Avalon Park Sun Orlando November 2021

KEEPING THE NEWS LOCAL & THE COMMUNITY CONNECTED.

NOVEMBER 2021

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COMMUNITY UPDATES

VOLUME 2 EDITION 11

Live Well - An East Orlando Health Alliance Approximately 3 years ago, the Avalon Park community kicked off an initiative called Live Well, an East Orlando Health Alliance.

This collaboration between Advent Health, the YMCA and Avalon Park Group set a goal to provide a unified place for the community to access health and wellness resources. From finding a local yoga class to choosing a primary care physician or seeing a map to the local bike trails, the Live Well page is place to access those health resources available in the community, all in one place.

Understanding that there are many components to a holistic healthy lifestyle, that include mind, body and spirit, the group went into the community to find additional health partners, like local churches, schools, and mental health counselors.

This expanded committee initiated a survey in 2018 to understand the health needs and perceptions of the community from their point of view. The results of that initial survey allowed for programming and planning to activate new education, events, programs, and other resources. Some of the biggest concerns that were brought up in that

survey were mental health wellness, access to affordable health care and bullying in the schools. While those concerns continue to be important, there is an understanding that the entire world has gone through significant challenges over the past couple of years and that it is once again time to reach out to the community to understand where the prominent health and wellness gaps exist.

to improve it, through community action. Please visit us online here to complete the survey.

Looking to get involved? We are looking for more volunteers to get involved in the planning and programming.

The Live Well committee meets quarterly, where each leader brings feedback as a constant effort to grow and provide the best resources for the community, where they are needed most. This We Need Your Help! program will continue to evolve by adding health initiatives and resources based CLICK HERE TO on your feedback. To get involved in the committee TAKE SURVEY or to share resources, please email Info@AvalonParkAs part of a continued com- Group.com. mitment to improve programs, amenities, and ser- For more information on vices in our community, the Live Well programming we want to know what is and to stay up to date with important to you and your new resources, please fill family. Please take a min- out the survey and visit us ute to complete the short online. Thank you for your community health survey commitment to making our below. By doing so, you community and it’s memwill be providing valuable bers the healthiest it can be! information on what is important to you in regards to health and wellness withing your community. All answers are anonymous and will be used as a base to understand what the community views our overall health is, and how we can continue

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Coffee Hour with BEAT ago, Avalon Park Group donated school sites for the Avalon Park Elementary school, funded the Timber Creek high school football stadium, and built the Timber Creek Band’s marching field.

A high-ranking school board officer asked me how APG could afford to do all of this. He answered himself, “Your community has all the schools, which are all “A” schools, I think your donations are well chosen investments into the community.” And I wholeheartedly agree.

Approximately 15 years ago I was making a presentation before the Orange County School Board.

Everyone likes receiving compliments, but that particular evening I was humbled when the Board told me that Avalon Park Group was one of the most generous companies that OCPS had Avalon Park is ever met. not the outstandHow do you re- ing community we spond to such a have today because comment? Giving it was created by back is just part of taking. Quite the my “rule book.” contrary, it was by While it may seem giving, by many generous, it is my and every single philosophy that day. giving back to the community at large I am thankful and is not only an obli- glad that Avalon gation, but also a Park started with great investment, if giving. It was the you are willing to strong foundation for a great commuthink long-term. nity. Without those Almost 20 years gifts we would not have what we have

today, a wonderful town, where people can live, learn, work, and play. A town where people can find a strong sense of belonging and safety. Hence giving back starts early and should never end.

time to give back, sometimes it is easy just to send a check, and much harder to invest time and passion when giving back. So, in the spirit of the season, as I look to new and familiar ways to give back, I encourage you to do Sometimes peo- the same! ple believe giving is just money. I I believe, that in strongly disagree, the end you reap there are so many what you sow. ways of giving There are many back, as in time and residents who give talents. I am thank- back every day and ful that the Avalon it strengthens the Park community community in a is among the best tremendous way. I I have experienced invite you to think when it comes to about how to give giving time as vol- back, and I guaranunteers in schools, tee you it will be a at Encore Assisted great investment Living community, for you, like it was at the service clubs, for me. such as the Avalon Rotary Club and Happy ThanksgivAvalon Kiwan- ing! is Club. I admire anybody spending

GET IN TOUCH - Have an inclusion for the Avalon Park Sun?

