Avalon Park Sun Orlando April 2024

KEEPING THE NEWS LOCAL & THE COMMUNITY CONNECTED.

APRIL 2024

VOLUME 5 EDITION 4

LIVE LEARN WORK PLAY

Celebrating Everything that Makes Our Community Absolutely Amazing

Avalon Park is inviting friends, loved ones and neighbors to celebrate art, culture and diversity at the 20th Annual Absolutely Avalon community festival on Saturday, April 13th, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Downtown Avalon Park will transform into a kaleidoscope of culture, creativity, and camaraderie, inviting residents and visitors alike to revel in the essence of what makes our town truly extraordinary.

The day will kick-off at 8 am with the Spring Fun Run 5K hosted by the Avalon Park Foundation. This race will be introducing a unique fundraising opportunity for local schools and organizations by registering as a team! So, gather your group, pick a team name and get registered. The team with the most participants will receive a contribution back to their organization! Registration is live here and if you sign up on April 1st, you can receive $5 Off by using discount code APRILFOOLS.

The festival activities begin at 5 p.m. And at the heart of the festivities lies a feast for the senses, with tantalizing aromas wafting from an eclectic array of international food vendors. From savory street tacos to sweet delicacies from around the globe, there’s something to satisfy every palate. As you stroll through the event, be sure to explore the 150+ arts, crafts, and business booths, each showcasing the unique talent and entrepreneurial spirit that defines Avalon Park.

For those seeking a bit of adventure, RE/MAX Innovation will be offering tethered hot air balloon rides (weather permitting) at the flagpole lot, providing a bird’s-eye view of the festivities below.

Throughout the evening, event attendees will be able to witness entertainment, with music filling the air and community performances showcasing the rich tapestry of Avalon Park’s cultural heritage. From traditional dances to contemporary music, there will be no shortage of talent to admire.

At 9 p.m., prepare to be energized by an incredible laser light show, painting the night sky with a symphony of colors and patterns. It’s a show not to be missed and a fitting finale to an evening of celebration and community spirit.

Absolutely Avalon is made possible through the generous support of our sponsors: AdventHealth, Avalon Park POA, Leland Management, Avalon Park Group, IABA, Asia Trend, and Renewal by Andersen. Their commitment to our community ensures that events like this continue to thrive year after year.

So, mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and join us as we come together to celebrate everything that makes Avalon Park absolutely amazing. Admission is free for all, so do not miss out on this unforgettable evening of fun, food, and festivities.

For more information on this and other events, business happenings and community news, visit avalonparkorlando.com

meant that you were “old.”

As far back as I can remember, I was “always” considered one of the youngest in business. And I also remember a time, which does not seem that long ago, back in Switzerland, that I needed my dad’s signature to acknowledge that I was doing business when I was too young to do so. For example, back in 1983 at the age of 19, I felt Chrysler did not have a future and went short on the stock. Well, come to find out a gentleman by the name of Lee Iacocca was able to turn Chrysler around and which caused me a huge loss, but that is a story for another Coffee Hour with Beat.

After a career of more than 40 years, people sometimes ask me: “When will you retire?” The answer is: Retirement is not in the Bible! And as a matter of fact, I am

believe age is just a number.

Over the past year my team and colleagues would hear me say, “Let’s figure out how we can land the plane.” I said this until my office partner in Zurich, Switzerland told me, “Don’t say that. It makes people nervous; they think you want to retire and stop doing business.” Since then, I do not use that phrase anymore. And as a matter of fact, it is not what APG, or I am, is doing at all. When a former Planning Director of Orange County visited Avalon Park a few weeks ago, he was surprised to see APG so busy. People often think Avalon Park Group is just the developer of Avalon Park Orlando and Avalon Park is 99% built. However most know that APG is so much more and is doing business around the globe. In addition to finishing out that 1% in Avalon Park Orlando, we are working on 3 more Avalon Park’s across the State of Florida, and we continue to expand into new companies and technologies.

So, when many are thinking about retirement, APG and I do the opposite, we get involved in projects which will take decades to build. Many of my close business partners are well into their 70’s, and I truly believe staying active keeps them young and excited in life.

What are you doing to stay active and excited about life? I want to hear from you! Email me at Info@AvalonParkSun.com and tell me your story. Let’s inspire each other to embrace every moment and keep thriving at any age!

From the Desk of Commissioner

Maribel Gomez Cordero

Happy April!

