WHAT’S HAPPENING IN METROWEST

MetroWest Public Safety Offers Back-to-School Safety Tips

By Nancy Glasgow

For children attending Orange County Public Schools (OCPS), the first day of school is Aug. 10. MetroWest Public Safety urges everyone to follow these safety tips for sharing the roads with our children, whether they are walking, riding the bus, or riding their bikes to school.

When sharing the roads with young pedestrians:

■ Do not block the crosswalk when stopped at a red light or waiting to make a turn, forcing pedestrians to go around you; this could put them in the path of moving traffic. ■ In a school zone when flashers are blinking, stop and yield to pedestrians crossing the crosswalk or intersection. ■ Always stop for a school patrol officer or crossing guard holding up a stop sign. ■ Take extra care to look out for children in school zones, near playgrounds and parks, and in all residential areas. ■ Do not honk or rev your engine to scare a pedestrian, even if you have the right of way. ■ Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians.

When sharing the roads with school buses:

■ If you are driving behind a bus, allow a greater following distance than if you were driving behind a car. It will give you more time to stop once the yellow lights start flashing. It is illegal to pass a school bus that stops to load or unload children. ■ Never pass a bus from behind or from either direction if you are on an undivided road if it is stopped to load or unload children. ■ If the yellow or red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, traffic must stop. ■ The area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children; stop far enough back to allow them space to safely enter and exit the bus. ■ Be alert; children often are unpredictable, and they tend to ignore hazards and take risks.

When sharing the roadways with kids riding bikes:

■ On most roads, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as vehicles, but bikes can be hard to see. Children riding bikes create special challenges for drivers

because usually they are not able to properly determine traffic conditions. The most common cause of collision is a driver turning left in front of a bicyclist. ■ When passing a bicyclist, proceed in the same direction slowly, and leave three feet between your car and the cyclist. ■ When turning left and a bicyclist is approaching in the opposite direction, wait for the rider to pass. ■ If you are turning right and a bicyclist is approaching from behind on the right, let the rider go through the intersection first, and always use your turn signals. ■ Watch for bike riders turning in front of you without looking or signaling. ■ Be extra vigilant in school zones and residential neighborhoods. ■ Watch out for bikes coming from driveways or behind parked cars. ■ Check side mirrors before opening your door.

Does Your Child Need a Sports Physical Before School Starts?

By Kimbra Hennessy

As back-to-school time approaches, many families are considering having their child join a school sports team. And while everyone knows that playing sports helps keep kids fit, encourages teamwork, and fosters lifelong friendships, some parents might not understand why it is important to get a sports physical at the beginning of the season – even if their child appears perfectly healthy.

Pre-participation sport physicals are required by Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) and are intended to identify children who may be at risk while playing sports. Student-athletes must undergo an annual sports physical prior to attending their first practice.

The primary goal of the sports physical is to help identify any pre-existing medical conditions that may be worsened by participating in sports. The physical exam may detect conditions that make the student-athlete more likely to suffer illness or injury playing sports, allowing parents to make informed decisions regarding their participation in athletics. In addition, student-athletes with identified pre-existing conditions may be able work with their doctor to develop strategies to prevent injuries should they decide to participate in athletics.

Medical clearance to participate in sports is determined following a physical exam that typically focuses on the cardiovascular, neurologic, and musculoskeletal systems. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the exam include a complete medical history and physical component, including measuring blood pressure, listening to the heart while lying and standing, and assessment of medical history. This medical history may indicate increased risk from participation in sports including symptoms occurring upon exertion, a history of heart murmur or high blood pressure and significant family history of premature death or disability.

Students who plan to participate in OCPS athletics programs must complete a physical each year. To find the required forms, visit the Orange County Public Schools website, click on the “Athletics” link, then look for the drop-down menu that reads “Sports Physicals.”

https://www.ocps.net/departments/Athletics/sports_physicals

Also, if your child is in high school, electrocardiograms (ECG) are required of all high school studentathletes prior to the start of their athletic season. ECG screenings help identify athletes who are at risk for sudden cardiac arrest, which is the leading cause of death in athletics. ECGs will be offered on high school campuses through local medical providers and organizations.

Finally, if your child is new to OCPS they will need a current vaccination record on file and proof of a physical conducted by a U.S. doctor within a year of enrollment (first day of entry at school).

If you need financial assistance to complete a physical or other family health care needs, please visit: https:// www.pcanorangecounty.com/ or https://www.shepherdshope.org/.

