TALK OF THE TOWN

Conversations for Your Community

By Rich Maladecki

As summer begins to wind down, it is time to start preparing for a new reality which can include going back to school and work. While this can be saddening, there is still so much to look forward to in the coming months. Here is your inside scoop to what is happening in our beloved Central Florida community.

New Reality — with schools reopening soon, this is the perfect time - to gather as a family - to develop or to re-define a School

Emergency Communications

Plan. There are dozens of websites and recommendations that you should review to help with this process. Time spent now preparing may prove crucial sometime in your future.

Congratulations to the Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation of Winter Park on the opening of its new headquarters, properly called “The Edyth”. This remarkable new addition to the Winter Park community will offer a gallery, meeting, and classroom space.

With schools re-opening, please respect the laws relating to both speed limits near schools during opening and closing timeframes and school buses when their lights are flashing. Let us create a safe environment for our children. Do each of your family members, including the children, have a library card? Today’s Libraries are more than a place to secure books - the library of today features books on-line, computers, “How To” classes, Audio Books, and Story Times. Please schedule a trip to your local library to learn more.

Bon Appetit - The popularity of

Central Florida’s Magical Dining

month continues this year from August 28 through October 2 at over 40 regional restaurants. This is your opportunity to enjoy a 3-course dinner for $40 per person at dozens of Central Florida’s most popular restaurants. (Hint: advanced reservations are always recommended). For a review of the participating restaurants, please reference the Visit Orlando website. Many of us travel - with regret - to the on/off ramps of the I-4 and Champions Gate intersection of Osceola County. Proudly, a new and improved traffic pattern has opened, the Diverging Diamond Interchange. This concept should ease the driving experience of that congested area. For your information, this same type of interchange is being planned for the equally challenged I-4 and Sand Lake Road area.

The Labor Day 3 Day weekend is fast approaching and traditionally this time features attractive and affordable Florida lodging options for staycations. Consider a family get-a-way weekend package now, to build another Summer of ‘22 memory.

A new gathering experience has opened in downtown Windermere — The Windermere Brewing Company has officially opened to the public. Early reviews have been positive, so let us try this new venue during the month of August.