No longer a dream! the doors were finally opned to the community to enjoy the brand new Pine Hills Multicultural Center. The 17,000-square-foot state-ofthe-art Center which has been in the works since 2016 facility is designed to be used as a hub for the arts, culture and innovation.
It felt good putting this issue together. Many positive things are happening in our beloved Pine Hills neighborhood, and being able to tell of the good, specifically in Pine Hills, was one of the very reasons I was considering working with The Midtown Press. I can recall a conversation with a long-time advertiser in my early stages as I was getting my feet wet. He told me, "Just keep it positive". He went on to say that if I did that, the paper would grow, and he would continue to advertise in the paper as long as he is able. I have worked hard to keep my end of the bargain, and each issue presents an opportunity to highlight the people, places, and events that our community should know and learn about. About that advertiser, let's just say that he has never stopped advertising and has even mentioned to me that he genuinely enjoys reading the paper. That simply makes my day! In fact, to everyone who takes the time out of their busy day to read this little paper with the big picture, I thank you! I especially enjoy your feedback. Whether positive or negative, I take it all as constructive. There is always room to improve, so who am I to block that?
In keeping with the theme of positivity, this issue is no different. If you have not had the chance to visit the newly opened Pine Hills Multicultural Center, please do so! See the story on Page 12 highlighting the ribboncutting ceremony. The facility is simply incredible and was designed with the community in mind. Knowing that the building was created to help improve our community is fantastic! I would be remiss if I didn't shout out our Pine Hills Seniors as this new facility presents them with a new home and office space. In fact, the group has had their inaugural meeting in their new digs already! So, if you are looking to connect with them, the group has officially transitioned from the Pine Hills Community Center on Powers Rd. to the new Multicultural Center.
As leadership continues to work out the kinks, please let your voice be heard. If there is something that you would like to see happen at the Center, let them know.
Additional phases still need to be developed over the next 2-3 years before the project is complete. This is a community center, so the leaders need to hear from you, the community! To that end, I hope this Center is just the beginning of the transformation our community has been asking for. It was just a couple of issues ago that we highlighted the Experience Church and its acquisition of the old Agape Church to now the new Multicultural Center. Seeing the community coming together to support these transformational initiatives is incredible.
Over the past couple of years, one of the best feelings is receiving an email or phone call from someone who wants to inform us about a project or program we may need to know about. That was exactly the case when Michael Tipton, President & CEO of Central Florida Fair and Expositions Park, contacted me.
Like many of you, I always believed that to put on a Fair, the organizers would come together a couple of months before the opening date to begin cleaning up the space and, at the conclusion, go on an almost yearlong vacation. Boy, was I wrong! Little did I know, and to my surprise, the Central Florida Fair is a year-long lesson on planning and execution. A great deal of events are happening at the Fairgrounds in the next few months, and I look forward to sharing with you all the incredible opportunities available right in our backyard. In this issue, be sure to check out the story on Page 19 about the impressive conservation efforts being undertaken by the team at the Central Florida Fairgrounds. As I rode around the property along with Michael Tipton in one of their cool, rugged golf carts, it dawned on me, how many communities can boast that they have access to fairgrounds in their backyard! It's time for us to look at our community under a different lens. Let's focus on our assets and work to highlight and improve them!
Publisher EJP North, LLC.
Editor Glen R. Providence
Associate Editor
Barbara Chandler
All materials contained herein (unless otherwise noted) are owned and copyrighted by EJP North, LLC and Glen R. Providence. No material may be reproduced in any manner or form without the written consent of the publishers or their designated representative.
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Welcome Home!
After many years of delays, planning, and promises, on Thursday, September 28, 2023, the Pine Hills Seniors were able to occupy their new space at the newly opened Pine Hills Multicultural Center. This event, of course, coincides with the recent opening of the Center to the public. The move from the Pine Hills Community Center to the Multicultural Center provides the senior group with access to more space, an office, and the ability to provide even more programming, said President Lorna Wilmoth. The group will continue to host its weekly sessions on Thursdays from 9 AM to noon. The group is currently looking for sponsorships and partners to provide enriching opportunities for its members.
PHS BOARD MEMBERS President
Ms. Bridget Monroe Secretary
Ms. Bertina Busch Treasurer
Mr. Glen R. Providence Member
Ms. Gail P. Bradshaw
Founder / President
Emerita
Ms. Sheila Belle
PHS LEADERSHIP President
Ms. Lorna Wilmoth
Vice President
Ms. Andrea Jackson Secretary
Ms. Shirley Lewis Treasurer
Mr. Oliver Batson
PHS STANDING COMMITTEE
Mr. Oliver Batson
Mr. Compton Belle
Ms. Alwyn Brown
Mr. John Moore
Ms. Jeane Telford
Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and, of course, delicious food. However, it can also be a time when healthy eating habits go out the window. With so many tempting dishes and desserts, it's easy to overindulge. Don't worry; there are ways to enjoy the holiday without sabotaging your health goals.
Firstly, don't skip meals leading up to Thanksgiving dinner. Many people make the mistake of "saving" their calories for the big meal, but this can lead to overeating and feeling uncomfortably full. Instead, eat a balanced breakfast and lunch, including plenty of fruits and vegetables, to keep you satisfied throughout the day.
