The Midtown Press - February/March Issue

THE

Midtown

Press

FEB/MAR 2022 VOLUME XXVII NUMBER 1 www.themidtownpress.com

PROUDLY SERVING GREATER PINE HILLS & LOCAL COMMUNITIES

The little paper with the big picture!

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

LANGSTON HUGHES, POET

Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly.

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IN THIS ISSUE 4 6 8 10 12 15 30

EDITOR’S CHAIR WHAT SAY YOU? ASK THE EXPERT TIDBITS SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT CHILDREN'S SAFETY VILLAGE COVID-19 CORNER

Virginia Santana Felix, MD

COVER PHOTO

Carthia Joachim, ARNP

T H E M I DTO W N PRESS / 3

EDITOR’S CHAIR

I

t is officially February! So that means a couple of things.

You should no longer be saying "happy new year" and hopefully you are used to writing "2022" instead of "2021" by now!

The month of January always seems to fly by and before the month is over, you begin seeing red hearts, pink decorations, and boxes of candy and chocolate as you shop in stores. All the signs to let you know that Valentine's Day is around the corner. Now I am one of those that will say that if you have a spouse or significant other, your expression of love should not be regulated to one day.

It can put some undue pressure on some people to "prove" their" love in an unnatural way. A few years ago a friend of mine told me that she was going skip Valentine's Day and instead celebrate Singles Awareness Day the antithesis of Valentine's Day. On Singles Awareness Day, single individuals gather to celebrate or to commiserate in their single status. Some want to remind romantic couples that they don't need to be in a relationship to celebrate life. I see the irony in it all and hope that most see it, albeit for one day, a day to celebrate love. But not just love only if you are romantically involved but to do as is even instructed in The Bible and "love one another".

February also brings about Black History Month, the celebratory month to remind us of all of the accomplishments of African Americans and their central role in the history of the United States.

4 / THE MIDTO W N P R E SS

Also known as African American History Month, the event grew out of “Negro History Week,” which was conceptualized by noted historian, Carter G. Woodson, and other prominent African Americans.

Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating Black history.

As we celebrate Black History Month, I tip my hat to the bold and courageous friends who have leaped into the wild world of entrepreneurship. As I am sure they would all tell you, owning and operating a business is not for the faint of heart. It is a recurring lesson in sacrifice, loneliness, late nights, and early mornings. From the outside in, it appears that you have it all together but I have had those conversations with many of my friends who end up crying alone in their cars because a deal didn't pan out or a potential client selected a competitor over them. As Black small-business owners we have to work twice as hard, chart our path, maintain a tough skin and a warm smile (see what I did there) all at the same time. Because of this, I have dedicated a section of this issue (beginning on page 12) to a few of my small business-owner friends. Thank you for taking the time to be a part of this issue despite you barely even have the time to answer the questions. My hope and prayer are that 2022 is your best year yet. Let's get it!

Glen

+ PLUS Happy Valentine's Day! A

s we know, Valentine’s Day is celebrated every February 14th where couples across the globe honor their spouses, partners, and sweethearts. Hundreds of years of traditions and customs have made it into the "holiday" that we observe today. The day can trigger memories that some would rather forget as it reminds them of a former lover. Others look forward to it with anticipation as they use the day to profess their love. For some couples, getting engaged on Valentine's Day is viewed as the most romantic possible way to take their relationship to the next level. In fact, Valentine's Day is only second to Christmas as the day most people get engaged.

Many people believe that Valentine's Day is simply a "made up" holiday by the retail sector to drum up sales. There may be some truth to that as The National Retail Federation reported that Americans spent more than $21 billion on Valentine's Day gifts in 2021 alone keeping in mind that was during an ongoing pandemic!

Here in Central Florida, there is no shortage of places, activities, and events to help celebrate the day. From sunset boat cruises, candlelight dinner packages, to outdoor picnics combined with the cooler weather, there are plenty of opportunities for you to spend some quality time with that special person. With all that being said, I once heard that Valentine's Day can be a sad day for many of our seniors who may have lost a loved one. This can serve as a reminder that Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples – everyone can celebrate! While you are purchasing your boxes of chocolates or bouquets of flowers, consider picking up an extra gift to give to an elderly neighbor, grandparent or even dropping it off at a senior facility. Feeling motivated? As a fun and cute volunteer event, consider organizing a casual potluck or even just an afternoon of coffee and tea at a facility. You could even ask people to bring little Valentine’s cards for a festive exchange. It can be a great opportunity to spend quality time with an older adult. It is an ideal occasion to show love and affection to family and friends. 

T H E M I DTO W N PRESS / 5

What Say you?

Question

With Valentines Day in the middle of February, we reached out to a few of our favorite couples and asked them what was their favorite date night activity and local spot to visit?

Denise Campbell & Tim Tillery

Our favorite date night activity is having dinner at The Oceanaire Seafood Room then taking a drive to Disney Springs to enjoy the calmness of the water, ice cream, and a walk on the Disney Boardwalk.

Years Together: 2 Engaged: 21 months Tying the knot 8.20.22.

