KEEPING THE NEWS LOCAL.... AND THE COMMUNITY CONNECTED.
VOLUME 2 EDITION 5
MAY 2021
LIVE
The Importance of the Environment in Traditional Neighborhood Developments
By Raven Halle
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LEARN
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COMMUNITY UPDATES
As Earth Day approaches and conversations surrounding climate and environment become even more prevalent, it’s increasingly important to talk about and understand the ways in which the place we call home influences the environment—and also how the environment influences our home. Like we’ve examined in prior articles, traditional neighborhood developments (TNDs) focus on using, rather than reducing, their natural environments. In short, traditional neighborhood developments conserve energy through efficient land use while also lessening the dependence on automobiles, which, in turn, promotes pedestrian movement towards parks, lakes, and the other green spaces typical of TNDs. Where conventional neighborhood developments place precedence on the automobile, traditional neighborhood developments center around foot and bicycle traffic. And although TNDs focus primarily on non-automobile modes of transportation, the consideration of the environment in relation to the automobile is made clear: things like street trees serve to reduce visual pollution, and large, often circular patches of grass help to both mitigate and direct the
ties in with the idea of public transportation.
While many traditional neighborhoods may not have their own forms of public transportation we would consider typical, like buses or subways, it is often the case that we can consider carpooling to be its own sort of public transport. The increase of social interaction as a result of green spaces like parks lead to a greater sense yards. flow of traffic. These of connection, which successes in walkability Since we have previous- can then grow organare made possible by ly gone into detail about ically into a system of working with the land, carpooling—whether the aforementioned not against it. it be to work, school, a things like pedestrian place of worship, or the traffic, street trees, and Even in language is green spaces, it’s neces- grocery store. the importance of the sary to now view things earth to traditional Further, and on a larger from a wider lens, neighborhoods made scale, traditional neighespecially in relation evident. For example, borhoods are rendered to Earth Day and the we use the term “built environmentally susenvironment” to refer to environmental impact tainable through things of traditional neighthe man-made features borhood developments that are intentional, like of TNDs. Combining parks and lakes, and “built,” which suggests on their surrounding things that, like nature, something not naturally natural environments. Some base principles of happen organically, made, with “environlike community-grown ment,” which implies TNDs, including walkability, accessibility, and public transportation. an organic component, Street trees combat visudoes much to show that affordability, further al pollution and serve contribute to the earliTNDs, at their linguisas a method of forest tic core, are concerned er conversation about conservation; walkabilwith making the best placing more emphaity reduces greenhouse use of organic elements, sis on bicycle and foot emissions; green spaces traffic than on vehicuwhether they occur add fresh, breathable lar traffic. This notion naturally like lakes or alone is huge in terms of air; and mixed-use are planted, like street buildings cut down trees. These aspects aim sustainability: because TNDs are developed in on construction. All of to create synergies not a way that values walk- these factors exemplify only between built and ability and accessibility, the notion of naturalnatural environments, ly-occurring sustainabilit is inherent to most but also between resiity. And it’s because of dents of a community TNDs that automothese things that TNDs bile-produced carbon by inviting more social are sustainable, and emissions are much interaction and lessenthrough TNDs, we find ing the isolating factors lower, as non-motor found in conventional modes of transportation connections that ultimately sustain us all. neighborhoods, such are encouraged more as fenced-in parks and than driving. This, then,
LIVE ORLANDO
Coffee Hour with BEAT
verse offering is important for the health of the entire community. We are building Avalon Park to be programmed to provide outlets for all. For the body We believe that the there will be activities like yoga in composition of a healthy community the park and youth sports. For the mind has a direct impact May is Mental on both the physical there are counselors, Health Month and as and mental health music and dance I reflected on writperformances, art of its stakeholders. ing this Coffee with Building communi- classes, and more. Beat, I was remindties that are holistiFor the spirit there ed of the findings cally strong includes are several churchAdventHealth made several years ago through a community health survey. AdventHealth and Avalon Park Group were trying to determine what medical specialists Avalon Park will need in its goal to become the a focus on establish- es of all faith bases healthiest communi- ing a place where located near Avalon ty in central Florida the residents have Park, as well as plans and the conclusion a strong sense of to include spiritual was that we need belonging and safe- centers in the commore psychologists, ty. When you know munity. In Avalon psychiatrists, and your neighbors, they Park, everything for counselors. The re- often become friends your daily life will sounding cry was that you can relax be at your fingertips, that above all other with and check in you do not have to needs mental health on you in good and leave the commuwas one of the most challenging times. nity, and that the critical and where sense of belonging any community, in- That sense of beand safety becomes cluding ours could longing and safety real. We continue improve. is also complement- to look for ways to ed with outlets for improve the mental While we are not mind, body and spir- health opportunities counselors at Avait. And understand- for our community lon Park Group, ing not all people from bringing menalthough my wife respond to the same tal health doctors Jill holds a Ph.D. in outlets, having a di- to the community Psychology and is my closest advisor, we believe in MENS SANO IN CORPORE SANO, and understand the importance of mental health.
