THE OSCEOLA COUNTY FAIR SPECIAL ISSUE
POSITIVELY OSCEOLA WEEKLY
Inside this issue Courageous St. Cloud one-yearold girl with cancer passes away, services to be held this weekend Page 14
Making a Positive Difference: Reverend Mary Lee Downey – CEO, Founder of Hope Partnership in Osceola Page 20
Silver Spurs Rodeo Parade to Ride Back Into Downtown St. Cloud Feb 19th at 11am Page 24
Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons Bring Even More Magic to Weddings Across the World Page 39
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WEEKLY LIVESTREAMS Good Morning Osceola Mon, Wed, Fri at 7:30AM
In the Loop LIVE Tue at 6:00PM
Daybreak LIVE Wed at 9:00AM
Osceola Matters Thu at 6:00PM
In the Loop LIVE Sat at 8:00AM For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website! 6
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ON DEMAND LIVESTREAMS Daybreak LIVE w/ Ansley Bo Miss Silver Spurs January 26th, 2022
Coffee Club Talk w/ Kristen Arrington State Representative, District 43 January 14th, 2022
Daybreak LIVE w/ Tami Solano Osceola County Animal Services February 15th, 2022
Osceola Matters LIVE w/ Commissioner Viviana Janer District 2 Osceola County January 27th, 2022
Daybreak LIVE w/ Dustin Bronson Silver Spurs Rodeo Big Boss January 22nd, 2022
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IN & AROUND OSCEOLA LIVE discussing Huntington Learning Center’s next FREE Webinar
LIVE at St. Cloud High School for the High School All County Chorus performance
LIVE at the Universal Orlando Resort Superstar Parade
LIVE at the Boys and Girls Club Breakfast Fundraiser
LIVE with Superintendent Dr. Debra Pace and Charlie Draper of Draper Law Office For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website! 8
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NEWS Courageous St. Cloud one-year-old girl with cancer passes away, services to be held this weekend
Nicole Romualdo, the brave little girl who was fighting cancer, and that the St. Cloud community came together to love on with a very special one-year birthday parade last year, sadly passed away last Friday. Nicole was fighting Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare sarcoma that develops in the muscles and can cause severe pain and swelling. About 350 children, teens, and young adults in the United States are diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma each year with Rhabdomyosarcoma being slightly more common in boys and often occurring before age 5. Debora and William, Nicole’s parents had to make the tough choice to cancel her daughter’s 1st birthday party last year because of all the additional responsibilities necessary to take care of Nicole, but that’s where the community kicked in.
Although the Romualdo family were new to their neighborhood, their new neighbors and friends, like Heather Gibbs and Lindsey Taylor, put together a birthday drive-by celebration that included the St. Cloud Police Department, Pink Heals from St. Cloud along with their Pink firetruck Kris, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, Positively Osceola, Princesses Against Cancer, and numerous friends and neighbors. The birthday celebration parade kicked off at Chisolm Park in Narcoossee and made its way, along with car honking and sirens blaring, to Nicole’s home where she was showered with smiles, laughter, gifts, photos, a “smash cake” from Publix, and of course… bunches of love from everyone. Please join us in praying for Nicole’s family. A Celebration of Life Service honoring her life will be open to the public this Saturday, February 19 at 10am at First Baptist Orlando. For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website! 12
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NEWS School Board votes to give $500 to teachers before Spring break, minimum wage to increase next school year At the Osceola County School Board meeting on Tuesday, February 15, the board voted to give $500 to teachers and eligible employees (excluding substitute employees) to be paid out before Spring Break 2022, and an increase to the minimum wage for employees to $15 per hour effective in the next school year. “We recognize and support the amazing work of our dedicated educators and employees,” said School Board Chairwoman Terry Castillo. “My fellow School Board members and I are proud of their continued dedication to our children and families.”
