KEEPING THE NEWS LOCAL.... AND THE COMMUNITY CONNECTED.
VOLUME 2 EDITION 2
FEBRUARY 2021
LIVE
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LEARN
A Day in the Life at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Volusia / Flagler Counties
Children are one of the most valuable resources we have as a community. The Boys and Girls Club understands that and provides powerful support to Volusia and Flagler County Youth in many ways. The mission of the organization is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens and leaders. To showcase what these amazing students are doing, we asked members from each club to submit an essay about what “A Day in the Life” at their respective clubs would be like. Today we will spotlight a member from each club (two from the Lacey Family/DeLand/Spring Hill Club). Over the next several months you will get to meet even more club members and what a day is like for them at The Boys and Girls Clubs! Submission by Brandon Paramore Jay Jr. of the Lacey Family/Spring Hill/DeLand Club What I do is play basketball and dodgeball. I am healthy and I do my homework. I do a lot so I can stay hydrated. They are very nice to me. They help me whenever I need it. They help me be respectful. They help me to be kind to people. I love the Boys and Girls Club because if I wasn’t there I would be mean and bad and be disrespectful to people. I love the Boys and Girls Club.
Submission by Valentina of the Deltona/Harris Saxon Club PAGE 3
WORK
I have been in Harris Saxon for 5 years and it has been fun and amazing. We first watch a show for a little then we have a snack after e do Power Hour then we go outside. In Harris Saxon we do something called Fun Friday. It is when we have no power and we get to play on the laptop even XBOX. Boys and Girls Club is not just after school, but it is a place to feel safe, make amazing friends and it’s a place like you feel like you belong and achieve your goals here.
Submission by Kierra of the Jeep Beach-Edgewater Club
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COMMUNITY UPDATES
Submission by Ameeyah Gordon of the Lacey Family/ Spring Hill/DeLand Club My experience at boys and girls club is amazing. When I step one foot out of my parents car I look forward to making new friends and pushing myself to exercise more. I also feel surprised that on the first day I made a BFF London.
Submission by Emily Marcelle of the Lake Helen/Blake Park Club First I get picked up at school. Next I get setup at the B&G Club for Power Hour and snack. Then I get my homework out. If I don’t have homework I ask for paper to do the question of the day. What is so fun is that Mr. Justin does contests every week mostly. Lastly I get picked up and then go home and play on my phone. The end.
Submission by Ezra Shaffer of the New Smyrna Beach Club
At the boys and girls club we eat snack and play. I like playing here because I’m with my friends and I also like playing here because the staff also plays with me. The most interesting thing here is the staff and the members. The staff make sure we are safe and they make sure we have fun. The members are nice and they always play with me. My opinion of the boys and girls club is the best after school I have ever went to because everyone has kindness, friendship and creativity.
Submission by Leah Touray of the Rossmeyer-Holly Hill Club
Last Halloween party was my favorite day ever. It was just a normal day. I was on the bus then we got off. They checked our temperature,and we went in. There were tables full of tasty pizza. All of them had 2 eyeballs in them. They had a weird taste like pepperoni and mint combined and candy. Then we did some activities. We were forced to get to 150 or we would not get these bags of candy. We soon got to 150. I got my bag. About an hour later I left to back home with my mom.
Submission by Amelia Smith of the Rymfire Club
My favorite thing to do at boys and girls club is when we go outside and get to hand out with friends and ride the equipment. Also when we go outside and get to hang out with friends and ride the equipment. Also when they have to deal with us when we get hyper but they still give us stuff. My favorite part is when its Friday and we get to have slushies and they give it to us even though we may have not been good the whol week. One last thing is when they encourage us to do stuff that we are good at. Even though it may not be the same we can still find new ways to interact with each other while having fun at the same time.
I like Boys and Girls club because we get to do projects. I like it because our teachers are very nice. I like it because we get to play at the playground. I like it because we meet new people. I like it because we can make friends.
Submission by Justis Velazquez of the JHD-Daytona Beach Club (Not Pictured) Boys and girls club is very helpful for my grandma and me so she can work while I learn and have fun. And I have learned better manners here through their methods. There’s laughs, jokes and games. They give snack and give out candy when people are good.