We usually find a live music venue with good food. Some of our favorite spots are B.B. KINGS or Jazz Tastings. Our favorite restaurant Bonefish Grill so you can always find us there!

Keir & Theresa Ellison

Years Together: 26

Between parenting and working, when we have time

Phil & Alana Johnson to go out we love to go to The Wharf at Sunset Walk in

Years Together: 18

Kissimmee, FL. They have the best oysters that we've ever tasted. The chef makes them precisely to your preference.

Besides the oysters, there is live music.

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info@dobbsfuneralhome.com  www.dobbsfuneralhome.com 6 / THE MIDTO W N P R E SS

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THE

Midtown

Press

The little paper with the big picture!

Dates to Know february 2022 1 2 14 15 21 25

Chinese New Year Groundhog's Day Valentines Day Singles Awareness Day President's Day National Pancake Day

march 2022 1 2 8 16 17 20

Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) Ash Wednesday International Women's Day National Strawberry Ice Cream Day St. Patrick's Day Spring (Vernal) Equinox

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Ask the Expert |

By Fabiola Gaines, RD LD

The African American Cuisine of the United States: Soul Food

S

oul food was a term made common during the civil rights era in the 1960's at a time when many African Americans sought to reclaim their cultural legacy. The term may have first been used in 1962 by civil rights activist and poet Amiri Baraka. Sylvia Woods opened her now-famous Harlem restaurant Sylvia’s in that same year. Today, Woods is known by many as “the queen of Soul Food.” Soul food restaurants and cookbooks continued to be popular through the ’70s.

Soul food has its roots in the enslavement of African people when they had to make do with what was on hand. For the next 100 years after the abolition of slavery, many Black Americans continued to make use of the ingredients that were part of their food traditions. Of course, soul food isn’t entirely defined by a racial divide. Historically, there hasn’t been much of a difference between the foods eaten by poor Black Southerners and poor White Southerners.

The staples of soul food cooking are beans, greens, cornmeal used in cornbread, hush puppies, johnnycakes, and cornmeal as a coating for fried fish, and pork. Pork has been almost limitless in several uses in soul food, from seasoning vegetables and stews to dehydrating and pickling staples like pork rinds and pig feet, pig ears, and chitterlings.

Did you know fried chicken came to America in the 1900's by Scottish immigrants? Black folks just spiced it up and paired it with our famous collard greens.

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Collard greens—one of the oldest members of the cabbage family—are also deep in our history.

Trying to differentiate soul food from Southern food shouldn't be complicated.

While not all Southern food is considered soul food, all soul food is Southern.

I remember my mother frying okra that she picked from her garden, then later mixing the okra with stewed tomatoes and rice. When I see okra and tomatoes it brings back fond memories of her. Slaves were not allowed to bring any items from their homeland. So, they placed seeds were placed in their hair which allowed them to have some memory of their homeland. Some examples of the seeds are watermelon, yam, okra, black-eyed peas, and peppers just to name a few.

African Americans have made major contributions to American cuisine, and we need to embrace it. So make sure to celebrate by having some soul food this month in remembrance of our forefathers from Africa.

Just remember the keyword is moderation!

Enjoy!

Ms. Gaines is a founding partner and Director of Nutrition Services at Hebni Nutrition Consultants, Inc. Ms. Gaines has co-authored several wellness books. “The New Soul Food Cookbook for People with Diabetes”, “Slim Down Sister”, “Month of Meals,” Family Style Soul Food, and Healthy Soul Food, in conjunction with the American Diabetes Association.

Cornish Hen Sheet Pan Dinner

Ingredients

Instructions

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

1. Rinse Cornish hen and cut the poultry down the middle, season ahead, and rest on an oiled sheet pan.

2. Cut vegetables up and place in a large bowl.

3. Combine spices in a small bowl, mix well, and sprinkle over vegetables. Pour a liberal amount of oil on vegetables to spread spices over. Pour maple syrup over vegetables.

4. Toss well and pour over a sheet pan coated with a nonstick spray.

5. Place Cornish hens on a sheet pan at one end.

6. Bake at 400 degrees until root vegetables and hens reaches 165 degrees.

7. Remove from oven, serve hot.

8. Enjoy!

1 cup baby carrots, cut in half 2 cups brussels sprouts cut in half 2 large red beets, large dice 1 orange beet, large dice 1 cup butternut squash, diced 1 large red onion, cut into large chunks 2 tbsp Herb de Provence or any favorite herb 1 tbsp ground garlic 1 tbsp old bay ½ cup olive oil ½ cup maple syrup 1 tsp cajun spice 2 large Cornish hens, seasoned

Serves 4 people

T H E M I DTO W N PRESS / 9

Tidbits

New Bezos Academy opening in Pine Hills The Village on Mercy, an affordable apartment complex near Pine Hills, has been selected by the Bezos Academy as the site of its first preschool in Florida.

