KEEPING THE NEWS LOCAL & THE COMMUNITY CONNECTED.
VOLUME 3 EDITION 6
JUNE 2022
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Fourth of July in Avalon Park Bike Parade, Apple Pie Bake-Off, Porch Decorating Contest
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COMMUNITY UPDATES
Start your summer off with a bang at the Avalon Park Fourth of July Festival Monday, July 4th, 5-9 pm. This annual patriotic community festival celebrating our great country will feature a wet/dry bounce park, community performances, an apple pie bake-off, bike parade and fireworks at 9 p.m. The day-long celebration begins at 8 a.m. with the Annual Avalon Park Foundation Firecracker 5K. Run, jog, walk, stroll or roll through Downtown Avalon Park at this festive family fun run all while supporting the grants and scholarship programs provided by the Avalon Park Foundation. Online registration is now live here and the first 150 participants will receive a commemorative patriotic medal. Want to showcase your baking skills? Join this year’s Apple Pie Bake-Off, sponsored by All- Star Dance, by bringing your homemade apple pie to 12001 Avalon Lake Drive, Ste. D, between 5 and 6 pm on July the 4th. Three local judges, including 2-time bake-off winner, Courtney Englert, will be judging entries starting at 6 pm. Participants are encouraged to pre-register online here or in person at All-Star Dance. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places and announced at 7:30 pm at the Town Park Stage during the 4th of July Festival in Downtown Avalon Park.
5:30 pm on July 4th, for the Annual Bike Parade around Avalon Lake led by Eastside Cycling. Participants are encouraged to register online or at the YMCA beforehand. Prizes will be awarded directly after the parade for Most Patriotic and Best Group. Avalon Park residents are also encouraged to showcase their patriotic spirit all month by participating in the Porch Decorating Contest. Nominations must be received by July 1st at 5 pm to be included in the judging. There will be three winners announced at 7:30 pm during the 4th of July Celebration in Downtown Avalon Park. All nominations (self-nominations are acceptable) can be sent to AvalonManager@LelandManagement. com or by calling 407-249-9395. As always there are opportunities for the community to participate with a community performance by filling out the online performance request, set up a vendor booth or even showcase their business with a sponsorship. Thank you to the sponsors that make this event possible: Avalon Park Group, The Flats at Avalon Park, Leland Management, Avalon Park POA and Avalon Park COA.
For more information on this annual event and other Get the whole family together to decorate bikes, stroll- Avalon Park Events visit AvalonParkOrlando.com or ers and wagons and head to the Avalon Park YMCA at call 407-658-6565.
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Coffee Hour with BEAT agree. So, as we move into the summer, we will be cautious, but we will also be focusing on celebrating victories of all sizes.
As I sit here writing this article on Memorial Day, I reflect on the meaning and importance of this day. Today we celebrate and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the armed forces. May we never forget our fallen friends. Freedom is not free. America is the home of the free because of the brave. Memorial Day has also come to serve as an unofficial start to summer with camps for the kids, family vacations, going to the beach and cookouts. And as summer begins, I can’t help but think that at Avalon Park Group I sometimes wish we could just take off for a month, enjoy the summer, not look at e-mails, and have no meetings or deadlines. Then I reminded of something that one of my closest business partners and friends said. He said that at APG we are often more concerned about planning for what could go wrong, than celebrating our many victories, and I had to
65% of low-income families’ bank accounts have higher balances then they did at the end of 2019. It looks as though consumers are likely able to continue As many are making spending for a while. plans for the summer by filling up the car with Sometimes I play to our gas or buying a plane management team the ticket, they are feeling it song “The Gambler” in their wallets. And as from Kenny Rogers: a result the question that “You got to know when I keep hearing asked to hold ‘em, know when to myself and others is, to fold ‘em, know when “Are we headed for a to walk away, and know recession?” when to run.” The last severe recession was back in 2008, and it was catastrophic for the real estate industry and millions of homeowners lost their houses to foreclosure. Countless companies went under, household brands in finance and banking like Washington Mutual, Colonial Bank and ING closed their doors for good. And in the real estate industry homebuilders like Levitt Homes, Mercedes Homes and many others went bankrupt.
for a downturn, at APG we are cautiously continuing to move ahead with our longterm plans. As we did in 2007, we never stopped building, and we will not do so now. We just signed a contract to build a 3-story mixed-use building, which will have a Marketplace food hall and The 5th Floor co-working space in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. Additionally, lot development continues in Avalon Park Tavares and our Texas operations. These are all victories we will kick this summer off celebrating! While we will be mindful of a likely downturn, we will proceed, but proceed with caution.
