Avalon Park Sun Orlando April 2023

Celebrating the Cultures of Our Community

Join us in Avalon Park Orlando to celebrate art, culture, and diversity at the 19th Annual Absolutely Avalon event on Saturday, April 8th. The festivities will kick off at 5 pm with a variety of fun activities for all including a bounce park, food trucks, cultural performances, vendors, face painting and the evening will wrap up at 9 p.m. with a laser light show at Founder’s Square.

Everything you need to know about Absolutely Avalon

As Avalon Park’s signature festival celebrating everything that makes Avalon Park absolutely amazing, Absolutely Avalon will once again fill downtown with a surge of vibrant colors, art, dance and entertainment. The family-friendly event features two stages chocked full of performances celebrating various cultures represented in our community. As its name suggests, Absolutely Avalon will be a big celebration. In addition to music, dance, and other forms of artistic expression, there will be vendors selling international food and community performances. The FusionFest flag unit in Town Park will start the event by showcasing a beautiful display of colors and flags from more than 20 countries. Additionally, there will be a Pinwheel Donate Life Flower Garden sponsored by Evolution Medical Technologies and performances by the Orlando Opera, Russian Ballet, Vietnamese Dancing by Thuyen May Productions and Devyani School of Cultural Arts. No festival in Avalon Park is complete without community performances by groups like Fierce Orlando and the Avalon School of Music.

ing event for the Avalon Park Arts and Culture Center “ACC.” Over the past year ACC has grown to offer classes, events, workshops, and gallery exhibits highlighting more and more of the cultures represented in our community. Some of the highlights over the past year has been the addition of the butterfly murals on the Avalon Professional Center, our first Plein Air Competition and a collaboration of Pinecrest Academy Avalon during Black History Month. New events and collaborations are on the horizon for include the OUC Rainwater Barrel Decorating Contest, exciting new exhibits, more programming and classes.

ACC relocated in December of 2022 from the original location on Avalon Lake Drive to it’s permanent home in the iconic Founder’s Hall Building, located at 13013 Founder’s Square Drive. The center is now open Fridays 5:00 pm -8:00 pm, Saturdays 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm, Sundays 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm. While admission is free, donations are accepted and go towards improving and programming the center. For more information on how you can volunteer, donate, or showcase your work, please email Info@ AvalonArtsCenter.com.

Know What’s Happening in Avalon Park

Stay up to date with news, events, and business updates by visiting us online at AvalonParkOrlando.com and signing up for our newsletter for even more reasons to visit Downtown Avalon Park, Orlando’s premier community to live, learn, work, and play.

Avalon Park Arts and Culture Center Absolutely Avalon 2022 served as the grand open-

Celebrating Culture and Diversity in Avalon Park

cultures that make up our community. This event has always been a favorite one for me.

As an immigrant who came to America from Switzerland almost 30 years ago, and I am deeply thankful for all the opportunities this land of the free continues to give me.

Over the years I have truly became a “global citizen.” I am writing this column on a flight from Zurich, Switzerland to Bangkok, Thailand, where I will connect to Taipei, Taiwan. From there, a quick visit to our offices in Osaka, Japan and then come back to the US next week via San Francisco, hence traveling around the world in a little over a week!

Our diversity is not just visible when I travel the world. When asked what the strength of Avalon Park Group “APG” is, I always say our diversity and internationality. Even back in Orlando, a typical day will start with picking up 2 coffees from Karen at Marketplace (she was born in South Korea). One of the coffees is for Marybel, APG‘s CFO and my co-captain, she is Dominican / Lebanese and was born and

But then there are Orlando natives like Nicole or Trey on APG ‘s team, or Stephanie from the Kansas heartland. And sitting just a few yards away from Andreas in the Switzerland office is Ravi, who is from Malaysia, but spends his time living and working between Singapore and Switzerland.

I truly believe once people from all over the world live, learn, work and play together great things can be accomplished. Different cultures bring different knowledge, ideas, and experience. Almost every political, business, and personal problem is the result of weak or noncommunication. Once people from all over the world have the ability to meet colleagues with vastly different backgrounds and work together, the benefits from each other’s knowledge and strengths help “global problems” get solved much easier.

Immigrants made the US the greatest county in the world. They left their home country and came to the promised land. Many became very successful in culture, art or business. By leaving their native land, they demonstrated risk tolerance and adventurism.

It is getting dark as my plane leaves the Turkey air zone, approaching Iraq, then Iran and via Pakistan, India. I will land in Bangkok early in the morning local time, late in the night Switzerland time.

My journey will bring me together with people from all over the world, and it is deeply refreshing, and I always learn a lot from other cultures.

This is why I love the celebration of the diversity in our community in events like Absolutely Avalon. I hope to see you all there next month, where we can share our experiences together!

From the Desk of Commissioner

Maribel Gomez Cordero

Happy April!

April is a great time to focus on your health and wellness. With warmer weather and longer days, it’s easier to get outside and be active. Take advantage of the spring weather by going for a walk, bike ride, or hike. And don’t forget to fuel your body with healthy, fresh foods. Avalon Park is home to many recreational areas and with the new milder weather in Spring, it is a perfect time for outside activities.