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3sM0AER
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NEWS Orlando International Airport Becomes 7th Busiest in U.S., Remains Busiest in Florida Orlando International Airport (MCO) ended 2021 as the busiest airport in Florida. With all the numbers counted, 40.3 million passengers traveled through Orlando International Airport for the year, up over 86 percent from 2020 totals. This was enough to propel MCO from 9th to 7th busiest airport in the nation. In 2019, prior to the pandemic, MCO registered 50.6 million passengers. “With over 40 million annual passengers, we are pleased to remain the busiest airport in the state of Florida,” says Carson Good, Chairman of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. “When the pandemic first hit, many predicted it would take several years to recover. By continuing airport operations and construction of the South terminal, our board demonstrated confidence in Central Florida’s amazing resilience and 2021 turned out much better than anyone expected. I expect 2022 to be another year of growth for Orlando and the region.” Contributing to the strong year-end numbers was the resumption of international service to Brazil and England, including first ever service to one of the world’s busiest airports, London, Heathrow. Orlando International also secured new service to Hawaii. Year-end 2021 Statistical Data: • Domestic traffic jumped 92 percent over 2020 with a total of 38,400,636 passengers in 2021. • International traffic was up 20.51 percent over 2020 on the strength of Great Britain and Brazil reopening with 1,950,432 passengers. • Combined travel posted an increase of 86.66 percent over 2020 with 40,351,068 total travelers in 2021. December Statistical Data: • Domestic traffic climbed 86.87 percent over December 2020 with 3,783,847 passengers at MCO. • International traffic increased 357.13 percent over December 2020 with 390,758 travelers. • Combined, overall traffic was up 97.82 percent over 2020 with 4,174,605 total passengers. For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website! 14
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NEWS
Osceola County Schedules Road Repair and Resurfacing in BVL area Osceola County has tentatively scheduled the following roads for repair and resurfacing Tuesday, February 15th through Friday, March 4th in the Buena Ventura Lakes area. • Pinata Court: Hidalgo Avenue to Cul-de-sac • Celava Court: Hidalgo Avenue to Cul-de-sac The road work will be performed daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m with schedules possibly varying based on weather conditions or equipment-related issues. There will be temporary lane closures but no road closures. Traffic delays can be expected in the area. For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!
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NEWS
Look up… it’s February’s snow moon lighting up the sky Star gazers get ready… February’s full moon, nicknamed the snow moon, will present itself from midnight Tuesday to midnight Thursday, according to NASA. The snow moon was at its brightest on February 15 at 11:57 am, but the moon will be above the east-northeastern horizon on Wednesday evening, which will place it near Regulus, a bright star. February’s full moon will be generally visible in areas around the world that do not have dense cloud coverage. Florida will be one of the best places to view the full moon as clear skies are expected during the evening hours. Native American tribes in the northeastern United States used the name “snow moon” after the heavy snowfall that typically took place in February, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac. For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website! 18
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NEWS Osceola to hold public meeting for Old Lake Wilson Road PD&E Study from CR 532 to Sinclair Road Osceola County will hold a public meeting regarding proposed improvements to Old Lake Wilson Road from County Road 532 to Sinclair Road on Tuesday, February 22, 2022. The in-person meeting will be conducted as an open house from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The purpose of this project is to evaluate the two-lane to four-lane widening of Old Lake Wilson Road and adding bicycle and pedestrian features throughout the project corridor. The Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study involves a range of engineering assessments, environmental analysis, and public involvement with the goal of developing transportation solutions, known as alternatives, that meet the project need while minimizing impacts to the surrounding environment. Osceola County is offering multiple ways for the community to participate in the meeting. Public Meeting Formats Virtual Option: Interested persons may join the Virtual Public Meeting (VPM) from a computer, tablet, or mobile device. A VPM is a free live presentation or webinar over the internet. For this option, advance registration is required by visiting: https://attendee. gotowebinar.com/register/7275344615321445389 After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Once registered, participants will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting online. (Please note, Internet Explorer cannot be used to register or attend this webinar.) If joining online, please provide adequate log-in time to view the presentation in its entirety. The online presentation will begin at 5:35 p.m. Phone Option (Listen Only): Participants may join the meeting in listen-only mode by dialing (562) 247-8321 and entering the passcode 597-075-213 when prompted. In-Person Option: Participants may attend in person by going to Kenzie’s at the Clubhouse, located at Mystic Dunes Resort and Golf Club, 7600 Mystic Dunes Lane, Celebration, FL 34747. Please let the guard at the gate know that you are going to Kenzie’s at the Clubhouse.