Do I believe that we are back in 2005, when I wrote in this paper the column “Homebuyer Beware” and found it “was time to run” from the housing market? Is this the reason we sold our homebuilding company 6 months ago? And are otherwise selling some of our real So, while we continue estate assets? I admit in to keep a close eye on that in part the economic the economy, we are climate feels like this, also encouraging you to however I also believe enjoy the summer and that 2022 is different celebrate the victories. than the great recession which started in 2007. Have a great summer! While worries are Right now, in many certainly mounting, and places people sound I advise you to prepare as though a recession is already here. Yet, so far, what people say and what people do - Have an inclusion for the Avalon Park Sun? seem to be two different Email: info@AvalonParkSun.com things. On OpenTable restaurant bookings - Editorial Staff: are still above the Publisher: Beat Kahli pre-pandemic norm, Copy Editor: Stephanie Lerret America’s retail sales are Graphic & Layout Editor: Kenzie Farrish still increasing, and hotel occupancy continues to 407.658.6565 improve. Additionally,
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3801 Avalon Park East Blvd. #400 Orlando, FL 32828
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From the Desk of Commissioner
Maribel Gomez Cordero Happy June! June is the first month of summer. June 21st is the summer equinox, which is the brightest day of the year and the official start of summer. With the coming of summer also comes the annual hurricane season. The Atlantic hurricane season is always potentially dangerous. We have been fortunate in recent years that no major hurricane has directly landed in Central Florida. I encourage everyone to attend Orange County’s annual hurricane preparedness expo. This event will be held on Saturday June 4th from 9am to 1pm at West Orange High School, whose address is 1625 Beulah Rd Winter Garden FL 34787. This event will feature meteorologist Amy Sweeney and County staff who will be able to directly answer your questions and concerns and teach about important hurricane preparedness tips. Also, I encourage everyone to take advantage of the annual hur-
ricane preparedness tax holiday that will run from May 28th to June 10th. During this period all essential hurricane safety equipment and supplies will be tax free everywhere in the State of Florida. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, you can email me at district4@ ocfl.net or call my office at 407-836-5881. Blessings, Commissioner Maribel Gomez Cordero
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Choosing the Right Realtor Saves You Time & Money Choosing The Right Realtor Saves You Time & Money. When You’re Thinking of Buying or Selling a Home, Perhaps the most important decision you can make is the Realtor who will represent you and your family.
Here Are My Thoughts On How To Choosing The Right Realtor. Ask Friends and Family, “Which Real Estate Professional They Would Use Again?”
Does The Agent Live Locally? Are They a Local Expert? Check Out Their Online Reviews For: Years of real estate sales experience. How many homes recently sold. Are past client reviews overwhelmingly positive. Marketing Your Home: Do they have a strong online presence? Ask for a detailed, structured marketing plan. Do they use a Professional Photographer? Their Character: Will they be accountable to you / work for you? Will they Proactively Call You & Return Your Calls? Are they relaxed, confident, friendly & professional? Remember, It’s All About You: Do you have confidence they will sell your home? Do you feel comfortable asking them hard questions and getting an honest answer? John Alexandrou - Broker/Owner since 2003 | Avalon Realty Group: 3925 Peppervine Dr., Orlando, FL 32828 407-312-3928 | AvalonRealty@gmail.com
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Staying Healthy During the Summer for Seniors
Everyone enjoys some fun in the sun during the summer, including seniors. However, during the summertime, the sun and heat can be potentially dangerous to a senior’s health. While this does not mean that you or your senior loved one should completely avoid going outside during the summer months, you should take precautions during this particular time of the year if you plan on frequenting the outdoors. Here are some ways seniors can stay healthy and enjoy the outdoors while avoiding the summer heat.
Dress Appropriately While a temperature in the 80s may be fine for a stroll outdoors, you’ll want to dress appropriately. Avoid darker-colored clothing as it can attract and absorb heat. Instead, wear lightweight clothing that is light in color to help reflect UV rays. You can also invest in dry-fit clothes with moisture-wicking properties so you don’t get soaked in sweat. While the right clothes can protect you to a degree, if the temperature outside is pushing 100 degrees Fahrenheit, you may want to opt for an indoor activity instead. Also, pay special attention to heat advisory warnings. Drink Lots of Water Regardless of your age or what the weather looks like, you should always stay hydrated; however, this advice is especially important for seniors venturing outdoors during the summer. A common recommendation is to drink at least eight glasses of water or other hydrating beverages each day in other to avoid heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke. If you have difficulty drinking that many glasses of water in one day, at least cut back on caffeine drinks which can dehydrate the body.
Pay Careful Attention to the Weather In many places, the weather can vary dramatically during the summer. For instance, summers in Florida are known for their fickle weather patterns: one minute it is sunny and hot, and the next it is thundering and lightning. Therefore, if Invest in a Good Sunscreen you are heading outdoors for some fresh Wearing sunblock is another piece of adair this summer, check the weather first. vice that applies to everyone during the
summer. If you are not already wearing sunscreen every day, invest in a good one and start wearing it every time you go outside. Most dermatologists recommend wearing a minimum of SPF 30 to shield your skin. By taking this small step and adding it to your morning routine, you can protect yourself from the risk of sunburn and skin cancer. Premium Senior Living for Every Season If you’re looking for a health-focused assisted living community that seniors can enjoy year-round in all kinds of weather, look no further than the senior living community Encore at Avalon Park. At Encore at Avalon Park, our seniors enjoy access to both recreational and social activities to ensure that they stay healthy and also get an ample number of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Furthermore, our senior residents also enjoy comfortable accommodations, healthy meals, and attentive assistance from our caring staff. All these reasons and more are why our assisted living community is one of the best in all of Central Florida. For more information on why we are the senior living solution for you or your senior loved one, schedule a virtual tour of our community by calling us at 407270-7500 today and visit us online at EncoreAtAvalonPark.com.
