Avalon Park Sun Orlando December Edition

KEEPING THE NEWS LOCAL.... AND THE COMMUNITY CONNECTED. DECEMBER 2020

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VOLUME 1 EDITION 11

Avalon Aglow Kicks Off The Holiday Season

Saturday, Dec. 5th, 3-9pm. Parade at 3pm and Fireworks at 9pm.

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COMMUNITY UPDATES

Indulge in the best of family holiday traditions at the 19th Annual Avalon Aglow holiday event, Saturday, December 5th, 3-9 p.m. Watch the parade presided over by Santa Claus, sip hot cocoa as you shop at the local businesses, craft and maker vendors, laugh on the train ride around Avalon Lake, enjoy live performances, great food and Orlando’s premier winter fireworks extravaganza. You will feel transported to another time and place – but it all happens in Downtown Avalon Park. Join the fun and start a tradition with your family. The whole month of December is filled with festive ways to celebrate the holidays together with your friends and family. This event is free and open to the public. For more details visit us online.

This year the Marketplace at Avalon Park will be showcasing some of their amazing vendors at the Holiday Market on Sunday, December 6th, 1-5 p.m. in Founder’s Square.

Find the perfect gift to finish your holiday shopping with some great locally precured items by local vendors.

The December Movie in the Park will feature everyone’s favorite, “Elf” at 7 p.m. on Friday, December 11th in Town Park. You also won’t want to miss the monthly food truck night on Sunday, December 20th, 5-8 p.m. also at Town Park.

Can’t wait to get the holidays started? Then you will not want to miss the Annual Holiday Wine Walk sponsored by the Avalon Park Rotary Club and benefitting The Sacha Patin Memorial Scholarship Fund on Thursday,

December 3rd, 6-9 p.m. Sip and stroll through Downtown Avalon Park to Tickets are limited and available by vising the Rotary Club Facebook Page or by clicking here.

To wrap up a great holiday season, join your friends and neighbors at midnight at Avalon Lake on December 31st to ring in the new year with the best fireworks in town!

While we are excited to be able to celebrate with you in person, for the safety of all, events will require social distancing and face masks.

For a full list of events and business directory, visit us online.

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Coffee Hour with BEAT time and it got a lot of attention.

The environmental community was fiercely opposing this new town, mostly east of the Econ River. Working together with St. Johns Water Management District and Orange County, we all did the right thing by figuring out a transaction that would create the Hal Scott Preserve Park. Around 8,000 acres changed hands from Avalon Associates to the St. John Water Management District, who got help from Or-

Entering the holiday season, we are all looking back to this very unusual first year of the new decade. Actually, I am even looking back a quarter of a century in east Orlando. It was in December 1995, after spending a few weeks in Orlando, I boarded a plane at the Orlando International Airport and grabbed a copy of the Orlando Sentinel. The frontpage headline in the business section was about Avalon Associates making a deal with the ange County to create St. Johns Water Manageour own “Central Park,” ment District and Orange just about 10 times larger County. than the famous Central Park in New York City.

In the early 1990s, AvaWhat a Christmas preslon Park was a 9,400-acre ent! parcel of land, and most of that land was east The story of the “Waof the Econlockhatchee ter Management Deal,” River. The original plan is my first Christmas of Avalon Park was memory of Orlando, 25 to be a city of almost years ago. By the way 30,000 homes, or close 1995/1996 was a cold to 100,000 residents, at central Florida “Winter” a time when the City and I recall icy condiof Orlando had 175,000 tions in downtown Orresidents. You can imaglando for a few days in ine the undertaking, one the morning. I first had of the largest real estate to get used to celebratdevelopment projects in ing Christmas in mostly the United States of its

warm weather, under Palm Trees and with no snow.

In Switzerland, my Christmas memories begin with a visit by Saint Nicolas that takes place on December 6th.

Kids are told that Saint Nicolas lives in the Black Forest and knows everything about all the children, the good and the not so good. Therefore, on December 6th, Saint Nicolas visits all children, one on one. He carries a large book in which all the good deeds and shortcomings of

HOWEVER YOU CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAY SEASON, I WISH YOU HAPPY HOLIDAYS. every child is written. It is sort of the day of reckoning for the children, when Saint Nicolas in a rather serious voice tells a child, “....Beat this year you have been 6 times late to school and you often did not clean the dishes after dinner,” and depending on the particular year, more miss deeds where brought up.

However, Saint Nicolas as well knew all the good deeds of the kids during the year, “Beat you helped your Father a lot in the bakery and your grades in school are up.”

Depending on the kind

of year that a child had Saint Nicolas would give candies or sometimes a rod as well!

Well, this year my family and I will spend Christmas in Orlando and our celebration is somewhat different. I will “secretly” buy a Christmas tree and “smuggle” it somehow into the house. On Christmas Eve the kids will be out of the house for all afternoon, while the Christmas tree will be decorated by my wife and me. We will have Christmas dinner with a traditional breaded ham and after the kids are escorted to the living room. Here is where the children will discover the Christmas tree and presents are appearing as a great surprise, that have been brought by the Christ Child. When a friend told me at age 7, that the Christmas tree and presents are brought in by the parents, I did not believe it, and told him the tree is coming through the chimney by the Christ Child along with all the presents. As will the tradition continue in the Kahli household.

However you celebrate the Holiday Season, I wish you Happy Holidays. Stay safe and healthy.

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Tips and Tricks for Readying Your Apartment Before Holiday Vacation When planning to leave for the holidays, it is easy to get caught up in booking flights, preparing an itinerary, making hotel arrangements, and the other things that must be taken care of in advance—so much so that you may forget the things you must do at home before leaving! In order to avoid a stressful return home, use this guide to properly prepare your apartment before you leave for the holidays.

1. Consider Your Car: If you have a car that you’re leaving behind, consider your options about what to do in order to ensure its safety. If you have a designated parking spot, lot, or garage, the best thing to do is leave it there, and remember to remove all valuables.

2. Unplug Electronics: Regardless of whether or not they are being actively operated, having things plugged in uses electricity. Make sure to unplug everything except for your refrigerator, washer, and dryer. Not only will this cut costs on your electric bill, but it will also prevent any fire hazards.

3. Take Care of Your Mail: This may not be applicable to all situations as mail is deposited into your mailbox, but if you are expecting any packages arriving at your doorstep while you are away, it’s best to give a trusted friend or neighbor a spare key to your place. Doing this will ensure that nothing is stolen, and will also give to any potential burglars the appearance that your apartment isn’t vacant, which will prevent any break-ins. Alternatively, you can contact your local post office and request that they hold your

mail until you return.

4. Clean Up the Place: This is the least fun tip for a mind already excited about vacation, and it won’t do much in terms of safety, but your future, relaxed self will thank you when you come home to a clean apartment. No deep cleaning necessary—just take out the trash, get rid of any food that has or will go bad, wash dirty dishes, and make sure there are no wet clothes in the washing machine or dryer.

5. Adjust Your Thermostat: An absent apartment is much better at handling and regulating temperatures than one that’s lived in.

Turn your thermostat up higher than you would normally: not too high that it will be harsh on your belongings, but high enough to cut some electric costs.

6. Pet Care: If you have one or more pets that you can’t take with you, ensure that proper arrangements are made for them. Ask the friend or neighbor who’s watching your mail look after them in either your home or theirs, or set them up in a boarding facility equipped to take care of them. Print out a detailed list of things the caretaker will have to know, such as feeding and walking times or administering any medication.

For more information on The Flats Apartment Living in Downtown Avalon Park, call 407-273-4337 or visit TheFlatsAvalonPark. com or email Info@TheFlatsAtAvalonPark.com.

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From the Desk of Commissioner

Maribel Gomez Cordero Dear Residents of Avalon Park, I hope you had a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving with those you love.

It has not been an easy year; Covid-19 has made it harder to celebrate with our families and friends. Therefore, I ask you that during this holiday season you practice social distancing, wash your hands often and most importantly, wear your mask.

families stay in their homes, which equates to more than $5.8 million. The program will close on December 16, 2020. Visit ocfl.net/ EvictionDiversion for a full list of eligibility criteria and required documents.

Free and accessible testing continues to be a priority for Orange County Health Department. Drive-thru COVID-19 rapid testing at Barnett Park has been extended to 7 days a week, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Testing will be available until December 30. Visit ocfl.net/Testing and click on #1 on the map for more details.

Orange County keeps working towards slowing the spread of the virus and helping our small businesses and residents through this hardship caused

by Covid-19. As a Orange County resident, you can benefit from the Eviction As always, if you need any help or have Diversion program, that helps tenants any questions, feel free to contact my who have suffered a loss or reduction office at 407-836-5881. Stay safe! of income, to avoid eviction. Since August 2020, the program has helped 1,960

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Make Your Holidays Zero-Waste

“Meet the needs of the present without compromising the future generations ability to meet their needs.” Brundtland Commission.

This is what we know as Sustainability. In Ana Leal, founder of AMLY Sustainability words Sustainability is to live a prosper, happy and healthy life without damaging natural ecosystems and allowing our children to live in plenitud.

Plenitud does not mean excess, it means to live better with less.

This is more relevant this year because 2020 brought turmoil and disdain limiting our ability to live in plenitud. Hopefully, the holiday season can bring us faith and cheer us up while we wait for an amazing 2021.

Thinking about food, gifts, small family gatherings, and shopping can keep us in a positive mood. While you do your favorite holidays activities keep in mind how you do it. For sure no one wants more local or global issues. Can you imagine that the holidays add an extra 25% of household waste? Yes, between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day Americans create one million extra tons of waste (EPA.gov). Considering food only, the United States is the global leader in food waste, with Americans discarding nearly 40 million tons of food every year. A dichotomy after the extreme need for food in 2020.