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/34LwvNU
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MAKING A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE Making a Positive Difference: Reverend Mary Lee Downey – CEO, Founder of Hope Partnership in Osceola In every issue of Positively Osceola Weekly, Positively Osceola features a leader in the community that is focused on solutions to challenges in the Osceola County community. In this issue, we are featuring Reverend Mary Downey and sharing a message she recently shared with the community. A Moment with Reverend Mary Downey, CEO, and Founder of Hope Partnership “February is Black History Month. If you are following Hope Partnership on social media, you’ve noticed that we are embracing the gifts and greatness of the black community. We are celebrating and highlighting the stories and legacy of the Black community, whose presence and impact matter not just in February but all year long. As we are committing ourselves to the long-term work of equity, we are also using our voices to tell the hard truths that systemic racism continues to exist in this country and that supremacy culture is so pervasive and ingrained that most Americans don’t even realize it exists. Even when we begin to see it, it is a life-long process of unlearning and relearning. We envision a world without homelessness and poverty, and our work to make that world a reality often puts us face-to-face with the effects of systemic racism. We have a long history in this country of slavery, segregation, red-lining, prejudiced lending policies, white flight, devaluation of black homes and neighborhoods, discrimination in hiring and employment, poorly operated public housing, and a long list of other failures that continue to harm the black community. People of color continue to be drastically over-represented in our chronically homeless population. It comes down to this: racism is a housing issue, and housing is a racism issue. If you’ve made the choice to join us in making sure that everyone has a safe place to call home, then I hope you will also join us in our work toward racial justice.” Mary Lee Downey CEO Founder, Hope Partnership For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website! 20
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Silver Spurs Rodeo Parade to Ride Back Into Downtown St. Cloud Feb 19 at 11am
Kick-off Silver Spurs Rodeo weekend this Friday – Sunday with everyone’s favorite – The Silver Spurs Parade! On Saturday, February 19th, at 11 am the Silver Spurs Riding Club will once again celebrate decades of rodeo tradition in Downtown St. Cloud. Come see the Miss Silver Spurs Court, along with rodeo queens from all around the country, as they make their way through the historic streets of Downtown St. Cloud. Come enjoy the Silver Spurs Parade grand marshals, the Coca-Cola Cowboy & Lifetime Achievement Award honorees, the Silver Spurs Big Boss, elected officials, community leaders, businesses, and organizations from around Osceola County.
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Osceola Arts to host Aztec culture art exhibit “Divinity” beginning February 21st Osceola Arts will kick off Spring with a new visual arts exhibit called “Divinity: Works by local artist Patricia Cavazos, February 21 through April 1 with a free art reception on Saturday, March 5 from 2 pm to 5 pm. Osceola Arts, whose mission is to promote, cultivate and foster interest and participation in the arts, hosts exhibits that are always free and open to the public. The exhibit “Divinity” is an abstract interpretation of the Aztec world’s creation and the gods behind it. Aztec gods are complex, and the mythology on how they created the world is mesmerizing. The pieces shown in this exhibition were inspired by books about the Aztec culture and their mythology, two of them are “El Pueblo del Sol” by Alfonso Caso and “Aztec Thought and Culture” by Miguel León-Portilla. This exhibition is an interpretation of Aztec mythology and the impact this magnificent culture has on the artist. Discover Patricia Cavazos’ peculiar depiction of some of the most important Aztec deities and enjoy the colorful portrayal of them and the creation of the world thru abstract paintings, 3d installations, and quilts. For more information on works by Patricia Cavazos go to www.bycavazos.com. For additional information visit OsceolaArts.org or call 407-846-6257.
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
The Osceola County Fair, More LIVE Entertainment Than Ever Before February 11-20 at OHP Rosaire’s Royal Racers Always an Osceola County Fair Favorite, the Rosaire’s Royal Racers is a family owned and operated company, performing for audiences across the nation! Featuring three different breeds of pigs at each and every 20-30 minute show throughout the day! Eudora Farms, Petting Zoo A staple at the Osceola County Fair, come on out to pet, feed, and see all the exotic, colorful, and surprising animals inside! Showtimes Continuous throughout the day
Kenyon Lockry In January of 2006, a five song demo Kenyon had made in Nashville got in the hands of country music legend Mel Tillis. Kenyon soon signed a management deal with Mr. Tillis. For the next six years, he recorded three albums and toured the nation.
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Battle of High School Bands In 2021 we held the first Osceola County High School Battle of the Bands. It was such a huge success we just had to bring it back and make this an annual event. The pride of Osceola County can be found in the arts and in some of the amazing youth we have.
Battle of the High School Voices This competition for local High School chorus teams to show off their talent. The winners get prize donated to the school’s booster program.
Grandpa Cratchet Show The Granpa Cratchet Corporation is a well-established touring and production company. Our Puppetmobiles™ have proven to be a great way to bring our characters to life. Rather than just being a show children and adults are able to build a relationship through first-hand encounters with our characters. Extreme Illusions & Escapes Josh Knotts holds a Bachelor of the Fine Arts in Theatre from West Virginia University. He is an Eagle Scout, and a Vigil member of the Order of the Arrow. He was awarded the Merlin award for Entertainer of the Year in 2016. For the past 16 years, he has performed illusion in just about every scenario at venues and events across the USA. Michael Goudeau Michael Goudeau is NOT the world’s greatest juggler but he’s definitely the funniest. With over 15,000 appearances as the special guest artist in the Lance Burton Show in Las Vegas, Michael is sure to make you laugh, gasp, and then laugh some more. He has performed his act all over the world, and on multiple television shows worldwide.
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3Jeeiaa For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!
