The Midtown Press - August/September 2023 Issue

THE

Midtown

Press

DEC 2023/JAN 2024 VOLUME XXVIII NUMBER 6 www.themidtownpress.com

PROUDLY SERVING GREATER PINE HILLS & SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES

The little paper with the big picture!

community

LYNX Transfer Station Groundbreaking Page 8

TIDBITS

Public Art Opportunity Page 8

PRESS SPOTLIGHT Oliver Kenneddy, Jr. Page 16

ASK THE EXPERT Battling Holiday Weight Gain Page 22

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Midtown

THE

Press

The little paper with the big picture!

In This Issue 4 Editor’s Chair 6 New LYNX Transfer Station Groundbreaking 7 Know This!

12 Senior Focus 14 The Midtown Marketplace 16 Press Spotlight 18 Pine Hills Safe Neighborhood Partnership Newsletter 22 Evans High School Happenings

Dates to Know December 2023 7 Pearl Harbor Day 11 International Children’s Day 16 National Chocolate Covered Anything Day 21 Winter Solstice 25 Christmas 25 Kwanzaa 31 New Years Eve

January 2024 1 6 15 17 24 28

New Year's Day Three Kings Day National Strawberry Ice Cream Day Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day National Compliment Day Fun At Work Day

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EDITOR’S CHAIR H

appy Holidays and Merry Christmas, everyone! Welcome to the December/ January issue of The Midtown Press. For our new readers, our paper is published every other month, six times per year during the following months: February/March, April/May, June/July, August/September, October/ November, and December/January.

I received some recent feedback in the form of a complaint that the paper needed to be more current and should be published monthly. On one hand, I was bothered by the grudge, but then I decided to look at it differently and instead felt that this person wanted more! As I have said in prior issues, it is truly heartwarming to see people reading the paper, requesting copies, and expressing interest in advertising. I genuinely enjoy working on the paper and am deeply grateful for its impact as we work to share the good that is happening in our community.

However, it is challenging to pull off publishing an issue, especially without a staff. From gathering stories to contacting advertisers to distribution (both electronically and physically), it takes considerable effort.

With that being said, would I like to increase frequency? Absolutely, but it requires more than I am currently able to support. I would need more help to consider any expansion. I am thankful to have great contributors, including Barbara Chandler and Kassanndra Santiago, whose contributions to the paper have been invaluable. But I would need more. I believe in the notion that if you are not growing, you are dying, so I would like to work toward developing a plan that leads to that growth. I have already begun making inroads with some who could help make great partnerships, but it will take some time. Please be patient with me as I work toward creating the best possible version of The Midtown Press!

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In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this issue. I know I sound like a broken record player; however, as I work on each issue, it reminds me of how fleeting time is. In just a few short weeks, we will be singing Auld Lang Syne and ringing the bells of a new year! As I was "dusting off" the files to work on this issue, it seemed like it was only a few short months ago when I was working on last year's issue.

This issue features a couple "feel good" stories.

One featuring a local hero, Oliver Kennedy, Jr. (Page 16) and another highlighting a local sports celebrity, Maurice Allen (Page 21).

We also have our regular feature on the Pine Hills Seniors, who celebrated Thanksgiving with a beautiful and entertaining luncheon. We also have coverage of the new Pine Hills LYNX Transfer Station groundbreaking ceremony.

Despite what you might hear or see on the news, many positive things are happening in our community. That is precisely why The Midtown Press exists: to share the good news about the people, places, and things happening in our community. While we may not be able to cover everything, if you have an upcoming event or a newsworthy story you think we should be aware of, please let us know.

Lastly, as you read through the paper, please pay attention to the different advertisements you see and ask that you support them. I am humbled by each advertiser who partners with us.

Simply put, without them, there is no Midtown Press.

Some advertisers are small mom-and-pop businesses and larger nonprofit organizations. No matter the size, I am genuinely grateful for each of them.

Glen

Midtown

THE

Press

The little paper with the big picture!

“The little paper with the big picture”

Publisher

EJP North, LLC.

Editor

Glen R. Providence

Associate Editor Barbara Chandler

All materials contained herein (unless otherwise noted) are owned and copyrighted by EJP North, LLC and Glen R. Providence. No material may be reproduced in any manner or form without the written consent of the publishers or their designated representative.

Contact Us

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glen@themidtownpress.com Publishers assume no responsibility to return unsolicitededitorial material. All rights in letters and unsolicited editorial and graphic material will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes, subject to publishers’ unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially.

Advertising rates available upon request.

www.themidtownpress.com

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KNOW THIS! O

range County Public Works Roads and Drainage crews have began repaving part of North Apopka-Vineland Road. The work will be done in two phases with the first phase will stretch between West Colonial Drive and Silver Star Road, while the second will be from Silver Star Road to Starr Drive. The project is expected to be completed

by December 21stof this year.

