THe
midtown
Press
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020 VOLUME XXV NUMBER 3 www.themidtownpress.com
PROUDLY SERVING GREATER PINE HILLS & LOCAL COMMUNITIES PINE HILLS | GOTHA | ORLO VISTA | LITTLE EGYPT | LOCKHART | CLARCONA
COVER STORY LYNX Pine Hills Transit Center
PEOPLES BUSINESS New Area Openings
COMMUNITY Cool Runnings
"The Spirit of Pine Hills" Selected for Multicultural Center Kay Antill is the chosen artist with her proposal “The Spirit of Pine Hills”, a 12' high by 15' wide three-paneled mosaic mural to be installed on the entry wall. The motifs and patterns used within the sun are inspired by the basket weaves from Latin America, Africa and Native American cultures. The bottom half of the mural is grounded by layers of patterns coming together to form a tapestry or quilt-like whole. Each layer is divided by bands of shiny, reflective mirror as well as the inspiring words from the Pine Hills Brand Statement.
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WHAT’S INSIDE
4 EDITOR’S CHAIR 6 COMMUNITY NOTICES 8 PEOPLE's BUSINESS 10 HEALTH & WELLNESS 12 MARKETPLACE 15 SAFE NEIGHBORHOODS 22 SCHOOLS 28 PEOPLE TO PEOPLE
Signage to be installed at Pine Hills entrances.
8 LYNX BUS HUB UPDATE 10 PREVENTING ALZHEIMER'S 18 Sr MEDICAL CTR OPENING 26 PASTORS RALLY 30 EDITORIAL PERSPECTIVES
3 / T H E M I DTOWN PRESS
EDITOR’S
CHAIR H Pine Hills home prices on the the rise as inventory shrinks
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istorically low mortgage interest rates along with a low inventory of new and existing homes for sale are pushing down sales while increasing Pine Hills housing prices. According to the Orlando Regional Realtor Association (ORRA), there are only 132 properties for sale in 32808 and 32818 combined and the inventory is not much
greater throughout Central florida, judging by the steady march upward of sale prices. ORRA President Reese Stewart said it is "...a testament to buyer demand for the affordably priced homes that flourish in the area." As of August monthend, there was little more than six weeks' supply of homes in Pine Hills. The median price of all Pine Hills homes sold in August was $187,000, which was 10% above the August 2019 median price. Thinking of selling? Better get on with it. If you wait for the top, you will already be too late. Thinking of buying? Patience may be your friend, but given the Federal Reserve’s interest rate policy, you might have a long wait. It’s a double-edged sword. Caveat emptor; caveat venditor! (Let the buyer beware;let the seller beware!)
HAND CAR WASH
Interior Cleaning $20 and up* Exterior ‘nHills Wax Shop Pine Hills Bug.pdf Wash Shop Pine Card.pdf *Price will vary based on interior condition
$25 SUVs
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“SATISFACTION GUARANTEED” 20% Off Any Service Over $100 with Shop Pine Hills Card
Mon – Thur 10am – 6pm Fri – Sat 10am – 7pm Sun 10am – 3pm
NOW ACCEPTING CREDIT CARDS
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Phone:407-578-7720
Fax: 407-295-5504
info@dobbsfuneralhome.com www.dobbsfuneralhome.com T H E M I DTO W N PRESS / 5
COMMUNITY NOTICES
YOUR RESOURCE FOR COMMUNITY EVENTS & SERVICES Pine Hills Community & Senior Center HEAD START & COMMUNITY SERVICES
pinehillsseniors2@gmail.com
During the Covid-19 Shut-Down Free Virtual Exercise on Zoom Register Online Below qualitysupport@fittodance2.com
.
─ NOVEMBER 3RD GENERAL ELECTION ─
Head Start Students Now In Class!
Public By Appointments Only 6408 N. Jennings, Info on Programs Call: 407-254-9100
SENIORS Website Pinehillsseniors.org Encouraging Seniors to Stay Active, Stay Independent, Stay Involved and to Live Active, Healthy Lives!
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‘We Share Because We Care’
Ms. Gloria Harris, Exercise Instructor FIT To Dance 2 On Line Fitness Program Daily at 10 a.m. FREE SENIOR VIRTUAL CLASS SCHEDULE MONDAY YOGA TUESDAY STRENGTH WEDNESDAY DANCE FIT THURSDAYS BALANCE& STRETCH FRIDAY TAI CHI Pinehillsseniors@gmail.com www.pinehillsseniors.org
NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATIONS
(CHECK VIRTUAL MEETING TIMES) Pine Hills Community Council (PHCC) the first Tuesday of every month, 6:30 p.m. Virtual Meetings :Facebook Live
@PINEHILLSCOMMUNITYCOUN CIL Join us on Facebook live for
your local source of information and on the spot interactive communication! TUES. OCT. 6th the Council will host a Panel of adults and youth addressing YOUTH concerns. PHCC is a Civic Organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life for the 70,000 unincorporated people living in Pine Hills area. Join and be the solution! Just one person can make a or difference. www.pinehills.info contact prumph7@gmail.com Call for a Shop Pine Hills Card for local business discounts].
