Volume II Issue XI

Avalon Park Gazette presents New Beginnings: New Look Volume II Issue XI In this Issue: Welcome, East Orlando Safety, Vote Avalon Park Now! Orange County,  Texting While Driving Law,  Lights on Topsail, 50 Ways to Decompress,  Real Estate 32828, and AP Gazette Opportunities (Any neighbor in the 32828 zip code can contribute by sending their article to Publishing@apgazette.com for consideration) Lead Reviewer: Sara Morris Managing Editor: Eddy Solon

WELCOME written by Eddy Solon, Northwest Village East Orlando Realtor, Remax Avalon Park Realestate32828@gmail.com   Welcome neighbors.  We are glad to be reaching over 2,000 plus residents in East Orlando, and happier to be "Building Community One Issue at a time." Thank you for coming on this journey with us.  This year we had over 6 neighbors contribute their time and story for our subscribers in the "My Journey" series, including, Nina Yoakum, Barbara Whitehouse, Veronica Figueroa, Eddy Solon, and Holly Lesnick.  We also had over 40 articles and 11 publications.  We also helped connect many neighbors, community awareness, and promote safety.   We have received some very positive feedback on many of our articles and some not so nice ones.  We are looking forward to 2014 and refining our publication to better suit our subscribers in accordance with our creed.   Most of all, we like to take time to say thank you to all the subscribers that continue to forward this newsletter on and help build a newsletter that is committed to our creed, "To build community one issue at a time through practical, informative, and lifestyle oriented articles in commitment with Integrity, Trust, Good will and Honesty." Don't forget businesses, we have another Series starting January 2013 planned "My Business Journey," so if you would like to take a part of this opportunity, please do so.  In this series, an Avalon Park Business will discuss how they came to be, their triumphs and challenges.     If you are an Avalon Park Business and will like to contribute your story (remember, we only have 6 articles in this series), please feel free to email publishing@apgazette.com for consideration.   We are often asked why an event or an issue impacting our community was not included.   The simple answer is, although we strive to cover issues impacting our community, unless someone writes an article and submits it, it most likely will not be included.  This newsletter is truly a newsletter developed by neighbors for neighbors and the content responsibility is shared by the community, therefore we all are part of the Gazette Team.    Hence, if you have an event or life style oriented article that you would like to submit, please do so!  Submit your article by the third Thursday of the month, by 12 pm, topublishing@apgazette.com for consideration in the next issue. Lastly, we would like to thank our newest Sponsor, American Momentum Bank, for their Platinum Sponsorship, specifically Josh Velazquez, Mortgage Loan Originator.   We really appreciate your Sponsorship and contributing to the enrichment of our community through your participation!  For sponsorship opportunities, please email Sponsorships@apgazette.com EAST ORLANDO SAFETY 32828 Statistics: Zone 22B Retrieved from OCSO Website Safety@apgazette.com While 36 incidents were reported  last Newsletter, 47 incidents were reported this month in our zone, which includes Avalon Park Area and surrounding communities.     Based on the data available, there were 27 Auto Burglaries, 2 Commercial Burglaries, 13 Residential Burglaries, and 5 Stolen Vehicles..   130104413 RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY [700 - 898] CLIFTON HILLS ST 11/30/2013 130104602 RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY [13101 - 13199] ARONOMINK LN 11/30/2013 130104863 AUTO BURGLARY [810 - 998] OAK CHASE DR 11/30/2013 130104529 AUTO BURGLARY [12600 - 12708] WHITERAPIDS DR 11/29/2013 130104524 AUTO BURGLARY [317 - 439] BELLA VIDA BV 11/28/2013 130103967 RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY [3400 - 3998] BENSON PARK BV 11/27/2013 130104060 AUTO BURGLARY [401 - 519] CORTONA DR 11/27/2013 130104106 AUTO BURGLARY [2901 - 2999] AFTON CI 11/27/2013 130105148 RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY [3851 - 3899] CLEARY WY 11/27/2013 130103501 AUTO BURGLARY [10800 - 10998] DERRINGER DR 11/25/2013 130103516 AUTO BURGLARY [3901 - 3949] CASSIA DR 11/25/2013 130103529 AUTO BURGLARY [3800 - 3818] BLAZING STAR DR 11/25/2013 130103870 AUTO BURGLARY [10800 - 10998] DERRINGER DR 11/25/2013 130102222 RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY [UNKNOWN] FOUNTAIN COIN LP 11/21/2013 130102228 COMMERCIAL BURGLARY [UNKNOWN] FOUNTAIN COIN LP 11/21/2013 130102272 AUTO BURGLARY [901 - 999] MULBERRY BUSH CT 11/21/2013 130101241 STOLEN VEHICLE [701 - 999] BATTERY POINTE DR 11/19/2013 130409260 AUTO BURGLARY [14700 - 14798] SWEET ACACIA DR 11/19/2013 130100860 RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY [527 - 699] TERRACE COVE WY 11/18/2013 130100889 AUTO BURGLARY [1301 - 1999] S ALAFAYA TL 11/18/2013 130100921 AUTO BURGLARY [12508 - 12798] LAKE UNDERHILL RD 11/18/2013 130100875 COMMERCIAL BURGLARY [12100 - 12198] LAKE UNDERHILL RD 11/17/2013 130409228 AUTO BURGLARY [901 - 999] ROSINIA CT 11/15/2013 130099535 AUTO BURGLARY [2448 - 2538] TWILIGHT DR 11/14/2013 130101024 RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY [11000 - 11098] DAWNVIEW LN 11/14/2013 130409135 AUTO BURGLARY [12900 - 12974] MARIBOU CI 11/14/2013 130099553 AUTO BURGLARY [13950 - 14010] MAGNOLIA GLEN CI 11/13/2013 130099568 AUTO BURGLARY [817 - 999] JADE FOREST AV 11/13/2013 130099582 AUTO BURGLARY [1300 - 1798] AMARYLLIS CI 11/13/2013 130099584 AUTO BURGLARY [817 - 999] JADE FOREST AV 11/13/2013 130099648 AUTO BURGLARY [12696 - 12898] MARIBOU CI 11/13/2013 130099672 AUTO BURGLARY [11000 - 11098] DAWNVIEW LN 11/13/2013 130103655 AUTO BURGLARY [3400 - 3998] BENSON PARK BV 11/13/2013 130103665 AUTO BURGLARY [3400 - 3998] BENSON PARK BV 11/13/2013 130409192 AUTO BURGLARY [2836 - 2898] DAYBREAK DR 11/13/2013 130098234 STOLEN VEHICLE [501 - 599] WATERSCAPE WY 11/10/2013 130098479 STOLEN VEHICLE [501 - 699] SPRING ISLAND WY 11/10/2013 130097398 STOLEN VEHICLE [11801 - 11829] ESTATES CLUB DR 11/07/2013 130097758 AUTO BURGLARY [12742 - 12898] FORESTEDGE CI 11/07/2013 130096990 STOLEN VEHICLE [700 - 898] CREST PINES DR 11/06/2013 130097008 RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY [2310 - 2434] WILD TAMARIND BV 11/06/2013 130097133 RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY [3801 - 3899] SUN DEW DR 11/06/2013 130097136 RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY [UNKNOWN] DEER CHASE LP 11/06/2013 130408802 AUTO BURGLARY [2700 - 2998] DEAN RIDGE RD 11/04/2013 130095723 RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY [14181 - 14189] CHICORA CROSSING BV 11/01/2013 130097047 RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY [50 - 198] KAWILLA CT 11/01/2013 130097514 RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY [14121 - 14299] CASTLEROCK DR 11/01/2013 This month and every month after, we will report a summary of crimes reported in our specific area and adjacent neighborhoods.  