYWALK

LUNCH AND LEARN OPPORTUNITIES

Central & North Florida Chapter

The Alzheimer’s Association offers education to families, caregivers, professionals and general audiences on a variety of topics.

A calendar of scheduled programs is available at alz.org/cnfl.

To schedule a presentation for your group or organization, contact: Pavla Paul | pmpaul@alz.org | 407-543-9428

PROGRAMS OVERVIEW 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s and other dementias cause memory, thinking, and behavior changes that interfere with daily living. Learn about common warning signs of Alzheimer’s and what symptoms to look for in yourself and others, as well as tips to approach someone who is experiencing changes in their memory, the benefit of early detection and diagnosis, and more.

Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Alzheimer’s is not normal aging. It’s a disease of the brain that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Learn about the impact of Alzheimer’s, the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia, Alzheimer’s disease stages and risk factors, and current research and treatments available to address some symptoms. This program uses video clips. Presentation settings should allow for audio-visual equipment.

Living with Alzheimer’s for Caregivers

Caregivers can learn about what changes to expect as their loved one’s memory loss condition progresses, including effective communication tips, care options for the future, coping with relationship changes and ways to maintain health as a caregiver.

Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body: Tips from the Latest Research

For centuries, we’ve known that the health of the brain and the body are connected. But now, science is able to provide insights into how to make lifestyle choices that may help you keep your brain and body healthy as you age. Join us to learn about research in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity and social engagement, and use hands-on tools to help you incorporate these recommendations into a plan for healthy aging.

Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behavior

Behavior is a powerful form of communication and is one of the primary ways people experiencing dementia communicate their needs and feelings as the ability to use verbal language is lost. However, some behaviors can present real challenges for caregivers to manage. Join us to learn to decode behavioral messages, identify common behavior triggers, and learn strategies to help intervene with some of the most common behavioral challenges of Alzheimer’s disease.

Effective Communication Strategies

Communication is more than just talking and listening - it’s also about sending and receiving messages through attitude, tone of voice, facial expressions and body language. As people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias progress in their journey and the ability to use words is lost, families need new ways to connect. Join us to explore how communication takes place when someone has Alzheimer’s, learn to decode the verbal and behavioral messages delivered by someone with dementia, and identify strategies to help you connect and communicate at each stage of the disease.

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LEARN (Cont.)

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

By Robert Louis Stevenson

very wealthy doctor, for example, he had many attendants to do work around his house. His house was a regular family type of house, and it also included a laboratory, where he conducted many of his experiments Book Review

By Alexander Kahli The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde was written by Robert Louis Stevenson in England during the mid to late eighteen-hundreds.

I personally enjoyed reading the book, however, some parts were difficult to understand due to the old English writing. This mysterious novel has fascinating characters and suspenseful events.

To begin, the main characters are Dr. Jekyll, Mr. Hyde, Mr. Utterson, and Dr. Lanyon. Dr. Jekyll is a scientist that studied the duality of men.

“Good and evil are so close as to be chained together in soul.” He was also a well-respected doctor, and friend of Mr. Utterson and Dr. Lanyon. Jekyll is also a

Mr. Hyde is a mysterious friend of Dr. Jekyll.

To compare him to Jekyll, Hyde is a short man, with an unusual face, however, Jekyll is a regular tall man. “He is not easy to describe.

There is something wrong with his appearance; something displeasing, something downright detestable.

I never saw a man I so disliked, and yet I scarcely know why.

He must be deformed somewhere; he gives a strong feeling of deformity, although I couldn't specify the point.” Additionally, he is a quiet person, no one knows any info about. In a will from Jekyll, Hyde would inherit everything Jekyll owned if Jekyll died or mysteriously disappeared.

Mr. Utterson is a mid-eighteenth cen-

tury lawyer, by this, he was able to do any legal work. Utterson is even the narrator of the book. He also held the will that Jekyll had written, and kept it safe for him. However, Utterson disagreed with Jekyll, due to disliking what Jekyll wrote in the will. Later learning that’s why Jekyll had a different lawyer write up his will.

Dr. Lanyon is a medical practitioner. While being friends with Jekyll, Lanyon disagrees with him about the studies of the duality of man. However, Lanyon believes in supernatural and also mysticism. To put in view, Lanyon’s beliefs were opposite of Jekyll’s.

One night, Hyde murdered a young fellow named Carew. After this happened, Mr. Hyde disappears and cannot be found. Everyone begins to look for him, however, they are unable to find him. The very next day, Utterson is informed about this murder, and becomes involved in the case.

This is when Utterson begins to look for Mr.

