The Midtown Press - August/September 2022 Issue

THE

Midtown

Press

Aug/Sept 2022 VOLUME XXVII NUMBER 4 www.themidtownpress.com

PROUDLY SERVING GREATER PINE HILLS & SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES

The little paper with the big picture!

Welcome

Back To

School WHAT SAY YOU? Back to School Advice Page 8

TIDBITS

LYNX Transfer Station Update Page 11

KNOW THIS!

School Crossing | Medicare Rights Page 18

ASK THE EXPERT

Healthy Back To School Eating Page 26

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IN THIS ISSUE 4 6 8 10 18 27 29

EDITOR’S CHAIR WHAT SAY YOU? PLUS+ TIDBITS KNOW THIS! ASK THE EXPERT POSTSCRIPT

Virginia Santana Felix, MD

Carthia Joachim, ARNP

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EDITOR’S CHAIR

S

ing along with me, "It's the most wonderful time of the year"! No I'm not losing it, and while the lyrics to that song are typically reserved for Christmas, it is Back To School time, and thousands of parents are getting ready to celebrate the fact that the ids will be out of the house for at least seven hours a day! Vacations are coming to a close, summer camps have wrapped up, and it is time to hit the books.

Sometimes life can feel cyclical, which puts time in perspective. I remember working on the issue this time last year and panicking because I decided to include a back-to-school fashion layout and panicking trying to schedule the students for their photo shoots. As you will notice in this issue, I decided to skip the photo shoot this year (just way too much work). However, I am very proud of this issue as it has several features, including advice from educators in the "What Say You?" section, which is back after being out for the last couple of issues. A special thank you to Dr. Roneisha M. Randall and Renetta Williams for their contributions. Also, check out the "Ask the Expert" article written by registered dietitian Celines Martinez who provides some great advice about healthy eating for families as we get into our school routines.

As we focus on going back to school, I would be remiss if I didn't touch on our students who are heading off to college. For me, it is very personal this year as my son, my baby boy, Christian, heads off to college for the first time. Not only is he going to college, but he is moving to a whole new state! You can imagine all the feelings that come with that. I am excited, nervous but generally beaming with pride for him. He will get an opportunity to play collegiate football while pursuing a degree in Graphic Design, something he became passionate about over the past couple of years.

To add to the complexities of these feelings, my daughter Madison will be entering her senior year of college, which is still mind-blowing to me. That was a quick four years, but so excited 4 / THE MIDTO W N PR E SS

to watch her grow and develop into a strong, intelligent, and thoughtful young woman. As she works to wrap up her degree in Marketing next year - the sky is the limit for her! What this all means for me is that I am officially an empty nester. I never had put much thought into this new phase of life however I will say there is a sense of accomplishment to have my two children in college! While I am not a big social media user, I have already been incorporating the hashtag #twokidsincollege as a way to show my excitement (and stress) about tuition, grades, and overall worry as a parent about having children in college. I offer prayers of protection for my children and all of our children as we make this transition. The world is so different than when I was growing up, and we find ourselves worrying about things like gun violence and mass shootings that seemed unfathomable just a few short years ago but now are unfortunately happening so frequently that many have become desensitized to them.

It has been a quick summer, and it feels like it should only be mid-July. Before we know it (if it hasn't already happened), our retail stores will begin putting out Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas displays. In a couple of weeks after reading this article, the major coffee chains will start promoting the ever-popular pumpkin spice latte flavors signaling that the fall season is right around the corner. So as the 1965 folk-song Turn!

Turn! Turn! by the group The Byrds states: To everything (turn, turn, turn) There is a season (turn, turn, turn) And a time to every purpose, under heaven I trust that in this season you take the time to reflect, recharge and connect. Make sure you take time for yourself, (self care matters), embrace your loved ones and keep an eye out for our children.

Glen

THE

Midtown

Press

The little paper with the big picture!

Dates to Know AUGUST 2022 3 9 12 13 21 31

National Watermelon Day National Book Lovers Day International Youth Day Left Hander's Day Senior Citizen's Day National Eat Outside Day

SEPTEMBER 2022 5 11 15 22 25 30

Labor Day Grandparents Day Hispanic Heritage Month Autumnal Equinox (Start of Fall) Rosh Hashanah International Podcast Day

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T H E M I DTO W N P RESS / 5

What Say you?

