VOLUME 1 EDITION 2
SEPTEMBER 2020
LIVE
Avalon Park Tavares Now Under Construction
ademy Tavares’ Monthly Newsletter
Year 1 Edition 2
SCHOOL! Kids and Teachers alike couldn’t wait to get into s on Monday August 24, 2020!
amilies and students to campus for school ek of August. PAGE 2
LEARN Thank you to the donut box and Z’s sweets for spoiling us with their highly sought after and so delicious donut treats. PAGE 4
WORK
same week, the uniform store hosted a e at our school in the cafeteria. Pat, our cot, came to greet and dance our d parents while they waited.
are anticipated to open Summer 2021. Upon PAGE 5 completion, Avalon Park Tavares will have over 15 acres of parks, walking paths and lakes will be intertwined with more than 1,100 units. Additionally, there are The 155-acre masnut Gallery items donated byter-plannedWe held school supply drop community plans for a mixed-use ents for students to earn by located in Tavares, off during teacher work Flor- town center with more week. their positive behaviors ida is located at the corthan 250,000 square feet ner of Huffstetler Drive of commercial space. The socially distanced and Mount Homer We officially Road. The first phase groundbreaking event welcomed all contains 228 residential included attendees teachers and staff PAGE 6 back on the August lots. Builders include from the City of Tava17 with trainings room D.R. Horton with 115 res, Pinecrest Academy preparations and an COMMUNITY Tavares, the Tavares lots and Avex Homes end of the week UPDATES Chamber of Commerce with 113 lots. Models
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gathering
Avalon Park Group/ sitEX held the groundbreaking ceremony of phase 1 of the residential section of Avalon Park Tavares on August 20, 2020.
and the local community. The ceremony was kicked-off by a lively performance by the City of Mount Dora Pipe and Drum Band, followed by an introduction by J. Scott Barry of the Tavares Chamber of Commerce and then a brief overview of the community by President and CEO of Avalon Park Group/sitEX, Beat Kahli. After the ceremonial tossing of the dirt, attendees were able to network and learn more about the master-planned com-
munity. “It is our mission to change the way the world lives, learns, works and plays through creating healthy sustainable communities,” says Beat Kahli, President and CEO of Avalon Park Group/sitEX. “We are happy to be bringing our vision to Lake County with Avalon Park Tavares.” For more information visit www.AvalonParkTavares.com or contact Info@AvalonParkTavares.com or 352-204-1020.
LIVE
Coffee Hour with BEAT One of my favorite parts of building towns, is being able to visit the local businesses and interacting with the residents. Just the other day I was at Nature’s Fuel in Downtown Avalon Park Orlando and the young lady working at the Avalon Park store told me that she was born in Avalon Park! To me the groundbreaking of Avalon Park Orlando in 1998 feels like it was just yesterday. The young lady continued to tell me that her family has lived all her life in Avalon Park. She has lived, learned, worked and played, and continues to do so for the past 2 decades. Another recent interaction electronically when we received an e-mail from a young couple living in Avalon Park. It was a special note where the couple told us that they met while at Avalon Middle School as students and now, a decade later, they not only live in Avalon Park, but both teach in Avalon Park schools. Their parents moved to Avalon Park 20 years ago, still live in Avalon Park and now, the newly married have decided as well to live in Avalon Park. These stories are just a couple examples where there are families who have 3 generations living in Avalon Park: Grandparents, Parents and Kids. My passion for creating towns where generations can live together stemmed from my story, growing up in Switzerland. My grandparents, who have passed away, owned a farm in eastern Switzerland. One of my dad’s brothers took
over the farm, and now one of his sons is farming there. My parents, who are now in their 80’s are still living at the same home I grew up in. Multiple generations all living close by. There is power in a young child being able to hear about the life lessons a senior has to offer. There is joy in seeing a senior delighting in the laughter of a grandchild or youthful neighbor. While there are “feel good” benefits to intergenerational communities, there are also sustainability and longevity for those communities.
create sustainable “Live, Learn, Work & Play” communities, in order to reach that vision, we set goals that allow homeowners to grow their families and establish roots.