The first step in crime prevention is awareness. Avalon Park Residents, Have a safety concern?  Feel free to email our off duty deputy Sal.Saldano@ocfl.net   He is very responsive!   What does off duty mean?  It really does not mean they are completely off duty.   They are hired by funds set aside by our HOA dues, on their off duty hours, to help secure the safety of our Avalon Park community.    We have four deputies, and Sal is the primary coordinator. To receive future statistics, Subscribe to our newsletter here Since first step in crime prevention is awareness, everyone can contribute by forwarding these updates to their neighbor. East Orlando Resident, have an incident, a report, or safety event, please email Safety@apgazette.com to be distributed to our 2,000 plus subscribers. VOTE AVALON PARK NOW!   We can do it.  We are almost to the final two but more then 2,000 votes away against Mount Dora.  You can vote multiple times per day.   Please have you and your friends Vote for one of the best communities in Orlando.   We have been Orlando's best kept secret too long, now it's time for the world to know.   http://interactive.orlandosentinel.com/bracket/otherdowntown/ GIVING BACK! A COALITION OF EAST ORLANDO COMMUNITY COMING TOGETHER HELPING THEIR OWN written by Eddy Solon, Northwest Village  Thesolonfamily@yahoo.com When a community need presented itself two week before Thanksgiving, many became overwhelmed at the thought of kicking off a campaign to help fellow neighbors have a decent meal.   Robin walker and Brenda Harris (two local Northwest Village Avalon Park Residents), volunteers at Castle Creek Elementary were helping with coordinating the Food pantry for families and Teachers in need.  Overwhelmed and over stretched, they really grew concerned with how they would meet their goal of providing 30 Turkeys and food to the most neediest families.     With only 5 turkeys and no funding, this was a need that hovered over their initiative.  The fact that the majority of the students attending Castle Creek were on either free or reduced lunch, the need for the pantry became evident through the years.   Meanwhile, in Avalon Park and East Orlando, a coalition of neighbors and businesses, was brewing at the same time.  A coalition, led by Eddy Solon, that wanted to conduct a can food drive for local families in need.   Upon driving down Avalon Park Blvd, it became apparent that Castle Creek was also conducting a can food drive and the rest was history.    Within a very short window, Avalon Park residents and the East Orlando community, were able to conduct a Can Food drive at the local Win Dixie in Waterford Lakes, initiate a successful campaign online to get over over 30 commitments for Turkey purchases, presented 8 carts of can/ box food to Castle Creek and 38 Turkeys, and provided a $200 donation from a Lemonade Stand hosted by an Avalon Park Resident!   The outpouring of help by Avalon Park residents were amazing and simply reflected our community.    Special Thanks to All our Partners:  Robin Walker, Remax Avalon Park, Avalon Park Voice, Win Dixie Waterford Lakes,  Castle Creek Elementary, Karen R. Spell, Veronica Figueroa,  Zach Bleznick, Shelley Davis, Avalon Reserve, Philip Kolbrich, Deena Carvajal, Jodi Abdy, Kim James, Lolita Clay, Italo Rojas, Dalia Cantor, Morgan Blake Henson, Stacy Adkins, Remax Avalon Park, Home 1st Lending, American Momentum Bank, Josh Velazquez, Mary Alice Archer, Tracy Rose Durham, Stephanie Hodson, Barbara Barb Snyder Whitehouse, Brenda Harris, and Avalon Park   ORANGE COUNTY NEWS Cypress Grove's Festival of LightsEvent December 9th - 13th ~ 6:30pm to 9:30pm Cypress Grove Park, 290 Holden Avenue, Orlando, 32839 Bring your family and friends to drive through acres of sparkling light displays, sure to put anyone in the holiday spirit!  Cypress Grove Park's annual Festival of Lights delights children and adults of all ages and is a great way to kick off the holiday season! Please bring a new, unwrapped toy or game to donate to Mayor Teresa Jacobs' Holiday Heroes Toy Drive and $2 per drive-through vehicle.  For more information, call 407.254.6770.  Health Insurance Marketplace Enrollment Fair Saturday, December 14th ~ 9am to 5pm Majestic Life Ministries, 821 S. Kirkman Road, 32811 Receive in-person assistance from a certified Health Insurance Marketplace Navigator. Learn what health care options are available to you through the new health care law (Affordable Care Act).   Please call 1.877.564.5031 to schedule an appointment or emailpcanflorida@gmail.com.  Walk-ins will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Reduce the Chances of Your Home Being Burglarized From the Orange County Sheriff's Office (OCSO) In an effort to reduce home burglary during the holiday season, you should NOT put boxes from big ticket items in front of your home for the garbage men to pick up (i.e. big screen TV's, computers, video games, etc).  Even in neighborhoods with low crime rates, criminals are looking for opportunities to score big.  