Started by Jeff Bezos the founder of Amazon, The Bezos Academy preschool will provide Montessori-style education for approximately 40 kids from the surrounding neighborhood. Bezos Academy and the non-profit organization Ability Housing agreed on a 10-year commitment to transform part of the Village on Mercy Apartment community into a free preschool. Ability Housing builds affordable apartments for families across Florida who can't afford them.

Administrators say the Bezos Academy is footing the entire cost of upgrading and renovating the space into the new classrooms. Families earning up to 400% of the federal poverty limit with children ages 3-4 will be eligible to apply. More information on the application to the lottery-based selection process will be released once the school's opening date is set. 

Florida Prepaid Encouraging Families To Begin Saving for College Early Saving early for college is one of the important steps you can take to secure your child’s future. The more money you save now, the less money you or your child will need to borrow later.

Open enrollment for the Florida Prepaid College Tuition Plan began on February 1st. The plan lets families lock in future tuition costs at today’s plan prices. The program covers tuition most fees and is guaranteed by the state. Enroll in a Florida 529 Prepaid Plan by April 30th and earn $125 for each year of college, or university, purchased up to $500 total to be used toward additional college expenses.

Families can use the online Prepaid Plan pricing tool to determine what the various plans cost based on a child's age, as well as explore the different payment options available.

Plans can be canceled anytime, transferred to another child, used in-state or out at public, private, trade, and technical schools. For more than 30 years, the Florida Prepaid College Board has managed the largest and most successful prepaid program of its kind.

For more information, visit www.myfloridaprepaid.com.  1 0 / THE MIDTO W N P R E SS

Tidbits

continued

Looking for Work? Get Back On Track with CareerSource Central Florida

Have you lost your job or has your income been affected due to COVID-19? CareerSource Central Florida has a limited number of spots open to fast-track you into a higher-paying job and career path — or explore new ones — all at no cost. For the next few months only, you can sign up now to be one of 2,500 residents that can benefit from a federal grant that pays for customized career support and training opportunities as we help Central Florida get back to work.

To take advantage of the opportunities, you must meet the following criteria: • A resident of Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake, or Sumter County • Temporarily or permanently laid off • Currently receiving or recently exhausted unemployment benefits • Unemployed for more than 6 weeks • Currently underemployed • 18 years of age or older • Able to work in the U.S. Limited spots are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Scan the QR code to access the registration application. 

Orange County Rental Assistance Still Available While we remain hopeful about seeing a decline in COVID-19 cases, many people still continue to be impacted by the effects of the pandemic.

Because of this, the Orange County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) remains an active tool in assisting those struggling financially during the pandemic.

The program is an income-based initiative aimed at helping Orange County’s most vulnerable tenants. ERAP provides financial assistance to those who are past due in rent as a result of financial hardships caused by the pandemic.

Tenants must apply for eligibility by going to the Rental Assistance webpage and filling out an application. Landlords must also apply and waive their right to evict so that tenants can make payments with monies received from the program. To find out more about the Orange County Emergency Rental Assistance Program, including eligibility requirements and what is required to complete the application correctly, scan the QR code. T H E M I DTO W N PRESS / 1 1

Black History Month Sm In celebration of Black History Month, we have compiled a few

Arlene J. Guffin

Adrienne Gilbert

Name of Your Company/Organization?

Ain’t Yo’ Mama’s Baked Beans, LLC.

Name of Your Company/Organization?

Gilbert's Mobile Notary

What is your website/social medial handles? www.aintyomamasbakedbeans.com @aintyomamasbakedbeans (also on Facebook )

What is your website/social medial handles?

Email: gilbert.notary@gmail.com Facebook: Gilbert's Mobile Notary and on Yelp

What is your 30-second elevator pitch about your company?

If you’re looking to have a healthier eating lifestyle, Ain’t Yo Mama’s Baked Beans has a variety of six different beans mixed together in unique flavors like you’ve never tasted before and it’s totally vegan. Once you put them your mouth you’re hooked!

What is your 30-second elevator pitch about your company?

I take the troubles out of your travel. I will come to you and make your documents and permits official. I serve Orange, Osceola, Seminole and some parts of Lake counties.

What has been the biggest surprise you have learned since operating a business?

The joy of “working” for myself. And I love it!

What has been the biggest surprise you have learned since operating a business?

Some don't consider it to be a paid service. Most often people expect to barter the price of the notary cost.

What has been your greatest success in business so far?

Seeing the vision Father God has given me come to Life. 2022 is going to explode and it has already started. Three Chamberlin’s Natural Food Stores are carrying my baked beans: Herndon Village, Altamonte Springs and Lake Mary.

What has been your greatest success in business so far?

I have built lasting connections with many of the clientele that I serviced as a notary. This has allowed me to network and grow as a black owned business.

Rebecca Desir Name of Your Company/Organization?

Black Health Commission What is your website/social medial handles?

Business- @BlackHealthCommission, Instagram Business Website- www.BlackHealthCommission.com What is your 30-second elevator pitch about your company?

Black Health Commission is committed to reframing the narrative of health disparities by promoting Black Joy through digital education, volunteerism + community engagement. We have curate brave spaces for the Black communities through our digital platforms and events such as the Black Joy Festival.