Story Continued on Page 3
LIVE ORLANDO
Coffee Hour with BEAT Spring and owned by an Arab “Sheik.” The Altman Ranch was at the end of civilization, and my first thought was, not in 100 years will there be anything built out there. Knowing that Florida had the reputation of selling land to someone abroad when they could not find a local buyer, I thought we were swindled into buying some land with no value.
I LOVE AVALON PARK! When our Publisher Stephanie Lerret told me to write a column about why “I Love Avalon Park,” I was excited, no more Corona, economic crises, and more, a subject for a column which I am truly passionate about. Well, it was not love at first sight...it was a long journey, an incredible journey, and it continues, and will today, tomorrow, and for generations to come. The journey of AVALON PARK. And while this story starts with our Avalon Park Orlando project, we are excited that we have now added 3 additional Avalon Park communities that are part of the Avalon Park family. In 1988, the Altman Family based in Orlando and New York was looking for a buyer for its 9,200-acre ranch in east Orlando. A third of a century ago very few people were interested in buying a huge tract of land in the middle of nowhere in east Orlando, except an obscure Swiss-American group who bought the land after more than 1 year of negotiations. I was designated by this group to go and check out this land that we purchased. When I arrived to what is now the town Avalon Park, I was shocked. I first came to see the land, which over the last couple of decades became the town of Avalon Park, I was shocked. At that time Waterford Lakes, then called Huckleberry was failing for a second time and what is today Stoneybrook was about 1,100 acres of land called Les
Well of course I could now write an entire book, and at some point, I will do that. That book will outline how a 9,200-acre tract of land became the town of Avalon Park and the Hal Scott Preserve. It will also tell the story of how Avalon Park derived its name literally meaning “the isle of fruit” from the Arthurian legend and how it is described as the place where King Arthur’s sword Excalibur was forged and later where the King was taken from being gravely wounded in
I was able to live, learn, work and play. A town where people of various racial, economic and cultural backgrounds could live together. In my native hometown Zurich, I can walk from my home to anything I need in my daily life, to work, to school, grocery stores, restaurants, etc. That home-town culture was the “blueprint” for Avalon Park, only my vision was to make it better.
It is not uncommon for me to be away on business for several days a month abroad, in Europe, Australia or Asia. When I come back and arrive in Avalon Park, seeing the “Welcome Home” sign brings a sense of relief, pride, and love. In 1999, Avalon Park Group moved to Founder’s Hall, the first building completed in Avalon Park, and if you would have told me that more than 20 years
I LOVE THAT YOU CAN HAVE PEACE OF MIND BY KNOWING YOU CAN LIVE YOUR WHOLE LIFE, SHOULD YOU WISH, IN ONE COMMUNITY. battle. This book could easily be well over 1,000 pages, so we will save that for another day. While the full story would be a long adventure, it can be summed up like this: For about 20 years, a passionate team and I have had the honor to build a town from scratch. We all live, learn, work, and play here, and we all love to continue to shape our dream every day. When I first moved full-time to Florida, a quarter-century ago, my wife Jill and I lived in a townhome in the suburbs of Fort Lauderdale. I got homesick, not because there were not any mountains like in Switzerland or because it was hot and humid. These are things you prepare yourself before moving to Florida. I missed being in a town, where
after, I would still spend most of my daily life in Avalon Park, I would be skeptical. But you see, I love Avalon Park, and do not want to ever leave. I love that I can Zoom the world right from my office in the heart of Avalon Park, then step out and go for a workout, have a bite to eat, see children biking or walking home from school, all within a square mile.
chasing your first home. Then growing a family and moving up to buy a larger home. Then after the kids have gone maybe a move back down into a townhome or apartment. And all these options are within walking distance from the grocery store, restaurants, YMCA, parks, and events, including world-class fireworks. I love the peace of mind knowing that you can live your whole life, should you wish, in one place. With an assisted living and memory care community and soon an independent living and 55+ option, you can literally move into your senior years in the very community you are familiar with, surrounded by family and supportive caregivers. I love the schools, the teachers (most are also residents of Avalon Park), made them the best in Central Florida, because they, like me, love Avalon Park. While Avalon Park Orlando is 99% complete, we are just starting our journey in Wesley Chapel, Daytona Beach and Tavares. I love that every single day we all can build on the Avalon Park we call home. Together we can make it better, reinvent the town of Avalon Park, reinvent us with the opportunities in OUR town. I am excited about these next chapters in the Avalon Park journey. I love Avalon Park. I would love to hear why you love Avalon Park! Send me your favorite Avalon stories to Info@AvalonParkSun.com.