I hope everyone had a great Easter! This is a great time to spend with your family and enjoy the festivities of spring. April celebrates Earth Month, a time where we raise awareness about environmental issues and promote sustainable practices to preserve our planet. April 22nd is Earth Day, a global event highlighting the importance of environmental protection and inspiring action to address climate change and other pressing environmental challenges. It serves as a poignant reminder to acknowledge our responsibility as stewards of the Earth and to take meaningful steps towards a more sustainable future.

In follow up to the March 21st town hall meeting hosted by Mayor Jerry Demings and me regarding the Transportation Sales Tax Proposal, the County has produced a survey

to hear from you. The county staff is eager to hear from residents on your priorities and opinions regarding the initiative and whether you would like to see it on the ballot. You can access the survey at https://www.surveymonkey. com/r/H7TJPH8 I encourage everyone to fill out the survey and share with your friends and family to make sure everyone’s voices are heard.

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!

The Changing Face of Real Estate

The recent lawsuit against the National Association of Realtors (NAR) is set to have a significant impact on home buyers across the country. The key issue is the practice of buyeragent commissions, where sellers typically pay a commission to both their agent and the buyer’s agent. This lawsuit will impact how buyers work with real estate agents and brokers. It’s scheduled to come into effect mid-late July 2024.

SELLERS

SELLING TODAY: You decide to sell your home, engage a listing agent, and negotiate the total real estate commission that is split between your listing agent and the buyer’s agent who represents the person buying your home. Through the MLS the listing agent states how much the buyer’s agent receives when your home is sold. For example, you list for 5.0% it’s split 2.5% to the listing agent and buyer’s agent.

SELLING IN JULY: You are free to choose how much you will pay the buyer’s agent, which may be included on the listing agreement. If you elect to offer them compensation, your listing agent is no longer allowed to publish how much they will receive. The new law states that No Offers Of Compensation to Buyer’s Agent can be published anywhere. Incentive offers directly benefiting the buyer are allowed. Offering to contribute to closing costs or paying for a home warranty are allowed.

BUYERS

BUYING TODAY: It probably feels like having a realtor help you find your home, negotiate its purchase, and work with you through the process of purchasing it is an almost free service. But it isn’t because the owner/seller of the home is paying your realtor. It’s important to know that buyer’s agents are responsible for the sale of most homes?

BUYING IN JULY:

1. Unfortunately, no one works for free! Since buyer’s agent commissions will not be offered on MLS listings anymore, and sellers don’t have to pay the buyer’s commission, how will buyer’s agents receive their commissions? The responsibility will fall on the buyers themselves to cover this cost. It should be emphasized that sellers can if they choose, contribute to the buyer’s agent’s commission.

2. To work with an agent, you’ll be required to sign a Buyer Broker Agreement that clearly states how much the agent will earn and where that comes from. For Example, you and the agent decide to work together, and you agree they will receive a 2.5% commission for their work. If the seller agrees to pay them 1.0% the balance of 1.5% will be paid by you. What and how the buyer’s agent gets paid will be part of the agreement you sign and is negotiable just like a listing agreement.

THE UNSEEN CONSEQUENCES

1. Choosing not to compensate a buyer’s agent potentially reduces your exposure to buyers.

2. If buyers can’t afford to pay commissions, it makes it harder for them to purchase a home. Buyers using FHA loans fall into this category.

3. VA loans don’t allow any buyers to compensate their agents. Buyer agent commissions will have to be paid by the seller.

Overall, we’re in the early days of how this lawsuit will unfold. Staying informed about developments and understanding how they may affect your home-buying journey will be crucial for navigating these potential changes effectively.

Wisdom in Experience: The Importance of Taking Advice from Seniors

In a world where information is readily available at our fingertips and youth often takes center stage, it’s easy to overlook the wealth of wisdom that comes with age. However, there’s immense value in seeking and heeding advice from seniors, whose years of experience have gifted them with insights and perspectives that can enrich our lives in profound ways.

Richness of Experience: Seniors have lived through a myriad of experiences, each shaping their understanding of life, relationships, and the world around them. Whether it’s navigating challenges, celebrating victories, or weathering storms, their journey offers a treasure trove of knowledge waiting to be shared.

Historical Perspective: Seniors are living repositories of history, offering firsthand accounts of events and societal changes that have shaped our collective narrative. By listening to their stories, we gain a deeper appreciation for our past and a clearer understanding of how it has influenced our present and will shape our future.