The celebration can continue just be smart and follow simple ways to green your holidays and protect our planet.

- Plan ahead for meals and parties. It’s not only economical, but it will reduce the amount of food thrown away.

- Recycle wrapping paper and cardboard.

Flatten boxes and paper to fit in recycling bins.

- Use real plates, napkins, cutlery and cups or find compostable options.

- Throw a zero-waste holiday gathering even with your small circle.

- Collect plastics and clean styrofoam containers and drop them off at the supermarket.

- Prefer LED lights to lower your energy bills and resource use.

- Donate unwanted items or excess food, gifts.

- Recycle old electronics at designated locations.

- Separate organic waste from recyclable items to minimize what goes to landfill.

- Compost to reduce chemical fertilizers, it is economical and healthier for your plants and yourself.

- Recycle your Christmas tree as mulch, for compost, at the zoo, to help beach erosion or to make hearty crafts.

- Turn off lights if rooms are empty.

- Don’t buy unnecessary items.

- Encourage kids to care for their new toys and donate gently used old ones.

- Don’t let water run for long.

Make this holiday season the first of many full of positive actions and change bad habits that cost you money, increase waste, trigger global warming and damage our planet.

AMLY Sustainability sincerely hopes your holidays are fabulous despite the odds and wishes everyone an amazing new year. We look forward to working with your business, establishment and organization to make this a better place and a Sustainable one for us and future generations.

For more information please visit www.amlysustainability. com or email info@amlysustainability.com.

Introducing the New UCF Celeste Hotel In our very own corner of East Orlando, located on the campus of the University of Central Florida, comes the new The Celeste Hotel. The Celeste Hotel’s identity as a Tribute Portfolio hotel fits perfectly with the Orlando aesthetic, and guests of Marriott Hotels can use and gain Bonvoy points at The Celeste. Both similar to and different from other boutique hotels, The Celeste is like a human whose pulsing center, whose heart, craves not only to connect, but to belong. You seek out The Celeste, and The Celeste invites you in; two old friends meeting for the first time. And The Celeste knows you can’t spell heart without art, so this is how The Celeste proves it: colorful like a rainbow, quirky in the same ways you are, intertwined with UCF’s School of Visual Art and Design: a luxury museum you can sleep in. A hotel. A home.

Here’s a day in The Celeste: you order inroom dining for breakfast and admire the paintings as you wait, as you eat, as you put on your swimsuit, as you float in the pool and almost mistake the sky for another painting. At Aurora, the on-site restaurant, you order your favorite meal, but it’s 4 P.M., so you order a craft cocktail, and then another, because happy hour ends at 6, and then guitars, a voice, music that is both live and alive. You return upstairs, shower in your suite, or your king room, because it’s almost time for the gathering on the event lawn, and you come back downstairs, and the people greet you, and the music is alive, and so are you, so you have another cocktail, rent a cabana for tomorrow, and you feel it in the art, in your heart, in the band’s cover of Talking Heads: “This Must Be the Place.” And you are right, because The Celeste is the place, the outer space to your inner, and please, come

in, stay a while.

With 179 total rooms, a restaurant, a bar, a pool, a fitness center, a private dining room, and the capacity for indoor and outdoor events all centered in the art, the heart, of Orlando, there is only one question left to ask: when will you be checking in?

By: Raven Halle

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How To Enrich the Lives of Senior Citizens During a Socially-Distanced Christmas

The holidays are a time to come together to enjoy the company of loved ones. Unfortunately, COVID-19 and public health concerns have prevented people from being able to safely gather together —especially those who are immunocompromised, like many seniors.

However, this does not mean that seniors will have to skip out on the 2020 holiday season festivities. Here are some ways that you can help senior citizens safely enjoy a socially-distanced Christmas.

Go Digital This Holiday Utilizing technology is a great way to get connected with the seniors in your life this holiday season. Fortunately, digital communication technology has made impressive advancements during the COVID-19 pandemic. And while some seniors may have difficulty with technology, there are many resources they can reference to manage their smartphones or other devices. Here are some ways to connect with a senior while observing social-distancing guidelines:

- Set up a video call with applications like Zoom, FaceTime, or

Skype

- Schedule a synchronous holiday-movie night with programs like Teleparty - Host a virtual game night Share and Revisit Past Memories Everyone loves looking through documentation of old memories. Another way to help seniors connect with their families could be to provide them with pictures and videos from previous holidays. If your senior is good with technology, consider sending them a montage of old videos or a digital collage of pictures through a photo-hosting application or on social media. If they prefer more tangible objects, you can gift them a scrapbook or photo album. This will not only provide the senior in your life with great memories to revisit during the holiday season, but it is also a thoughtful and memorable gift.

Stuff a Stocking for a Senior This season, you can brighten the holidays for a senior who otherwise might not receive a gift by donating Stockings

for Seniors sponsored by SeniorsFirst. The organization is asking for “male” and “female” labeled stockings stuffed with select items off their SeniorsFirst Wish List. Items include: - Shampoo - Lotion - Deodorant - Razors - Hand sanitizer - Disinfecting wipes Download our list of ideas on useful items for assisted living residents.

Stockings for Seniors can be dropped off by December 7, 2020, at several Orlando locations including Encore at Avalon Park.

Holidays at Encore at Avalon Park At Encore at Avalon Park, we are committed to ensuring that our seniors will be able to enjoy the holidays under any circumstance. To make our residents’ Christmas wishes come true, we are asking families and volunteers to stop by Encore before December 1 to pick up a personalized ornament that lists the Christmas wishes of

our community seniors and return their wrapped gift by December 7.

Your thoughtful gift will make this difficult year-end on a bright note for our beloved seniors as they open their presents surrounded by the festive backdrop of our holiday decorations.

With social and recreational activities and holiday festivities to enjoy, Encore at Avalon Park is truly dedicated to the joy and comfort of your senior loved one. That is why we are ranked as one of the best-assisted living communities in the Central Florida area.

When choosing a community for the senior in your life, consider Encore at Avalon Park.

For more information or to schedule a virtual tour, call us today at 407-270-7500 or visit our website encoreatavalonpark.com.

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Senior Santa Help us brighten the season for a senior who might not otherwise receive a holiday gift.

Stop by Encore Nov. 1st - Dec. 1st and pick up an ornament that will identify the wish of a senior at Encore or one of our community partners! Then bring the wrapped item back to Encore by Dec 7th.

For more information: (407) 270-7500 or Info@EncoreAtAvalonPark.com. For a list of items visit us online at: EncoreAtAvalonPark.com/SeniorSanta 13798 Cygnus Dr. Orlando, FL 32828 | (407)270-7500 | EncoreAtAvalonPark.com

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OUC on Utility Scam Awareness Week Many electric, water and natural gas customers throughout the country are targets of utility scams each day. In recognition of Utility Scam Awareness Week (Nov. 16-20), OUC is sharing the following tips that will help Central Floridians protect themselves from falling victim to utility scams: •If you receive a phone call or email demanding that you pay a certain amount or your utility services will be cut off, hang up the phone or delete the email.

This is a scam.

formed of their account status.

•OUC does not demand immediate payment and never sends employees to customers’ homes to collect payment or warn them of disconnection.

•If someone claiming to represent OUC comes to your home and makes a similar request, close the door and call police.

This is a scam, too.

•Do not disclose personal information – including Social Security number, credit card number or bank account.

•Do not click on links in text messages or emails or reply to voicemails that warn you’re about to lose utility services.

•Ensure your virus protection

•Visit OUC.com and login to your account or call 407-4239018 to check your account status.

software is up to date on your computer, and do not click on pop-ups claiming you must pay your utility bill immediately.

•Do not wire money to anyone claiming to represent OUC or another utility provider.

•Like most utility companies, OUC notifies customers in writing when an account is past due and follows up with a phone call before disconnecting services. Customers signed up for proactive alerts are also in-

•Customers who suspect they’ve been the targets of utility scams should contact OUC at customerservice@ouc.com or 407-423-9018 and notify their local law enforcement agency.

Victims can also file a complaint with the Florida Attorney General’s Office at MyFloridaLegal. com or by calling 1-866-9NOSCAM.

Fall Back to Watering One Day a Week – and Other Tips for Conserving Water With the return to Standard Time on November 1 came a mandatory change in the outdoor watering schedule, falling back to one day a week from two for residents of 16 Florida counties, including Orange.

Under watering restrictions set by the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD), residential property owners with even numbered addresses may water only on Sundays, while those with odd-numbered or no addresses may water only on Saturdays.

Nonresidential property owners may water only on Tuesdays. Customers are advised to water only when needed, and not between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The one-day-a-week watering rule is in effect until the second Sunday in March.

As you reset your outdoor watering schedule, it’s a good time to do some additional checks around your home to ensure you’re conserving as much water as possible. A few simple changes can help lower your water bill while also making sure there are no sneaky leaks around your home.

Here are some tips from OUC conservation specialists for conserving water both in and outside of your home: • Water your lawn wisely. Irrigation accounts for more than half of Central Florida’s total water consumption – but there are ways you can minimize your impact. Water for no more than one hour per area of your yard, avoid watering on windy days, adjust sprinklers so they water the lawn, not the pavement, and avoid sprinklers that spray a fine mist. Make sure plants aren’t blocking sprinklers and turn off sprinklers when it’s raining.

• Check your automatic sprinkler system. Examine your system at least once every month or two for leaks, and broken sprinkler heads and promptly make repairs. Check for signs of broken or leaky sprinkler system pipes by looking for muddy or overgrown areas of turf. Make sure your sprinkler system’s timer/controller is operating correctly, as you’ve programmed it, so it operates on the right days, at the right times, for the right durations.