I love to be able to talk to somebody about the weather, sport, and life, in general, anytime in Avalon Park. I love the events, like past Saturday where the community came out to support the local businesses and enjoy the beautiful Florida weather. I love that you can live in Avalon Park at all stages of life, from a college student in an apartment to finding a job and pur-
Community Picture from Avalon Park Orlando’s 20th Anniversary Celebration
LEARN ORLANDO
A Day in the Life at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Volusia / Flagler Counties Continued (Cont.) Each member with a featured story receives a gift card and an honorary contributor certificate as a guest journalist.
Providing support for our youth in all areas in once of the most valuable ways you can give back to your community. While it does take financial resources to provide The Boys & Girls Clubs of Volusia/Flagler programming and development, there are Counties currently operates eight clubs: many ways that you can support what DeLand/Spring Hill, Deltona/Harris the Boys and Girls Clubs are doing in our Saxon, Lake Helen/Blake Park, Edgewater, New Smyrna community. To learn more about the Boys and Girls Beach, Daytona Beach, Holly Hill and Palm Coast Rymfire Clubs of Volusia/Flagler Counties or to see you can get Elementary. involved, visit them online here.
Click here to learn more and support the Boys & Girls Clubs!
In this time of uncertainty due to COVID-19, supporting local non-profits has never been more important. During the month of February, as you make essential trips to the grocery store, when you purchase a $2.50 reusable Community Bag at Winn Dixie, 1050 West New York Avenue, DeLand, a $1 donation will come to Boys & Girls Clubs of Volusia/Flagler Counties for each bag sold.
WORK ORLANDO
INTERNATIONAL UPDATE Meet the Member
1. How did Perseo Pharma come about? Perseo pharma is a spinoff of INOFEA AG, another company also located on The 5th Floor. Both companies share the same technology, derived from FHNW in Muttenz, which consists in making enzymes more powerful for all sorts of biotechnology applications. Back in 2017, INOFEA decided to explore the possibility of using its proprietary technology specifically for medical applications. Funds were raised and two years later, an initial proof of feasibility was reached, enabling the foundation of the spin-off. Perseo pharma is now a fully independent privately funded pharma start-up and is using the shared technology exclusively for the development of therapeutic applications. 2. Could you give us a short overview of Perseo Pharma? Perseo pharma is a very early-stage start-up, we are turning 2 years old in March! We work in close partnership with the University of Applied Sciences Northwest Switzerland (FHNW) and more specifically with Prof. Dr. Patrick
Interview with Perseo Pharma
innovations. 4. Perseo Pharma is a company founded and based in Basel. What do you particularly appreciate about this region?
Shahgaldian, the main inventor of our core technology and Prof. Dr. Laura Suter-Dick. Our objective is to develop new best- and first-in-class enzyme therapeutics all the way to the clinics. Enzymes can be used as drugs for oncology, gastrointestinal diseases, and rare diseases called Lysosomal Storage Diseases. We are currently at the preclinical stage, where we work mostly at assessing the safety and efficacy of our compounds on human cells. We are a growing and enthusiastic team of currently three employees: Dr. med. Werner Enz, executive chairman, Dr. Emilie LaprĂŠvotte, Chief Development Officer, and Dr. Yves Dudal, Chief Technology Officer.
3. What makes Perseo Pharma future-oriented? Being a drug development company makes Perseo pharma 100% future-oriented. Developing drugs takes time, easily up to 10 years, and therefore we know that our product will come to the market only in the future. We constantly have to think about what the market will be like at this time and what partner could help us get there successfully. Also, innovation is in our genes, we work on intellectual property and generate new patents, which will protect us for the next 20 years. Therefore, we anticipate the future to make sure we make the most out of these
Basel is one of the very few pharma hubs in the world and one of the top ones in Europe. It is also a great place for start-ups with all proper infrastructures available: incubators, accelerators, lab and office space, business angels, venture capitals, expertise, etc. It is also a highly international place, at the heart of Europe and at the border of two other European countries. All this makes Basel a perfect location for a pharma start-up like Perseo pharma. It enables us to find the required funds for our development, to find the adequate premises for our activities at different stages of development, and to attract the proper talents needed for our development.
