The Midtown Press (October/November Issue)

THE

Midtown

Press

Oct/NOV 2021 VOLUME XXVI NUMBER 5 www.themidtownpress.com

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

fall health TIPS

Remaining Healthy During Fall Page 14

PRESS PROFILE Alzo Reddick Page 20

KNOW THIS

Daylight Saving Time Page 25

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IN THIS ISSUE

4 EDITOR’S CHAIR 6 WHAT SAY YOU? 8 COVID-19 CORNER 10 TIDBITS 11 press profile 12 senior focus 20 press profile

COVER PHOTO Cover Photo Just north of Lockhart, Lake Lotus Park is a woodland retreat. The 1.7-mile trail system provides an incredible escape from the everyday hustle and bustle of everyday life. This is the perfect season to check it out.

P.S. If you look close enough you might even spot some "fall" foliage.

T H E PRESS / 3

EDITOR’S CHAIR

I

t was sometime in early September when I heard the radio ad that Dunkin' Donuts was getting ready to release their seasonal array of fall favorites including the incomparable Pumpkin Spice Latte and of course Pumpkin Spice Donut. All of a sudden, thoughts of all things fall began to enter my mind; cooler nights, comfort food, and not in too far off distance, the Holidays. While we'll focus more on the holidays in the next issue, you can't help but think that it seemed that it was just January 2021 just a couple of months ago and we were so excited to turn the calendar on 2020. As the saying goes, "time waits for no one". So to have the calendar read October already is a bit shocking.

As with the past issues that had themes, this one is no different. With all of the talk of fall, it only felt natural that this issue had a fall theme. I hope you enjoyed our special "Back To School" theme from the August/September issue. A very special "Thank You" to all of the contributors, especially all of the incredible kids that took part in our Back To School fashion page. I was lucky not to have too many people laugh at my flat-top hair, high school senior picture from 1992. As a bald man now, I like to show off that I did have a full head of hair at one point in my life.

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In the What Say You section of this issue, I asked respondents "what is your favorite season of the year and why?" Personally, fall is my favorite time of the year for several reasons. I like the warmth of the season.

Some (not all) people seem to slow down a bit and are kinder. I have always attributed it to being in the holiday season. I look forward to the cooler days and gatherings with family (albeit smaller this year with COVID-19 still looming). Lastly, with an upcoming birthday in November, this time of year always brings with it a sense of reflection. I find myself taking stock of where I am in my life and asking what am I doing right, what do I need to improve, and what do I need to begin working on. I also ask myself if there is anything I need to change. Many experts have said that it takes 21 days to break a habit. So if there are any adjustments I need to make, I like to begin them right away so that I can begin the new year with a renewed focus.

Thank you for your continued support of The Midtown Press!

Glen

PLUS+

If you haven't noticed it yet, the cost of everything from gasoline, groceries, and everyday households items has increased; some more drastic than others. With Halloween and Thanksgiving as a part of this issue, here are some quick facts we wanted you to be aware of.

"Scary" Spending: Buying pumpkins this year for carving or for that pumpkin pie? According to one retail costing website, the cost of a pumpkin is slightly up. The average gourd will run you $4.18, as compared to $4.04 in 2019. Halloween is the United States' second-biggest commercial holiday (Christmas is first) with the average American expected to shell out over $90.00 in Halloween-related costs. As a whole, the country is projected to spend $9 billion on Halloween related expenses according to the National Retail Federation.

"Turkey Day" Dollars: With COVID-19 positivity rates slowly declining, is cautious optimism about Thanksgiving this year. Being able to spend the day with dear friends and family is something we look forward to all year. However due to product shortages, holiday food shopping this year will be more challenging than ever so start planning early. The average American family spends a little under $200 on Thanksgiving dinner. That number was down last year due to pandemic restrictions.

However, that number is expected to rebound this year and possibly be even more expensive due to product shortages.

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What Say you?

Question

While we don't have a real change of seasons here in Florida, what is your favorite season of the year and why?

Sheila Belle

Founder of Pine Hills Seniors Registered Dietitian (Retired)

Roben Dunnings

Community Relations & Marketing Liaison Simply Healthcare Plans

Art Howell

Program Director Florida Department of Health

Since Florida doesn't have the full range of seasons, I would say that my favorite season is "spring-like"!