I am looking forward to attending the magnificent annual event Absolutely Avalon! I encourage everyone in the community to come out. It will be a great opportunity to meet many vendors, and artisans. Many Food Trucks will be present, and cultural performances will take place. Not to mention, there will be a laser light show. My office staff and I will be in attendance and we encourage you to say hi and speak with us about any concerns or questions. As you might already know, the event will be held on April 8th from 5pm to 9pm in downtown Avalon. I hope you are as

excited as I am for Absolutely Avalon.

April is also National Autism Awareness Month. By raising awareness, we help educate the public about Autism Spectrum Disorder and improve our understanding of the challenges faced by people with ASD. It is an opportunity to promote acceptance, inclusion and understanding. I believe that it is essential that we all work to create a more caring and inclusive environment in our community.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, or if you would like to receive my newsletter, you can email me at district4@ocfl.net or call my office at 407-836-5881. You can also meet me in person at one of my two satellite office locations. On the first Wednesdays of the month you can meet me at the East Orange Community Center (12050 E Colonial Dr) or on the Third Wednesdays of the month at the Meadow Woods Recreation Center (1751 Rhode Island Woods Cir). My time at both locations is from 10am to 12pm. Thank you again!

How to Prepare to Sell Your Home

There are plenty of articles written for first time home buyers but so few for those preparing to sell their homes. Selling your home is a big decision, requires preparation, and can be a time of mixed emotions. In this article, we will discuss some important things you need to know before selling your home. With the right knowledge, preparation, and knowing what to expect can help you make an informed decision and ensure selling your home goes smoothly.

The real estate market is a complex and ever-changing landscape. With over 20 years of experience, your local realtor John from Avalon Realty is a unique position to understand our local market trends, provide you with up-to-date information on housing prices, availability, buyer trends.

Are you getting ready to put your home on the market? you’ve come to the right place! With this check list, you can easily get your home ready for sale. Need a little more one on one help? I’ll walk you through the basics of decluttering, staging, and curb appeal maintenance. So, let’s get started!

PREPARATION CHECK LIST

1. Emotional. Selling can be a time of mixed emotions. The feelings of parting with the home where wonderful memories have happened and the excitement of moving on to a new phase in your life.

selves living in the home. They’ll “feel” themselves living there.

4. Staging. Staging your home could be as simple as relocating some furniture. This maybe moving some out of your home or rearranging the furniture in a room.

5. Repairs. Getting the advice of your experienced realtor may help you save money while making your home more presentable.

6. Curb Appeal. You’ve heard it said, “you only have one change to create a good first impression.” Improving the exterior by adding mulch, flowers, or trimming those over-grown shrubs and trees all improve curb appeal.

2. Declutter. Remove all unnecessary items make your home more inviting. This may not be as easy as it sounds. It’s worth enlisting the help of Joh at Avalon Realty who has years of experience offering expert advice on how to declutter effectively.

7. Lighting. Most people are light sensitive. By replace old lighting fixtures or changing your light bulbs to the natural daylight type will help the home feel more inviting.

8. Clean & Fresh. Buyers are affected by the “smells & odors” in a home. It’s critical to ensure all odors are removed, especially pet odors.

3. Depersonalize. Your buyer needs to feel welcome when viewing your home. Depersonalize your home by removing family photos and personal effects, you’re allowing potential buyers to see them-

9. Pricing. Because the Real Estate market is constantly changing, pricing your home for today’s market is essential to attract qualified buyers.

There is no substitute for working with an experienced local agent such as John from Avalon Realty. I can save you time, money, and increase the chances of selling your home quickly and effectively. We’ll freely advise you the best strategies for preparing your home for sale. Get in touch and put us to work for you.

When we think of spring, we are reminded of bright flowers, sunshine, and the clear blue skies. The transition from winter to spring is a big difference regarding decor in your home. Our surroundings have a big impact on how we feel from a day-to-day basis. Instead of the dull colors of winter, it’s time to turn up the brightness and add some outdoor elements around your house.

This doesn’t mean a whole remodel of your place. Just little changes can make a whole difference in transitioning your apartment to fit the spring vibe and producing productivity all around. Here are some ideas to accomplish this.

Decorate with Flowers and Plants

With more natural sunlight coming in throughout the day, it’s time to bring out the springtime staples: flowers and plants. Flowers can be placed throughout your home, adding even more color to it. They can even be placed outside if you want to grow some throughout spring. Plants are a perfect addition for indoor decor as they reduce carbon dioxide and improve overall air quality. If you don’t want to go for anything big, succulents are a great substitution.

Add Some Color to the Walls

Change out your winter decorations into spring ones with lighter colors on the walls. Canvases can be a great replacement and easy

to obtain. When shopping, go for pastel colors or floral pieces to add to your wall.

Choose Scents that Remind You of Spring

To complete the ambiance, smelling that hint of lilacs or lemons as you enter your home will remind anyone of spring. It doesn’t matter if you prefer candles, essential oils, or sprays, adding these scents will perk up your mood!

Spring Clean

Restart this season with a full clean-through of your home. Throw out any unnecessary items, organize your room, and clean all the rooms. It can be a lot, but you will feel more refreshed after you’re done.

The Flats at Avalon Park

The distinctive flavor of small-town life and the sophistication of uptown living come together in The Flats. Located in Downtown Avalon Park, these uniquely styled four-story apartment homes place you above – yet at the center of – all the shopping, dining and professional services that downtown offers.

For more information on leasing at The Flats please click here or call 407-273-4337.