When it comes to the main event, go for lean protein sources like turkey breast without the skin. Fill up on non-starchy vegetables like green beans, Brussels sprouts, and carrots. These vegetables are low in calories but high in fiber, which will keep you feeling full. Avoid heavy, creamy sides like mashed potatoes, and instead go for roasted sweet potatoes or a small serving of stuffing or dressing. However, always keep in mind how these dishes were prepared. When cooking, try using less butter, sugar, and salt to keep things on the healthier side. Don't forget about dessert!
While you can always reach for healthier options like baked apples or a fruit salad instead of traditional desserts like pecan or pumpkin pie, don't feel that you have to avoid these delicious desserts you enjoy year after year. Simply, opt for a smaller slice and skip the whipped cream.
That brings us to our next tip: Portion control.
• Use a smaller plate and fill half of your plate with vegetables, one quarter with your choice of protein, and one quarter with a starch.
• Stick to your plate, avoid fumbling around with plates and bowls on the side, and avoid piling foods sky high. This will help you keep track of how much you're eating and prevent overindulging.
Healthy eating during Thanksgiving is certainly possible. You can enjoy the holiday without sacrificing your health by following these tips. Happy Thanksgiving!
Amanda Mahaleris is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist at Hebni Nutrition Consultants Inc. With a special interest in community nutrition, Amanda aims to help individuals of all ages reduce their risk for preventable chronic illness through dietary changes by educating using science-based information. Amanda holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Central Florida and worked in the public-school system before attaining a Master of Science in Human Nutrition from the University of Alabama.
During the last week of September, twenty seniors had the chance to visit a university. But not just any regular university; they were fortunate to visit JetBlue University , the company's state-of-theart training facilities, which houses classrooms and flight simulators . During their visit, they learned about the many careers in the airline industry and saw the facilities that all JetBlue employees have training in from around the world. The highlight was the visit to the flight simulator "Simply Scholastics." Thank you to JetBlue for the tour and Walt Disney World for making this trip possible.
At the start of the school year, Second Harvest Food Bank named Evans one of their “Fresh Food Schools” for the 202324 school year. On September 21st, the first market took place, providing 80 students with fresh produce bags, including broccoli, bananas, onions, kiwi, and corn. The bags flew off the tables, and students are already looking forward to our next market in October.
Avery spcial "thank you" to everyone who showed uo to the "Touch -A-Truck" event which was held on Saturday, August 26th at the their Farivilla Rd. location. There were over 17 different vendors and 475 people attend this first annal event.
"We were excited to see a lot of families come out to this first annual event. We heard a lot of great feedback from those who attended and also from the vendors who were very interested in our next event, said Brent E. Moore, Executive Director."
He’ll run into a house on fire
but doesn’t have a house of his own.
The face of the housing crisis isn’t always who you think it is. The number of Central Floridians struggling to secure aaordable housing threatens to undermine workforce supply and erode regional quality of life. As a community, we face the choice to sit on our hands or to put them to work collectively. Raise your hand and pioneer the change needed. It’s time to Face The Housing Crisis™ .
ILove You! How many times have you uttered this phrase nonchalantly? Spouses and loved ones use it in the morning as they depart for work for the day, usually with a quick peck. Parents use it to show and reinforce affection with their children. I even know someone who is a "green thumb" who talks to her plants and often whispers her appreciation to her growing garden creations. Upon doing research for this section, I was blown away by the varying definitions and applications of the word "love." The word "love" can have a variety of related but distinct meanings in different contexts.
There is also an ongoing debate about what love is. Is it a noun, a verb, or an adjective? The answer is "yes". It all depends on the application and implication of how the word is being used. As far as a definition is concerned, forget trying to boil it down to just one. One source indicated that there were over 30 definitions of the word love. To add even more, to the mystery of love, even the Bible defines love. 1 John 4:16 states that "God is Love." One of the greatest displays of love is taken from perhaps the most famous verse in the Bible: John 3:16, which reads, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." One of the most comprehensive reviews of love breaks it down into six types: familial love, friendly love or platonic love, romantic love, self-love, guest love, and divine or unconditional love.
So, by now, you may be asking yourself, "what's up with the dissertation on "love". Honestly, it stems from a conversation I had with a good friend of mine about a month ago. I was giving him an update on some of the health challenges I had been recently dealing with. At the end of our conversation, he was encouraging me to "hang in there" and closed it out by saying, "Love you, man." It was simple and honest, but boy, it moved me. Based on the six types of love mentioned earlier, this would be considered "friendly" love. I have known this person for 15+ years, and it was the first time I can remember either one of us using the expression. Ironically, I actually heard the term from a few other friends upon me describing my condition. I was so moved that I felt compelled to discuss it. Was the new expression of love based simply on the fact that they were displaying empathy towards me? I'll say to these friends again: "Thank you" and "I love you too!"
So what about you and your relationships? Who do you love? How often do you express it? And not just the casual daily cliche. I mean the more profound, unconditional (agape) type of love. Maybe you've never ushered the phrase. What if you have feelings of love for someone but are still waiting to use it for a myriad of reasons, usually pride? Does that mean that you love someone less? If I may offer some words of encouragement. Remember, life is short. Give people their flowers while they are still alive! Speak love and kindness to them constantly because you never know when your last time together will be.
Love Always!
-The Editor