Email: info@AvalonParkSun.com - Editorial Staff:

Publisher: Beat Kahli

Copy Editor: Stephanie Lerret

Graphic & Layout Editor: Kenzie Farrish 407.658.6565 3801 Avalon Park East Blvd. #400 Orlando, FL 32828

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From the Desk of Commissioner

Maribel Gomez Cordero With the month of November comes one of the most famous American holidays, Thanksgiving! Ever since the first Thanksgiving in Massachusetts more than 400 years ago, we have dedicated this time of the year to reflect and be thankful for all of the good that has occurred.

This year, I give thanks to our community members who have diligently weathered the challenges of these unprecedented times in the face of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We have all seen hard times these last two years, and so it is heartening to see how our community has taken the challenges posed by the pandemic as seriously as it has.

Food Giveaway. This event will be held on Saturday, November 20th at 10am at the Taft Community Center. We will be giving away food from 10am until supplies last, so we encourage everyone to come out as early as possible to ensure they don’t miss out.

In addition, I would like to remind everyone that the vaccination site at Barnett Park (4801 W Colonial Dr) is still open seven days a week from 9am to 5pm.

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.

With the holidays in mind, I would like to welcome everyone Blessings! to my District 4 Thanksgiving

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A Spoon Full of Hope’s Products, Available for Purchase Online this Holiday Season

The best holiday gifts are the ones that do good, too – and Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida’s A Spoon Full of Hope aims to do just that. Launched in 2018, the product line has gained popularity for its Soup, Honey, and Classic Shortbread Cookies. The products, including the line’s justlaunched strawberry lemonade, cranberry pistachio, and chai shortbread cookie flavors, can be purchased online at www.

ASpoonFullofHope.org individually, in bulk or as part of a holiday gift set. Gift givers also have the option to include a holiday card explaining that a donation to hunger relief has been made in the recipient’s honor.

A selection of A Spoon Full of Hope products includes: • Tomato Basil Soup • Wildflower Honey • Mangrove Honey • Palmetto Honey • Orange Blossom Honey • Classic Shortbread Cookies • Cranberry Pistachio Cookies • Strawberry Lemonade Cookies • Chai Shortbread Cookies • Gift sets • Kitchen items, such as tea steepers, soup bowls, aprons and mugs

A Spoon Full of Hope directly supports Second Harvest’s no-cost 16-week Culinary Training Program, which provides qualified, economically challenged adults with the culinary and life skills training to pursue a sustainable career in the food industry. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the product line help launch new careers and transform lives. To date, 385 students have graduated the program with a 95% job placement rate.

Brief overview: • Soup, Honey and Shortbread Cookies from A Spoon Full of Hope – Choose from Soup, Honey or Shortbread Cookies, including just-launched strawberry lemonade, cranberry pistachio, and chai shortbread cookie flavors. Items are available for purchase online at www.ASpoonFullofHope.org individually or as part of a holiday set. Launched in 2018 by Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, 100% of proceeds directly support the food bank’s no-cost 16-week Culinary Training Program, which provides qualified, economically challenged adults with the culinary and life skills training to pursue a sustainable career in the food industry. To date, 385 students have graduated the program with a 95% job placement rate.

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Home Safety Tips for Seniors

There is nowhere sweeter than home, but is it always safe?

Unfortunately, for the senior in your life, this may not always be the case. If not maintained, your senior loved one’s home can be filled with many dangerous hazards. To keep your beloved senior safe, be aware of these home safety tips for seniors.