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Avalon Park Arts & Culture Center Expanding to Include Performing Arts Live musical performances of all genres are set to be featured at the arts center beginning Summer 2022
The Avalon Park Arts and Culture Center opened last month in Downtown Avalon Park Orlando, and this summer they are expanding to include the performing arts with a variety of events showcasing local talent. The vision for the Avalon Park Arts and Culture Center (ACC) is to provide a place where all mediums and disciplines of art have a space to showcase their talents of all levels with the community. Currently the ACC is featuring visual arts from local schools, artists, and cultural organizations. Expanding to include the performing arts opens the chance to showcase even more.
Starting this July, the ACC is partnering with the Avalon School of Music to host live musical performances from their students, providing an opportunity to share creative expression through the performing arts. Each month will feature a different teacher and their students from the Avalon School of Music. The series will kick off on Saturday, July 9th at 7 pm and will be hosted by Artemis Otaiza. “I’m excited for the students to showcase their talents to the community!” said Paolo Tursi, Director of Avalon School of Music. “Performing arts is an important form of art too and having a space dedicated for that to display is special to Avalon Park.” Broadening the types of art that are at the ACC gives even more groups and individuals
a place to collaborate, display “Adding performing arts to and experience all mediums the Arts and Culture Center was a vital part to continue of art. to build this community,” To celebrate the addition of said Stephanie Lerret, Senior the performing arts, the ACC Vice President of Marketing will be hosting a meet and and Community Relations greet with the stellar voices for Avalon Park Group. from Opera Orlando on June “There are so many people 24th. Guests and patrons of with talent in this area and the ACC will hear selections we want to create a space for from their season and learn all everyone to build a platform about Opera Orlando special for themselves.” events and educational programs. Learn more about The Avalon Park Arts and Opera Orlando and their Culture Center is located in the upcoming performances here. heart of Downtown Avalon Park and allows schools, “The Arts Center adding artists and organizations to performing arts allows even showcase their diverse works more Central Florida talent from all mediums. For more to be displayed,” said Gabriel information on submitting Preisser, General Director of artwork, volunteering, or Opera Orlando. “With our donating, email Marketing@ opera season coming up, A v a l o n P a r k G r o u p . c o m we’re thrilled to meet aspiring . You can also visit their performers in Avalon Park website and social media @ AvalonArtsCenter. and beyond.”
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Sunshine Ankle & Foot Experts June Health Fact Whether you’ve been running on treadmills or running for the first time, the mistake many people make is to do too much too soon. Start with a fast walk to get your heart used to the new routine, and slowly increase your pace as the weeks go on. If you experience an injury during running/exercising, we are here to help!
West Blvd, Suite 225. Please call 407-863-3655 or visit us at www. sunshineankleandfoot.com to schedule an appointment! We love being a part of the Avalon Park Community and look forward to keeping it’s members SAFE and keeping them going!
Sunshine Ankle & Foot Experts can help you! Dr. Kiana Karbasi and Dr. Timothy Miller are currently seeing patients at 3701 Avalon Park
Looking for a Summer Activity?! Gracie Jiu-Jitsu East Orlando is offering a 10 Day • Unshakable Confidence: A confident child is a Bullyproof child. Bullies seek “easy targets” – free trial for all first time students! those who will tolerate their abuse. We arm your child with the tools needed to overcome physical, verbal, and psychological harassment, so they are so confident in themselves that no bully will try to harass them. • Total Responsibility: We prepare your child to deal with bullies without turning them into one. We emphasize discipline, responsibility, and respect throughout the course, and teach five The Gracie Bullyproof program prepares your “Rules of Engagement” to ensure they never abuse their power. child using a three-pronged approach: • Increased Awareness: Harassment comes in many forms. Sometimes, a victim doesn’t take a For more information, please call or text 407-990stand because they can’t differentiate between 2907 to set up your 10 Day free trial today! “joking” and “bullying.” We teach your child to differentiate between harmless play and harmful harassment so they know precisely when and how to act in each circumstance.
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Is There a Difference Between a Meeting Room and a Conference Room?
While both meetings and conferences are gatherings where professionals discuss a specific subject, they require two very different types of rooms. To best serve your guests and accomplish your professional goals, you should know the difference between a meeting room and a conference room and which to reserve for your scheduled business event. Qualities of a Meeting Rooms Meeting rooms are typically small rooms that fit around four to eight people. Meetings are generally informal proceedings where select team members meet up to and brainstorm over a specific work-related event or plan their approach for a new project. Meeting rooms often include a small table surrounded by chairs but may also include a dry-erase board for notes. Businesses that lack a dedicated meeting room will need a space where their employees can meet to ignite
their collaborative creativity and build on each other’s ideas. Facts About Conference Rooms Conference rooms are best for large, formal meetings. Many businesses require conference rooms for presentations, company training, video conference calls, and large meetings with existing or potential clients and team members. Some conference rooms can seat a dozen or more people. These rooms are often equipped with a long table with many chairs as well as high-tech capabilities such as a projector, TV, conference phone, and computer to aid with presentations or lectures. Businesses without a conference room that is decked out with the right equipment will have difficulty conducting formal meetings with clients or presenting to potential business partners.