Hyde. “If he be Mr. Hyde,” he had thought, “I shall be Mr. Seek.”

With all this commotion, Dr. Jekyll becomes very quiet and locks himself up in his study.

Utterson begins to wonder why Jekyll locks himself up.

Poole, Jekyll’s butler, begins to worry about his master. Poole tells Utterson about all the strange things happening to Jekyll, and all the things he does and asks for. Utterson learns that Jekyll keeps on asking for a drug like salt to be brought to him. Jekyll sends Poole all over the town, asking for the drug, which happens several times a day.

not crossed the doors of one for twenty years.”

To learn the words, I used a dictionary to look up what the word meant and another way was asking a friend to explain the word.

To conclude, I think The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is the most mysterious book that I have ever read. With all the magnificent characters, you are able to imagine yourself right in the

book. In this book it made me think, by this I mean, I needed to summarize what a sentence would’ve meant.

Even though it was a little difficult to understand sometimes with the old English, this is a book I recommend that you read, by yourself, or even in a group!

Alexander Kahli is an 8th grade student at the Maitland Montessori School.

In most of the chapters, however, it was very difficult to understand by what the author had meant. The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde was written back in the mid-eighteen hundreds, so there were many old English words, and sentences.

For example, “He was austere with himself; drank gin when he was alone, to mortify a taste for vintage; and though he enjoyed theatre, had

If you would like to submit a book or movie review, please email Info@AvalonParkSun.com.

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WORK ORLANDO

IT’S ALL ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS

By Andrew Cole The East Orlando Chamber of Commerce has diligently assessed the needs of member businesses and how to effectively help them advance their ideas, initiatives, network and the promote their products and services. We looked at how to address these needs and started developing Councils and Committees with specific industry focuses. By reaching out to our members, asking questions and listening to their needs, we created events and meetings tailored for specific industries. As a result, we have watched a slow and steady growth of OPTIC (Orlando’s Technology & Innovation Collaborative) to our Connect 4 Realty and Property Professionals council, the Non-Profit Roundtable and now the EOCC Healthcare Council Collaborative. We have formed focused and targeted industry specific councils and collaboratives for successful connection building to foster strong business relationships.

Membership with the East Orlando Chamber of Commerce offers your business numerous opportunities to build your base, connect with like-minded professionals who invest in their business to creating a strong, thriving community. Our events offer opportunities to feature your business, while building business relationships with members who support and complement one another. Competition strengthens the economy, but the Chamber helps you find businesses who can supplement your company even if you offer similar services and products. Many members have partnered with one another to provide referrals and to guide clients to one another filling a niche service or product they might not offer.

As a business, you need to look beyond your four walls to grow, there are wonderful people within this organization who help each other succeed, paying it forward knowing it will come back to them twofold. If your interest has been peaked, contact us for an appointment to customize a plan to fit your business.

407-277-5951, eocc@eocc.org or www.EOCC.org.

March 26th is the Chamber’s Scavenger Hunt University. Form a team of five or sign up individually to be placed on a team. Join us to meet new people and patronize our member businesses along University Blvd. Once the Hunt is completed join us for an afterparty with food, beverage, prizes and the announcement of the winners. Register online at today at www.EOCC.org to play.

Our events offer opportunities to feature your business, while building business relationships with members who support and complement one another.

From the Desk of Commissioner To the residents in Avalon Park, I wanted to thank all the residents in Avalon for the honor of inviting me and the Orange County staff to participate in your Avalon Town Hall Meeting. As your Commissioner, I wanted to assure you that your concerns are being heard by providing another channel of communication. Be-

ing accessible is a priority. Therefore, I want to take this opportunity to encourage you to contact my office, by email or phone call with any question or information you may need.

Our County has been monitoring very closely the Coronavirus. I urge you to continue to keep yourself and

Maribel Gomez Cordero your family safe by washing your hands often, not touching faces, covering coughs and staying home if you are feeling sick. The Florida Health Department and Orange County Health Department are prepared to provide any support needed to our health officials.

In addition, I also want to address

the 2020 Census.

The Federal Government is mailing a survey to your home address in an effort to get an accurate count of our entire population.

It is essential that you complete your Census 2020 survey online, by phone or mail. All surveys should be submitted by April 1st.

All Orange County residents should

complete their surveys and make sure they are including everyone in their household. To assist those that do not have a computer at home, Orange County has placed kiosks at our seven community centers so that you can submit your survey. For information about the locations of these kiosks, please call 407-836-9333.

Census 2020 is important for our community because it impacts the amount of representation we will have in Congress and how much

funding our community receives for roadways, schools, hospitals and so much more!