Be Mindful of Falling Hazards One of the biggest dangers to seniors is the risk of falling, and many objects around the house that may not seem dangerous can actually be significantly hazardous in this regard. For example, only certain types of rugs should be used in senior homes.

While a throw rug may be a simple way to brighten up a space, they typically don’t have good traction on floors, making them very easy to slip on.

Consider Fire Safety While fire safety is

important in any home, seniors can often use extra help keeping their homes protected against fires. One way that you can help the senior in your life is by regularly checking the batteries in smoke detectors to ensure that they are up to date. Also toss any old newspapers, magazines, or other unnecessary flammables and keep an eye on the candles around the house.

If the wicks haven’t been trimmed in a while, consider doing this for your senior so that they can continue to enjoy them safely.

Safeguard the Bathroom The bathroom is the number one room in the home that sees the most falls, so it requires even more consideration and serious upgrades to be safe for seniors.

For example, every bath or shower wall should always have a grab bar installed onto it. Furthermore, rubber mats are a

must inside tubs and showers to avoid slips and falls. You could even consider adding a bench or a chair to the shower just in case your senior loved one ever feels lightheaded while showering.

While these changes will have a monetary cost, they can make all the difference for the safety and peace of mind of the senior in your life.

Our community was designed with senior safety in mind and our dedicated staff understands the importance of maintaining a safe environment for our senior residents. The moment your senior loved one steps through our doors, our secure and comfortable accommodations are sure to have them feeling right at home.

Introduce Your Senior to a Safe Community Encore at Avalon Park is your premiere living solution for seniors in the Central Florida area.

For more information on our community’s safety standards or to schedule your virtual tour, call us at 407-270-7500 today.

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Rollins College Honors Fred Rogers with “A Beautiful Day for a Neighbor” Sculpture

Rollins College is inviting fans of Mister Rogers to view the newly installed bronze sculpture “A Beautiful Day for a Neighbor” which honors beloved alumnus Fred McFeely Rogers ‘51. On Friday, Oct. 29 at 10 a.m., visitors to the campus can view the sculpture and meet the artist Paul Day and John Rogers, Fred’s son. Younger visitors can take photos with a display characters from “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood.”

sculpture will be a permanent reminder of the ideals and values modeled by Mister Rogers as he set out to make the world a better place,” said Rollins President Grant Cornwell. “This tribute will reinforce the quest for empathy, acceptance and kindness so needed in our society today.”

Additional events taking place to celebrate the sculpture unveiling include:

• The Mister Rogers Walking Tour. The The 360-degree sculpsculpture is now the ture is located in the fifth stop on Rollins’ Chapel Garden courtMister Rogers Walking yard next to the Annie Russell Theatre, behind Tour. This self-guided tour will be available the Virginia S. Nelson Rose Garden. Standing 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. beginover seven feet tall and ning on Friday, Oct. 29 and running through weighing more than 3,000 pounds, the sculp- Nov. 23. Tour maps can be picked up at Olin ture depicts Rogers in Library, Stop 1 on the his iconic sweater and tour. Please wear a face sneakers, surrounded by children, hand pup- mask when entering pets from “Mister Rog- buildings on Rollins’ campus. ers’ Neighborhood,” lyrics from the series’ • “Artistic Vision and theme song and the the Public Eye.” At 4 show’s Neighborhood p.m. on Friday, Oct. 29 Trolley. the artist, Gertrude Cole Scholar Paul Day and “This inspirational

Rollins President Grant Cornwell will discuss “Artistic Vision and the Public Eye” in Tiedtke Concert Hall at the College. This free presentation is open to the public. Due to COVID-19 protocols, face masks are required, seating is limited to 50% capacity and visitors will be asked to

self-screen for symptoms prior to entry.

Doors open at 3:30 p.m. for seating.

Event attendees can use the SunTrust Parking Garage across from campus or public parking. Questions can be directed to: 407-6461520.