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SPORTS
By J. Daniel Pearson For Positively Osceola
Osceola Kowboys to host Regional Quarterfinal, Rosa is a two-time State Champion Winter sports state playoff action kicks into high gear this week, with Osceola County having several basketball teams still alive in the post-season. Fresh off their district championship win over Tohopekaliga, the Osceola Kowboys will start their FHSAA State Tournament at home on Thursday; while the St. Cloud girls’ team will play a regional semifinal game on the road. In other high school news, Harmony’s Adriana Rosa concluded a sensational season by winning a pair of titles at the FHSAA Class 3A State Weightlifting Championships. Here’s a look at sports action around the county: GIRLS’ WEIGHTLIFTING County schools sent a large contingent of athletes to the FHSAA Class 3A State Weightlifting Championships last Thursday in Port St. Joe in the Florida Panhandle. Harmony’s Adriana Rosa, who dominated local meets all season, walked away with two gold medals in the 139-lb. weight class, winning both the traditional competition (bench and clean-and-jerk) with combined lifts of 350-lbs. and the snatch competition with a lift of 150-lbs. St. Cloud had three different lifters earn all-state honors as Ashley Aun (101-lb. class) placed fifth in the traditional (240) and third in the snatch (95); Abby Davis (110-lb. class) took second in the traditional (315) and third in the snatch (115); while Jailez Cardona (119-lb. class) took fourth in the snatch completion (115). The top six lifters in each discipline scored team points and earned All-State honors. Osceola’s Ayhkia Willams just missed the podium in the 183-lb. weight class, tying for sixth but being moved down to seventh on the tie-breaking procedure.
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SPORTS St. Cloud Lady Bulldogs, One Game Away From Final Four St. Cloud’s improbable run towards the Final Four continues Starting four sophomores, the Lady Bulldogs (20-8) got a layup from Danigzy Mantilla with 13 seconds remaining as the St. Cloud upset second-seeded Lake Gibson (18-9) on the road Tuesday night to advance to the Class 6A, Region 2 Final. St. Cloud will face top-seeded Wekiva (23-2) on Friday night, where a trip to the Final Four in Lakeland will await the winner. “It was a wild game tonight. We knew going in that Lake Gibson was a physical team that likes to push their opponent around. They sort of had their way with us in the first quarter, but I thought we did a great job of responding to them,” St. Cloud Coach Chad Ansbaugh said. “We are good perimeter team and play pretty good defense, but we’re not very big and you could say we’re a little soft. But that was not the case tonight. You can’t be soft and come on the road and beat a team like Lake Gibson. I was so proud of our team’s effort tonight.” The Bulldogs got off to a slow start, missing their first five shots and falling behind 8-0 at the start. Despite turning the ball over 12 times in the first half, St. Cloud managed to catch fire in the second quarter – cutting the gap to three at the half, 29-26. Sophomore Emily Lockey played a huge role in keeping St. Cloud in striking distance, scoring 10 points in the second quarter. St. Cloud would make their run in the third quarter. Although center Haley Collins would pick up fourth foul midway through the period, she – along with Kennedy Johnson and Lockey – would all hit three-pointers as the Bulldogs forged ahead 41-39 after three. The fourth quarter would be a see-saw affair. Three-pointers by Lockey and Collins would give St. Cloud a 52-46 lead, but Honesti Jones hit a three and Arnia O’Neal got a layup after a turnover as the Braves stormed back to within one at 52-51.
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TechCentral is a brand new creative space providing access to tools and technologies that will help the community gain the necessary skills to make their dreams a reality! Featuring: Recording Studio Sewing Studio iMac Computer Lab with Adobe Creative Suite Virtual Reality Equipment Robotics for Kids Photography Studio 3D Printing On Demand Located on the second floor of Hart Memorial Central Library 211 E Dakin Avenue | Kissimmee, FL | 34741
osceolalibrary.org/techcentral | 407.742.8888
SPORTS
By J. Daniel Pearson For Positively Osceola
JDs Weekly Musings, talking Super Bowl, A-1 Steak Sauce, Neil Young & Joni Mitchell, and more Given the Super Bowl officials were doing a great job of letting the teams play, I thought that one third-down defensive holding penalty near the goal line against the Bengals was a bit of a ticky-tack call, but the truth of the matter is the Rams converted two fourth-down plays on the drive and then came up with a huge defensive stop. The best team won but hats off to Burrow and the Bengals on a great game and effort… Speaking of the Super Bowl, I can’t believe the number of comments – both positive and negative – about the halftime show. Seriously? It’s entertainment – nothing more, nothing less. To act like it is making some sort of political statement or changing society in some way, shape or form is going way overboard. To be honest, I missed the first couple minutes of the Super Bowl because that PGA Playoff between Patrick Cantlay and Scottie Scheffler at the Phoenix Open was pretty compelling television in its own right… So at dinner the other night, I noticed a bottle of A-1 Sauce had “Established 1862” above its name. Random thought. In the middle of the bloodiest conflict in American history where 620,000 of our own citizens killed each other, some guy was thinking…”Ya know what this country really needs right now more than anything else?….a delicious steak sauce…” Not sure whether this was a one-time pandemic thing or a permanent move but the new USFL’s decision to play its inaugural season with every game in Birmingham is a bit odd to me. Not sure how they expect to build a following for the Tampa Bay Bandits when they will have absolutely zero presence in Tampa. Unlike many, I am a believer that spring professional football can work in this country if done properly and while the new USFL does have a lot going for it (it is partially owned by FOX), I do not see how any of its teams can gain a following when they do not have a presence in the cities they are named for…
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Paint the Cloud Green St. Patrick's Day LIGHT PARADE Sat., March 12 Parade starts at 7 p.m.
