Circulating to over 5,000 plus subscribers in Orlando and surrounding communities

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Volume II Issue IV

"Building Community One Issue at a Time!"
An East Orlando Neighborhood Newsletter written by Neighbors for Neighbors reaching Avalon Park Residents and surrounding communities.  (This Newsletter is not affiliated or represent Avalon Park POA Newsletter and is independently ran by Neighbors for Neighbors)

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The AP Gazette
"Building Community One Issue at a Time!"

Avalon Park Gazette

presents

New Beginnings: New Look

Volume II Issue IV

In this Issue:

Welcome, AP Neighborhood Watch, AP Rotary Club, Real Estate 32828,  My Journey, Kite Day,  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
Front Cover Photo: 1. 
 Easter Day AP Flag, 
Taken and Submitted by Ken Denning
2. 
 AP  Kite Day- Submitted by Russ Mozier

Welcome


written by Eddy Solon, Northwest Village
East Orlando Realtor, Keller Williams
Realestate32828@gmail.com

 

Welcome neighbors.   Summer is right around the corner and for some this means "Aloha."   It's the time of year when Hawaiian themed parties are sprouting up like those pesty chinch bugs.   This past month the Gazette, a newsletter reaching close to 2,000+ residents, received one of the best compliments from one of our subscribers, "Thanks for giving a voice to neighbors and the community."  In light of the many networks we have established here in Avalon Park, including neighborhood Watch, Avalon Park Voice, and Avalon Residents group on Facebook, it is this voice and connection that we have with one another that is key to fostering safer neighborhoods, enriching lives through community activism, and simply being connected.   When I first came to this quaint little cul-de-sac in East Orlando seven years ago, I realized how easy it would be to just go home, lock the doors, and wave occasionally to neighbors. If I simply lived in a neighborhood or a subdivision, I would have done so without much thought, but fortunately we do not only live in a sub division or a neighborhood, instead in Avalon Park, A LIVE AND DYNAMIC COMMUNITY.  The framework that was laid out by Beat Kahli, AP developer, has definitely been built upon by many of AP residents.  This framework has not only impacted AP residents, but East Orlando residents and beyond who come to enjoy the many festivities and "home town" events we have locally.   This Gazette and their AWESOME contributors and editors help enrich the lives of East Orlando residents through their volunteerism and I am so appreciative of that!

This past month we were 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 cannot be included.  This newsletter is truly a newsletter developed by neighbors for neighbors and the content responsibility is shared by the community, not only the Gazette team.    Hence, if you have an event, issue, article that you would like to covered, please feel empowered to write the article!  Please submit your article by the third Thursday of the month, by 12 pm, to publishing@apgazette.com   Each article received will be considered for publishing.  Also, we are developing an Avalon Park Easter Egg Hunt Collage, so please feel free to send pictures of your Easter egg hunts to be included in the next issue (please email publishing@apgazette.com).

Lastly, we are always evaluating new series to add and consider shelving old ones based on relevance.  Next month, we will be expanding our safety portion of this newsletter to include all of East Orlando, hence Crime Statistics and updates on safety in East Orlando will replace the existing contribution.   Also, one of the new series we are excited about is “My Journey."    Every month, we will have the opportunity to be inspired by one of our neighbors and peek inside their life’s journey.  We will share their challenges, disappointments, triumphs, and reflections.  It will be enriching, rewarding, and most of all, a great contribution to our monthly articles.  In this Issue, we have the opportunity to read the journey of Veronica Figueroa, an East Orlando Business Owner-REMAX, Avalon Park Resident, and a community organizer.


Avalon Park Neighborhood Watch: This Past Month


written by Brian Jones, Parkside Landing
Overall Neighborhood Watch Coordinator
brianj4u2@gmail.com

Great things are happening in our community neighborhood watch program.   Participation has increased at all levels.  Since October 2012, our block captain team has grown 50%, Avalon Park Neighborhood Watch Facebook (FB) group has grown 12%, and we have gained several key players in our overall efforts to keep a close eye on safety and crime prevention in Avalon Park.  Many residents ask me, “Why is it so important to join the Avalon Park Neighborhood Watch FB group?”  Fun facts:  “48% of young Americans said they found out about news through FB and also log in to FB right when they wake up in the morning.  50% of all active users log in every day.  The average user connects to 80 community pages, groups, and events.  People who use FB on their mobile device are twice as active as non-mobile users”.   All these facts support the theory that FB can help get information out to everyone quickly, and this will help all of us stay safe and prevent crime in Avalon Park.  Communication is the key to success in every network and it can only help the effort to be a part of the FB group. 