Tips to Deal with Daylight Savings Time

The time is upon us where our clocks are now an hour forward and the sun is out later. Twice a year, Daylight Savings Time occurs on the second Sunday of March and the first Sunday of November. These two changes affect us, especially seniors and take some time to adjust to. Around 40% of seniors deal with some sort of memory loss after the age of 65, so dealing with these shifts in time can be difficult for some.

In order to transition through these time changes as smoothly as possible, here’s some tips on how seniors can deal with Daylight Savings Time.

Keep to Your Regular Times

Seniors shouldn’t change their times to adjust to the new times. Everything is the same, the clock is just showing a different number. Make sure seniors are taking their medications at the same time they always do. Eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner at their normal times will also help their body continue to adapt.

Sleep Schedule

It’s also important to try and stay on the sleep schedule seniors were already on before the time change. Going to bed and waking up at the hours you normally do will keep your internal cycle on track. Taking naps during the day should be avoided so seniors can be tired later on in the evening and keep on their daily nighttime routine. It’s normal to experience some grogginess for a few days after the change, but it’s something that won’t last for more than a few days.

Enjoy the Natural Light

With the days lasting longer and the sun not setting until past 7 p.m., there’s more time for seniors to get outside and enjoy the sunlight. Natural light helps the body produce melatonin, which is a hormone in your body that helps you sleep. Seniors can easily take a relaxing walk around the park or sit outside on the porch and soak in the sun. This also allows their body to “catch up” to the time change.

Prepare Ahead of Time

Leading up to DST, preparing for the time change can allow for a smoother transition and less problems to worry about. seniors should plan to go to bed 15 to 30 minutes towards what the new time change would be. Everything else can be adjusted after, but sleep is the most important factor so there won’t be a drastic difference.

Taking Care of our Seniors at Encore

At Encore Avalon Park, we want our residents to be a part of a happy, healthy environment. In addition to comfortable accommodations and delicious meals, our senior living community offers a full schedule of recreational and social activities for our senior residents, many of which are perfectly accessible for seniors in wheelchairs to enjoy.

Find out more about what makes Encore at Avalon Park the premier senior living community in the Central Florida area by calling 407-270-7500 and scheduling a tour.

LEARN

WORK

The Obvious Choice: Private Offices in Co-Working Spaces

Startup founders often find themselves in a position of having to decide how to allocate their limited startup capital between various priorities. Spend on hiring new staff, and there won’t be enough funds for leasing an office. Buying furniture for the office would take away from the funds needed for product development, but also prevents the company from providing additional employment benefits, leading to an increased turnover rate, jeopardizing the company’s stability in its early days.

offices also come fully equipped with conventional furnishings like desks and chairs, allowing aspiring entrepreneurs to cut down on the upfront costs needed to set up a professional working environment. They are also inclusive of general co-working amenities such as printing services, cleaning staff, internet accessibility, and meeting rooms. At The 5th Floor, our on-site reception team is always happy to assist in receiving guests and processing administrative post and packaging, giving businesses a touch of polish to position themselves as a serious competitor.

In addition to providing substantial cost savings, private offices allow small businesses to operate with agility. Unlike traditional, long-term office leases that require extensive coordination for moving in and out, coworking spaces provide a variety of flexible arrangements for those seeking work spaces without burdensome contracts. All of these things are great for any business—especially young and fast-growing startups that may need to scale up or down at the drop of a hat. Private offices housed in co-working spaces like The 5th Floor provide a happy medium between the flexibility of an individual membership, and the security of a traditional office with all the professional amenities a business could need.

Faced with these impossible choices, it is no surprise that many young businesses resort to housing their operations in unconventional locations as a way to save on rent and facilities. Even Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak started Apple in the garage of Jobs’ childhood home. While these makeshift offices provide flexibility and cost savings, they compromise on professionalism and credibility when companies are unable to provide potential clients and staff with a proper meeting space, business address, and tools needed for their jobs. Understanding this universal struggle faced by all startups, The 5th Floor is committed to removing some of these hard choices that company leaders have to make, through providing private office arrangements in all our co-working locations around the globe.

For a lower price than a normal lease, co-working spaces like The 5th Floor provide small companies with private spaces housed within their offices. They are generally sectioned off from the main coworking area, with the ability to lock and secure the space so that only office staff can access them. Private

If you’re looking to kick off your startup, run your own business, or just need an office space that’s prepped and ready to go, The 5th Floor Orlando provides a range of private office spaces that are suitable for businesses of all sizes. To learn more about our options, check out our website or call us today at 407-730-3493.

Setting Your Home-Based Business Up for Success

Working from home has become more and more prevalent over the past few years. Whether you are hybrid or fully remote, there is some ease working from your own home and being able to organize your own office. However, being at home can easily lead to distractions and a build-up of papers on your desk and documents on your computer.

To effectively work from home, you need to know the necessary steps to free yourself from cluttering up your workspace and keeping distractions to a minimum.

Set Up a Space for Yourself

Find a room in your home where you will be able to work in peace and quiet. Being able to shut a door to focus on work can make all the difference in the world. This space should be dedicated just to your work hours. Make it comfy with a cushioned desk chair and allow natural light to come in. Personalizing your own workspace will allow you to have fun with your office.

Get Organized

Organization is key to keeping your office neat and clutter-free. Your supplies, books, notebooks, electronics, etc. need to be stored in different shelves or cabinets so you’re not leaving stuff everywhere. You will know where everything is and it means more desk space for other things you need.