at Lakeshore Blvd. and Pennsylvania Ave. traveling up to 12th Street, then to Massachusetts Ave. back to Lakeshore Blvd.
Don't miss your chance to promote your business or organization in the Paint the Cloud Green LIGHT parade! To register your float or for more information, contact St. Cloud Parks and Recreation at
407-957-7243 or parksandrecreation@stcloud.org Thank you to our sponsors:
IN THE LOOP - THEME PARK NEWS Universal Orlando Launches “Discover Universal” Vacation Planning Website, Video Series, and Podcast Universal Orlando Resort has launched its all-new “Discover Universal” hub – a trip-planning site that highlights the “mustdos,” “must-eats,” “must-knows” and “how-tos” for a trip to its theme parks. Dynamic videos, podcasts, planning guides, and more will showcase all of Universal’s experiences in a way that connects with today’s travelers and the content they like to consume. Visitors to “Discover Universal” can find informative content across various mediums, including: • All-new original video series with hosts sharing all of the details guests want to know about the different experiences within the destination, such as: • Ride Guys (debuts on February 17): Embark on an entertaining tour of the top rides at Universal Orlando with two “Ride Guys.” The duo will answer specific attraction-related questions and then showcase what the actual ride experience is like. New episodes will be released monthly. • Dine & Ride (debuts in May): Enjoy a culinary quest and learn more about the elevated theme park fare around Universal Orlando. New episodes will be released monthly. • Checked In (debuts in May): Takes viewers on a fun tour of the lobby, rooms, pool and amenities of Universal Orlando’s eight magnificently themed hotels (one hotel will be highlighted in each episode). • The Discover Universal Podcast, where hosts will discuss the tips, tricks and mustknow details to help guests plan the most epic vacation ever. The intro episode will be available on February 18, and guests can enjoy new episodes bi-weekly beginning February 22.’ • Informative guides filled with itineraries, inspirational travel photography and more. For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website! 38
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IN THE LOOP - THEME PARK NEWS Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons Bring Even More Magic to Weddings Across the World Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons are offering even more ways to celebrate a Disney wedding in 2022, including new venues, offerings and fashions. For years Disney has been bringing fairy tales to life in Florida through weddings, honeymoons, vow renewals, and anniversaries in ways only Disney can provide. “At Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons, we love celebrating incredible love stories and important milestones,” said Korri McFann, marketing director for Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons. “We’re excited to kick off 2022 by introducing all-new opportunities that couples can take advantage of during once-in-a-lifetime moments like the Walt Disney World Resort 50th Anniversary celebration, the Disneyland Paris 30th Anniversary, and the launch of the newest Disney Cruise Line ship.” The Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary kicked off Oct. 1, 2021, with new attractions and entertainment as part of the 18-month-long celebration. Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons revealed its newest wedding venue to debut during the celebration – Place de Remy, inside the newly expanded France Pavilion at EPCOT. The new venue evokes the feeling of France, inspired by the whimsy of the park’s newest attraction, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, and includes the attraction marquee and the pavilion’s central fountain at its heart. Place du Remy is the newest of more than 50 wedding venues across the Walt Disney World Resort, from theme parks to resorts to a dedicated wedding pavilion. Complementing the new venue, Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons offers other new and distinct ways for couples to bring the magic of the Walt Disney World Resort 50th Anniversary celebration to their events. Four new décor concepts are now available, modeled after the “EARidescent” glow of each of the four Walt Disney World Resort theme parks.