I believe a healthy community is where all generations can live and interact together. When planning Avalon Park we wanted to ensure that all of your basic needs could be met in your own neighborhood. You could be born in Avalon Park, go to pre-school, elementary school, middle school, high school, Vocational Tech Center in Avalon During our first homeowner Park or College up the street, association meeting in 1999 I find a home to live in any size was asked to describe in my and price, rent or own. And own words the vision of Avalon also, that you could find a job in Park. At a time when Avalon Avalon Park, shop, dine, join a Park had 50 homes, Alafaya Church, a social service club or
I BELIEVE A HEALTHY COMMUNITY IS WHERE ALL GENERATIONS CAN LIVE AND INTERACT TOGETHER. Trail was a 2 lane road from Waterford Lakes, Avalon Park Boulevard ended at Founder’s Square and there was no Innovation Way, my answer was simple: Live, Learn, Work and Play. I told the group of first homeowners that the goal was to be in a position as soon as possible where you could satisfy all your needs in Avalon Park without ever having to leave. Now, 20 years later, I know that we have achieved that goal in Avalon Park Orlando, as there have been times when somebody stops me and tells me they have not left Avalon Park for 3 months. Being able to meet the needs of the residents in Avalon Park Orlando was a goal that we sought out to meet and were able to make it come true. The same vision holds true for our communities in Wesley Chapel, Tavares and Daytona Beach. While our vision remains to
any other community organization. And that you could also establish sense of place for your family through all of these, but also by building traditions at the holiday festivals and creating life-long friendships at neighborhood get-togethers. When you build roots in a community, you care, and you are involved. I love our many quadruple stakeholders, they live in Avalon Park, as real estate owners or tenants, have children in an AP school, work or own a business in AP, and spend time in AP, dining, shopping and attending cultural events. People are looking for a sense of belonging and safety. When your entire family, for several generations lives here, you belong. When it is not just your home, but as well your children’s school, your job or business, your favorite restaurant or store, all within walk-
ing or biking distance you are much more involved. You pay more attention and if something is not right you get involved to find a solution. You have a vested interest to constantly work on the best community in central Florida. It was always my dream, that grandparents, parents, and children could live together or at least be within walking distance from each other. In a true intergenerational community Grandpa may pick up a grandkid at school, while their parents are at work, and spend some quality time with their grandkids. Now that fortunately kids can go back into school, we want to make sure all ages stay connected. For example, at Encore our Assisted Living Community in Avalon Park, school children interact with the residents. Kids from all ages, starting at pre-K are able to spend time with seniors, some that are well over 90 years old. These relationships are just a part of the realization of a healthy community, where you can, Live, Learn, Work and Play. The ultimate sustainable community is where all generations can live in harmony. Have a questions for Beat or do you have something you want to see in Coffee Hour with Beat? E-mail us at Info@AvalonParkSun.com.
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LIVE (Cont.)
Benefits of Intergenerational Programs People who are a part of the “sandwich generation” can easily find themselves “sandwiched” between providing care to both aging parents and young children. Though there is endless love for both of them, constantly caring for both can be exhausting and it can take a toll on the caregiver. At Encore, we believe that putting the elderly with the young children through a variety of programs can help lessen some of the needs that each group has. Children are able to provide the social interaction that is so important for seniors, while seniors are able to provide the love that kids need. Our community encourages interaction between our seniors and local children though our Songbird music program, our partnership with The Rep Theater, and by inviting children from local schools, girl scouts, and day cares to interact with our seniors.
Here are some of the benefits of our intergenerational programs: Children help elders keep loneliness at bay. Senior loneliness is a rampant issue in many retirement communities that can lead to a range of health problems and can increase rates of death. While many assisted living communities create opportunities for seniors to maintain a social life, fighting off loneliness is a difficult battle. Being able to spend time with kids has proven to be an effective solution. Many seniors that have a difficult time connecting with their peers have no problem talking with kids. The excitement and creativity that kids bring to their time with our residents is truly invaluable. Having children around encourages an active lifestyle
The aches, pains, and disability that often comes with aging can make it difficult to stay active. While it may be easier to be sedentary than to get out and be around people, it is important for seniors to stay as active as possible. Kids move around and exude energy that is effective at getting seniors to join in. They are able to get residents chatting, playing, and enjoying life in a way that only a kid could do. It helps fight ageism. Our culture worships youth and can sometimes hold prejudices against the elderly. Even though most of us have the best intentions, the way the culture as a whole sees seniors can sometimes seep into our thinking. The best way to combat this is to spend time around seniors enough to see them as distinct individuals with a wealth of knowledge and experiences.