My favorite season is Autumn. It's full of colorful warmth and fresh beginnings that inspire refreshing reflection.

Growing up in Michigan, summers were my favorite time of the year. I used to look forward to the family summer vacations and mostly, no more cold weather and snow. After high school and going away to college, I found myself gravitating to places with warmer climates, such as Las Vegas, St. Croix, Virgin Islands, and finally Orlando. Which brings me to answering the question, what’s my favorite season? I must say the Spring season, because of the drier heat without the humidity and the flowers begin to blossom.

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THE

Midtown

Press Oct/NOV 2021

Dates to Know october 1 11 15 16 23 31

World Smile Day Indigenous People Day Boss's Day Sweetest Day Make a Difference Day Halloween

november 1 1-2 7 11 13 20 25

All Saint's Day Dia de los Muertos Daylight Savings Time Ends Veteran's Day Caregiver Appreciation Day Universal Children's Day Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving

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T H E PRESS / 7

COVID-19 CORNER MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY THERAPY TREATMENTS AVAILABLE Monoclonal Antibody Treatments for COVID-19 can aid in preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death among high-risk individuals. The antibodies help the immune system recognize and respond effectively to the virus. According to treatment guidelines, the treatment should be administered as soon as possible after diagnosis. In Orange County, the treatments are being offered at Camping World Stadium located at 1 Citrus Bowl Place, Orlando, FL, 32805.

• Treatment is free and vaccination status does not matter. Individuals 12 years and older and are at high risk for severe illness due to COVID-19, are eligible for this treatment.

• There is currently a standing order which allows patients to receive the treatment without a prescription or referral if administered by an eligible health care provider.

• Monoclonal antibody treatment showed a 70% reduction in hospitalization and death.

• For high-risk patients who have been exposed to someone with COVID19, Regeneron can give you temporary immunity to decrease your odds of catching the infection by over 80%.

For more information, call the Florida Department of Health Monoclonal Antibody Treatment Support Line: 850-344-9637.

HOMEBOUND COVID-19 VACCINATION PROGRAM Florida residents who are unable to travel to a COVID-19 vaccination site due to health or mobility reasons are still able to receive COVID-19 vaccines. If you are homebound and would like to be scheduled for an in-home visit to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, contact the Homebound COVID-19 Vaccination Program at HomeboundVaccine@em.myflorida.com or 833-930-3672.

COVID-19 VACCINATION & TESTING* • • • • •

You can only select one type of test, Molecular PCR or Rapid Antigen, per day.

Testing is free and there is no co-pay.

Drive-thru testing only, no walk-ups.

No more than four individuals per vehicle.

The third-dose COVID-19 ‘booster’ shot for the Pfizer vaccine will be available for select groups of people as guided by the CDC beginning on Tuesday, September 28, 2021. The 3rd Pfizer shot is only available starting 6-months after receiving the full 2-shot Pfizer vaccines.

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

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

8 / THE PR E SS

Jerry Demings Center for Recovery and Re-Entry Hosts Community Celebration Event

B

ridges International’s Jerry Demings Center for Recovery and Re-entry invites everyone to its Community Health and Wellness Celebration in commemoration of its third year of service to the Pine Hills community. This family-friendly event will feature food, music, games, and local vendors and nonprofit organizations, along with COVID-19 testing and vaccinations.

“We’re excited to invite the community to a fun-filled event where we celebrate all that we’ve been able to accomplish in the last three years,” said Program Director Dr. Kelly Lill. In October 2018, then Sheriff and Mayor-Elect Jerry Demings and SheriffElect John Mina cut the yellow ribbon at the Grand Opening for the Jerry Demings Center for Recovery and Re-Entry, also known as The Portal. The outpatient facility located on Silver Star Road in Orlando, Florida was established to help reduce the impact of opioids in the community and support criminal justice-involved individuals with comprehensive therapeutic services. For more information contact Tammie Cooper at 407-401-7602 or visit bridgesofamerica.com.

T H E PRESS / 9

Tidbits

Orange County Awarded Millions for Septic Conversion and Upgrades The state of Florida announced its recommendation for Orange County to be the recipient of a $41 million wastewater treatment grant. The funds are part of a statewide program established by the Clean Waterways Act, which will provide more than $114 million to improve water quality and protect Florida’s natural water resources.