If you put a big ticket item box or container in front of your home, it is a flashing neon sign telling a potential burglar that there is a new available cash source in your home. To help address this situation, the OCSO have made dumpsters available now throughJanuary 3, 2014, at the following locations so you can take your boxes for big ticket items and dispose of them away from your home. Sector 3 - Pine Hills Shopping Center, 5101 West Colonial Drive Sector 3 - Home Depot, 7022 West Colonial Drive Sector 3- Rotary Club, 475 South Kirkman Road Sector 2-Subway, 413 North Alafaya Trail Sector 4 - CVS, 5190 South Conway Road Sector 4 - KMART, 7825 South Orange Blossom Trail Sector 2 - EOS, 11000 Lake Underhill Road Sector 4 - Sedano's Super Market, 12981 S Orange Blossom Trail Public Service Annoucement   Texting While Driving Law Effective October 1, 2013   Please be advised that effective October 1, 2013, a new law is going into effect. It's the "Texting While Driving Law" and 4 offense codes are as follows: 316.305(3)(A)-A - TEXTING WHILE DRIVING - 1ST OFFENSE Nonmoving Violation $114.00 Fine - Fines/Fees mail able within 30 days  No points 316.305(3)(A)-B -TEXTING WHILE DRIVING - SUBSEQUENT WITHIN 5 YEARS Moving Violation Subsequent offense within 5 years of conviction 3 points or 6 points if offense resulted in a crash $164.00 Fine - Fines/Fees mail able within 30 days 316.305(3)(A)-C - TEXTING WHILE DRIVING - SCHOOL ZONE 1ST OFFENSE Nonmoving Violation No points or 2 points added to primary offense because moving violation occurred in a school zone $114.00 Fine - Fines/Fees mail able within 30 days No Points 316.305(3)(A)-D - TEXTING WHILE DRIVING - SCHOOL ZONE SUBSEQUENT OFFENSE Moving Violation 3 points or 5 points added to primary offense because moving violation occurred in a school zone $164.00 Fine - Fines/Fees mail able within 30 days   Lights on Topsail Hill St A Local Light Show by an Avalon Park Resident https://www.facebook.com/LightsOnTopsail Every year we celebrate holidays - Halloween, Christmas, Chanukah and the New Year - with a light and music show. If you live in Orlando, you should come and see it in person. If you don’t live within easy driving distance, you can see the photos and videos here. 50 Ways to Decompress written by Linda Bilyeu (Sunshine), Village 2 Avalon Park Resident Lindabilyeu@gmail.com You deserve a break today and everyday! When is the last time you took a break? Whether your relaxation break is for 5 minutes or 5 hours, you've earned the right to kick back and do your thing. So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and de-stress yourself. Taking a break helps revitalize your state of mind. Taking a breather from everyday routines could help restore your energy. Some times you just have to walk away from what you are doing and take a deep breath. It doesn't matter if you work from home or at an office, we all need an occasional break. Trust me when I say that not only will your health and mental state appreciate it, but so will your family. Have you taken a breather today? Source: Zazzle Anxiety levels are reduced when you move from one task to a much needed breather. A more relaxed you makes you a nicer person to be around. No matter what you do on break, remember that it's your reward for being the awesome person you are. I've listed 50 ways to take a break. All of these things could be done in less than 30 minutes. Some ideas might require a wee bit of manual labor, but a bit of exercise never hurt no one. I'm sure there are many, many more ways to relax, so please list your ways below in the comment section so that others could enjoy them also. Keep shining! Have you considered taking a chill pill? Source: Chill Pill Ways to take a break... Give or receive a hug. A hug a day keeps the blues at bay. Take a bubble bath and soak in the tub. Rubber duckies are optional. Stand up and stretch, bend and touch your toes. If you can't touch your toes... Drop and do 20 push ups. One of my favorite ways. Push ups are great for overall body conditioning and they also help reduce stress. Counter push ups are also beneficial. Drink a shot of your favorite whiskey. Smoke a cigarette or your smoke of choice. Phone a friend for a chat or use your iPhone and FaceTime. Play Words With Friends or Candy Crush. Visit an elderly neighbor who is alone. Watch a TV sitcom and laugh until your face hurts. Sip a cup of tea or coffee. Treat yourself to your favorite dessert. Pluck your eyebrows. This applies to men also and add nose and ear hairs. Buy yourself some flowers. Where is it written that you have to wait for someone to bring you flowers? No where. Read the newspaper, a magazine or a book. Subscribe to the Sunshine Times and you'll receive a daily, virtual newspaper via email filled with entertaining articles. Look at family photos. Shop online. Did you know Avon Products are available for purchase 24/7? They are! And you are lucky enough to actually know the e-rep! Take a chill pill. Your choice of pill. Just be sure it makes you chill. Take your dog for a walk. Breathe in the fresh air and be one with nature. Pet your cat. Have a purring contest. See who could purr the loudest or longest. File your fingernails, clip your toenails, use the clippings as target practice. Source: Just Breathe   More ways to take a break... Wash your car. Wax on, wax off. This helps with your patience level. I wax on, wax off almost daily. Have a healthy or unhealthysnack, the choice is yours. Check the sofa cushions for spare change. Pennies add up over time. As all hubbers know. Have a text-a-thon with a few friends. I text 3-4 friends at once and then try my best not to send the wrong message to the wrong person. So far, so good! Is something on your mind that's pestering your train of thought? Write a rant. Join HubPages and share your rants with the entire community. Take a siesta. 