Question

With the new school year right around the corner, what advice would you give to parents to help guide their children to having a successful school year?

Dr. Roneisha M. Randall

SunRidge Middle School Administrative Dean

It’s been two years since COVID-19 hit the world by storm, and education has been one of the most impacted areas to date. I am inspired by the resilience students have shown over the past couple of years and I’m excited about the new school year. I recommend the following tips for a successful school year: 1. Be sure to communicate transportation arrangements.

2. Check Skyward weekly for class grades (this will help with missing assignments).

3. Check your student’s cellphone periodically for inappropriate content.

4. Inform the school of any life-altering experiences that could impact your student.

5. Encourage your student to ask questions in class and seek extra help if needed.

6. Discuss the importance of choosing friends wisely; you become the company you keep.

7. Remind your student that if at any point they feel uncomfortable, go report and/or speak with an administrator.

8. Stress the importance of following the Orange County Public Schools Code of Conduct.

Renetta Williams

US History/ Computer Applications Teacher Kelly Park K-8 School The last two years have been challenging for everyone. As an educator, I could go on and on about how these years have impacted education; however, I want to share just a few pieces of advice to help parents guide their children to having a successful school year. I want to share some advice to help parents guide their children to having a successful school year.

1. Parents, you are your child(ren) biggest advocates. Get involved so that you can have a better vantage point in seeing what is happening at your school.

2. Be patient but remain consistent. Have an open dialogue with the teacher and guidance counselors throughout the year to ensure your child is on the right track. Waiting until the end of the school year limits your options to help them.

3. Be Encouraging. If there is an opportunity for you to be involved in the learning process with your child, then take it. You wouldn't believe how much this would encourage and motivate your child.

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PLUS+

F

or parents already stretching budgets to pay for groceries and gasoline, stocking up on school supplies will be a little harder this year. With inflation at an all-time high and lingering supply chain issues, these are definitely not the best of times. Many families are going to have to make some real sacrifices and have some uncomfortable conversations during this back-to-school shopping season.

What this means is that many parents are spending a lot more on back-to-school shopping, even if it means going into debt.

Hopefully, families were able to take advantage of the Florida sales tax holiday, which allowed residents to purchase clothing, shoes, backpacks, and school supplies without paying the sales tax.

In 2022, back-to-school spending is expected to match last year’s record high of $37 billion, according to the National Retail Federation. Families with children in elementary through high school plan to spend an average of $864 on school supplies, $168 more than in 2019. More than one-third, or 37%, of parents with school-age children said they are unable to afford back-to-school shopping due to inflation, and nearly half said they will take on debt shopping for their kids, according to a study by financial planning website Credit Karma.

Several organizations have generously stepped up and have hosted back-toschool giveaway events, which, especially in a tough year like we are currently experiencing, can help to provide some relief and help those in need to begin the school year with basic yet necessary school supplies. As a reminder, parents are encouraged to complete the application for Free and Reduced School Lunch, which is required at the beginning of each school year. The application is part of the The National School Lunch Program, a federally assisted meal program operating in public and nonprofit private schools and residential childcare institutions.  8 / THE MIDTO W N PR E SS

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Tidbits

Orange County Corrections Chief to be Honored with National Award

O

range County Corrections Chief Louis A. Quiñones, Jr. will be honored as a Latino Leader at an awards ceremony in Miami during the Seventh Annual National Latino Leadership Conference on September 21, 2022.

Presented by the Council for Latino Workplace Equity, an initiative under the National Diversity Council, the awards highlight individuals who have achieved success in their careers while paving the way for other Latinos to advance in the workplace.

Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings said Chief Quiñones is most deserving of this award.

“Chief Quiñones is a champion for diversity, equity, and inclusion. He is extremely proud of his Hispanic heritage and works to celebrate it for other Latinos in the workplace.”

Chief Quiñones is the first Hispanic Chief of Corrections in Orange County, and he is the first Chief to have worked his way up to the top spot after starting as a correctional officer. 