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Today’s Real Estate Market: An Experience of Selflessness

This real estate market has been particularly difficult for Veterans who qualify using a VA loans. Even though they are completely within their rights, I’ve experienced situations where sellers will not accept an offer from a veteran and some inexperienced agents may discourage their clients because they view the 100% financing of the VA loan as highly risky. The reality is, a veteran who qualifies for a VA loan has more stringent lending criteria than many other loans and always must qualify just as for a “regular” loan. I should also add, many of the Veterans with whom I’ve represented with have enough cash reserves for a substantial down payment. They chose the VA financing option because it’s wise cash management. I should also add the 100% financing for Veterans is a benefit offered to them for risking their lives to serve this, our country!

I’ve been encouraged to share this recent experience because it’s a wonderful example of an Avalon Park resident whose selflessness was honoring our Vets. I listed her home for sale, had 16 offers in 2 days, 5 where cash, all were above the asking price. The owners strongly believe in keeping the American Dream of home ownership alive n well. They believe in honoring those who have served and chose to sell their home to a Navy Vet and his family even though there was a cash offer for the same amount!! A truly brilliant & selfless decision that makes my heart happy!!

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CLICK HERE FOR FULL DIRECTORY! STNEVE 1202

October 8-9th October 30th November 13th December 4th December 31st

Oktoberfest Spooktacular Fall Craft Fair Avalon Aglow NYE

Movie Under the Stars Food Truck Nights

4th Fridays Monthly (September - April) 3rd Sundays Monthly

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NOW is the Time to Spruce Up Your Bathroom for Guests this Holiday Season!

Lights aren’t the only fixtures you can upgrade—swap out your faucets for something chic. If you really want to make your Bathroom feel like a spa, upgrade your showerhead to a modern spa head. Once our Craftsman installs these fixture upgrades, you will have a new escape right in your home.

3. Accent Tile Re-doing the tiles in your bathroom is costly and time-consuming. Instead, opt to add accent tiles. Adding the accent will give your walls dimension and make them more appealing. You can add them in the shower or even over the sink. The best part is it can be done by our Craftsman in a short amount of time, giving you an impressive bathroom just in time for the holidays.

Don’t let the prospect of a full remodel discourage you. Let our Craftsmen take care of the upgrades for you, while you prepare Having your home filled with friends and for friends and family! family is a sign of the holidays. One room that you will want to make sure looks great for your guests is the Bathroom.

A full Bathroom remodel can take a lot of time and money to complete. So, rather than adding more stress to the end of the year, here are a few simple and cost-effective ways to give it a great facelift: 1. Give Your Sink a New Coat Being stuck with an outdated sink will dampen the look of your bathroom. Luckily, a few cosmetic changes can give it a new life. For example, if you have a ceramic sink in an aged pastel color, then call an Ace Handyman Services Craftsman to apply ceramic epoxy to give it a fresh white finish.

For an additional touch, have the Craftsman paint your vanity a bold new color to add a beautiful contrast to your bathroom.

2. New Fixtures One practical way to upgrade the design of your bathroom is to install new light fixtures. A new set of fixtures will add a level of detail that you’ll appreciate every day.

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Thanksgiving Snacks Kids Will Crave Their Whole Lives

In the United States, November is a month of celebration and change. Sundays are filled with football. Plans for Thanksgiving preoccupy our minds. In Florida, we look forward to cooler temperatures. Break out the boots and sweaters!

In the spirit of these two themes (celebration and change), we’re offering a few dead-simple, good-for-you food switcheroos to help you celebrate!

Thanksgiving Snacks Set the Stage When it comes to ingraining good habits early on, there’s hardly a better time than Thanksgiving!

After all, you’ve got a captive audience, your kids will be starving by the time they get to Grandma’s, and most times, they even have their own table!