when they are still developing their larger understanding of the world are more likely to see seniors in a respectful and compassionate way throughout their entire life. Choosing the right assisted living community for your loved one can seem exhausting, but it pays dividends when it comes to their happiness and your peace of mind. Schedule a tour of Encore at Avalon Park, and see for yourself why we’re the premier senior living solution in the area. Call us today at 407-2707500 to schedule a tour, or for any questions you may need answered. ALF #12618
Kids who are able to do that
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LEARN September 2020
Year 1 Edition 2
Pinecrest Academy Tavares’ Monthly Newsletter
We are so excited to be BACK TO SCHOOL! Kids and Teachers alike couldn’t wait to get into class on Monday August 24, 2020! We welcomed families and students to campus for school tours the first week of August.
Thank you to the donut box and Z’s sweets for spoiling us with their highly sought after and so delicious donut treats.
PAT greeted and took pictures with all of the students Monday and even took pictures with staff. We all began learning again and were so happy to be back in school. During the same week, the uniform store hosted a uniform sale at our school in the cafeteria. Pat, our school mascot, came to greet and dance our students and parents while they waited.
Peanut Gallery items donated by parents for students to earn by their positive behaviors We officially welcomed all teachers and staff back on the August 17 with trainings room preparations and an end of the week gathering
We held school supply drop off during teacher work week.
WORK
Tavares Chamber Update Hello from beautiful Downtown Tavares; we’re thrilled to share a little bit about us and join the Avalon Sun! As a local Chamber of Commerce, we are here to serve our 300+ members through advocacy, promotion, and engagement. Visit our website (www. tavareschamber.com) to find out more and become a member. Due to COVID-19, our normal activities are either being modified or on hold until further notice, but our mission to develop strong bonds in our community remains our top priority. We are located at 300 E. Main St. in Downtown Tavares, and we can be reached at 352343-2531.
Upcoming Events: September 15, 12-1pm: Networking Lunch, Fish Camp Lake Eustis September 23, 11:30am-1pm: Monthly Business Luncheon, Tavares Pavilion on the Lake, Sponsored by Immunity Health Spa, Catered by Gourmet Today
Immunity Health Spa, our September Monthly Business Luncheon sponsor, is our Featured Business this month! Immunity Health Spa is committed to bringing high quality products and services to the community. With facials, body treatments and massages using 100% organic and natural products, to high-dose vitamin IV therapies and salt treatments. Visit their website: www.immunityhealthspa.com or call 352.750.9909 for more information.
Ad Discounts for Chamber Members! NEW Chamber Members enjoy a FREE advertisement in one edition of your choice + 15% off each ad in the remaining months of 2020! EXISITING Chamber Members enjoy 50% off your first advertisement + 15% off each ad in the remaining months of 2020! The Publication date is the 1st of the month or the 1st Monday of the month.
Need an Ad Designed? We Can Help! Please Submit a 1/4 Page Ad: 4.9w x 7.2h inches 354w x 518h pixels Accepted formats: .PDF, .JPG, .PNG. 300DPI Deadline: Last Wednesday of each month
Our Mission The Avalon Park Sun seeks to effectively reflect upon the vitality of our community through the distribution of purposeful community news. Working to clarify and bring acknowledgement to the individuals and events that embody Avalon Park and surrounding communities, the ongoing goal is to improve upon the quality, content, and reach that is presented throughout each issue.
Reach Your Audience
The Avalon Park Sun uses a multi-platform approach to reach your target audience by distributing our issues via print, online and social media. Our newspaper is updated dynamically and electronically mailed monthly, with weekly features also sent. The Avalon Park Sun reaches over 50,000 readers monthly.
Please fill out the form on our website below with all of the details for your advertisement! https://avalonparksun.com/advertising Use codes: “NEWCHAMBERDISCOUNT” for new members and “CHAMBERDISCOUNT” for existing members.
Contact us at (407) 658-6565 or Info@AvalonParkSun.com with any questions!
