The Midtown Press Dec 24/Jan 25

THE

Midtown

Press

DECEMBER '24/JANUARY '25 VOLUME XXIX NUMBER 6 www.themidtownpress.com

PROUDLY SERVING GREATER PINE HILLS & SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES

The little paper with the big picture!

TIDBITS Page 6

TRIBUTE TO DENNIS W. HALL Page 8

PINE HILLS SENIORS THANKSGIVING Page 12

HOLIDAY EATING TIPS Page 24

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LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT CENTRAL FLORIDA

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Midtown

The little paper with the big picture!

In This Issue 4 Editor's Chair 6 Tidbits 8 Tribute to Dennis W. Hall 10 Midtown Marketplace 12 Pine Hills Seniors 18 Pine Hills Safe Neighborhood Partnership 24 Ask The Expert - Holiday Eating

DECEMBER 2024

Dates to Know

THE

Press

3 National Day of Giving 10 Nobel Prize Day 20 National Ugly Sweater Day 21 December Solstice 25 Christmas 26 Kwanzaa 29 Still Need To Do Day 31 New Year's Eve

JANUARY 2025 1 New Year's Day 2 World Introvert Day 7 Orthodox Christmas 15 Dr. Martin Luther King Birthday 24 National Fun at Work Day 26 Opposite Day 29 Lunar New Year

Cover Photo I can never pass up the beauty of a well-adorned Christmas tree, especially when I saw this tastefully decorated example located inside the Barnett Park Administration building. I was impressed to learn that the tree was decorated by students in the "Rec Squad" Afterschool Program.

Photography By: T H E M I DTO W N P RESS / 3 Ollie Damm

Midtown

THE

Press

The little paper with the big picture!

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EDITOR’S CHAIR

A

s we approach the end of the year, I want to thank the many people who have contributed to The Midtown Press over the past year. Please know that your support is never taken for granted. From our advertisers, contributors, and, of course, our readers, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for demanding a quality paper that reflects the best of our community. Thank you for all the emails, phone calls, and text messages about people I need to know and stories that need a spotlight. This year has been an extremely busy one for me as I opened the doors to the SMILE Ice Cream Cafe. Despite SMILE's launch, my attention and commitment to the paper remained strong, and I felt a sense of duty and responsibility to the community to ensure that the paper was produced and published in a manner that people would feel proud of. I wish everyone a happy holiday season and a safe, healthy, and prosperous 2025!

As always, thank you for supporting the Midtown Press - The little paper with the big Glen picture!

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Tidbits

Clerk’s Office Extends Saturday Hours Into 2025 Orange County Clerk of Courts Tiffany Moore Russell is extending Saturday hours at two branch locations for another year throughout 2025 to provide more convenient times for customers.

The Clerk’s Office began these extra days in June of 2023 as a pilot project to determine if the public would find the hours helpful. Due to the positive response, the Clerk’s office is continuing the extra Saturdays.

The Winter Park and Ocoee branches will be open for services such as marriage licenses and ceremonies, passports, and payments on one Saturday of every month for the entire year of 2025. These branch offices are open on the following Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

2025 Saturday Dates January 11th February 8th March 8th April 12th May 17th June 14th

July 12th August 9th September 13th October 11th November 8th December 13th

Customers will be able to access the same services offered during the week at our branch locations on these select Saturdays. Appointments will also be available on these days for passports and marriage services.

“Our Saturday hours were popular with customers who took advantage of this extra day to do business with us. We all know how busy work and school can be for families, so this is another option to provide more convenient times,” said Clerk Tiffany Moore Russell.

The Winter Park and Ocoee branches will be the only locations open for the extra Saturday hours. Make sure to visit the Clerk’s Office website for the latest Saturday dates. Go to www.myorangeclerk.com.

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Tidbits

Orange County Government Announces Partnership with Solar United Neighbors

Orange County property owners now have access to affordable rooftop solar installations through a partnership with the non-profit, Solar United Neighbors. The newly named program called "Solar Switch" – provides information on solar energy and offers an opportunity to consider installing rooftop solar and optional battery storage at a competitive price "This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about using clean, renewable energy from the sun to power your home and save money," said Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings. "In addition, the bonus of battery storage provides relief during power outages and is another step toward resilience for our community."

To learn more, residents should register at SolarSwitch.com/OrangeCounty

by January 15, 2025. Based upon the information provided, SolarSwitch will follow up with a personal recommendation and offer that includes estimated costs, savings, and expected electricity generation. There is no obligation to accept.

For more information, visit SolarSwitch.com/OrangeCounty.