(Go! exemplifies the shared experiences of their many contributing seniors… how they Live, Love and Serve) You may obtain your copy at: pinehillsseniors.org Just click on the cover of the book top right hand corner. Pine Hills Seniors Inc. is an award‐winning 501 (c) (3) non‐profit organization. This Home Page is designed as a 'one stop' portal to facilitate easy access to many of the services and elder resources for Seniors in Pine Hills and surrounding communities. Use the relevant PineTURN Hills Neighborhood Improvement 'Quick Links' to connect to topics of interest to you. TO PAGE THIRTY District (PHNID) Advisory Board Meetings1st MIDTO W N P R E SS Wednesday of month starting at 9 a.m. by WebEx Virtual Meeting,
BROWZINGS : nNearly 30 years ago, in a 1993 Nike commercial, professional basketball legend Charles Barkley fired the first shot at the “role model” concept popularized by Columbia University sociologist Robert K. Merton in the aftermath of the 1960s counterculture movement. “I am not a role model,” Barkley proclaimed, in the halfminute spot. “I’m not paid to be a role model. I’m paid to wreak havoc on the basketball court. Parents should be role models. Just because I dunk a basketball doesn’t mean I should raise your kids.” Merton’s role model concept undercuts the importance of parents and nuclear families. That was the point of Barkley’s criticism. nTechnology has helped advance the process. Kids shut their bedroom doors and with a mere push of a button they tune out the worldview of their families. nSport has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. Nelson Mandela, the South African freedom fighter-turned-statesman, spoke those words in an effort to heal the country he came
American Sports is Letting Down America
to lead after spending a quarter century incarcerated for opposing apartheid. nAmerica’s enemies know this, which is why the culture war has moved to our arenas and stadiums. American sports’ partnership with global brands and their desire to build global audiences have given foreign countries a pathway to manipulate American sports and culture n The entire American sports world—a culture that traditionally celebrates victors, meritocracy, colorblindness, and patriotism— has suddenly immersed itself in black victimization and left-wing radicalism. This immersion threatens to do permanent damage to American culture as a whole. It has certainly undermined national pride. A country that no longer believes in its founding ideals cannot prosper and survive. Charles Barkley was right 30 years ago. Parents, not athletes, should be role models. [Editor:Excerpted with permission from a speech by Jason Whitlock, sports columnist for Outkick.com, at Hillsdale College, August 19, 2020.]
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The People's Business It is the duty of each citizen to be informed about public policy, the actions of public officials and how the media portrays them.
Pine Hills Transfer Center... Closer To Becoming A Reality
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t’s been eight years since site selection and due diligence started in 2012 to obtain FTA screening, approval and funding grants for a long-needed commu-
nity Lynx Transfer Bus Hub. Lynx purchased the property in 2017 from the Central Florida Urban League, which
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allowed for community design charrettes, conceptual designs and legal agreements to move forward. However, it took a full year for the Urban League, Orange County and Duke Energy to come to an agreement! Now the final design agreements are within reach and are planned for completion in November
with review by Orange County and FDOT for permitting by the end of the year. Bids for Phase 1 site and construction are expected to begin in January of 2021 with awards in April. Construction will take 14 months with completion in 2022. Initial funding allocations for 2021, including sitework, canopy and Pine Hills Trail, with one-half of the Belco/Silver Star improvements, are budgeted for $4,942,000. The remaining sitework, owner furnished items and roadway improvements total $1,821,000, with the building scheduled in Phase 2 for approximately $1.3 million. The whole project is projected to tap out well over $8,000,000. Changes were made to the initial conceptual plan providing more maintained green space within the power corridor. The proposed building footprint is approved for 50,000 square feet, but is considered a Phase 2 project. A driver restroom, breakroom and customer service counter are also planned for Phase 2. Planned improvements include the center bus platform with the approved waving canopy (like the
The People’s Business ~
one downtown at LYNX Central Station), with the ability to berth 29’ to 60’ buses at 8 bus bays. The Pine Hills Trail is expanded northward through the site. It will start at Silver Star Road and go through the western
and operational, the Transfer Hub will add tremendously to the evolving Pine Hills Town Center vision!
More People's Business Updates at page 16
Lynx Bus Services Building
side of the site. It then bears eastward at the northern end of the site going along the north side of Belco Road to Pine Hills Road
Lynx Bus Platform The Center will also have CCTV with live feed, arts and cultural elements. When totally completed T H E M I DTO W N PRESS / 9
Health & Wellness
Preventing Alzheimer's Disease
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lzheimer’s disease is on the rise. AfricanAmericans are at the greatest risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease. There are many factors leading to this situation. One of the most frequently occurring risk factors is diabetes. We know there is Type I diabetes and Type II diabetes. Given the way these diseases affect the brain, Dr. Suzanne de la Monte, a researcher at Brown University first used the phrase, “Type III diabetes.” In using this term, the realities of the negative effects of diabetes on the brain was driven home. Where once nearly unheard of, children are now developing Type II diabetes, again with greatest frequency in African American children, especially adolescents. Insulin resistance is the primary problem in Type II diabetes, whereas insulin deficiency is the primary danger in Type I diabetes. Both of these issues are factors in the brains of persons who have developed Alzheimer’s disease. The brain is damaged by both of these biochemical effects, in that the brain loses the ability to metabolize glucose (sugar) efficiently. This inability to metabolize sugar happens very early in the development of Alzheimer’s disease, often before symptoms are seen. We know now, through many research studies, that avoiding the development of Type II diabetes is an effective way to avoid the development of Alzheimer’s disease. If someone has already developed Type II diabetes, then getting that disease under control is critical. What we eat, how much we exercise, how well we sleep are some of the factors 1 0 / THE MIDTO WN P R E SS
that we can use to avoid the development of Type II diabetes, or get it under control. As we learn the nutritional choices that work for our individual situations, how much exercise will make a difference, and how to get restorative sleep, among other lifestyle choices, not only do we sharply reduce our risk of developing Type II diabetes, but also Alzheimer’s disease. Let’s talk about what Alzheimer’s disease is for a minute. It is much more than “loss of memory.” The entire cognitive process is under assault by this disease. Yes, difficulty with remembering is a classic symptom, but understanding language, using language in a way that others can comprehend, getting lost in familiar places, having problems managing one’s finances, experiencing hallucinations, paranoia, increased physical problems, lack of balance, vision changes, and the inability to focus attention are just some of the additional problems that are caused by Alzheimer’s disease. In addition to the AfricanAmerican community being at greatest risk for this disease, it is important to know that between 2013 and 2017 there has been an 83% increase in the development of young onset Alzheimer’s disease. Not just a disease of the “elderly,” the development of this disease is now seen with increasing frequency in persons 30 to 64 years of age, with a large portion of this group being in their 40s. The good news is that we can PREVENT Alzheimer’s disease! One of the most effective ways to prevent its development is to avoid the development
of Type II diabetes. All the strategies necessary for avoiding that disease, or controlling it well if it has already developed, work to protect our brains, the organ that controls every single thing about us, from Alzheimer’s disease. Edith Gendron Chief of Operations
T H E M I DTO WN PRESS / 1 1
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Postell’s Mortuary
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LAUNDRY
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THE MARKETPLACE
RESTAURANTS
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SCHOOLS
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The Midtown Press is distributed to more than 8000 households, businesses, professional offices, schools and other institutions in the Greater Pine Hills area and local communities.
