KEEPING THE NEWS LOCAL.... AND THE COMMUNITY CONNECTED.
VOLUME 2 EDITION 4
APRIL 2021
LIVE
PAGE 2
LEARN
PAGE 3
WORK
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PLAY
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COMMUNITY UPDATES
Avalon Park Daytona Project Gets Planning Board’s Approval
The Daytona Beach Planning Board recommended approval for Avalon Park Daytona Beach’s first phase preliminary plat last week. The plat includes 1,609 residential units and 90,000 square feet of commercial space.
Park Daytona Beach.
Plans for the development include a variety of uses as Avalon Park permitted in Group/sitEX the Mixed Use purchased over Future Land 3,000 acres on Use classificaState Road 40, tion, including just west of but not limInterstate 95 ited to comand south of mercial, retail, West Granamulti-family da Boulevard/ residential, State Road 40, single-famiwhere the plan ly residential, is to develop a educational mixed use comand recremunity Avalon
tionally, the plan preserves large contiguous space for conservation lands, utilizes a network of interconnected streets to reduce number and length of automobile ational uses, trip and conall intended to serving energy. bring forward This all crea comprehenates walkable sive downtown neighborhoods within the projall centrally loect. cated around a downtown The plans for commercial Avalon Park center for all Daytona Beach ages to live, include a comlearn, work and pact, walkable, play. mixed-use and interconnectFor more infored community, mation please that achieves visit Avalonefficient use of ParkDaytonland and inaBeach.com or frastructure call 407-427costs. Addi6073.
LIVE ORLANDO
Coffee Hour with BEAT
a healthy community. It is our vision to create communities with every price point from an apartment to a townhome, to a single-family home and estate, where From inception, it has you are almost guaralways been very important for Avalon Park anteed diversity just in this aspect. Daytona Beach and each of the communiAdditionally, it is not ties that we build to embrace diversity. First uncommon in Avalon I grew up in SwitzerPark to have families and foremost, respect, land a country that is with 4 generations livunderstanding and about one quarter the ing within walking dislearning comes from size of Florida, in the tance of each other. The knowing each other heart of Europe. Found- and belonging to some- grandparents can spend ed in 1291, the small thing together: a com- quality time with the country has had over 700 years of developing its rich culture, diversity, and history. the ability to interact in their own culture, while respecting the other national and international cultures.
It is my belief that culture often starts with languages and in Switzerland there are 4, the national language German, French, Italian and Romansh. While I speak the first 3, I do not speak Romansh which is a mix of Italian, Arabic and a few more. It is very common in Switzerland and other European countries to speak several languages. If you were to follow a debate in the Swiss House of Representatives, you may be surprised that all official languages are spoken. So, a representative from my native Zurich may address the audience in German, and the answer from his colleague from Geneva will come swiftly in French. Each part of the country has
I BELIEVE A HEALTHY COMMUNITY IS MADE UP OF A DIVERSE BODY OF PEOPLE.
life, those differences are what help us build diversity into our communities. Another diverse component is the inclusion of our global partners. Several times a week we have intercontinental video calls. Generally, early in the morning in Orlando, we discuss business, politics and other subjects with our offices in Switzerland, Singapore and Australia. When friends and business partners from 4 continents, with different ethnical backgrounds share ideas for the good of Avalon Park, diversity can be realized at its fullest.
While these are just a few examples of how we embrace diversity munity. And I believe grandkids after school at Avalon Park Group, a healthy community is while the parents may a made up of a diverse still be at work. Build- we continue to grow, learn and develop how ing roots in a commubody of people. This we can create commelting pot of perspec- nity is a healthy way munities where every tives gives the commu- to make any town and person feels like they family strong. nity depth and allows belong in and can live, its members to live life learn, work and play inclusive of every back- With age comes expetogether. This month rience and at Avalon ground and belief rewe celebrate the digardless of generation, Park Group we work versity in our commuorigin, race, and income with team members nities in Orlando and ages 15 to 90+. Someclass. times when pondering Wesley Chapel with a multi-cultural event a business idea, I not As a developer, one of called Absolutely Avathe ways that we build only ask my 15-yearlon. We invite you to in diversity, is literally old son Alex, but also join us as we celebrate my Switzerland-based by building an open the diversity in these and long-term busicommunity at every ness partner and friend communities and we price point. I personlook forward to being ally do not think gated Raoul, who will turn able to celebrate in our communities with only 91 this month. While single-family homes in they both have different newer communities in one price point (often at ideas and perspectives Tavares and Daytona very soon! about business and the higher end) create
LEARN ORLANDO
Boys & Girls Clubs
This month we asked the Boys and Girls Club of Volusia and Flagler County why they joined and continue to be a part of the Club. We were impressed by the responses and think you will be too.