The grant can be used to upgrade traditional septic systems to include nutrient removal technology, provide advanced wastewater treatment, or convert septic tanks to central sewers. In Orange County, the funds will predominately help convert septic tanks in Wekiwa Springs and Pine Hills, which are within the Springs Priority Focus Area. Septic tanks have been identified as the source of 29% of the nitrates in the springs. Retrofitting existing neighborhood septic systems to sewer is a way to aid the ailing springs by transmitting wastewater to an advanced treatment facility. 

Pine Hills Vision 2050 Announced last year, Vision 2050 is a new comprehensive plan for smart, thriving, and healthy growth in our region. The initiative will guide how and where growth will occur during the next three decades. A series of Vision 2050 virtual town hall meetings were held earlier this year which provided residents opportunities to participate and provide input.

Vision 2050 will be implemented through the adoption of a new land-development code called the Orange Code, which will focus on place-making standards and contextbased regulations.

With proposed administrative zoning changes along a 1.8-mile Targeted Area in Pine Hills, property owners will have the option to aggregate land for larger projects or to simply keep their housing, or change and enlarge already existing buildings to accommodate a higher density of purpose. Planning options are focused within the Targeted Area, starting with changes along the North Pine Hills Corridor and several selected arterial hubs. These options are designed to show people possibilities of what could happen. For those wishing to get involved in the process, you can still express your opinion by participating in short, topic-specific surveys. Please scan the QR Code to take the current survey. For more information on Vision 2050, visit www.ocfl.net/vision2050.  1 0 / THE PR ESS

Tidbits

continued

"Pick up Pine Hills" Anti-Litter Initiative!

The Pine Hills Community Council (PHCC) kicked off 2021 with its “Pick up Pine Hills" anti-litter campaign. In January 2021, the PHCC took the lead to bring together a network of community-based organizations and volunteers with a focus to bring light to the issue of environmental responsibility, anti-litter, and transforming the public’s attitude through education, engagement, and empowerment.

The Pine Hills Community Council is excited to announce the launch of its first education booklet to inform and support litter prevention, Lucky’s Anti-Litter and Beautification Pick Up and Cleanup Guide: An Educational Coloring & Activity Book. The coloring and activity book focuses on teaching Pre-K through 12th grade students, and others, about the importance of anti-litter rules and how littering can negatively impact the health, economic, environment, and safety of our neighborhood and community, and the world.

The anti-litter and beautification activities book is fun, colorful, engaging, and is closely aligned to numerous of the Florida K-12 Civics and Government Standards and the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards for Health Education for the 2021-22 school year. Educators and volunteers may refer to the standards alignment information provided by PHCC to use as a guide when sharing teaching and learning activities about anti-litter, community service, beautification, and environmental rules and laws related to home, school, and community.

To find out more about Lucky Litter's coloring and activity book or to schedule a learning adventure, contact Dr. Latanya Nichols at info@pinehills.info or www.pinehills.info.

About The Author - Myra Johnson, PHCC Beautification Anti-Litter Committee

In the 1950's we had the advent of television and it opened up the outside world. We saw the events transpiring in other parts of the country and world. My high school history teacher had one requirement to pass his class. We had to read the paper every day and one day he would pop a quiz. He would teach the background behind the current event. It shaped my worldview and instilled in me a life-long habit to understand what is happening around us. We moved to Florida in 1971 moving here just prior to the opening of Disney.

We respected the land and waterways because they provided for our livelihood. We took care of it, just as we have to take care of, feed, nurture and train our children until they are able to provide for themselves. Each child has a gift that must be nurtured to bring everybody's talent to full bloom. We teach our children to crawl, walk, run, sing, brush their teeth, potty train, ABC's, colors, shapes, etc. It takes patience and work to develop their full potential. We are to give them “roots and wings” – grounded and rooted in the basics and the courage to go out into the world and be all that they are meant to be.

I believe we are a "perfecting union”, not perfect but moving toward a more perfect union. Love will win over hate, light will shine eventually. If we all do our part, we will achieve Dr. King's dream.

T H E P RESS / 1 1

Senior Focus

Pine Hills Seniors: Staying Active & Involved!

Orlando’s Pine Hills Seniors Inc. Wins Prestigious Award for Exceptional Service to Seniors The Florida Council on Aging recently recognized Pine Hills Seniors Inc. for its work helping Seniors in the Orlando area Stay Active, Independent, and Involved when it honored them with its 2021 Quality Senior Living Award (QSLA) for Public Service. This annual awards program, sponsored by Florida Power and Light (FPL), recognizes professionals and volunteers who significantly impact the lives of Florida Seniors.