Lessons in Resilience: Life is full of ups and downs, and seniors have often faced their fair share of adversity. Yet, through resilience and perseverance, they have emerged stronger and wiser. Their stories of resilience serve as beacons of hope and inspiration, reminding us of the human capacity to overcome even the toughest of challenges.

Cultivating Empathy: Listening to the perspectives of seniors fosters empathy and understanding across generations. By stepping into their shoes and seeing the world through their eyes, we develop a deeper sense of compassion and appreciation for the diverse tapestry of human experiences.

Practical Wisdom: From practical tips for daily living to profound insights on matters of the heart and soul, seniors offer invaluable wisdom that transcends textbooks and lectures. Whether it’s

gardening advice, relationship guidance, or words of spiritual comfort, their counsel is rooted in lived experience and carries a depth that cannot be replicated.

Honoring Legacy: By seeking advice from seniors, we honor their legacy and acknowledge the contributions they have made to society. Each conversation becomes an opportunity to recognize and celebrate their wisdom, reaffirming their value and significance in our lives and communities.

In a world that often prizes youth and novelty, let us not overlook the timeless wisdom that resides in our elders. By embracing the importance of taking advice from seniors, we open ourselves up to a wealth of knowledge, insight, and perspective that has the power to enrich our lives and shape our journey for the better.

Take a moment today to seek out the wisdom of a senior in your life. Whether it’s a grandparent, neighbor, or mentor, engage in conversation, listen with an open heart, and cherish the invaluable lessons they have to share. The seniors living at Encore also have a wealth of knowledge that they would love to share with you. Stop by for a visit or sign-up to volunteer to learn more from the precious life experiences from our residents.

You can also get some great advice and meet some great neighbors from our friends, The Jet Setters, that will be setting up a booth outside of the Marketplace at Avalon Park on Sunday, April 14th, 2-6 pm, for their “Old Coots Giving Advice” booth! The Jetsetters of Avalon Park are a 55 and over senior social group open to Avalon Park residents & surrounding areas. More Info: Mal: jetsettersofavalon@hotmail.com or Joni: joniostroff@gmail.com.

For more information on Encore, visit us online or call 407-270-7500.

LEARN

Seminole Science Charter School Loves

Grayson Zrelak!

Two-time cancer survivor and UCF student Grayson Zrelak – who was recently hit by a car on his way to work – was presented with more than $2,000 by his alma mater, Seminole Science Charter School (SSCS), to assist in his recovery process. Despite facing multiple challenges, Grayson’s resilience continues to inspire those around him. Grateful for the unwavering support from his former teachers and staff at SSCS, Grayson visited the school to personally express his gratitude and provide an update on his health progress.

Avalon Elementary has been honored with the Beanstack Reading Culture Trailblazer Award! This accolade is bestowed upon schools that achieve over 75% participation in Beanstack each academic year. Avalon has reached this significant milestone through effective utilization of Beanstack, fostering a culture of reading within its school community. The acknowledgment includes a $175 donation from Beanstack, which will be utilized to procure additional books for the school’s book vending machine. Gratitude is extended to Beanstack for their support!

Furthermore, Avalon Elementary is proud to recognize its readers and teachers, as AES has secured a prominent position on the leaderboard for the March Read Across America Beanstack Challenge in terms of user participation percentage. Additionally, the school clinched first place in user percentage during the February For the Love of Reading Beanstack Challenge! The encouragement remains for Mariners to continue their reading endeavors!

WORK

The Digital Nomad’s Compass: What It Takes to Find Your Way in an RV

The digital nomad lifestyle, especially within the cozy confines of an RV, presents an unparalleled blend of freedom and professional growth. This journey offers the allure of scenic landscapes paired with the fulfillment of career ambitions, setting the stage for an adventurous life on the road. But the path to becoming a successful digital nomad involves more than just a desire for travel; it demands careful preparation, adaptability, and a strategic approach to work. This guide from The 5th Floor will walk you through the essential steps to ensure your adventure is both rewarding and sustainable.

Broadening Your Skills with a Degree

In the ever-evolving landscape of remote work, continually enhancing your skill set is not just beneficial; it’s necessary. Consider the option of further education, such as pursuing an online degree in a high-demand field like computer science. This commitment to learning enriches your professional appeal, equipping you with advanced knowledge and new competencies that keep you competitive and relevant. Click here for more info on how investing in your education on the road boosts your personal and professional development.