30 minutes of rest or a nap could reenergize you for the rest of the day. Play hide and seek with or without the kids. Go for a bike ride. Watch YouTube videos. You would be amazed what you could learn from YouTube videos. Listen to music and shake your money maker. Check your Twitter feed and pester a celebrity to follow you back. It worked for me. Three years ago I was a pest to Ellen DeGeneres until she followed me back. I kept tweeting her that all I wanted for Christmas was a follow from Ellen and I got it. Search on Ebay for a toy from your childhood. Go ahead and Buy It Now. You're never too old to play with toys. Many adults have "toys." Write the longest sentence ever without pausing or punctuation. It's a fun challenge! Respond to your emails that have accumulated in your inbox. Unsubscribe to spam emails. Sign onto Facebook and "poke" all your friends. Pamper yourself an egg white facial. This applies to men, women, kids and grandkids! Make it a family event. When is the last time you slid down a slide? Source: Linda Bilyeu Yet more ways to take a break... Visit the neighborhood park. Swing, slide, climb. Just be careful of the children, you are on their turf so play nice. Play a prank on a friend or family member. Guaranteed laughs will follow. Forgive yourself or forgive someone else. Learn something new. Challenge yourself to start and finish a new project. Read poetry. Be dramatic with your reading. If you are alone, read in front of the mirror. Be a poet and know it! Pin some pictures on Pinterest. Do something kind for someone. Give yourself a neck massage. Color with crayons. Make homemade cards. De-clutter a room. Bake a cake and celebrate you! Clean out your closet. Place any clothing you haven't worn in one year in a bag and donate them to a charity. Light a candle. Meditate. Practice yoga. Eat chocolate. Slowly. Repeat as needed. Breathe. Just breathe. Then breathe again   EAST ORLANDO REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE 32828 by the Numbers! written by  Eddy Solon, 32828 Realtor, AP Resident Remax Avalon Park http:///www.Realestate32828.com For Foreclosures listings, Home Valuations, and for investors looking for homes under $100K in Orlando, please visit http://www.Realestate32828.com   The Latest price per square feet on homes sold in the 32828 can also be located on the site.   If considering selling, you must determine an estimate of what your home is worth or what you will need to begin the process. MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!! AP Gazette Opportunities As a new and growing newsletter, we have many opportunities for neighbors to contribute and volunteer their writing talents and time to help build community.  We are a group of volunteers.  Below are several positions still needing to be filled: 1.  Reviewers- to review final submittal of newsletters prior to publishing 2.  Education Contributor-   An article written by an Educator in one of East Orlando schools.  Topics may be anything to do with Education and teacher, student, and parent awareness.  This will be a good place to highlight top achievers in our school (teachers and students). 3.  Sports Contributor-   To discuss East Orlando Sports, anything from little league and up 4.  Political Contributors-   Discuss local politics that impact East Orlando Residents along with other Political contributors To be able to participate, you must be an East Orlando resident, if writing, submit an article prior to 3rd Thursday of the Month 12:00 pm, and send your interest and brief description of your background to Publishing@apgazette.com   Keep in mind, any neighbor can submit an article. 5.  Safety Contributor- Preferably someone in law enforcement who lives or patrol our community to provide monthly contribution on safety trends, practices, and awareness. 6. Tell us your story- Have a personal story about a triumph or a life transition that took place and you think it will benefit others, tell us your story by emailing publishing@apgazette.com 7.  Have A Birthday or Anniversary coming up, Email us and we will showcase it in the associated issue.  Email publishing@apgazette.com (This Newsletter is not affiliated or represent Avalon Park POA Newsletter and is independently ran by Neighbors for Neighbors)

AVALON PARK GAZETTE VOLUME II ISSUE X

Avalon Park Gazette presents New Beginnings: New Look Volume II Issue X In this Issue: Welcome, East Orlando Safety, Avalon Park Town Hall Meeting, OC Grant Workshop, Texting While Driving Law, Coping with a Difficult Life Transition, Real Estate 32828,and AP Gazette Opportunities (Any neighbor in the 32828 zip code can contribute by sending their article to Publishing@apgazette.com for consideration) Lead Reviewer: Sara Morris Managing Editor: Eddy Solon

WELCOME written by Eddy Solon, Northwest Village East Orlando Realtor, Keller Williams  Realestate32828@gmail.com   Welcome neighbors.  We are glad to be reaching over 2,000 plus residents in East Orlando, and happier to be "Building Community One Issue at a time." This Month has been such an exciting month in AP, from Octoberfest, Movies Under the Stars, the biggest Yard Sale in Orlando, and not including, the activities planned this coming week.  Many love this time of year.  Fall reflects to many life transitions that we can either embrace or complain about.  For the ones that embrace this transition, a journey from blooming vegetation to harvesting, a journey from life to death, from Activity to Rest, from Humidity and Heat to Florida Cold (we know what that means), it is a wonderful time of the year for family fun and memories.   As always, I would encourage you to join the many interest groups that we have in Avalon Park and enjoy this beautiful community through different lenses.  Also, we are always looking for great contributors, so if you would like to contribute an article please feel free to email publishing@apgazette.com for consideration.   The Series “My Journey" has come to an end, but do not be disheartened.  We have another Series starting January 2013 planned "My Business Journey."  Avalon Park Businesses discuss how they came to be, their triumphs and challenges.     If you are an Avalon Park Business and will like to contribute your story (remember, we only have 6 articles in this series), please feel free to emailpublishing@apgazette.com for consideration.   We are often asked why an event or an issue impacting our community was not included.   The simple answer is, although we strive to cover issues impacting our community, unless someone writes an article and submits it, it most likely will not be included.  This newsletter is truly a newsletter developed by neighbors for neighbors and the content responsibility is shared by the community, therefore we all are part of the Gazette Team.    Hence, if you have an event or life style oriented article that you would like to submit, please do so!  Submit your article by the third Thursday of the month, by 12 pm, to publishing@apgazette.com for consideration in the next issue.   