I BELIEVE GIVING BACK THROUGH COMMUNITY SERVICE HELPS WITH POSITIVE MENTAL HEALTH.
to adding programming that will create positive outlets for all needs. A couple of weeks ago I attended the inaugural church service started by our long-time friend Pastor Dale Brooks in Bithlo. In his sermon, he reminded the congregation that first and foremost the community needs God. And while there are many needs, such as clean water, enough food, and shelter, the foundation should remain routed in faith. I also truly believe giving back through community service helps with positive mental health. There are countless opportunities to give back and help in the community. I encourage you to look around to the local schools, non-profits and service organizations to see where you can help the most. With the focus on mental health in the May, I encourage you to explore the different ways we can continue to build a healthy community together.
LEARN ORLANDO
Boys & Girls Clubs
May is recognized as an important month for acknowledging health, both mentally and physically. Because both are so important, we asked the members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Volusia/Flagler Counties what they do at the club to stay active mentally and physically! Each month we feature one submission from each of our club contributors on different topics and below are this month’s features. We hope that you enjoy reading them as much as we have and get some tips on staying healthy!
Kailen, 8 years old
JHD Club
I participate in homework, girls group, play time, go outside, play PS4, football, talk to my friend, play on the scooter, eat snacks, read books and color. At 5:00 or 6:00 we go to the gym. Then I read more books and participate in among us, smart group, Girl Scouts, dodge ball, helping in healthy having and saying the cod and the prayer for snack. This is all the things I do at the Boys & Girls Club because it helps keep me active mentally and physically.
Isabella, 8 years old New Symrna Beach Club
I participate in healthy snack, playing dodgeball, kickball, noodle tag, capture the flag and four square because I get exercise. And when I eat healthy snack I get healthy and it is good for your body to be healthy and for your brain to be healthy.
Daria, 6 years old
Lacey Family SH Club
I participate in Power Hour. or and play games because it
I finish my homework then I get to colhelps keep me active mentally and physically.
Aricelys, 10 years old Harris Saxon Club
I participate in basketball, because basketball is in my bloodline, everyone in my family has played basketball. Basketball is really to fun to play to be honest, when I play I shake off everything in my body that is negative. Basketball helps me chill, like when I am having a bad day. When I come home to my family I ask them if they want to hug me and I love spending time with my family. Also, it helps keep me active mentally and physically.
Nichole, 9 years old
Rymfire Elementary Club
I participate in the Boys & Girls Club because it is fun and we go on trips like the 5K runs and we do projects so fun that when I am sick I really want to go. This is why I love the Boys & Girls Club so much so this is why you should come and have fun too like me, because it helps keep me active mentally and physically.
Jacob, 10 years old Jeep Beach Edgewater Club
I participate in dance parties and dodgeball. For me dancing expresses people’s feelings. You can free style at your own pace. Dodgeball you don’t have to be good at dodging you can have a good aim there for you to have an advantage. I like doing these things because they keep me active mentally and physically.
LEARN (Cont.)