Orange County Animal Services Faces Spike in Pet Surrenders

F

or various reasons, including coming off the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic and a rise in housing costs has created a "perfect storm" of sorts. Orange County Animal Services (OCAS) is dealing with a high number of animal surrenders. In May 2022, the shelter received over 360 pets from owners no longer able to or interested in caring for them. The shelter is reducing its adoption fees in response to this rising trend. Adoption fees for both dogs and cats are currently reduced to $25. Adoption hours at the shelter are Mondays - Saturdays from 10 am - 6 pm and Sundays from 1 pm - 5 pm. OCAS is currently open for in-person adoptions, with no appointment required.

Guests are strongly encouraged to view the available pets on the animal services website before visitng, to have an idea of what animals they are most interested in meeting. It is also recommended to review the adoption process prior to visiting.

Please scan the QR Code to access the adoption page.

The department of Animal Services is encouraging owners on the brink of having to surrender their pet to explore all options before resorting to bringing pets to the shelter including reaching out to friends and family for help and support or contacting local rescue groups to try and work through issues before giving up.

In order to help animals currently housed at the shelter, Animal Services is looking to the community for adoption and foster support. If you are interested, please call (407) 836-3111 or visit their website at www.orangecountyanimalservicesfl.net.  1 0 / THE MIDTO W N P R E SS

Tidbits

continued

LYNX Pine Hills Transfer Station Update

"Finally, we are here!" After years of planning, development, and community conversations, the project has reached a milestone stage and is currently in the procurement phase according to Jeff Reine, Senior Project Manager at LYNX. The concept of the project goes back to 2012 when Lynx Transportation worked on site selection and due diligence. Delays in the permitting of the project which began in 2020 were delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns. The six-acre project which will be constructed on Belco Dr. adjacent to the Central Florida Urban League building is 100% fully funded, will feature a center bus platform and ability to berth 29" to 60" busses at eight bus bays. The project's canopy design will match the existing LYNX Central Station and feature sustainable elements, including solar and rain gardens. The project will also see an expansion of the Pine Hills Trail to the station. While a construction ground-breaking date has not yet been established, the next phase of the project will include a bid phase, with construction to tentatively begin in January 2023. Once project construction begins, it is expected to last 12-14 months.

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Senior Focus

Pine Hills Seniors: Staying Active & Involved!!

We Share Because we Care!

I

n celebration of National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, the Pine Hills Seniors, Inc. hosted a picnic on Thursday, June 16, 2022, at the beautiful Orlo Vista Park. The attendees were treated to a delicious lunch and were entertained with poetry, song, and displays highlighting the unique cultures and diversity of the various Caribbean countries.

CO N TACT US : Phone 407-254-9107 Email pinehillsseniors@gmail.com pinehillsseniors2@gmail.com Address Pine Hills Community Center 6408 Jennings Road, Bldg B Orlando, FL 32818 P H S B OA R D ME MB E RS President Ms. Sheila Belle Vice President Ms. Bertina Busch Secretary Ms. Bridget Monroe Treasurer Mr. Glen R. Providence Member Ms. Gail P. Bradshaw P H S L E A D E RS H I P President Ms. Lorna Wilmoth Vice President Ms. Andrea Jackson Secretary Ms. Shirley Lewis Treasurer Mr. Oliver Batson P H S STA N D I N G CO MMI TTE E Mr. Oliver Batson Mr. Compton Belle Ms. Alwyn Brown Mr. John Moore Ms. Jeane Telford

1 2 / THE MIDTO W N P R E SS

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Let Marjory Sheba find you a health plan that best suits your needs.

Marjory Sheba Bonzil is a local, licensed, and trained Insurance Broker who specializes in Medicare products. With 15+ years in the field, she is knowledgeable about the Medicare plans available in your area and their wide range of benefits.

Marjory Sheba will explain your health care options including: Medicare Advantage Plans Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans Prescription Drug Plans

To schedule a free plan review, please call:

Marjory Sheba Bonzil (407) 692-1525 "Je parle français. Mwen pale kreyol."

T H E M I DTO W N P R ESS / 1 3

FREE 8-Week Nutrition Class PARTICIPANTS RECIEVE: Comprehensive health tips and information.

project oasis Hebni Nutrition Co-Founder and Registered Dietitian, Fabiola Gaines

2009 W. Central Blvd.

Orlando, Florida 32805 407.872.1333 www.HebniNutrition.org

1 4 / THE MIDTO W N P R E SS

Project Oasis is a one-of-a-kind nutrition and diabetes education program that teaches participants how to cook healthy, affordable meals. The courses will be conducted in person and led by a registered dietitian in our beautiful teaching kitchen.