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The closing date for advertising in the Christmas/New Year Edition of The Midtown Press is November 25
Tune In Wednesdays-12 Noon-"The 411" on WOKB 1680 am Radio
Now Hiring Experienced Fire Sprinkler Installers
1 4 / THE MIDTO WN P R E SS
NEWSLETTER
Pine Hills Safe Neighborhood Partnership ~ Autumn landscaping work that was assisted by Chesley Cherizol, Akeem Clouden and Amari Clouden. The monument signage was funded by a grant from The Safe Neighborhood Partnership.
WebEx Virtual Meeting Scheduled for Oct. 8, 7pm-8pm
Presenters for this meeting will be Laurie Gomez of Solar energy loan fund and Jeff Benavides, Orange County Chief Sustainability and Resilience Officer. They will be talking about the programs to help low and moderate income people obtain solar and also give insights on the safest way to go about it without being ripped off.
Hiawassa Highlands President, Rashida Ryan and Secretary, Ayannah Clouden, admire their attractive new neighborhood sign and their
Contact Allison Rice for logon instructions and if you have questions or need to practice using WebEx before the meeting: 407-836-5621
T H E M I DTO W N PRESS / 1 5
The People’s Business, continued ~
From the Desk of ...Commissioner Siplin:New Parking Ordinance Takes Effect November 2, 2020
“Dual rear wheeled vehicles (semi-trucks, big rigs, commercial-use dual rear wheel vehicles) parking in residential neighborhoods and on the rights-of-way have become a public nuisance. As such, my colleagues and I approved new parking enforcement regulations and fines to help ensure the safety and well being of our communities. If you see any of these violations, dial 311 (M-F from 7AM-9PM and Sat-Sun from 9AM-5PM); submit via the OCFL 311 App (FREE); or call the Sheriff’s Office non-emergency number (407) 836-4357
1 6 / THE MIDTO W N P R E SS
Pine Hills ChenMed staff inaugurate a multi-day grand opening in the Promenade Center at Hiawassee and Silver Star Roads.The ChenMed mission is to provide accountable, compassionate, and coordinated physician-led, family-oriented primary care. From its beginnings in the 1970s with the first primary care practice in Miami Gardens, Florida, ChenMed has offered affordable, human-centered care to medically underserved communities that now number twenty-one locations nationwide.ď‚ą T H E M I DTO W N P RESS / 1 7
Seniors, do you have the primary care you deserve? You do now.
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Dedicated Senior Medical Center provides high-quality care personalized for seniors. We coordinate your care while offering the convenience of services in one place.
Telehealth, to see or talk to your doctor from home
Medication services available
On-site tests and screenings
Door-to-doctor transportation
Now Accepting New Patients
Pine Hills 2724 N. Hiawassee Road Suite 100 Orlando, FL 32818
www.Dedicated.care
East Orlando 690 S. Goldenrod Road Orlando, FL 32822
(407) 378-7211
Some services are not covered under all plans. Check your plan documents for details and service availability at each individual center. Due to space and time limitations, some services are not available at all centers. Limitations, copayments and restrictions may apply.
1 8 / THE MIDTO W N P R E SS
T H E M I DTO W N P RESS / 1 9
PINE HILLS ROAD SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS
PROPOSED PINE HILLS ROAD IMPROVEMENTS
GATEWAY FEATURE AT SILVER STAR ROAD
Pine Hills Road Pedestrian & Bicycle Safety Improvements Project
T
o Address safety concerns along Pine Hills Road, Orange County Public Works was tasked to pro-
2 0 / THE MIDTO WN P R E SS
ceed with the redesign of Pine Hills Road from West Colonial to Bonnie Brae Circle. At the same time the NID requested the addition of a Gateway feature at the intersection of North Pine Hills Road and Silver Star Road.. The Gateway feature is now 60% through the design phase and will include a low wall, wayfinding signage and a gate sign tower. It is expected to be completed in the summer of 2021. Roadway safety
improvements including a new intersection mast arm and signal lights scheduled to be installed by the end of 2021.ď‚ą
Flooding Concerns Addressed... Hastings Street Sewer Improvements include new Drainage Options
U
pon evaluation several items needed to be addressed related to utilities and roads and drainage concerns on Hastings. Utilities replaced an asbestos cement force main on the west side of Hastings near the YMCA due to leaking problems (photo above). New PVC piping was laid under the road and run 700 feet north to Arundle that now ties into a new force main gravity system. This new utilities relocation combines with the roads and drainage projects with a goal to mitigate flooding issues in that vicinity immediately south of the YMCA. The remaining roads and drainage projects, including utilities, will commence work at and clean up of Lake Blanche. Project completion is scheduled for January. ď‚ą
Ramil Celestin works with the Neighborhood Improvement District collecting up to a thousand illegal signs daily from Pine Hills rights-of-way
2 1 / T H E M I DTO WN PRESS
E VA N S HIGH SCHOOL
GO TROJANS!