With the help of Jennifer Ingram-Houswright (business watch coordinator) of Soho Office Avalon Park and OCSO Crime Prevention DFC Melissa Belmont, the Downtown Avalon Park area is a Business Watch participant.  (All business owners and managers should email Brian Jones, apwatchcordinator@yahoo.com to join the business watch network in order to stay updated on safety and crime prevention initiatives).

This past month the incidents reported on Avalon Park Neighborhood Watch website  by neighbors were:

March 2013 Statistics
Number Incident Reported Disposition by Off duties/ Update
1 We came home to find our back yard had been entered without our permission and a 1/3 of the passion vine (about 30') had been cut back off our 6 foot privacy fence. The vine had been cut and pushed into our back yard so that the rear windows are now visible from the road. We are concerned it was either a confused contractor, I will not pay anyone for doing unauthorized damage to my house or a weird peeping Tom who wants to be able to see in at night! Not your normal vandals but too weird not to let someone know. OCSO off duty deputy
2 At 8:35pm, noticed shadows behind house that is not well lit. Stepped out to see 3 black males dressed in black walking east in the alley away from residence. They heard my door open, and as I stood and watched them they confronted me asking, "What are you looking at?" I didn't answer them, only stood still. They changed direction, and headed south. OCSO off duty deputy
3 Middle aged woman knocked on the door and asked for a cigarette. Wondering if she was just looking to see if anyone was home. She wasn't any one of my neighbors. I saw her go across the street and knock on a few other doors.
OCSO off duty deputy
4 Sometime between the hours of 11 pm on 3/22/13 and 9:30 am on 3/23/13 a some of the cars on Morelyn Crest Circle that were parked on the street were egged. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
OCSO off duty deputy
5 At 8:35 PM tonight, a young man in an orange football jersey knocked on our door to sell newspapers. I told him that people are not allowed to sell door to door here, and he backed up and went away. I was just wondering if he was checking houses to see if people were home.
OCSO off duty deputy
6 On 18 March at approx 5:15p I was driving on Golden Raintree toward Guiana Plum. A brown older model pick up passed me (see photo). Unknown where this vehicle came from and once I saw him he was almost beside me. I motioned for him to slow down since someone was ahead crossing the street walking two dogs. The vehicle turned right on Guiana Plum and then left on Chinese Elm. At that point I assume he turned on an alleyway behind the town homes. I was not able to get the license plate number. I estimate the vehicle was traveling at about 45mph as he passed me. OCSO off duty deputy

Neighborhood Watch meetings are held at the South Village Clubhouse on the 3rd Thursday of every month at 7pm.  All residents are welcome to attend

So what do you do when you see something suspicious?  First, contact the non-emergency like at 407-836-HELP or 911, if needed. Secondly, submit an online incident report so neighbors who live in your area can be notified.   You can submit an online incident report at http://www.avalonparkwatch.org/incident_report.htm  Please only monitor and report suspicious activity.  Do not engage any criminals or suspicious individuals.

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.


AP Rotary Club: Come Join Us!

written by Heidi Cortassa, Avalon Park Neighbor
hcortassa@gmail.com

Our family moved into the active and tranquil town of Avalon Park about a year ago. We instantly fell in love with the family environment and the sense of community. After about three months of settling in, I began to notice my neighbors bustling about and being very busy in their community. I started to wonder, how can I get involved?
On a lazy Sunday morning while drinking my first cup of coffee of the day, I picked up a local magazine that had just been delivered to my house. As I flipped through the glossy pages, I came across an article that forever changed how I looked at volunteer programs. It was written by Whitney Russell and described her experience with our local Rotary Club.
I have participated in some volunteering in the past, so this appealed to me. After reading the article, I realized how serious and dedicated these Rotarians were in their community and around world.
The World! Wow! Now, I knew that I could help change a community, but, The World? How do you do that!? I wanted to find out so I attended my first Avalon Park Rotary meeting in late September. I was immediately greeted by warm and welcoming smiles. After learning a little more about what Rotary does, I was ready to join.
Some of you may be asking, “What is Rotary? And what do they do?”
Rotary's 1.2 million members believe it starts with a commitment to Service Above Self.
In more than 34,000 clubs worldwide, and 200 countries, you'll find members volunteering in communities, at home and abroad, to support causes such as, education and job training, provide clean water, combat hunger, improve health and sanitation, combat illiteracy, and eradicate polio.  We do this by holding fundraisers in our community. I choose to call them FUNraisers, because we do have fun with them!  Much of our effort is concentrated on our local schools and community.

As a result of joining Rotary, I have developed some great new friendships, met fantastic leaders in our community, and have a great sense of pride in our accomplishments.
So, this is my personal invitation to you, to come join us for one of our meetings. We meet every Wednesday morning at 7:15am at the Avalon Park South Village Community Center. Breakfast and coffee are complimentary, the rewards are beyond measure.