HOW TO REGISTER?

Registration is required to participate in Project Oasis.

Please call us or visit the "Project Oasis" section of our website.

Healthy habits from dietitians and other health professionals.

Participants recived FREE weekly produce and incentive items.

Diabetes prevention & management

NEXT 8-WEEK COURSE DATES September 27, October 4, 11, 18, 25 November 1, 8, 15 Tuesdays - 6 PM

Hawthorne Park Grand Opening Celebration

W

hen Wendover Housing Partners, held its ground-breaking event for Hawthorne Park, a new 120-unit development senior affordable community in Pine Hills back in March 2021 the excitement could be felt by everyone in attendance. Located at 5386 Silver Star Rd. (the intersection of Pine Hills Rd. & Silver Star Rd.), the $27 million residential development would serve as a catalyst for additional neighborhood improvements and address Orlando’s need for more affordable housing. Fast forward a short fifteen months later and the excitement is even stronger as the project is complete! To celebrate, a grand opening, ribbon-cutting celebration was held on June 22, 2022, and featured leadership from Wendover and elected officials including, Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings and Orange County District 6 Commissioner, Victoria P. Siplin.

Hawthorne Park offers both one-bedroom, one-bath, and two-bedroom, two-bath units, with rents starting at approximately $876/month for one-bedroom units and $1,045/month for twobedroom units. The apartments include open floor plans with a full-size washer/dryer, kitchen island, emergency call system, and walk-in closets. Other amenities of the complex include a fitness center, theater room, activity room with kitchen, computer room and library, dog walk, community garden, gazebo with seating and outdoor grilling area. Congratulations to all involved in this project.

T H E M I DTO W N P R ESS / 1 5

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T H E M I DTO W N P R ESS / 1 7

KNOW THIS!

School Crossing Safety

S

chool crossing guards play an important role in the lives of children who walk or bicycle to school. They help children safely cross the street at key locations. They also remind drivers of the presence of pedestrians. The presence of adult crossing guards can make more parents feel comfortable about their children walking or bicycling to school. While the primary role of an adult school crossing guard is to guide children safely across the street, children also remain responsible for their own safety. In this manner, a guard plays another key function — a role model helping children develop the skills necessary to cross streets safely at all times. School Crossing Guards work part-time during the school year. School Crossing Guards regulate, guide, and control pedestrians at a designated school crossing while children are going to and from school. Both the Orange County Sheriff's Office and the Orlando Police Department are currently hiring for the 2022/2023 school year. School Crossing Guards start at $15.45 p/hr. ($16.16 p/hr. for Orange County Sheriff's Dept.) and work a split shift of an hour in the morning and an hour in the afternoon. For more information about the open positions, scan the QR Code for each respective agency.

Orange County Sheriff's Office

City of Orlando Police Department

Your Medicare Rights

N

o matter how you get Medicare, you have rights and protections that provide for your safety when you get health care, ensure you get the health care services the law says you can get, shield you against unethical practices and safeguard your privacy. If you have Medicare:

You have the right to be: • Treated with courtesy, dignity and respect at all times.

• Protected from discrimination. Every company or agency that works with Medicare must obey the law.

They can't treat you differently because of your race, color, national origin, disability, age, religion, or sex.

You have the right to have: • Your personal and health information kept private.

• Access to doctors, specialists, and hospitals for medically necessary services.

You have the right to get: • Medicare-covered services in an emergency.

• Information in a way you understand from Medicare, health care providers, and, under certain circumstances, contractors.

• Information about your treatment choices in clear language that you can understand, and participate in treatment decisions.

• Medicare information and health care services in a language you understand.

• Your Medicare information in an accessible format, like braille or large print.

• Answers to your Medicare questions.

• A decision about health care payment, coverage of items and services, or drug coverage.

If you need plan information in a language other than English, or in an accessible format, contact your plan.

When you or your provider files a claim, you’ll get a notice letting you know what will and won’t be covered.

This notice may come from Medicare, Your Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) or other Medicare health plan or your Medicare drug plan for Medicare drug coverage (Part D).