What has been the biggest surprise you have learned since operating a business?

The biggest surprise to me has been how complicated non profits are and how important it is to have someone on your board to assist with navigating all of this.

What has been your greatest success in business so far?

My biggest success is being able to build a foundation strong enough to onboard others who share the same passion to help our community. Last year, we hosted the inaugural Black Joy Festival at Blue Jacket Park and we were able to reach community members we have never met before.

1 2 / THE MIDTO W N P R E SS

Will Carey Name of Your Company/Organization?

Will The Influencer What is your website/social medial handles? will_the_influencer What is your 30-second elevator pitch about your company?

I help companies with comprehensive messaging, sales, and marketing strategies.

What has been the biggest surprise you have learned since operating a business?

The fastest way to the top is enduring your struggles and quickly learning from them without quitting. Most entrepreneurs quit when they are almost there. Also try to meet a person in your industry and shadow them which can expedite your success.

What has been your greatest success in business so far?

Reaching the point where your business runs successfully off of referrals and not marketing.

mall Business Spotlight

black-owned small businesses that are trailblazing the community.

Jonah Travick

Najah Gilreath

Name of Your Company/Organization?

SMedia, LLC

Name of Your Company/Organization?

Photography By Najah, LLC

What is your website/social medial handles?

Jonah Travick on LinkedIn Instagram: thisBeJonah

What is your website/social medial handles?

Website: www.photographybynajah.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/photographybynajah Facebook: www.facebook.com/photographybynajah Email: info@photographybynajah.com

What is your 30-second elevator pitch about your company?

We are a digital media content firm specializing in video and film for business, corporate imaging and promotion. We have produced and contributed content for companies like Walt Disney World, IndyCar, National Geographic, TooJay’s, Smokey Bones, Margaritaville, Duffy’s, Miller's Ale House, Subway, Hebni Nutrition and The Villages, to name just a few.

What is your 30-second elevator pitch about your company?

I’m a Lifestyle Photographer that shoots high-end content that includes everything from family photos to branding sessions. I love shooting and being outdoors here in the Sunshine State.

What has been the biggest surprise you have learned since operating a business?

I have been amazed how the internet and social media has created a thirst and need for video on a level I could have never imagined 23 years ago when I graduated UCF Film program.

What has been the biggest surprise you have learned since operating a business?

The biggest surprise for me is the excitement and nervousness that comes with each and every booked session. There hasn’t been a single session where I haven’t become confidently anxious about the end results.

What has been your greatest success in business so far?

Being able to re-invent my business and adapt after the COVID-19 pandemic by adding video streaming and virtual video meetings to our menu of services.

What has been your greatest success in business so far?

My greatest success would be my recent national publications in Forbes, Fortune and Entrepreneur Magazines, December/January 2022 Editions.

Pernell M.J. Bush, LCSW

Oriel Ross McKinney

Name of Your Company/Organization?

Knowledge Empowers You (K.E.Y.) Counseling Solutions

Name of Your Company/Organization?

The Small Biz Engine® (A McKinney Brands Co.)

What is your website/social medial handles? www.keycounselingsolutions.com Thejuggernaut_therapist

What is your website/social medial handles? www.thesmallbizengine.com Facebook/Instagram: thesmallbizengine & msmajesticinternational

What is your 30-second elevator pitch about your company?

Knowledge Empowers You (K.E.Y) Counseling Solutions desires to empower our clients by unlocking the conversation of mental health and provide a non-judgmental healing space for clients to freely express their social, emotional and psychological journey.

At K.E.Y Counseling Solutions assist our clients to unlock freedom, through healing.

What has been the biggest surprise you have learned since operating a business?

The lack of resources and funding opportunities for private and group mental health companies. It was a major challenge to keep our doors open in the first three years of existence.

What has been your greatest success in business so far?

Being locally recognized for efforts in the communities we serve.

What is your 30-second elevator pitch about your company?

I’m a high-impact business strategist and consultant. We work with organizations, teams, and solo entrepreneurs to operate efficiently and expand with intention.

What has been the biggest surprise you have learned since operating a business?

It has to be lessons learned during the pandemic. I'm a planner and I'm analytical. The way the pandemic has changed the fabric of the country, how we interact, and how businesses function is unbelievable.

What has been your greatest success in business so far?

I've had the honor of speaking in front of large audiences of business leaders and coaching wildly successful entrepreneurs.

I'm also a reigning international pageant Queen, Ms. Majestic International 2021-2022. My greatest recent success is the launch of my learning academy, The F.U.E.L. Academy.

T H E M I DTO W N PRESS / 1 3

More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s Disease – more than 30,000 in Orange County alone.

Know your risk factors.

FREE

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This free assessment is for anyone concerned about changes to memory or other thinking skills – either in themselves or someone they care about – or simply to confirm all is well.

Services include a simple, safe and healthy “brain checkup” using questionnaires that evaluate memory and other thinking skills. Our team will address family and/or caregiver concerns to create an individualized plan of recommendations.