Professional Meeting Rooms Available in Orlando If you are a business owner in need of either a meeting room or a conference room, then contact The 5th Floor Orlando to reserve one of our modern, high-tech spaces. At The 5th Floor Orlando, we offer fully furnished meeting rooms and conference rooms to help you host professional presentations or private meetings. Located above Marketplace at Avalon Park, we also provide virtual offices, lockable cubicles, hot desks, flexible coworking spaces, and private offices for ambitious individuals to collaborate and foster a productive work environment. To learn more about our available meeting rooms and concierge-level office services, call us today at 407730-3493.
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Drone Summer Camp is back at Avalon Park at Avalon Mail Center Drone Summer Camp is back at Avalon Park at Avalon Mail Center, conducted by instructors of Drone Mission for ages 11 to adults. Good old fashion airplane radio control modeling or quadcopters tailored for each student. Students meet at Avalon Mail Center and adjourn to the park. Sign up at www.avalonmailcenter. com/drone-camp-orlando/ or text us at 407-5646547. This program is specifically designed for both
the novice and experienced drone enthusiasts. This camp is filled with pure action as students enjoy one of the world’s fastest growing Racing Sports, Drone Photography or be licensed with Part 107 as a commercial drone pilot.
drone’s speed and agility.
Campers will use iPads, phones and remote controls to navigate the drone through short and long obstacle courses. For those who are serious about making this a career, Part 107 Class, covers everything you need New campers will first to know to pass the Part learn about the basic safe- 107 exam to be licensed ty of drone flying. From and become a commercial there, campers will prog- drone pilot. Sign-up for ress through various skill the next session! challenges and learn how to perform various exer- Avalonmailcenter.com 3564 Avalon Park E Blvd, cises and maneuvers to become familiar with the Ste 1
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Spoleto Italian Kitchen to Open in the Marketplace At Avalon Park
Marketplace at Avalon Park is pleased to announce that Spoleto Italian Kitchen has signed an agreement to be the newest vendor in the food hall, Marketplace at Avalon Park.
Spoleto was founded in 1999 by Eduardo Ourivio and Mario Chady, who have since grown their business to over 300 franchised restaurants across multiple countries. Looking to expand into the United States, the founders opened their first US location across from the University of Central Florida in March 2015, with the Florida Mall dining pavilion location following shortly behind. Four additional locations were added later in Miami and all the way to Irvine, CA. Due to the pandemic in 2020, Spoleto had to shut down all its American locations. Now with much excitement and anticipation, it has returned to Orlando.
ce. As a result, Henderson took on the National Director of Operations role within the first year of her tenure and grew the brand with 4 additional restaurants. When Spoleto started back up last year, Henderson was offered the position of Master Franchisee for the State of Florida by Ourivio. Henderson and her business partner Ross Maldonado opened the first location in the Dollins Food Hall in downtown Orlando in November 2021 and are now adding their second location in the Marketplace at Avalon Park.
nic, non-GMO, farm-totable cuisine in a fast-casual space at an amazing price in the Marketplace. “Spoleto had a huge following before the pandemic hit. We were very sad to see them close because of Covid. We are very excited to be a part of their comeback and even more excited to bring their unique take on fresh Italian food to the Marketplace,” says Derek McCracken, General Manager of Marketplace at Avalon Park.
Spoleto is currently planning to open its 344th location in the Marketplace in early Spoleto is famously July 2022. known for its buildyour-own portion of Marketplace at Avalon the menu, specifically Park brings together lopastas. You are able to choose your base, six ingredients, your choice of sauce, and garnishes. At Spoleto, the guest is the chef! “At Spoleto, we are committed to the everyday importance of eating well,” said Laura Henderson, Master Franchisee of Florida for Spoleto. “We are passionate about sharing our table and vision of food as a means of nurturing the body. We feel the same way about Avalon. This neighborhood prides itself on the joys and satisfaction of the residence.”
Laura Henderson joined the leadership team in August 2015 and quickly grew with the brand. Moving from store-level leadership to the corporate executive chef position where she focused on recreating the recipes and bringing the founders’ dreams to life specifically, organic, nonGMO, farm-to-table cuisine in a fast-casual space at an amazing pri- Spoleto will bring orga-
cal chefs, artisans, and makers to share their creations in an innovative and community-minded food hall. It is located in the heart of Downtown Avalon Park, at 3801 Avalon Park East Boulevard, and encompasses over 8,000 square feet with 9 eatery bays that comprise the food hall, a commissary kitchen, a general store, brewery taproom, sit-down restaurant, and bar, and featuring regular events and live entertainment. For more information visit www.MarketplaceAtAvalonPark.com or contact Derek McCracken at Info@Marketp l a ce A t A v a l o n P a rk . com or 407-730-3515.
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Let’s Celebrate! Ribbon Cuttings Everyone loves a party and celebration, so come join the East Orlando Chamber to commemorate the opening of a new business. Ribbon cuttings became popular in the late 19th century, with most accounts pointing to a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony held in 1898 in Northern Louisiana to welcome the opening of a new railway line. This tradition extended to welcoming businesses to the community to announce their opening.
informing the community that a new business is open. It is a great way to make a first impression and gain attention.