Label and Categorize Everything

Whether it’s papers or computers, making sure everything is in the right place will help you keep track of important forms and documents. Folders are the best option for sorting through everything. A paper folder or online folder will do the trick. Always remember when you print or create a new document, to label and categorize it in the right folder so it will not get lost.

Stay on Top of Deadlines with a Calendar

When running or working for a business, memorizing deadlines, or writing down a quick note of when something needs to be done is not always the most efficient way to stay on top of your calendar. You can easily get busy and forget about it or the note will get lost. Whether you choose to have a physical calendar hanging on your wall, a planner right at your desk or a digital calendar app, having your tasks and appointments in one space will allow you to hopefully never miss another important detail.

Be a Part of The 5th Floor’s Business Directory

Located on the 2nd floor above the Marketplace at Avalon Park food hall, The 5th Floor Orlando has options for you to maximize your work-from-home situation. With flexible co-working spaces, conciergelevel services, gorgeous decor, and access to snacks and beverages, as well as high-tech conference rooms for hosting workshops, meetings, and events, The 5th Floor has everything needed for your business to hit the ground running.

There is now an additional perk of being a workfrom-home business in east Orlando. Take advantage of being a part of our home-based business directory at no cost, by submitting your business information here. The directory is featured on the Avalon Park Orlando and The 5th Floor website directories, as well as featured in the Avalon Park Sun publication. We are excited to help you elevate your business with The 5th Floor. For more information on The 5th Floor visit us online or give us a call at 407-730-3493.

The Pasta Bowl Recession

Have you heard of “The Pasta Bowl Recession”? Did you know? University of Central Florida’s famed economist Sean Snath, coined the term. He used this analogy to describe a new kind of recession that followed coming out of the COVID-19 Pandemic due to the sudden surge in government spending. During this time the economy grew and so did inflation. Housing and fuel prices surged along with an unprecedented number of job openings and supply chain issues. When the fed raised interest rates, investors and companies lost confidence and became uneasy. Snaith, looked at the data and believed that this recession would look like the shape of a pasta bowl. The economy would make a slow shallow decline with a wide long recovery with a gradual slope back out.

In a February 22, 2023 NPR Radio interview, Snaith stated “Like the national economy, it’s going to be a particularly mild recession in Florida, when it does hit. So, in some sectors, and for some people, it’s not really going to be all that perceptible.” “Florida will see a few quarters of relatively low growth.” He also stated that the economy slowing down which is not necessarily bad. This slowdown can ease supply chain issues as consumers reduce spending. He also stated that consumers may have cut back on items, are still spending on experiences and services.

If you’d like to learn more about the Pasta Bowl Recession and hear the latest updates, the East Orlando Chamber of Commerce is proud to host Sean Snaith at our April 19th Luncheon. Register to attend at www.EOCC. org.

The East Orlando Chamber of Commerce is a leader in Advocacy, Community Engagement and Regional Connections in east Orange County. Visit www.EOCC.org or call 407-277-5951 to learn about benefits and business development opportunities.

April Calendar of Events

National Card & Letter Writing Month

By Maya Nowlin

Did you know that Benjamin Franklin was the first postman in the US? Well…he sort of was. He was the first appointed postmaster general for the American colonies under Great Britain. That was, until 1774 when Great Britain relieved Benjamin Franklin from his postmaster duties due to his, ahem, revolutionary activities. However, by 1789, there were at least 75 post offices in the United States. It’s wild to believe that there are now over 40,000 post offices residing in our country.

But while there is an increasing demand to have parcels delivered all over the nation (and of course, abroad) there is a type of mail that easily gets looked over; letters. Good ‘ole snail mail. In our community of text messages, emails, and social media, it isn’t hard to see how letters can be forgotten. When was the last time you, dear reader, even sent a letter? Let alone wrote one?

Well, Avalon Park friends, you are in luck! The perfect opportunity to write a letter and send one out is upon you because this month is National Card & Letter Writing Month! The United States Postal Service created this holiday on March 22nd, 2001 to highlight the art of letter writing as well as to promote creativity in children and preserve the tradition of sending out correspondence through cards and letters.

Want to know how to get started? First, figure out who you would like to send correspondence to. Maybe a friend you haven’t talked to in a while, or perhaps a

family member you miss dearly. Another great option is to find a penpal to send letters to! The next step (after having an address to send to, of course) is to gather your supplies. Hit up your favorite mail center (cough cough) and purchase your stamps, envelopes, paper, pens, and any other stationary you would like to make your card extra special. Then, get writing! Your letter doesn’t necessarily even need to be a letter. You could write your recipient a poem, a short story, or even draw them something that reminded you of them. As long as whatever paper creation you write (or make) can fit within an envelope and is less and ¼ inch thick, it can still be sent as a letter.

And remember: Your name and address (known as the “return address”) will go at the top left corner. The name of the person you are sending to and their address will go in the middle. This information will be in three lines.

Example:

1. Name of you or person you are sending to

2. Street address

3. City, State and Zipcode

Or, if writing a letter seems a little intimidating, try writing a good old-fashioned postcard! Postcards are two sided with a picture on the back and a small space on the front to write an address and small message. It’s a great way to get started if you’ve never written a letter before or if it’s been a while since your last letter. We at Avalon Mail Center also, coincidentally, sell custom designed postcards created by our very own graphic artist, Michelle.