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POSITIVELY DELICIOUS Florida Eggplant, Tomato and Mozzarella Melt, Positively Delicious Eating Florida eggplants are easy… they are Positively Delicious, and they grow very well here if you time things correctly. The best time to plant eggplant in Florida is in April. Eggplant loves to grow in warm weather, so cool weather will inhibit its growth. If the weather is not warm enough eggplants won’t do much growing until temperatures rise, no matter how often you check on them. Once you have those delicious health bringing Florida eggplants, here’s a recipe that we think you’ll positively love! INGREDIENTS • 1 Florida eggplant sliced 1/4 inch thick • 2 Florida tomatoes, sliced • 1 pound fresh mozzarella, sliced • Olive oil • 8 slices rustic bread or 4 rolls • Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste PREPARATION Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly drizzle olive oil onto the sliced eggplant and season with salt and pepper. Place the eggplant on a cookie sheet and in the oven. Cook eggplant in the oven for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Remove the eggplant from the oven and turn the oven to broil. Lightly drizzle the bread with olive oil, and toast under the broiler. Remove the bread from the broiler when it is toasted. To assemble the sandwich layer the eggplant, tomato, and mozzarella. Place the sandwich back under the broiler to melt the cheese. Remove sandwich from oven and serve warm. We think you’ll agree that they are positively delicious! Source: Fresh from Florida For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website! 40
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POSITIVELY DELICIOUS Super Bowl Sunday Blackened Florida Grouper Sandwiches, Positively Delicious At Positively Osceola we think EVERY day is super, but a day is drawing near that everyone in the world calls super… Super Bowl Sunday! You may have heard that we are still experiencing chicken wing and burger shortages in the United States. Whether that’s something real, or just something nationally the media keeps talking about, let’s talk Grouper for Super Bowl Sunday… Blackened Grouper sandwiches that is! We’ve included the ingredients you’ll need along with how to create this amazing treat for you and those hungry Super Bowl guests!! We think you’ll all agree that it’s Positively Delicious! INGREDIENTS • 4 (6-ounce) Florida grouper fillets • 2 tablespoons blackened seasoning (your favorite) • 4 bread rolls, toasted • 1 cup Florida romaine, shredded • 1 large Florida tomato, sliced • 1 lemon, juiced • Oil for cooking • 1/4 cup Florida Avocado Remoulade sauce PREPARATION Preheat a large sauté pan (or cast-iron skillet) over medium-high heat. Generously season fish with blackened seasoning on both sides. Add oil to pan and sauté fillets 2-3 minutes per side or until cooked through. Squeeze the juice of the lemon over the cooked grouper fillets and remove them from the heat. To assemble the sandwich, spread an even amount of the remoulade on each side of the inside of each bun. Add an even amount of lettuce and tomato to the bottom of each bun. Add a blackened grouper fillet to each of the lettuce and tomato-dressed buns. Add another dollop of remoulade sauce if desired and top with the sandwich with the top of the bun. Serve sandwich warm with extra remoulade on the side. Source: Fresh From Florida For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!
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COMMUNITY Osceola Food Pantry Opens in St. Cloud The Osceola Council on Aging (OCOA) has officially taken over the St. Cloud Food Pantry as of the end of January. The location, run for 16 years at 901 Missouri Avenue, is now in the hands of the Council which already helps feed thousands of families per week through its Kissimmee pantry located at 704 Generation Point, and Osceola Meals on Wheels program. The Council will be able to serve the St. Cloud food-needy community from within rather than the “other side of town,” said Wendy Coschignano-Ford, president/CEO of the Osceola Council on Aging. “The new location will also house an office for several OCOA outreach and community service programs,” added Ford. According to Ford, the Council has seen an increased demand in the number of low-income households they traditionally serve so the food pantry demands have increased as well. “Luckily, our pantries rely heavily on the assistance of community volunteers who donate through monetary means and/or community workplace food drives,” added Ford. Accordingly, the OCOA collaborates with local partners to purchase crops for meal production and food distribution. As an example, the Second Harvest Food Bank, Walt Disney World, and Mick Farms support providing fruits and vegetables; Publix Super Markets, the Treasure Coast Commodity Supplemental Food Program, and local government funding from City of Kissimmee, City of St. Cloud, and Osceola County also support our efforts. Food drives conducted by churches, community service organizations, private businesses, and individual donations also provide food. In addition, the Council’s agreements with four trucking companies accept food overages refused by local grocers and distributed through the Food Pantry.
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/33pY1Qr
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COMMUNITY Help support Meals on Wheels at March for Meals
It is that time again! Time to gather your team for the Osceola Council on Aging’s (OCOA) annual March for Meals St. Patrick’s Day 5K Run/Walk to support Meals on Wheels (MOW).
The 16th annual event, scheduled for Saturday, March 12, will be held at Kissimmee Lakefront Park. Sponsored by the Kissimmee Utility Authority, the ‘fun run’ is held annually to raise money for MOW initiatives. One of OCOA’s largest fundraisers, the mission is to raise money to help feed those in the Osceola community who are unable to prepare meals and feed themselves. Though demands have evolved based on the socioeconomic needs of the Osceola community, the core mission is consistent; provide meals and services for community members in need, no matter what.