If you disagree with the decision on your claim, you have the right to file an appeal. You may request a review (appeal) of certain decisions about health care payment, coverage of items and services, or drug coverage or file a complaints (sometimes called “grievances"), including complaints about the quality of your care. You may decide to do this if you have concerns about the quality of care and other services you get from a Medicare provider. (Reference: https://www.medicare.gov/basics/your-medicare-rights/your-rights) 1 8 / THE MIDTO W N P R E SS

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T H E M I DTO W N P R ESS / 1 9

The People’s Hob Nob & Straw Poll T

he Pine Hills Community Council held its Hob Nob & Straw Poll on Thursday, July 14, 2022 at the Central Florida Fairgrounds. There were 49 candidates and almost 500 participants setting a new attendance record.

The event included a "Straw Poll" courtesy of the Orange County Supervisors of Elections Offices. Participating candidates were given two minutes to introduce themselves and the office they were running for. Event Chair Patricia Rumph stated, “Our diverse representation, the fairgrounds venue, the price of admission, and the range of candidates and others involved truly confirms this event as the Peoples Hob Nob!"

2 0 / THE MIDTO W N P R E SS

+

PRESENT

On View September 16, 2022—January 16, 2023

Opening Reception Friday, September 16 | 7–10pm

Blue Bamboo Center for the Artsof Art 7–8:30pm | Crealdé School BlueBambooArtCenter.com * 407-636-9951 600 St. Andrews 1905 Kentucky Ave, Winter Park, Fl 32789

Blvd. | Winter Park, FL | 32792

8:30–10pm | Hannibal Square Heritage Center

Winter Park’s most intimate concert venue is proud to partner with Crealde School of Art presenting the Eddie Marshall trioAve. at Heritage 642 W. New England | Winter Square on Friday, Sept 16th 7-10PM.

Park, FL | 32789

We are proud to partner with Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts, who will present a free live jazz performance by The Eddie Marshall Trio at Hannibal Square Heritage Center.

This exhibition commemorates the late British photographer Roger Kallins (1938-2013), highlighting some of his best jazz images taken over a period of 50 years. The 45 images on display are originals, scanned from 35mm black-and-white negatives and printed on archival watercolor paper by Kallins himself. They are generously on loan by Anthony Ehrlich for this two-venue exhibition. This will be the first showing of Kallins’ work to the Orlando public. Co-curated by Juliana Romnes, Anthony Ehrlich and Peter Schreyer.

crealde.org

This program is funded in part by grants from Orange County Government through the Arts & Cultural Affairs Program.

T H E M I DTO W N P R ESS / 2 1

Pine Hills Safe Neighborhood Partnership newsletter

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

I

PINE HILLS SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD PARTNERSHIP UPDATES

n an effort to continue our revitalization efforts and to encourage businesses in the Pine Hills area to maintain their properties, the Pine Hills Safe Neighborhood Partnership has started to recognize businesses that do maintain their properties. The following businesses were recognized in June & July 2022. These businesses received a letter and certificate thanking them for keeping their surroundings wonderfully maintained in the Pine Hills area.

June 2022 Hardees #5212 Silver Star Rd. Popeyes - 2663 N Hiawassee Rd. McDonalds - 5218 Silver Star Rd. McDonalds - 6927 Silver Star Rd. Mister Car Wash - 4551 Silver Star Rd.

July 2022 New Church of Faith - 5000 Silver Star Rd. Mobile Gas OUR STORE - 5206 Silver Star Rd. Additions Bank - 4601 Silver Star Rd.

We are planning our 2nd Annual Pine Hills Parade. This year the parade is being jointly organized

by Pine Hills Safe Neighborhood Partnership, Pine Hills Community Council, and Pine Hills Seniors. Our goal is to make this year’s event even bigger and we are asking for the community’s involvement. We have also started a GoFundMe Page and we hope that we will be successful with this fundraiser to help fund the parade.

Need help with a specific issue or project? Want to learn more about community activities/events and socialize? Want to help improve your community? Join Us! • • • • •

Meetings are usually held at the Pine Hills Community Center, (6408 Jennings St, Orlando FL 32808) on the second Thursday of each month .