Appointments available Fridays between 10am - 3pm in Winter Garden, or other greater Orlando locations and days upon request.

CALL 407-436-7750 to make an appointment or learn more about this program.

A collaborative mobile community service provided by:

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Senior Focus

Pine Hills Seniors: Staying Active & Involved!

We Share Because we Care!

A

nd so we sang Auld Lang Syne to pass the year 2021. Lets raise a glass to Auld Lang Syne to a new year. A new year of love, kindness, good health and friendship. Together we can build a bigger Pine Hills Seniors. So lets hold hands and walk together toward a new horizon for 2022.

A very special "thank you" to all the Seniors who participated and helped make the Pine Hills Re Establishment Parade such a success. Your support was overwhelming. We share because we care and it was on full display at the parade!

President Pine Hills Seniors Ms. Lorna Wilmoth

Email pinehillsseniors@gmail.com | pinehillsseniors2@gmail.com ESTABLISHED 2003

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I

n In 1949, 17 year-old Norma Padgett accused four black men of raping her in the town of Groveland. Charles Greenlee was 16 years old at the time and had just arrived in Groveland after traveling from Gainesville. He was arrested at the train depot and charged with rape. He insisted he was not guilty but was given a life sentence. Walter Irwin was on leave from the military and, after a rushed trial by an all-white jury, was sentenced to death. Samuel Shepherd, also on military leave, was tried and sentenced to die. Ernest Thomas hurriedly left Groveland when he learned that the Sheriff, Willis McCall, was looking for him. He made it almost to the Georgia border but was trailed by McCall and a posse that killed him with a hail of bullets.

Thurgood Marshall, Former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States then a lead attorney for the NAACP won new trials for Irwin and Shepherd who were on death row at Raiford Prison in Starke, Florida. McCall was driving the men back from Raiford when he stopped his car and ordered them out. He shot both men and Samuel Shepherd died on the side of the road in Lake County. Irwin pretended to be dead and later recounted being shot without provocation by Sheriff McCall who claimed the two handcuffed and shackled men had tried to attack him.

The accusation made by Norma Padgett would set off a manhunt that would result in a series of violence against Black residents of Groveland. The men who would come to be known as the Groveland Four.

It would take over seventy years before the state of Florida would formally recognize how the four young men, Charles Greenlee, Walter Irvin, Samuel Shepherd and Ernest Thomas, were failed by the criminal justice system.

Family members of the Groveland Four had happier holidays this year due to the exoneration of their relatives. As a State Senator in 2014, at the urging of Groveland Four family members, I filed legislation to exonerate the four men. I continued to press for their exoneration for seven years.

Widespread support of my work was crucial to the posthumous exoneration which occurred on November 22, 2021. The Florida Legislature in 2017 issued an apology for the racial injustice suffered by the Groveland Four.

The Florida Cabinet voted to pardon the Groveland Four even though a pardon is generally given to guilty individuals and these men were innocent. Many of you have been part of the seven-year journey to right the wrongs that occurred in the case of the Groveland Four. I need your involvement now as we continue to pursue social and economic justice in the case of the Groveland Four.

1 6 / THE MIDTO W N P R E SS

Shepherd received a dishonorable discharge from the military due to the rape charges. We need to right that wrong. The descendants of these men were challenged to realize their full potential due to the loss of their relatives. I am seeking scholarships through the Florida Legislature as a means to begin to repair the lives of the descendants of the Groveland Four and will need your help to get legislation passed to make the scholarships a reality similar to actions taken to benefit individuals in Rosewood and Ocoee.

On November 22, 2021 after the court hearing that resulted in the exoneration of the Groveland Four, I helped to fill jars with soil collected from the spot where Shepherd was killed which will symbolize his life contributions in exhibits at the Equal Justice Institute Museum founded by Bryan Stevenson in Montgomery, Alabama and the Wells’ Built Museum of African American History and Culture which I founded in Orlando, Florida. I helped Groveland Four family members and Pulitzer Prize winning author of Devil in the Grove, Gilbert King, place a wreath on the spot where the FBI indicated Shepherd’s life was taken. My Holidays were more peaceful with the knowledge that Groveland Four descendants saw their relatives’ names cleared.

As we celebrate African American History Month, we must continue to work to have accurate and inclusive history taught in our schools. I filed HB 51 to require instruction on the history of the Holocaust and African American history taught in any school that receives state funding. Religious schools, voucher-funded institutions and charter schools would be required to provide the instruction as well as traditional public schools. You can help to make this a reality by contacting legislators and encouraging them to support HB 51 and we should vote for candidates who support our issues.

During my time in the Legislature, I have worked to increase participation in our democracy by making it easier for Floridians to vote. I filed and saw passed legislation which resulted in a change from the absentee ballot system to the ability of all to vote by mail. I have appreciated your walking along side me in the use of drop boxes and other efforts to make voting accessible to as many people as possible. The vote by mail system is in jeopardy and I need you with me in the fight against any efforts to suppress the vote or restrict voting access. Our celebration of African American History Month should include a commitment to creating a brighter future through our actions today.  Geraldine F. Thompson Member of the Florida House of Representatives Special Feature Brought To You By Rep. Geraldine Thompson T H E M I DTO W N PRESS / 1 7

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T H E M I DTO W N PRESS / 1 9

United Arts and 31 partners are working together to raise $4.38 million in support of local arts and culture.