See Community School Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ih9uK5i-56s&sns=em
DATES TO REMEMBER
Oct. 5 - Varsity football game vs. Ocoee’s Knights rescheduled to this date from Oct. 2 Oct. 8 - Monthly Dental Screening (HUB) Oct. 14 - SAT for Seniors Oct. 15 - Drive-Thru College Fair (HUB) Oct. 19 - Deadline for Valencia Dual Enrollment application *The Football games may be live via Facebook Live, tune in to https://evansathletics.com/ one hour before the game to access the streaming of the game. * Make sure you follow all of your Evans Athletics on our highly recognized evansathletics.com website. Winter Sports are scheduled start on Monday, October 12, 2020 • Girls Weightlifting • Competitive Cheerleading • Boys & Girls Soccer - October 19 • Girls and Boys Wrestling - November 9 • Girls Basketball - October 26 • Boys Basketball - November 2 Girls Volleyball Keep up with their schedule by visiting https:// evansathletics.com/teams/2919575/girls/volleyball/varsity/schedule (photo below)
The NAACP’s annual Afro-Academic Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics
The enrichment program is designed to stimulate and encourage high academic & cultural achievement by youth of African-American descent. Three Evans High Students participated in the local competition, Giannina Daniels-Lajon, Ben Joseph and Anuvidya Singh. Giannina received the Silver Medal in Drawing. Anuvidya received the Bronze Medal in Painting. Ben Joseph won Gold in Painting and participated in the national virtual competition in August. Congratulations! 2 2 / THE MIDTO WN P R E SS
Ben Joseph’s Artwork Won Gold in Painting
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tudent Ben Joseph, who won Gold in painting, stated “I used acrylic paint and gouache on a 16x20 canvas board. The painting is supposed to represent the Black community and to get out of our situation in America, and while we can always see the hope on the other side we are still held back by the “cell bars” (Systematic oppression, racism and while we can always see the hope on the other side we are still held back by the “cell bars”. "This painting means a lot to me because in a way this is how I feel everyday being Black in America.”
ITEMS YOU WILL NEED FSA ID (PARENT & STUDENT) SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER OR PERMANENT RESIDENT NUMBER 2019 TAX RETURN Evans’ College and Career Resource Center is always ready to help any student with FAFSA or other college financial aid/planning questions. 2 3 / T H E M I DTO WN PRESS
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Local ‘Y’ Patrons Provide Workout Chairs for Senior Fitness Program or decades health specialists have touted the importance of an holistic approach to a long life. Top on the list is physical well being and good
Pine Hills Multi-Cultural Center
Work To begin soon on phase 1 contract
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ccording to Guysen Bohler, Orange County Capital Projects, assigned to the Pine Hills MultiCultural Center at Hiawassee and West Colonial ( the old Goodings Building pictured here) work will
begin in a few weeks on the outside building facade with landscaping improvements and reconfiguration 2 4 / THE MIDTO W N P R E SS
health. Too often years of neglectful eating, poor health habits and too little physical activity leads to serious health issues. To counter this, many senior health plans include wellness components, such as the Silver Sneakers program. If you fit any part of this description and are within the age group defined by this plan, the ‘Y’ offers a wonderful safe opportunity for cardio fitness. Stable, safe, equipment (strong, solid chairs) are an essential part of a safe exercise routine. Pictured are seniors, each with their own chair taking part in a morning exercise program at the ‘Y’. A number of ‘Y’ supporters contributed new chairs for the workout activity to keep our seniors safe! The Wayne Densch YMCA is open mornings until 1 p.m. for individuals and Silver Sneaker Seniors to continue getting their fitness workouts and enjoy shared activities. Safety is a top concern with the use of social distancing and the wearing of masks. of the parking lot. The site is fenced but people will start to see improvements with the outside work on the parking lot and new landscaping. There will be planters and a new protruding exterior facade with perforated corrugated panels in multiiple colors that light up at night. Phase 2 is at 90 percent design and will be put out for bid within 2 months. The Multi-Cultural Center has a 16,000 sq foot footprint that will be used for classrooms, computer labs, and service offices. It has a grand meeting ballroom with a curtained stage area for performances. A cafe will serve coffee where people will be able to just sit, read and enjoy the surroundings. The "Spirit of Pine Hills" art featured on the cover of this issue will greet visitors as they enter. Bohler’s team works diligently to assure that the design and appearance of the Center will be representative of the multicultural character of Pine Hills and that it will be an attractive property of which residents can be proud.
BOYS& GIRLS CLUB We Are Open!
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tanding next to the robotic equipment is Jose Bastias (at right), manager of the Walt Disney World Boys and Girls Club. He invites community youth in surrounding schools to check out the Club for interesting after school programming. Whether in person-to-person school or the LaunchEd@home program, children have many enrichment opportunities at the Club’s after school program. Open 2:30 to 7 PM every weekday but Wednesday when it opens at opens at 1:30. Area schools in 32808, except Pine Hills Elementary, are included in 21 st Century enrichment funding grant. Evans and Middle Schools are also included. Call Jose Bastias at 407-494-6721 for more info.Rurl
Setement
Commercial Development Within Rural Settlement
Residents petition against plans for Assisted Living Facility (ALF) and Residential Density at former horse farm site. number of meetings, both virtual and in-person transpired over the past few months to address the applicant's, Bailey’s Real Estate, LLP, request for a Future Land Use Amendment to allow development of an adult care community with a maximum development program of a 250-bed ALF. The initial request also included a 66,000-square-foot adult, independent living facility, a 12,320-square-foot community club house and equestrian amenities. The Planning and Zoning Commission denial of the original request was appealed and will now go before the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) on Oct 13th. Rural Settlement residents signed petitions and plan to attend. A number of residents within the area, but outside the Rural Settlement, would like to see the
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ALF and senior living options closer to where they live and feel such housing is an essential service and should be allowed within a rural settlement. Community residents interested in this proposed amendment can contact Sandra at 1-770-789-7004.
