Avalon Park Sun Orlando May 2023

Communities Connected for Mental Health: You Belong in Avalon Park

The National Alliance on Mental Illness, NAMI, recognizes the month of May as a time for bringing awareness to mental health. The focus of the 2023 national movement is on the message of “Communities Connected to Care.” By coming together, the Avalon Park community can help all its members care for one another and feel a sense of place and belonging and support a culture of strong mental health through the resources available.

Feeling accepted and welcomed by being a part of a community is where a sense of belonging begins. Whether through civic groups, church groups, volunteering with a local organization, or just neighbors who say hi when they see you, having people around you who make you feel safe and comfortable is essential for optimal psychological well-being.

A strong social network is one of those things that may not seem important but can make a big difference when life gets hectic. Having friends and family nearby who can provide emotional support can be a huge boon to your mental health. Furthermore, keeping up with your favorite people face-to-face instead of online keeps you present and connected to your community. It’s also good for them—keeping in touch with friends and family helps prevent depression.

Groups like the Rotary Club of Avalon Park, the Avalon Park Kiwanis and Post 409 American Legion, are a great way to start building the strong social network. For a full listing of the clubs and organizations in Avalon Park visit the online directory here and select the organizations category.

Additionally, spending time with friends, family and neighbors is a great way to stay positive and healthy. Avalon Park offers many opportunities to do just that, from meeting up at a favorite local restaurant to getting together at one of the many community events, there are multiple ways to have healthy social interactions in the community.

Some upcoming community events include a Health Fair, Exploring Mindful Movements and Everyday Emotions at The 5th Floor, and a Nature Photography Walk.

Access to mental health resources is also key. Projecthinkforward is a non-profit organization based in Avalon Park, offering sponsored therapy to those that cannot afford it. They also curate a regular pod-

cast where different mental health specialists discuss various mental health conditions. As well as other forward thinkers in our community to discuss life skills, growth, and much more. Access the latest episodes online.

Another key resource is the accessibility to mental health counselors and therapists in Downtown Avalon Park. For contact information and listing of the providers, visit the directory here and select the medical category.

An alternative way to help mental health is art therapy. According to the Mental Health Foundation, any type of art can boost confidence and make us feel more engaged. It can also alleviate anxiety, depression, and stress. In Avalon Park, the Arts and Culture Center provides many opportunities and resources for people who enjoy the arts. Nature walks, art therapy, and yoga in the park all are great ways to relieve stress and address your mental health.

The benefits of physical exercise far exceed just the physical benefits. According to TheHelpGuide.org it can also boost your mood, improve your sleep, and help you deal with depression, anxiety, stress and more. From joining the local YMCA, to shooting hoops at the amenity center or talking a swim in the pool, there is a wide range of ways to get physically active in Avalon Park.

With such a variety of organizations and opportunities, Avalon Park is a community where all can feel like they belong. Whether you are living, learning, working, or playing, or maybe even all four, in Avalon Park, you belong here! So, Avalon Park, let’s come care for our community this month and every month to ensure everyone feels like they belong!

Celebrating Culture and Diversity in Avalon Park

There are two key recognition days in the month of May. NATIONAL NURSES WEEK AND TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK.

TEACHERS AND NURSES (and all health care workers) are very important to our community.

I am often astonished about how much money a lawyer, or a Wall Street banker makes compared to a teacher or a health care worker. I deeply believe lawyers and Wall Street bankers are greatly overpaid and teachers and health care worker are vastly underpaid.

When I see how hard our over-night Nurses, Caregivers and other team members work at Encore Avalon Park’s Assisted Living community, I would love to double or triple their salaries, if I only could. I am very thankful for their hard work, dedication and passion. Over the years I have seen what it means to work around the clock at Encore (which is currently at record occupancy numbers) in order to ensure the safety and well-being of our residents. It takes outstanding people, who care for our elderly. Nurses and health care workers deserve more than our deep appreciation and not just in May but all year

health care workers and teachers are very important.

When asked what the single most important reason is that Avalon Park became the most successful (by homes sales) community several years in a row (back when under construction), I always say, the schools. When planning Avalon Park more the 25 years ago, I did not yet have children of my own. Hence, I was surprised to learn from the REALTOR community, that the single most important reason for recommending a community to a home buyer are the schools, new schools, A schools et al.

I am proud to report that Avalon Park has continued to have all A schools, for more than 10 years and on top of that, 2 of them have earned the Blue Ribbon school status, which means they are recognized as one of the 300 best schools in the United States.

When I asked the legendary former Avalon Park Elementary Principal Pam Sanders, in 2001, what it would take to have the best schools in Avalon Park. She was quick to tell me: outstanding teachers. And for sure with more than 10,000 student stations in Avalon Park, and all A schools, there is no doubt that we have great teachers!