Wellness with Jen: Know Yourself, Know Your Limits
I had a completely different article written for the month of May, the month of mental health awareness, and then this week happened...
This week has been A WEEK! You know those weeks when you make it to the end of the week, and you look back thinking WOW, WHAT JUST HAPPENED?! Well, that is how this week has been. As I was sitting here, reflecting on the week and sipping some wine, I thought about how many other people have experienced weeks like this, especially over the past year. This week, a major change took place. I moved on from a company that I have been working with for close to 10 years. Yes, change is hard. Yes, I struggled with the decision to move on. Yes, I felt anxious about making the decision. Ultimately, however, I made the decision and felt confident in my reasons for deciding to move on. Next week was planned to be my final week. I work with children, and I form deep connections with these children, so leaving is not easy. I made it through telling all of “my kids” (yes, I call them “my kids” as if they are my own) that next week would be our final week together. Some of them were too young to understand, some just said ok, and some cried, but we knew that we had next week. Then the email arrived in my inbox. The email telling me that next week
was not my final week; the email telling me that this was actually my final week. That is when my anxiety went through the roof. My emotions ran high. I cycled through feelings of denial, anger, heartbreak, betrayal. All that I kept thinking was that I will be breaking a promise to so many kids next week when I don’t return to say our final goodbye, to give a final hug, to feel that final connection that runs so deep.
What do you do when your emotions run high? What do you do to center yourself when you are feeling out of control of your emotions? If you have ever struggled with anxiety, you know that feeling of not being able to take a full breath; that feeling of shallow breathing despite trying to take a deep breath and ground yourself. I used to just continue to spiral out of control of my emotions. Now I know what I can reach for to help stop the spiral. What I have found to work for me might be an unpopular option in some people’s opinions, but hear me out... I reach for essential oils. I know, I know. You’re thinking “Oh goodness, she is one of those. She uses those snake oils. She mixes potions in her witch cauldron.” I have heard it all before, so don’t worry, you won’t hurt my feelings. Don’t knock it till you try it though! I wasn’t a believer. I had the same thoughts that you
are having right now. Once I did decide to give essential oils a try based on friend’s testimonies, I didn’t know the importance of using essential oils from a company that I can trust, and so the oils that I had tried from the store didn’t do anything for me. I finally decided to do my research, reach out to friends and ask what had worked for them, and then I did a little trial and errors. So, as I sit here reflecting on the week, I am breathing deeply without difficulty and I am accepting what has happened. I have grounded myself, found peace in the situation, and even managed to boost my mood with a little help of a roller and a diffuser.
If you have found yourself feeling like you need some peace but don’t know how to achieve it, or maybe your have found yourself feeling overwhelmed with this craziness called life that just never slows down, you might benefit from some snake oils. Maybe you could use a little witch cauldron of your own from time to time. Keep in mind to know when you just need a little something natural to help ground you and help you take a deep breath, and know when you might need a little more. If you are experiencing feelings of anxiety that have reached a point that you might need to seek the attention of a medical professional, DO NOT ever hesitate to do so. Seeking out
medical guidance shows strength and self love. Know yourself, know your limits.
*I am not a doctor and do not claim to diagnose, treat, and/ or cure any ailment. I am only sharing my experiences and results of what I have found to be successful for myself and that of my family. I empower everyone to do their own research and decide what work best for them and their family. In the event that medical attention is needed, seek medical attention.
Follow me on social media or shoot me a message if you have any questions or concerns. Happy Spring, everyone! Jen Cosby jcdiamondwellness@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/ yljennifercosby https://www.facebook.com/ groups/oilshowyouthewayed/ https://www.instagram.com/ jen_cosby/
WORK ORLANDO
Edgewater Lands Tennessee-based Boat/ RV Dealer
A direct contact by officials of Factory Direct Marine & RV to Team Volusia Economic Development Corporation in late 2020 has resulted in the company’s selection of Edgewater for its second Florida location and eventual relocation of its headquarters from Tennessee.