Why not use this opportunity to slip in some healthy snacks and see what happens? Here are two super easy ideas to turn your kids onto healthy snacks: Fresh fruit You wouldn’t believe how

chips, you name it – it’s all quickly kids devour fruit when it’s all cut up into bite- available. Even seaweed, which is so good for teeth sized pieces. and bones, might win a few For parents everywhere, half folks over. Don’t forget Grandma’s favorite: fresh the struggle of getting kids to eat more fruit is overcom- carrots and celery! Kids will love the crunch, and you’ll ing the labor of all the cutting and peeling. If you find be providing their teeth with yourself in that boat, swing self-cleaning fiber that’ll keep ‘em healthy for many by the supermarket and pick up a fruit platter. Then years to come. watch it disappear at the Festive snacking doesn’t kid’s table! have to be a guilty indulgence in November, or Thanksgiving doubles as any other time of the year. game day for football fans, Getting your kids to snack and with the family gathhealthy this month can help ering around the TV before establish a great, healthy and after the meal, snacks habit to last them a lifetime! are going to be in high demand.

November is also National Diabetes Month. For more Dips great information, please Moms, dads, and kids all visit: https://www.hsph. love feasting on de rigueur snacks like chips with ranch harvard.edu/nutritiondip -- but there are so many source/disease-prevention/ diabetes-prevention/presubstitutes that even the venting-diabetes-full-story/ staunchest fans of creamy ranch will enjoy. Hummus, We wish you and your famitzatziki, baba ghanoush, ly a very Happy Thanksgivguacamole, salsa and nut ing! butters will all be received well, so try them on for size.

There are also a host of healthier chip options out there to keep many chip fans happy. Bean chips, taro

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NOW OPEN

CHOOSE EMERGENCY CARE CLOSER THAN EVER. At Orlando Health, part of caring for our neighbors is making sure everyone has access to expert emergency care. Opening soon, Orlando Health Emergency Room - Randal Park will provide even more Central Florida families with the highest level of safe, expert emergency care close to home.

OrlandoHealth.com/RandalPark

A service of Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital This is not an urgent care. Its services and care are billed at emergency department rates.

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OUC and City of Orlando Announce 2030 Solar Pledge

City of St. Cloud, Correct Craft, Orange County Government, UCF Downtown, Orlando City Soccer Club and Orlando Pride sign on, agreeing to use 100% solar energy at their facilities by 2030.

by 2050 – and a greener future for Central Florida,” said Clint Bullock, OUC’s General Manager & CEO. “The solar pledge guides commercial customers for future renewable investments, and we’re looking forward to working with all of our partners, like the City of St. Cloud, Correct Craft, Orange County Government, Orlando City Soccer Club, Orlando Pride and UCF Downtown, as they embrace solar energy.”

OUC – The Reliable One and the City of Orlando announced the 2030 Solar Pledge. Participating commercial customers, including the City of St. Cloud, Correct Craft, Orange County Government, Orlando City Soccer Club, Orlando Pride and UCF Downtown, are pledging to be powered As the first OUCommunity Solar business subscriber in 2018, the City of Orlando is increasing by 100% solar energy at their facilities by 2030. its solar energy use as part of its commitment to The pledge also requires businesses use at least sustainability and renewable energies.

10% of solar energy upon signing, with the ability to increase their renewable energy commitment “The City of Orlando is committed to 100% reincrementally until 2030. The initial solar invest- newably sourced energy for all city departments ment is provided through OUCommunity Solar, by 2030,” said Mayor Buddy Dyer. “As a leader in which gives both OUC’s commercial and resi- the 2030 Solar Pledge, we are expanding our comdential customers access to sustainable, mainte- munity solar use to 33 new city facilities, includnance-free solar without the installation and cost ing community centers and city parks, in addition associated with adding panels on their businesses to Orlando City Hall, Orlando Police Department or homes.