NEIGHBORHOOD LEADERS ARE STRONGLY URGED TO ATTEND. Meetings are open to the public and provides an opportunity to discuss issues/ideas with the board, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, and Orange County Neighborhood Services Division.

Receive community updates/listen to speakers with valuable information pertaining to the community.

Please become a member. We need you.

Contact us with your ideas and questions: Roselyn Clouden, President pinehillssafeneighborhoods@gmail.com 407-360-7953

2 2 / THE MIDTO W N P R E SS

T H E M I DTO W N P R ESS / 2 3

Maynard Evans High School

Evans Welcomes a New Principal

E

vans Community Partnership School is excited to congratulate and welcome Kenya Nelson-Warren as

the new Principal. Ms. Nelson-Warren is a proud graduate of Evans High School.

She attended Florida State earned

University, a

bachelor’s

degree from the University of Central Florida, and two master’s degrees from Troy University in public personnel management and educational leadership. She has a total of 26 years of educational experience with Orange County Public Schools and last year was recognized as the Assistant Principal of the Year for OCPS. Ms. Nelson-Warren has been described as “a servant leader who represents the very best in leadership within the district. She finds creative solutions and inspires others to reach their full potential.

She has a proven track record for increasing student achievement with a fierce determination in ensuring rich instruction and student support.”

2 4 / THE MIDTO W N P R E SS

Maynard Evans High School Be More than a Volunteer, Be a Trojan Mentor

T

his August, the Trojan Mentor Program will kick off at Evans High School. The program will match

volunteer mentors from the Central Florida community with students in grades 9-12 who need that additional supportive person in their lives to help push them to achieve their dreams. Mentors meet twice per month

for approximately 30-45 minutes with their student at Evans High School to talk about personal, professional, and academic development, share what is going on in their lives and to help create a pathway to success.

Mentors are provided with training and resources to help them make the most of their sessions with their mentee and receive ongoing support from the Evans Community Partnership School team. Last year, more than 95% of students who participated said they wanted to work with their mentor again and that they learn essential skills and lessons from them. We are looking for an additional 100 mentors to become our students’ “person” and will begin another round of training sessions in January. If you are interested in changing the life of a young person and helping them to realize their dreams, please contact us at evanshub@chsfl.org

or

call

407- 669-9470.

T H E M I DTO W N P R ESS / 2 5

Ask the Expert |

By Celines Martinez, MS, RDN/LDN

Healthy Eating: Back to School Edition Summer break can be stressful for parents, trying to keep kids busy with outings, camps and preventing excessive screen time. Let’s not forget feeding kids. They seem to be a bottomless pit of hunger during their time off from school.

It goes without saying that trying to keep kids entertained and eating healthy during the summer months is a tough job, not for the faint at heart. One of the most satisfying and mildly bittersweet times to be a parent is on the first day of school. Back-to-school preparations can be hectic, figuring out needed supplies and fighting off crowds to ensure you have checked off everything on the list. We put a lot of effort into preparing our children for academic success, and sometimes we overlook the importance of good nutrition and academic performance.

To set up our children for success at school, we must start at home with good nutrition. Kids who eat a balanced breakfast have increased cognition, work faster, and make fewer mistakes in math and vocabulary exams.

Behavior is also affected when children do not eat breakfast. Studies have shown children who participate in breakfast programs have decreased depression, anxiety, and hyperactivity.

Breakfast grocery items are not always the most nutritious options though they are marketed as convenient, easy, quick, or instant. Preparing a well-balanced breakfast is easy and can be incorporated into any busy morning routine. To

build a healthy morning meal, start with a good protein source like eggs, Greek yogurt, cheese, peanut butter, or even leftover chicken/meat from the night before. A good protein is lacking in most breakfast cereals and other traditional breakfast options. After you have decided on a protein, pick a healthy carbohydrate. Some good options are whole wheat bread, whole grain pancake mix, oatmeal, granola, English muffin, and even potatoes. A balanced breakfast would not be complete without fruits and/or vegetables. They can be fresh or frozen.

When you put an item from each group together, you will have a complete balanced and nutritious breakfast.