After an extensive search, the company selected Edgewater as the preferred site from which to serve its customers. “The location on US1 in Edgewater is central to the I-4 High Tech Corridor and is in the heart of a growing area of Volusia County,” said Geof Hoffman, Co-owner of Factory Direct Marine & RV. “It is a key east coast location that complements our Tampa location on the west coast. We’ve now got Florida’s hottest
growth markets surrounded.” In addition to Florida, the company has locations in Georgia, Indiana, Tennessee and South Carolina.
The company commenced operations in 1983 in a strip mall location with a few Gulf Stream travel trailers. Eventually boats, RVs and related camping and outdoor equipment were added, appealing to outdoor recreation markets. Its new location in Edgewater will begin serving markets this summer while additional developmental improvements are scheduled throughout 2021. Included are expanded sales and service center, company headquarters offices, a 70-acre camping village that will feature a restaurant and host special events.
“Factory Direct Marine is a dynamic and successful family enterprise that competes well in growing outdoor recreations markets,” said Samantha Bergeron, who overseas economic development for the City of Edgewater. “The company offers a one-stop shop for people who love the great outdoors with a variety of products and services. Among its brands are Coachmen, Dutchmen, Keystone, Gulf Stream and NeXus RV. Marine products range from entry-level pontoon boats to high-powered tri-toons. It’s perfect for our community and it is precisely the kind of enterprise we have targeted in our long-range economic development plans. Accordingly, early indications are that Edgewater is a perfect fit for Factory Direct
Marine & RV.”
We are thrilled that company officials identified Edgewater in Volusia County as its preferred expansion and relocation site,” said Keith Norden, President and CEO of Team Volusia Economic Development Corporation. “We welcome Factory Direct Marine & RV as a leader in its industry and a company that is right at home in Southeast Volusia County and its growing roster of boat manufacturers including Boston Whaler. The company projects a capital investment for its master plans at $15 million. It expects to provide about 100 jobs over it first three years. Annual payroll is projected at $4.5 million and the average wage at $45,000.
DeLand Area to Host Expanding Trailer Manufacturer
A leading manufacturer and distributor of premium trailers has selected a site in the DeLand area for its latest expansion initiative. Alcom LLC, based in Winslow, Maine and with plants in South Dakota and Montana, is making a move into Florida with hopes of being operational this spring. “Florida is the second biggest market for trailers, behind Texas,” said company president Trapper Clark. “We have had plans to establish a Florida presence for several years. Now, along with our private equity partner we are following up on our expansion plans. Our new plant will allow us to provide top-of-the-line aluminum trailers to our dealer network faster and more cost effectively.”
manager, logistics manager and purchasing agent. The company is also hiring welders. “We are excited to work with Alcom in its recruiting and hiring; we have posted their job openings and they participate in our virtual job fair,” said Robin King, CareerSource President and CEO. Local officials also welcome Alcom and support its efforts to begin operations this spring.
“We are especially pleased to welcome Alcom to Volusia County,” said Team Volusia Chair Jordan Jiloty. “Not only is it a growing company, but it is widely recognized as a leading manufacturer in its industry.”
Clark is sold on Volusia County and is eager to build a workforce for the DeLand plant, which could approach 100 workers in its first year of operation. Overall, the company employs about 600 people.
Volusia County Manager George Recktenwald concurs. “Companies that are leaders in their field – such as Alcom – fit right in with our manufacturing community, which includes many innovators who set a high standard for best-practices.” The move also has drawn support from Tallahassee.
CareerSource is helping build the local workforce and Clark says his Human Resources Director is in the throes of hiring a plant manager, production
“Florida welcomes manufacturers like Alcom that value our skilled workforce,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “By delivering 150 new jobs over
the next three years along with a $4 million capital investment, Alcom will have a major impact in Volusia County.”