Headquarters, and 15 fire stations, which have run on solar energy for nearly four years. BecomIt’s an investment OUC began with the one of the ing a more sustainable city and region is a critical first community solar farms in the country 2013. undertaking, and we can’t do it alone. We comToday, the utility is poised to offer 272 megawatts mend those who join us in taking the pledge to of solar energy, enough to power 50,000 homes, use community solar and encourage all businesses and residents to consider joining us in the tranby 2023. sition to 100% clean energy future.”

“The City of Orlando and OUC are long-time partners in sustainability and renewable ener- For eligibility requirements and to sign the 2030 gy, and today is another step toward OUC’s goal Solar Pledge, visit OUC.com/2030Pledge. of achieving net zero carbon dioxide emissions

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OUC Aids Rescue of Starving Manatee

A manatee in distress due to nutritional deficiency was rescued from the intake canal of OUC’s Indian River power plant in late September 2021, marking the second time in five years the same sea cow has been given a new lease on life.

On Sept. 23, the Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership launched a boat from the dock at the OUC canal and corralled “Matthew” the manatee in a net, then loaded him onto a truck bound for SeaWorld Orlando. Access to the canal from U.S Highway 1 in Titusville is restricted, but OUC has provided the rescue team with gate badges so it can enter the property to check on manatees and use the dock. As a safety precaution, OUC stations a mobile security officer at the canal anytime rescue team members enter the water, as they did to get Matthew.

After spending time regaining his health and normal girth at SeaWorld, Matthew will be returned to his natural environment, but not likely to the Indian River, said Mathieu. “We try to put them back in the same area of the rescue, but because of seagrass depletion we can’t follow that protocol,” she added. “Right now we are releasing to Blue Springs State Park [in Orange City, Volusia County], where freshwater and vegetation are plentiful.”

Matthew was first rescued in 2016 as an orphaned calf. When the partnership team pulled him from the Indian River in Volusia County the poor guy was 49 inches long and weighed only 55 pounds, considered too small to make it on his own.

SeaWorld and the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden cared for him until he was released with a tracking device on March 2, 2020, at Cape Canaveral Energy Center, two miles south of OUC’s Indian River plant. He entered the river at 100 inches in length and a hefty 825 pounds.

“He had lost a significant amount of weight. We could see his ribs,” said Amanda Mathieu, research assistant with the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute, who along with Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership members from the Florida Wildlife Commission and SeaWorld Mathieu said Michael Stephens, Manager of OUC Orlando helped retrieve the starving manatee.

Security, “has been really helpful and accommodating” with manatee rescues at the Indian River Mathieu said that seagrass depletion in parts of plant’s two canals over the years. The protected the river was the likely cause of Matthew’s deteri- canals act as a calm-water refuge for manatees. orating condition. Seagrass is the primary source of a manatee’s diet while in the Indian River, but “Protecting wildlife on our properties is very pesticide runoff and light-blocking algae blooms important,” said Stephens. “OUC goes to great are threatening the aquatic plant’s sustainabili- lengths to ensure the safety of eagles, so they don’t ty. Florida’s manatee population has rebounded come into contact with our powerlines, and Stansince being listed as an endangered species, but ton Energy Center provides a sanctuary for the even as a threatened species its survival remains endangered red-cockaded woodpecker and other species. We were happy to help make Matthew’s precarious. rescue a success.”

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Giving Season

November traditionally marks the beginning of the “Giving Season”. This is usually anchored by Thanksgiving then leads into the Christmas Holiday Season. This year many families and friends are finally getting back together in person to celebrate the holidays and give thanks.

The East Orlando Chamber is no different. We are thankful for our members who have stayed with us and worked to strengthen our East Orange County business community. We have held countless meetings, workshops and events to help our business stay connected, informed and top of mind. Many members have taken advantage of Testimonial Tuesday’s and our Brain Trust meetings.

Events have been powerful with members engaged and supportive of one another, helping in situations and re-

ferring and patronizing one another. The Chamber continues to support our members providing opportunities to shine and build their network of connections.

(Bank of America Foundation) and Min Sun Kim (Edyth Bush Institute). If you are interested in attending, register today at eocc. org.