Try some Greek yogurt, frozen fruit, and oats for a protein-packed breakfast smoothie. You can also try an English muffin with an egg and veggie scramble topped with cheese. Another great option is a whole grain pancake or waffle. Make ahead on the weekend and freeze them, or you can place them in the toaster as needed and top with peanut butter. Overnight oats are a great breakfast item that can save you time on busy mornings.

Making a great breakfast may seem impossible, but if you are prepared with the right items, it will quickly become part of your family’s morning routine. We want the best for our children and want them to do great in school. Let’s set them up for success with a great breakfast.

Celines Martinez is a Registered Dietitian who facilitates nutrition education programming and content in Spanish and English to better meet the needs of our diverse community. In addition, she is responsible for data collection analysis of community health and nutrition projects. Celines holds a Master of Science degree in Nutrition and Dietetics and Associates of Science in Culinary Arts.

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Oatmeal Peanut Butter Energy Bars

Ingredients • • • • • • • • •

1 cup old fashioned oats 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries 2 tablespoons chia seeds 1 cup nuts (pecans, walnuts, cashews, almonds, etc.)

1/2 tablespoon ground cinnamon Pinch of ground nutmeg 1/2 cup peanut butter or alternative nut butter 1/4 cup honey 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions 1. Combine the nuts, oats, raisins, chia seeds, cinnamon, and nutmeg, peanut butter, honey, and vanilla in a bowl and mix until fully combined 2. Add the mixture into a baking dish and press until flat 3. Cover and chill for two hours or until firm 4. Slice into bars and serve Serve and enjoy!

Recipe provided courtesy of Hebni Nutrition | www.hebninutrition.org | 407.872.1333

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info@dobbsfuneralhome.com  www.dobbsfuneralhome.com T H E M I DTO W N P R ESS / 2 7

Midtown

THE

Press

The Midtown Press has been published continuously since 1995.

Reporting news and events of primary interest to residents and businesses in Pine Hills and surrounding areas. The publication promotes good citizenship, civic activity, volunteerism, and community development.

VOLUME XXVI NUMBER 4 www.themidtownpress.com

june/july 2021 VOLUME XXVI NUMBER 3 www.themidtownpress.com

PROUDLY SERVING GREATER PINE HILLS & LOCAL COMMUNITIES PINE HILLS | GOTHA | ORLO VISTA | LITTLE EGYPT | LOCKHART | CLARCONA

PROUDLY SERVING GREATER PINE HILLS & LOCAL COMMUNITIES PINE HILLS | GOTHA | ORLO VISTA | LITTLE EGYPT | LOCKHART | CLARCONA

APRIL/MAY 2021

Press

Midtown

AUG/SEPT 2021

THE

Press

Midtown

THE

THE

Midtown

Press

VOLUME XXVI NUMBER 2 www.themidtownpress.com

PROUDLY SERVING GREATER PINE HILLS & LOCAL COMMUNITIES PINE HILLS | GOTHA | ORLO VISTA | LITTLE EGYPT | LOCKHART | CLARCONA

KNOW THIS!

Operation Best Foot Forward Page 9

COMING SOON Hawthorne Park Page 18

PRESS PROFILE Koi Slaughter Page 20

LET'S EAT

let's eat

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

Page 11

Page 7

COVID-19 Slide

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Page 14

Page 14

PRESS PROFILE

PRESS PROFILE

Page 20

Page 20

Negrils Jamaican Restaurant Page 27

Hurricane Season

Get Hooked Seafood Restaurant

Men’s Health Focus

A Discussion About COVID-19 & Education

Captain Ronald Beasley

Jemile Weeks

KNOW THIS

KNOW THIS

Page 25

Page 27

A beautiful, lazy, Sunday afternoon in Barnett Park

Seat Belt & Back Seat Safety

School Bus Safety

The Midtown Press is published bi-monthly, six times per year, with a distribution of more than 7,000 (2,000 print & 5,000 digital).

Contact us for our affordable advertising opportunities!

Newsletter Development, Brochure and Flyer Design Services also available.

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I

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{ PostScript }

've heard it said before that there are two topics you should not talk about publicly; religion and politics. The reason is that an individual's connections to both of these topics are so entrenched in who they are (some good and some bad) that unless you agree with their perspectives, none times out of ten, a disagreement or debate will occur. I do not consider myself a political person.