PLAY

Plein Air Competition Submissions

Help us choose a winner for the first ever Avalon Park Plein Air Competition! Artists were assigned Avalon Lake as the subject for their paintings. Winner will be announced on April 8th.

VOTE HERE!

Orlando Mom Collective Summer Camp Guide

Who’s ready for summer?!

All we are dreaming about is being outside in the sun, and kids having the best time this summer! Even if you have an awesome Summer Bucket List, Orlando Summer Camps are always a great idea!!

Just because the kids will be out of school doesn’t mean they have to stop learning, growing, and playing! Summer Camp is an excellent way to foster a child’s love of an interest or skill. And gain new friends while they are at it. Plus, they stay engaged, busy, and active during the day!

Although it might still be considered winter, but it’s that time of year when moms need to start thinking about summer plans. Wait, what!? Yup, any experienced mom knows that to stay sane during summer break, you need to put those kiddos in camp! But there are just so many options out there to choose from.

We are lucky to have so many different Orlando Area Summer Camps available for our kids in Central Florida that focus on so many activities!

Whether your child is into sports and dance, history, performing arts, or computer technology, we’ve put together our 7th annual Summer Camp Guide sponsored by O2B Kids that showcases something for everyone. We hope that this resource provides the information that you need to

plan a fun and stress-free summer!!

School’s Out and it’s Time to PLAY! O2B Summer Camp offers FUN first to every child every day, but rest assured that your child’s learning will never stop. Our integrated activity approach offers unprecedented variety in subjects such as Art, Science, Technology and Sports. Add in Neighborhood Time, Team-Building Fun and weekly Themed Events… and this will be a summer your child will remember forever!

Weekly Summer Camp Themes:

May 29 – June 2*: Safari

June 5 – 9: Aloha

June 12 – 16: World of Building

June 19 – 23: A Galaxy Far, Far Away

June 26 – 30: Camping

July 3 – 7*: Everyday’s a Holiday

July 10 – 14: Extreme Games

July 17 – 21: VIP Camp (Hollywood/ Red Carpet)

July 24 – 28: Survivor

July 31 – August 4**: Blow It Up (Extreme Science)

August 7 – 11**: Superhero

*Closed for 5/29 for Memorial Day, 7/4 for 4th of July

**Pending Teacher Planning Day the Friday before school starts

7 Mistakes to Avoid When Decluttering Your Home This Spring Cleaning Season

The spring cleaning season is always such a great time to refresh your home and everyday lifestyle. Are you already planning to deep clean your carpets and rugs, clean all of your home’s windows, and wipe down all counters and cabinets? These are all fantastic steps to take, but have you thought about taking the time to declutter each room?

You may not know it, but if you have a cluttered home, you are unknowingly hurting your mental wellbeing. It’s true — clutter takes up physical space, uses our mental energy, and can amplify stress and anxiety. In my experience as the Professional Organizer and Brand Ambassador of Modular Closets (a DIY customizable closet system that organizes any space in your home), I have found that decluttering and organizing your home is one surefire way to live healthier and happier. That said, if you want to declutter your home this spring cleaning season, avoid these blunders:

Mistake #1: Thinking You Need to Throw Everything Away

Oftentimes, when one thinks of decluttering, they falsely assume that any and all clutter should just be thrown away. Their reasoning is that if articles of clothing and other clutter have been strewn around the home for a long time, the items are obviously not important and it would be easiest to just toss them out. However, don’t make this mistake, as it can lead to unnecessary waste in landfills. You may also have friends and family who would love the items you no longer want, or you can donate them to charitable causes that need them.

Mistake #2: Keeping an Item You Don’t Need

On that same note, don’t make the mistake of holding onto an article of clothing or other product because you think you might use it in the future. If the item has been sitting in the back of your closet or laying forgotten underneath your bed for months (or years!), then I recommend donating it, giving it away to a friend, or trying to sell it. You get the benefit of less clutter, and the item will go to someone who truly wants to use it. It’s a win-win for you both! Don’t let objects take over you — remember that you always control the items.

Mistake #3: Starting the Decluttering Process Without Planning Piles

I get it — when you finally decide to declutter and organize your home, it can be tempting to just go all-in and start tossing all the items strewn about into one box to sort through later. However, you will streamline the whole process if you plan out your plies first — you can designate a pile of items you will keep, a pile to donate, a pile to sell, and a pile to throw away. Then, you can sort all of the items as you go — then you can easily box up the piles to donate to Goodwill or another organization, place all the items in the “Throw Away” pile into a trash bag, etc.

Mistake

#4: Decluttering With Everything Still in the Space

Many people make the mistake of decluttering their drawers, closets, and entire rooms with all of the items still in the space. Don’t commit this blunder, as you can really optimize the decluttering process by

first emptying out the closet / room / space before sorting the items. You will be much more cognizant of the items you decide to place back in the space and consider more if you really want to hold onto certain items you haven’t used in a long time. Also, you won’t overlook items that may be hidden under others.

Mistake #5: Keeping Clutter for a Garage Sale That Isn’t on the Calendar

Garage sales are a fun and effective way to rid your home of items you no longer need, make a little profit, and give someone else the chance to enjoy your old items at a very low price — as the saying goes, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure! However, if you want to hold a garage sale to sell your old items, it is absolutely key to schedule the day and time you plan to hold it. Otherwise, you may end up having to keep pushing the garage sale out as other obligations come up, all the while still holding onto a bunch of items cluttering up your space.