As we kick off November, our quarterly W.I.S.E. (Women In Successful Endeavors) Luncheon is on Wednesday, November 3rd from 11:30 AM to 1:15 PM. featuring Women in Nonprofit: Focus on Foundations, sponsored by Orlando Health at The Celeste Hotel Orlando. Graciela NoriegaJacoby, COO with Heart of Florida United Way will lead the discussion with a dynamic group of women leading nonprofit foundations. Joining her will be Lainie Fox-Ackerman (Orlando Health); Linda Landman Gonzalez (Orlando Magic Youth Foundation); Meghan Curren (AdventHealth); Jodie Hardman

Continuing the theme, on November 10th join us for our annual Local Charities Luncheon “Lights, Camera, Action” at the Holiday Inn East UCF, sponsored by Orlando Health and featuring Barbara Poma, Founder of onePLUSE Foundation.

Five local charities are being highlighted offering guests an opportunity to support them by fulfilling their displayed needs on our “Giving Tree”. These Charities include Friends of Fisher House Orlando, Junior Achievement Central Florida, One Heart for Women & Children, Pathways Home Inc, and Volunteers for Community Impact. This is a meaningful way to start the Season of Sharing and supporting the good work of these featured nonprofit organizations who serve our communities. Reserve your seats early.

Foundation. Keep a lookout for more details and information about this impactful charitable organization. We hope you and your families and friends will have a safe holiday season and remember those who are less fortunate and are still dealing with difficult times. Support your local businesses this holiday season and visit or take out a meal from a local restaurant. Even if a business is a chain or franchise, they employ our fellow residents and contribute to our local economy.

For 75 years we have supported our business members and communities in East Orange County providing a voice, opening doors for success, connecting members with opportunities, educational business development and building professional relationships.

Our members support our mission to advocate and help sustain a robust economy, fostering companies with employment opportunities and merchants who provide the goods and services our community needs.

We are also excited about More information is at eocc. the announcement of the org or call 407-277-5951.

East Orlando Chamber

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Coming together to create a healthy community

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Tips for a Stress-Free Thanksgiving Dinner

When it comes to Thanksgiving dinner, knowing what you can make ahead and what needs to be made day-of can be a big challenge… and quite overwhelming! Here are some ideas that will help you to reduce some of that stress so you can focus on what matters most on Thanksgiving—cherishing family and friends.

In the week leading up to Thanksgiving, create your menu. Decide if you are going to make everything from scratch or buy some pre-made items for ease and convenience. And be sure to check out our Thanksgiving Slow Cooker Side Dishes blog for some delicious ideas to make your holiday planning easier!

Wednesday First, determine how much time your turkey will need to cook. You’ll do the actual cooking on Thursday, but take a few minutes to prepare using the table and information below. The general rule of thumb is 20 minutes per pound at 350º. Times are approximate, as all ovens vary slightly in temperature. To ensure your bird is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. If you are using a frozen turkey make sure to start defrosting it a few days in advance so that it’s ready when you are.

1. Use some paper towels and dry the turkey. If you plan to season it, now is the time. This will give the seasoning time to meld and will add a ton of flavor to the turkey. Place the turkey on a large baking sheet in the refrigerator uncovered. This will help to dry out the skin and give you a really crispy and beautiful skin when its roasted.

2. Next, make the cornbread for the cornbread stuffing. Cover, and let sit at room temperature.

3. Chop up all your onions and celery for the stuffing, place in a ziplock bag, and refrigerate.

4. Then, make your cranberry sauce.

Place it in your serving dish, cover, and refrigerate. This one is all set to go.

5. Roast up the garlic for your garlic mashed potatoes.

6. Make your pumpkin pie—or the pie(s) of your choosing—cover, and refrigerate. Save yourself a few steps, and ask someone else to make the pie(s), or pick them up from your local bakery. Most pies can even be made a week ahead and frozen. Thaw at room temp starting on Wednesday.