July Monthly Business Luncheon, Executive Director J. Scott Berry welcomes guests. Photo Credit: Byron Faudie
WORK (Cont.)
INTERNATIONAL UPDATE
Meet the Member
Interview with Marschall Ungar from Qnami AG:
The 5th Floor is an international collaborative pro-work space where members are able to enjoy international collaboration benefits in our 5th Floor locations and connections throughout the world. We would like to introduce you to Switzerland member Qnami. How did you come to Switzerland and how did Qnami come about? It all started with the lab work of Prof. Dr. Patrick Maletinsky at the University of Basel. Known as a cluster for life sciences, Basel is a vibrant city that offers great opportunities. Since 2016 we have been working enthusiastically to build a global quantum industry from this city in the heart of Europe.
a precision that could never be achieved before. The technique is called quantum sensing and Qnami is enthusiastically developing it to improve people’s lives and the world.
changes in your design or fabrication process. What makes Qnami future-oriented?
Extensive academic research and deep knowlWe are currently launching edge build the ground for our flagship product, the all that Qnami does. With this technology, Qnami is Qnami ProteusQ. It the first complete scanning NV redefining the common understanding of preci(nitrogen-vacancy) microscope for the analysis of sion. Qnami offers an open magnetic materials at the team culture of mutual atomic scale. The Qnami respect and intercultural understanding which is ProteusQ system comes with state-of-the-art elecboth business and scientifCould you give us a short ic minded. Qnami attracts tronics and software. Its overview of Qnami? flexible design allows for young, multicultural, open future adjustments and and skilled team members, Qnami is a VC-backed who have a deep passion high-tech company with its scaling, expansion and for the work. capability upgrades. The roots at the Physics Department of the University proprietary Qnami ProteusQ quantum technology Qnami is a company of Basel in Switzerland. It founded and based in Badevelops fundamental new provides high precision sel. What do you particutechnology using quantum images for you to see directly the most subtle prop- larly appreciate about this mechanics. The control of the state of a single electron erties of your samples and region? enables measurement with the effect of microscopic
Basel lies at the heart of a developing center of expertise in quantum and diamond sensing technologies, running from Ulm, through Stuttgart, Freiburg, Basel and on to Zurich. This gives us access to both extremely high quality talent, as well as extremely high quality of life!
For more information on The 5th Floor in US or Switzerland or to learn more about how you can do business with this 5th Floor Member, please e-mail us at Info@The5thFloor.US.
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•Divi Phoenix St Maarten: •Sonesta Ocean Point •Divi Little Bay Remote Learning Opportunities in a Remote Paradise for Kids! If you have children, don’t worry, they can take advantage of your workcation too. Plus, one kid stays, plays and eats free!†
time prior to travel. We recommend that you visit the websites for your air carrier and destination frequently to verify flight schedules, sign up for travel alerts and monitor updated entry requirements.
•Safe, Quiet Learning Space for Kids’ Remote Learning
We are as excited as you are to see travel to the Caribbean, Mexico and Costa Rica return. Thank you for trusting us to see you through the storm, and remember, we are #TourismStrong!
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Coming together to create a healthy community
3D Mammograms Bring New Dimension to Cancer Detection
by Leena Kamat, MD
Since the 1960s, mammograms have been the best way to detect breast cancer early, when it’s most treatable. Still, the technology has had its limitations. With 2D digital mammography, a potential trouble spot could appear as just that — a spot. If the radiologist sees an area of density and can’t be sure what it is, the patient must return to get more images taken or undergo a biopsy. In the medical world, this is referred to as a “callback.” For patients, it’s a hassle and a significant source of worry. If the radiologist could have looked above and beneath the spot, she could have seen whether the dense area is a harmless clump of breast tissue or a dangerous tumor. Now she can, thanks to 3D mammography. Taking a Closer Look With 3D Mammography: 3D mammography allows you to investigate and scroll through multiple levels of imaging to see if an area of concern is regular tissue or a possible tumor. It also allows radiologists to find small tumors that could be hiding in denser areas of the breast. These areas appear as white spots on mammograms and can sometimes block our view of
tumors, which can be disguised as white spots. 3D mammography gives us a view through the tissue, making it possible to catch something that would’ve been obscured.