According to the county, the roads will be repaved using a "hot in-place" asphalt recycling process where the existing pavement is heated and milled before it is reapplied with a recycling agent to restore the viscosity of the aged asphalt.

The crews will work from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. Lane closures will be in place while the work is being done. Drivers should be aware of lane closures. Signs will instruct them on how the work will impact traffic. Variable message boards will be in place to alert drivers of the upcoming project and traffic impact. 

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Tidbits

Call For Artists: Public Art Opportunity for Orange County’s New Innovation Lab The Orange County Public Art Review Board recently announced an opportunity for artists to develop artwork for Orange County’s Innovation Lab to be located within the newly opened Pine Hills Multicultural Center.

Orange County’s Innovation Lab is one of the ways that Orange County is working toward combining STEM Programs with Art, creating STEAM—Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics. Set to open in 2025, Orange County’s Innovation Lab will be an inspirational space for creators of all ages to conceive and create technology-based items and ideas from robotics to virtual reality.

Once completed, the center will feature a variety of spaces including a computer lab, collaboration and training spaces, Virtual Reality Den, Telecom Training Room, Idea Lab and two fully equipped Fabrication Spaces. The Center will also include a large flexible gathering space fully outfitted for sound, light, and video, suitable for TED Talks, industry meetings, and community events.

This opportunity is open to professional artists working in any appropriate media.

Student artists may also apply if they can secure an experienced public artist to serve as a mentor to oversee their work. Artists will be evaluated on artistic excellence as evidenced by submitted materials; professional experience; compatibility with the architectural design, facility environment and values of the county and this particular community.

A total of $77,600 has been approved for artwork. The selected artist(s) will be awarded a comprehensive contract. The artist will be responsible for artwork design, fabrication, materials, installation, insurance, travel, public presentations, meetings with Orange County staff as necessary, identification plaque, and all related incidental expenses. The deadline for submission is Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at midnight.

For more information and to submit an entry, visit the link below or scan the QR Code. https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info. php?ID=12241 .

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Tidbits

USPS Temporarily Suspends Operations at the Orlando Pine Hills Branch Post Office Citing safety concerns, the United States Postal Service has suspended operations at the Pine Hills Branch located at 811 Deauville Drive.

During the closure, USPS has stated that customers can use a mobile unit parked in the parking lot of the Pine Hills branch, or they can go to the Hiawassee branch located at 3200 N. Hiawassee Road. No specific information was shared about the nature of the safety issue that ultimately resulted in the closure of the branch.

The Mobile Retail Unit at the Orlando Pine Hills Branch parking lot will be opened Monday - Friday from 9:00 am – 1:30 pm; 2:30 pm - 5:00 pm. Service will not available on the weekends at the Mobile Retail Unit. 

Orange County Animal Services Overwhelmed with Homeless Dogs Orange County Animal Services which focuses on the health and wellbeing of the animals in Orange County resumed normal intake of stray dogs after a pause due to an outbreak of the canine pneumovirus. The virus is a contagious respiratory virus with symptoms including coughing, sneezing and nasal discharge and can progress to pneumonia and difficulty breathing. With intake returning to normal, the shelter is now overwhelmed with dogs. The shelter is now caring for more than 200+ dogs and asking for the community to step forward to adopt, foster or attempt to reunite found dogs with their owners before resorting to bringing them to the shelter. Adoption fees have been waived for dogs already spayed/neutered, vaccinated and microchipped, those are designated as “ready to go.”

Residents intersted in adopting a dog can visit the shelter in-person. Adoption services are available without an appointment. For a list of current dogs available for adoption, visit http://www.orangecountyanimalservicesfl.net/ Adopt/AnimalsinShelter.aspx or scan the QR Code.

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I

n 2023, the Pine Hills Community Council continued with our mission to Preserving a Clean, Safe and Prosperous Community, as we have worked towards a progressive movement in revitalization, economic development, beautification, and educational initiatives to support the needs and growth of residents in the Pine Hills community.

Over the past year, we have worked with the Orange County Sheriff's Office, Honorable Mayor Jerry Demings, Commissioner Michael Scott, and local, state, and federal officials to address the community's needs.

It has been a year of excitement, partnership growth, and collaboration. Through our trials, we have developed resilience and preservation, which has opened doors of opportunity to grow over time.

The Council is growing through continued efforts of nurturing and mentoring our youth, leadership, civic engagement, and expanded partnerships. Our advocacy for community improvement continues to be strong.

We are incredibly excited and proud of the engagement and growth of the 3rd Annual Pine Hills Parade. We know that the event will grow stronger each new year. We look forward to a productive 2024!

Thank you, Sandra Fatmi-Hall, Pine Hills Community Council, President Latanya Nichols, Pine Hills Community Council, First Vice President

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Senior Focus Pine Hills Seniors: Staying Active & Involved!