Lastly, we would like to thank our newest Sponsor, American Momentum Bank, for their Platinum Sponsorship, specifically Josh Velazquez, Mortgage Loan Originator.   We really appreciate your Sponsorship and contributing to the enrichment of our community through your participation!  For sponsorship opportunities, please email Sponsorships@apgazette.com EAST ORLANDO SAFETY 32828 Statistics: Zone 22B Retrieved from OCSO Website Safety@apgazette.com While 25 incidents were reported  last Newsletter, 36 incidents were reported this month in our zone, which includes Avalon Park Area and surrounding communities.     Based on the data available, there were 15 Auto Burglaries, 2 Commercial BurglarIES, 14 Residential Burglaries, 3 Stolen Vehicles and 2 Arm RobberIES.   Case Number Crime Location Date 130088001 ARMED TO PERSON [10214 - 10248] FALCON PINE BV 10/7/2013 130091614 AUTO BURGLARY [10250 - 10408] CURRY FORD RD 10/19/2013 130090753 AUTO BURGLARY [2700 - 2718] CYPRESSWAY CT 10/15/2013 130090224 AUTO BURGLARY [2300 - 2414] TWILIGHT DR 10/14/2013 130090414 AUTO BURGLARY [2441 - 2659] CYPRESS TRACE CI 10/14/2013 130090427 AUTO BURGLARY [10700 - 10736] SUNRISE TERRACE DR 10/14/2013 130089634 AUTO BURGLARY [1 - 299] S ALAFAYA TL 10/13/2013 130089637 AUTO BURGLARY [UNKNOWN] TETON STONE RN 10/12/2013 130090267 AUTO BURGLARY [2011 - 2199] STONE CROSS CI 10/12/2013 130089143 AUTO BURGLARY [UNKNOWN] CURRY FORD RD 10/11/2013 130088782 AUTO BURGLARY [520 - 638] CORTONA DR 10/10/2013 130088910 AUTO BURGLARY [15301 - 15329] MONTESINO DR 10/9/2013 130087215 AUTO BURGLARY [10101 - 10499] ANDOVER POINT CI 10/5/2013 130085978 AUTO BURGLARY [12695 - 12899] MARIBOU CI 10/1/2013 130085686 AUTO BURGLARY [10101 - 10499] ANDOVER POINT CI 9/30/2013 130084415 AUTO BURGLARY [UNKNOWN] GOLFWAY BV 9/25/2013 130087506 COMMERCIAL BURGLARY [3000 - 3048] LAMBERTON BV 10/6/2013 130085507 COMMERCIAL BURGLARY [3000 - 3298] SANCTUARY POINT BV 9/27/2013 130091915 RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY [4401 - 4699] WATERSIDE POINTE CI 10/20/2013 130091963 RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY [4401 - 4699] WATERSIDE POINTE CI 10/20/2013 130091368 RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY [14121 - 14299] CASTLEROCK DR 10/18/2013 130091118 RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY [14500 - 14698] MICHENER TL 10/17/2013 130090764 RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY [13800 - 13838] PHOENIX DR 10/16/2013 130090391 RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY [10501 - 10729] LEADER LN 10/15/2013 130090562 RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY [701 - 799] BELHAVEN DR 10/15/2013 130090060 RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY [14000 - 14198] YELLOW WOOD CI 10/14/2013 130090329 RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY [10214 - 10248] FALCON PINE BV 10/13/2013 130089471 RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY [2500 - 2518] WILD TAMARIND BV 10/11/2013 130087888 RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY [700 - 898] CREST PINES DR 10/7/2013 130087824 RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY [800 - 952] OLD BARN RD 10/4/2013 130086311 RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY [500 - 698] LAKESCAPE CT 10/2/2013 130085257 RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY [10701 - 10999] NORCROSS CI 9/28/2013 130085750 STOLEN VEHICLE [12711 - 12729] LOWER RIVER BV 9/30/2013 130085756 STOLEN VEHICLE [700 - 898] CREST PINES DR 9/30/2013 130085975 STOLEN VEHICLE [12520 - 12698] CREST SPRINGS LN 9/30/2013 130091817 STRONG ARM TO PERSON [UNKNOWN] AVALON LAKE DR 10/20/2013 This month and every month after, we will report a summary of crimes reported in our specific area and adjacent neighborhoods.  The first step in crime prevention is awareness. Avalon Park Residents, Have a safety concern?  Feel free to email our off duty deputy Sal.Saldano@ocfl.net   He is very responsive!   What does off duty mean?  It really does not mean they are completely off duty.   They are hired by funds set aside by our HOA dues, on their off duty hours, to help secure the safety of our Avalon Park community.    We have four deputies, and Sal is the primary coordinator. To receive future statistics, Subscribe to our newsletter here Since first step in crime prevention is awareness, everyone can contribute by forwarding these updates to their neighbor. East Orlando Resident, have an incident, a report, or safety event, please emailSafety@apgazette.com to be distributed to our 2,000 plus subscribers.    ORANGE COUNTY NEWS Avalon Park Town Hall- Week of 10/18/2013 I want to thank everyone who attended the Avalon Park Town Hall meeting this past week. I am happy to have had the opportunity to address your concerns and discuss updates of what my office has been working on. Below is a recap of my meeting notes: East Orange New Parks:  The new 28 acre Young Pine Park is scheduled to open late next year or early 2015.  It will have new ball fields, diamond fields, fishing pond, pavilion, a fitness trail and more. Corporal Patrick Deans Park (Timber Springs) - Park dedication will take place on November 11th at 4:30 pm.  This is a five acre pocket park. My office is currently working with the development outside the neighborhood to gain possession of a 23 acre park that was promised as part of a 2008 approval. Currently working with OCPS to purchase their 20 acre parcel at the end of Lake Underhill Road for a future passive park. I have included funds in this year's budget to build a pedestrian bridge so that we will have access to the Hal Scott Preserve as part of the East Orange Trail System. We are working through an extensive legal process with OUC. East Orange Transportation Projects: Lake Underhill Road - resurfacing project completed. Rouse Road - widening project to be completed Summer 2014. East Colonial Drive - FDOT widening project starting this Fall (3-5yr) completion date. Alafaya Trail - widening project completion date is Spring 2014 to include 10ft mulit-purpose path on eastside and 5 ft sidewalk on westside.  My office is well aware of the need for lighting and landscaping.  We have a plan for both and will continue to work on this.  More details to follow.  