The world truly, is a small place. You can effect change. You can make a difference. When you reach, outside of your busy world, and get involved, you will begin to experience the unexpected exhilaration of helping others.
We hope to see you soon!
For more information, please visit our website at RotaryClubOfAvalonPark.org.

Real Estate 32828


written by  Eddy Solon, 32828 Realtor, AP Resident
Keller Williams Advantage Realty II

What a dynamic market!  It is a strong seller's market. Yay, for sellers, and also yay for buyers because interest rates are still good and banks are loosening up on lending, requiring less down.   This past month by the numbers:  82 single family homes sold in the 32828 zip code, the average price per square feet was around $77.40 (numbers taken from http://eastorlandorealestatenews.blogspot.com).  As of 04/17, there were 110 Short sales and 67 Bank Owned homes for sale in all of Orlando.  It is good to note that the price per square feet can be misleading because it isn't quite reflective of the upward trend in home prices, but a reflection of homes that sold after months of waiting, when home prices were selling in most cases at a considerably lower price.   Today, in Avalon Park, inventory is starting at the high to mid-100ks, where less than six months ago, home sales started in the low $100ks.    It is definitely a solid sellers’ market and a dynamic one at that.    We still have several neighbors locally that are working with their banks for modifications and some have simply given up because of the lack of progress.    Every situation is different and I tell my buyers and sellers that regardless of what an institution is requesting, they should do what is best for their specific circumstance. Don’t feel pressured or don't allow fear to dictate your next move.  And remember, you do have some control over this process.  A little education and understanding of the various options available along with how to navigate the terrain can go a long way toward resolving your unique real estate situation. Making the best decision requires education, understanding the market realities, and planning.


My Journey: Veronica Figueroa
One Neighbor's Story


written by Veronica Figueroa, Avalon Park Resident
veronica@figueroateam.com

When asked to share my journey, I wasn't sure where to begin. The reason I was nervous was because my story is not a fairy tale, a rags to riches story, nor a tragic story. It started December 5th, 1995 when I gave birth to my premature son as a single teenage mother not knowing what life would have in store for me next. I came from a family of hard workers. My father was in the Army and my mother was an entrepreneur who managed to open a business outside each military station my father was sent to, whether it was in Germany, Kansas, or Georgia. She figured something was missing and opened some sort of business everywhere she went.

 When my son was born I felt it was the beginning of a journey.  A journey I was not prepared for.  And as a single parent, it was not the journey I had imagined. I wanted to go to college; I was a driven student who now faced a different path.  Yet I still had so many goals that I wanted to accomplish.  I took total responsibility for myself and my child while weighing many options for our future. I knew I wanted to go to college but I did not know how I would be able to balance working full time, living on my own, and raising an infant all at the age of seventeen. I was scared!

My parents were supportive and encouraged me to follow my dreams.  However, at this point in their lives, they were focusing on their retirement.  My father was no longer in the military. My mother had sold her businesses after suffering multiple burns from an oven exploding at her store.  So financially, my son and I were on our own. But my parents had taught me a strong work ethic (since the age of 12, I had worked for them in the family businesses) and perseverance demonstrated by my mother’s determination to succeed in business. So I knew I had the foundation to succeed in life.

I graduated with my high school class and moved on to college a year late. But, I still managed to catch up and graduate from college the same year as my high school class. College life for me looked very different than the average 18 year old. There were no sorority or tailgating parties for me. Instead it was managing a full time job, full class schedule, and being a full time mom. This established the building blocks for what was to come.

By the time I graduated college I was married, had a beautiful family and thought life was finally normal. Right after college, at the age of twenty-one, I obtained my real estate license. A friend of mine was scared to take the test alone and I figured extra education would not hurt. So I took the test although I had no intention of pursuing real estate.  I had bought a house, had a good corporate job, and was content. By now my son was in school and loved playing with his beautiful baby sister. I felt I had succeeded and beat the odds. Little did I know, but there was a lot more in store for us.

At this point in my life, my mother’s entrepreneur spirit started kicking in and I wanted more from my career. About this time, my husband and I realized we wanted different things in life and amicably divorced after six years of raising a family together. I found myself once again at a crossroads. This is where I feel my journey really began.

It was 2005 and I knew I had to once again provide for my children alone. After having some part time success doing real estate while working Human Resources, I took a leap of faith and became my own boss. I realized I did not want to be limited and I felt real estate was the way. I jumped in with both feet. I had no idea that the next seven years would be such a rollercoaster ride.

It was a completely different chapter in my life. I never looked back and my career soared. I give credit to the experience of overcoming adversity as a single teen mother for giving me the determination to start and succeed in this new chapter of my life. Soon I was remarried.  My amazing husband became my best friend in life and business partner. Together we have five children.  Our children have grown up in our business, the same way I did as a child.