Sandra Fatmi-Hall presents case for approval T H E M I DTO W N PRESS / 2 5
Community Rallies In Support of Solutions ‘Enough Is Enough’
Mayor Demings, Officials, Church and Local Leaders Come Together to Find Solutions to Youth Violence
If You See Something—Say Something
Anyone with information is urged to call Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS. If your information leads to an arrest you may be eligible for a reward.crimeline.org Rewards in the homicides of two Orange County children has increased up to $20,000 each.
W
ith great sadness yet determination people assembled at New Life Church on Powers Drive to express their frustration with yet another senseless loss of lives—3-year old Daquane Felix Jr. who followed 14-year old Denis Joshua Atkinson— both victims of drive-by shootings.
The community has been here before—addressing young adult violence and, where able, to successfuly promote solutions to take violent offenders off the street. The Sheriff and community supported programs, services and training opportunities for young adults to give them a 2nd chance and to help them succeed. Today, emotions are overflowing, not only with strong support for the victims' families, but for all of our people, and how this behavior in the 14-18 year-old age group is now deeply impacting our Pine Hills families and neighborhoods of over 70,000 people. Mayor Demings spoke to the need for a ‘better community’ one free from on-going violence and stated his office will be focused on the solutions. He annouced the formation of a Task Force comprised of a wide-array of community leaders from throughout Orange County. 2 6 / THE MIDTO W N P R E SS
He challenged local attendees with a heart for service to contact his office. District 2 Commissioner Christine Moore stressed the need for action. By standing together in unity and working together. Violent behavior does not discriminate who gets hurt. By loving and caring for each other we can work together for solutions. Solicited ideas and solutions from attendees acknowledged the need for greater funding resources. Local social organizations and entities who have a demonstrated track record of providing services and achieving success require the tools and resources to continue expanding their work. Networking and availability of transportation to existing programs is an important component. Supporting afterschool programs,with strong and capable mentoring of at-risk children in middle schools and upper elementary schools were frequently mentioned. Evans Community School graduate Julian O'Neill, Morehouse College and Board member of United Foundation of Central Florida, spoke of how important the Evans after-school program ‘Future Leaders United’ was to his success. Pine Hills is home to over 100 churches. It was strongly suggested church members mobilize, listen to what local children are being taught on social media, through friends, and begin at an early age to mentor them against violence and hurtful behavior toward others. The Law Enforcement officers stressed the importance of engaging neighbors, reporting what they see, and encouraging people to regard deputies as community partners. We need each other...to work with each other to keep our neighborhoods safe! “We are pleading with the community to step
up and help us solve these tragic and heinous murders,” Sheriff Mina said. “We know there are people out there who know the identities of the shooters. We need you to help us get those violent criminals off the streets of our county. "
Orange County Community Policing Partner Sector 3 Captain Marlow Speaks at a virtual District 6 Focus Meeting with Commissioner Victoria Siplin.
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s a community partner, deputies update happenings at the Sheriff’s office. Captain Marlow underlined the importance of the community to come forth with any information that may help them solve the two youth murders. Information will always remain anonymous. He answered questions about local gang activities and reported on several large com-
Screen Shot of Captain Marlow
munity parties they helped to shut down. October 6th is law enforcement’s annual National Night Out (NNO) event that people can sign up for by going to the OCSO. com website and register.
SILVER STAR MEAT AND SEAFOOD SUPER MARKET
Fried Fish Where Everyone Oxtail/Ke Bef is Welcome for all Fried Pork/Griot of your Grocery needs. Fried Goat/ Tasso Fresh Every Day! Black RiceWhite Rice Wholesale and Retail SIDES Red Beans and Rice Spicy Cole Slaw We Deliver to Retauarants, Rice Granules Fried Plantain Take Out, Weddings, Fried TilapiaOkra Fried Sweet Potato Funerals, wherever Good Fried Plantains Sweet Chicken Wings Food is Served Lemon Pepper Wings We take WIC too! OkraPickles DRINKS OPEN 8-6 Come visit. You won’t regret it. JupinaWatermelon
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4300 Clarcona-Ocoee Road Suites 404-405 Orlando, FL 32810
T H E M I DTO W N PRESS / 2 7
PEOPLE TO PEOPLE
City of Orlando Creates Dedicated Community Policing Unit—
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ecent social movements calling for review of the actions and policies within police departments around the county have lead local residents to ask for a review of the policies of the City of Orlando’s OPD and to evaluate its responses and programs to determine whether equitable services and treatment are implemented with all incidents they encounter. The city made immediate changes, including banning the use of choke holds and no-knock warrants and updated OPD’s response to resistance policy. Officers are now being trained to employ de-escalation tactics to minimize the need to use force and are expected to treat all with dignity and respect. Department funds are also being reallocated to form a new Community Oriented Policing team. This team will focus solely on working collaboratively with residents to address community concerns and to cultivate positive relationships.
KEEP SAFE Wear a Mask Social Distance
Orlando Mayor’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission Announces Pledge Denouncing Racism and Discrimination
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ity leaders joined the Orlando MLK Commission to invite the public to take a stand and commit to equality, justice and peace and against racism and discrimination in all forms by signing the Orlando Community Pledge. “As we work to create a more equitable Orlando for every person who calls our city home, it’s important that we come together to condemn racism and discrimination in all forms,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “As a community, we are stronger when we unite and commit to equality, justice, peace, respect and inclusion for all.” Individuals and organizations are invited to take the pledge by going to orlando.gov/mlkpledge. Those who join Mayor Dyer in signing the pledge will be invited to participate in a variety of community events and programs presented by the Orlando Mayor’s MLK Commission to foster on-going dialogue, listening and learning. The mission of the Orlando Mayor’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission is to strengthen our community by promoting Dr. King’s legacy of service, equality, justice, peace, respect and inclusion for all. The Commission, established in 1986, is a community partnership that represents a cross-section of civic leaders from the public, private and non-profit sectors.
