KEEPING THE NEWS LOCAL.... AND THE COMMUNITY CONNECTED.
VOLUME 2 EDITION 3
MARCH 2021
LIVE
Changing the Game in 2021 By: Beat Kahli
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COMMUNITY UPDATES
Changes are hard to implement, how many times have all of us seen the need for change in many things, whether, small or large, and not acted on it? To be a “Game Changer” and to truly make a difference you do not have to be smart, rich, good-looking or perfect, you just have TO CARE! To be a Game Changer, whether it is personally, in your family, your job or for the community at large, you must identify what needs changed and act on it. There are game changers across central Florida and the Avalon Park Sun wants to recognize them! Maybe you are a game changer or maybe you know a game changer. I believe that positivity is contagious and if we tell the stories of those who are changing the game, it will inspire more to do the same! For instance, have you ever been in a drive thru and the person in front of you paid for your meal and then you proceeded to pay for the person behind you, and the chain goes on and on? Well, we want to know about these game changers in your communities across central Florida and help tell their stories, so that they can continue inspiring change! While we know that there are several already in our community, now is a great
time to inspire new growth and positive change. While we are still just in the first quarter of 2021, many have high expectations that this year to be better than last. We expect CHANGES for the better, however, we cannot just hope for the better, we must act. After a year that provided a health crisis and economic uncertainty we have not yet seen in our lifetime, we are now at ground zero and should use the opportunities we have. I see 3 global world strategies that we can use as a starting point for accessing the need for changing and acting on it. 1. 2021 could be the year to bring Covid-19 under control and stop the pandemic with the accessibility of several vaccines. We learned several things from this crisis, including that we need to change our health care system and make it more robust for future generations. And that we need to change how we build our communities so that people can live, learn, work and play, with a strong sense of belonging and safety. We need to increase our humbleness. As C.S. Lewis said, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less.” Covid reminded us that we cannot just strive for prosperity and profits, but to think of each other. 2. 2021 will be the year in
which leading governments around the globe and large parts in the private sector are agreeing to net-zero targets for greenhouse gas emissions. 3. 2021 will be the year in which business enterprises need to change short-term profit strategies and focus to more long-term goals of all stakeholders, employees, clients, shareholders, and the community at large. Avalon Park Group is excited to be a leader in central Florida and beyond by acting on our vision to change how people live, learn, work and play every day. At the beginning of this year the Orlando Business Journal presented 5 men and women who they thought would be 2021 Game Changers. While I was honored to be recognized as one of them, I also took this as a challenge to elevate my impact in the areas that I am able. It is in our Avalon Park Group DNA to think big and act, so this year we have already added some big tasks to our game changing list. One of those is that while I believe for the foreseeable future, all safe existing forms of energy need to co-exist. However, we need to start acting on the need for more renewable energy sources. Our action in this area is that we are contracted to purchase 6,250 acres in Volusia County where we are planning one of America’s largest
solar farms, hence helping to utilize one of the most abundant renewable energy sources in the sunshine state, the Sun. Additionally, all of our large-scale developments focus on building complete towns, where people can live, learn, work and play and build a sense of belonging and safety. One more game changing action that we have committed to this year is we are committing to clean water for all in Bithlo. This commitment goes beyond words and are truly putting our money where our mouth is. In addition to the long list of goals I have for our group of companies worldwide, I would consider my personal goal of spending more time with my family the most important! But today it is not about us, we are looking for as many game changers in our very own backyard, as many as we can find. Again, you do not need to be smart, rich, good-looking, or perfect, to be a game-changer you just have to care. Help us tell the game changing stories, by letting us know who in your community is changing the game and making the world a better place to live, learn work and play by emailing me at Info@AvalonParkSun.com. Together we can affect change!
