SEPTEMBER 2020
LIVE
VOLUME 1 EDITION 2
How Would You Like to Grow? A look into how traditional neighborhood developments turn your town into a home
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LEARN Smart Growth and Traditional Neighborhood Development. Photo Credit: Dover, Kohl & Associates
By Raven Halle
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WORK
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COMMUNITY UPDATES
residential areas can become when the focus is Developing cities ofplaced on people rather ten find themselves than on industry. The having to answer the key to understanding question, “how should the influence of tradiwe continue to grow?” tional neighborhood Due to developmental developments lies in pressures, not growtheir identity as mixeding at all is rarely an use developments, option; in turn, places meaning that they are a face a choice between blend of the residential, growing through imple- the commercial, and menting the principles the environmental. This of conventional suburmixed-use approach to ban development and planning offers somethe principles of tradithing different from tional neighborhood the traditional ideas development. In a few of suburbia; where words, and in favor of mixed-use fosters conthe latter, the traditional nections through an neighborhood develop- emphasis on the pedesments are perhaps best trian, other single-use captured by architect developments may rely Jan Gehl’s statement on vehicular modes of that “life takes place on transportation to create foot.” Traditional neigh- the same. but often lessborhood developments, er connections. Again, which are often unique in traditional neighborto their location and hoods, “life takes place serve as prototypes for on foot:” while your other traditional neigh- children walk to school, borhood developments, you can walk to the groare displays of what cery store; step out of
Conventional Suburban Development. Photo Credit: Dover, Kohl & Associates
your apartment building’s elevator and be immediately between the wine bar and the dance studio; go to your dental appointment and then the eye doctor across the street; walk your mother from the assisted-living facility to the pool for a summer’s day swim. This is what it means to be a walkable place; to be a town.
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 First, let’s go back generation who had around 80 years to life recently survived two in America after World world wars and the War II. During this peGreat Depression. So, riod, things such as the after the war, the indusGI Bill, the baby boom, tries which had mobithe increased affordabil- lized the Allied victoity of automobiles, and ry turned their focus the large-scale housing inward to propel the projects built on the previously mentioned outskirts of existing cit- and eventual causes of ies contributed to what urban sprawl. we call “urban sprawl,” or the migration of folks from big cities to single-family homes often separated by roads, landscaping, and long expanses of land. These Cont. on page 11...
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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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.
Benefits of Intergenerational Programs 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.
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.
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 407270-7500 to schedule a tour, or for any questions you may need answered.
Our culture worships youth Being able to spend time with and can sometimes hold prejukids has proven to be an effecdices against the elderly. Even tive solution. Many seniors that though most of us have the best have a difficult time connectintentions, the way the culture ALF #12618 ing with their peers have no as a whole sees seniors can problem talking with kids. The sometimes seep into our thinkexcitement and creativity that ing. The best way to combat this kids bring to their time with our is to spend time around seniors residents is truly invaluable. enough to see them as distinct individuals with a wealth of Having children around enknowledge and experiences. courages an active lifestyle Kids who are able to do that
To SUBMIT your local LIVE news.... to ADVERTISE, to REGISTER or to RECEIVE the Avalon Park Sun email: Info@AvalonParkSun.com
LEARN
Boys & Girls Clubs of Volusia / Flagler Counties
For over 28 years, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Volusia/ Flagler Counties has been in the forefront of youth development, working with young people from disadvantaged economic, social and family circumstances. Our mission is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens and leaders.
the Boys & Girls Clubs of Volusia/Flagler Counties provides youth, ages 6 to 18, with a tangible measure of hope. The Club offers them what they need and want most: • adults who respect and listen to them; • a safe environment where they can have fun and be themselves; and • interesting, constructive activities that channel youthful energy into challenging pursuits.
activities and services provided by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Volusia/Flagler Counties. These children are benefiting from trained, caring, professional staff and volunteers who help them take control of their lives, envision productive futures and reach their goals.
In March of 2020, our lives were turned upside down because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Schools, offices, restaurants, airports, The Boys & Girls Clubs of The Boys & Girls Clubs and just about every other Volusia/Flagler Counties of Volusia/Flagler Counsector shut down. Boys enriches the lives of young ties offers daily access to a & Girls Clubs of Volusia/ people and provides a broad range of programs Flagler Counties stayed safe haven in which they that promote the health, open for our children, but can learn and grow. We social, educational, votransferred our programs are dedicated to ensuring cational, character and and services from in-perthat our community’s disleadership development of son to on-line. We did advantaged youth have girls and boys served. Club not let anyone go and we greater access to quality programs foster a sense of continue to serve all of our programs and services that belonging, competence, members through in-perwill enhance their lives and usefulness and influence son and virtual means. Beshape their futures. that builds self-confidence cause of record JOB LOSS and self-esteem. and increased FINANCIAL In a world that has never HARDSHIP for many seemed more threatening Today, more than 1,400 Americans, Boys & Girls and devoid of promise for boys and girls at risk and Clubs of Volusia/Flagler a disproportionate numin need are taking adCounties SUSPENDED ber of America’s children, vantage of the programs, fees from families through
12/31/2020. In June, we moved back to serving members at our Clubs, and through virtual programming. Now that schools are open, our after school programs will follow the Volusia and Flagler County school plans. Boys & Girls Clubs of Volusia/Flagler Counties are located in the areas we are needed the most. We have eight Clubs throughout two counties including Clubs in DeLand, Deltona, Lake Helen, Palm Coast, Edgewater, New Smyrna Beach, Daytona Beach, and Holly Hill. For more information about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Volusia/ Flagler Counties, please visit our website at www. BGCVFC.org or contact Robin Markus at rmarkus@ bgcvfc.org.