How 3D Mammography Helps Women With Dense Breasts: A woman’s breasts are composed of several kinds of tissue, including fat, milk ducts and supportive tissue. Different women have different amounts of each, and they change over time. A woman who has more dense tissue than fatty tissue is said to have “dense breasts.” Having dense breasts is common; about 4 in 10 women have them. Traditional 2D mammography has limitations for women with dense breasts because dense tissue appears white on its images. With 3D mammography, your radiologist can get a better idea of what these spots truly are by looking above and below them. Why the Best Mammography Matters: The ability to catch cancer early is what makes a mammogram such a powerful tool in the fight against breast cancer. In fact, it can detect breast cancer up to two years before a tumor can be felt by you or your doctor. Finding a small tumor during a
screening mammogram can feel like a tragedy. But in reality, it’s a victory: Finding a tumor when it’s small is the goal of screening. Catching breast cancer early through a mammogram means: • Therapies, like breast conservation therapy, will be the most effective • Treatment can begin early, possibly before the cancer spreads • You’ll have the best possible chance at recovery
Evidence continues to show that 3D mammograms are better at finding cancer. An October 2018 study that tracked 15,000 women over five years found that 3D mammography detected 30% more cancers than traditional mammography. And we know that when cancer is found in its earliest stages (often because of routine mammograms), women are more likely to make a full recovery — and less likely to need aggressive treatment to get there. We’re Serious About Your Safety: We understand you may be concerned about your safety right now. Find peace of mind knowing we’re prepared to protect and care for you. All AdventHealth facilities now have enhanced safety measures in place, including:
• Extra sanitizing of all areas and equipment • Face mask requirement for all patients and staff • Social distancing in our waiting rooms • Temperature checks upon arrival We focus on the safety of our imaging facilities so you can focus on your health. A mammogram is a potentially life-saving screening that shouldn’t be delayed. To learn more or schedule an appointment, call 866-366-PINK or visit ScheduleYourMammo. com. To further support community members through their breast cancer journey, register for AdventHealth’s first-ever virtual Pink on Parade 5K at PinkOnParade.com. DR. LEENA KAMAT is a board-certified diagnostic radiologist, subspecialized in breast imaging for AdventHealth Medical Group Radiology – Central Florida Division.
COMMUNITY CORNER GUEST SUBMISSION
How Would You Like to Grow?
A look into how traditional neighborhood developments turn your town into a home
Smart Growth and Traditional Neighborhood Development. Photo Credit: Dover, Kohl & Associates
By Raven Halle
something different from the traditional ideas of suburbia; Developing cities often find where mixed-use fosters conthemselves having to answer nections through an emphathe question, “how should sis on the pedestrian, other we continue to grow?” Due single-use developments to developmental pressures, may rely on vehicular modes not growing at all is rarely of transportation to create an option; in turn, places face the same. but often lesser a choice between growing connections. Again, in tradithrough implementing the tional neighborhoods, “life principles of conventional takes place on foot:” while suburban development and your children walk to school, the principles of traditional you can walk to the grocery neighborhood development. store; step out of your apartIn a few words, and in favor ment building’s elevator and of the latter, the traditional be immediately between the neighborhood developments wine bar and the dance stuare perhaps best captured by dio; go to your dental aparchitect Jan Gehl’s statement pointment and then the eye that “life takes place on foot.” doctor across the street; walk Traditional neighborhood de- your mother from the assistvelopments, which are often ed-living facility to the pool unique to their location and for a summer’s day swim. serve as prototypes for othThis is what it means to be a er traditional neighborhood walkable place; to be a town. developments, are displays of what residential areas First, let’s go back around can become when the focus 80 years to life in America is placed on people rather after World War II. During than on industry. The key to this period, things such as understanding the influence the GI Bill, the baby boom, of traditional neighborhood the increased affordability of developments lies in their automobiles, and the largeidentity as mixed-use develscale housing projects built opments, meaning that they on the outskirts of existing are a blend of the residential, cities contributed to what we the commercial, and the encall “urban sprawl,” or the vironmental. This mixed-use migration of folks from big approach to planning offers cities to single-family homes