WORK (Cont.)

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One taste of our reasonably priced delicacy and customers will come back again and again to try all our Chill Pops. Popular flavors include: Florida Sunshine, Satin Nutella, Cookies 'n Cream, Strawberry B2 (Balsamic & Basil - a MUST try).

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(407) 704-0295

WORK (Cont.)

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PLAY ORLANDO

PLAY (Cont.)

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PLAY (Cont.)

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Coming together to create a healthy community

An East Orlando Health Alliance

ORLANDO

4 Tips for Senior Health in Spring

By Savanna Chrostowski, NCCDP Certified Dementia Practitioner®CDP, Marketing Director of North Star Senior Advisors As we enter Spring and leave the cold, long winter behind, first priority is finding the motivation to improve our overall health. Even if this is not the case, it’s important to reevaluate healthy living habits every so often! Whether you live at home, in a senior living community, with a fam-

ily member or caring for a loved one, use these 4 tips for senior health this spring!

Take an Exercise Class

To prolong your health and keep it running at peak-performance, regular exercise is a must!

Join a walking club or exercise class. This is not only a great way to meet friends but also control blood sugar, support bone, improve

sleep and most importantly, keep you active longer. You can also get those endorphins flowing by signing up for water aerobics if you love the pool, or consider Yoga, Pilates and even Zumba, all great ways to improve balance and flexibility. Senior Living communities often offer numerous exercises classes and other workout programs to maintain health at no charge as well.

Plan a Spring Break Vacation

Experts often talk about the importance of physical health when it comes to seniors, but mental health is such a large factor too. With Spring break right around the corner, consider taking a vacation with your family and grandkids.

What perfect way to

spend quality time together than during the week school is out? It does not have to be a full-blown vacation either as you can enjoy time at a local theme park, visit a nearby beach or new restaurant you’ve never been to as well as visit a museum or even see a cool new movie out. For the more adventurous folks, plan a cruise with the whole family. It would take the hassle out of booking hotels, and fun activities since its all on the ship! Do anything to get out and make memories with your family that’ll last a lifetime.

Lighten Your Diet

Diet is just as important as exercise. One of the best parts of spring is that all the exciting fruits and veggies come

into season like strawberries, grapes, asparagus, and lettuce for great salads. It’s also a perfect time to cut down on red meat and processed foods that increase your chance of developing heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Replace these items it with light soups, fruit salads or healthy fats like olive oil, fish, and avocados. What is great about senior living communities is that three nutritious chef inspired meals are provided daily that is overseen by a registered dietician. Essentially, you never have to worry about planning meals, simply show up to the dining room and be served!

Drink Plenty of Water

This is a given. Numerous studies backed by

research have shown water does wonders for your health and skin. However, as you age, your ability to notice thirst can decrease. Keep in mind the amount of water you drink daily but also when you’ve been exercising outdoors or have been outdoors for a long period of time. Dehydration occurs all too often, especially in Florida and can harmfully affect memory, causing frequent falls. Experts say to drink at least 8 cups daily and try to choose water over soft drinks, coffee or sugary fruit juices. Although one cup of coffee a day should be fine.

If you are interested in learning more about senior health tips or senior living options, you can reach Savanna with North Star Senior Advisors at 407-796-1582.

COLON CANCER: Knowledge is Power.

If you’re 45, it’s time to get screened.

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

According to the American Cancer Society, the colon cancer death rate in this country could be cut by more than half if Americans simply followed recommended screening guidelines.

Early detection and treatment are critical. If caught early, colorectal cancer is 90 percent curable. If precancerous polyps are found during screening, the disease is often altogether preventable. Because colorectal cancer can develop with no signs or symptoms, a colonoscopy could serve as a life-saving test.

New guidelines: Get screened at 45.

Men and women are affected equally by colorectal cancer. For patients of average risk with no family history, it is now recommended that screenings for colon cancer begin at age 45*, with follow-up

screenings every five to 10 years, even for people who feel perfectly healthy. If you do have a family history of cancer, are experiencing pain or bleeding, or a previous screening revealed polyps, your doctor may recommend that you be screened earlier or more frequently.

A colonoscopy is not as hard as you think.

There’s no need to feel embarrassed or ashamed during a colonoscopy. It is your doctor’s job to perform these lifesaving screenings, and every effort is made to help patients feel comfortable during the painless procedure.

• You’ll be asked to follow a clear liquid diet the day before your procedure. This means only water, clear broth, soda, tea, coffee (without milk/creamer), clear juice (without pulp), Jell-O, popsicles and other flavored drinks (nothing red or purple)

• You’ll be given instructions on using a laxative mixture to empty your bowel so that your colon can be viewed clearly during the procedure.