Mistake #6: Decluttering Without a Goal and Intention for Your Space

Having a goal you want to achieve for your space will further optimize the decluttering process. Do you finally want to sort through that jumbled junk drawer in your kitchen? Are you ready to organize all of the clothes in your master bedroom’s closet? Do you have a ton of makeup and other beauty products you really want to declutter and organize? Set your goal and declutter accordingly. This will prevent you from being distracted by any clutter in other spaces — as you achieve one goal, you can then set another goal for another space. One step at a time!

Mistake #7: Decluttering Without a Snack On Hand

Trust me, decluttering and organizing any space can be tiring! This is especially true if you are moving heavy boxes and equipment around. So keep your energy and momentum up by having a tasty snack nearby at all times. This can also make the process more fun and enjoyable!

To Wrap It All Up

Are you ready to declutter and organize your home this spring cleaning season? Good for you! You can make the decluttering process much more efficient by avoiding some common mistakes others make, like thinking you need to throw everything away, decluttering while everything is still in the space, and keeping clutter for a garage sale that isn’t yet on the calendar. Also, do not be so hard on yourself, because this process is a lot! The fact that you are working on your space to make it better is truly such an accomplishment. Good luck!

DINING

Mejana Mediterranean Grille: A Family-Owned Gem in Avalon Park

Mejana Mediterranean Grille is a family-owned restaurant in the heart of Avalon Park, Orlando. This establishment has become a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, offering delicious Mediterranean cuisine in a warm and welcoming environment. What makes Mejana special is its strong family ties, which are evident in every aspect of the restaurant.

In addition to the delicious food, Mejana offers a full bar with a selection of superb beers and wines.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mejana Mediterranean Grille faced significant challenges, like many other businesses. The family worked tirelessly to adapt to the new circumstances, implementing safety measures and offering takeout and delivery options. The community responded with overwhelming support, ordering takeout and delivery, leaving positive reviews, and spreading the word about the restaurant’s offerings.

One of the hallmarks of Mejana Mediterranean Grille is how employees are treated like family. Rayan and Laura believe that a positive work environment is essential to creating a great dining experience for their customers, and they prioritize the well-being of their team members.

In February 2023, Mejana Mediterranean Grille won the Orlando Sentinel Foodie Reader’s Choice Award. This award is a testament to the restaurant’s dedication to providing its customers with the highest quality Mediterranean cuisine and ingredients.

In 2020, Rayan and Laura took over the restaurant, infusing it with their fervor for classic Lebanese cuisine. They elevated the menu by incorporating premium ingredients and genuine flavors true to the culinary heritage. Along with their two charming daughters, their family lives in Avalon Park.

From the moment you walk into the restaurant, you can feel warmth and hospitality. The decor is inspired by the elegance of the Mediterranean region, making it the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or family celebration.

Recently, Mejana Mediterranean Grille underwent a renovation to enhance the already cozy and welcoming atmosphere. The renovation includes updated seating arrangements, a fresh coat of paint, and a re-do of the patio area to create a more refined and upscale look. The new decor combines elements of Mediterranean design with modern accents, creating a chic and sophisticated ambiance.

The menu at Mejana is a reflection of the family’s heritage and culinary expertise. The dishes are made using only the freshest ingredients. Some of the most popular items on the menu include hummus, grilled chicken and meat, falafel, and shawarma. Vegetarians and vegans will find plenty of options, including appetizers, wraps, and platters.

Mejana Mediterranean Grille is a wonderful family-owned business that truly cares for its customers and community. The Mejana family’s passion for food and hospitality is evident in every aspect of the restaurant. It is the best spot to see the sunset in the area. If you’re in Avalon Park, stop by and experience the warm and welcoming atmosphere.

To check out Mejana Mediterranean Grille’s menus and location, check their website www.mejanaus.com

Coming together to create a healthy community

Not Feeling Well? Don’t Rely on Dr. Google To Diagnose Your Condition

There’s a risk, however, that you may latch onto a particular condition and become less open-minded to what your doctor has to say.

For example, if you have a racing heartbeat and look for those symptoms online, you might become convinced you have a heart condition. That could lead to an insistence on unnecessary medical interventions when, in fact, you may be experiencing anxiety.

Or you might insist on a costly CAT scan because an online search revealed your persistent headaches are a symptom of a brain tumor.

Some people, in fact, spend so much time researching their medical conditions that the medical community has coined a term for the anxiety it can produce: Cyberchondria.

You’ve had a pounding headache for hours, and you start to worry. So you go online and look up your symptoms. That’s when the panic sets in: You have brain cancer. Or allergies.

We’ve all been there.

The internet is a treasure trove of medical information that can help you understand what may be wrong. But it’s also easy to go down an information rabbit hole and become convinced you have a life-threatening disease -when the odds are you don’t.

Googling medical information might provide a few pieces of your overall health-care picture, but it takes a healthcare provider to put the puzzle together.

Medical Searches Surge

Google revealed a few years ago that 5% of its searches are for health-related information, and that was before the COVID-19 pandemic. Considering Google processes tens of thousands of searches every second, that means people search for health information hundreds of millions of times each day.

About 35% of American adults had gone online at some point to figure out a medical condition either they or someone else had, a Pew Research survey found. The good news is that about half of those people said the information they found online made them want to involve a medical professional.