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Orlo Vista Resident Honored As Documentary Photographer─
ynthia Slaughter has spent her life in the Central Florida area. Since 2010 she studied documentary photography and now uses her passion and skills to honor her mother, Edna Pearl Butler Journey, and family history. A long-time resident of Orlo Vista, her home was flooded during Hurricane Irma. Slaughter’s photos (photo at right) speak to the sadness and loss of a lifetime of memories and the turbulent times that followed. Now on exhibit at Hannibal Square Heritage Center, 642 W. New England Ave., you can see these amazing photos through January 18th. 407-539-2680 for info.
2 8 / THE MIDTO W N P R E SS
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COMMUNITY NOTICES CONTINUED— Pine Hills Neighborhood Improvement District (PHNID) Advisory Board Meetings- 1st Wednesday of month starting at 9 a.m. by WebEx Virtual Meeting, Following Dates: Oct. 7th , Nov. 4th & Dec. 2nd For NID info and business follow up Contact Samuel Weekley, Exec. Dir., NID C: (407) 516‐4767, Email: Samuel.Weekley@ocfl.net Businesses and community leaders are invited to join and learn more about Pine Hills redevelopment. Sign on early for Public comment welcomed at beginning of meeting. Orange County Virtual Community Conference REGISTER NOW…GET COMMUNITY UPDATES! “Join us for the first Orange County Virtual Community Conference. Get the latest updates that impact your neighborhoods…Saturday, October 17, 2020 at 9am. SIGN UP: www.ocfl.net/CommunityConference for additional information.” Pine Hills Safe Neighborhood Partnership (PHSNP) offers Orange County grants Neighbors wanting to make changes in their communities, meet on the 2nd Thurs. of each month from 7 to 8 p.m. Next Virtual Meetings Oct. 8th Join the meeting via phone or online with WebEx. Call Allison for invite Access info. Our presenters for this meeting will be Laurie Gomez of Solar energy loan fund and Jeff Benavides, Orange County Chief Sustainability and Resilience Officer. Residents plan for neighborhood beautification, entrance signs with improvements, traffic-calming devices and other needs. An Orange County representative will assists you through process, log in and join the network. Meet leaders from other neighborhoods. All are welcomed!. Your participation at meetings is required for grant assistance. Robinswood Community Improvement Association Usual meeting time is the 3rd Thursday of each month. Look for information on RCIA Website for next official date. Meetings have been postponed until further notice. This neighborhood association is a non-profit organization looking after the concerns of a large area south of Silver Star Rd, from Hastings on the East, to Powers on the West, and W. Colonial to the South. Learn about Orange County resources and what to do to improve your neighborhood. Sign Up for Next Door Neighbor App.! Robbinswood Garden Club meets September through May, the first Tuesday monthly, at 7:30 p.m. at the Pine Hills Community Center. Check in September if group 3 0 / THE MIDTO W N P R E SS
meetings start up. The object of the club is to stimulate interest in gardening and related arts, to cooperate in the protection of native plants and birds, and to encourage public planting & roadside improvements. Orlo Vista Chamber of Commerce and OV United Safe Neighborhood Partnership meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month at the Chamber Hall on Hastings off Old Winter Garden Rd. when gatherings start up again. Hall Rental (Call 407-292-1702 or email for Social Distancing seating.) www.orlovista.net Email: orlovusn@gmail.com. Info: OV Community Garden For Info contact Claudia Douglas 407-222-1208 or cdou6563@yahoo.com
EVENTS / SAVE THE DATES
Central Florida Job Fair, Wednesday, October 7th from 12 Noon to 4 PM Over 40 Companies attending. Register, Dress for Success and bring Resumes. For Details and to pre register, visit online at www.cfec.org For Questions Call 407-834-4022. Employers Call 407-834-4223
GOVERNMENT SERVICES ORANGE COUNTY LIBRARY SERVICES WEST ORLANDO BRANCHES HIAWASSEE BRANCH 7319 W Colonial Dr. (Highland Lakes Center at Hiawassee & W. Colonial) Open M-Thurs. 10 -9 p.m. Fri. – Sat. 10-5 p.m. Call 407-835-7323 for info. WASHINGTON PARK BRANCH 5151 Raleigh Street, Open M-Thurs. 10-8 p.m. Fri-Sat. 10 -5 p.m. Call 407-835-for Services and Classes SIGN UP FOR VIRTUAL PROGRAMS Register online at ocls.info Learn English! Aprender Inglès! Apran Anglè! We Have After School & Evening Programs! Advanced & Continuing Education Classes in Access, Excel, Email, Photoshop, Power Point, Publisher, QuickBooks, Word, Web pages and Computer Basics Nifty Online Learning Opportunities at the library! E-News Letter go to ocls.info
Earn Your High School Diploma On-line! CHECK FOR VITRUAL CLASSES! GED Prep Classes are at Evans HS &PH CCtr. Orlando Tech at 407-246-7060 x701-3440. Orange County Library
Orange County Sheriff’s Office/ www.ocso.com School Crossing Guard Unit: HIRING NOW! 407836-4082. We are in Need! Help us keep our kids safe! Also-Victim Advocates: Call 407-254-7248 OCSO, Citizens On Patrol volunteers patrol in marked agency vehicles. They patrol their subdivisions, neighborhood parks, schools and area businesses and are trained and/or certified to perform a number of duties. To learn more about this great opportunity in your subdivision, Call 407-254-7374. ORGANIZATIONS / PUBLIC SERVICES
COMMUNITY SCHOOL OF THE ARTS PROGRAM
Women in the Arts Inc. Tuition Free Youth Art Programs for PK-3rd grade through 12th Online Registration
www.womenintheartsinc.org or call Maria Guerrero at 407-491-3884 / ˃ Coming Up Events ─More details at the website or contact CSA. Check website for information on next Virtual school session and follow current virtual curriculum.. To sponsor or donate to a program please contact Maria at womeninthearts@gmail.com