Now in its 40th year, the QSLA program co n s i d e r e d m a n y individuals and organizations that focus on Seniors in service to Seniors, youths in service to Seniors and Seniors in service to youths.

The story of Pine Hills Seniors Inc. is one of an exceptional organization of volunteers that identifies unmet needs of Seniors in its community and does its best to fulfill them.

In 2007, Compton Belle, Sheila Belle, Oliver Batson, Gloria Coles and Clarence Matthews, formed Pine Hills Seniors Coming Together. There was no funding to support this project, but the first President of Pine Hills Seniors, Sheila Belle undertook the role of launching Pine Hills Seniors as a labor of love, motivated by a desire to continue working on aging matters. She used her over two decades of experience at the award-winning New

1 2 / THE PR ESS

York’s Area Agency on Aging, Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services to lead the new organization’s growth. It took a major step in 2015 when it became Pine Hills Seniors Inc. and adopted its mission to Empower our Seniors to Live Active, Healthy Lives! Its motto is "We Share Because We Care."

Pine Hills Seniors (PHS) is an all-volunteer 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization.

Having no traditional staff limits its programming capacity. In comments for this article, President Belle said, “Thanks to our membership of caring, sharing overachievers, we provide elder-friendly opportunities to socialize, meet peers, foster a sense of belonging, satisfy information needs, be active, contribute in self-affirming ways, be involved, and be engaged. I am also thankful for special projects support and advice from former Board member, Ms. Ona Taylor; photo journal contributions of Board member, Ms. Gail Bradshaw; Planning Committee members; missioncritical direction of Board members; and the interest of the community in activities such as weekly meetings, special events, gardening, exploring new hobbies, and volunteering. PHS has had 102 active seniors who met weekly for programs and activities targeted to attendees’ interests (currently suspended due to COVID-19).

Members continue to civically engage in such ways as neighborhood cleanup and distributing food to the needy, despite pandemic limitations. PHS is grateful to its members and partners for their contributions to earning the 2021 Quality Senior Living Award.

T H E P RESS / 1 3

Don't let your health "fall"!

Tips to maintain your health during the fall season

S

horter days and cooler nights always signal the beginning of the fall season. While it may seem like an opportunity to "fall" back. On the contrary, now is the time to step up your workouts or even introduce a new option or two to your current routines. While you shouldn't stress about it, with major holidays on the calendar including Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas there will be numerous opportunities to indulge so keep an eye on those extra calorie traps As it gets colder we all go into hibernation mode – that means more cravings for comfort food aka high carb and sugary snacks. If you find you are not as active in the fall and winter months, watch your intake for a more balanced diet. The holiday cookies, cakes, pies, dinners, and desserts are just around the corner!

So what can you do to fight the fall? Try some of these tips.

1. Boost your immune system. You can do this by drinking plenty of water, washing your hands often to prevent sickness, and eating nutritious foods rich in Vitamin C like citrus fruit.

2. Start taking a Vitamin D supplement. Did you know that get most of our Vitamin D from the sun, so our intake decreases when the weather is cooler since we spend most of our time inside during the fall/ seasons? Vitamin D can boost your mood and immune system!

3. Move more. With the "cooler" weather in Florida, it is the perfect time to move your exercise routines outdoors. Make a new habit of going for an evening walk or stroll after dinner.

4. Choose seasonal foods. Instead of the usual try incorporating more seasonal foods. The fall harvest is full of delicious options, including squashes (butternut and acorn just to name a few). Other options like beets, broccoli, cabbage, eggplant, kale, pumpkin, broths, roasted squash, roots and sautéed dark leafy greens are all great choices.

5. Hydrate. Just because it's not 95 degrees outside means that your water intake should decrease during the fall. This will also keep your skin healthy.

6. Wash your hands. It’s the start of flu season! With COVID being a part of our lives over the last couple of years, the flu still exists. Keep yourself and your loved ones healthy by washing your hands frequently and cleaning the spaces you frequently touch. Disinfecting your phone, computer, TV remotes, and door handles is always a good idea.

7. Hydrate. Just because it's not 95 degrees outside means that your water intake should decrease during the fall. This will also keep your skin healthy.