Traffic Calming Studies/Actions: Golden Raintree - met warrants for speed humps, petition already signed, comptroller will be sending ballots to homeowners for vote. Proposing speed humps with center islands. Tanja King west of Flowering Dogwood Dr. - met warrants for speed humps, need 67% of home owners to sign petition requesting them.  Three Rivers Dr. east of Anastasia Ln. - met warrants for speed humps/need 67% of home owners to sign petition requesting them. Chicora Crossing Blvd. between Carriage Lake Dr. and Peacock Springs - did not meet warrants for speed humps. Tanja King at Wild Tamarind - met warrants for stop sign, preparing for Board of County Commissioners approval. Tanja King at Guiana Plum (both locations) - did not meet warrants for stop sign. Tanja King at Peppervine Dr. - did not meet warrants for stop sign. *To inquire about traffic calming on your street, please email my office at Jennifer.Thompson@ocfl.net.  If you would like to lead a petition drive on your street, let us know and we'll get you started.  An email to me with your address and request will also work in lieu of a signed petition.  The County cannot move forward until 67% of home owners on a particular street requests something be done via a petition. Avalon Park Specific: Reclaimed water lines have been installed.  All roads within Avalon Park are scheduled for resurfacing.  This is a two year project that will be completed throughout the current and next budget cycle. Trees are currently being trimmed throughout the neighborhood. Traffic light at Avalon Park Blvd. and Waterford Chase Parkway had a revised signal timing to include a "Leading Pedestrian Interval" allowing pedestrians a head start in order to cross. Perdido Drive at Avalon Park Blvd. has new sidewalk connections. Pellicer Drive at Avalon Park Blvd. has new sidewalk connections. School sign installed on Tanja King and Phoenix Dr. for added safety. There were (18) "Share the Road Signs" installed for all of Avalon Park Blvd. After road resurfacing is complete, I have requested placement of pavement marking bike lane symbols installed for added cycling/pedestrian safety. Striping out 1.5 parking spaces on Tanya King in front of Subway, at Publix entrance to improve line of sight. Waiting for approval by Board of County Commissioners. Questions/Answers: Q: Will Alafaya Trail have lighting? A: At the time the road is completed, there will be no lighting. The County discontinued the Lighting and Landscape Program back in 2009 due to the decline in our economy. Recently there have been discussions by the Board of County Commissioners to re-instate this program for the coming year. There have been other road projects which have occurred prior to the Alafaya project and those roads will receive funding ahead of ours. There has been no timeline established as of yet. Q: Will Alafaya Trail have landscaping? A: There will be minimal landscaping once the road is completed. There is a Roadway Median Tree Grant Program that communities, civic organizations and businesses may apply for that would consist of planting trees over a 1/2 mile area. Funding is up to $15,000 and is a dollar for dollar match. A maintenance agreement must also be signed. Once Alafaya is completed, I will host a community meeting to bring together the HOA's abutting the road to discuss the application process for these grants. Q: When will Innovation Way be connected to the Beachline? A: There are three entities involved in making this happen: Orange County, The Expressway Authority and International Corporate Park (ICP). I expect this project to move forward quickly because the interchange must be reconfigured to accommodate All-Aboard Florida (new train that connecting OIA to Miami in 2.5 hours).  All-Aboard Florida is beginning construction of the rail lines next year and expect to be fully operational by 2016.   Q: How long is the widening of S.R. 50? And who is in charge? A: The widening project of S.R. 50 is occurring between Dean Rd. and Old Cheney. This is an FDOT managed and funded project. It is scheduled to start later this year with a 3-5 year estimated completion date.   Q: When will Woodbury Rd. be widened? A: Currently Woodbury Rd. widening is cost prohibitive and is not scheduled in the short range project plan (five year). The major costs of the project will be the widening of the bridge over 408 and the cost to aquire right of ways. I have been in talks regarding short-term improvements to the intersection of Woodbury Rd. and Lake Underhill Rd. which is currently underway. FDOT has agreed to fund improvements to the intersection of Colonial Drive and Woodbury Rd. during the S.R. 50 improvements scheduled to begin later this year.  Q: Why doesn't Orange County have a better relationship with O.U.C. and invest in improvements for our community?  A: The County has a strong relationship with OUC and we are constantly working with them.     Q: When traveling south along Alafaya Trail and approaching the new apartments under construction at the corner of Alafaya Trail and Avalon Park Blvd., will there be a southbound turn lane for motorists?   A: Yes Q: How do speed hump ballots get treated if they are not turned in? A: They are factored as a 'no vote'. The vote is based upon 67% of ballots that are returned. Q: Why aren't there additional speed signs for 35 mph along Avalon Park Blvd. headed westbound after the roundabout before Publix? A: We have requested that Public Works assess for more signage. Q: Is the presence of a radar speed trailer an indication that a speed change is coming? A: No, it is simply a reminder of your speed. Q: Will there be a stop sign installed at Tanja King and Phoenix? A: This is still under evaluation. Q: How many lanes will there be exiting Avalon Park Blvd. as you approach Alafaya Trail? A: (2) Straight lanes and (1) right lane.  There will be no new left hand turn lane added in an effort to save trees per resident requests. Also, there are not enough left hand turns being made to warrant it. Q: When traveling southbound along Alafaya Trail, will the 'No Left Turn' signs into Publix be permanent? A: Once the widening project is complete, there will be a southbound directional left hand turn lane into Publix. However, when exiting Publix,it will not be possible to make a southbound or left hand turn onto Alafaya Trail. You will only be able to make a right onto northbound Alafaya. Q: When requesting that a tree needs to be trimmed and it appears to be in the right of way, who do we contact? A: You may report the matter to 3-1-1 or feel free to contact the District 4 office and we will handle.    