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, Perseo Pharma.
PLAY ORLANDO
Keeping Up with West Volusia’s February Events!
Coming together to create a healthy community ORLANDO
Four Numbers to Know for Your Heart Health
Your heart: It’s the engine that helps your body function and allows you to enjoy all life has to offer — from favorite activities to relationships with friends and family members. This February, celebrate this amazing organ during National Heart Month. Heart disease affects approximately 84 million Americans and is the number one cause of death for men and women every year. Take control of your heart health by learning about four key numbers — and what you can do to keep them where they need to be.
risk factor in many life-threatening diseases, including diabetes, cancer, high cholesterol, metabolic syndrome and heart disease. Your BMI is a calculation based on your height and weight and can indicate whether you are overweight or obese.
• Stage 2 Hypertension: Higher than 140/90
lesterol level is less than 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). An annual blood test can monitor your levels and help your doctor make recommendations tailored to your health.
People are considered overweight starting at a BMI of 25 and obese at 30 or higher.
15 Minutes Fifteen minutes is all Your doctor will help it takes to save a life. you understand what That’s how long it these new targets mean takes to get a simple for you and if any health screening that treatment is necessary. gives you the informaTreatment may include 3. Blood Sugar tion you need to live a a heart-healthy diet, High blood sugar levels heart healthy life. Talk 1. Blood Pressure may indicate that you High blood pressure is more physical activity to your primary care have diabetes or pre-di- provider about what a leading cause of heart or medication to help abetes, two conditions failure and stroke. Also control your blood preventive measures or pressure. that can greatly increase screenings are right for called hypertension, the risk of heart disease you. high blood pressure and stroke. The Amercan cause blockages in 2. Cholesterol Cholesterol is a natural- ican Heart Association Your doctor can also the arteries, reducing ly occurring substance considers diabetes to be assess your heart health the flow of oxygen to one of the major conthe heart and making it that is found in the at your annual physical, body and produced in trollable risk factors for an important part of work harder. the liver and other cells. heart disease. The American Heart managing your whole It can also come from Association released health. It’s just one eating foods that are A normal blood sugar new guidelines for of many reasons you high in fat. High levels level after fasting is 100 should see a doctor in blood pressure and of cholesterol can cause mg/dL. treatment. times of both health blockages of the arter• Normal: Under and wellness. ies, potentially leading 4.Body Mass Index 120/80 (BMI) • Elevated: 120-129/80 to a heart attack. Being overweight • Stage 1 Hyperten A desirable total choor obese is a major sion: 130-139/80-89
LIVE WELL (Cont.)
Eating Healthy in the New Year
Let’s start 2021 off on the right foot and learn how to maintain a healthy weight, and enjoy foods we like at the same time. Changes in our habits don’t and won’t happen overnight, so be kind to yourself and trust the process. Remember, eating healthy is not a punishment—in fact, it’s a reward for your body. It’s a way of telling your body that you care, and you want it to be happy! In exchange, your body will care for you and keep you healthy. Eating healthy also doesn’t mean we need to have a lack of flavorful foods. Adding in fresh and dried herbs and spices will punch up your flavor and may even increase metabolism, enhance fat burning, and promote feelings of fullness.
So, how can we begin a journey that will lead us to better overall health? Start Slowly In order to eat healthily, you need to combine nutritionally dense foods with common sense and a whole lot of enjoyment! Use the 90/10 rule; eating right 90% of the time is what matters, it’s ok to
splurge once in a while. If you have a craving address it and move on, this will help you from binging later. And by all means, don’t starve yourself. Your body needs food for energy! Eat Breakfast Every Day Eating a nutritious breakfast is a great way to jump-start the day. Starting your day with a healthy protein, good fat, and a complex carb will help you get the day off on the right foot. It may even help to minimize impulse snacking and overeating at other meals, boost your intake of essential nutrients, and may also help keep your weight in check.