Conventional Suburban Development. Photo Credit: Dover, Kohl & Associates
often separated by roads, landscaping, and long expanses of land. These ideas might conjure within us the iconic rhetoric of the “American Dream,” or the notion of 2.5 children, a pet, and a picket-fence. While this long-surviving concept was first an item of praise and then a sign of conformity, early suburbia’s promise of a cookie-cutter life personified a sort of affluence that became highly attractive to the generation who had recently survived two world wars and the Great Depression. So, after the war, the industries which had mobilized the Allied victory turned their focus inward to propel the previously mentioned and eventual causes of urban sprawl. Among the many detriments to come from this—like the loss of agricultural lands, an increase in distance between home, work, and leisure places, and an increase in pollution due to distance—is wthe loss of a sense of place, or, as coined by James Howard Kunstler, “the geography of nowhere.” This is, in the last 20 years, perhaps what traditional neighborhood developments have most sought to change: turning “nowhere” into “somewhere.” And they
have done just that. To create an analogy, creating a town to planners is like making a cake to bakers. Suburbia has the ingredients: people, houses, sometimes community centers, cars, and roads which lead the cars out of the neighborhood to a desired destination—work, school, the grocery store, church, piano lessons. To bakers, this is the equivalent of eggs, butter, flour, sugar, and utensils lined up on the table. But to bake a cake, the ingredients must be more than present—they must be mixed. So, too, do the ingredients of the suburbs need to be combined to create a town. In the simplest of terms, this comparison displays the difference between a conventional suburban development and a traditional neighborhood development. When people, houses, businesses, schools, roads, and parks are integrated—the “mixed” in “mixed-use—” a town is born. This is the creation of “somewhere,” a place not isolated by gates or roads but open and accessible to all. Cont. on next page...
COMMUNITY (Cont.)
Residential Streetscape: Traditional Neighborhood Development. Photo Credit: Gettyimages
Again, traditional neighborhood developments do not necessarily subscribe to the cookie-cutter homes of the suburbs: a doctor can live next door to a teacher; a lawyer down the hall from an author. And, further again, a town is sustainable and self-contained in that most immediate needs can be met without having to commute. Ultimately, the concentration of homes and necessary establishments forges a sense
of connection, better allowing things like the stimulation of the local economy through shopping small businesses and supporting the community through events such as annual holiday celebrations. A town’s sense of connection and community is certainly facilitated by its residents, but on a more basic level, it is first rendered by the careful planning and construction on the part of its developers.
Residential Streetscape: Conventional Suburban Development. Photo Credit: Gettyimages
For a town to be a successful pedestrian-oriented development, many complex design and planning problems must be addressed. For a town to be effective, “synergies,” or positive relationships between multiple agents must be created and designed to work both vertically and horizontally. Synergies in a traditional neighborhood development be seen in vertical mixed-use buildings, such as those that have apartments
Commercial Streetscape: Conventional Suburban Development. Photo Credit: Gettyimages
Commercial Streetscape: Traditional Neighborhood Development. Photo Credit: Gettyimages
above shops and offices. This is an example of one of the many characteristics of a traditional neighborhood development—also including a variation in housing type, a well-planned and connected system of streets, and conveniences such as places of worship, parks, schools, and pools—all of which will be discussed in a later series of articles revolving around traditional neighborhood developments.
COMMUNITY (Cont.)