We moved to Avalon Park in 2007 and we fell in love with the Live, Learn, Work and Play concept the community was built on. We knew this was home. My husband Tony and I became involved in the community right away. We both had a vision to be an impactful part of Avalon Park.  We started off by establishing relationships through our real estate career with community members, through the kids' sports, and anything we could get involved with.  In 2009, we established a real estate company in the heart of Avalon Park. Our entrepreneurial spirits led us to other business ventures, which although not always successful, have taught us valuable lessons and helped us understand our niche. In April 2012, we were presented with the opportunity to open a RE/MAX Franchise in Avalon Park. My husband and I were excited and nervous. We felt this was a great opportunity for our business and family. Never did we expect to be franchise owners of such a reputable real estate organization.

It indeed has been an amazing ride. In addition to our business success, we consistently stay committed to our community through volunteering. Through our business and our involvement in the community, we have been honored to give back by hosting events. With the help of our entire office, as well as their families, we have hosted many fundraisers to give back to the community. Some of the events we have been able to put on have been a haunted house, back to school bash with supplies given away, free hot air balloon rides, and the New Year’s Eve lantern release.

Recently, I was honored to receive 2nd place by the Orlando Regional Realtor Association for How I Positively Impact the Community. I received $1,500 which was donated to the Avalon Park Foundation where I sit as a founding board member. I chose this foundation because I know it goes directly back into the community.

The community events that we sponsor would not be possible without the support of my family and my five kids-Shyheim 17, Angelica 16, Haleigh 15, Talisa 14, and Meghan 8. Shyheim looks like he will be following the family tradition of business. Angelica is currently at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado to become a USA Olympic Weightlifter and is an amazing student. Haleigh is a natural athlete exceling in both cheerleading and softball for Timber Creek. Talisa has the balance of being extremely talented in music, art & writing. And little Meghan lights up the room when she walks in. Our five kids willingly help when needed and their energy is infectious. They give us the daily inspiration to never give up. They have been a part of giving back to others, have amazing discipline in life, and at times, have even been an example to my husband and I.

My family is extremely proud of being a part of Avalon Park. We love the schools, the businesses, our neighbors, the leaders and the sense of community. We feel that Avalon Park has helped raise our family and will continue to be an integral part of our family’s journey.

KITE DAY, A BLAST: How it came to be?

Click on link for more info
written by Russ Mozier, Avalon Park Resident
russmozier@yahoo.com

I have been making and flying kites most of my life. My wife Pat and I have been making kites and banners for more than twenty years. We fly kites and do kite workshops all over the world. Our involvement began when we joined a kite club up north in 1992. The club was South Jersey Kite Flyers and we are still members, I am the webmaster for their web site. Some of the kite festivals in the United States we attend annually are the Niagara Kite Festival, Virginia Beach Kite Festival, the Wildwood International Kite Festival in New Jersey, the Wright Kite Festival in Kittyhawk North Carolina, the Treasure Island Kite Festival and many more. Locally we have done kid's kite making workshops at Primrose Academy here in Avalon Park, at the Orange County Library and Life Song Church to name a few. We have recently spent two weeks in Mexico where we made kites with kids in orphanages and shelters for abused children.

     After living in Avalon Park for six years I was finally able to convince the Avalon Park Group and Leland Management that we needed a kite event here in Avalon Park. I got the go-ahead this year and “Kites Over Avalon” took place on March 16th.

The weather that day turned out great; sunny, eighty degrees and a light wind. About sixteen students from the Beta Club at Timber Creek High School showed up to help the kids make their kites. The students worked from ten to three  o'clock and made more than three hundred kites with the kids.

Professional kite flyers came from as far away as Tampa, New Smyrna Beach and Melbourne. Gary Resnick from Dade City did six candy drops from a kite, totaling over ten pounds of candy. It was like a pinata in the sky!  Walmart Neighborhood Market provided the candy and I would also like to thank the other locals for their support and donations.  Avalon Park Group for letting me stage this event, Leland Management for providing the materials to make the kites, Remax for the DJ, Publix and Walgreen's for the water and snacks for the volunteers and Eastside Bistro for the coolers and ice, and especially the volunteers from Timber Creek. All of this community involvement made this event a huge success. I am already planning for next 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. 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
6.  Have A Birthday or Anniversary coming up, Email us and we will showcase it in the associated issue.  Email publishing@apgazette.com
Easter Day Flag taken by Ken Dennings,  Mr. Denning can be reached at ken@realestateappdesign.com

(This Newsletter is not affiliated or represent Avalon Park POA Newsletter and is independently ran by Neighbors for Neighbors)

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