Nearly a third of those adults, however, said they never went on to seek an opinion from a medical professional. The report found that those mostly likely to self-diagnose were younger, female and more affluent.

A different survey of family physicians found that 97% of them said patients were coming into their office armed with bad information they found on the internet, and that patients were more likely to question their doctor’s diagnosis and treatments based on what they had read online.

Risks of Self-Diagnosis

Reading up on your symptoms can give you a good deal of knowledge about the possible causes, and that might help your doctor.

The risks of self-diagnosing based on Google searches can fall into several buckets:

• Over- or under-diagnosing a condition

• Misplaced fear and stress

• Failing to seek a medical professional’s opinion

• Becoming anchored to a condition that may not be accurate

How Doctors Diagnose

The trouble with relying on Dr. Google is that it never went to medical school. Nor did it undergo a years-long residency at a hospital, treating patients and learning how to make an accurate diagnosis.

For doctors who aren’t named Google, diagnosing a condition is a meticulous process that includes:

• Learning and understanding your medical, social and family history

• Cataloging all of your symptoms to find patterns

• Asking follow-up questions

• Conducting a thorough physical exam

• Ordering diagnostic tests, such as bloodwork or X-rays

You and your doctor are able to work together and get to the bottom of a condition in a way that’s not possible online.

Being a Savvy User

Whatever its drawbacks, the internet also can be a valuable source of medical information for those who are savvy enough to understand its uses and limitations.

Here are a few tips to consider when using the internet to evaluate a medical condition:

• Try to steer clear of Wikipedia. It’s an open-source site where information may or may not be accurate.

• Government-led sources -- including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Institutes of Health -- generally can be viewed as providing credible information.

• Hospital systems also work hard to ensure their medical information has been thoroughly vetted by professionals.

• Look for articles that provide links to peer-reviewed clinical studies and quote experts in a particular medical field.

• Beware of sites and articles that are trying to sell you something.

Nine Healthy Eating Tips for the Entire Family

Post a snack list on the fridge

Have a list posted on the fridge of available and healthy snacks so it’s more likely everyone will choose those nourishing options when hunger hits. Snacks that have protein and produce are great options such as an hard-cooked egg and cucumbers, nut butter and celery, a cheese stick with an apple, edamame and orange slices, or yogurt and berries.

Play “Try It Tuesday”

Trying new foods is such a great way to get a wide variety of nutrition and create more adventurous eaters. Make Tuesday the day each week to open everyone’s mind and palate to try a new snack, a new side dish, a new recipe, or even just take a bite of a new fruit or veggie.

Team up in the kitchen

Cooking together makes it feel more fun and when kids play a role in prepping, they are more likely to enjoy the meal. Teaching kids how to cook is a valuable life skill that you can start teaching at any age, it’s never too early or late. And bonus, the better kids get in the kitchen, the less work it ends up being for parents!

Count the color on your plate

One of the best ways to eat better is by adding more colorful fruits & veggies to meals and snacks. So have kids count the colors on their plate and the more colors the better. Take it to the next level and create a family chart to track the colors eaten through the week or month!

Learn the superpowers of each food group

Each food group does powerful things in your body. And when kids (and adults) focus on the superpower benefits of food, it becomes more meaningful and fun to choose nourishing options. For example:

· Protein foods like eggs, chicken, and beans help grow and repair muscles.

· Fruits and veggies give us vitamins & minerals to protect our cells.

· Whole grains like whole wheat, oats, and brown rice give us energy.

· Fats like nuts, avocados, and olive oil support our organs.

Create a water station

Staying hydrated helps keep us healthy and energized. Keep a pitcher of water that’s easy to see on the counter

or in the fridge. And nearby have cups/water bottles and some slices of cucumbers, lemons, limes, oranges, mint, and/or berries so kids can create their own special flavor combos. Keeping water available and fun encourages the whole family to drink more of it.

Give everyone their own day of the week

To help make dinner a peaceful, complaint-free zone, give each family member a day of the week when they pick what’s for dinner. It makes planning easier and kids love having a say in what they are eating. Pro-tip: Even when kids ask for mac & cheese, chicken nuggets, or pizza, you can make those classics healthier by rounding out the meal with plenty of veggies.

Make dinner a digital detox

Enjoy mealtime without phones, games, or TV. It creates more mindful meals and more connection and conversation. Need help coming up with what to talk about, read the next tip!

Create a bowl of conversation starters

Sometimes it can be difficult to come up with things to talk about at the dinner table, so write questions on pieces of paper, put them in a bowl, and each night grab one or two to help get the conversation flowing. Questions like “What was the best part of your day, What was the funniest thing you heard/saw today, If you got one wish from a genie what would yours be?

COMMUNITY CORNER

Jetsetters April Calendar

Ladies Lounge Spa Launching Give Back Initiative: Free Facials for Bereaved Mothers

Local boutique spa Ladies Lounge offers premium facials, as well as lash and brow services in Orlando. The business idea was sparked while founder Jessica Cordero was healing after the loss of her infant son. Now this female entrepreneur wants to give back to other Mothers who have also experienced the loss of a child. In honor of her angel’s birthday month, the business is launching a new give back initiative: Angels of Love. Each month the spa will select a deserving recipient to receive a complimentary “Healing Touch Facial” as a part of their healing journey. Jessica said “Whether it is due to pregnancy and infant loss or later on in life – we provide this sacred service and also help educate them on how to properly nourish and nurture their skin as a way of self love.” Ladies Lounge is also partnering with local charity The Finley Project to help get in touch with bereaved mothers.