So, today and every day, I want to say congratulations and THANK YOU to all the nurses, health care workers, teachers and school employees, who work tirelessly to make our community the best that it can be. We appreciate you very much!

From the Desk of Commissioner

Maribel Gomez Cordero

Happy May!

May is a month that brings with it a sense of new beginnings and fresh starts. May is a time for celebrating mothers, remembering those who have given their lives while serving our country, and looking forward to graduation ceremonies and summer vacations. It’s a month for outdoor activities, picnics, and barbecues, and a time to appreciate the simple pleasures in life.

May is also Mental Health Awareness Month, when we work to raise awareness and reduce stigma around mental health issues. This month-long observance provides an opportunity to educate the public about the importance of mental health, the prevalence of mental illness, and to destigmatize discussions about mental health. Mental health affects everyone, and it is essential to prioritize selfcare and support those who may be struggling with their mental health. This month, take time to check in with yourself and your loved ones, as our own mental wellbeing is very important to our general quality of life. Let’s work together to promote

mental wellness and create a world where everyone can thrive.

I would like to extend an invitation to anyone who is in need or knows someone in need of food to attend a food distribution event I will be hosting. The event is in partnership with Advance Community Center and Second Harvest. The location will be CDA Church (7051 Pershing Ave, Orlando FL 32822) and the distribution event will begin at 9:30am. The event will be in a drive-through format.

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 and happy Mother’s Day to all of the mothers in our community!

Real Estate Market Report: January –March 2023

This real estate market report is localized for the 32828 zip code, (Avalon Park, Waterford Lakes, and surrounding areas.) Avalon Park and surrounding area are a desirable area to live. All data has been provided by the Orlando MLS.

1. The number of existing homes listed for sale in the first quarter of 2023 is substantially higher than in the first quarter 2022 which in turn offers prospective buyers more choices than the same time last year. This is good news for home buyers as there is substantially less pressure to make a quick buying decision.

4. Average Sales Price in 2022 was $434,000, in 2023 the average price was $441,000.

2. Number of Days: Typically, a low number of days to sell indicates a seller’s market and lower to sell is a buyer’s market. Homes were on the market for an average of 43 days in March 2023 vs 9 days in March 2022. We’re in a buyer’s market. Price, location, and condition are all factors affecting how long a home takes to sell.

5. Sold Price vs Original Listing Price Ratio. When the Sales Price to Listing Price is above 100% it’s a seller’s market because homes are selling above the asking price. When the ratio is below 100% it’s a buyer’s market. The March 2022 the ratio was 103%, a seller’s market where-as March 2023 is a buyer’s market, with a 98.2% ratio.

3. Existing Home Sales can be used as an indicator of how comfortable the consumer is to spend. It’s strongly affected by interest rates. The slight reduction in interest rates may account for the sharp in homes sold in March. In our area we expect to see an increase in both the number of new listings and sales as summer approaches.

There is no substitute for experience! Even though this is a buyer’s market I’ve found buyers are far more concerned about the condition of prospective homes and cautious about the price of a home. If you’re thinking of selling your home you’re need to speak with a local realtor, one with many years of experience who will provide invaluable guidance. Feel free to call me. With over 20 years of real estate experience, I’m 100% confident you’ll be thrilled with my results for you.

Spring is the perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air. There are more opportunities and a variety of ideas to take your significant other on a unique date. The beautiful weather and sunshine will allow for more activities outdoors instead of the cold winter months indoors. Here are just a few date ideas for a romantic spring season with your loved one!

Outdoor Picnic

A must-do in the spring can be created into the perfect date. Grab a blanket, food, and drinks and set up in a park or by a lake. You can either make some sandwiches at home or stop by your local grocery store and pick up some food options that both of you can enjoy!

Nature Walk

Find a nature trail around you and take a nice morning walk to avoid the warmer weather going into the afternoon. Take in the fresh air, blossoming flowers, and beauty of the nature around you during your stroll. You can also grab a refreshing smoothie or small lunch after to continue the date for even longer!

Movie Under the Stars

Instead of staying in for the night, grab some lawn chairs and head to a showing in the park. These events are usually free and always take place during the early spring months. Look up ones around you and plan a night for you and your loved one to attend.

Take a look at Avalon Park’s event calendar to keep up to date with the next showings: Movie Under the Stars

Art Show

Strolling through galleries can be a nice, inexpensive date night for a couple. Central Florida, more specifically Avalon Park, is blossoming with new artists who want to show off their work. Research what’s happening in your area and see when the next art exhibit is.