Goodwill Industries of Central Florida Extends Store Hours on Sunday at Select Locations Goodwill Industries of Central Florida will give shoppers extra time on Sundays at select retail stores.

Beginning last month, Goodwill extended store hours from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays at the Orange City, Oviedo, Waterford Lakes and Osceola Village locations. Shoppers at the Pine Hills outlet will also have more time to treasure hunt every day, opening an hour earlier at 8 a.m.

Donating to and shopping at Goodwill locations across Orange, Osceola, Lake, Seminole, Volusia and Brevard counties helps create quality jobs and support employment training programs while also keeping millions of pounds of household waste from reaching local landfills.

To find the nearest location and browse what household items Goodwill accepts as donations, visit www.GoodwillCFL.org.

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O

n Thursday, November 21st members of the community including friends, business leaders, and elected officials came together to celebrate the life of Mr. Dennis Hall.

The memorial service was held at Grace Bible Church of Central Florida located at 801 Dorscher Road, and was officiated by Pastor - Bishop Derrick L. McRae of the Experience Christian Center.

Mr. Hall was a father, brother, son, grandfather, uncle, cousin, friend, and a soul who touched lives in countless ways. He was also the loving husband to Mrs. Sandra FatmiHall and togehter they shared a vision and an unbreakable bond.

Mr. Hall lived with deep conviction, whose presence filled the room, and smile and laughter could light up even the darkest days. He was a man who gave generously, loved wholeheartedly, and lived passionately. Whether it was his dedication to his family, his loyalty to his friends, or his kindness toward strangers, he left a mark on this world that will never fade. To his friends and family, he was a confident, a source of reason, a straight shooter, and a reminder to enjoy the simple joys in life. He showed us all what it meant to be truly present and compassionate, to care deeply, and to give without expecting anything in return.

We hold onto the lessons he imparted, the love he shared, and the beautiful memories we collectively created together. Let us honor him by carrying forward his legacy of kindness, strength, and love. Rest in peace, Mr. Hall. You will be dearly missed and will always be remembered. Thank you for the time you shared with us, and for the love that will forever echo in our lives.

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Dennis W. Hall JULY 23, 1945 - OCTOBER 31, 2024

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Senior Focus Pine Hills Seniors: Staying Active & Involved!

We Share Because we Care!

PHS Thanksgiving Celebration

O

n November 21st the Pine Hills Seniors, Inc., held their 17th 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.

To the Orlando Alumni of Kappa Alpha Psi, on behalf of the members of Pine Hills Seniors Inc.we would like to say "thank you!" We cannot express enough gratitude for your continued support and generosity for the last 17 years. Your partnership has been an incredible benefit to the our senior group. Our appreciation is immeasurable for your dedication and devotion in the way you have cared for our community. The Thanksgiving Luncheon is the highlight of the year and without your willingness and efforts we could not make this happen. From the bottom of our hearts we THANK YOU! Lorna Wilmoth President Pine Hills Seniors, Inc. (A 501c3 Nonprofit Organization)

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PRESENTS

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Pine Hills Community Council Corner

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Habitat for Humanity kicks off Orange County build for 5th annual ‘Home for the Holidays' Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County is partnering with Williams Company to build safe, affordable homes for two local families ahead of the holidays in Orange County and in Kissimmee.

Orange County’s kickoff ceremony in the Holden Heights community was held on December 2nd.

“This is a monumental year for Habitat Orlando & Osceola’s Home for the Holidays with two builds in two different counties,” said Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County President & CEO Catherine Steck McManus. “This would not be possible without the generous support of Williams Company and their continued commitment to our mission.”

This is the second kickoff for Home for the Holidays 2024, with the first taking place in Kissimmee, where Habitat Orlando & Osceola is building for the first time in Osceola County. This year’s Orange County home will be purchased by Stephanie. She is excited to have a safe, affordable place to live along with her son and granddaughter.

This is the fifth consecutive year that local builder Williams Company and its subcontractors and vendors have donated the materials, supplies and labor as part of the annual Home for the Holidays event. It’s the first year they’ve done two homes in this sped-up timeframe.

“Our team is excited to provide support to build homes for two future Habitat families this year,” said Williams Company Vice President of Operations Matt Olberding. “We are proud to be a part of Habitat Orlando & Osceola’s mission for the last five years. This event exemplifies the essence of people coming together to support one another, especially during the holiday season.”

The Home for the Holidays event will conclude with home dedication ceremonies for both home builds on Dec. 13, 2025.

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

Holiday Health: Battling Holiday Weight Gain

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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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