Finding Your Niche in the Remote Work Ecosystem

The first step on this journey is to identify remote work opportunities that align with your skills and interests. The digital landscape is rich with potential, encompassing everything from corporate roles to freelance gigs. Delve into the sectors known for their remote-friendly cultures and evaluate where your expertise can best be applied. This exploration is not merely about finding a job; it’s about discovering a professional path that offers consistency and satisfaction as you traverse the globe.

Planning Where and How You’ll Work

Once your income is secured, the next focus shifts to where you’ll live and work. The beauty of the RV lifestyle lies in its flexibility, but this requires foresight. Campgrounds and RV parks often provide the necessary amenities for both life and work, including Wi-Fi and electricity. Meanwhile, co-working spaces offer a change of scenery and a chance to network. By meticulously planning your destinations, you ensure that your journey is as productive as it is adventurous, balancing the thrill of exploration with the demands of your professional life.

Crafting a Compelling Professional Identity

In the competitive realm of remote work, differentiation

is key. This means not just listing your services, but packaging them in a way that speaks directly to the needs and challenges of your ideal clients or employers. Your unique selling proposition should clearly articulate the value you bring, making you the obvious choice in a sea of competitors. This strategic self-presentation is crucial for building a sustainable career from the road.

Budgeting for Life on the Move

Embarking on an RV lifestyle entails a comprehensive understanding of your financial needs. Beyond the initial costs of your mobile home, you must account for ongoing expenses such as fuel, maintenance, insurance, and daily living costs. A detailed budget is your roadmap to financial sustainability, enabling you to enjoy the freedom of the nomadic lifestyle without compromising your financial health or professional goals.

Demonstrating Your Expertise Through a Portfolio

A meticulously curated portfolio is your bridge to potential clients and employers. This collection of your work not only showcases your skills and accomplishments but also serves as a tangible representation of your professional journey. A compelling portfolio can open doors, facilitating connections that align with your career aspirations and lifestyle choices. It’s a testament to your capabilities and a key tool in negotiating opportunities that suit your nomadic life.

The digital nomad lifestyle in an RV combines the excitement of travel with professional fulfillment, offering the liberty to explore while advancing your career and education. By following the outlined steps, you’re set for a life that’s as professionally enriching as it is adventurous. Embrace this journey, for it’s in the growth and experiences along the way, not just the destinations, that the true essence of being a digital nomad lies.

The 5th Floor is here to help you upgrade your workspace. Let us know if you have any questions!

Marketing Packaging for Avalon Park Small Businesses

By: Yusmari Romero , Leo Yong, Dayelline Torres

One of the most crucial business functions is marketing packaging. Marketing is all about making an impression and getting your potential customers excited about the product. So, what exactly is the packaging?

Packaging refers to the design presentation, that also provides appropriate transportation and storage of the product. It can determine the brand’s value and personality. Depending on the type of product, the packaging process may entail cushioning, wrapping, bottling, sealing, marking, feel, weatherproofing, blocking and appeal.

The packaging of your product may make or break a sale. It is also an important way to distinguish yourself from those on the shelf and retain repeat customers with clear branding.

Fundamentally, packaging protects products from damage during storage or transportation. Secondary, it differentiates your brand from competitors, ensuring they are recognizable and marketable. In other words, packaging helps identify, describe and promote your product.

At Avalon Mail Center, our Avalon Park team can design, print, and package your products. Regardless of quantity, we can create a solution to minimize your cost. Some quick methods are custom boxes or stickers. We will make sure your logo and contact information are displayed nice and clear. You can also insert coupon/thank you cards to increase repeat customers. We can even build an instant company website, take orders online and personalize your company email to be included on your packaging.

Schedule an appointment with our graphic designers to explore long term solutions and quick low cost solutions.

Come on by 3564 Avalon Park E Blvd, Ste 1, Orlando 32828, opposite Publix.

PLAY

Orange County Celebrates Earth Month 2024

April 22nd is Earth Day, but this year Orange County is celebrating the environment for the entire month. Orange County’s Earth Month celebrations are designed to promote a more sustainable and resilient living community by hosting various countywide activities and events.

Earth Month 2024 will highlight countywide sustainability and conservation efforts while providing residents and employees with educational and engaging experiences. The celebration will encourage residents to inspire action, foster education, and promote environmentally friendly practices.

Activities will include an eco-scavenger hunt, information on Florida-friendly landscaping, and water conservation workshops. The Fix It, Don’t Pitch It event allows residents to extend the life of some of their belongings by having them repaired by expert volunteers, thereby reducing the amount of trash sent to the landfill. Residents will also be able to learn about energy-saving tips and how to create Florida-friendly planters from the University of Florida Orange County Extension Office.