Founder Jessica’s Story

It was my first pregnancy and I was 42 weeks gestation. Due to unfortunate circumstances, I was rushed to the hospital for an emergency c section. I was given general anesthesia by the staff and when I finally awoke, I was informed that my precious baby did not survive. This news was earth shattering, yet due to the anesthesia I couldn’t fully process what was being told to me. I held him in my arms until it was apparent that death was manifesting on his delicate skin and I begrudgingly had to say my final goodbye to my son.

About 3 years after the death of Mickaël, I slowly started to feel a shift and was beginning to feel a little bit of hope for the future. I was about to turn 30 and I desperately wanted to love myself again. I started by incorporating a simple skincare

routine and for whatever reason, that mundane, menial task provided me with just enough excitement to actually get out of bed, put myself together and do something for myself…to show myself a little bit of love and remind myself that I was worthy of being taken care of.

Eventually, I was inspired enough to go back to school for the third time and obtain my license as an esthetician. During my time there, I became fascinated with the healing benefits of touch and how therapeutic and sacred the ritual of performing a facial was presenting itself to be.

My hope is to continue my efforts in keeping Mickaël’s legacy alive and giving back to the bereaved community that so graciously kept me afloat for many years and was a big support system for me during my grieving process.

About the Finley Project

The Finley Project® is committed to providing care for mothers who have experienced the unimaginable - the loss of an infant. Our devoted team provides a lifeline for mothers in the minutes, hours and days after infant loss through a 7-Part Holistic Program that supports each mother physically, emotionally and spiritually at no financial cost to them.

How to Nominate a Mother

If you are going through this trying time, or know a mother in need of healing please visit the Ladies Lounge website to submit a nomination. Each month a recipient will be selected to then schedule their free service. Ladies Lounge is looking forward to helping women on their path to healing.

Teachers of the Month:

Avalon Elementary:

Camelot Elementary:

Castle Creek Elementary:

Stone Lakes:

Timber Lakes:

Avalon Middle:

East River High School:

Timber Creek High School:

Moss Park:

North Lake:

Carey Ranken

Emily Turner

Emily Hancock

Teal Zambri

Nykinya Hoisington

Crystal King

Martin Burke

Jennifer Houston

Kerri Krieg

Amy DeMott

Embrace Families to Host Annual Ballroom Dance Competition “Dance Dream & Inspire” on May 6th

Local Business Leaders Raise Funds for Youth in Foster Care

WHAT: Embrace Families is inviting Central Floridians to a special night of dancing, food and fun on Saturday, May 6.

The nonprofit’s annual “Dance Dream & Inspire” competition pairs five local business leaders with professional ballroom dancers to perform in a high-spirited event that raises money for youth in foster care. Funds from the signature event will support families in crisis, help young adults transition to independent living, cover childcare costs, and provide tutoring, along with other supplemental services designed to assist struggling local families.

Individual tickets start at $50 for upper balcony seating. Lower balcony tickets range from $175 to 500 and include access to a pre-event recep-

tion. Sponsorship opportunities start at $1,500. More information, including how to purchase tickets, can be found online.

This year’s competitors are: Sarah King (Darden Restaurants), Lourdes Mola (Lourdes Mola Solutions), Negar Sharifi (Assured Partners Insurance), John Stevens (Florida Blue) and Dominic Watson (Embrace Families).

WHEN: Saturday, May 6

Doors open for the pre-event reception at 6:30 p.m.

Dance competition begins at 8:00 p.m.

WHERE: Hard Rock Live Orlando

6050 Universal Blvd.

Orlando, Fla. 32819

REGISTER HERE: www.DanceDreamInspire. com

OUC Honored with Award for Safety

For the 21st consecutive year, OUC—The Reliable One’s commitment to safety has been recognized with a Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) Safety Award.

Electric linework is one of the country’s top 10 most dangerous professions. Florida lineworkers and power crews place themselves at risk of receiving serious or fatal injuries while providing affordable and reliable power. For this reason, OUC emphasizes not only the importance of safe work practices but also employee wellbeing.

“At OUC, safety is one of our core values and is woven into everything we do. Our top priority is making sure our employees return home safely every day to their families,” said Latisha Thompson, OUC’s Chief Employee Experience Officer. “This includes ensuring our employees have access to continuous safety training and mental health resources.”

FMEA member utilities are placed in categories based on total annual worker-hours and rewarded for the most incident-free records as defined by the Operational Safety and Health

Administration (OSHA). The incidence rate used to judge utilities was based on the number of work-related reportable injuries or illnesses compared to the total number of worker hours during 2022, as defined by OSHA. OUC was included in the 950,000-2,499,999 man-hours category.

The annual award was presented to 13 Florida public power utilities at the FMEA Lineman Competition awards banquet in Orlando.

About OUC—The Reliable One

In June 2023, OUC—The Reliable One celebrates 100 years of providing exceptional value to its customers and community through the delivery of sustainable and reliable services and solutions. The utility provides electric, water, chilled water, lighting and solar services to more than 400,000 accounts in Orlando, St. Cloud and parts of unincorporated Orange and Osceola counties. As OUC prepares for the next century, it remains committed to its goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 while supporting its community with conservation, sustainability and energy efficiency resources. Visit www.ouc.com to learn more.