Latoya Hunter, Program Director Harris Saxon Club, 1 year 8 months
Growing up as a child in foster care, I always wanted to be a normal kid. Enrolling at a local club in Miami as a youth taught me I can be all I can be. I applied to my local club June 2019 and was hired. I joined my club to make a difference in the lives of many youth. I want to show our youth its okay to be different and to still feel loved. I also joined my club to help and empower our youth to succeed in everyday life. I also joined the club to provide a safe haven for our youth to go.
Robin Markus, Development Director
Administrator Office, 3.5 years
At Boys & Girls Clubs of Volusia/Flagler Counties, I have the ability to see the impact that our programs and services make on our community’s children. To be a part of an organization that positively changes and saves lives of those less fortunate, especially the youth in our community, gives me tremendous satisfaction and appreciation. In my role as Development Director, I reach out to many partners, organizations, community leaders, and individuals to share our story. To see their dedication, support, passion, and involvement supports my purpose of doing what I can to bring success to the youth in our community. Finally, what brings me the most joy is seeing the immediate impact on over 1,000 youth in the Volusia/Flagler Community. They are the reason I do what I do
Hannah Green, Junior Staff
Oretha Bell - Bew Smyrna Beach Club, 10 years I enjoy learning and participating with the people around me. I love how the staff are so close. I love just being with my second family.
Yvette Roman, Unit Director
Mid Florida Jeep/Lake Helen Club, 2 years
I was in middle school and my mom and dad had just been divorced for about 1 year. My brother went to Timbercrest Elementary directly across the street from my Middle School (Galaxy Middle School). He told me I should go to this Club after school called the Boys and Girls Club. I and a few of my friends went and since day one it felt like I finally belonged to something. I started in the sixth grade and became a Junior Staff in High school. I also was the Youth of the Year in 1994 I believe. I love my Job because I get be a part of a movement to help break the generational chains around education, single parent homes, behavioral issues and so much more. When I joined the Club I had straight F’s and I was told I was going into a dropout prevention program. I was most likely to drop out in High school. The Club worked on my situation. I was a young kid dealing with newly divorced parents with a battle for the kid’s war we were involved in. Alf I needed was that push to say “stay focused and you are going to be alright.” Mr. Sullivan took me in and mentored me and my siblings into a positive and fun environment. No matter what happened on Saturday and Sunday we always had hope to be back at our Club Monday! We were able to attend Basketball games, new movie releases and even went to Bush Gardens. I learned about photography and developing pictures. I am blessed to be in this movement for 27 years and give my members the same feelings and experiences!
Peggy Sue Tackett, Unit Director Jeep Beach Edgewater Club, 2 years
I wanted to help our community to be able to create change in a positive way. If you want real change then you have to start with the youth. That is where positivity and mentorship can really create change from the ground up. These kids are the future generations. One day it will be up to them as to which laws should be passed, who is voted into office, what school system should be revamped, or how they should in turn help their community. I joined this organization to help show the youth of today that they are just that important.
LEARN (Cont.)
Boys & Girls Clubs Cont. Lisa Ordonez
Rossmeyer Family/Holly Hill Club Being a parent of a Boys & Girls Club member for many years, I was able to witness firsthand the wonderful things that they do for kids. I wanted to be a part of this organization that put kids first and made a difference in so many children’s lives including my own child. So when asked to join as a staff I was excited. These kids are our future and with the proper guidance, structure, communication, discipline and love they can achieve anything. The Boys & Girls Club provides all of these things and more. The most rewarding and fulfilling thing about working here is being able to see the growth and change in kids that come back years later to visit, or receiving a hug or a thank you from that one kid/parent who says you made a difference in their lives. The Boys & Girls Club not only helps kids but they have helped me become a better person.