LIVE ORLANDO
Buying A Home in Six Easy Steps! Purchasing a home is one of those things that everyone wants to do, but very few people understand. Just like most other things, buying a home is a step by step process. American Intermutual Agency is here to break down each of the six steps to purchase your new home. Step 1: Choose a Loan/ Get Pre-Qualified When you begin the home buying process, the first step is for the buyer to find the right home loan for them. They can choose from a conventional loan or one of the three government home loans.
loan to meet their needs, the next step is to get pre-qualified. The pre-qualification process is simple and only Government-guaranteed loans requires that a loan officer and offer several benefits, which the applicant have a meeting. range from more lenient eligi- During the meeting, the applibility requirements to several cant and the loan officer will money-saving benefits. The discuss the applicant’s inFederal Housing Administra- come, assets, and debts. Based tion (FHA), the U.S. Departon that information, the loan ment of Agriculture (USDA), officer will give out a determiand the Department of Vetnation as to the loan amount eran Affairs (VA) administer qualified for by the applicant. these government-backed loans. Each one of these loans It is important to note that has incentives, which remove none of the information that some of the costs that come the applicant submitted has from the homeownership gone through the verificaprocess. tion process. Therefore, the - FHA loans offer a low amount that the applicant is 3.4% down payment requirepre-qualified for might change ment, low monthly payments, once the pre-approval process low closing costs, and a credit gets started. score requirement of 580. Step 2: Get Pre-Approved - USDA loans offer a $0 Unlike getting pre-qualified, down payment requirement, going through the pre-aplow monthly mortgage insur- proval process for a loan will ance payments, and flexible require that the applicant credit score requirements. submit documentation about their finances. The loan officer - VA loans offer a $0 will do a credit check on the down payment requirement, applicant while also verifying no mortgage insurance premi- their income and assets. ums, low monthly payments, and no prepayment penalties. Once all that information is However, each loan has its el- accessed and verified, the igibility requirements, which loan officer will determine the the applicant should research amount for which the applibefore applying for any of cant qualifies. Afterward, the them. applicant will be able to start looking for a home that they Once the applicant does their might be eligible for based research and finds the right on the amount that the loan
Step 5: Get the property Inspected/ Appraised The appraisal and the inspection are not the same, but they still must be done to determine if everything checks out with the property.
officer pre-approved them for earlier. At this time the applicant should also get a Certificate of Eligibility. Step 3: Shop for a Home When looking for a home to purchase, the applicant will do so based on a variety of factors. These include their wants and needs, as well as any requirements by their pre-approved home loans. For example, VA loans require that the property does not have any health or safety hazard concerns. Once the applicant finds a home that they like, and it meets all the property requirements for the loans, the next step will be to make an offer on the property. Step 4: Make an offer Making an offer on a property requires that the applicant and their real estate agent meet and begin the underwriting process. This process will have the lender go over the applicants’ credit history, income, cash reserves, equity investment, and financial assets. The process can take anywhere from two to ten days. Subsequently, once the underwriting process completes, and the offer is approved, the applicant must put the property through an inspection and an appraisal.
The inspector will inspect the property itself by testing its appliances as well as its electrical wiring and foundation. The inspection will be completed by an independent home inspector who will provide the applicant with a report of the property when he or she finishes their investigation. The appraiser will do a quicker inspection of the property and its amenities; however, their main concern will be determining the property’s fair market value. They will do so by checking current market trends and the sales of other similar properties in the area. Step 6: Close on the Home and Become a Homeowner Once the inspection and the appraisal finish on the property, and the underwriter approves the applicant for the loan. The next and final step will be for the applicant to close on the property and sign the loan documents turning the applicant into a homeowner. Phil Georgiades is the CLS for FedHome Loan Centers, a brokerage specializing in firsttime buyer home loans. He has been practicing real estate for 22 years. To learn more about programs available to you or apply for a home loan, click here.
LEARN ORLANDO
When I Grow Up... Allison Conklin
Jeep Beach Edgewater Club I think helping people for example to walk again would be an interesting experience and maybe meeting amazing people like sport players with their injuries. Plus watching a person going from not being able to walk and then being perfectly fine again like nothing happened would be an amazing thing to watch slowly happen. The people I hope would be happy. I would be happy with my job and probably at home to become a Physical Therapist would make a lot of money so I wouldn’t struggle with money. This is why I would like to be a Physical Therapist.
Philip Marino
Harris Saxon Club
I really like building stuff with my hands, and I know how to follow the instructions on sets. Ever since I was 6 years old I have been building Legos. When I built the Ultra Dragon from Lego Ninjago I wanted to build sets with more than 1,000 pieces. Now that I’m into Harry Potter I’ll build the Harry Potter sets. This is what I want to be when I grow up.