The ceremonial ribbon can be traced back to the symbolism of unity, especially the bond between a bride and groom. Like a couple beginning their life together, the cutting of the ribbon signifies a business is now open for the world to see and experience. Businesses typically partner with the area Chamber of Commerce and invite local elected officials to announce their grand opening, making public announcements acknowledging their supporters and partners. These events attract the media providing additional marketing opportunities and exposure,
With the arrival of Summer, even more celebrations have been planned to announce grand openings. Curaleaf Orlando/ University is hosting their event June 3rd. On June 23rd join us for Physical Therapy Now’s Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening, Regions Bank – E. Colonial Drive on the 24th and Signarama Orlando’s New Location Celebration and Ribbon Cutting on July 14th. Come join us to attend one or all these celebrations to welcome these businesses and learn what they do. If you have a business and want to celebrate a grand opening, anniversary, or
In May, the East Orlando Chamber held several Ribbon Cuttings welcoming new businesses to the area. Level Up Automation in Avalon Park held their celebration on May 19th. The East Orlando Chamber of Commerce also welcomed Launch and Freedom Solar to the community on the same day, May 25th. Sky Light Roofing Inc. celebrated the opening of their brand-new offices on Friday, May 27th throwing a BBQ party for all their staff and employees.
milestone, contact us today to get more details on this awesome member benefit.
For over 75 years, the East Orlando Chamber of Commerce has assisted our members by providing opportunities to
grow, stay informed, get connected and succeed in Central Florida. Contact the Chamber office today at 407-277-5951 or visit EOCC.org for more information. Join the Movement which is the East Orlando Chamber of Commerce.
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DINING
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The 1 Cantina at Marketplace at Avalon Park - New Brunch Hours
Brunch hours will be Saturday & Sunday, 10:30 am to 3:30pm starting June 4th.
Coming together to create a healthy community
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Pet Insurance For the WIN! As a pet owner you want to take the very best care of your Genetic/Congenital Conditions: Breeds of cats and dogs pet but financially may have limitations. It is never easy when you are faced with a large unexpected vet bill and have have predispositions to different. to make hard, life changing decisions based on finances. As veterinary professionals it is hard on us too. Veterinary medi- 5. What does this process look like: cine is much different than human medicine. If a person goes to the emergency room you are not asked for payment and insurance is billed. In veterinary medicine we don’t have that luxury or do we?? We can ensure finances do not become part of the equation by getting our pets insured. Pet insurance eliminates having to choose groceries over medical care for your furry or not so furry friend. Being out of pocket only 75 - 90% of a $1000 bill, makes choosing treatment a whole lot easier. Then all that is necessary to be focused on is your dog or cat getting better, which is what really matters. Let us break down Insurance a bit: 1. Medical pet insurance: What is it? Coverage for the unexpected, like accidents and illnesses. These tend to be the costly visits to the vet and difficult to budget. A few of the providers do cover wellness expenses such as vaccines and preventions, this generally makes the premiums significantly higher. It is not: an investment or savings plan. Insurance rarely covers preventative and predictable treatments like vaccines or wellness exams. Planning: Insurance will not be active the moment it is purchased, there is often a waiting period and when insurance is needed it is best to have it in hand. 2. Consider the lifetime care of a pet: Though we do not like to think about it, most pets get hurt or sick at some point in their lives. Different species as well of breeds are prone to different issues…both like eating inappropriate things. Cats seem to love string or ribbon, while dogs, well some anyway almost will eat most anything! Common health problems: Dogs: Vomiting & Diarrhea, Knee ligament rupture, and Lameness/Limping Cats: Kidney disease, Lymphoma, and Urinary tract infection 3. Consider the cost: Premiums: The monthly cost or “premium”- will vary depending on several factors. The pets age, breed, location and coverage selected will determine the monthly cost.
**This is what a typical insurance company reimbursement process would look like; with Trupanion there would only be 3 steps, with no need to submit a claim. At Avalon Family Vet we recommend Trupanion. Trupanion offers several options on the deductible cost, coverage percentage and they have the unique ability to pay the clinic directly. Paying the clinic directly means all you are out of pocket is the deductible, with deductibles as low as $250 you can not go wrong. There are several other companies that should also be looked into; PetsBest, Nationwide, Pumpkin - just to name a few. These companies do however require records to be submitted prior to being reimbursed. I for one am a huge fan of pet insurance; unless you have set up a fund to treat your pets for the unexpected, insurance is necessary. Now this is not saying that insurance is the same as a savings plan, however you do not need thousands saved to be able to afford insurance. Wellness care is affordable and able to be planned. Yearly exams are a necessity, they keep a good relationship with the vet for when something does go wrong and it allows the vet to prescribe medications, including heartworm medications. Blood work is a yearly necessity to be sure your pet is heartworm free, this is where it is recommended to get full wellness blood work done as well which tells us the inner workings of our pets. Generally speaking these are easy to budget and manage payments, we are always willing to provide costs based on the needs of your pet. Our pets are our family, at Avalon Family Vet we treat them as such. We will always offer gold standard care for our patients. We believe in letting you decide the level of care that your pet receives. Having an insurance provider will allow you to achieve gold standard care 100% of the time without you having to decide between groceries and bringing your pet to see us for that persistent urinary infection.