Your donation will help support these arts, science and history organizations throughout the coming year.

Gifts made through the Collaborative Campaign by April 30, 2022, will be

matched at 15% by United Arts, increasing the impact of your generosity.

Art & History Museums of Maitland

MicheLee Puppets

ArtReach Orlando

Mount Dora Center for the Arts

Bach Festival Society of Winter Park

Opera Orlando

Bay Street Players

Orange County Regional History Center

Central Florida Ballet

Orlando Ballet

Central Florida Community Arts

Orlando Fringe

Central Florida Vocal Arts/Opera del Sol

Orlando Gay Chorus

Crealdé School of Art

Orlando Museum of Art

Creative City Project

Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra

Downtown Arts District/CityArts Orlando

Orlando Repertory Theatre

Enzian

Orlando Science Center

Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras

Orlando Shakes

Garden Theatre

Snap! Orlando

Global Peace Film Festival

Timucua Arts Foundation

Holocaust Memorial Resource and

United Arts – Arts for ALL Fund

Education Center of Florida

Winter Garden Heritage Foundation

Fuel the arts in our community by making a gift today.

UnitedArts.cc/collaborativecampaign 2 0 / THE MIDTO W N P R E SS

LET US REPLACE YOUR ROOF FOR FREE! We are taking applications for a roof replacement program funded by the Orange County Government.

Eligibility requirements include: No mobile or manufactured homes Meet income requirements (visit website) Must own and live in your home Taxes & mortgage are current Located in unincorporated Orange County Certain specialized roof types may not be eligible

Learn more & apply: HabitatOrlandoOsceola.org/FreeRoof or 407-472-0748 T H E M I DTO W N PRESS / 2 1

Protecting Our Kids: It Takes A Village

O

rlando is full of surprises. Sometimes these surprises can be right under our noses or in this case, right next door. I had heard of The Children's Safety Village and had even had the opportunity to speak with Brent E. Moore, Executive Director of the organization in the past. However, a wrong turn led me to parking lot of the non profit organization that I was surprised to learn where it actually was. Located at 910 Fairvilla Road, "next door" to the Orlando Fairgrounds is a nondescript metal building that at first glance would not begin to display the many incredible surprises that happen at the village every day. One main surprise includes the “miniature city” which is a one-of-a-kind child-size “village” is built on an eight acre site and includes nine miniature buildings with paved sidewalks, streets, a functioning traffic light, crosswalk signals, a railroad crossing and lights.

Brent E. Moore, Executive Director

The Children’s Safety Village caters to preventing children injuries and fatalities through lifesaving education and first-hand experience. To make it even simpler, the organization is literally saving lives! In my visit with Mr. Moore, I learned that "black and brown babies have a higher propensity for drowning incidents and accidents than anyone else." Mr. Moore continued to let me know that limited opportunities to learn how to swim combined with the proximity to many bodies of water including lakes and pools that we have in Florida is the root cause of the issue. The organization receives grants which in turn translates into scholarships to make it accessible to more parents with children as young as 6 months old to learn how to save themselves if they fall into a body of water. Swim lessons are offered on sight at the facility's water safety complex which features an indoor heated pool which allows them to offer lessons year-round. Classes or even available for special needs children.

In addition to the swim lessons, The Children's Safety Village also offers programs that focus on Fire Safety, Pedestrian Safety, Gun Safety, Internet Safety, Bike & Helmet Safety, Poison Prevention Program and more. The Fire Safety Program features a two-story Fire Safety House that includes a living room, kitchen, and bedroom where children learn methods of exit, how to avoid hazards such as the fireplace, pots on the kitchen stove, electric heaters, and practice to “fall and crawl” in the event of smoke and fire - led by trained professionals from partners with the Orange County Fire Rescue and Orlando Police Department. The Occupant Safety Program focuses on providing Car Seat and Child Passenger Safety information and car seat installation services. Mr. Moore states that the Village served over 6,000 people last year which was an increase from prior years primarily due to addition of virtual classes.

I would be remiss if I didn't chat with Mr. Moore about our shared experiences as black men running non profit organizations. I asked him what Black History Month meant to him. He shared with me that Black History Month is a time to reflect on the accomplishments of Black men and women that have done incredible things for this community, this country and the world.

He hopes to one day be listed among those others as someone that did something incredible.

2 2 / THE MIDTO W N P R E SS

The Recollections of Doretha Hair Truesdell: Alfred Hair and The Florida Highwaymen February 5 - May 8, 2022 | Maitland Art Center The paintings done by the group of African American artists known as the Florida Highwaymen provide a window into the diverse and untouched natural landscapes of Florida in the 1950s and 60s. This exhibition is centered on our interview with Doretha Hair Truesdell, widow of Alfred Hair, the artist widely recognized as the founder of the group. Doretha’s firsthand account sweeps us back to the beginning: her first meeting with Alfred, the community of artists and salespeople who worked in tandem, and, ultimately, the aftermath of Alfred’s death. Doretha’s words themselves paint a vivid picture of a community coming together to find a way to not just exist but to thrive.