Lily
Lake Helen Club When I get older, I want to be a lawyer, so I can make changes in the world and make a difference. I can also speak out against racism, world hunger and people with no home or food to have. I can also argue with people! hehe
De’zTanie Frazier
Oretha Bell New Smyrna Beach Club When I get older, I want to be a Development Director because I want to work at the Boy’s & Girls club like Ms. Robin and to show the people that are having bad things at home there is a safe place for them to go and how much we love them and we care about them.
WORK ORLANDO
INTERNATIONAL UPDATE 1. How did TOLREMO start? TOLREMO was the natural continuation and clinical implementation of research that we performed during my PhD and Postdoc at ETH Zurich. At ETH we studied how cancer cells changed their molecular behaviour when they were exposed to cancer drugs. We discovered that certain of these behavioural changes were actually the first steps towards the cancer cells becoming resistant to therapies. Given that drug-resistant cancers are a major cause of death in the clinic, we decided to use our discoveries to develop a solution that would improve current cancer therapies and improve patient survival. This is when TOLREMO was born. I founded the company in 2017 together with my PhD supervisor Prof. Wilhelm Krek, Prof. Karl-Heinz Altmann (ETH professor of chemistry and former Global Head of Chemistry at Novartis), Emmanuel Savioz (a finance expert) and Dr. Isaac Kobrin (the former Chief Medical Officer at Actelion). It has been my baby ever since. 2. Could you give us a short overview of TOLREMO? We are pre-clinical stage biotechnology company that pursues a novel approach to preventing cancer drug resistance and treating aggressive tumors. We have our biology laboratories here in Muttenz
Interview with TOLREMO
where we employ 12 wonderful people. When it comes to chemistry development, all the magic happens in the Netherlands where we employ an additional 3 – 10 contract chemists depending on our needs. Together, use a proprietary technology platform to develop small molecule inhibitors that target the faulty behaviour in cancer cells that drives tumor growth and leads to therapy resistance. The advantage of this approach is that our therapies are believed to work in a variety of cancers even if they don’t have a targetable mutated protein that drives the cancer. Our therapies act much more broadly (on the transcriptome) and simply shut off the aggressive behaviour of cancer cells. We plan to bring our first drug candidate into the clinic by 2022. 3. What makes TOLREMO future-oriented?
Tumors are as diverse as the patients who suffer from them. In the clinic we have learned that for the most efficient therapies we need to take this diversity into account. The first wave of personalized cancer therapies focused on very specific mutated proteins that were known to cause cancer. By identifying the mutation in a tumor and treating a patient with a cancer drug that specifically inhibits the mutated protein, major advances have been made. However, most patients only profit from these therapies for a limited time until their tumors grow back. Also, many cancers are not caused by such a singular mutated protein. Or they are but we do not have drugs to inhibit them. In the future, we will look beyond single mutated proteins and approach cancers much more holistically. How does this cancer look on a
broader molecular level? How does it adapt to therapy? How do the single cancer cells in the tumor differ from each other? How does the tumor interact with the surrounding tissue? This is exactly where our therapies come into play. By changing specific behavioural features of cancers, we will be part of a second, much more holistic wave of personalized cancer therapies that will hopefully bring about longer lasting therapeutic effects and better lives for cancer patients. 4. TOLREMO is a company based in Basel. What do you particularly appreciate about this region? Coming from Zurich, I am probably not supposed to say this, but Basel is great! The people, the city, the Rhine, the proximity to Germany and France make it a wonderful, culturally very diverse region. Real mountains are relatively far away and I wouldn’t say no to a lake, but apart from that I really love living in Basel. Also, the Basel region is one of the most important pharmaceutical hubs in the world. The region is home to many national and international pharma and biotech companies. There is therefore a lot of talent TOLREMO can profit from. It’s really one of the best places for us to be!
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, TOLREMO.
PLAY ORLANDO
Keeping Up with West Volusia’s March Events!