Deductible: The deductible is the portion of the bill that you would be responsible for prior to the insurance company covering any treatment. This is an option that you can control If you haven’t signed up for pet insurance yet - join the club! Signing up through us allows you to try it out for free for 30 when selecting a plan. days. The younger you sign them up the better rates you 4. Consider the coverage: will receive, more will be Look over the whole policy and understand the coverage. covered and you will be ready Waiting Period: This is the time immediately following enrollment prior to the full coverage starts. Injuries and illness’ when an unexpected vet visit happens and trust me it will! that start prior to the end of the waiting period are not covered. We are always here to answer any questions. Pre-Existing Conditions: Any documented illness or injury that displayed signs before coverage began. Conditions that Sabrina Beck, CVT, CVBL existed prior to enrollment are not covered.
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Orange County Government and the Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College Announce Partnership To Provide Nonprofit Training Support
Orange County Government and the Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College today announced a three-year, $4 million partnership to provide nonprofit training support through Crummer’s Edyth Bush Institute for Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leadership, the region’s premier source for nonprofit education and management assistance.
versely affected by the pandemic in potentially devastating ways, directly impacting essential services in Orange County,” said Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings. “Deploying American Rescue Plan funds in partnership with Crummer’s Edyth Bush Institute will help us provide the resources necessary to ensure the long-term success of our nonprofit community.”
Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act in Orange County, the program will equip local nonprofits with the tools necessary to succeed in the post-pandemic environment. Specifically targeting small, and diverse Orange County-based nonprofits, Empowering Good: A Nonprofit Capacity Building Project is designed to offer training in five key areas: impact measurement, innovation, financial management, fundraising, and risk management.
The cohort-style program administered by the Edyth Bush Institute for Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leadership, will support up to 36 Central Florida nonprofit organizations every six months over the next three years as well as offer organizational assessments and coaching for up to another 15 organizations for a total of 261 nonprofits, starting in September 2022. Training provided by the Edyth Bush Institute throughout each year-long program will include workshops, assessments, coaching/ consulting services, and custom programming to address organization-specific challenges.
“Nonprofits play a central role in the wellbeing of our community here in Orange County. Despite increased demand for their services during the Covid-19 pandemic, many of our community’s nonprofit organizations were being ad-
In assessing how to deploy its American Rescue Plan funding, Orange County Government
sought to address needs in six key areas, with one of those areas being small business assistance. Alignment with the Crummer School’s mission to produce global, innovative, and responsible leaders who impact their organizations and communities, as well as the Edyth Bush Institute’s wide-reaching nonprofit network, provided an ideal partnership that would enable the County to bolster small businesses within the regional nonprofit community.
“This exciting partnership with the Orange County Government will reach beyond nonprofits to the many organizations and individuals who benefit from their programs and services,” said Dr. Deborah Crown, dean of the Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College. “Our incredible staff at the Edyth Bush Institute embrace this opportunity to further guide our local nonprofit leaders to continue to spark innovation and create jobs for our economy.” Demand for goods and services from nonprofit organizations soared during the pandemic. In April 2020, the Edyth Bush Institute conducted a survey to
assess the state of the nonprofit community. The survey found 93.73% of the 287 participating nonprofits reported moderate to significant impact on programs, services or general operations. In addition, 194 nonprofit organizations reported an anticipated revenue decrease of $48 million to $54 million between February 2020 and June 2020. “Nonprofits play a vital role in directly improving the lives of individuals. Their contributions to this community and our economy cannot be overlooked. Yet, the struggles with increasing demand for services and maintaining a robust workforce were real,” said Min Sun Kim, executive director of Crummer’s Edyth Bush Institute of Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leadership. “This program will allow us to address pandemic and post-pandemic challenges as well as to help leaders position their organizations for long-term success.” For more information and to access the program application, visit empowering-good.org
Rollins Commencement Speech Given by Non-Speaking Autism Student Rollins College valedictorian Elizabeth Bonker became the first student with non-speaking autism to give a commencement speech to her graduating class Sunday, May 8 at Showalter Field. Her, along with the four other valedictorians, finished strong with a 4.0 GPA. Ever since she was 15 months old, Bonker hasn’t been able to communicate with her voice like most of the people around her. She had to learn how to use different ways of communication. She first learned how to communicate through a letterboard, then typing. Using a text-to-speech program, with help from a communication partner holding the keyboard, Bonker used a single finger to type her five minute long speech to a crowd of 529 graduates. “Each day, I choose to celebrate small victories, and today I’m celebrating a big one with all of you,” Bonker said in her commencement speech, using the text-to-speech program.
She always felt like she was in a ‘silent cage’, but after learning new ways to communicate, she felt like she was ‘freed from the silent cage’. Bonker graduated Rollins’ College of Liberal Arts with a perfect 4.0 GPA, along with four other valedictorians – Emily Curran, Sofia Frasz, Jessika Linnemeyer and Charles Mellin. They unanimously chose her to give the speech. Along with this achievement she’s also formed her own nonprofit organization called Communication 4 ALL. According to the organization’s website, their mission is to champion efforts to ensure communication is available to all nonspeakers with autism. “There are 31 million nonspeakers with autism in the world who are locked in a silent cage,” Bonker said. “My life will be dedicated to relieving them from suffering in silence and to giving them voices to choose their own way.” Bonker’s inspirational speech can be found here.