• During the colonoscopy, your doctor will look at the inner lining of your large intestine (which includes your rectum and colon). A thin, flexible tube called a colonoscope is inserted while you are sedated.

• Most patients have very little awareness that the procedure is taking place. You’re done within an hour.

A colonoscopy is the most effective way to prevent, detect, and diagnose colon cancer.

Along with functioning as a screening test to check for cancer or precancerous polyps in the colon or rectum, a colonoscopy can also help find ulcers, tumors and areas of inflammation or bleeding. It is important to be screened for colon

cancer even if you are not currently experiencing pain or bleeding.

Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors

Even if you have no family history of the colorectal cancer or polyps, you are at increased risk if: • you are 45+ years of age • you are overweight • you are physically inactive • you smoke and/or excessively consume alcohol • you eat a lot of red meat

• you have diagnosed or undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes • you have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis

*Although the screening guidelines have been lowered to age 45, some insurances may not cover the screening until age 50.

About Dr. Mari Rivera Mari Rivera, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist and she received her medical degree from the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, where she graduated with high honors. Dr. Rivera’s clinical interests include Barrett’s esophagus, acid reflux, liver disease, and inflammatory bowel disease.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit GetScreenedToday.com or call 407-609-7395.

LIVE WELL (Cont.)

Spring Cleaning For Your Smile!

By Dr. Mark Ashy, Elite Dentistry

Spring is on its way!

For many of you, this is the time to thoroughly clean your homes of dust and cobwebs, get rid of clutter and let a breath of fresh air into your life. But what about your smile? Even with regular daily brushing and flossing, routine cleanings, or “prophylaxis” (literally “preventive treatment of disease”) at the dentist should be

an important part of your spring routine.

A twice-annual examination, check-up, and cleaning are highly recommended. In fact, according to the Academy of General Dentistry, getting a professional cleaning a least twice a year has a significant impact on the quality of a person’s long-term oral health. In the case of professional teeth cleaning, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

It Makes a Difference!

Regular cleanings, including scaling and polishing by your dentist or hygienist, will remove plaque and tartar (mineralized plaque) which builds up over time and is nearly impossible to remove with regular brushing or flossing. Dentists use special tools or ultrasonic sound waves to help remove plaque or tartar. Without a regularly scheduled cleaning, plaque and tartar

can attack the gums, which can lead to gingivitis and a number of other complications.

On top of keeping your smile squeaky clean and making sure your oral health is in check, a professional cleaning appointment Professional cleanings gives you the opporand routine exams tunity to have a concan also bolster your versation with your at-home dental hy- dentist about your giene routine and give daily dental routine your dentist a chance or any concerns you to take a close look at may have. Regular your mouth to ensure exams and cleanings that you don’t have can give your dentist any problems that a good idea of what have gone undetected. your habits are, allowing them to sug-

gest changes you can make to improve your oral health. Take time for yourself and your teeth – schedule a spring cleaning appointment with your dentist and keep your smile bright!

3 Tips from a Chef this National Nutrition Month Making healthy food choices can be difficult when we’re faced with not-so-healthy temptations at least three times every day. But that’s no excuse to call it quits on healthy living and reach for the unhealthful snacks; in fact, it’s all the more reason to make healthy choices a priority in our daily lives!

Did you know that March is National Nutrition Month? Ensuring you and your family are receiving proper nutrition isn’t as complicated as it sounds. The Director of Healthy Eating here at the YMCA of Central Florida, Chef Gary Appelsies, likes to break down how to incorporate all the best and tastiest parts of nutrition into our diets.

In the spirit of National Nutrition Month, here are 3 simple ways to ensure that the food on your plate is not only of nutritional value, but also that you’ll enjoy every bite.

1. Don’t eliminate all fats.

Did you know that fat is an important part of our diet? Our bodies actually need fat to survive! But not all fats are equally healthy. Unsaturated fats can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce your risk for heart disease, when eaten in moderation. Saturated fats can raise your LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and increase your risk of heart disease.

A great way to make healthier choices when it comes to fats is to read your nutrition labels.

There you’ll find all the information you need to make healthful choices. Here’s a hint: look for foods that are low in total fat.

2. Carbs are not your enemy.

Carbs are actually one of three macronutrients that make up the bulk of your diet and help give your body energy.

Many people believe that all carbs are bad.

Oftentimes, this is because they appear in unhealthy foods that are void of nutrition. However, not all carbs are created equal. Carbohydrates are made up of three categories: sugar, starch, and fiber.