For more information and a calendar of events, please visit www.ocfl.net/EarthMonth

This collaborative monthlong celebration is made possible through the Office of Sustainability and Resilience partnering with various Orange County departments.

DINING

Coming together to create a healthy community

ARTS & CULTURE CORNER

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings Announces the Selection

of Arts and Cultural Affairs Administrator

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings is pleased to announce that Vicki Landon has been named Arts and Cultural Affairs Administrator for Orange County. Landon brings more than 15 years of experience in the nonprofit arts and cultural sector.

“Vicki Landon’s successful record in arts administration will help to further establish Orange County as a vibrant hub of artistic expression and innovation,” said Mayor Demings. “I am delighted to welcome such a dynamic leader. Her expertise and vision will enhance our community’s cultural landscape.”

Landon joins Orange County as long-time Arts and Cultural Affairs Administrator Terry Olson prepares for retirement. She is an advocate for facilitating collaborations and initiatives with numerous arts and cultural

organizations. Landon is an accomplished fundraiser, and as Vice President of Development and External Affairs for Central Florida Community Arts (CFCA) she designed its first formal fundraising department and contributed to a company-wide reorganization. Prior to the CFCA, she served as Senior Director of Development for Orlando Family Stage (formerly the Orlando Repertory Theatre).

Landon has championed arts advocacy efforts at the local and state levels. She serves the Central Florida arts and culture community by guest lecturing on nonprofit management, mentoring emerging arts leaders, and representing the arts on the Orange County Tourist Development Tax Application Review Committee (ARC).

Landon holds both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in Theatre from the University of Central Florida and previously served as an instructor at the Edyth Bush Institute for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership at Crummer/Rollins College.

Vicki Landon will start her new position with Orange County on April 8. Terry Olson’s last day will be May 3, 2024.

Senior Resource Alliance Partners with Cybersecurity Company to Protect Central Florida Seniors Online

As seniors’ use of the internet and social media continues to trend upwards, Senior Resource Alliance (SRA) –Central Florida’s Area Agency on Aging – is partnering with Perez Technology Group, a leading innovator in cybersecurity solutions in Orlando, to safeguard local seniors from cyber threats.

Resulting largely from the pandemic’s impact on the access to telehealth appointments and the need to connect with loved ones virtually, seniors have quickly adopted technology and ultimately increased their risk of being scammed. To combat this, Perez Technology Group has donated 5,000 downloads of its newly launched cybersecurity app, CyberFence, to protect local seniors.

“Senior Resource Alliance’s top priority is to protect our seniors – and that includes from the perils of cybercrime – so we’re incredibly grateful to Perez Technology for this generous donation,” said Karla Radka, SRA president and CEO. “Embracing technology is key to our mission of allowing seniors to age independently and safely –but as seniors continue to grow their digital presence, it puts them at greater risk of cyber threats. This app can empower our seniors to navigate the digital landscape safely and securely.”

CyberFence is a user-friendly app that blocks vicious cyberthreats and encrypts important data and information, ensuring peace of mind for seniors as they navigate technology. CyberFence was developed by Perez Technology Group, a leading Central Florida Cybersecurity and Managed IT company, and the

CyberFence donation is valued at $25,000.

“CyberFence was created to combat the increase in cyber security threats from enterprises to small businesses and to the every-day user,” said Perez Technology Group President Carlos Perez. “We are incredibly proud that we can help to protect our community’s seniors, and we value our partnership with Senior Resource Alliance.”

SRA plans to deploy the CyberFence app licenses to local seniors in Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Brevard Counties free of charge throughout spring 2024. Seniors, their caregivers and loved ones can apply for the free CyberFence app at www.seniorresourcealliance.org/ cyberfence/.

Karla Radka, SRA, and Carlos Perez, Perez Technology Group

COMMUNITY CORNER

Congratulations on 19 Years as Avalon Park’s Home Town Dentist!

Thanks for Keeping the Avalon Park Smiles Bright!

Community Health Centers, Inc. Announces

Election of Officers to the Board

Community Health Centers, Inc. (CHC) announced the election of officers to their Board of Directors for 2024-2025. Elected officers include Mr. Jerry Kassab of Altamonte Springs as Chairperson; Dr. Melissa Singh of Winter Garden as 1st Vice-Chairperson; Ms. Nilmarie Zapata of Longwood as 2nd Vice Chairperson; Ms. Felicia Davis of Orlando as Treasurer; Mr. Timothy Scott Walker of Groveland as Secretary.

