Avalon Park Gazette
presents
New Beginnings: New Look
Volume II Issue VII
In this Issue:
Welcome, East Orlando Safety, Orange County, AP Rotary Club, Who Let The Dogs...Help?, Real Estate 32828, AP First Time Home Buyers Seminar, My Journey, Flying the Friendly Skies, Social Me 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. Matt Whitehouse
Photo submitted by Barbara Whitehouse
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WELCOME
written by Eddy Solon, Northwest Village
East Orlando Realtor, Keller Williams
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."
What a community we live in, where literally, a few steps from our front door, on the 4th of July,
we get to experience such an amazing firework display. By my count, there were 22 minutes of
straight fireworks between the two locations which was the back drop to such an amazing day.
Does Avalon Park have swag or what?
There is a lot of hard work and dedication to making these events successful, and it really does
not go unappreciated. With so many clubs and groups, there are several ways for residents to
get engaged.
One new series continues to receive positive response from our readers, “My Journey." With only
one more article on this series left, we are a bit saddened. Who will be the last contributor? ...Oh,
the suspense! However, we are very excited about new series taking it place. With this series
ending, we are still considering several others (no final decision have been made), hence if you
have an idea or input, please feel free to email publishing@apgazette.com (Series last typically 6
months, which entails 6 articles).
Every month, we have had the opportunity to be inspired by one of our neighbors and peek inside
their life’s journey. We have shared their challenges, disappointments, triumphs, and reflections.
It has been 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 Barbara Whitehouse, Avalon Park Safety and Community Advocate and Avalon Park Resident. We also would like to welcome our newest Life
Styles Contributors Linda Bliyeu, Avalon Park Residents and Sherry Graziano, Business Contributor, Avalon Park Resident, and East Orlando Suntrust Senior Loan Officer.
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.
32828 Statistics: Zone 22B
Where 75 incidents were reported last Newsletter, 31 incidents were reported this month in our zone, which includes Avalon Park Area and surrounding communities. There were 2 Armed to Person Robberies, 10 Auto Burglaries, 2 Commercial Burglaries, 14 Residential Burglaries, and 3 Stolen Vehicles Reported. In this part of East Orlando, we had a significant decrease in crime as reported last month (from 75 incidents to 31), Crime has been cut in more than a half. Continue reporting anything suspicious by being the eyes and ears (only) for our deputies.
| 130060610 | RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY | [2 - 98] PIED CT | 07/14/2013 |
| 130060233 | COMMERCIAL BURGLARY | [14421 - 14799] WATERFORD CHASE PY | 07/13/2013 |
| 130060868 | RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY | [900 - 1212] SENECA FALLS DR | 07/13/2013 |
| 130060258 | STOLEN VEHICLE | [260 - 366] FAIRWAY POINTE CI | 07/12/2013 |
| 130060352 | RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY | [2500 - 2898] DOVER GLEN CI | 07/12/2013 |
| 130405461 | AUTO BURGLARY | [701 - 899] CREST PINES DR | 07/11/2013 |
| 130059397 | RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY | [2020 - 2198] AUTUMN VIEW DR | 07/10/2013 |
| 130060113 | AUTO BURGLARY | [701 - 899] CREST PINES DR | 07/10/2013 |
| 130060350 | RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY | [1151 - 1199] BEECH GROVE WY | 07/10/2013 |
| 130058909 | AUTO BURGLARY | [1800 - 1998] BLUE FOX CT | 07/09/2013 |
| 130059067 | ARMED TO PERSON | [UNKNOWN] GOLFWAY BV | 07/09/2013 |
| 130059371 | STOLEN VEHICLE | [14101 - 14139] MAILER BV | 07/09/2013 |
| 130058616 | RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY | [10300 - 10798] DERRINGER DR | 07/08/2013 |
| 130058787 | RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY | [600 - 658] WATERSCAPE WY | 07/08/2013 |
| 130057745 | RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY | [1901 - 1999] STONECREST CT | 07/04/2013 |
| 130057757 | RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY | [10361 - 10499] STONE GLEN DR | 07/04/2013 |
| 130057257 | RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY | [501 - 675] LAKEHAVEN CI | 07/02/2013 |
| 130057431 | STOLEN VEHICLE | [13951 - 14009] MAGNOLIA GLEN CI | 07/02/2013 |
| 130056378 | AUTO BURGLARY | [12001 - 12099] FOUNTAINBROOK BV | 06/30/2013 |
| 130056460 | RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY | [2100 - 2158] TORCHWOOD DR | 06/30/2013 |
| 130056561 | AUTO BURGLARY | [2300 - 2414] TWILIGHT DR | 06/30/2013 |
| 130056626 | COMMERCIAL BURGLARY | [2800 - 2848] CHEVAL ST | 06/30/2013 |
| 130055751 | AUTO BURGLARY | [3000 - 3098] HARTLAND CT | 06/27/2013 |
| 130054938 | RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY | [10360 - 10498] STONE GLEN DR | 06/25/2013 |
| 130061287 | ARMED TO PERSON | [1700 - 3098] S TANNER RD | 07/16/2013 |
| 130405587 | AUTO BURGLARY | [12600 - 12998] WATERFORD LAKES PY | 07/13/2013 |
| 130059418 | RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY | [15201 - 15339] GALBI DR | 07/10/2013 |
| 130058421 | RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY | [15000 - 15098] PERDIDO DR | 07/07/2013 |
| 130059426 | AUTO BURGLARY | [4500 - 4698] AGUILA PL | 07/05/2013 |
| 130405389 | AUTO BURGLARY | [1401 - 1699] S TANNER RD | 07/03/2013 |
| 130056710 | AUTO BURGLARY | [13500 - 13520] GLASSER AV | 06/30/2013 |
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 3 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.