8. Me Time. You just got the kids back to school and the holiday preparations will be here in no time, so remember to take time for yourself. Sign up for a new yoga or fitness class, start/finish that book you’ve wanted to read or take a simple hike through your local park to view the leaves changing color. (See our suggestion on page 3.)

9. Visit Your Doctor. Now is a great time to visit your doctor for your annual physical. If you are diabetic, consider scheduling your annual eye exam and ensure that during your doctor's visit that you take your shoes off to have your feet looked at.

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A Man of Firsts

Press Profile

Alzo J. Reddick

O

ne of the highlights of publishing The Midtown Press is the people I get to meet and interview. For this issue, I had the honor and privilege of interviewing former State of Florida Representative Mr. Alzo Reddick. In our almost hour-long conversation, he was open and generous with his time recalling the history of his life and career. As we neared the end of our conversation, I mentioned to him that what became clear during our conversation is that he is a man of firsts - thus the title of this section.

Born in Alturas, Florida near Bartow, a young Alzo relocated to Orlando with his family in 1945 when he was in the first grade. His family would settle near downtown Orlando at 700 West Jackson Street in downtown Orlando where he lived until he leaving for the Army.

Mr. Reddick is an avid reader and he attributes his love for books and reading to his next-door neighbor, Ms. Eddie Jackson who was the first black female in Orlando to have a librarian’s degree. He fell in love with the library and coming from Bartow he had never been in a library before.

Earlier this year Reddick, now 83, was honored for his lifetime of accomplishments in education and politics by Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings who proclaimed the day as “Dr. Alzo Reddick Day.” He was joined by current and former elected officials from

T HE PR ESS / 18

the Central Florida Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials, representatives from the University of Central Florida.

While I had heard the term "living legend" many times before, talking to Mrs. Reddick was the first time where that term finally resonated with me. I entitled this article because of his many accomplishments which are many but to name a few, Mr. Reddick was: • The first in my family to graduate from college • The first Black man hired to teach at Winter Park High School.

• The first Black administrator at Rollins College.

• The first Black man from Orlando elected to the state legislature since the Reconstruction Era • The first Black man to see two bills he sponsored become law.

Despite his many accolades and dedication to Orlando and Florida, the Jones High School graduate does not believe that his work is not done. Mr. Reddick, who himself is an Army Veteran (enlisted after graduating from college) says that said his next hope is to see an Army base renamed for Black soldiers.

I am extremely grateful to Mr. Reddick. His life work is a testament to courage, love of his community, and being able to make connections with people at all levels and of all backgrounds. It is clear that Orlando is a better place because of Mr. Alzo Reddick.

1 9 / T H E PRESS

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KNOW THIS!

Daylight Saving Time

D

uring the early morning on November 7, 2021 (2 am to be exact), it will go through our semi-annual ritual of adjusting our clocks.

As I'm sure most will recall the shortcuts, since we are in the fall season, we "fall back". At that magical hour, we set our clocks back an hour and get a well-needed extra hour of sleep.

As a side note, despite how it may be cited in conversation it is not Daylight "Savings" Time.

the workday. But the benefits of this change are controversial, and the shift can have measurable impacts on health.

A 1966 federal law signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson specifies that daylight time applies from 2 a.m. on the second Sunday of March until 2 a.m. on the first Sunday of November in areas that do not specifically exempt themselves to stay on standard time.

Those states include:

The main purpose of Daylight Saving Time is to make better use of daylight. The idea behind the clock shift is to maximize sunlight in the Northern Hemisphere, as days start to lengthen in the spring and then wane in the fall. The logic is that by springing forward and falling back, people add an hour of sunlight to the end of

In the past four years, 19 states have passed legislation or resolutions seeking to make Daylight Saving Time the standard time in their states, if Congress takes action, according to the National Conference of State Legislators.

• Alabama, Georgia, Minnesota, Mississippi and Montana in 2021.

• Georgia, Idaho, Louisiana, Ohio, South Carolina, Utah and Wyoming in 2020.

• Arkansas, Delaware, Maine, Oregon, Tennessee and Washington in 2019.

• Florida passed legislation in 2018.

Arguments in favor of daylight saving time generally center on the boost the time shift gives to evening activities. In many places, the time shift is very unpopular. Europe's pending move away from the annual change stemmed from a survey that revealed roughly 80 percent of some 4.6 million respondents were against daylight saving time.