“We appreciate Alcom’s decision to grow in Florida,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce Jamal Sowell, president and CEO of Enterprise Florida. “We celebrate this American manufacturer and the trailers that will soon be named among the quality products made in Florida.” Alcom’s investment in the DeLand expansion is estimated to be $3 million for building improvements, capital investment and inventory. The company has leased a 136,000 square foot building on West New York Avenue; a seven-year lease with options beyond that. Overall, the company projects revenues of $140 million this year. “Everything is moving along. We’ve done this before and we’re pretty good at it, so we are optimistic about commencing operations” said Clark. “The folks at Duke Energy are helping us with plans to power the plant properly, a major factor in beginning production. We anticipate assistance from County officials in navigating
the permitting process to keep everything on track so we can put people to work and begin moving product throughout our dealer network.” About the ALCOM LLC Based in Winslow, Maine, ALCOM LLC is an industry leader in the design and manufacture of the highest quality aluminum trailers. The company has plants in South Dakota, Montana and Florida it serves more than 500 dealerships in 51 states and provinces, China, India and Kuwait. Uncompromising quality and relentless customer service have driven the company’s growth. Its inventory profiles are market-specific. With more than 160 standard models in the company’s portfolio, dealers can expect to have their needs met with products specific to customers in their specific regions. Seven-days-a-week manufacturing schedules allow the company to post impressive turnaround times. Company officials attribute all this to its workforce which they recognize as dedicated professionals and masters of their crafts.
PLAY ORLANDO
Keeping Up with West Volusia’s May Events!
May 9th 11 am - 5 pm Artisan Alley
5 - 8 pm athens theatre presents
2 hrs 15 min show
Coming together to create a healthy community ORLANDO
Heart Healthy Tips for Women
At a Glance
By Elvia Gabriel, APRN, BC
We’ve all read or heard the statistics. According to the Centers for Disease Control Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death for womHeartand Healthy Tips for Women en in the United By Elvia Gabriel, APRN, BCStates, killing 289,758 women in 2013 – that’s about 1 in every 4 female deaths. We’ve all read or heard the statistics. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
Although we areleading unable to change some risk factors, family history, heart disease is the cause of death for women in the Unitedsuch States,as killing 289,758 women ELVIA GABRIEL, APRN, BC there are several key heart disease prevention steps you can take to reduce in 2013 – that’s about 1 in every 4 female deaths. your risk. You can avoid heart problems in the future by adopting a hearthealthy today. Althoughlifestyle we are unable to change some risk factors, such as family history, there are several key heart disease prevention steps you can take to reduce your risk. You can avoid heart problems in the future by adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle today.
Here are a few tips to assist you in living heart-healthy:
DON’T SMOKE.
GET UP AND GET ACTIVE.
EAT HEART-HEALTHY.
Smoking or using tobacco of any kind is one of the most significant risk factors for developing heart disease. Chemicals in tobacco can damage your heart and blood vessels, leading to narrowing of the arteries due to plaque buildup that ultimately lead to a heart attack.
Thirty minutes of moderate exercise five days a week can reduce your risk of heart disease. Physical activity can help you control your weight and reduce your chance of developing other conditions that may put a strain on your heart, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help protect your heart. Eating beans, low-fat or fat-free dairy products, lean meats, and fish is also helpful. Avoid too much salt and sugars, and limit or avoid saturated fat and trans fat.
If you smoke and would like to quit, visit the American Cancer Society’s website – cancer.org – for smoking cessation information and resources.
I always tell my patients to not have lofty expectations and to start slow with a walk to the mailbox during a television commercial break. A daily walk outside for 10 minutes and increasing the length of your walk over time will make a big difference, and most importantly, make you feel good.
Moderation is important. It’s okay to eat a steak once in a while. If you choose to drink alcohol, one drink (defined as 12 ounces) a day for adult women is the recommendation. At that moderate level, alcohol may have a protective effect on your heart. Too much alcohol can become a health hazard.
REGULAR HEALTH SCREENINGS. Annual visits to your primary care physician are important. Primary care physicians are the first providers who drive your healthcare and can recommend you to specialists who can diagnose and slow down disease progression. Regular check-ups to monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, along with diabetes screening, are extremely important. These screenings can tell you what your numbers are and whether you need to take action.