We Share Because we Care!

PHS Thanksgiving Celebration

O

n November 16th the Pine Hills Seniors, Inc., held their 16th Annual Thanksgiving Celebration at the newly minted Pine Hills Multi Cultural Center. The group was treated to a delicious, traditional Thanksgiving feast with all of the fixins, sponsored by the generosity of the men of Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity, Inc., Orlando Alumni Chapter.

The support provided by Kappa Alpha Psi has allowed our group the ability to outreach and to engage with not only the 115+ registered members of the Pine Hills Seniors but also to thousands of seniors that reside in the Pine Hills community. The Thanksgiving luncheon is the highlight event of the year and without the willingness and efforts of Kappa Alpha Psi we could not make this happen. So, once again, from the bottom of our hearts we THANK YOU for your generous and continued support to the Pine Hills Seniors, Inc. Lorna Wilmoth President Pine Hills Seniors, Inc. (A 501c3 Nonprofit Organization)

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Thread

(Un)Common

Alisha McCurdy Holzman Eugene Ofori Agyei

Maitland Art Center Gallery November 18 - January 7, 2024 SCAN FOR TICKETS

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(Un)Common Thread presents an engaging exhibition featuring the distinctive fiber art creations of three talented artists: Eugene Ofori Agyei, Alisha McCurdy Holzman, and Jacob Z. Wan. The resulting conversations between their works will examine the overlap between environmental and social issues as well as the wide-ranging possibilities and applications of their overlapping mediums.

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Maynard Evans High School

Teach In 2023

E

ach November, in celebration of American Education Week, business and civic leaders come into classrooms at Evans High School to talk with students about academics, careers, and the future. This year, Teach-in had one of its largest community participation yet. On November 16th, students in grades 9-12 had the opportunity to hear from and talk with industry leaders from a wide variety of organizations and businesses in Central Florida including, Orange County Government, Onyx IP, Valencia College, Orlando Magic, Coca-Cola Beverages Florida and more. Presenters spoke with over 750 students in more than 30 classrooms and when asked, students described their sessions as: “I loved it;” “I would love to have him come back again to do another lesson;” and “ I learned something brand new.” If you are interested in joining us for next year’s Teach-In or to volunteer to share your career story with our students through one of our career conversations, please contact evanshub@chsfl.org.

Former Evans Coach Pennington Honored

O

n November 29th, The Orange County Schools Foundation and Evans High School welcomed alumni back to the “Snake Pit” for a naming ceremony of the Evans Gym to honor Coach Frederick Pennington. Evans High alumni join current students, staff, and district administrators to dedicate the school gym and unveil a plaque to legendary Coach Fred Pennington. Pennington led the Evans HS Trojans boys’ basketball team from 1961-1975, creating more championship teams than any other coach in school history. To view the entire dedication ceremony, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Deo8-ou0OQM

The Community and Trojan Market Help Provide Thanksgiving Dinners

O

n November 16th, 100 families received a full Thanksgiving meal before students left for the week-long break. Evans Alum Maurice Allen and his family donated 100 turkeys and Coca-Cola Beverages Florida which donated nonsugary drinks to complete the Thanksgiving meal kits that families could order through the Trojan Market. If you are interested in helping to provide food to the Trojan Market for the Holiday break or throughout the year, please contact director, Kelly Astro at kelly.astro@chsfl.org.

Trojan Market Holiday Wishlist

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s we enter the Holiday season, the Evans HUB needs your help to provide our students with basic needs. You can organize a drive, drop donations off or use our Amazon Wish List https://www.amazon.com/ registries/gl/guest-view/24CR5KNKNVTSP or scan the QR Code. If you have questions as to how to get involved, please reach out to director, Kelly Astro at Kelly.Astro@chsfl.org.

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Amazon Wish List

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Ask the Expert | By Celines Martinez, MS, RDN/LDN

Holiday Health: Battling Holiday Weight Gain

I

t's that time of year for Christmas parties, which come standard with cookies, pies and other tempting holiday treats. Are you fearing the dreaded holiday weight gain? It is that time of year again when we start to indulge in all the holiday g o o d n e ss w h i l e stressing out about h o w this will affect our waistlines.

Well, I am here to tell you not to worry. Studies have shown that holiday weight gain only results in about 1-2 pounds. Extra weight gain could be due to other factors, including water weight from eating out more, holiday stress, not sleeping enough, or poor sleep quality. Unless you put in extra effort to eat your way from Thanksgiving through the new year, keeping your weight on track requires just a few tips and a plan.