Only time will tell what happens as we move forward. In the meantime enjoy your extra hour of sleep.

P.S. It is also a good reminder during this time to change the batteries in your smoke detector!

2 1 / T H E PRESS

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.

Congratulations to Ms. Lauren Williams (Biology) for being named EHS Teacher of the Year and Congratulations to Mrs. Rina Santiago (Registrar) for being named EHS Support Person of the Year!

Evans High School Advisory Council (SAC) OCPS School Advisory Councils invite stakeholders (students, parents, teachers, staff and community members) to get involved in their school communities to assist the school principal in developing and evaluating the School Improvement Plan. Each SAC is composed of the principal and representatives of teachers; education support employees; parents; community members; and students.

Evans’ SAC presented Evans alum and Hardee’s owner Tim Haberkamp with a school jersey in May. From left: Michael Strayhorn; Alayna Riggins; Tim Haberkamp; Clarence Truitt; and Gregory Thompson 2 2 / THE PR ESS

Menu for GOOD Health

Offering FREE Health Preventive Services

Chronic Disease and Diabetes Self-Management workshops Learn to manage your chronic condition in this free 6-week workshop which meets once a week. Anyone interested in hosting a workshop for their organization, agency, church, or social group, contact us! Workshops are conducted virtually or in person.

HEALTH COACHING Center for Change provides free health coaching sessions. We are here to help you make healthy behavior changes.

Gardening and Nutrition Classes Learn the benefits of gardening and how to make healthy and nutritious meals.

Classes are available in person or virtually.

UPCOMING HEALTH WEBINARS "What To Know About Diabetes” November 17, 2021 - 6: 30 PM

Contact Center for Change To Register Or Inquire About Our Services

(407) 271-4452 www.flcenterforchange.org

Casman Mosby Medicare Benefits Consultant

Virginia Santana Felix, MD

Ce ll: 321-318-6413

Carthia Joachim, ARNP

CMosby2@humana.com

2966 Commerce Park Dr. Suite 300 Orlando, Florida 32819

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.

Contact Us Today For Advertising Opportunities | Thank you for supporting local media! www.themidtownpress.com | info@themidtownpress.com | 407.504.1695 T H E PRESS / 2 3

Over 100 new paintings by the artist

2 4 / THE PR ESS

Second Harvest Food Bank Recognizes Volunteers for Their Service Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida recently recognized several volunteers for their contributions to the organization and the mission to fight hunger.

Viviane Bueno

On Aug. 4, Viviane Bueno was presented with “The Going the Extra Mile” award. Since March 2020, Viviane has contributed over 1,000 hours to help Second Harvest distribute more food to more people amid the global pandemic. Viviane goes the extra mile by helping wherever it’s needed the most but is often seen sorting donations – and even brings friends to volunteer with her.

“It is so important for everyone to volunteer in the food bank, especially during these hard times,” explains Viviane. “For some people, the food that we help prepare and get out into the community is the only food available to them and their family.”

SWIM LESSONS

at the Children's Safety Village

Swim lessons with Karen Faust k.faust@infantswim.com 407-729-6251 910 Fairvilla Road, Orlando, Fl 32808 *Swim Scholarships may be available.Contact us at 407-521-4673 or visit notonemoreflorida.org for more information*

Other Services: Community Events Car Seat Resources Safety Education Field Trips

The nonprofit also presented Ralphee Addington with the “Dave Pearlman Spirit of Volunteerism” award, which is named after the founder and owner of Kane’s Furniture. Over the years, Ralphee has volunteered at many food drives and rescued truck-loads of food – just like the Ralphee Addington award’s namesake. When the pandemic started and phone calls started pouring in for home delivery, Ralphee started making daily deliveries, sometimes on the weekends. He never turned down a request, no matter the distance.

Congratulations to the award winners!

Photos courtesy of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida

T H E PRESS / 2 5

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Halloween Safety & Events Kids love the magic of Halloween, but the COVID-19 pandemic means Halloween may be a bit different this year. You can still have fun! First and foremost, follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines to ensure your celebrations are safe.

Costume Safety To help ensure adults and children have a safe holiday, the American Academy of Pediatrics has compiled a list of Halloween safety tips. Before Halloween arrives, be sure to choose a costume that won't cause safety hazards.