Here are some upcoming events at Avalon Park’s Arts and Culture Center: Event Calendar

Night Out on the Town

Although this can be done at any time, going out for a nice, relaxing dinner never gets old. However, during the spring you can go for more outdoor seating areas rather than sitting inside. Avalon Park offers a variety of outdoor seating such as the Marketplace and restaurants all around Downtown Avalon. Dress up fancy or casual and enjoy the night with your significant other in the spring weather!

Live at the Center of Downtown 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.

National Dog Mom’s Day - May 13th

Dogs are an important part of our families, whether we got them right as they were born or a couple years old, we still love them endlessly. Another holiday to celebrate dogs, especially us dog moms, is National Dog Mom’s Day. This holiday falls on the second Saturday of May and this year, it’s right before Mother’s Day!

To treat yourself and your furry friend, here are some things to do as you celebrate being a dog mom.

Morning Walk

Put on your shoes and leash up your dog as you start the morning off right with a walk around the neighborhood. Not only will this wake both of you up for the day, but your dog will love all the morning sights and sounds. If you want to venture outside of your neighborhood, look for walking trails.

Looking to get a whole group? Each month, Doglando and Bowigens Beer Company team up for a dog walk around Avalon Park. Not only does your dog get to meet new friends, but you can enjoy a nice drink after!

Go Shopping

Treat yourself and your dog to a mini shopping spree. While you go for clothes, accessories, or a new book, new treats or a squeaky toy will have your dog excited for brand new toys to play with and delicious treats.

Serving Avalon Park for over 12 years, Groom, Grub and Bellyrub not only can give your dog a nice trim, but also specializes in natural, high quality food for your pet.

Lunch with Friends (pup friends included)

May is the perfect time for warm weather and eating outdoors. Find somewhere with patio seating (that’s dog friendly!) and bring your dog to lunch. Make sure to bring their water bowl and food bowl so you both can eat together. It’s always a good idea to invite your fellow dog mom friends too so you and the pups can enjoy time together!

End the Night with Dessert and Cuddles

After a long day of hanging out, a sweet treat to top off the day is a must. A pup cup from Rosso Coffee Bar or doggie ice cream in Avalon Park’s Town Park are perfect ways to end the day. Return back home with your dog and cuddle up on the couch to watch your favorite tv show or movie.

In Avalon Park, we love all of our dog mom’s and their furry friends. There’s plenty of dog-friendly things to do in our community. Keep up with the community calendar to stay up to date on what events you can bring your dog to and have a fun time.

Plan Ahead for Assisted Living

When you retire, the thought of finally being able to relax and enjoy time with your loved ones sounds amazing. However, with aging comes the possibility of needing to plan for assisted living.

Senior living can be costly, most developers aiming at high-end communities for residents. Costs for the building and labor can add up, making prices go higher. A recent study showed that 54% of middle-income Americans aged 75 or older won’t be able to afford housing in 2029.

The middle class of older adults are the ones who don’t have enough money to pay out of pocket, but also have enough money to not qualify for Medicaid. The goal is to give a majority the ability to afford housing communities for seniors, but there are many factors that go into this.

Here’s how to look at the best options.

Senior Living Options

There are many different types of senior living that can suit everyone’s needs. No one can predict the future, but as long as you know what best suits you and the price range you’re looking at, you’ll have most of the variables you need to make a decision.

Independent living, assisted living, nursing homes and continuous-care retirement communities are some of the most common options today. These differ from cost of living there, what’s provided, the amount of care, quality of the community and many other factors. Make a list of what matters to you the most and see which type of option best suits you.

Financial Assistance

It’s always best to check what you’re eligible for when it comes to financial assistance. Different plans can depend on the type of facility you live in, the amount of assistance that’s required and how much you’re able to pay. See what you can apply for first before making a final decision on where you want to stay.

An easy way to check what you’re eligible for is checking the AARP Foundation website to see all the programs and their qualifications. Or, you can go to BenefitsCheckUp and enter your zip code to see what’s available to you as well.

It’s Never Too Early to Start Planning

Planning ahead can help us in the long run. Whether you’re still in your 40s and 50s, it’s okay to start thinking of what your life will look like in 20 years. We never know what’s to come our way. Saving money ahead of time can allow you to have a clear-

er understanding of which place will be your best fit.

Continuing to work as much as you’re able to will help you generate more money to save. Talking to a financial advisor about your investments can be easier when planning out your budget.

Affordable Senior Living in Orlando

We don’t know what life will throw our way, but being prepared for how you want the rest of your life to be is important. There are senior living residencies out there that will work with you and have the best fit for your needs.