LIVE WELL
Five Essential Water Safety Tips to Know
As temperatures rise, kids want to cool off, whether that’s in pools, ponds, lakes, rivers, streams, or oceans. Unfortunately, that means the risk of drowning is ever-present. With May being National Water Safety Month, now is the time for parents and caregivers to reinforce the importance of water safety and equip their kids with the essential skills to keep them safe in and around water.
children invaluable water safety and swimming skills each year. With many pools closed last summer due to COVID-19, the Y wants to make sure parents, caregivers, and children make water safety a top priority as they head back into the water this year. Here are five tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable swimming experience for all:
1. Never swim alone or without a water watcher. When children are swimming, make sure they are actively supervised at all times. Teach your children that they should only swim in As “America’s Swim locations where a lifeInstructor,” the Y teach- guard is on duty or es more than 1 million
5. Don’t jump in the water to save a friend who is struggling in deep water. If a child finds their friend in 2. Supervise your chil- deep water unexpectdren whenever they’re edly, their natural instinct may be to jump in in or near water. the water to try to save Whether it’s bath time or taking a dip in a pool them. Even if a child or lake, make sure your is a great swimmer, a panicked person will children are within arm’s reach at all times. overpower them and easily pull the rescuer underwater. 3. Don’t engage in breath-holding activThe Y’s Safety Around ities. Children should Water program teaches not hold their breath for a prolonged amount the “reach, throw, don’t go” concept of using of time while swimming, as this can cause a long object to reach drowning and has sev- for them and pull them eral other severe physi- to safety. By using this technique children can cal side effects. help their friends without compromising their 4. Wear a life jackown safety. et. Inexperienced or non-swimmers should wear a Coast Guard-ap- To learn more about YMCA Swim Lessons, proved life jacket. visit ymcacf.org where a responsible adult agrees to watch the children in the water without distractions.
COMMUNITY CORNER
Dance, Dream & Inspire Competition Raises More than $200,000 to Help Local Children at Risk of Abuse, Neglect teamed up with professional dancer Reyes to dazzle the audience with a high-energy cha-cha. They won the “Judges’ Choice” award for outstanding technical skill and creativity. Meanwhile, the audience vote for “Most Popular Couple” went to Chassity Vega, Chief Executive Officer at Greater Orlando Builders Association, and partner Jose Perez. The two raised more than $25,000 worth of spectator votes.
Sarah Hohman and her partner, Romney Reyes, danced their way to victory at the “Dance, Dream & Inspire” charity competition; while Chassity Vega and her partner, Jose Perez, captured the spirit of the night, leading all others on the fundraising board. All together the high-spirited event raised more than $200,000 for a local charity that serves vulnerable children and their families. The annual gala benefits Embrace Families, Central Florida’s nonprofit lead agency overseeing foster care and other services for childhood victims of abuse, neglect and abandonment.
“While much has changed since the last time we hosted Dance, Dream & Inspire, one thing has not – and that’s how the Central Florida community rallies to support vulnerable neighbors,” said Glen Casel, President and CEO of Embrace Families. “Despite the glittering stage and performances, what shined brightest was the spirit of compassion, hope and inspiration from our powerful partners who competed this year.” The event also featured dances from WFTV’s Joe Kepner, IPRG’s Anna Vasquez and Karma Roofing’s David Arce. During the event, Embrace Families also presented its annual Inspiration Award to Jane Soltis, a longtime Eckerd Family Foundation executive and a catalyst for jump-starting Florida’s “Keys to Independence” program. Each year, this honor recognizes an individual or group who has made outstanding and selfless efforts to promote the welfare of Florida’s children.
This year’s competition took place on May 7 at Hard Rock Live in Orlando. As the feature event, five local business leaders partnered with professional dancers to perform a range of ballroom dance styles. Hohman, Executive Director of Market Strategy at AdventHealth,
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COMMUNITY
COMMUNITY
Fencing in Avalon Park
Kuri won another huge state regional event in Alabama going undefeated to win.
Arianna Choi and 8-year-old girl, a resident of Avalon Park.
This makes him the only teenager in the nation with a perfect 3 for 3, 100% win rate in the sport of fencing!
She is coached by her father Charlie Williams who is the CEO of World Sports Alumni which represents over 1000 celebrity athletes from NFL NBA MLB Boxing and more & Co-Owner of Papa Lozzi Italia. They both fence at Sword Masters Club in Avalon Park.
His sister Celeste Kuri who is 16 years old has been selected to represent the United States on Team USA at the 48th Annual ISF Summer Games in France. Only 2 girls were selected in the nation. They will compete in the ISF Gymnasiade Summer Games in Normandy! The largest international highschool event in the world with 3000 kids from over 70 countries participating in this prestigious event since 1974.