Eat More Nuts and Seeds Almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, peanuts, pecans, and pistachios all pack plenty of beneficial nutrients, including vitamin E, folic acid, potassium, and fiber. Although many nuts are high in fat, the fat is mainly unsaturated making them a great choice to help you eat healthily. Since nuts can also be higher in calories, it’s best to enjoy them in place of other snacks and not in addition
to them. Try keeping your serving sizes small usually just a handful!
Taste Your Food Many of us reach immediately for the saltshaker when food hits the table. If you’re cooking at home taste your food as you go, try adding in herbs and spices to ramp up flavors. If you taste your food before adding salt you might also discover that your meal is flavorful enough. Make Healthy Choices Available Adding healthy snacks and foods to your grocery list automatically makes it easier to eat healthy with less stress. Buy a few apples, some fresh in-season fruit, baby carrots, hummus, cucumbers, lightly or unsalted nuts and seeds, homemade granola, or really anything your like. If it’s packaged make sure you check for added sugars and sodium. This makes healthy food choices readily available to you and they’re portable which makes it easy to have them on the go as well. Eat More Fruits and Vegetables Grilled, baked, raw, or roasted
fruits and veggies are a nutrient-packed way to fill your plate with food that is generally low in calories. You may think you are eating plenty of fruits and vegetables but try tracking how often you actually do eat them for one week— the result may surprise you! Try getting a minimum of five servings a day, and more if you can. Remember, start slow and work your way up. Chef’s Note One serving equals a half-cup of chopped fruit or most vegetables. For raw, leafy greens like lettuce and spinach, a serving is one cup. Ideally, the food you eat should delight your senses. Your plate should look pretty, smell great, taste delicious, and have different textures. Start the new year off on the right foot. Go slow and learn to enjoy your food. Try something new once a week to expand your food choices, this will help you from getting bored with your food and falling back on old habits. Eat well and stay healthy!
To SUBMIT your local LIVE news.... to ADVERTISE, to REGISTER or to RECEIVE the Avalon Park Sun email: Info@AvalonParkSun.com
ORLANDO
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COMMUNITY CORNER
021 LIVE WELL2 & STAY HEALTHY
02
FEBRUARY
SUN
MON
TUE
1
Tricep Dips
2
10 Dips
Sitting on a secured desk or chair, position your hands shoulder-width apart behind you. Slide your body off of your desk or chair with your legs extended to a 90-degree angle. Keeping a slight bend in your elbow, lower your body down and then back up repeatedly for the desired number of repetitions.
WED
3
15 dips
THU
4
FRI
5
Rest
20 dips
SAT
6
25 dips
30 DiPs
Take a Little Time Each Day to Complete an Exercise! By the End of the Month You Will be Feeling Great!
7
8
35 dips and M1
14
40 Dips
21
M1-Give a compliment! M2-Print a positive quote! M3-Do something for YOU! M4-Drink more water today!
17
75 dips
22
12
50 DIPS
18
Rest
23
100 dips
11
Rest
16
70 dips
95 dips and M3
10
45 DIps
15
65 dips and M2
Mindfulness Activities
9
24
105 dips
55 DIPS
19
80 dips
25
rest
13
60 DIps
20
85 dips
26
110 dips
90 dips
27
115 dips
120 dips
28
125 dips and M4
AMERICAN HEART MONTH
2021 SUN
MON 1
TUE 2
10 Dips 7
8
35 dips and M1
a n 14
21
100 dips
Rest 24
105 dips
55 DIPS
80 dips
60 DIps 20
85 dips 26
110 dips
30 DiPs 13
19
25
rest
25 dips
50 DIPS 18
SAT 6
12
Rest
75 dips 23
20 dips 11
17
FRI 5
Rest
45 DIps
70 dips
THU 4
10
16
22
95 dips and M3
15 dips
40 Dips
65 dips and M2
3
9
15
WED
90 dips 27
115 dips
28
125 dips and M4
HEART MONTH/FINANCIAL HEALTH
To SUBMIT your local LIVE news.... to ADVERTISE, to REGISTER or to RECEIVE the Avalon Park Sun email: Info@AvalonParkSun.com
120 dips