GUEST SUBMISSION
Rise and Whine
I am uncertain why during this Summer of My Malcontent (The title of my manuscript which is under construction) I cannot get a full night’s sleep. My internal alarm is set for 3:00AM, and it doesn’t have a snooze button. Melatonin seems to kick in about 10AM the next morning. Even tried cutting out coffee. In America, there is great societal unrest. Not just in faraway megalopolises, but even here locally. That’s right – Gotham City, the City Beautiful and my little beach village all have their fair share. Protests, riots, and bears are now daily occurrences, regardless of the protester’s geographic proximity or relationship to the episode which ignited today’s commotion. Economically, some businesses are surviving while others are on the cusp of failing. As a student of politics, the political divisiveness is unlike I have ever seen or studied; it is as if Archduke Ferdinand has just been re-assassinated and Yugoslavia is about to re-born (and we know how that turned out). Cultural endeavors are sadly cancelling their event seasons. Professional sports matches are sporadically being played, but only when the overpaid brats are not too busy trying to grab headlines for their self-righteous aggrievement du jour. Unknown college prospects are mimicking those actions threatening to cause the cancelation of all fall sports. Only 20% of NBA players are registered to vote – when they take their civic responsibility sincerely, then maybe I’ll take them seriously. Personally, I am without real turmoil in my world. I can create some drama if I think about. My arthritic left knee burns
continually, and my daughters do not spend enough time with their dad. I cannot seem to lose my quarantine fifteen. My facial skin is flaking like a warm croissant, and my barnacle count is rising like the unemployment rate. I know I’ll get an earful from my dermatologist for the frequency of my beach visits. My business is solid, there are fish tacos on the table and Tesla stock is skyrocketing. The tribulations of 2020 are not unique to recent American history. History repeats itself – right? I have been searching for a corollary year. How about 1968? ’68 had a world-wide pandemic, civil rights protests, Vietnam war protests, assassinations, a slowing economy portending the 1969-70 recession, and protesters being cleared from public parks with violent police forces using excessive tear gas (Chicago’s Grant Park). Any of this sound familiar? (In the early 80’s I attended a lecture by Yippie leader Jerry Rubin for poly-sci extra credit although I was clueless why he was famous.) 1968 was the year Trump received his 1-Y draft deferment (unqualified for duty) and Biden celebrated his 50th birthday! (Ok, the latter isn’t true… he was actually turned 26 in November). As I have composed this essay, I racked my brain for childhood memories. While the memories have freely flowed, there is no logical chronological order. I was certainly alive in 1968, but not attuned into political, civic, or economic events. We have recently heard lots of
comparisons to the Spanish Flu (1918 – 1920). Did you know that in 1968 – 1969 there was a Hong Kong flu pandemic? Google tells me that the Hong Kong flu was responsible for an estimated 1 million deaths worldwide and about 100,000 in the United States. – but I do not remember my grandparents being concerned. My very first current event memory that I can date is from 1972, when George Wallace was shot. I know not why I cannot remember Bobby Kennedy being murdered, or Martin Luther King being assassinated, but that was 1968. My paternal grandparents were hospitalized from a serious car accident, but I don’t know which year that was either. I remember taking my dad to the airport for his second Vietnam deployment which I think was 1969. I was just too young to comprehend the civil unrest of those times, and I didn’t have a rotary dial cell phone with a 24-hour news cycle to keep me informed. I learned from my sports research that 1968 included a Black Panthers’ protest at the Mexico Olympics (now an iconic image) and that Mickey Lolich pitched 3 complete games, with the Tigers beating the Cards to become World Series champs (I have his baseball card). Back to the 2020s. During a client conversation this week I had a take-inventory-moment reflective pause. The client was reporting on how busy they are. These surgeons focus on Lasik and cataract surgeries. Thanks to the safety benefit of masks, in particular seniors, are wearing face coverings as they venture in our Covid-19 infected world. However, people are growing
increasingly annoyed with the centuries’ old technology of spectacles. Those bespectacled types are using modern medical surgeries to eliminate the nuisance of eyewear which fog up, slip off, and do not fit correctly when wearing a mask. Voilà! Which other daily products and practices are obsolete and can be replaced with new widgets and gadgets? Tesla has a car that drives itself and Husqvarna has a robot that mows your lawn. Siri and my Google Mini stalk and eavesdrop my every conversation and serve ads for my every wanton need – even if ain’t politically correct or socially acceptable. Amazon and Uber Eats will deliver any product you need to your front door – remember when FedEx bragged about “By 10 Tomorrow Morning?” Beam me up Scotty! I attribute my sleeplessness to our societal mayhem. While I have no doubt life will regain equilibrium, there is so much I don’t understand. Maybe my cerebrum is being underutilized, or just simply does not have the capacity to piece together a cohesive understanding or proffer a resolution to make peace with 2020. If you are not resting well, please have solace in knowing you are not the only one. And if you able to sleep through the night without being disturbed by CV-19, #BLM, National Hurricane Center updates, the fact that the Red Sox will finish under .500 (and the list goes on), PLEASE share your methods! I could use a good night’s sleep! The Village Idiot