Other board of directors includes Ms. Karla Radka of Winter Springs, Ms. Bennitta Edmeade of Clermont, Mr. Darryl Owens of Apopka, the Honorable Ms. Gisela Laurent, Ms. Secily Wilson, and Dr. Debra Andree of Orlando (ExOfficio Member).

The Board of Directors share in Community Health Centers’ mission to provide quality and compassionate healthcare services to Central Florida’s diverse communities.

Established in 1972, Community Health Centers has 17 medical and dental centers throughout

of Directors

Orange and Lake counties, serving more than 63,000 patients each year.

About Community Health Centers, Inc.

Community Health Centers, Inc. (CHC), a Federally Qualified Health Center, provides quality and compassionate primary healthcare services to insured, uninsured, underinsured, and underserved children and adults within Central Florida. CHC provides care to more than 63,000 patients, each year, in the Apopka, Bithlo, Clermont, Forest City, Four Corners, Groveland, Lake Ellenor, Leesburg, Meadow Woods, Pine Hills, Tavares, West Lakes, and Winter Garden communities. www.chcfl.org

Avalon Park Foundation is Keeping Our Community Beautiful and Clean

To many of us, Avalon Park Orlando is our home and we want to see our community beautiful and clean each day. Protecting and enhancing the quality of our community is important and we need to look at ways to keep Avalon Park beautiful.

From picking up trash you see to recycling, there’s many little things that can benefit the ecosystem. Even though Avalon Park is a small part of Earth, there’s still a difference being made to keep this planet healthy. Here are some ways to help around the community.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

We’ve heard this one many times before, but it’s a key part in helping keep our community and planet clean. Start avoiding plastics like straws and cutlery when out at a restaurant or in your everyday life. Metal straws can be found at almost any store and they’re a perfect substitute for plastic straws. Also found at stores are reusable water bottles. Going through a 24 pack of plastic water bottles is not the best thing for the environment. By using a reusable water bottle, you can save an average of 156 plastic water bottles being used annually.

Shop Locally

Supporting local businesses and knowing where your food is coming from has been on the rise in the last couple of years. This practice of shopping locally also has its benefits to the

environment that people may not know about. Buying locally allows you to reduce your food miles. This means how far food items you buy have traveled to get to that store. Buying local food leaves a significantly less carbon footprint, cutting down on fuel consumption and air pollution.

Plant a tree

Planting trees around your community can help fight climate change. Trees remove carbon dioxide from the air and release oxygen into the atmosphere, purifying the air around us. A mature tree can absorb 48 pounds of oxygen from the atmosphere and change it to oxygen instead in one year. Just by planting and growing one tree, that’s the type of impact you can make.

Community Clean Up

Organizing a community clean up is a larger scale way of helping your community and the environment around you. Here in Avalon Park, we’re dedicated to keeping our community beautiful with our Community Clean Up and Shred Fest event. From 10am to 1 pm on April 27th, join us at the Flag Pole lot to safely dispose of unwanted items. A $5 donation is suggested for the event to help upkeep the environment around us.

To get involved, email Info@ AvalonParkFoundation.com for more information!

Eagle Scout Project Completed by Leo Pleskach at Live Oak Park

Hello, my name is Leo Pleskach, I am a local Boy Scout in the community and on March 2nd I constructed my Eagle Project. An Eagle Project is a service project where I build something that gives back to the community. For my Eagle Project, I with the help of my troop constructed a Gaga Ball Pit at Live Oak Park. This is a structure where Gaga Ball is played. The objective of Gaga Ball is players aim to get opponents out by striking a ball with their hands while avoiding being hit below the knee. If the ball hits your knee and below you are out. This goes on in the pit where players compete until there is only one person remaining.

The process to institute a Gaga Ball Pit took a lot of planning and

preparation to get done. To begin the project I had to get the approval to move forward from the Avalon Park HOA and the BSA. After I planned and got the project approved, I fundraised and purchased all of the needed lumber and materials needed to complete the project. The next step in the process was to gather eager volunteers from my troop and assemble the gaga ball pit. I led a group of scouts through the proper steps in assembly ensuring safety and efficiency. Resulting in a beautiful Gaga Ball pit that everyone in the community can enjoy with their friends or family.

Thank you to all of the people who helped and donated to this cause.