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KUA’s FREE Movie in the Park Series to continue with “Encanto” Friday March 4
Kissimmee Utility Authority, in partnership with the City of Kissimmee, will host a free Movie in the Park event on Friday, March 4 at the Veterans Lawn of Kissimmee Lakefront Park. The movie event is part of KUA’s annual 6-month Movie in the Park series held on the first Friday of every month, beginning October through March. Activities begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by the movie at 7 p.m. Participants are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket. The event will feature “Encanto” shown on a giant 50-foot screen. Attendees will enjoy KUA’s inflatable Kids Power Zone, a craft station, photo booth, free popcorn, and prize giveaways. Through hands-on demonstrations, attendees will also learn how to lower their monthly electric bills. For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!
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COMMUNITY Huntington Learning Center’s Next FREE Webinar: How to Prepare for the 2022 SAT/ACT
College admissions continue to be highly competitive. Though some colleges and universities have become “test-optional” in light of COVID-19, strong SAT/ACT scores improve students’ chances of admission. Students who take Huntington exam prep courses increase their scores by an average of 229 points on the SAT and 5.4 points on the ACT. During Huntington Learning Center’s next FREE How-To-Webinar on Thursday, February 17th at 1 pm, Huntington’s education expert will provide an overview of the latest SAT and ACT updates, why these exams are still beneficial for high school students, and prep tips for students who want to earn the best scores possible. The webinar will cover an SAT and ACT overview, latest updates on the SAT and ACT, differences between the SAT and ACT, why taking these exams is still beneficial even amid today’s “test-optional” environment, test-taking strategies and tips, Huntington SAT/ACT prep, and more! To register for the free webinar, visit huntingtonhelps.com, go to Resources on the top menu, then drop down to webinar and click. The webinar is free and simple to register for.
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NOW HIRING
PART-TIME TEACHERS
IMMEDIATE OPENINGS NEAR YOU!
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• Work with students 1:1 or 4:1 • Flexible, part-time hours. • Competitive hourly rate and paid training!
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• 4-year degree required • Certification/License is a plus • Recent grads, current teachers & retired professionals encouraged to apply
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To apply, email StCloudFL@hlcmail.com today! St. Cloud 4554 13th Street, Unit A-2, St. Cloud, FL 34769 407-789-0228
Personalized Attention. Proven Results. HuntingtonHelps.com HLC1924A
Research from Home
with your Osceola Library Card!
Britannica Library
From the makers of Encyclopedia Britannica
Gale Business: Plan Builder Create a customized business plan
America’s News
Archives of newspapers from across America
Mango Languages Learn a new language
And so many more!
osceolalibrary.org/databases
osceolalibrary.org | 407.742.8888
HEALTH
By Dave Brummert Orlando Health
Orlando Health: Does Intermittent Fasting Work? Intermittent fasting (IF) is the process of manipulating your calorie intake based on a time schedule. Basically, it means condensing your meals for the day into a smaller window of time; for example, eating all of your meals between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm. Why Fast? When you eat less frequently, your body doesn’t have as many spikes in blood sugar. So, when you do eat, your body can better control your blood sugar levels. That’s very important for those with diabetes as well as people who are overweight. Intermittent fasting also reduces the amount of inflammation in your body. There’s a cycle where chronic, low-grade inflammation in the body can cause fat cells to grow, and then the fat cells themselves release substances that cause even more inflammation. Intermittent fasting makes your body produce more anti-inflammatory substances (like adiponectin) and less pro-inflammatory substances (like Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-a) and Interleukin-6). Like many variations of fasting, intermittent fasting reduces body fat, mainly by causing a decrease in the number of calories you eat during the day. Another important benefit is that intermittent fasting improves cell clean-up. Known as autophagy, this process acts as the body’s way to declutter itself. Anything that isn’t working properly gets cleaned out so that the healthy cells can do their work normally. This is essential in helping to prevent abnormal cell growth that can lead to diseases like cancer. Intermittent fasting also can improve your cholesterol and triglycerides, helping to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. Why Is IF Better Than a Regular Diet? Depending on the diet, intermittent fasting may reduce the amount of muscle loss and avoid the decrease in metabolism that’s often seen with longer-term calorie restriction (like eating 1,200 calories every day for 3-4 months). Nothing, in particular, says it is better, compared to any other. It’s just another tool to try, and one that happens to be very effective.