American Legion Memorial Post 19: 2101 Lee Rd. cell321-438-7179 / Post- 407-293-9515 American Legion Orlando Memorial Post 12 Squadron 19 is proud to be the oldest charter. Contact for current status. [SAL Memorial Post19.org website/ SALMemorialPost19@gmail.com / 407-6221807 Post] at 5320 Alloway St. American Legion Dorie Miller Memorial Post 331 4325 Fairmont St. (off W. Colonial by Fair Grounds) Call: 407-294-7228 for current status. www.doriemiller331.org./americanlegion3@cfl.rr.com AWCD Lions is excited to present a new innovative option for parents with our Edu-tainment Online Program Introducing our New Monthly Membership where parents can receive educational & entertainment support for your children to learn at home for just $47 month! We’ve made it easy for your success. 8001 Silver Star Road, Orlando FL 32818 (407)5226511 www.awcdlions.com Caribbean Community Connection of Orlando, Inc. is a Community Resource and Referral Center that does Counseling, Parenting, Anger management, Computer classes, Immigration Services, Credit Counseling, Health forms, and general access services assistance. Anjiro Gabriel, CEO/ founder. Mon. –1020 N. Pine Hills Rd. Current Status 407-473-7616 caribecc.org Charity and Love: We have moved 4300 Clarcona Ocoee Rd. #101…Food Stamps help, Medicaid, Medicare, Unemployment Comp., SSI,. Community Referrals and Resource Information. Barbara Ansar, 407-522-4473 or 407-595-5230 www.charityloveinc.com . Embrace Families CBC serves as the state-designated lead agency for children in foster care in Orange, Osceola and Seminole Counties. The organization works to prevent child abuse and neglect, to strengthen families, and to care for our community’s children in foster care. Services: encourage families to explore the possibility of opening their hearts and homes to children in need. For more information please contact Embrace Families at www.EmbraceFamilies.org, or call (321) 441-2060. LANES: (Loving, Assisting, Nurturing, Education and Supporting -girls) mentoring teenage girls in middle schools Lisa Williams, Current Status at 407-299-5464 www.lanestg.org.
MORE COMMUNITY NOTICES►► T H E M I DTO W N PRESS / 3 1
LYNX: In Pine Hills: NL Flex Service (613) from N. Pine Hills Rd west to Clark Rd., South of Silver Star Rd. to Colonial Drive. Mon.-Sat. 5:00 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Customers may travel to and from any location in pickup area- Must Wear a Mask! Two Hour advance noticed required Call: 407-244-0808 for service. Mustard Seed of Central Florida has an on-going need for volunteers to assist with light-duty and manual task around the warehouse and office, Contact: volunteer@mustardseedfla.org Pine Hills Neighborhood Center for Families 2804 Belco Drive, Orlando, FL (Urban League building) Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Employment, Haitian Creole Services (ESOL, Literacy, Translation, Immigration) Counseling • Parenting • Case Management • AfterSchool Programs • Academic Support, Prevention /Intervention Services Current Status Call (407) 294-3519 Funded by Orange County, FL Meals on Wheels Seniors First Inc. Meals on Wheels program which is dedicated to delivering meals to seniors in need, SEEKS VOLUNTEERS to help deliver meals. Your call can make a difference in the life of a senior citizen in as little as 90 minutes a week. Contact Linda Begley at 407-292-0177 ext. 237 or email lbegley@seniorsfirstinc.org. Urban Youth Employment Program: Free, open to people 16-24 years of age. Completed high school or not, looking for a job and INTERESTED in On the Job Training, and Work Experience. Call: 407-841-7654, ext 351 or Register with Info at www.cful.org, Central Florida Urban League, 2804 Belco Dr. COMMUNITY MEETING SPACE Meeting Spaces Below Contact for Current Social Distancing Availability
Clarcona Community Ctr. 407-291-4388 Pine Hills Community Ctr. 407-254-9100 Hiawassee/W. Colonial Library Meeting Rooms 407-835-7323 Orlo Vista Chamber Bldg. 407-292-1702 Rotary West Orlando Bldg. 407-293-7528 WellCare Community Meeting Center 6801 West Colonial Dr., Suite E Meeting Space Small Groups 407-253-7601 COMMUNITY EVENTS Amerasia Bank Community Center China Town Plaza HEALTH AWARENESS Barnett, Orlo Vista & Silver Star Parks 3 2 / THE MIDTO W N P R E SS
Community Health Centers – Affordable Healthcare for Everyone: Pediatrics, Family Medicine, Dental, OB/GYN, Pharmacy, Behavioral Health and Optometry. Medicaid, Medicare and Private Insurances are accepted. A Sliding Discount Program is available for insured and uninsured patients. Centers in Pine Hills, Forest City, Winter Garden and throughout Central Florida. For appointments, please call 407-905-8827 or visit www.chcfl.org for more information Easy Access Women’s Health Clinic: 6889 W. Colonial Dr. Women’s health exams, pap, breast, STD/STI exams & prescriptions, birth control, family planning, prenatal and postpartum care, counseling & support services. Call for appointment 407-656-6938 info@easyaccessclinic.com/www.easyaccessclinic.com Evans High School Wellness Center
Orange Blossom Family Health
Current Status: To schedule an appt. call: (407) 428-5751. Email:hcchfrontdesk@hcnetwork.org (Public Access off Londonderry and Danny Boy Circle on North end of EHS by football field. Grace Medical Home-A medical practice that serves uninsured residents of Orange County, birth to age 65, who reside at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. A patient must currently be employed, or have been employed within the last six months, or be a fulltime student or a single parent. For info call 407-9362785 or email: info@GraceMedicalHome.org. Harbor House: Threatened, need help? We provide safe shelter, legal advocacy, injunctions, relocation assistance and hope! 24-hour hotline 407-886-2856 Statewide 1-800-500-1119 Volunteer or donations call 407-886-2244 Nurse-Family Partnership: 1st time mom and less than 28 week pregnant, sign up for Free nurse home visitation program to assist and monitor your pregnancy, Call 407-254-6822. Senior Resource Alliance: offers a FREE Medication Management Program aimed at reducing the risk of medication Mismanagement in older adults. Call 407802-6766 or 407-514-1800
Sickle Cell Support Group: Current Status Call 407595-8178. Victim Service Center of Central FL: Confidential 24-hour sexual assault hotline. 407-497-6701 Crisis Intervention www.victimservicecenter.org.