7. Make your sweet potatoes, cover, and refrigerate.

8. Make your gravy. Gravy can be made up to five days in advance and refrigerated. Add the drippings after the turkey comes out of the oven. Your gravy will be just as delicious!

Thursday Today is the day! You may need to get started early, but if you have done the prep work already mentioned, it will be a snap.

1. Preheat your oven to 350º.

2. Sauté the onions and celery that you cut up yesterday. Add in sausage (if you’re using it for the stuffing), and set aside.

3. Boil and drain your potatoes for the garlic mashed potatoes, and set aside.

4. While your potatoes are boiling, assemble the cornbread stuffing.

Bake the stuffing for 30–40 minutes. Remove and cover with foil to keep warm.

5. Now, get that turkey in the oven!

Use the following timetable to the right of this text.

How to Know when Turkey is Done Your turkey is done when the thermometer reads 165º in the thickest part of the breast and 180º in the thickest part of the leg. Remember to let the turkey rest at least 20 minutes before carving to let all the juices redistribute.

Under normal circumstances, you might ask for help with cooking from family or friends. However, your Thanksgiving holiday might be a bit different this year.

If you’re looking for ways to keep in-person gatherings a bit safer, we suggest people bring their own side dish(es), dessert, and serving utensils for their family. This act can help lower the risk of touching shared surfaces. Read more ideas about how to safely celebrate Thanksgiving in another one of our blogs.

No matter how you choose to celebrate the holiday, I hope your day is full of joy, laughter, and good times with loved ones. Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

Sunshine Ankle & Foot Experts November Health Fact Your feet actually grow as you age. Get them measured every time you shop for shoes, but the number is only a starting point. The size of one foot can differ from the other. Shop later in the day, when your feet are tired and slightly swollen.

You’ll be less likely to buy shoes that are too small.

If you are experiencing pain or have trouble with your feet/ankles, come and visit us at Sunshine Ankle & Foot Experts! Dr. Kiana Karbasi and Dr. Timothy Miller will begin seeing patients in Suite 225 of the Keith Ewing Medical Building starting November 29, 2021. Please call 407-863-3655 or visit us at www. sunshineankleandfoot.com to schedule an appointment! We are excited to be a part of the Avalon Park Community and look forward to keeping it’s members SAFE and keeping them going!

COMMUNITY CORNER

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Avalon Middle School Soccer Avalon Middle School boys soccer team just won county championship. This is the FIRST time it’s been done for Avalon Middle School!!

Congratulations boys!

Lighthouse Central FL Receives $15,000 Grant From Chesley G. Magruder Foundation Grant to Support Organization’s Youth Services Program for Infants, Children and Teens from Birth through Age 22 Lighthouse Central Florida, a nonprofit that provides vision rehabilitation services to Central Floridians living with vision impairment or blindness, has received a $15,000 grant from the Chesley G. Magruder Foundation. The funds will support the organization’s Youth Services program for up to 150 infants, children and teens from birth through age 22 who are living with vision loss. This donation will also allow the nonprofit to expand its services to include low vision services to benefit clients and families and help additional children in need of vision rehabilitation.

“Lighthouse’s Youth Services program addresses the basic skills of daily living, including early literacy and school readiness, for blind or visually impaired babies, toddlers, children and teens who would otherwise not receive critical

vision rehabilitation and education during their formative development years,” said Kyle Johnson, president and CEO of Lighthouse Central Florida. “Support from the Chesley G. Magruder Foundation – especially during times of crisis and uncertainty – ensures that youth will receive continual learning to stay on pace to achieve critical developmental and vision-related milestones.”

Lighthouse’s Youth Services include Early Intervention, Children’s and Transition programs. Programming ensures that developmental milestones are met, including academic and social development, while helping teens and young adults become more independent and prepare for future success in a sighted world.

Avalon Park Oktoberfest Highlights

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Avalon Park Foundation Updates