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HEALTH Orlando Health: How Exercise Can Help with Depression and Anxiety Besides putting you in a better mood afterward, exercise can help alleviate the effects of depression and anxiety. Working out often is celebrated for its ability to physically transform the body, but it also has an abundance of benefits for the mind. While those experiencing the symptoms of anxiety or depression always should seek advice from a mental health professional, people everywhere might just have one more reason to hit the gym or put on their walking shoes. A Positive Relationship First off, while anxiety and depression often can leave people feeling isolated, it’s important to remember you are not alone. Anxiety is the most common mental illness in the U.S. and affects approximately 40 million adults every year, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA). That’s more than 18 percent of the country’s population. The ADAA estimated in 2014 that more than 15.5 million adults in the U.S. — or 6.7 percent of the population — experienced at least one major depressive episode in the previous year. Research has shown that, in many cases, exercise can be a vital part of treatment. Why? When you exercise, your body releases endorphins. By interacting with pain receptors in the brain, endorphins can create a reduced perception of pain. Also known as “runner’s high,” this feeling generally allows for a more positive outlook on life and helps reduce the symptoms of mental illness. More than Your Mood Exercise doesn’t just enhance your mood, but also can boost your self-esteem and self-confidence. Through staying physically active, you not only keep your body healthier, but you also tend to feel better about the way you look. Plus, by better coping with depression and anxiety, people may find themselves feeling more socially active. This creates a positive cycle. The more social you are, the more comfortable you may feel opening up to others. The correlation between stress and mental illness is strong. High-stressed people are simply at an increased risk for feeling anxious or sad.
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American Sign Language for Beginners Acquire the basics useful in communicating with Deaf and Hard of Hearing people in your community! These ASL classes are taught by Deaf instructors; students will learn to carry on an everyday conversation with Deaf individuals.
Registration required. osceolalibrary.org/events
6:30pm Mondays February 7 - 28 Hart Memorial Library
407-979-4161 www.CIJSstcloud.org
INJURY LAW I’ve Been in a Car Accident: Now What Do I Do? Being in a car accident can be one of the most overwhelming and catastrophic events that a person experiences in their lifetime. Often, people are in shock immediately following a car crash. It can be hard to remember in the moment what it’s necessary to do, as you don’t always have access to your logical brain and memory in a crisis. However, the more familiar you are with the steps to follow after an accident, the more second nature it will become to default to these steps, even in times of extreme stress. If you have been injured in a wreck that was not your fault, you do not have to shoulder the burden alone. The Kissimmee auto accident lawyers at Draper Law Office are prepared to zealously advocate on your behalf and get you the compensation that you deserve. Schedule your free consultation today.
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FAMILY LAW Demonstrating Positive Parenting in 2022 When you become a parent and form a relationship with your child, it’s not usually something you would later expect to have to defend in a courtroom. But when parents divorce or are no longer together, who will be granted parenting time and how parental responsibility will be shared can become a fiercely contested issue. The court will examine both parents and assess their ability to provide a safe, stable, and emotionally healthy environment for their child. Receiving reliable and professional when going through a device is extremely important and can have a huge impact in divorce presedings. Draper Law has been serving the community with the best in legal advice and guidance since 1984. If you’re going through, or considering going through a divorce, call 407.846.0075, and remember – in times of need, call Draper Law Office.
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REAL ESTATE Goodwin Realty: Want Top Dollar for Your House? Now’s the Time To List It When you’re selling any item, you usually want to sell it for the greatest profit possible. That happens when there’s a strong demand and a limited supply for that item. In the real estate market, that time is right now. If you’re thinking of selling your house this year, here are two reasons why now’s the time to list. 1. Demand Is Very Strong This Winter A recent article in Inman News explains: “Spring, the hottest time of year for homebuyers and sellers, has started early, according to economists. . . . ‘Home shopping season appears to already be in full swing!’” And they aren’t the only ones saying buyers are already out in full force. That claim is backed up with data released last week by ShowingTime. The ShowingTime Showing Index tracks the average number of monthly buyer showings on active residential properties, which is a highly reliable leading indicator of current and future trends for buyer demand. 2. Housing Supply Is Extremely Low Each month, realtor.com releases data on the number of active residential real estate listings (listings currently for sale). Their most recent report reveals the latest monthly number is the lowest we’ve seen in any January since 2017. And don’t forget, the best time to sell an item is when there’s a limited supply of it available. This graph clearly shows how extremely low housing supply is today. Even Though Supply Is at a Historic Low, Home Sales Are at a 15-Year High According to the latest Existing Home Sales Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), existing-home sales totaled 6.12 million in 2021 – the highest annual level since 2006. This means the market is hot and homeowners are in a great place to sell now while sales are so strong. NAR also reports available listings by calculating the current months’ supply of inventory. They explain: “Months’ supply refers to the number of months it would take for the current inventory of homes on the market to sell given the current sales pace.”
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