All costumes, wigs, and accessories should be fire-resistant. If children are allowed out after dark, fasten reflective tape to their costumes and bags, or give them glow sticks. Children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day ear. Lack of visibility because of low lighting at night also plays a factor in these incidents.

Halloween night tips • A responsible adult should accompany young children on the neighborhood rounds • If your older children are going alone, plan and review a route acceptable to you • Agree on a specific time children should return home • Teach your children never to enter a stranger's home or car • Instruct children to travel only in familiar, well-lit areas and stick with their friends • Tell your children not to eat any treats until they return home • Children and adults are reminded to put electronic devices down, keep heads up and walk, don't run, across the street Safety Tips for Motorists • Watch for children walking on roadways, medians, and curbs • Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully • At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing • Discourage new, inexperienced drivers from driving on Halloween

events Lockhart presents The Little Wekiva Spooktacular 5K. The ghouls and ghosts are calling everyone to Lockhart! The inaugural Spooktacular will take place Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, at 7:30 am until 9:30 am. Shirts are not guaranteed for participants who register after October 23, 2021.

Proceeds will benefit and support the People of Lockhart Community Association which aims to provide a safe, engaged, and welcoming community.

Each year the library puts together a ghoulishly good time for children and adults with creepy crafts, spooky stories, and ghostly games. Bring your young dragons, high-flying fairies, and mystical magicians to pick up take-home crafts and candy from Monday, October 25 - Saturday, October 30, while supplies last at select libraries. Attend a virtual Livestream, Mad Science Spooky Spectacular show on October 30, 2021, at 2 p.m. Visit the Orange County Regional History Center’s Events page for more Halloween fun. Recommended for ages 3-12. Costumes are encouraged.

T H E P RESS / 2 7

2 8 / THE PR ESS

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 7,500 (2,500 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!

O R L A N D O

T H E PRESS / 2 9

{ PostSCRIPT } H

ave you ever stopped and thought about what you want to be remembered for? While I don't intend for this story to be morbid, the fact is one day, we will, unfortunately, pass away. When that day comes, what do you want to be remembered for? What do you want people to say about you? What do you want to be placed on your headstone? These aren't questions we think about every day but as I said in my notes in the Editors Chair section of this issue, during this time of the year I find myself become more introspective. So who am I?

I

I have many hats that I wear and at times, it is hard to juggle. My first job, and main priority in life is to be the best father I can be to Christian and Madison, my children. My day job as the Executive Director of Hebni Nutrition, a non-profit organization forces me to lead, be decisive, and strategic all at the same time. I started the SMILE Ice Cream Company back in late 2019 primarily because I wanted to be an entrepreneur to which I attribute to wanting to emulate my father. At SMILE, it is all about relationships and creativity. I truly enjoy when someone enjoys my homemade ice cream and even better when I receive a word-of-mouth referral. Fast-forward to early in 2021 when I began as Publisher of The Midtown Press where it is a different is different kind of creativity - a different type of conversation with customers as they are advertisers so it is more of a consultative selling conversation and then comes the writing. I am proud to say that I currently write 95% of the stories you read in the paper. During a casual conversation I was having with a friend I hadn't spoken to in a few years when I brought up the fact that I now publish a paper, his response was "that is so cool, I didn't know you were a writer". I remember pausing at his response because I didn't think of myself that way. I viewed writers as individuals who write books. So in my mind, people like Steven King, Terry McMillan, and John Grisham are authors. I clearly don't put myself in that category. When I told this to my friend, his response was surprising to me as he said "those writers do is exactly what I do, the only difference is that they write novels while I write for a paper."

The conversation actually inspired me! While I still don't see myself as a writer/author, I have made the decision to add another hat to my already busy life and plan to write my first book, an autobiography. Not of me, but my father. Over the next few months, my goal is to conduct several interviews with my dad where I ask him questions about everything including, growing up, raising children, and even starting his own business. I hope to learn things about him and my mom that I never even realized. My guess is that it will be at least a year before that project is complete so tray tuned.

What do you want to be for?

In the end, we will all be remembered for something. It isremembered my hope however as a "writer" that one day after I am gone, that someone picks up a copy of the paper or even my upcoming book and says, "Glen was a lot of things", including being a writer!

- The Editor 3 0 / THE PR ESS

" T H E 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