When you are looking for an assisted living community in the Central Florida area for yourself or the senior in your life, look for a place that will ensure comfort. At Encore at Avalon Park, our residents not only enjoy comfortable accommodations, but they are also provided with healthy meals and access to recreational and social activities in a beautiful and caring environment.

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

Sunshine Ankle & Foot Experts May Health Fact

Our group name is Sunshine Ankle & Foot Experts.

Sunshine Ankle & Foot Experts Health Fact of the Month:

Your feet are a good indicator of your general health! Such conditions as arthritis, diabetes, nerve and circulatory disorders can show their initial symptoms in the feet. Foot ailments can be your first sign of more serious medical problems. Seek medical attention if you are experiencing symptoms that are not usual.

Sunshine Ankle & Foot Experts can help you! Dr. Kiana Karbasi and Dr. Timothy Miller are currently seeing patients in Suite 225 of the Keith Ewing Medical Building. Please call 407-863-3655 or visit us at www. sunshineankleandfoot.com to schedule an appointment! We love being a part of the Avalon Park Community and look forward to keeping it’s members SAFE and keeping them going!

WORK

Running a business takes a lot of time and energy. Lights are on almost all day and paper is being used to print documents. Although some of these are necessary to keep a business going, there are ways to reduce some practices that can be potentially harmful to the environment. As a business, you should be thinking of ways to be eco-friendly. Here are some tips and tricks that businesses can follow to achieve this!

Save Energy

If it’s a sunny day outside, use that to your advantage and let natural light fill your office instead of having the ceiling lights on. This is an easy way to reduce energy and still be able to work properly. Having lights on all day doesn’t have to be a bad thing though, LED lights can still be eco-friendly!

LED lights have a significantly smaller footprint than incandescent and fluorescent lights. They emit 80% less greenhouse gasses than other alternatives. Automated light sensors, energy efficient appliances (dishwashers, refrigerators, microwaves), and smart thermostats can also save a lot of energy in your office or place of work.

Choose Green Supplies

Reduce, reuse, recycle. This statement is something we heard growing up, yet it’s so important in keeping our planet clean and healthy. Reduce the plastics and one-time use items in your office. Swap out paper coffee cups and plastic utensils for ceramic or metallic options. Reuse boxes if they aren’t worn down and encourage everyone to use both the front and back of printer paper. Recycle anything that can be, it’s that simple!

Go Digital

Some companies have been printing documents and filing papers away for a while. It’s hard to move away from this, but technology has allowed us to find alternatives to printing. Documents can be sent over

email as well as fliers and press releases. Invoices and paperless bills can also be sent online, which makes the process faster and easier.

Working Remote

It’s efficient to be face-to-face with your coworkers as more ideas can be thrown out and more work gets done. A new trend in the workplace is hybrid or remote working. Some reasons for this was to give workers a break and have them work comfortably at home, but this can also help the environment. Not driving to work every day will allow there to be less cars on the road, less carbon dioxide emitted into the air, and less traffic. If you do go to work every day, try looking into commuting with your coworkers to also lessen how much gas is used.

Creating an Eco-Friendly Business at The 5th Floor

Every business isn’t the same and has different needs in order to run smoothly. These steps in creating an eco-friendly business will help move your company in the right direction into helping out the environment.

When looking for a place to start your business, consider The 5th Floor as the beginning of your business journey.

The 5th Floor Orlando offers modern and highquality workspaces, concierge-level services that are completely customized to our tenants’ specific needs, and a convenient location above Marketplace at Avalon Park. Our virtual offices, hot desks, and private offices are perfect for ambitious individuals looking for a workspace perfect for facilitating collaboration and fostering productivity. And our high-tech conference rooms are an excellent space to host your workshops, meetings, and events.

For more information about how to get started and to reserve one of our accommodating coworking spaces, contact The 5th Floor Orlando online or call us at 407730-3493.

It’s a Central Florida venture built on hopes and dreams which have traveled around the world. From the mountains of Asia to the shores Puerto Rico, two families have connected in the Sunshine State to see their American Dream come to life through Brightway, The Haddad Agency.

Working in insurance for more than six years, Ruth Hart met George Haddad while working for another coverage provider and knew he was special. “We learned each other’s story and quickly learned just how much we were capable of,” Hart said of her former employee. “He was my best producer, and I knew right away that he could make a difference if given the right opportunity.” A resident of Avalon Park for more than 15 years, Haddad is a former student-athlete who graduated from Timber Creek High School. Hart is completing her last year of her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Eastern Florida State College.