• Make a few changes out-

doors. There are additional ways you can conserve water outside your home, aside from watering your yard. Clean driveways and sidewalks with a broom instead of a hose, and use a spray nozzle when washing your car to stop water flow between rinses. Cover your pool or spa to reduce evaporation and check for pool/spa leaks regularly, making repairs promptly.

•Saving water inside your home takes a few simple steps.

Easy ways to save water now include taking shorter showers, turning off the water while brushing your teeth or shaving, washing only full loads in the dishwasher and clothes washer, filling the sink with water and turning off the faucet to wash dishes by hand, and using the garbage disposal sparingly. If you’d like to take it even farther: You can install water-saving shower heads and flush valves in toilets.

• Identify and repair leaks in your home. In a typical house, leaky toilets and faucets can waste hundreds of gallons of water each day, which means unnecessary water and sewer

charges on your utility bill. To find hidden leaks in your home, make sure no water is running in the house and observe your water meter. If the meter’s dial is moving, you may have a leak somewhere. Check for leaky faucets in and out of your home – a worn washer could easily be the issue. Inspect the water level in the toilet tank. If it’s too high, water is being wasted.

If you’ve followed all these measures and are still looking for more ways to conserve energy, schedule a free home energy and water 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 407-423-9018 or visiting www. ouc.com/audit-inquiry.

LEARN

Timber Creek HS Wolves Update Varsity Football: Wolves Dominate in Regular Season Finale

yard touchdown reception by Ethan Varnedore from Luke Johnson.

The Timber Creek defense continued to make it look easy as Jaden Diaz got his second sack of the quarter setting up a 35-yard touchdown reception by Raymonti Goodson to end the first quarter. In the second quarter Ethan Varnedore connected again with Johnson for a 40-yard touchdown reception and Adrian Florez would score on a 30-yard rushing touchdown to put the Wolves up 35-0. Running back Malik Tyrell took his increased workload in the second half as a chance to shine, as he ran for over 10 yards on 4 different plays in a single drive and capped off that drive with a 1-yard touchdown to extend Timber Creek’s lead. In the fourth quarter it would be defensive back David Sebert to haul in his first interception of the season and energize the Wolves’ sideline. Ethan Varnedore would score another touchdown (his third of the night) off of a beautiful pass from Trey Woodson that would total out to be a 91-yard touchdown, one of the best plays of the night.

The score would go to 49-0 as time expired and the Wolves ended their regular season with a record of 6-1.

After facing their first defeat the week before to Winter Park, the Wolves looked to bounce back last Friday against a Cypress Creek, a team that has yet to beat them dating all the way back to 2005. The Wolves came out strong and forced a three-and-out on the first drive which was aided by a Jaden Diaz sack on second down. On their next possession, Timber Creek would only allow 3 yards before forcing a punt and responding with a 36-yard rushing touchdown by Jonathan Cabral on the first play of their drive. Cypress Creek fumbled on the return, leading to a 13-

Top Performers: Jaden Diaz: 2 sacks David Sebert: 1 interception Isaiah Reyes: 2 solo tackles, 1 assisted tackle Ethan Varnedore: 3 touchdown receptions Luke Johnson: 3 passing touchdowns Alex Davis: 6/6 on extra points

Boys and Girls Bowling 2020 State Championship Results

Congratulations to Our Homecoming King and Queen!

Congratulations to our girls and boys bowling teams for another amazing season as their post-season came to close last week with the girls placing 10th in the state and the boys team finishing 17th. The boys also finished with an impressive regular record of 13-1 as well as the girls with a 10-3 regular season record – both finishing district runner-up. Also, a big shoutout to Coach Delpazzo, Coach Gardner and Coach Roth for an outstanding job this season. Go Wolves!

Friday night at the TC game, the Timber Creek High School’s 2020 Homecoming King, Landon Hopkins, and Homecoming Queen, Daniella Vega were crowned! Congratulations to all that were nominated. Also, thank you to our valued sponsor Avalon Jewelers for providing both Landon and Daniella their beautiful crowns!

Boys and Girls Cross Country Regional Meet

The boys and girls cross country teams attended the 2020 Cross Country Regionals at Hagerty High. The boys placed 5th overall with 123 points and a 17:44 average time.

This brings an end to the boys amazing season. The girls placed 2nd overall putting up 83 points and an average time of 20:30. Caleb Brady, Daria-Cuellar-Hernandez, and Brenda Grez all managed to finish in top 15. With their second place finish the girls qualified as the Regional Runner Ups. They headed to Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee and finished 4th in the FHSAA 4A State Finals. Congrats to both teams!

Top Performers: Caleb Brady- finished 15th overall, 17:19.04 Daria Cuellar-Hernandez- finished 4th overall, 19:50.65 Brenda Grez- finished 15th overall, 20:22.58

Click here for more schedule information and the Timber Creek Athletics website.

LEARN (Cont.)

Orange County Government’s Health Services Offers Free and Fast Drive-Thru Rapid COVID-19 Testing Since late April 2020, Orange County Health Services has been rotating locations throughout the County to offer free drive thru COVID-19 testing to all county residents. Starting November 9, 2020 through the end of the year, Health Services will offer FREE drive thru rapid testing at Barnett Park Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Both molecular (PCR) and antigen (rapid) tests will be available at the Barnett Park testing site.

“We decided to transition to offer both molecular/PCR and rapid/antigen testing due to the demand we have been hearing from Orange County residents for faster COVID-19 results,” said Public Safety Director Danny Banks, who has led the charge of incorporating rapid tests into Orange

County Health Services test sites. “These tests are fast, free and for all ages. Rapid tests usually give results within about 20 minutes. However, we still want to stress that molecular/PCR tests are the most accurate and considered the ‘gold standard’ in testing.”

Orange County Medical EMS Medical Director Dr. Christian Zuver advises that if residents have symptoms and test negative for an antigen test, they should still get a molecular/PCR test to ensure they do not have COVID. Also, if residents have had exposure to someone with COVID, they should get tested.

Information about which FREE test may be the best choice for you is available on the County’s website. Visit ocfl.net/Testing and click on #1 on the testing map for more information.

TESTING: • No appointments necessary • All ages are welcome.

• FREE. No co-pay required.

• Participants are asked to bring insurance cards, but uninsured residents will be accepted.

• Orange County residents only.

• No symptoms and/or criteria are necessary for testing.

• Individuals will receive free packet of facemasks/hand sanitizer after the tests.

WHEN: Rapid Testing will be available beginning on Monday, November 9, 2020 through December 30, 2020, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Weather permitting. Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. WHERE: Health Services Testing Site | Barnett Park, 4801 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32808 For more information, visit www.ocfl.net/Testing and click on #1 on the map.

Para información en español (or any other languages), por favor llame al 407-836-3111.

LEARN (Cont.)

TCHS Athletics Updated Guidelines Important information regarding home athletic events for Winter Sports. Updated OCPS guidelines are allowing for up to 25% capacity as determined by each school’s max capacity by venue. Tickets to Timber Creek home athletic events tickets will now be sold through the GoFan app (no walk up/cash sales). That said, Boosters you will still have access to two (2) entries to all home (non-playoff) sporting events - there will be a sponsor list at the gate to allow for two people to enter the venue.

PLEASE NOTE - CAPACITY IS LIMITED TO 25% IN ALL VENUES - ONCE CAPACITY IS FULL NO OTHER ADMITTANCE WILL BE ALLOWED. Also please note that if capacity is tight, parents of the student athletes from both teams have priority to see their kids play.

Thanks in advance for your understanding.

Also, we are going to be making actual passes but we are currently not able to get them produced until after the Thanksgiving holiday based upon school access / restrictions. For now you will still have access via a sponsor pass list at the entrance for Booster Sponsors.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Booster President Marc Grabenhorst at (407) 616-1088 or via email at timbercreekwolves@gmail.com. Thank you for your continued support of the Timber Creek Athletics. Go Wolves!

click here to Register online today or call (407) 380-3444!

train until the end of the year! call today to reserve your trial spot: (407)275-1700

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Downtown Avalon Park Featured Business of the Month

Immediate Career Opportunities Available!! ®

NAUTIQUE.COM

Nautique Boat Company is celebrating 95 years of excellence building world renowned boats in Orlando. Nautique is a subsidiary of Correct Craft and has been on the waters of the world with a passion for innovation since 1925.

Nautique values people, performance and philanthropy with a passion for making a difference.

Do you love to work with your hands and create quality, award winning products? Would you like to be part of a team that builds the world’s best watersports boats? Do you have experience working with hand tools and small power tools? If so, here is your opportunity to put those skills to work, earning great pay while being part of a team that takes great pride in building a high-performance, quality product.

Nautique Boat Company currently has 50+ job openings that need to be filled immediately Some of the open positions include: Upholstery Assemblers, Grinders, Lamination Technicians, Gel Coat/Fiberglass Technicians, and multiple various Assembler positions.

Nautique offers competitive entry level pay starting at $13 - $15 per hour depending upon experience.

Shift hours are normally 5:30am – 4:00pm, Monday – Thursday (overtime may be required at times due to the needs of the business) In addition to competitive pay, there are great benefits including: • Incentive Bonus Plans • Health, Dental, Vision, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Company Paid Life Insurance, Voluntary Life Insurance, and Flexible Spending Accounts • 401(k) Plan • Paid Holidays • Paid Time Off (PTO) • Education Assistance • Job Stability

For detailed information on these positions or to apply online, please visit the “Careers” section at:

www.nautique.com

If you are interested in having your Avalon Park business featured as a Business of the Week, please reach out to us for more details: Info@AvalonParkSun.com! We would love to answer any questions you might have!

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INTERNATIONAL UPDATE Meet the Member

Interview with Danuta Cichocka from Resistell The 5th Floor is an international collaborative pro-work space where members are able to enjoy international collaboration benefits in our 5th Floor locations and connections throughout the world. We would like to introduce you to Switzerland member, Danuta Cichocka.