National Night Out Is Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Is Your Neighborhood Ready?
Is your neighborhood ready to take part and celebrate this year's National Night Out against crime? The Orange County Sheriff's Office and Orange County Government wish to encourage all neighborhoods to participate in this national event on Tuesday, August 6th to let criminals know that we stand together against crime! National Night Out is less than 6-weeks away, but there is still time to plan an event for your neighborhood. Click here to learn more about National Night Out.
OCPS Still Seeking Faith-Based Partners
Every school in Orange County Public Schools needs volunteers and community partners-from elementary schools to high schools to alternative and exceptional education centers. Faith-based organizations make ideal partners (functioning in a non-proselytizing capacity) because of the organizational structure they already have in place. The extra attention and care from such volunteers can inspire students to reach for and realize their dreams. Click here for more ideas on participation. Or if you're ready to get started, contact Kate Galindo to be matched with a school in need. Time is running out to get all the details sorted out with OCPS so you'll be ready to go when the 2013-2014 school year begins. Hurry!
Orange County Utilities
Offers Free Residential Irrigation Audits to Water Customers
Orange County Utilities offers its water customers who use at least 15,000 gallons of potable water per month for irrigation and have an in-ground irrigation system the opportunity to receive a free residential irrigation audit. For eligible customers, a licensed contractor will perform an inspection of the in-ground irrigation system and will provide written recommendations to make the system more efficient. Established in 2000, the goal of the Mobile Irrigation Lab Audit Program is to ensure that Orange County Utilities' potable water customers are utilizing their system efficiently and avoiding wasting excessive amounts of water. Since its inception, 1,234 audits have been completed.
For more information or to check for qualification, customers can contact the Orange County Utilities Water Division at 407-254-9850 (select option 1, then option 2) or complete the form online at: www.occonservewater.net.
AP ROTARY CLUB
written by Heidi Cortassa, Avalon Park Neighbor
Hello Friends! Summer is in full swing, and most of us are blinded by the beautiful Florida sun. Enjoying our vacations, that are near and far, backyard pool parties, and BBQ’S.
Summer gives me a time to reflect on what I have done for my community in the past, and what I hope to achieve for my community in the future. As a team, we have helped many families in and around our community.
However, sometimes, I forget, that Rotary is a Global Organization. So, with a small case of writer’s block, (I’m blaming it on the Florida sun!) I’ll share with you, from the Rotary.org website, two amazing, and life changing projects that Rotary has achieved over the last year. These two stories have inspired me, once again, to continue to take action, and be grateful for what I have.
All it takes is one small stone to create and avalanche.
So, kick back, read on, and become that stone.
The Zabuli Education Center improves the social standing and self respect of girls through schooling.
Moved to act by the events of September 11, 2001, Razia worked tirelessly to help victims, first responders, soldiers, and the children of Afghanistan. When she saw how oppressed the women and girls of Afghanistan had become, Razia returned to her native country, opening a school to educate girls in a village 30 minutes outside of Kabul. Today, the Zabuli Education Center approaches its fifth anniversary. “By providing these girls with an education, we are giving them a ray of hope to protect them from the vicious cycle of poverty, malnutrition, and hunger. ” said Razia Jan. Razia’s Ray of Hope was founded with the belief that education is key to positive, peaceful change for current and future generations and is dedicated to improving the lives of women and children in Afghanistan through community based education at the Zabuli Education Center. To learn more, please visit www.raziasrayofhope.org.
A charitable marathon to raise support for Shoes for Kids.