Hart first got into the insurance industry at 21. Being bilingual allowed her to be able to help translate Spanish into English, as well as insurance code into information a customer can understand. “Imagine coming to a strange new world and not even being able to speak the language,” Hart commented. “So many families, ours included, came here with hope for a better life. As a young girl, I remember writing over and over again that I would be the first Hispanic President of the United States. We all have dreams and it comes down to finding the right opportunities. However, if you aren’t able to speak the language, it’s a real challenge for those brave enough to make the jump.”

Haddad’s family traveled from Syria before he

was born, while Hart’s family came to the USA from Puerto Rico when she was only five years old. “We first moved to New York City, then to Florida when I was nine. My dad brought us here for work in the tech industry,” Ruth Hart said. “Being a first-generation American has its challenges. But mostly, it has provided opportunities that have made our new business possible.”

Brightway, The Haddad Agency offers customized Home, Flood, Auto, Boat, Condo, Renters, Personal Articles, RV, Motorcycle, Umbrella and Life insurance policies from numerous insurance companies. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (EST) and Saturday/Sunday by appointment. Visit them at their office at 3801 Avalon Park East Boulevard, Suite 221, in Orlando, online at BrightwayHaddad.com or call 689-204-2100.

May is the Month of Growth for EOCC

May, like the Roman goddess Maia, is about overseeing growth. For the East Orlando Chamber that means growth in the number of opportunities available to members and the growing membership base we are experiencing. It has never been a better time to be part of such a thriving organization offering more to do than you could imagine.

Merchant Mondays in partnership with Trustco Bank allow EOCC (East Orlando Chamber of Commerce) members to be the subject matter experts sharing valuable information about marketing, accounting, succession planning and more. This free hour-long session kicks off the week with connecting for growth among businesses. Monthly Testimonial Tuesdays highlights members with a 30-minute promo on social media interacting with the audience interested in their products, events and more. The ability to share with a wider audience and the visibility supplied is priceless. For our restaurant host sites, it offers a chance to take part when they often cannot be due to the industry’s nature. The EOCC brings customers in to patronize them on days typically slower than most bringing in business and new customers.

There are luncheons for all and those targeting the interest of women. There are networking events highlighting prompt topics and relationship building along the way. Are you in real estate? Participate in Breakfast events, after hours connecting, planning meetings with an educational part, not to mention LinkedIn Groups and a Business Matters E-Newsletter supplying critical information and up-to-date information for the property professional.

Nonprofit organizations enjoy not only a monthly roundtable exploring topics and hands-on workshops offering professional development, but an enhanced presence on the chamber website like no other. Industry

specific events are easily found on their specially designed pages which include links to their enhanced pages as well as a NEW feature, our “Charity Corner” highlighting each one’s unique needs.

No matter what your business, the East Orlando Chamber has something for everyone. Call to explore options to meet your needs. 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.

May Calendar of Events

Luncheon: The Women at the Helm of Saving Lives featuring Kelly Nierstedt, President & Ohme Entin, COO ORMC

- Coffee Club East - Bonefish Grill Waterford Lakes

Private Mailboxes at Avalon Mail Center

by: Maya Nowlin

Private mailboxes. What exactly are they? How do they differ from the mailbox you have at your apartment complex or right outside your home? How do they differ from a PO box? And why exactly should you get one? In this month’s article on behalf of Avalon Mail Center, I will do my best to answer all of the presented questions for you.

Private mailboxes are mailboxes that you rent from a business, similar to how you would rent a PO box from the United States Postal Service store. The main difference between a private mailbox and a PO box is that a private mailbox will give you a street address. What does that mean, you may ask? It means that instead of the mailbox’s address showing as, “PO Box 123,” it would show as a proper street address, followed by the personal mailbox’s number. This is a huge advantage for start-up businesses that want to look a bit more professional to their prospective investors and future clientele.

The main difference between the mailboxes that are located just outside of your home and private mailboxes is that the former is free, while the latter costs money. However, though they cost money, a big advantage to having a private mailbox is more privacy when it comes to paper correspondences you have with others. You would not have to give out your

personal address, you could just give out the address to your private mailbox. Private mailboxes are not only good for businesses; they’re great for citizens who want a little more privacy.

What are some other advantages to having a private mailbox? For starters, they can be flexible, depending on your needs. Two types of private mailboxes exist; physical and virtual. Physical mailboxes are as the name implies, physical. These are the most common types of private mailbox. The second type of mailbox is quickly gaining more and more popularity. With this form of personal mailbox, clients utilize an app with their virtual mailbox company and get notifications whenever they have received new mail pieces and packages. Clients also have the power to request scans of their mail pieces, forwarding services, and even disposal services. At Avalon Park Mail Center, we offer virtual mailboxes for 3 companies; Anytime Mail, Postscan Mail, and Ipostal.