WORK Relaunch Volusia
Volusia County Government has issued Relaunch Volusia, a plan that outlines the phased reopening of facilities and services. The comprehensive plan can be found at Volusia.org.
The County is allocating up to $10 million in emergency relief to support local businesses with a commercial presence within the County who have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds are available as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act federal stimulus package. As a part of that relief, the County is offering emergency financial support through the Relaunch Volusia: Small Business Reopening Grant Program on a first come first serve basis. Qualifying businesses may be eligible to receive a one-time Reopening Grant Program grant (“Grant”)
grant of $1,500. Also, Volusia County businesses can apply for Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) – such as shields, masks, gowns, separators, and gloves – for qualifying Volusia County businesses.
of $3,000 for businesses that have 25 employees or less or $5,000 for businesses that have between 26 and 50 employees to help them recover from the negative financial consequences resulting from the COVID19 pandemic and relaunch their Volusia County business. The
Volusia County Council also approved a $3 million grant program to assist home-based businesses in the county that have sustained financial impacts from the coronavirus crisis. Home-based businesses that meet the eligibility criteria, they can qualify for a one-time
Helga Van Eckert, Director of Volusia County Economic Development stated, “Volusia County Economic Development is pleased to work with our city practitioners to offer financial support packages to our vital businesses in the form of grants for small- and medium-sized businesses, as well as home-based businesses and businesses that require Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for safe operation. The programs are funded by the Volusia County CARES Act dollars. Applications and information can be found at: www.VolusiaBusinessResources. com. We look forward to hearing from you and working with you.”
How Greater Daytona Region Businesses Are Getting Back to Work As much of the Sunshine State has transitioned back to work, since June 5, 2020, the Greater Daytona Region has been following phase 2 of the Governor’s “Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida’s Recovery.” Volusia County is filled with examples of how businesses and employees alike are doing so safely. Just read on to learn about promising employment numbers, protective measures and more. Putting safety first From restaurants to retailers, professional services to manufacturers and every industry in between, the Greater Daytona Region is here to help businesses resume operations as safely as possible. One example of this commitment to safety (for businesses and customers alike) can be seen through Volusia County’s Personal Protective Equipment Distribution Program. Through the assistance of a $1 million County Council allocation of recovery funds, the county was able to distribute about 7,000 PPE supply kits including gloves, face masks, wipes, hand sanitizer and thermometers to local businesses throughout the county. This is just one example of how the county supports the safe, regulat-
ed reopening for all businesses. (Tip: Business can stay up-to-date with future funding opportunities, safety programs and more by visiting VolusiaBusinessResources. com.) Return of local jobs Though it may take some time to achieve a thorough understanding of job opportunities returning to the region, early signs suggest Volusia County residents are slowly but surely returning to work. In late June, data released by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity saw unemployment claims in Volusia and Flagler counties drop from earlier weeks (and drastically down from unem-
ployment numbers earlier during the COVID-19 pandemic). 2019 ended on a positive note for the Greater Daytona Region—according to the Daytona Beach News-Journal, staffing firm Manpower predicted that the Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach would see some of the country’s best job growth rates in 2020. Though COVID-19 has naturally delivered unprecedent changes to the local workforce, Team Volusia and other community partners remain optimistic and look forward with regards to rising employment numbers, industry developments and more. Business as usual?
Depending on the unique industry, some businesses may return to normal operations (or something close to it) sooner than others; and of course, all types of organizations will need to make sweeping safety and operational changes to ensure success during—and beyond—today’s COVID-19 concerns. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources to assist companies of all shapes and sizes as they prepare to make those changes. Visit VolusiaBusinessResources. com to learn more about programs that may be available to you on a local, state and national level. As a dynamic, regularly updated website, this tool is designed to serve your needs at every step of the COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 journey. At Team Volusia, our commitment to local economic development is stronger than ever, and we will work tirelessly to assist companies navigating the season ahead. Be sure to contact our team if you have questions about the economic climate, talent opportunities and relocation resources for your business. We are here to help.
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.
PLAY
Take Work From Home to the Next Level This Fall & Winter Enjoy a Workcation at Royalton Luxury Resorts
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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!
•Supervised Activities for Children During the Work Day
Call or email us now to book your workcation! (407)
•Educational Experiences for Children During the Work Day Entry Requirements & Flights: Hotels, airlines and destinations may make last-minute changes to ensure compliance with new guidelines related to social distancing. This may include flight schedule changes, variations in services and amenities provided and new requirements for entry into the destination such as proof of a negative COVID test within a certain period of
203-5000 or E-Vacations@ solymartravels.com
Visit https://www.royaltonresorts.com/royalton/offers/ offers/upgrade-your-office for more information!
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Daytona/Ormond Beach Avalon Park Rate Discount
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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
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
COMMUNITY (Cont.)
Residential Streetscape: Traditional Neighborhood Development. Photo Credit: Gettyimages
(Cont.) 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. Again, traditional neighborhood developments do not necessarily subscribe to the
Residential Streetscape: Conventional Suburban Development. Photo Credit: Gettyimages
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. For a town to be a successful pedestrian-oriented develop-
Commercial Streetscape: Conventional Suburban Development. Photo Credit: Gettyimages
Commercial Streetscape: Traditional Neighborhood Development. Photo Credit: Gettyimages
ment, 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 can be seen in vertical mixed-use buildings, such as those that have apartments 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.