PARKS, CLUBS AND RECREATION
ORANGE COUNTY PARKS OPEN WITH RESTRICTIONS -Playgrounds Are Now Open-
NO Youth Sports Activities!
Until further notice, all County sponsored youth, adult and senior programs and gatherings remain suspended; all pavilion and room rentals remain suspended; and the fitness center, gym, game room, playgrounds, basketball courts, volleyball courts and splash pads remain closed until further notice. Parks and Recreation is working with the School Board regarding transportation for the upcoming afterschool program, held at 13 sites. Sports fields can be rented for youth practices (no games) tennis courts are open. While pavilions cannot be rented, small groups of less than 10 are welcome to use them on a first‐come, first‐served basis. Parks and Recreation’s 11 public boat ramps, two kayak/canoe launches and five camping locations are open. The annual Fish4Fun event at Barnett Park has been postponed until September 2021. Please check the scrolling messages at www.OrangeCountyParks.net for updates. Boys And Girls Club (Back to School & Now Open) Register Today For After School Program / (Homework help, access to fine and digital arts, robotics, STEM programming, photography, filmmaking , drama, dance, and sports clinics. Current Status and Schedule - Call Jose Bastias, 407-295-110 or jbastias@bgch.org. (Funding for
students from Mollie Rae, Rolling Hills, and Ridgewood Park Elementary Schools, Private schools, Middle and High Schools through 21st Century Grant in zip code 32808. Annual fee of $30 with no other fees. Open 2:30 to 7 p.m. Monday –Friday except Wed. it is 1:30 to 7 p.m. (Safety is 1st goal with temperature checks, masks required indoors, 6 feet distancing, small groups and frequent cleaning of surfaces.) 5211 Hernandes Drive off N. Pine Hills Rd.
Wayne Densch YMCA WE ARE OPEN! Wellness and Cardio Everyday 9 a.m. to 1p.m. Monday and Thursday Bingo 10-12 Social Distancing Throughout / Masks Required. Frequent Surface Cleaning. Machines to Work out. Senior Silver Sneaker Program. Join others for fitness and safe cardio exercise with Deborah! At 11 a.m.
Become a ‘Y’ Supporter Join or Sponsor Others Your Donation Makes a BIG Difference! Call 407-299-4350 or tour at 870 N Hastings.
KENEL Barber
HAIR CUTTING/FADES/SHAVES/BOXTOP EYEBROWS/HOT-TOWEL FACIALS DESIGNS & MORE
PHONE: 321-527-1580
6253 Old Winter Garden Rd. Orlando 32835 T H E M I DTO W N PRESS / 3 3
PostSCRIPT E
Pride of Place
ach year for the past 25 years, the Pine Hills community has observed Spirit Week, in observance of the things that make a community express pride by keeping it clean, safe and prosperous. Among he obsrvances and activities that took place were roadway clean-ups; attending a place of worship in gratitude for our blessings; taking notice of a neighbor; sending an appreciative note to a teacher; going for a walk in the neighborhood; shopping at a Pine Hills store; and a variety of other ways to bolster a sense of community. Well, you get the idea. The aim was to strengthen the sense of community and, in doing so, strengthen the community itself. Without that sense, the community can become fractured and feel defeated. That sense also serves as a defense against events beyond its control that can mar its reputation and weaken the pride of place, which is so essential to a strong community. Recently, we have all recoiled in disgust at the gang violence that needlessly took childrens' lives. As Patricia Rumph, president of the Pine Hills Community Council, said, “This is not who we are.” Indeed, it is most definitely not and we must reject any suggestion to the contrary. Sheriff Mina has declared an aggressive effort to arrest and jail the perpetrators, twenty of whom have already been jailed. But we must do our part by remaining vigilant and by reporting any personal knowledge that might help bring them to justice. Pride of Place demands no less.
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*For Participating Patients 3 4 / THE MIDTO WN P R E SS
Appeal to Duke Energy
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ur cover story is about another signature development in the core area of Pine Hills near Silver Star and Pine Hills Roads, namely a Lynx Bus Transfer Center. That forthcoming development includes the north extension of the Pine Hills Trail that will cross Silver Star Road and run within the Bus Hub. Pine Hills Community leaders toiled for nearly two decades towards the realization of their vision of a town center that includes this location. They worked with Duke Energy for as many years to clean up and maintain its power corridor and were successful in securing an agreement to run the Pine Hills Trail within the corridor between Alhambra north to Silver Star Road with a spur running east down Delores to Barnett Park. What a major improvement to our community! Yes, it was costly securing property, clearing trash and debris and finally establishing contracts to mow the grass and maintain the corridor. Now with major redevelopment on its way it is time for Duke Energy to step up and acknowledge its responsibilities. Orange County has ordinances that address corporate responsibility maintaining properties within residential and commercial areas. The Community is grateful for the tremendous effort it took to secure the Pine Hills Trail and keep it groomed and maintained. The Lynx Bus Transfer Center now offers an opportunity for Duke Energy to do its part in securing corridor improvements north of Silver Star Road. -The Editors
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KEEP SAFE
Serving 6:00 am to 10:00 pm drive thru only
5212 SILVER STAR ROAD