Do you have a wellness plan routine? Are you currently using a specific eating plan or exercise routine? This time of year, our priorities shift, and our wellness routine is the first thing to fall off our schedule. Sticking to your plan, and keeping up with your current diet will keep your body consistent and allow you not to feel guilty about indulging in holiday treats. Be sure to choose your holiday splurges carefully and eat items you truly enjoy. Be mindful, and don’t consume everything in sight for the sake of holiday celebrations.

Exercising through the holidays is great for

avoiding weight gain and has countless benefits.

Maintaining an exercise routine during this busy time helps with stress management, sleep quality, insulin resistance, lowering blood pressure, etc.

Don’t have a wellness plan/routine? You do not have to wait until January to begin. The end of the year is an excellent time for reflection and a great time to start incorporating new habits that can roll into the new year. Adding physical activity to your daily routine can be as simple as walking after dinner or cycling to reap the benefits. Being mindful about what you eat and focusing on healthy foods outside of holiday gatherings will support your health through the new year. The holidays are about enjoying our families and friends. Don’t let the stress of weight gain affect your enjoyment.

In between parties, look for ways to stay healthy through p hy s i c a l a c t i v i t y, eating h e a l t h y, a n d getting enough sleep.

Creating a wellness plan and sticking to it will make you merry all season long.

If you don’t have a wellness plan and need help getting started, check out our free programs at Hebni Nutrition to help you end the year right and start 2024 with a bang.

Celines Martinez is a Registered Dietitian with Hebni Nutrition. She 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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The Permanent Collection Of Hannibal Square On View | January 15–June 1, 2024

Opening Reception & Artist’s Talk: Monday, January 15 | 4–6pm The Hannibal Square Heritage Center is the permanent home for the Heritage Collection: Photographs and Oral Histories of West Winter Park. On display will be pieces not normally on view, including newly unveiled images and oral histories from Peter Schreyer’s 1994-95 Winter Park Library historic research grant project, depicting life in Hannibal Square in the mid-1990s.

Martin Luther King Day 1995

Martin Luther King Day, 1995, Photograph by Peter Schreyer Like many other communities across America, Winter Park celebrates January 16th as a memorial and tribute to the famous civil rights leader. City officals, pastors and community groups march each year through the Westside neighborhood. The festivities usually culminate with musical presentations and speeches by community leaders in Shady Park near Hannibal Square.

HannibalSquareHeritageCenter.org

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{ PostScript }

ctor Sherman Hemsley, who starred as "George" in the hit television show The Jeffersons, was 35 years old when he finally got his breakout role. He took acting classes at night while working a full-time job at a local post office during the day. Stan Lee created the legendary Marvel Universe, including characters such as Spider-Man and the X-Men, which became American cultural icons. He didn't complete his first hit comic, The Fantastic Four, until he was almost 39 years old. Martha Stewart, the home and kitchen icon, found real success at age 41 when her first cookbook was published. The name Sam Walton may not be an everyday name to most. However, the company he founded in 1962 at the age of 44, Walmart, created a path that led to astronomical success.

One of my favorite all-time quotes (you should know by now that I love quotes) says that "overnight success usually takes ten years." On the outside, looking in, it may appear as if someone just got lucky, and their idea took off and they became "famous" overnight. What is usually the case, however, is that the person had spent, on average, a decade of late nights and early mornings trying to get that breakout role, the right investor, or the perfect song producer to help craft that ideal hit. One of the most remarkable aspects of achieving success later in life is the depth of experience and maturity individuals bring to their endeavors. For the more mature person, you learn that wisdom becomes a formidable asset, allowing for more informed decisions and a broader perspective. The trials and tribulations endured throughout the years become a cornerstone of resilience that propels individuals toward their goals despite obstacles.

Some readers might be trying to figure out my direction with this narrative, so I'll let you in on a little secret. I recently celebrated my 49th birthday. As I experience my last year in my 40s, I am not where I thought I would be approaching 50. Now, don't get me wrong, not for a second am I ungrateful for where I am in my life. However, it is easy to compare your accolades to those of others and have feelings of doubt and insecurity. According to social security rules, the full retirement age is 67, giving me approximately 17 more years to work. While I would love to retire at that age, my savings might say otherwise. Did the decisions I made in my 20s and 30s coming back to haunt me. When I decided to quit a well-paying job at age of 32 to start my own business, it seemed like the right idea at the time. After all, I was supposed to be one of those overnight celebrities! My business was supposed to take off, and my name was to be included as one of those who became famous for their creation. Unfortunately, that was not the case. But life isn't over. There is hope in tomorrow. I have managed to dust myself off, and I am trying again!

P

I remain hopeful that 2024 will be a transformational year. I was born on the 24th. I turn 50 during the year, and things are lining up nicely. I want to encourage any reader who might be dealing with doubt and fear to remember this quote: "Fear and faith do not exist at the same time!" Be bold.

Be courageous and exercise your faith. Even that mustard seed faith can work wonders.

Cheers to the New Year!

-The Editor

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