Have more questions about private mailboxes and how they work? We would be happy to answer all inquiries you may have at Avalon Mail Center, either in person, by email, or over the phone. You can reach us at 407-482-0662, avalonups@gmail.com, or come by and visit us on 3564 Avalon Park E Blvd, Suite 1. And don’t forget to ask if we have any new stamp designs from the Post Office.

PLAY

5 Reasons Why You Should Live in Avalon Park Orlando

Once upon a time, back in 2015, my family lived in southern California. Ok, we lived there our whole lives and thought everything was fine and dandy.

I finally finished my math degree and teaching credential and started my first big teaching job.

My husband had been working with the same company for a few years.

We had a cute little house and trying to have our second baby.

AND THEN… my husband’s company got bought out and was told they’re moving their main location to Florida and closing shop in two years!

Eek!

Wow!

We decided to wait to see if I was going to be hired on permanently or not. If I did, we’d stay and he’d look for a new job. If I didn’t, we’d go with his job and I’d look for a new job.

Well, I was not asked to stay, so we announced to friends and family that we were going to follow his job to Florida. Such a tough decision, but it started to grow on us.

We flew out in June of 2016. In those 3 days we saw 28 houses in the Avalon Park area. Deciding factors were based on distance for my husband to drive to work and a good rated high school with a water polo team.

The schools in Titusville were not to my standards.

Sanford was nice but too far to travel.

Finally decided on Timber Creek High School in Avalon Park: High ratings and a water polo team, check! 25 min drive to work along a beautiful path, check!

Now to find a home.

Man was that a tiring weekend, but we were super excited to find a great home at a great price. The house we bought actually did not show up on our list because it was a smidge over our price limit. As we were driving around our daughter saw the for sale sign and said we should stop. So we did. The house turned out to be reduced in price and had what we were looking for. Check!

We made an offer and it was accepted!

We moved that August. Woohoo!

Here 5 things that we LOVE about Avalon Park.

SCHOOLS: Finding out that not just the high school had a great school rating, so did our elementary and middle school. This is good because we had our second baby at this time of transition and eventually we had our third.

WALKING DISTANCE: So excited that we have so many little shops and a grocery store in walking distance. Five minutes and we’re at the Publix with CVS across the street. 7 minutes and we’re at the park. 10 minutes and we’re at several different restaurants. There is a good mix of small and big businesses in our little area. The high school and elementary school are also walking distance for us. The middle school is deeper in the neighborhood so it would take a bit longer.

ACTIVITIES: Our neighborhood community hosts several large events throughout the year and even more smaller ones. Fireworks three times a year, craft fair, kite day, Oktoberfest, Spooktacular (that I have now joined and created the haunted house the past two years), Winterfest, Wine Walk, and street sales for small businesses to sell stuff. We also have monthly food trucks come out and now we have a community rotating museum. And so much more, I could go on.

AMUSEMENT PARKS: They’re not right in our back yard, but to us the drives are super doable. We came from driving in Los Angeles traffic, haha! So for us from Avalon Park the airport is 20 mins, SeaWorld is 25 minutes, 25 minutes to Orlando Wetlands Park, Universal is 35 minutes, Disney is 45 minutes, and Legoland is 80 minutes. We have SeaWorld and Legoland passes and just join friends and family at the other parks for a day when they come visit. Oh, and the beach is 50 mins to Cocoa!

BEAUTIFUL: Coming from a dry state, I am loving how green this state is. But what I love about Avalon Park is that there are 34 ponds and it’s mostly surrounded by nature reserves. You get this small town cozy feel and the beauty of nature. There’s wide sidewalks to walk around and enjoy the day. There’s a great park with a little splash pad and a community center for private parties and small community events. I host several of them myself. It’s been a great way to get to know people. Bonus, the sunsets are gorgeous! And you can still see the rocket launches. They are amazing!

Seriously, I love my community. You should definitely consider it if you’re planning on moving to the Orlando area or just looking for something different than where you already are.

By Allyson Roth

DINING

Coming together to create a healthy community

Tips for Planning Family Summer Fun

Summer is almost here, and it’s the perfect time to start planning for a healthy and fun season with your family. With the warm weather and longer days, there are endless opportunities to get active, explore the outdoors, and create new memories together. Here are some tips to help you and your family prepare for a fantastic summer:

1. Plan outdoor activities: Summer is the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, swimming, or playing sports. Make a list of activities that your family would like to try, and schedule them on your calendar to ensure that you don’t miss out on any fun.

2. Encourage healthy eating: With the abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables available during the summer months, it’s an excellent time to incorporate healthy eating habits into your family’s routine. Make sure to stock up on seasonal produce and plan healthy meals and snacks that the whole family can enjoy.