You don’t have to hide from carbs, just be

smart in the way you consume them.

3. The nutrition facts label is loaded with information.

When you first look at a nutrition facts label, it’s easy to ignore the fine print and throw the item in your cart anyway. But ensuring you’re consuming the correct nutrients in your food is a lot simpler than you think.

It’s important to remember that eating healthy isn’t about eating less food, it’s about eating the right food. Look for packaged products that have 140mg or less of sodium per serving and 4g or less of sugar per serving. Read the ingredients list; ideally, it will be short, with maybe 5-10 ingredients. Look for words like “whole” (e.g. “whole grain), and ingredients you recognize.

You should also aim for more nutrients like fiber, vitamins A and C, iron, and calcium.

Incorporating nutritional options into your daily life should be a lot easier using these tips, and the healthy choices you make can last long beyond National Nutrition Month. At the Y, we believe that feeling strong starts by taking care of your body.

Chef Gary Appelsies is the Director of Healthy Eating at the YMCA of Central Florida. For more information on healthy living, please visit ymcacf.org/health-wellness.

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COMMUNITY CORNER ORLANDO

UNITED WE ARE STRONGER! munities, the Legion evolved from a group of war-weary veterans of World War I into one of the most influential nonprofit groups in the United States.

Together, members of The American Legion, The American Legion Auxiliary, the Sons of The American Legion, and Legion Riders are “The American Legion Family.” The American Legion was chartered

by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veteran’s organization. Focusing on service to veterans, servicemembers and com-

On March 20, 2016, American Legion Avalon Park Post 409; the base for our family was formed. Supporting one another, our organization places high importance on preserving our American traditions and values, promotes patriotism, encouraging good citizenship, supporting our veterans and their families and communities, while remembering those which made the ultimate sacrifice. We shall never forget the significance of the cost

our soldiers have come to bear to preserve our way of life and the freedoms granted by their choices.

The focus of our Post is service. We want to be a reliable resource to the veterans and their families in our community and the surrounding communities. We want to be able to help our fellow sisters and brothers find out about various VA benefits and programs that are available they may not be aware of. We partner with various other organizations in order to get the job done.

We are always open and willing to get help from those in the community

who may want to volunteer to help us out. All you have to do is reach out to us. Veterans are part of the community, and the community is part of the Veteran.

Together we can help those Veterans in need, because we never know who may know something, or someone that could change a Veterans life.

www.avalonparkpost409. org or like on Facebook at Avalon Park American Legion Post 409.

Avalon Park Post 409 meet the second Tuesday of each month at Encore of Avalon Park, located at 13798 Cygnus Dr, Orlando, FL 32828. Our meetings start at 6:30pm and welcome all veterans in the community to join us.

For more information visit our website at

KIWANIS CLUB

By Dave Schmitt

The Kiwanis Club of Avalon Park prepared dinner for guests at Ronald McDonald House this past month.

The guest greatly appreciated our clubs’ support.

The club also participated in the Annual Joe Feith Memorial BowlA-Thon for Juvenile Diabetes Camp this past Sunday with two teams as well as the K-Kids team from Stone Lakes Elementary School.

Additionally, this past month the club continue to serve meals for the

Avalon Park JET SETTERS

By Peggy Wilson The Avalon Park Jet Setters is social group of 55+ seniors from Avalon Park and surrounding east Orlando communities. All seniors are invited to participate in the weekly activities from card games at Encore to restaurant outings to local “tourist” adventures. Our group has over 150 members, while not all participate in all activities.

We keep a wide variety of activities on our calendar to try to meet the diverse social tastes of our group. Some recent monthly highlights include Pickleball games, an excursion to DeLeon Springs, table games, movies nights, wine tasting and so much more! In addition to our special activities, we have a regular schedule of activities including, but not limited to Memory Chi, breakfast at Nuno’s and games at Encore. Please join us. We are an organization of seniors, for the newly single, and those socially looking for a place to land. See our calendar for this month’s events and stay tuned for new and exciting activities!

Meals on Wheels program, read at 8 schools every Thursday and also served dinners to homeless earlier in the month.

The Kiwanis Club also is hosting the 11th Annual Charity Golf Tournament this month to raise money for their service leadership programs, high school scholarship projects and the ELIMINATE campaign the Kiwanis International Service project to eliminate Neonatal Tetanus in third world countries- the disease is close to being eradicat-

ed off the planet.

For more information, please contact Dave Schmitt, PE (club membership chair) at

dave.schmitt@dseorl. com / (407) 247-8131.