1. How did Resistell come about?

We created Resistell to develop a test to help physicians around the world to find the right antibiotic in time. We also want to contribute to the fight against Antimicrobial Resistance.

2. Could you give us a short overview of Resistell?

Resistell proposes an alternative to current antibiotic suscepti-

bility tests (AST) which are also known as antibiograms. Currently, phenotypic ASTs take up to several days, which is too late for the evidence based decision making. Resistell is able to deliver AST results within a few hours, based on measurement of vibrations of living bacteria using micromechanical sensors.

As this cutting-edge technology does not rely on bacterial growth, patients can be treated with the optimal medication from day one.

3. What makes Resistell future-oriented?

Before the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) was already one of the biggest global health challenges. In many countries, patients hospitalized with COVID-19 receive antimicrobial therapies as part of the standard clinical care package.

Excessive and arbitrary use of these powerful medicines trig-

gers the development of multidrug resistance. This leads to higher costs for the healthcare system and more deaths due to resistance of bacteria.

4. Resistell is a company founded and based in Basel.

What do you particularly appreciate about this region?

The region offers excellent infrastructure, access to an excellent talent pool and global industry.

Top 20 Books for an Entrepreneur’s 2021 Reading List

Whether it be through an iPhone, laptop, or tablet, the internet’s infinite resources are never farther than a fingertip away, making it easier to search Google than search through a book. However, books offer stories and anecdotes that the internet does not, which is why it is important to read in order to be successful in whatever way you wish. If you’re an entrepreneur looking to create the most successful version of yourself and your business, here is a list of 20 books that should be on your reading list for 2021. Note that this list is not in any particular order.

1. Ignore Everybody: and 39 Other Keys to Creativity by Hugh MacLeod In his book, MacLeod breaks down the 40 ways through which to increase creativity. No matter what kind of business is being run, creativity is key when it comes to generating ideas. Perhaps this book’s best quality is that MacLeod writes in a relatable way using easy-to-understand language, making it perfect for both the beginner and the expert.

2. The Empathy Edge: Harnessing the Value of Compassion as an Engine for Success by Maria Ross Something that is often overlooked but always necessary for a successful business is the development of emotional intelligence, and Ross’s book discusses just that. Her main argument is that many problems that plague businesses stem from a lack of empathy, or understanding, for clients and coworkers. If you’re looking to improve your business holistically, or if you can’t figure out why something is not working within your business, Ross’s book is for you!

3. What It Takes: Lessons in the Pursuit of Excellence by Stephen Schwarzman One of the best ways to become a successful entrepreneur is to examine the journey of and advice from someone whose success is similar to what you seek. Schwarzman, who is the CEO of one of the most prominent investment firms in the world, details his journey from student to CEO. This book is good for everyone, but especially those whose careers are just beginning.

4. The Non-Obvious Guide to Emotional Intelligence by Kerry Goyette In the same vein of Ross’s book is Goyette’s The non-Obvious Guide to

Emotional Intelligence. This book emphasizes the importance of creating connections with clients, coworkers, and the rest of the world, while also outlining the ways through which entrepreneurs can build more useful relationships and lead with a purpose. This book is helpful for anyone trying to create more meaningful and fulfilling relationships.

5. Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds by David Goggins While easier said than done, many entrepreneurs credit their success to a simple change of mindset. Although conceptually intense at times, Goggins argues that most people only use 40% of their capabilities, and his book encourages the development of these capabilities. This book works for both the beginner and seasoned entrepreneur looking to overcome fear in order to reach their full potential.

6. How to Get Sh*t Done: Why Women Need to Stop Doing Everything So They Can Achieve Anything by Erin Falconer If you’re a woman in business who just can’t find a book that understands you, Falconer’s might be the answer! Many traditional self-help entrepreneurial books are written by men and therefore tend to overlook the struggles that women in business face every day as a result of cultural and societal pressures. From anecdotes to real advice, Falconer’s book is best suited for women looking to restructure their ideas of productivity in order to work smarter, not harder.

7. Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World by Cal Newport As mentioned in the beginning of this article, using technology is often the easier alternative to reading and working. In his book, Newport discusses the many gadgets that distract us and offers ways to effectively use and prioritize technology to aid productivity rather than increasing distractions. If you, like most of us, find yourself often down a rabbit hole of Instagram posts or YouTube videos, Newport’s book can help you determine the best ways to use the technology that surrounds us.

8. How I Built This: The Unexpected Paths to Success from the World’s Most Inspiring Entrepreneurs by Guy Raz (Cont...)

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Raz’s book, based on the highly-regarded podcast of the same name, is a kind of anthology featuring tips and inspirations from world-renowned entrepreneurs regarding starting, initiating, and further building a successful business. Of all the books on this list, this one is likely the most diverse: from the Buddhist monk who created Headspace to the sandwich cart vendor who started Stacy’s Pita Chips, every reader will be able to identify with and learn from at least one of the 200 entrepreneurs interviewed in this book.

9. The Unicorn’s Shadow: Combating the Dangerous Myths that Hold Back Startups, Founders, and Investors by Ethan Mollick One of the more evidence-based books in this list, Mollick’s book is best for the skeptical entrepreneur. He explains the phenomenon behind the billionaire “unicorns,” like Mark Zuckerberg and Bill Gates, how most startups do not begin like Facebook or Microsoft, and how the discourse surrounding these “unicorns” lead to discouraging and dangerous myths about starting a business. Whether you’re looking to assuage your fear of starting a business or seeking critical, data-based analysis about successful businesses, Mollick’s book is for you.

10. First Pitch: Winning Money, Mentors, and More for Your Startup by Debi Kleiman While helpful for all business people, Kleiman’s book is best suited for beginner entrepreneurs looking to perfect their pitches. Kleiman’s book, which is based directly on her own experiences as an entrepreneur and marketer, teaches readers how to craft impressive pitches to gain support for their businesses. Whether you’re just starting up or wanting to go the extra mile with your business pitch, Kleiman’s information will be of benefit.

11. Lean AI: How Innovative Startups Use Artificial Intelligence to Grow by Lomit Patel For both the ambitious and the preeminent entrepreneur, Patel shows you how to use Artificial Intelligence in order to produce substantial results for your company. Unlike most of the other books featured on this list, Patel’s is certainly advanced and requires some background knowledge regarding AI and automation; however, with some patience and perseverance, he will teach you explicitly how to use technology to your business’s advantage.

12. Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John Carreyrou Carreyrou’s book stands apart from the rest of the list because its goal is not to advise or direct, but rather tell the story of a failed and dangerous startup. The inclusion of this book on this list, however, is not to promote fear—contrarily, it serves as an important lesson to be learned and thus help entrepreneurs avoid a similar mistake. The story follows a Silicon Valley “unicorn” startup that aimed to revolutionize the medical field, but instead harmed more people than it helped. This journalistic book is a cautionary tale that, similarly to reading success stories, may help to show you the dos and don’ts of starting a business.

13. The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Risk and Decisions: Building Successful Early-stage Ventures by Thomas G. Pittz and Eric W. Liguori Piggybacking off of the book mentioned before this one, Pittz and Liguori delve into the necessary risks and decisions one must make when starting a business. Rooted in their many years of studying and working with early-stage businesses, Pittz and Liguori are here to share the most practical advice concerning the important decisions that may separate a successful business from an unsuccessful one. Looking to learn how to manage risks and improve your business model? Give Pittz and Liguori a shot!

14. Asian Founders at Work: Stories from the Region’s Top Technopreneurs by Ezra Ferraz and Gracy Fernandez While one may assume that learning about launching a startup in Asia is unnecessary and unrelated to building a business in the U.S., Ferraz and Fernandez aim to show you differently. This book is a compilation of stories and interviews by and of some of the most successful technopre-

neurs in Asia—an epicenter of innovation—for those who are looking to study the success of people from other countries as well as those considering expanding their business globally.

15. The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg Circling back to the desire of becoming the most successful version of yourself, Duhigg’s book is a great place to start when it comes to forming and changing habits. A New York Times business reporter, Duhigg examines the science behind habits, why they exist, and how they can transform. This book is brimming with knowledge about the human condition’s potential for change and argues that one must first understand habits before being able to alter them. While this book is not entirely centered around business and entrepreneurship, Duhigg will pull you out of stasis and explain how changing your habits can change your life and, therefore, your business.

16. Joy at Work: Organizing Your Professional Life by Marie Kondo and Scott Sonenshein If Marie Kondo’s name sounds familiar to you, it’s because it is: she is best known for KonMari, or her system of organizing which aims to spark joy in people’s lives. While, in theory, organizing may seem miniscule in the grand scheme of entrepreneurship, Kondo and Sonenshein offer tips, tricks, and studies to aid in making space for the work that matters to you. If you often feel disorganized or can’t seem to find where to start, start with Joy at Work.

17. Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell The main question posed by Gladwell in his book revolves around the specificities that render successful, high-achievers different from other people. His answer? We are too concerned with what successful people are like, and not concerned enough with where successful people are from: culturally and generationally. While the book is thoroughly enjoyable for its anecdotes and trivia, it also uses case studies to examine the roles of certain advantages and disadvantages that can impact success.

For those looking for an interesting and informative read, Gladwell checks all the boxes.

18. Shoe Dog by Phil Knight Knight’s Shoe Dog details the struggles and successes of Nike, one of the world’s most famous brands, in its beginning stages. Knight, who was a co-founder and CEO of Nike, shares with readers some of the strategies utilized by Nike to rescue itself from difficult situations. This book is perfect for entrepreneurs who seek to learn from the mistakes and successes of a distinguished company.