3. Stay hydrated: It’s important to stay hydrated during the summer months, especially when spending time outdoors in the heat. Encourage your family to drink plenty of water throughout the day and bring water bottles along on outdoor adventures.

4. Protect your skin: Sunburns can be painful and damaging to your skin. Make sure that you and your family wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30, hats, and sunglasses to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

5. Keep safety in mind: When participating in outdoor activities, make sure to keep safety in mind. Wear appropriate safety gear, such as helmets when biking or rollerblading, and follow safety guidelines when swimming or boating.

6. Schedule downtime: While it’s important to stay active and enjoy the summer weather, it’s also crucial to take breaks and schedule downtime to rest and recharge. Plan relaxing activities such as reading in the shade, playing board games indoors, or watching a movie as a family.

7. Set goals: Setting goals for the summer can be a fun and motivating way to stay on track with healthy habits. Whether it’s trying a new activity

or eating more fruits and vegetables, set achievable goals for yourself and your family and celebrate your progress along the way.

Summer is a time to relax, have fun, and make memories with your family. By incorporating these tips into your summer routine, you can ensure a healthy and enjoyable season for everyone.

ARTS & CULTURE CORNER

Orange County Government Announces May Events to Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

On behalf of the Orange County Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Committee, Mayor Jerry L. Demings is pleased to announce events taking place in May 2023 to celebrate the diverse culture of the Asian and Pacific Islander community.

Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPI Heritage Month) is an annual celebration that recognizes the historical and cultural contributions of individuals and groups of Asian and Pacific Islander descent to the United States. The AAPI umbrella term includes cultures from the entire Asian continent including East, Southeast and South Asia and the Pacific Islands of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia.

As of 2019, there were over 800,000 of Asian or Pacific Islander descendants in Orange County. AAPI people are a diverse and growing population that make up about 7 percent of the total U.S. population. AAPI Heritage Month 2023 takes place from Sunday, May 1, to Tuesday, May 31, 2023.

May Calendar of Events

Orange County Asian-Inspired Art Exhibition

Orange County Administration Building

201 S. Rosalind Avenue – First Floor Atrium

May 1-30 | Monday – Friday | 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Contact shally.wong@ocfl.net

Orange County AAPI Heritage Month Celebration with Proclamation Presentation

Orange County Administration Building Commission Chambers

201 S. Rosalind Ave, Orlando, FL 32802

Tuesday, May 2 | 7:30-9:00 a.m.

Contact Shally Wong at shally.wong@ocfl.net or https://www.facebook.com/ocacfl

AAPI – FusionFest’s MYgration Film Festival

Orange County Library System – South Trail Branch

4600 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32839

Saturday, May 13 | 2:30-4:00 p.m.

Contact Arthur M. Ugalde, South Trail Outreach Specialist; Ugalde.Arthur@ocls.info.

Asian-American Heritage Council Asian Cultural Festival

Sunday, May 14 | 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Ocoee Lakeshore Center Bill Breeze Park 25 N. Lakeshore Dr., Ocoee, FL 34761 http://www.aahc-cf.org/

History Book Club

Orange County Regional History Center

65 E Central Blvd., Orlando, FL 32801

Thursday, May 18 | 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Orange County Asian-Inspired Art Contest Award Ceremony

Orange County Admin Center

201 S. Rosalind Ave, Orlando, FL 32802

Friday, May 19 | 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Contact Shally Wong at shally.wong@ocfl.net or https://www.facebook.com/ocacfl

Asian Cultural Association Cultural Display and Performance

Orange County Regional History Center

65 E. Central Blvd., Orlando, FL 32801

Saturday, May 20 | 2:00-4:00 p.m.

Put on your dancing shoes and join us for an incredible afternoon of dance and activities! Local performance group, Asian Cultural Association, will be performing Kathak dance from 2 to 3 p.m., with activities going until 4 p.m. This is sure to be an event the whole family will not want to miss!

Asian-Americans in Florida (Prof. Wenxian Zhang, Rollins College)

Orange County Regional History Center

65 E. Central Blvd, Orlando, FL 32801

Sunday, May 21 | 2:00-3:00 p.m.

https://www.thehistorycenter.org/event/ asian-americans-in-florida/

ACT Town Hall Meeting

Orange County Supervisor of Elections Office

119 W. Kaley St., Orlando, FL 32806

Wednesday, May 24 | 6:00-7:30 p.m.

https://www.facebook.com/actflorida

COMMUNITY CORNER

Rotary’s International Collaboration Travels to Bolivia

The Rotary Club of Avalon Park, through Advent Health Sharing Smiles and with the support of Rotary International, plus host (Rotary Club of Cochabamba), and the numerous Rotary clubs that provided a global grant, participated in an international project in Bolivia in April. The incredible initiative provided cleft lip and palate treatment to babies, leaving a lifetime of impact on families.