Make it a great school year, be safe and stay healthy!

Thousands Enjoy Second Annual MetroWest MusicWORKS July 4 Event

ABOVE LEFT - Representatives from MetroWest Elementary and Westpointe Elementary accept a check for $5000 from the MetroWest Master Association (MWMA). From left to right: Julie Sanchez, MWMA General Manager; Lynn Walker Wright, MWMA Board Treasurer; Jim Drayton, MWMA Board President; Dr. Atresa Grubbs-Holmes, Westpointe Elementary Principal; Chamaris Delgado Baerga, representing Dr. Xhuljeta Gjini, MetroWest Elementary Principal; Madeleine Francois, MWMA Board Secretary; and Peter Osterrieder, MWMA Board Director.

By Nancy Glasgow

Presented by Orlando Health, the second annual MetroWest MusicWORKS drew upwards of 10,000 attendees on July 4 at the MetroWest Golf Club.

Staged by the MetroWest Master Association, MusicWORKS is a free community event featuring live music and fireworks. MusicWORKS also offered a variety of dining options from several food trucks, a Kids Zone, face painting and more.

During the event, MetroWest Master Association board members and staff took to the stage to present a check for $5000 ($2500 each) to MetroWest Elementary and Westpointe Elementary, part of the $10,000 total that the Master Association donates annually to the two schools.

The entertainment lineup for MusicWORKS 2022 featured tribute bands honoring the magic of both Motown and Elton John. Get Ready, a tribute act to Motown super groups The Temptations and The Four Tops, performed timeless hits to the delight of the MusicWORKS crowd. MetroWest then celebrated America’s birthday “Philadelphia Freedom”- style with Elton Jonathan: a tribute to Elton John, bringing to life the music of one of the best-selling artists of all time.

Following the musical entertainment, a stunning 20-minute fireworks show was staged by Pyro Shows, a 50-year-old pyrotechnic company headquartered in Tennessee.

MusicWORKS Sponsors:

Title Sponsor

Orlando Health

Premier and Venue Sponsor

MetroWest Golf Club

Diamond Sponsor

FirstService Residential

Gold Sponsors

Bravo Supermarket, Brightview Landscaping Critical Intervention Services (CIS) GardaWorld

Silver Sponsor

Fairwinds Credit Union

Bronze Sponsors

Alcorn McBride, District 6 City Commissioner Bakari Burns, James Byrd Attorney, FM Solutions, Fountain Doctors, Johnson’s Wrecker Service, Marco’s Pizza, Metrocenter Office, the new Millennium MetroWest Apartments in Veranda Park, Orlando Dumpster Rents, Sihle Insurance Group, The Hudson Apartments, The Laundry Room, Walmart, and WastePro

Vista Verde Nominated for Golden Key Awards

By Nancy Glasgow

Vista Verde Apartments (https://www.vvmetrowest. com/) in MetroWest has been nominated for the prestigious Golden Key Awards presented by the Apartment Association of Greater Orlando for Renovation/Remodel of the Year, as well as for Curb Appeal.

“The MetroWest Master Association congratulates Vista Verde on its Golden Key Awards nominations,” says Julie Sanchez, MetroWest Master Association General Manager. “The upgrades made by Vista Verde have had and continue to have a positive impact and brought tremendous value to our community.”

Vista Verde underwent an extensive remodeling program over the last year, with more improvements ongoing. Each award category is judged on such criteria as net operating income, amenities, before and after results, total dollars spent, and impact to the general neighborhood.

Vista Verde’s newly renovated one- and two-bedroom floorplans feature fully equipped spacious kitchens with upgraded quartz counters and stainless-steel appliances, wood-style plank flooring, and wood-burning fireplaces. Golden Key Awards winners will be announced Dec. 3, 2022.

MetroWest National Night Out Returns Oct. 4

By Nancy Glasgow

Mark your calendars for MetroWest’s National Night Out event Tuesday, Oct. 4 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the MetroWest Golf Club. National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes strong police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie, enhancing the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of connection.

To celebrate National Night Out, neighborhoods across the nation host block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and other community events with safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel, exhibits and much more. National Night Out is celebrated by more than 38 million neighbors across 16,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories and military bases worldwide.

MetroWest’s National Night Out will feature vendors and exhibits, food trucks, kids’ events, crime prevention and safety demonstrations. Admission to the National Night Out is FREE, so please plan to join us for an evening of fun dedicated to strengthening our community bonds.