19. Built to Last by Jim Collins and Jerry Porras While both Built to Last and Shoe Dog are not as recently published as the other titles featured on this list, they remain culturally relevant alone and also together. While Knight focuses on Nike, Collins and Porras take a similar approach on a wider scale, detailing the growth of 18 companies from their beginnings to now. This book offers even more opportunities to understand and learn from big-name companies.

20. Leadership is Language by David Marquet The last book on this list, Leadership is Language, may not be strictly business; however, this book offers much to learn. In terms of business and entrepreneurship, language can either make you or break you, and that is the central message Marquet aims to explain. The book’s main claim is that successful leaders gain and maintain success through the language they use, whether it be via email or face-to-face meetings. This book is helpful for anyone who wants to lead—whether in business or otherwise—in terms of teaching how the things you do or do not say can influence you and others.

For more information how your business can connect and collaborate with The 5th Floor Co-Working team, please call 407-658-6565 or email Info@The5thFloor.us.

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2020 Events

CLICK HERE FOR FULL DIRECTORY!

July 4th October 9th - 10th October 24th

4th of July Oktoberfest Spooktacular

November 26th December 5th December 5th

Turkey Trot Avalon Aglow Grace Foley Rock Your Socks 5K

Movie Under the Stars: 4th Fridays Monthly (Sept - April) Food Truck Nights: 3rd Sundays Monthly Fridays National Anthem: FB Live Noon

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

FLOORS, INC INC

& POLO PALM PALM PAINT PAINT PoloFloors@yahoo.com www.PoloFloors.com

407.988.3361

3738 Avalon Park E Blvd.

Orlando, FL 32828

Happy Holidays!

With love from RE/MAX Innovation

Stop by for a free consultation

3742 Avalon Park East Blvd, Orlando, FL 32828 | 407-281-1053

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The Rest of the Story Edited in Time

“Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365-page book. Write a good one.” Brad Paisley On December 1, 2019, the first known patient experienced symptoms of the mysterious pneumonia-like illness known as COVID-19. While there was no epidemiological link established between this case and later instances, Chinese media reported the first case presented November 17th. By the end of the month China alerted the World Health Organization that a growing number of residents of Wuhan, China had become ill.

Fast forward 365 days and the CDC reports at the end of November that more than 12 million US cases were reported and 260,000 deaths occurred. The Worldometer’s COVID-19 data was a bit more grim offering a worldwide perspective showing the US leading the number of total reported cases at over 13 million with 270,000+ deaths. The pandemic has had a significant impact on people’s livelihoods, their health and our food systems.

Rewind a century ago, when the United States suffered another economic crisis elevated by a pandemic and other world events. The Spanish flu pandemic struck while World War I continued to rage. Within two years unemployment went from 1.4% to 11.7% adding to the unrest and violence rolling across the country. The Palmer Raids took place, prohibition passed outlawing alcohol, women won the right to vote and unrest overseas was what Dr. Harlan Ullman with the Atlantic Council described as a “petri dish for revolution”. Within two years, the Spanish flu ran its course without the aid of vaccines or treatment and thankfully did not recur. In a rather short period, the US recovered from a “world war, two recessions in quick succession, a pandemic and a period of extreme domestic unrest.”

It feels like we rang in 2020 and it passed by leaving little distinction between seasons, months or days. As Michael Altshuler said, “The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot.” 2021 is around the corner with an abundance of change the pandemic inspired. For many of our businesses the change to remote working has reduced their bottom line and helped them work more efficiently. Manufacturing has made remote work part of a normal business practice, while adapting to customer preferences. We are seeing a transition to product optimization, integrated marketing, sales and service, the evolution of direct and indirect channel strategies and a reinvestment into sales operations.

“Change is imminent! We must enthusiastically embrace it, manage it, and

craft it to our advantage.” Steve Craft. It is time to make sure you are connecting with clients, get active on social media, refresh your brand, work on your website and make sure your printed materials are fresh and current. Shep Hyken with Forbes predicts that moving into the New Year, businesses need to be prepared as Customers will continue to get smarter, more impatient, and desiring convenience (which is no longer optional). He adds that virtual and remote workforce will become business as usual making it imperative that companies and brands find more ways to automate and digitize the experience.

The East Orlando Chamber is here to help with unique offerings to help elevate your businesses visibility and connect you with others helping your business thrive. Testimonial Tuesday features our members on a live broadcast allowing them to share personal and professional information with listeners. The Member Academy shows new members how to use the valuable resources provided with hands-on training to jump start their chamber journey. Taking it one step further, the EOCC Spark 365 Brain Trust is an intimate meeting of the minds helping to decode problems, design solutions and offer leads members desire.

We will also celebrate a new schedule in 2021, offering a quarterly menu with industry focus including our Chamber Luncheon, Women in Successful Endeavors (WISE), OPTIC – Orlando Professional Technical Innovation Council, Connect 4 for Property Professionals, our Healthcare Council Collaborative and more.

Kick off the year by joining us for our event January 27th from 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM at Bonefish Grill Waterford, as we celebrate our Volunteers of 2020, recognize our Chamber Ambassadors and Install the 2021 East Orlando Chamber Board of Directors. Judge Eric Dubois will lead the ceremony as Karen Jensen (Orlando Health) passes the gavel to incoming Board Chair Martha Santoni (Nemours Children’s Hospital).

Pete Folch (Second Wind Finish Strong, Inc) will also join to provide an inspiring message for the New Year.

For more information or to register call (407) 277-5951 or visit our website at eocc.org. The East Orlando Chamber of Commerce everywhere East of I-4.

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PLAY JOIN US FOR A

Holiday Market & Picture Patc IN AVALON PARK ORLANDO!

SUNDAY. DECEMBER 6TH FROM 1 - 5 PM AT FOUNDER'S SQUARE 13038 FOUNDERS SQUARE DR. AvalonParkOrlando.com | (407) 658-6565

Picture Patch

While our event is outside, all guest are encouraged to follow CDC guidelines as it pertains to social distancing and face masks.

If you do not feel well or are uncomfortable being at a public event, please do not attend.

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JINGLE BELL RUN

SLEIGH RIDE PARTY

DECEMBER 12, 2020 | 10:00AM ORLANDO AND TAMPA DON’T MISS OUT ON THE SOCIALLY DISTANCED ‘SLEIGH RIDE’.

DECK OUT YOUR SLEIGH (AKA CAR) AND ENTER THE ‘SLEIGH YOUR RIDE’ BEST DECORATED CAR CONTEST! JOIN US FOR A FUN MORNING OF SAFE AND DISTANCED FUN WITH A DRIVE-THRU AND TAILGATE TO CELEBRATE OUR SUCCESS!

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT MHUGHEY@ARTHRITIS.ORG OR 813-336-5435 JBR.ORG/FLORIDA

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Solymar Travel’s Travel Tip!

Why a vacation as a Christmas gift may be the perfect thing for your family. Before you know it, Christmas is here and right now is the best time to make your Christmas plans and get all the shopping out of the way. If you regularly find yourself rushing and stressing to get the Christmas gifts on the list and also plan the family party resulting in not spending any Quality Time with your family over the holidays, you could consider giving a vacation as a Christmas gift.

There are lots of reasons why a vacation could be the single most awesome Christmas gift your ever give your family, and here are the top 10 reasons why: year after year when you feel your family has everything they need. That’s why treating them to something that creates memories is a perfect solution. Plus, it’s a great opportunity for amazing photos, videos, and anecdotes.

Truly, if you try and think back on every toy you were given on Christmas when you were a kid, can you remember each one?

What about all your family vacations?

4. Avoids adding to your home’s clutter.

1. It’s Unexpected!

What better surprise that the whole family is going on vacation. Expecting tangible gifts for the holidays is the norm but your family will not expect the gift of a vacation. The reaction alone might be worth gifting the trip!

2. Less clean up!

Before and after Christmas, your house may be piled with toys, gifts, boxes, wrapping paper & supplies. You’ve spent a longtime planning, buying, and wrapping these gifts and in one single Christmas moment when everyone opens their gifts, your home looks like the streets after a Carnival event. It can be a bit of a shock when the magic of Christmas morning fades and you’re the one left to clean up the mess.

3. Memories last forever yet toys are soon forgotten.

It’s sometimes hard to buy a gift

Well if you have a clutter problem like many of us do, you won’t have to dust your vacation or kick it out of the way as you head out of the living room. Let’s face it, every year we spend lots of money on buying presents that will keep our loved one’s interest for a week or two and then the present is added to the pile of stuff that you don’t’ have storage room for.

So, don’t fall into the trap that gifts must be objects, and have to be wrapped up.

5. Save yourself from stress.

Let’s face it, buying presents can be a huge challenge. You need to take into consideration your family’s Christmas wish list and head out early to the stores in hopes that you can find all their gift choices before they are no longer available. Honestly, who’s got the extra time to drive around this busy shopping season and make those long waiting lines to buy all their gifts? The best part of a gift a vacation trip is that you can contact your community travel agency, Solymar Travels and they can

It is finally here...

do all the hard work for you. You just make all the decisions.

6. It can be cost effective.

While some vacations are going to cost more than others, many will end up costing less than what you would have spent on traditional gifts. Considering the crazy prices of electronics alone these days, the average cost of gifting to each family member in the U.S. can be more expensive than providing one gift of a vacation. You can also budget ahead of time and pay it in installments so this way you can approach the Christmas season without the threat of debt!

Visit Solymar Travels and they can help you plan your Christmas vacation early.

7. Giving the gift and being part of the travel experience.

You surely know someone who said all the preparations for the festive season made them crave another holiday. How about receiving a “Thank you” for organizing a spectacular feast and gifts for all of us? Not so much, leaving you underappreciated for all your efforts. Well if you surprise your family with a future vacation, the anticipation is almost as fun as the actual vacation. The best part is you get to be part of the surprise, the preparations, the actual vacation, and the memories thereafter. It’s a win, win situation for you!