She recently won a big out-of-state championship the AAU Hilton Head Open she won the Y8 and got 2nd in the Y10 defeating most of the 10-yearold boys. It was her 6th tournament win out of 8 tournaments and she is currently rated the #1 Y8 in central Florida and she only started fencing 9 months ago. She will be one of the top favorites to win at the Junior Olympics this Summer. Follow her on Facebook at Arianna the Fencer and IG at @Arianna.theFencer
COMMUNITY
Rotary Club of Avalon Park – Thank You to the Community – Open Invitation Rotary International has over 1.4 million members and 46,000 clubs worldwide. In East Orlando we are fortunate to have a club right here in Avalon Park consisting of members in the surrounding neighborhoods of Eastwood, Waterford Lakes, Stoneybrook and Lake Nona. July 1 begins a new year for each Rotary Club with a new board of directors installed. As June is the last month of my Presidency, I want to take this opportunity to thank all of the residents and businesses of East Orlando for supporting our club and the fund-raising events we host each year. Though the pandemic lead to the cancellation of two of our popular fund-raising events: The 2nd Chance Foundation Poker Tournament and The Craft Beer Festival, we still managed to host the Holiday Wine Walk and the Spring Sip & Stroll which allowed us to donate over $15,000 to various charities and scholarships. Thank you again as we cannot raise the funds we do without your continued support. I know that incoming President Jean Zambrano is looking forward to her Presidency and working with our community! We enjoy hosting these events as much as the community enjoys attending them. The funds we have raised this year have been distributed to local high school students in the form of college scholarships, in support of The Central Florida Miracle League, United Global Outreach in Bithlo as well as a school in Haiti, Education Reinforcement Association (ERA) in association with
our friends at United Global Outreach. In past years, funds have been provided to the Yellow Brick Road Foundation and the Sacha Patin Memorial Fund. Rotary’s mantra is Service Above Self. As Rotarians we live by this phrase every day. Rotarians are leaders and problem solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change, across the globe, in our communities and in ourselves. Rotarians worldwide work on various community service projects ranging from providing food and clean water to people who do not have such vital daily living resources to providing computers to schools in poor countries or keeping students safe from human trafficking while trying to attend school. Locally, you may have participated in one of our community service projects such as cleaning ponds or the Veteran’s Memorial Garden behind Avalon Church, or the 20th Anniversary 9/11 Ceremony. Internally we have supported service projects for organizations such as: Adriana’s Attic, Harbor House, 2nd Harvest Food Bank, Samaritan Resource Center, Word On The Street, The American Heart Association and United Cerebral Palsy of Central Florida to name a few. All of these organizations are near and dear to the hearts of our members, and we look to continue to support such organizations in any way we can.
In the Rotary Club of Avalon Park, we are your friends, your neighbors and local business owners. We attend the same places of worship, and our children attend school together and participate in after-school activi-
ties. When one of us is hurting, we come together as a community to support one another. To quote Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – “Everybody can be great…because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You do not have to make your subject and verb agree to serve… You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”
tary’s people of action have used their passion, energy, and intelligence to take action on sustainable projects. We are always working to better our world and we have plenty of seats available at our table, there is one available for you! Yours In Rotary Service
Jim McQueeney President - Rotary Club of So, as one of my last offi- Avalon Park – 2021 -2022 cial acts as club President, Cell: 407-306-8238 this is my open invitation jimmcqueeney@gmail.com for all neighbors who have the heart or desire to serve, come out and join us in serving your community. If you are not sure, this is your invitation to join us at a meeting and find out more about Rotary. We are a fun diverse group reflective of our community. We meet every Wednesday morning at 7:30 am at the Pavilion, located at 13401 Tanja King Blvd, Orlando, FL 32828 Solving real problems takes real commitment and vision. For more than 117 years, Ro-
COMMUNITY
Orange County Communications Division Honored With Silver Anvil For #IGotMyShot Public Safety Campaign Recognized as One of the Best Strategic Public Relations Campaigns in the Nation The #IGotMyShot communications campaign has also received an Award of Excellence from the Orange County Communications Division has Florida Association of Counties and an Achievebeen recognized for its efforts in planning and ex- ment Award of Excellence from the National Assoecuting the #IGotMyShot Campaign to Combat ciation of Counties. Locally, the Orlando Chapter Vaccine Hesitancy by the Public Relations Society of the Florida Public Relations Association awardof America (PRSA) with the highest national hon- ed Orange County both an Image Award and the or, the Silver Anvil last week in New York City. Grand Image Award. Senior Public Information Officer, Despina McLaughlin and Digital Specialist, Sarah Dillon led the campaign, which rolled out in April 2021 during the height of the COVID-19 vaccine distribution. The two accepted the award on behalf of the Communications Division at the historic Edison Ballroom. “I am so proud of this national honor bestowed on Orange County. But beyond that, this innovative campaign brought about life-saving results. By encouraging Orange County residents to get COVID-19 vaccinations, the #IGotMyShot campaign saved lives,” said Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings. “We applaud our communications team for their creativity and efforts in executing our important campaign.”
MORE INFORMATION: #IGotMyShot Campaign to Combat Vaccine Hesitancy In April 2021, COVID-19 vaccines became available to Florida residents 16+. Research revealed that hesitancy was growing, especially with minorities under 50 years old, due to the spread of misinformation and the speed of vaccine development. However, research also uncovered that this demographic could be swayed once armed with facts. The Orange County Government Communications team set out to reach minority residents and encourage vaccination through the #IGotMyShot public safety campaign. Our efforts paid off as Orange County minority vaccinations more than doubled and the overall vaccination percentage increased from 28% to 71% by the campaign’s conclusion on September 14, 2021.