Active club member, Maria Rodammer ,shared her testimony at a club meeting last week. “I had the privilege to travel to my home country of Bolivia and witness the incredible work of the dedicated Doctors and Nurses. With their selfless hearts and healing hands they changed the lives of the children and families that need them most in this world.”

The Rotary Club of Avalon Park has been consistently growing in size which allows them the opportunity to reach other organizations outside of east Orlando. They were introduced to sharing smiles in 2014 through a Rotary speaker from Advent Health. At that time, they had only traveled to Mexico, and discussed the potential of taking sharing smiles to Bolivia. Through the efforts of Advent Health, a global grant through Rotary International and the many Rotary Clubs in Central Florida who helped spread the word, the first trip to Bolivia was made possible in February 2016. “I was able to go as a volunteer and helped in any way I could,” Maria stated. “From evaluations to translating, helping with prepping for surgery, assisting the families and kids through the process was incredibly rewarding and I knew then I would be returning to for another mission.”

In addition to raising funds through District Designated Funds (DDF) the Rotary Club of Avalon Park also raised cash funds in 2016 to provide stuffed animals for each child that went to the hospital. For last month’s service project, the club donated funds for bottles and formula to feed the babies properly post-surgery and to get them strong and healthy for their journey home.

The group that traveled this year with Maria consisted of two plastic surgeons and one anesthesiologist from Mexico, one physician, one anesthesiologist and five nurses from Orlando, a medical translator and the program manager, Michelle Gross. “This takes a lot of coordination

and could not be possible without the Rotary Club of Cochabamba, the numerous Rotaract volunteers from Cochabamba and the many Rotarians that made donations and dedicate their time and efforts to make this happen,” said Maria. “This a lifechanging trip and so many families and children’s lives have been improved. I am so blessed to have played a minor role in helping with this initiative. Our club has always given with all their heart for any initiative to help people not just in our community but around the world and I am proud to be a part of it.”

The Rotary Club of Avalon Park is one of the highly recognized clubs in the area and noted by the district leaders for their outstanding commitment to service and innovation.

You are invited to join them each week at the Avalon Pavilion @7:30 a.m. located at 13401 Tanya King Blvd. Meet your neighbors, find out what Rotary is about and how you can Serve to change lives. For more information click on this link: Take Me There! Complimentary refreshments and inspiring guest speakers!

Avalon Park Community Cleanup Project

Volunteers came together this past November to cleanup trash from their neighborhood lakes and ponds. The Rotary Club of Avalon organized the cleanup project which included 36 volunteers who contributed 108 hours to make their community a better place to live. The group

collectively removed 20 bags of trash and 10 bags of recyclable material. Thank you for partnering with the Orange County Environmental Protection Division on this project and for helping to keep your watershed clean and healthy!

Avalon Park Pickleball

Avalon Park Foundation

5K Sponsor!

With 48 million pickleball players in the U.S., Walmart wants to bring people together with pickleball and is paying for people to take classes, schedule court time, and enter competitions all year long in parts of Florida, California, Georgia, Kansas, Missouri, New York, Texas, Utah and Virginia. Very cool for them to pay for this.

Learn, Connect, & Play Tennis | Break the Love

Walmart is giving all customers access to free pickleball court time, classes, and competitions all year long.

Second Annual Avalon Park Donate Life Pinwheel Garden at Absolutely Avalon

Pinwheels, coloring sheets and hearts…oh my! This was the perfect way to celebrate National Donate Life Month (NDLM) an observance of the lifesaving mission of organ donation and transplantation. In honor NDLM, Avalon Park Innovator award winner, Evolution Medical Technologies, partnered with Donate Life Florida for the second annual Avalon Park Donate Life Pinwheel Garden at the Absolutely Avalon event held on April 8th.

The Pinwheel Garden honored the 231 Central Florida donor heroes who gave the ultimate Gift of Life in 2022. Thanks to the generosity of donors and their families, 657 vital organs were donated for lifesaving transplants. The garden helped to

foster conversation and connection about donation, which is the very essence of the pinwheel and its ability to capture and pass on energy as a symbolic reminder of the power that a person has to pass on the Gift of Life through donation.

In recognition of NDLM, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings proclaimed April as a month to Show Your Heart and Register as a Lifesaving Organ, Eye and Tissue Donor. Thank you to the Avalon Park community for Showing Your Heart and participating in the #HeartHandsChallenge that accompanies the proclamation and celebration. Enjoy these photos from the event!