Her recollections are accompanied by 31 wonderful paintings by 14 recognized Highwaymen.

Museum open weekly, Wednesdays-Sundays 11am - 4pm at Greater Orlando’s only National Historic Landmark

231 W. Packwood Avenue • Maitland, FL 32751 • artandhistory.org • 407-539-2181 T H E M I DTO W N PRESS / 2 3

Pine Hills Safe Neighborhood Partnership newsletter

February/March 2022

GET INVOLVED WITH THE PINE HILLS SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD PARTNERSHIP Need help with a specific issue or project? Want to learn more about community activities/ events and socialize? Want to help improve your community? Then get involved with the Pine Hills Safe Neighborhood Partnership.

Meetings are usually held at the Pine Hills Community Center, (6408 Jennings St, Orlando, FL 32808) on the second Thursday of each month (Due to COVID-19 we are currently having Webex meetings.)

• 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.

Email: pinehillssafeneighborhoods@gmail.com Phone: 407-360-7953 •

The Pine Hills Inaugural Establishment Day Parade was on December 11, 2021 and a great success. Thanks to our sponsors, volunteers, community leaders, vendors, participants and committee members. We all got together and made this happen.

What a great accomplishment for the Pine Hills Community.

All of our community leaders are joining together to make this year’s event even bigger and better. Let us all work together as a community for another successful Pine Hills Parade.

Contact: pinehillssafeneighborhoods@gmail.com info@pinehills.info pinehillsseniors2@gmail.com

2 4 / THE MIDTO W N P R E SS

T H E M I DTO W N PRESS / 2 5

THE

Midtown

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.

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

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

APRIL/MAY 2021

Press

Midtown

Press

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

THE

VOLUME XXVI NUMBER 4 www.themidtownpress.com

Midtown

AUG/SEPT 2021

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

Get Hooked Seafood Restaurant Page 11

COVID-19 Slide

A Discussion About COVID-19 & Education Page 14

PRESS PROFILE

Captain Ronald Beasley Page 20

KNOW THIS

School Bus Safety Page 25

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS Hurricane Season

Negrils Jamaican Restaurant Page 27

Page 7

HEALTH & WELLNESS Men’s Health Focus Page 14

PRESS PROFILE Jemile Weeks Page 20

KNOW THIS

Seat Belt & Back Seat Safety

A beautiful, lazy, Sunday afternoon in Barnett Park

Page 27

The Press is published bi-monthly, 6 times a year, with a distribution of more than 7,000 (2,000 print & 5,000 digital). www.themidtownpress.com | info@themidtownpress.com | 407.504.1695 Contact Us Today For Advertising Opportunities | Thank you for supporting local media!

2 6 / THE MIDTO W N P R E SS

Maynard Evans High School

A Place of High Achievement

Our focus is on Literacy, Rigor, and Relationships, and our school's pillars of Pride, Determination, and Perseverance continue to be on display by our students, staff and community.

Trojans Learn About Careers through Career Conversations On January 20th , the inaugural session of Career Conversations, a new workshop series focused on introducing students to different careers within a wide variety of industries, took place. The first speaker was Sobani Warner, an Evans High alum and the Head of Equities at Siebert Williams Shank, spoke with students about her work in financial services and shared her educational path and some career advice with our students. The twenty students who attended were able to ask questions, get advice and learn about a new industry. Students remarked that they learned so much about what it takes to work as an investment banker and one of the key take-a-ways for the students was the importance of finding a mentor who can help guide them on their path. If you are interested in participating in the Career Conversation Series or serving as a mentor, please contact: evanshub@chsfl.org or call 407-810-7607.

Evans Health and Wellness Center Opens After an almost two-year hiatus, Evans Community Partnership School is excited to announce the return and re-opening of the on-site Health and Wellness Center. Through a partnership with Orange Blossom Family Health, students and families can receive medical and dental care at the on-site clinic. After nearly a year of renovations, students were welcomed back to the facility on January 11th and 25th for dental services. For some of the students, this was the first time they had visited the dentist in several years, if at all. For others, they just needed a routine teeth cleaning. The reviews were raving with all students giving a very satisfied rating of their visit. One student shared; “I don’t like that my mouth is numb right now, but I'm happy that I got my teeth checked and cleaned.” For more information about how to schedule your Evans student for a dental appointment or for more information regarding the community facility, please contact: evanshub@chsfl.org or call 407-810-7607.

T H E M I DTO W N PRESS / 2 7

COVID-19 CORNER Orange County Government’s Health Services Department is providing free, convenient drive-thru COVID-19 vaccinations. Testing and vaccination services operated

by Orange County Government Health Services will continue to operate throughout February.