If you have any further questions or concerns, please call my office at (407) 836-5916 or send me an email: Jennifer.thompson@ocfl.net. Yours in service, Jennifer Thompson Orange County Commissioner, District 4 201 S. Rosalind Avenue Orlando, FL 32802 (407)836-5881 Neighborhood Pride Grant Workshop Saturday, October 26th ~ 9am to 11am IOC 1, 450 E. South Street, 1st Floor, Orlando, 32801 Orange County's Neighborhood Pride Grants Program provides direct funding to support and assist neighborhoods and organizations in improving the physical and social quality of neighborhoods.  Funding is available in the form of grans to help organizations revitalize and preserve their neighborhoods.  The new grant cycle begins this month and there will be various workshops that you can attend.  Click here for more information and to register for a workshop.  Prescription Drug Take Back Day Saturday, October 26th ~ 10am to 2pm Various Orlando Locations The National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications. Click here for locations near you. REMINDER  The Art of ReUse Call for Art!    The Orange County Environmental Protection Division (EPD) invites high school students to artistically communicate practices which helps prevent pollution, conserve natural resources and promote the health of our community. The contest is open to all Orange County high school students, grades 9-12. Winning entries will be featured in the 16-month 2014-2015 The Art of ReUse Pollution Prevention (P2) Awareness Calendar, where science meets imagination. All entries become the property of Orange County unless other arrangements are made with EPD staff.  Deadline to submit your art is Friday, October 25, 2013, at 5pm. Click here for more information. Public Service Annoucement   Texting While Driving Law Effective October 1, 2013   Please be advised that effective October 1, 2013, a new law is going into effect. It's the "Texting While Driving Law" and 4 offense codes are as follows: 316.305(3)(A)-A - TEXTING WHILE DRIVING - 1ST OFFENSE Nonmoving Violation $114.00 Fine - Fines/Fees mail able within 30 days  No points 316.305(3)(A)-B -TEXTING WHILE DRIVING - SUBSEQUENT WITHIN 5 YEARS Moving Violation Subsequent offense within 5 years of conviction 3 points or 6 points if offense resulted in a crash $164.00 Fine - Fines/Fees mail able within 30 days 316.305(3)(A)-C - TEXTING WHILE DRIVING - SCHOOL ZONE 1ST OFFENSE Nonmoving Violation No points or 2 points added to primary offense because moving violation occurred in a school zone $114.00 Fine - Fines/Fees mail able within 30 days No Points 316.305(3)(A)-D - TEXTING WHILE DRIVING - SCHOOL ZONE SUBSEQUENT OFFENSE Moving Violation 3 points or 5 points added to primary offense because moving violation occurred in a school zone $164.00 Fine - Fines/Fees mail able within 30 days   Coping with a Difficult Life Transition With a Winning Attitude! written by Linda Bilyeu (Sunshine), Village 2 Avalon Park Resident Lindabilyeu@gmail.com You'll Find Strength When You Least Expect It "Stay strong" are two words that, at times, irk me. People often say those words to those who battle cancer, are caring for a loved one or lose someone they care deeply for. Possibly it's their way of giving a person strength, comfort and solace. Possibly they are at a loss for words and feel "stay strong" seems suitable to say. What irks me about hearing "stay strong" is that, isn't that obvious? Certainly no one who receives a diagnosis of cancer is going to instantly become weak. Times of weakness are bound to happen, but that's OK. For now...yes, one must stay strong. You don't have time to collapse into a fetal position and give up. You must fight to the death. Due to being a caregiver to my mother and my husband I've learned how to be strong. How to be positive. How to find a way to tackle the many decisions and options that cancer patients are offered. I've also learned how to handle options that aren't offered and find a way to have them available. I hope that my advice is of comfort to you during your time of crisis. I won't say "Stay strong," I'll suggest that you "Keep on shining." 25 Ways To Stay Strong When You Need To 1. First and foremost the caregiver must take care of themselves. Your support is crucial for the comfort of the patient. This doesn't mean that you can't collapse and have a good cry. Cry as often as needed. Expressing emotions is a healthy sign of strength. 2. You would benefit greatly depending on your attitude towards a situation. It's all in the attitude. Don't take no for an answer. If you strongly feel there is something that could possibly help your situation, then by all means...speak up. 3. Believe in miracles. They happen. More often than you think. 4. Exercise. Whether it's a stroll around your neighborhood or a bike ride. Appreciate the outdoors. The sunshine. The flowers. The stars at night. Allow your strength to rejuvenate from mother nature. 5. Eat healthy. Prepare meals ahead of time and make extra for leftovers. If you don't have an appetite, drink protein supplements such as Boost and Ensure. A proper diet is important to keep your strength intact. 6. Have a hobby that helps distract you, even for a few moments. Allow time for yourself. Lose yourself in your activity. Don't allow any distractions. This is your time to love yourself. 7. Routine is important, but it's OK to break out of routine every now and then. 8. One day at a time. Appreciate each and every day. Try your best to not worry about tomorrow. Next week. Next month. That's pointless and only causes anxiety and stress. 9. Be Here Now. This is very important to remember. Your mind might want to wander back to yesterday and "what if's" ... again that's pointless. What's done is done and can not be undone. Forward is the only way. 10. Don't overwhelm yourself with trying to remember appointments or medical history. Keep a journal. Take notes at each doctor visit. Request a copy of all tests and lab work. This way you don't have to cause unneeded stress on yourself trying to remember. You'll have everything with you in folders. 