8. Traveling is educational!

There is so much about the world that just cannot be learned without experienc-

Please join your Avalon Park Community Travel Club! If you follow us on Facebook ‘Travelers of Avalon Park’ and fill out an entry form to be automatically entered for the chance to win a day pass to Disney World for the whole family!

The winner will be announced Christmas morning!

Lisette Soldado & Victor ‘Jay’ Lozada | (407)203-5000 vacations@solymartravels.co | 13013 Founders Square Dr. Unit 120

ing it for yourself. A gift of a vacation gives your family a chance to see and experience different places, culture, and people. There is so much history to tell and they can be emerged in it. No matter where you go, whether from Disney World to Europe, you’ll be amazed at just how many educational opportunities you will find.

9. Best family bonding!

This is probably the single best reason to give a vacation as a Christmas gift, the time that you will spend together as a family.

You will have so much time to bond and grow together that it makes everything worth it. You have this as an opportunity to get to know each other on another level and this is the best part of a family vacation, no matter where you travel.

10. It’s fun!

Although an obvious one, family vacations are so much fun!

What’s awesome is that you’ll get to experience that fun together for much longer than a few hours on Christmas morning. Opening a new Christmas gift will be a fun experience together but the fun you’ll have exploring and laughing on your vacation can be greater. Who doesn’t want to laugh and have more fun?

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Christmas Gift Travel Specials

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The Show Must Go On

MCP is excited to con�nue live performance magic with the proper COVID-19 safety precau�ons!

https://magiccurtain.net/tickets Shows coming soon Purchase �ckets at MagicCurtain.net/Tickets

Upcoming 2021 productions Li�le Ones Theater (K-5th) Disney’s Aladdin, Jr. Family Theater (Ages 8-18) Addams Family Main Stage (Age 8 and up) Disney’s Descendants

Follow us on social media, sign up for our newsle�er or visit our website for show details.

2860 S. Alafaya Trail, Suite 120, Orlando, FL 32828 * 407-282-8368 * Newsletter@MCPTheater.com https://magiccurtain.net * www.MagicCurtain.net

ht ps:/ www.facebo k.com/MCPTheater/

htps:/w .instagrm.co /magicurtainproductions/

Sunday, Dec. 6th from 1- 5 pm $5 Donation to the Encore Foundation for endless selfies $25 For a Professional Photographer

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WE ARE

STRONGER WITH YOU WELCOME BACK!

Let’s stay healthy together at the Avalon Park YMCA! Call 407-381-2512, visit ymcacf.org, or stop by the Avalon Park YMCA today to learn more about programs and membership.

For information about the Y’s enhanced safety measures and latest reopening details, please visit ymcacf.org/reopening.

The YMCA of Central Florida is a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening our community.

DINING

PAPA GIO’ S

PIZZER IA & R ESTAUR ANT

3831 Avalon Park Blvd East, Orlando, FL 32828 (407) 380-3300 | www.papagios.com

DINING (Cont.)

Coming together to create a healthy community

How Giving and Receiving Love Improves Heart Health

A heart shape is a symbol of love. But did you know love is actually good for your heart?

Strong, healthy relationships are at the center of our social health, and how connected we feel to our friends, family and community have a big impact on our physical health.

With there being an increase in cardiac events during the month of December and recent 5% increase in heart-related deaths in the United States, it’s more important than ever to take the time to care for your heart so it can continue supporting you.

Added Weight on Your Heart We’re in the middle of a very stressful time. Whether it’s the uneasy feeling that comes with living through a pandemic, stress from the recent election, upcoming holiday celebrations that may need to be canceled or distant this year — or a combination of all these and more, we know it’s been difficult. Stress can weigh on your heart, so if you notice anything out of the ordinary when it comes to your health, it’s always best to discuss with your doctor as soon as possible.

It’s encouraging to know that the joy love brings also includes real health benefits. Read on to discover seven ways giving and receiving love can make your heart healthy and strong.

Loved Ones Can Help Lower Your Blood Pressure Think about the last time you hugged a loved one. We know

the comfort of being with family and friends greatly impacts your mind and spirit, but what’s less obvious is the influence on your physical wellness.

To better understand the connection between relationships and heart health, researchers measured the blood pressures of people during different social interactions. They found that blood pressure tends to decrease significantly when spending quality time with loved ones. The cause of this healthy (and surprising) benefit is a simple one — emotional support.

When a Racing Heart Is Good for You The happy boost when your partner walks in after a day at work, the exciting spark when you first connect with someone new: that little spike of electrical activity in our hearts is actually good for us. Your brain releases hormones like dopamine, adrenaline and norepinephrine, which helps your heart beat faster and stronger.

Hug It Out for Better Heart Health Hugs are a great way to offer emotional support and show someone you care. But hugs do much more than boost your emotional health: They can also impact your heart health.

When you hug someone, your body releases oxytocin, which is a powerful hormone that can reduce stress and lower blood pressure — both of which are important to your overall health. We know it’s been

challenging lately to be unable to get close to our friends and family who don’t live in our household, so until we can get back to that, squeeze your partner, children and family pets a little more often!

Laugh It Up We all know the impact a good belly laugh can have: It’s an instant mood lifter and puts a smile on your face. It’s been said that laughter is the best medicine, but now research can back up that claim. Recent studies show that laughter can reduce stress and help promote blood flow. In fact, participants who laughed at a funny movie had expanded blood vessels and better blood flow, similar to what the body does during aerobic exercise.

Write a Love Letter When was the last time you wrote a love letter to your partner, friend or family member?

This simple act of gratitude can help reconnect you to a loved one, and it even benefits your heart. Recent research says that healthy college students who spend 20 minutes writing notes of gratitude to friends or family members will experience drops in cholesterol levels compared to groups who write about random topics. So grab a pen and start writing. A note saying how much someone means to you will make their day and improve your health.

Keep It Positive A positive attitude is good for the body, mind and spirit. The feel-good hormones released

when you experience joy, happiness and comfort can help reduce stress, lower blood pressure and promote blood flow. It can be difficult to stay positive all the time. But the next time you’re feeling down, reach out to a friend, family member or your partner. Together, you can find the positive in whatever you’re facing.

Reach Out and Hold a Hand The excitement of holding someone’s hand for the first time can be wonderful. It’s an outward sign to the world that you’re with someone you care about, and someone who cares about you. It’s also an inward sign for your body. Holding hands can reduce stress and anxiety, which are linked to elevated blood pressure, increased heart rate and weight gain.

Find More Ways to Show Your Love There are countless ways to show someone you care. Every relationship is unique, but you’re sure to find the right way for you to let your loved one know how you feel about them.

Sometimes the best thing you can do for your family and friends is to take care of your own health. Be sure to schedule an annual exam with your primary care provider at least once a year and visit a heart care specialist when you need to.

LIVE WELL (Cont.)

Personalized Family Medicine in Avalon Park We’re taking extra precautions to keep you safe.

• • • • • • •

Dr. Diahann M. Alleyne is a board-certified family medicine physician in Avalon Park, near East Orlando. Dr. Alleyne has extensive experience providing whole-person care to patients ages 12 and up.

Contactless registration Frequent sanitizing Masks worn by everyone Online check-ins and bill pay Social distancing Temperature checks Virtual waiting room

SPECIALTIES • Geriatric medicine • Integrative medicine • Pediatric medicine ( ages 12+)

Now accepting new patients.

In-person and video visits now available.

To schedule an appointment, call 407-303-6285 or visit CentralFloridaPrimaryCare.com.

AdventHealth Medical Group Family and Internal Medicine at Avalon Park 3701 Avalon Park West Blvd., Suite 205 | Orlando, FL 32828

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Diahann M. Alleyne, MD

10/16/2020 6:36:01 AM

LIVE WELL (Cont.)

Finding Balance in Food

In the midst of the holiday season, something that we’re all thinking about is how to balance a healthy lifestyle with indulgent celebratory treats. I love holiday cooking just as much as the next person, so today we’re going to cover how to find a balance with your food.

You hear the term “balance” a lot when it comes to the foods we eat because eating a balanced diet is an important part of being strong and healthy. With major holidays right around the corner, we need to be able to balance the way we eat so we continue to get the nutrition our bodies need without missing out on any of our favorite holiday treats.

Being mindful about the food choices we make can set the groundwork for all of our wellness goals, helping us to feel energized and take on the day. So, what is the secret to a healthy balanced meal? I can’t really answer that question for you since it’s so individual for each of us. What I can tell you is that you need to figure out what works best for you by understanding what your body needs.

Eating healthy is often thought to be boring, dull, and flavorless. When we think this way, it’s difficult to want to eat a nutritious meal.

Luckily, healthy eating is not

about being on your “best behavior” 100% of the time, but rather it’s about finding delicious alternatives that you’ll crave. When we eat foods that are tasty and make us feel good, it becomes easier and easier to make healthful choices.

Here are some suggestions to help you think about how to better balance your nutrition: Start slowly.

If eating healthy is new to you or something you have struggled with, try adding in healthy foods a little bit at a time. Make them foods that you enjoy. For example, replace a candy bar with a piece of sweet fruit, or cut back on the amount of sugar you put in your coffee. You can prepare your food in a more healthful way, like trying grilling or baking instead of frying. And don’t forget to check your portion sizes so your meals are nutritious and delicious.

Eat more plant-based foods.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying you need to become a vegan or vegetarian if you don’t want to, but eating plant-based foods however are a perfect way to provide energy quickly. Complex carbohydrates such as grains, whole wheat, quinoa, beans, fruits, vegetables, seeds, and nuts are going to provide your body the energy

it needs to keep you going throughout the day. Try substituting your snacks or one meal a day with plant-based foods for a huge difference.

Drink plenty of water.