Chance McElveen, Area Director
Eastside Clubs - Administrative Office, 10 years
I have been with Boys & Girls Club for ten years. I joined Boys & Girls Club because: I believe children deserve the best in all of us. When I graduated college in 2010, looking to be a music teacher, all I could find was a part-time, subcontracted tutoring position at a Boys & Girls Club in Deltona. I worked for less than 12 hours per week, but through that little bit of time, I learned more about this organization I’d never heard of prior to my working there. Soon, a part-time Program Specialist position opened up in Lake Helen, I applied, and well… the rest is history. The impact that I see we have on a daily basis is positively overwhelming. It is one thing working at one facility and seeing how the Boys & Girls Club impacts that community in a positive way. I have the privilege of traveling to all of our eight locations and watching our amazing staff work directly with the Club members every day on such a larger scale, however, and it is truly humbling to witness. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Volusia/Flagler Counties changes lives and I get to watch it all happen. Seeing those smiles, hearing my name in those Clubs, and cheering our young people all on at graduation when it’s all over are just a few of the reasons why I joined the Boys & Girls Club.
To find out more about the Boys and Girls Club of Volusia and Flagler County, visit them online!
WORK ORLANDO
Grand Opening Event
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.
CEO and President Beat Kahli, ___, Mara Hunt, Stephanie Lerret, Ross Halle and ____ cut the ribbon at The 5th Floor Grand Opening Ceremony on March 18th. The 5th Floor welcomed people from all over to attend this event both in person and virutally. Members from Switzerland, Singapore and Puerto Rico joined into the ceremony virutally and shared their experiences at their individual locations. Avalon Park Orlando is excited to welcome such a new and diverse workspace into the community and see all the incredible ideas that incubate in this space.
Orange County FL. District 4 Commissioner Maribel Cordero and Avalon Park Senior Pickleball Tournamnets Director Ed Lynt chat about the wonderful new Education Center, Animal Clinic and other buildings coming to the Back To Nature Wildlife Refuge (BTN) in the Lake Nona area of Orlando. Per BTN Executive Director Debbie Helsel, construction should begin by this summer. Located in the Avalon Innovation Center in Orlando, The 5th Floor will provide collabrative co-work space at over 30 locations including San Juan Puerto Rico in May 2021 and the flagship location in Muttenz, Switzerland.
PLAY ORLANDO
Keeping Up with West Volusia’s April Events!
Coming together to create a healthy community ORLANDO
3 Quick and Easy Stay-At-Home Meals for Seniors
When preparing someone a meal, it is important to be mindful of their diet and nutritional needs and limitations; this is especially true for someone with allergies and senior citizens, in particular. Therefore, it is incredibly important to know quick and easy meals that you or your senior loved one can prepare at home to ensure that they get the proper nutrition that they need. Here are three quick and easy stay-at-home meals for seniors.
Breakfast: Egg Muffins As the most important meal of the day, breakfast is a great opportunity for you to get your senior’s day off to a good start with protein from eggs and vitamins from vegetables. That’s what makes these breakfast egg muffins great. For this recipe, you will need 12 large eggs, ¼ cup of milk, 1 cup of spinach, ¾ cup of diced tomato, and ¾ cup of diced onion. After gathering the ingredients, all you have to do is follow these simple steps: 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. 2. Grease or line a muffin pan. 3. Whisk together the eggs, milk, and any seasonings you may want to add in a large bowl. 4. Add in the vegetables and stir it all together. 5. Fill the muffin tin with the mixture. 6. Cook the muffins for 20 minutes.
of minced garlic, 8 oz. of diced mushrooms, 2 cups of your favorite vegetable broth, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 10 oz. of spaghetti, 3 cups of spinach, and ¼ cup of parmesan. Once you have your ingredients, follow these steps: These breakfast muffins can also be frozen and heated up in the microwave at a later date. Lunch: Chicken Spinach Flatbread If the senior in your life loves pizza, this flatbread is a great and healthy alternative. For this recipe, which is perfect for lunch, you will need to gather together 1 flatbread, 1 grilled chicken breast chopped into small pieces, ¼ cup of sautéed and diced red pepper, ¼ cup of sautéed and diced mushrooms, ¼ cup of diced tomato, 1 cup of spinach, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Then, follow these steps:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. 2. Top your flatbread with your chicken and your vegetables. 3. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top of all of your toppings. 4. Bake in the oven for 10 minutes. Everyone, including your special senior, is sure to enjoy these wonderfully fresh flatbread flavors. Dinner: Vegetarian Spaghetti This tasty, vegetarian meal is incredibly convenient to make because it only requires one pot.