11. Familiarize yourself with the medical professionals who are caring for your loved ones. Have your voice heard at appointments. Don't be a wallflower. Your strength and drive will impress the doctors. Or annoy them, but that's OK too. 12. You will have good days and bad days. Welcome the good days with open arms. As for the bad days, realize that they aren't permanent and welcome those also. We all have bad days whether one is healthy or not. 13. Fact: We were born. We will die. Accept that. By accepting this you will be more prepared when the time does come. 14. Grieve beforehand. This does help many people. Prepare yourself. Don't be in denial. 15. Know that there are some events in life that you have no control over. What's going to happen, will happen no matter how much you fight it. 16. Continue to make memories. Treasure memories from your past. Once all is said and done memories are what you will have to carry in your heart and mind. Those memories will keep you smiling when you are sad. Will warm you on a cold day. Will make you realize that life is good, even when times are so tough. 17. Make treatments entertaining. Yes, you could find humor in cancer. Don't allow it to zap your spirit while it's zapping your energy. Zap it back. 18. Pray. Ask friends and family to pray for you or with you. Having faith gives you strength. 19. Focus on priorities. If you are the patient, don't worry about anything or anyone but your health. If you are the caregiver, focus on your loved one and yourself. Everyone and everything else comes next. When and if you have time. Set limits. It's OK to say no. 20. Rest your mind, body and soul as often as you can. Lack of sleep and relaxation will rob your strength. You need to pamper your strength so that it has your back when you need it. 21. You will often find yourself in a situation and wonder, "How did I get through that?" You did because you are stronger than you think you are. Yes, what doesn't kill us, does make us stronger. 22. Yesterday is over. Today is your gift. Use it wisely. Do something fun. Be a rebel. 23. Join support groups. There are many online groups and most likely many groups in your area. Check with local hospitals. Online support groups are available 24/7. Chances are no matter what time of the day it is, you'll find someone available in the group who is willing to listen. Draw strength from friends, family and fellow supporters...in other words, Your Team. 24. Positive thinking. There is no other way to think. In times of doubt or despair always remember the positive moments that will far outweigh the negative. 25. As we have realized, bad things do happen to good people. We don't know why, we must learn to accept. What we do know is that as tough as life might be when fighting cancer you are and always will be a champion. Champions are winners. Story of my Hibiscus Flower... You might wonder why I chose a photo of a hibiscus flower for this article. I did so because this flower represents life to me. It stands for hope. Three years ago this bush was damaged during a Florida freeze. I never gave up hope that this bush would one day bloom again. My husband wanted to remove the bush. It was dead. I said it was alive and well. A couple of weeks ago I discovered the first buds. My husband was shocked. I was elated. We both were thrilled. I got to say "I told you so!" The day I discovered the first flower (posted above) my newest granddaughter was born. Her name is Lily. She is our gift. Life is good. Hope is real. Be strong. You don't have to "stay strong." You just do the best you are able to. Most of all believe that miracle's do happen. Never, ever give up. EAST ORLANDO REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE 32828 by the Numbers! written by  Eddy Solon, 32828 Realtor, AP Resident Keller Williams Advantage Realty II http:///www.Realestate32828.com This past month, August, by the numbers:  55 single family homes sold in the 32828 zip code, the average price per square feet was around $102.46 (numbers taken from http://eastorlandorealestatenews.blogspot.com).   Many Foreclosures are now being sold close to 2007 levels (pre-crash), hence many homeowners who once were upside down, can now list their homes as a traditional sale, and some may even pocket equity from the sale.    It is a very strong seller's market, hence if you are entertaining the idea of listing your home for sale, this would be a good time.   If considering selling, you must determine an estimate of what your home is worthor what you will need to begin the process.  AP Gazette Opportunities As a new and growing newsletter, we have many opportunities for neighbors to contribute and volunteer their writing talents and time to help build community.  We are a group of volunteers.  Below are several positions still needing to be filled: 1.  Reviewers- to review final submittal of newsletters prior to publishing 2.  Education Contributor-   An article written by an Educator in one of East Orlando schools.  Topics may be anything to do with Education and teacher, student, and parent awareness.  This will be a good place to highlight top achievers in our school (teachers and students). 3.  Sports Contributor-   To discuss East Orlando Sports, anything from little league and up 4.  Political Contributors-   Discuss local politics that impact East Orlando Residents along with other Political contributors To be able to participate, you must be an East Orlando resident, if writing, submit an article prior to 3rd Thursday of the Month 12:00 pm, and send your interest and brief description of your background to Publishing@apgazette.com   Keep in mind, any neighbor can submit an article. 5.  Safety Contributor- Preferably someone in law enforcement who lives or patrol our community to provide monthly contribution on safety trends, practices, and awareness.  6. Tell us your story- Have a personal story about a triumph or a life transition that took place and you think it will benefit others, tell us your story by emailing publishing@apgazette.com 7.  Have A Birthday or Anniversary coming up, Email us and we will showcase it in the associated issue.  Email publishing@apgazette.com