Abba’s tunes keep toes tapping as Sophie’s wedding plans materialize along with her plot to figure out just which one of her mother Donna’s three former lovers is her biological father by inviting all of them to the celebration. Sing along to the wedding preparations and the gathering of old friends and ex-lovers in this pre-DNA paternity search in which love conquers everybody. Hits which will have you humming along include “Dancing Queen,” Money, Money, Money,” and (of course) “Mamma Mia!” 2 hours & 5 minutes (plus a 15-minute intermission) Artist, teacher, and Visual Art Curriculum Specialist, Bryce Hammond presents a powerful and timely solo exhibition created in collaboration with students over the past 7 years. Originally conceptualized around a body of work entitled “Beautiful and Broken”, this unique exhibition took a U-turn when the 2020 pandemic brought the collaboration to a halt. Content and context had to be rediscovered. “Beautiful and Broken” had to be re-imagined, re-purposed, and re-built through the lens of a SECOND CHANCE. Progressive American Flat Track will kick off its season on for BACK-TO-BACK nights of high-speed motorcycle racing action at Volusia Speedway Park during the world famous Daytona Bike Week festivities. Watch all three of AFT’s classes – the wild AFT Singles, the competitive AFT Production Twins, and the main attraction – Mission® SuperTwins – as they each begin a hunt for the championship. 4pm – 10pm Friday, March 12. 4pm – 10pm Saturday, March 13.
Coming together to create a healthy community ORLANDO
New Recommendation: Start Colorectal Cancer Screening at Age 45 Recommended cancer screenings, like colonoscopy, help save lives by catching cancer early. We use these preventive screenings to help keep your health and your life on track, so you can continue to feel strong for years to come. It’s important to receive the screenings you need, when you need them. Recently, the American Cancer Society changed its recommendations for colorectal cancer screenings and encouraged millions of Americans to get their screening at a younger age. Why Did the Screening Recommendation Change? The American Cancer Society reviewed records of more than 500,000 people with colorectal cancer. In their research, they discovered that more young people are developing colorectal cancer than ever before. To help detect these cancers as early as possible, they recommended moving the screening to age 45, instead of age 50, even among people with an average risk of cancer. Types of Colorectal Cancer Screenings Depending on your
health history and your doctor’s recommendation, you may be able to choose one of two different screenings for colorectal cancer. You can have a stoolbased test that looks for signs of cancer in your stool. For this test, you will put a stool sample in a special container and mail it to a lab for examination. If there are signs of cancer, you’ll need a colonoscopy. This test should be repeated every 1 – 3 years.
Many colorectal cancers don’t cause symptoms until they have already grown large or spread to other parts of your body, becoming stage III or stage IV cancers. These cancers require more invasive, aggressive treatment and have lower survival rates than stage I cancers.
A colonoscopy can detect colon cancer in stage I or even in pre-cancerous stages. At these early stages, you may only need a simple surgery to remove polyps instead Or, your doctor might recommend a colonosco- of surgery and chemopy, which is considered therapy — and will have to be the gold standard the best possible chance in cancer screening. at remission and survival. These screenings allow your doctor to examine Schedule Your Screening your colon and rectum Today as well as remove any polyps for biopsy. Colonoscopies are simple and Early detection is key to painless and can provide protecting your life and you with peace of mind helping you stay healthy about your health. for years to come. If If your colonoscopy you’re concerned about shows no signs of canseeking care in person, know that we are docer, you likely won’t ing everything we can need to have one again to keep you safe while for 10 years. you’re here. Including: Why Colorectal Cancer • Social Distancing: Screenings are ImportWith limited visitation, ant waiting room protocols and more, you can safely Colorectal cancer rates are on the rise, and while practice social distancing in our facilities. treatments are improving, there’s no substitute for early detection.
• Temperature Checks: Have peace of mind that everyone you come in contact with has their temperature checked upon arrival. • Separate Waiting and Treatment Areas: COVID-19-positive and symptomatic patients are carefully quarantined away from patients and visitors. • Extra Sanitation Measures: Cleanliness has always been one of our top priorities, but now we’re taking extraordinary new steps to ensure thorough, frequent and ongoing sanitation happens around the clock. • Universal Mask Use: We’re stocked with safety supplies, have no shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) and masks are required for all at our facilities. It’s safe — and essential — to continue getting the preventive care you need. We’re ready when you’re ready. Learn more about our gastrointestinal cancer care services at GetScreenedToday.com.