1. Set your heat to medium. 2. Heat up your olive oil in your pot. 3. Sauté your onions and mushrooms until tender. 4. Increase your heat to high. 5. Add your tomatoes and broth, bringing it to a boil. 6. Add your spaghetti. 7. Once the spaghetti has wilted to fit into the pot, cover it and reduce the heat to medium for about 5 minutes. 8. Add your spinach and cook it until it has wilted. 9. Serve your spaghetti with parmesan as desired.
Not only is this meal For this recipe, you easy to make, but it will need olive oil, ½ is perfect for dinnercup of diced yellow time. onion, 1 tablespoon
LIVE WELL (Cont.)
To SUBMIT your local LIVE news.... to ADVERTISE, to REGISTER or to RECEIVE the Avalon Park Sun email: Info@AvalonParkSun.com
LIVE WELL (Cont.)
Wellness with Jen: Spring Clean Your World • Freshen the air of your home with pure and therapeutic essential oils rather than synthetic air fresheners and toxic candles.
As much as it drives me crazy, my house is not tidy right now. Clean, yes. Tidy and organized, no. I feel like the day that my extremely active and attached Momma’s boy was born was the day that the beautiful organization that I crave became a thing of the past. I cannot stand a disorganized home, but I have learned to accept that for now my time gets dedicated to other things. The de-cluttering of life will happen in time. Although the clutter of toys, school papers, Frozen everything, baby equipment, and a new home office has taken over, the house is clean. When it comes to cleaning products, it can be hard to know what is safe, especially if there are human babies and/or fur babies in the house. Consumers have become more aware of the harmful ingredients that are being put into household products, and with this realization, the companies that make these products have learned how to advertise in order to attract those of us who are looking for products that will not harm our family. Everywhere you go, you will see products on store shelves that say “natural” “green” “organic” “free & clear”... all of the things that suggest a healthy product. There are a few things to know about these products and how they are labeled. I think the most shocking to me was what I learned about the organic products. Products that are labeled “organic” can
contain up to 5-10% of ingredients that are not organic and potentially not even healthy. Something else that is baffling and frustrating to me is that “natural fragrances” and “fragrances” in the list of ingredients basically just means that there is a combination of potentially harmful ingredients hidden under that simple label of “fragrances”. You might be shocked to discover how many ingredients contain “fragrances” and “natural fragrances”, aka a ton of ingredients that the company doesn’t want you to know about. I see many posts in Mommy groups on social media asking about safe laundry detergent, household cleaners, and other products, and many of the comments say something like, “It doesn’t matter what I use because my kids don’t have sensitive skin.” Unfortunately, these days it’s not just about whether or not there is someone with sensitive skin or allergies in the house. Inside air has been shown to be 5 to 7 times more tox-
ic than outside air, and because of this stay-athome moms have been shown to be at a higher risk of dying from cancer by 54%. These statistics are mind boggling. Our homes have become toxic because of harmful chemicals in household cleaners, detergents, air fresheners, soaps, etc. It is more important than ever to know what products you are using in your home. Every product that you use, whether using it to clean the bathroom, mop your floors, do your laundry, wipe down the baby’s high chair, or “freshen” a room, releases fragrances into the air that you breathe. It is your job to know whether or not those fragrances are healthy or harmful. You have some options: • Purchase products from a company that you know and trust. Know the source of the ingredients. Know their mission. Know their promise. • Make your own cleaning products using ingredients that you know and trust.
I choose to do a combination of these options. Yes, I’m a busy Mom. Yes, I work full-time and run a wellness business. Yes, it does takes a few minutes to mix up a DIY product. Yes, it took a bit of research to find a company that you trust to provide you with healthy products. Yes, it took some trial and error to find what works for our family. But realistically, isn’t your family’s wellness and saving yourself $$ worth a few minutes of your time??! What works for us won’t always work for others. Wellness takes trial and error. Wellness takes finding what works for you. Wellness isn’t a one size fits all type of deal. But once you find your path to wellness, you’ll be grateful for your journey.
Follow me on social media and then shoot me a message to be added into April’s Spring Cleaning drawing for a little household cleaning bundle. Happy Spring, everyone! Jen Cosby jcdiamondwellness@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/ yljennifercosby https://www.facebook.com/ groups/oilshowyouthewayed/ https://www.instagram.com/ jen_cosby/
To SUBMIT your local LIVE news.... to ADVERTISE, to REGISTER or to RECEIVE the Avalon Park Sun email: Info@AvalonParkSun.com