Water is great way to help with digestion and keeps us hydrated. Don’t mistake thirst for hunger pains. If you think you might be hungry, take a second to think about the last time you had a glass of water. Your hunger might really be your body telling you it’s thirsty, so you can trade unhealthy eating for a bottle of water.

Incorporate healthy fats.

Healthy fats are a great addition to every meal because fat helps us to absorb some of the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients we get from the fruits and vegetable that we eat. Try adding in a healthy fat such as olive oil, seeds, nuts, and avocado to each of your daily meals.

Eat without distractions.

Try enjoying your food and the people around you. Turn off the television and put your devices away. When we’re distracted, we tend to eat more unnecessarily and choose unhealthy options.

Have a conversation with your kids, your friends, your significant other. Not only does this engage your mind, but it also engages those

around you. If you’re by yourself, put on some music or do something that creates a space to focus on your eating. You’ll feel more satisfied when you’re done, and it can also help to improve your digestion.

I hope you’re able to find a nutritional balance that’s right for you using these suggestions. On behalf of our entire Y family, I would also like to wish you and your family a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season. Enjoy traditional favorites, scrumptious desserts, and, of course, your company around the table. Until next year!

- Chef Gary Chef Gary Appelsies is the Director of Healthy Eating at the YMCA of Central Florida. For more tips on finding nutritional balance, delicious healthy recipes, personalized advice from the chef, and more, visit ymcacf.org/programs/healthyeating.

LIVE WELL (Cont.)

Community Health Centers Inc Encourages Flu Vaccinations

Annual Flu Vaccine prevents millions of illnesses and flu-related doctor’s visits each year.

As the Central Florida region prepares for a very active flu season, one of the largest area health care providers is asking the public to take an active role in the prevention of the virus.

“This year, it is important to vaccinate yourself and your family against the flu,” said Debra Andree, MD, President & CEO of Community Health Centers, Inc. “Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory disease that can lead to serious illness, hospitalization or even death. A yearly vaccination is the

best protection against this virus,” said Andree.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone at least 6 months old to get vaccinated against seasonal flu.

“Flu vaccines have a good safety record and are an important preventative tool to remain healthy,” said Jocelyn Pichardo, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Community Health Centers, Inc. While the flu vaccine is recommended for every-

one 6 months and older, it is especially important for pregnant women, children younger than 5, adults 65 and older, and those with chronic medical conditions, such as heart disease, asthma, and diabetes. People who live in the same household with someone at high risk can help protect that person from severe flu by getting a flu shot.

“As a physician, I cannot stress enough the importance of an annual flu vaccine. If you have not yet received your annual flu shot, it is vital to get vaccinated now. The flu vaccine

reduces the risk of flu illness and hospitalizations.

Getting the vaccine, this year, is even more important for our communities now during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic” said Pichardo.

Community Health Centers is providing flu shots at all of their neighborhood centers. For more information, please contact your physician or call 407-9058827 or 352-314-7400.

Caring for Loved Ones During the Holidays Living far away from a loved one can complicate many things, not the least of which is their daily care. If you live in a different city or state from your aging parent or loved one, as the miles expand so do your worries. You must try to understand their health and day-to-day needs from a distance. It’s not easy.

ment can step in and provide daily companionship support to provide you with peace of mind.

According to the Pew Research, an estimated 40 million caregivers of adults ages 65 and older in the United States. Of that group, nine-in-ten are providing care for an aging relative, and a plurality is caring for a parent.

inspection of the home to make sure the senior is in a safe living environment, accurate medications or to set up additional services like home health and/or private duty if needed.

At North Star Cares, we can also assist in locating an assisted living or memory care if your elderly loved one is no longer safe living by themselves. It’s Also, now that COVID has Geriatric care managers also a great way to receive swept through the nation, can help to ease the pressocialization and overwe are not able to visit our sure on family members sight. During the holidays, loved ones often if at all. and help find better and assisted living communiThis has added to many more efficient ways of ties provide festive activseniors’ mental decline as providing care for a loved ities and dinner events, they are isolated at home one. The concept is simalong with the chance to alone. With the holidays ple. The family hires a make new friends. 24/7 approaching, it’s scary to professional adviser to home care can be an opthink our elderly loved act as a guide through the tion; however, this tends ones may have to spend it maze of long-term care to add up very quickly alone. services and providers. upwards to $13k or more The care manager visits each month. The average What’s the best way to as many times as they cost for assisted living care for a loved one from need. The initial visit is starts closer to $3500/ far away or to practice typically the longest as the month. social distancing? care manager performs a thorough assessment to Having a care manager Geriatric Care Manageinclude but not limited to: be the main point of con-

tact for all health-related services is a real lifesaver for many families. It eliminates most of that confusion when trying to keep up with several phone numbers of different companies. Family members have peace of mind that one individual is ensuring their senior loved one is being taken care of, whether it is through home health services, home safety evals, accurate medication management, or companionship, especially during the holidays.

Visit northstarsa.com to learn what a geriatric care management can do for your family or call us today at 407-796-1582.

COMMUNITY CORNER

Kiwanis Club of Avalon Park Update

Kiwanis has resumed school reading and is now doing virtual Kiwanis reading in several schools. The club also did a K-Family food drive for the Woodbury Food Pantry. We are now collecting shoes and socks for those in need.

Teacher of the Month Awards: Avalon Tracy Hall Camelot Darci Barton Timber Lakes - Stephanie Nordenmalm Timber Creek - Victoria Sell

Congratulations to the 2020 FES Award Recipient for Engineer of the Year!

The Engineer of the Year award is presented to the member that best exemplifies the image of the profession.

Dave M. Schmitt, P.E.

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COMMUNITY (Cont.)

Cheers to COVID-19

I can safely say no one could have predicted this worldwide pandemic when the new “roaring 20s” began. This year has been tumultuous and uncertain. In particular, wearing masks has been a point of contention. Not so much now, but in the beginning of the pandemic when social contact was heavily managed, I noticed a shift in people’s demeanor. The mixing of blasé attitudes and paranoia caused for a lot of frustrations.

The short-temperedness was becoming more apparent in people.

Tensions ran high as people were settling into their new ways of life.

Pandemic has been isolating for myself and many others. A simple grocery store visit became a craving (until it quickly devolved into Black Friday-like depictions of chaos). Along with mask-orno-mask related quarrels, another contributing factor to people’s upset was the closure of nightlife.

Spirits were low during this time and Floridians had no reprieve.

However, Floridians rejoiced after the start of Phase 2, bars were permitted to reopen on June 5th.

In lieu of COVID-19 spikes, Florida once again shut down bars on June 26th. Once more, Florida reopened its bars on September 14th. What does mean? Drunken comradery has been restored.

Sure, we all could still buy alcohol from our local liquor stands, but there is something about drinking in a shared public space that feels right. Of course bar crawls won’t feel the exact same as we still have to abide by social distancing protocols. We can all be grateful for the tentative reopening – pandemic is getting stale. This eagerness to open is a bit worrisome, however.

If businesses are itching to open and patrons are itching to get in, then that puts both parties in a compromised position. I worry for bars and clubs trying to maintain safety protocols. It’s hard enough to enforce masks on a group of sober people, let alone an intoxicated bunch. Drunkenness often leads to inhibition, who’s to say club goers will keep their masks on and hands to themselves. It’s still hard to say if Florida nightlife has opened too soon.

Another concern is the opening of all the other forms of entertainment. How does one cure quarantine boredom? Go out of course! When nightlife isn’t a viable option for fun, people of Orlando have looked to malls, museums, stadiums, theaters, and amusement parks. According to Florida’s Phase 2 of re-opening, “retail establishments may operate at full capacity with appropriate

mandate, our customers wearing masks has become the norm.

Have you seen a lot of issues with the post office and private carriers in terms of shipping delays? Yes. An increase in carrier shipping delays occurred between March and June.

Signature confirmation for parcel deliveries could not be done very often. Shipping to 162 countries were affected, as nonessential international shipping halted when airlines were grounded.

social distancing and sanitization protocols.” Restaurants, bars, theatres, bowling alleys, and arcades must maintain a 50% occupancy.

Museums and amusement parks must request permission to operate, presumably because they are expecting larger crowds. What’s interesting to note here is that these spaces large percentage of families as their customer base.

Since these family-oriented establishments are operating at a limited capacity, larger families can feel like they are being pushed out and encouraged not to attend. For many families, their quality family time is spent at these places. Going out is an event, whether it’s to a bowling alley or a bar. Whether it’s a birthday party or a weekly Friday Night Family Dinner, we rely on these public spaces.

So many people reply on these third spaces to get away from the banality of home. Mall-walkers, coffee-shop-authors, park-benchpeople-watchers, all rely on these third spaces as productive escapism. Many coffee shops and cafes still are not open for mingling.

Many restaurants are still only open for pickup and delivery.

As Florida is going into Phase 3, isolation should be getting lighter.

Spirits are lifting as all of the aforementioned places are opening. The fact that our sources of entertainment were no longer at our disposal meant one thing: we needed to get creative. We all turned to indoor activities like puzzles, trying out new recipes, and at-home workouts. We all have adapted to the quarantine life. We have found new ways of coping with the woes of everyday living with varying degrees of success.

So how does all of this commotion affect the Avalon Park community? Orange County’s face mask mandate has been a good tool in trying to keep cases at bay (or it at least attempts to be). According to

the COVID-19 Snapshot, we have 258 new cases, 528 total resident deaths, and an overall 2,413 cases as of October 15th in Orange county. This frequently updated report can be found here. Another great tool to check up on the status of COVID-19 in Florida along with other useful information comes from floridahealth.gov. In addition, the CDC is a great resource for COVID-19 information. To really get a feel for how our Avalon Park community is handling our current situation, I interviewed local business owner Leo Deming Yong of Avalon Mail Center to discuss.