I would like to believe that I am knowledgeable enough and try to keep myself abreast of local, state and national news to form an opinion and to decide where I stand on certain issues. I was fortunate to attend the The People’s Hob Nob & Straw Poll which was hosted by the Pine Hills Community Council who did an amazing job organizing the event which saw over 500 participants and 49 candidates in attendance. I was able to listen to a few of the candidates give their two-minute pitch on why you should vote for them. I was captivated and motivated by their messages about what they stood for and the changes they would make to improve our roads, safety measures and in general make our lives better. If I could, I would vote for all of them. I think it takes a great deal of courage and requires thick skin to decide to get into politics.

What became clear is that local politics have the most significant impact on our daily lives. For many people, when they thing politics, it begins and ends with Presidents and Senators. However thing about school boards, state representatives and of course, judges. These crucial ocal politics are positions are responsible for more about what happen in our have the most daily lives than the aforementioned positions. With that being significant impact said, this is a "mid-term" election year and historically, voter on our daily lives! turnout is lower during these years primarily because we are not electing a President. However, I encourage everyone to go out and vote! Obtain a sample ballot to see which candidates are running for office in your respective districts, do research to learn more about the candidates, their agendas and platforms and vote for who you feel best represents you. Too often many people lose sight of the fact that elected officials work for the people.

In other words they represent us. With that in mind, during this mid-term election cycle lets work collectively to change the narrative regarding lower voter turnout.

Encourage your friends, relatives and neighbors to get out and vote. We even need to take it a step further and assist elderly neighbors who cannot drive (and haven't requested a mail-in ballot) to take them to their polling station to votes. Encourage our young people to exercise their civic duty and vote. They need to realize and understand that changes being made now can affect them for years to come.

L

"

I've seen bumper car stickers and t-shirts in the past that read "Vote like your life depends on it!" I believe that is the attitude we must have.

- The Editor T H E M I DTO W N P R ESS / 2 9

Practical Budget Cuts You Can Make Right Now Courtesy of McCoy – Your Community Credit Union

The effects of inflation continue to take a toll on individuals and families. Budgets are being stretched, and it’s more important than ever to focus on your finances.

Here are some easy-to-apply tips for how you can adjust your spending and keep your budget on track.

Switch to generic products Costs can add up quickly at the grocery store. As you shop, keep in mind that while groceries are a necessity, name-brand products are not.

Consider switching to store-brand products instead. The amount you save will vary by item, but your savings will add up with each shopping trip.

Reduce your energy usage Adjusting your habits in small ways, such as turning off the lights when you leave a room, can go a long way in reducing your energy usage. There are some other things you can do to decrease your energy bill as well.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Saver Guide, you can save as much as 10% per year by turning your thermostat down 7-10 degrees for eight hours per day in the fall and winter. Turn it up during the spring and summer months. Additionally, keeping electronics plugged in when not in use could add an extra 10% to your monthly utility bill because they continue to draw power even when turned off. Switching to LED light bulbs can save energy and money as well. Not only do they last longer, but they use less energy than regular light bulbs.

Cancel subscriptions you’re not using Chances are high that you’re enrolled in a monthly subscription of some sort, whether it’s for your health or entertainment. The costs may seem small when you look at them individually, but they can add up to hundreds of dollars per month.

A recent Nielsen survey found that 21% of respondents paid $20-$29.99 per month for streaming services.

Additionally, 17% paid $30-$49.99 per month and 15% paid more than $50 per month. Now, imagine the savings when you cut half of those amounts. The same goes for music streaming services, meal delivery kits, and gym memberships. If you’re not using your subscriptions regularly, cancel them to free up some space in your budget.

Shop for cheaper insurance When was the last time you shopped around for auto or homeowners insurance? If you’ve been with the same company for a while, it’s time to get some new quotes. Car insurance rates are based on a variety of factors, including your driving record, your vehicle’s mileage, where you live, and even your credit score. When these factors change for the better, that’s money in your pocket. Bundling with your homeowners insurance can produce additional savings on both policies.

Experts recommend reviewing your insurance options every year or two to make sure you’re not overpaying.

While you may not find better rates every time, taking the time to do so ensures you’re not leaving money on the table. You don’t have to make all these changes at once. Even applying just one can make a difference for your budget.

3 0 / THE MIDTO W N P R E SS

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