Individuals 12+ Years Old Hours: Seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Location: Barnett Park - 4801 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32808 (Drive-thru) Children 5-11 Years Old Hours: Saturday and Sunday only, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Location: Barnett Park Marlin Room, inside main building: Additional Information: • No appointment needed, but registration is recommended.

• Legal guardians should register minors by clicking the “Register Minors/Wards” tab • within their profile, or while signing up, before arriving to the vaccination site.

Vaccine availability: • Pfizer (5+): first dose, second dose, booster for eligible individuals • Moderna (18+): first dose, second dose, booster for eligible individuals • Johnson & Johnson (18+): single dose, booster for eligible individuals • Minors must have a legal guardian present during vaccination COVID-19 BY THE NUMBERS As of Tuesday, February 1, 2022, the Florida Department of Health is reporting that Orange County’s 14-day rolling positivity rate is 25.8 percent. Additional County statistics: • • • •

CDC level of community transmission: HIGH Eligible residents (5+) who have at least one vaccine dose: 75 % Total positive cases for Orange County residents: 365,411 Total deaths contributed to COVID-19: 2,436 (112 in January 2022)

*NOTE - Information regarding COVID-19 testing and vaccinations are being updated frequently.

For the most current information, please visit www.ocfl.net/Coronavirus.

2 8 / THE MIDTO W N P R E SS

+ ----------------------- PRESENT -----------------------

On February 11 – View June 4, 2022

Artists from the Hannibal Square Heritage Center Folk & Urban Art Festival

Opening Reception

Friday, February 11 7–9pm n

The Hannibal Square Heritage Center Visiting Exhibition Gallery 642 W. New England Ave. Winter Park, FL 32789

Live entertainment including: Marvin Burnett of New Generation Branches Steel Orchestra Special Appearance by StoryTeller Gennia Holder as “Alexandria T. Wolf” DJ services provided by Flat Foot Entertainment Refreshments Community Collage dives deeper into the creative genius behind the dynamic works by artists who have exhibited at the Hannibal Square Heritage Center Folk & Urban Art Festival over its 12-year history.

These culturally and ethnically diverse artists will share their paintings, jewelry, quilts and sculptural works, along with their inspiration and artistic journeys in text panels and video.

Community Collage is also on exhibit at the Orlando International Airport Main Terminal.

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

Julio Sanchez, Nature Woman, Mixed Media on canvas, 18x 24 in.

T H E M I DTO W N PRESS / 2 9

I

{ PostScript }

About five years ago I was in downtown Orlando walking to my car from a meeting and I saw a twenty-something-ish Black woman wearing a T-shirt that read 'I Am My Ancestors Wildest Dreams' on the front. I remember reading it at least five times as we approached each other. I was staring at her shirt with so much focus as we were about to cross path that I could tell that she was getting uncomfortable so I forced myself to snap out of the daze and apologize to her for staring and explained to her that I loved her shirt. She was happy to know that I wasn't some stalker that she had to be worried about. We chatted for a couple minutes about where she got the shirt and what it meant.

The United States offers its citizens "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness". The wellknown phrase in the Declaration of Independence gives three examples of the unalienable rights which the Declaration says have been given to all humans by their Creator, and which governments are created to protect. For America’s Black population, it would take 87 years and a bloody civil war for most African Americans to gain their “unalienable rights,” and another 100 years of courageous protests before those rights could be fully exercised.

For many in the Black community, the perception of being our "ancestors wildest dream" means, at least to me, that the life we are currently living, the freedom and opportunities (while not perfect) is something we can easily take for granted but should never forget the shoulders upon which we stand. The hopes and dreams that we have for ourselves, our children, grandchildren and generations to come are things that were a dream for our ancestors – something they had hoped for, and worked so hard and died for. In his famous “I Have A Dream” speech, delivered in 1963 from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. referenced the Declaration’s promise in his life's work to advance civil rights.

"

I Am My Ancestors' Wildest Dreams

In Dr. King's final speech before his death, often referred to as the "I've Been to the Mountaintop" speech, towards the end refers to threats against his life and uses language that essentially foreshadows his imminent death. He states "Like anybody, I would like to live – a long life; longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will.

And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land." I stand in amazement when I think about Dr. King when I reflect in that phrase. He knew that he would more than likely not live to see the day when his children, and generations to follow would no longer have to do the fighting that he did. He was fighting for me! Our ancestors were fighting for something that they couldn’t see and only imagine.

It astounds me to know that it was the hope for something better than their current state.

Black people in the United States have come so far and yet still have so far to go. There is still the promise of hope that we live out every day. It is my hope that the lives we live today are helping to create a better world for our future generations. In the “I Have a Dream” speech, Dr. King shared his hope that one day everyone in America would be treated as equals and live in peace. That should continue to be our collective hope.

-The Editor

3 0 / THE MIDTO W N P R E SS

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T H E M I DTO W N PRESS / 3 1

Please visit our website to find information about service status of our restaurant due to Covid-19 mandates from our local government

www.HardeesOrlando.com

5212 SILVER STAR ROAD