Did you have to close down or reduce your hours at all during the pandemic? As a mail center, we did not reduce our hours as our service is deemed an essential business to support a vital public service that is part of this nation’s critical infrastructure.

Have you seen any increases in business since COVID because people are working from home? We noticed a slight increase in people coming in who are working from home. We also have had more unemployed folks who were printing resumes and looking for new job opportunities.

Have you noticed any slowdown in terms of foot traffic? Interestingly, the foot traffic was following the pattern of the news cycle. There were days that were slow, when the news was hyper focused on COVID-19 headlines. Foot traffic went back to normal after a few days when there were less breaking news stories.

Has it been difficult to enforce the new mask regulations? Yes, in the beginning there were some challenges.

The mixed messages and alternate opinions on wearing the masks made it harder to enforce. However, since the Orange County mask

I had another conversation with a local high school student. I wanted to get her opinion on how she’s dealt with her school closure due to the pandemic. She mentioned all students were offered a laptop for distant learning and could get a personal hotspot if they qualified and submitted paperwork.

Did you opt in for Florida Virtual School or LaunchED? Yes, I did LaunchED for part of the year.

Did your performance in your classes suffer at all since the new COVID-19 adjustments? Because I have PTSD, that shows up as ADHD. Doing LaunchED made it hard for me to focus so my grades were suffering.

Has it been difficult to deal with being away from classmates, friends, and your teachers? Not really since I still get to see them after school.

Do you still feel like you have that same support from your guidance counselors and teachers, or do they feel distant? It feels distant, like they can help, but only over a phone call.

Has extra support been put in place since online learning started? I have not seen any extra support since COVID-19 hit.

From both accounts, I noticed a bit of a strain due to the pandemic.

Both persons have had to make adjustments. However, as time goes on the adjustments gets easier to bear. As we get closer and closer to the unknown year of 2021, we must stay vigilant. We must maintain proper social distancing, keep our hands sanitized, wear our masks, and try to rekindle a sense of self and fun. Like anything, this too shall pass.

By: Kayla Buchholz

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COMMUNITY (Cont.)

GUEST SUBMISSION

On Making a Place

As we continue on with this series of articles, they begin to stop functioning as separate pieces and instead start culminating into a bigger picture of traditional neighborhood developments. So, too, do the items we’ve discussed beget more cohesive concepts. This month, we will take what we’ve learned and insert it into a bigger picture: a term called “placemaking,” or the multipart approach taken when planning, designing, and managing traditional neighborhoods. To reiterate previous articles, variations of living spaces, mixed-use land uses, a main street, and an easily navigable and walkable design are all key characteristics of traditional neighborhood developments, which work together to contribute to this idea of “placemaking.” At the heart of placemaking is inspiring the collective to reimagine public spaces, which, in turn, shifts these spaces into places, and these

places, then, become the heart of the community.

Perhaps the most important part of placemaking is that it holds a deep value to those who feel, or want to feel, connected to their community. It is not something planned by architects, but rather occurs when a community’s residents understand just how influential the collective imagination can be. Like the children who walk to school each day and marvel at the tall trees and the park slide, we, too, tap into our blooming inner child to see spaces anew, and this brings us joy. As it is said, placemaking is neither a process nor a philosophy; rather, it is both.

What should be emphasized about placemaking is that it is centered around the people: it is not a process of fixing up a building, but a process of creation which fosters further creation of places in which people feel individually and mutually

committed to their communities. For example, we can close off the main street of a traditional neighborhood from vehicular traffic, allow residents and other local vendors to set up booths, and call it a farmer’s market. What once was the main street through a community is now a pedestrian plaza; we know that tomorrow we will drive our cars down this same street, but for now, it is a space for walking, connecting with friends and neighbors, and supporting local businesses.

The very fact that we, the residents, are aware that this is the main street and yet are still able to change the way in which we typically conceive it is an example of placemaking, as it takes the community’s collective imagination to turn a street into a farmer’s market.

Moreover, and in a similar vein, placemaking functions as a feeling which improves the physical and emotional

wellbeing of a traditional neighborhood’s residents. Looking back to our examination of context-based street design, we can understand how the careful consideration of pedestrian and bicycle routes are emphasized more in traditional neighborhood developments than in the vehicular-focused design of conventional suburban developments. The attention and emphasis placed on walking and biking rather than driving is made rather easy via context-based street design: you can go to school, or the music studio, or the grocery store, either on bike or foot, and this alone contributes to the positive increase of physical and emotional states of residents. In other words, it can be boiled down to an increase in physical exercise as well as an increase in connections amongst residents, both of which help to improve one’s emotional wellbeing.

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COMMUNITY (Cont.)

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Orange County Judge Unites 8 New Forever Families on National Adoption Day! National Adoption Day ceremonies may have looked different on Friday, Nov. 20, with limited face-to-face interactions and virtual hearings due to the coronavirus pandemic – but the tradition of uniting families across the country the week before Thanksgiving remained the same.

which began in 2000, raises awareness about the number of children in foster care who are in need of stable, loving homes.

“Our priority has always been to provide as much normalcy as possible for these children,” said Glen Casel, president and CEO of Embrace Families, the lead In Orange County, Judge Alicia L. Lati- nonprofit agency overseeing foster care, more met 8 families for virtual private adoption and child welfare services in adoption proceedings for 10 children Central Florida. “These are good kids and then conducted a virtual ceremowho have faced difficulties in life. Our ny and celebration for extended family mission is to find permanent solutions members, friends and the public to join. that allow them to thrive.”

Similar proceedings were held in Osceola County.

Since its inception in 2004, Embrace Families has helped nearly 2,300 chil“This is my favorite day of the year, be- dren find their forever families. To cause it’s proof of the power of love,” learn more about foster parenting or said Judge Latimore. “Although it looks adoption, prospective families can visit different in 2020, it doesn’t feel any www.EmbraceFamilies.org. smaller in my heart.”

While adoptions take place throughout the year – even during the COVID-19 shut down – National Adoption Day,

Pictured Above: The Cullor family, Avalon Park residents, with their adopted son, Ezra, the little brother of their adopted daughter, Ella.

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COMMUNITY (Cont.)

Up Close and Personal with Three Rotary Club of Avalon Park Members A Veteran, A Rookie and A Volunteer of the Year.

Author’s note: When I reached out to these three, they all said something similar, “I am honored but you know we are all awesome.” They are “birds of a feather” or “hearts of servants.”

Either way, these three people were an absolute joy to interview and get to know. And I hope you get as much out of it as I did.

What does a third-generation emigrant, a real-life wonder woman and an award-winning chef have in common?

They all belong to the Rotary Club of Avalon Park. Maybe not unique to a civic club. But when you talk to them individually and they all share what drives them to serve as a Rotarian? Well, that becomes a powerful testimony.

Dom Caprani Dom is a warm and caring guy who lived the first 30 years of his life in England.

The diverse background of his family allowed him the ability to speak six different languages. “In fact, I dream and think first in Italian versus English,” he said.

Dom started his career as a trader and spent 20 years as a stockbroker. He has 30+ years of experience and works independently from his home in Avalon. And he loves living here. “The convenience, the open spaces and close-knit, laid back feel of Avalon makes

me feel so fortunate to have a home here,” he said.

Rotary was and remains the perfect fit for him. He enjoys the fellowship and the accepting and friendly atmosphere.

“The good mix of personalities and quality of our speakers is what drew me in,” he said. “The impact we make in our community every day is what keeps me there. They motivate me to be better, do more and have become friends of a lifetime.”

Yuvisa Hundley Yuvisa is happiest when she is with her kids. A real-life wonder woman who raised them all by herself. Two are now in college (Gainesville, FL) and one is a Gator in the making, Yuvisa was a single mom working full-time running her own retail store but always made time to help others. “I have worked for AT&T for over 23 years and currently manage a location that supports the partnership between AT&T and Disney,” she stated. “I also serve as the Chapter President for Women of AT&T Florida and VP of Communications for Hacemos Central Florida.”

When she finds some spare time, Yuvisa loves to Zumba, soak up the sun, swim, bike and travel. She enjoys

living in Avalon very much.

“The local restaurants and events in our community are some of my favorite ways to spend time with my kids and friends,” she said. “And belonging to the Rotary Club has allowed me to follow my passion for helping others. I fell in love with the energy and enthusiasm of everyone in our group at every meeting, every project and especially during the pandemic. We are always looking out for one another.”

Dan Ashby Anyone hungry? Well, you will be in a second. Dan is the Owner and Pitmaster of BBQ50 Catering. His mouthwatering deliveries are such a hit around Avalon that when he shares a weekend menu, everything sells in hot, smoky minute. Just follow his Facebook account and see it for yourself. https://www.facebook.com/bbq50bbqcatering And those lucky first responders and essential workers Dan has been quietly surprising since COVID-19 hit Central Florida? They understand too.

Dan has a huge heart, is the most approachable and easyto-talk to guy in the Rotary Club. His level of involvement seems unmatched, and has earned him Volunteer of the Year, the club’s highest hon-

or. “I needed a component in my life that allowed me to give back to my community,” Dan said. “After attending the first club meeting, I knew that I was among a group of like-minded, charitable friends. The club members have humbled and inspired me to strive to be a better version of myself.”

Something else you may not know about Dan. He has hands-on saved the life of four random people at different points in his life. He calls is his own fortune to have been able to do that.

When Dan isn’t working, he enjoys relaxing by the pool with his wife and kids.

In closing, in a year where things have been so unpredictable, you can bet your *Happy Dollar that the Rotary Club of Avalon Park is truly at your service. As we approach the holidays remember that giving is a gift. Receiving is a gift and serving does both.

Have a happy holiday season and a joyous new year. Don’t forget to check us out: www. rotaryclubofavalonpark.org

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