In addition, it’s also important to maintain a healthy weight, get enough quality sleep, and manage your stress in healthy ways (i.e. physical activity, relaxation exercises or meditation). I know what you’re thinking. You know all of this, but it is nearly impossible to fully commit right now with your schedule and long list of responsibilities you juggle each day. I get it. Taking time for self-care, let alone a heart-healthy lifestyle plan, can be challenging, but it’s something all of us must make time for to be our best selves, for our own health and the families who depend on us. Elvia Gabriel is the nurse practitioner for the vascular surgery service at UF Health Heart and Vascular Surgery at Halifax Health. › Halifax Health - Center for Women and Infant Health, a Perinatal Center of Excellence, recently earned recertification from The Joint Commission to receive the elite Perinatal Care Certification. halifaxhealth.org/ob 2 Live Your Life Well | Spring 2019
Follow us: facebook.com/halifaxhealth • twitter.com/halifaxhealth • youtube.com/halifaxhealth • instagram.com/halifaxhealth
Discover incredible care for incredible women. Nationally Recognized Women’s Care in Volusia County At AdventHealth for Women, our network of care across Central Florida provides expert services for women in every stage of life. Our physicians, midwives and nurses are focused on providing the whole-person support you need, when and where you need it.
AdventHealth Daytona Beach is a fivestar recipient for our performance in Labor and Delivery and Gynecologic procedures from Healthgrades®.
To connect with your personalized health navigation team, visit WomenAreIncredible.com.
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LIVE WELL (Cont.)
LIVE WELL (Cont.)
Stay on Track: Plan Your Women’s Health Screenings with AdventHealth Regular screenings are essential for maintaining your overall health. Some can help identify concerns early, and others give you an opportunity to work with your doctor on a customized care plan to help you stay well and feel whole.
explains Doreen. It’s recommended that you start checking your blood pressure regularly starting at age 18. Tracking your lipid panel is also important — this includes your total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and lipids.
AdventHealth for Women’s Health Navigator Doreen Forsythe, BSN, RN is here to help explain the health screenings women should never skip.
“If your blood pressure is elevated, you should seek medical care and contact your provider. If you don’t have an established A mammogram is a type or another and screening used to look the use of sedatives to provider, we can asfor signs of breast make you comfortable sist you in getting established with a pricancer. Mammogram during the process. The Well-Woman Ex- technology has come Colorectal screening mary care physician amination or specialist,” says a long way in recent should begin at age “The well-woman ex- years and is now Doreen. 45. amination is a yearly available in 3D. checkup performed by Taking Charge of “The screening usueither your primary Your provider will ally takes less than an Your Whole Health care physician or by AdventHealth is dedreview your history hour and is not anyyour OB/GYN,” says and work with you where near as uncom- icated to providing Doreen. “This annual to determine the best fortable as you might women with the highscreening is a great est possible level of time to begin screenthink,” says Doreen. time to catch up with ing mammograms. care, including offer“Your doctor will your care provider to For most women, “af- provide some level of ing a trusted partner review your medical for their health care ter you turn 40, you anesthesia, whether and family history should start getting conscious sedation, or journeys. Doreen Forand share with them a screening mammoMonitored Anesthesia sythe BSN, RN, Womany changes you may gram once a year,” Care which has a rap- en’s Health Navigahave had with your tor, is an experienced says Doreen. “But it’s id onset and a quick body over the last health care advocate also important to do recovery time.” year.” who can answer your self-exams regularly.” questions and offer Blood Pressure: During the well-wom- Colorectal Screening Know Your Numbers you unparalleled an exam, your proColorectal screening “Knowing your num- guidance and support vider may perform a is used to determine bers is a powerful tool as you take charge clinical breast exam, the presence of any for maintaining good of your gynecologic a pelvic examination health. Learn more cancerous or precanheart health because and a Pap smear. Ad- cerous cells in your it allows you to know about personal health ditional testing may care coordination at lower digestive tract. what changes you be suggested. It generally involves need to make or what HerHealthNavigator. com. a colonoscopy of one to keep doing right,” Mammogram
To SUBMIT your local LIVE news.... to ADVERTISE, to REGISTER or to RECEIVE the Avalon Park Sun email: Info@AvalonParkSun.com