LIVE WELL (Cont.)
2021
03
MARCH
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Standing Crunches
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10 Side crunches
Stand with feet shoulder-width apart. place hands on hips and engage and tighten your abs. Crunch forward and down.
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Side Crunches
Stand with feet shoulder-width apart. Place hands behind head and engage your core. Crunch to the left and down, then return to standing. Repeat on the right side. That whole sequence counts as one.
Mindfulness Activities
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M1-Every Sunday in this month, take at least five minutes to step outdoors, appreciate your surroundings and reflect on all that's good in your lfie
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25 Standing crunches and M1
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45 Standing crunches and M1
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45 Side crunches
60 Side crunches
75 Side crunches
15 Standing crunches 30 Standing crunches 50 Standing crunches
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65 Standing crunches
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35 Side crunches
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65 Side crunches
20 standing crunches 40 Standing crunches 55 Standing crunches
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70 Standing crunches
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NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH
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20 Side crunches 13
40 Side crunches 20
55 Side crunches 27
70 Side crunches
LIVE WELL (Cont.)
Wellness with Jen: Healthy People: Lucky or Smart? in addition to strengthening my immune system over the years of being around a variety of different germs, I also am consistent with my preventative measures. Over the past year, we have been reminded of the importance of taking precautions when working to avoid contracting germs that lead to sickness. What are some of these precautions? In honor of St Patty’s Day being upon us, let’s chat about our luck. Is a person who seems to rarely get sick lucky, or are they just consistent with prevention? Well, it is true that some people have really great immune systems, which can lead to getting sick less often. I, for one, have built up a very strong immune system as a result of working with children. However,
Hello! The WOMANtrepreneur Blog is a new contribution in the Avalon Sun for any woman who wants to take more ownership of her life and her business! Don’t have a business, you will still find useful information to take ownership of every area of your life every month here!
• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate: drink water... If you don’t love plain water, add a couple drops of flavor with some citrus fruits, cucumber, or some flavored drops derived from a natural sources. Hydrating does not include sugary, caffeinated, and/or alcoholic beverages.
• Wash your hands regularly: before you eat, after filling up with gas, when you walk in the house from anywhere,...
• Gut Health: Ditch the processed foods, ditch as much sugar as possible, take your probiotics (Some people feel conflicted when it comes to probiotics. Do your own research and determine what works best for you.)
• Remember that hand sanitizer is a great option for when good ‘ol fashioned soap and water washing isn’t an option, but it is not meant to replace washing your hands.
• Take your supplements: I didn’t think I needed supplements because I eat a healthy diet and lead a healthy lifestyle. I was wrong. Foods do not hold the same nutrition that they
WOMANtrepreneur
used to. Take your supplements! • Sleep and don’t stress: easier said than done, I know. Regeneration happens while you sleep. Stress wrecks havoc on your system. • Boost your immune system with other natural products that fit into your lifestyle. So, to answer our question from above... Yes, some people seem to have a bit of luck when it comes to staying healthy, but prevention is key!! Whether or not you consider yourself lucky when it comes to your health, provide your body with what it needs and take proper precautions. Treat your body right!
vision show. The Hazel Scott Show aired for 15 minutes, three times a week, first in New York City and then nationally. Women are contributing great things and making History everywhere! So, whether you know a WOMAN who is a business owner or not. Celebrate them and all the amazing things they are doing as a wife, girlfriend, best friend, mom, grandma, aunt, sister, cousin, etc. because everything little thing they do contributes to the History of Women!
This month we are celebrating Women’s History Month! Every year March is designated Women’s History Month by Presidential proclamation. The month is set aside to honor women’s contributions in American history.
That being said, do you know Want to join other Women who the first African-Ameriin your area who are making can was to host her own TV History? Visit www.womJazz pianist and singer Hazel the first African-American antrepreneur.org for more show? No, it wasn’t Oprah! Scott made history by being woman to host her own tele- information!
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