More than 10,000 children in Cedar Rapids Metro Area schools qualify for free or reduced lunch. Many of these students have other unmet needs, as basic as shoes. Shoes for Kids provides health administrators in the Cedar Rapids metropolitan area with “shoe cards,” valued at $20 each to Payless Shoe Source. Cards are distributed to students with inadequate footwear. Many times, with parental permission, the school nurses or counselors actually take the kids shopping for shoes. We often hear of this being the first time these students have bought their own new pair of shoes. The program began in 2003 and has provided more than $45,000 in shoes to needy children. Each year the need outweighs the financial resources. A total of 957 people from three countries (26 states, Canada and the U.K.) participated in the 26.2 2013 inaugural marathon. http://www.marathonforshoes.com/
There's something that all Rotary club members have in common: We take action. As community volunteers, we reach out to neighbors in need. We build, support, and organize. We save lives. We work locally and globally.
Around the world and around the corner, the 1.2 million men and women of Rotary
- Get involved in their communities
- Connect with other professionals
- Share their time and experience with young people
- Support global causes, such as eradicating polio
- Use their skills to help others
Whether you're a veteran volunteer or new to community service, we're looking for people like you.
Rotary club members are men and women of all ages and professional backgrounds who use their talents, skills, and energy to improve the lives of people in communities at home and around the world.
We invite you to come to one of our meetings. We meet every Wednesday at 7:15am, at the South Village Community Center. 4033 Cleary Way.
Coffee and breakfast are complimentary. The rewards are priceless.
For more information, please visit our website at RotaryClubOfAvalonPark.org.
WHO LET THE DOGS... HELP?
Tasks Your Dog Can Help you Perform
written by Linda Bilyeu, Village 2
There is no doubt that we adore our four legged friends. To some of us, our pets are our best friends. They listen to your problems without trying to solve them. They never judge you. They are always happy to see you, whether you were gone for 5 minutes or 5 hours. They greet you with a wagging tail. Possibly they run around in circles or depending on your breed, they might pee due to excitement. Our dogs are a part of our family. As we all know family members chip in and help out. So, why don't our dogs?
There are many ways we spoil and pamper our furry little friends:
· We feed them
· Bathe them
· Cuddle with them
· Take them for long walks
· Toss a ball with them
· Scratch them
· Take them to the vets 
· Give them their medicine
· Brush their teeth
· Brush their coats
· Groom them
· Pet them
· Set up play dates for them
· Comfort them while they tremble during thunder storms and fireworks
My pup Foxy and my granddaughter Faith.
Faith was trying to get Foxy to help clean her room.
We treat them like royalty. Actually some pets are treated better than royalty.
All I ask for is a bit of help every now and then. I'm sure others could use an extra hand once in a while. We have become a multi-tasking society. Even men are catching on to the fact that it's possible to do more than one thing at a time! We are finally making strides on our planet. I now think it's time for our little buddies to lend a paw or two. I mean they have four that they could spare.
Foxy napping. No surprise there.
Dogs lend a helping paw...
I'm not referring to all dogs. Maybe your dog does help around the house. You possibly could have trained your canine to vacuum or dust. I've tried. I've made requests. I get nothing. Foxy is a Toy Fox Terrier. She's petite in size, weighing only 10 pounds. She's short in stature. I take that into account. It's not like I'm asking her to change light bulbs. Hmmm? That's not a bad idea.
I'll be honest. There are days that I am jealous of my dog. Her lifestyle of eating, sleeping, stretching, napping, eating, walking, barking, napping, eating could make anyone envious. Wouldn't we all appreciate a lazy day every once in a while?
I'm not asking for every day, but at least once a week would be a nice treat.
Which brings me to the point of this article. I think it's time our furry fellows were put to work. I think they are capable of doing more than they led us to believe. I think we've been punked by our little friends. Wouldn't it be nice to have a mommy's or daddy's little helper? Isn't it about time that all of our family members pulled their weight? With some patience, tons of training, plenty of treats and lots of loving we could make this happen. Hopefully.
Tasks your dog could help with...
Retrieve the newspaper. This doesn't take rocket science to figure out. Tie a piece of rope to the door handle. The dog tugs at the rope until the door is opened. He then proceeds to the walkway to pick up the newspaper. Grasps it with his teeth and brings it to you. See how simple that was? I've tried. I failed. Monday-Saturday the paper is light enough for Foxy. Sunday is a bit heavy, so I could understand her passing on that day.
Dusting. They could wag their tails and dust at the same time. Perfect idea! This method will take practice. You also might want to move valuable items away from areas that will be dusted.
Our dogs could be trained to answer the phone when solicitors call. You could have a separate ring tone for unknown calls. When your pup hears the tone, he'll race to the phone, using his paw to click answer and bark loudly into the speaker until the solicitor disconnects the call. Chances are you won't hear from that company again.
How difficult could it be for Fido to vacuum? Once they are trained to walk on their hind legs, they could push a vacuum. Heck, they could even push a lawnmower too.
They'll need your help to start the cleaner and mower, but once they get going chances are there is no stopping them.
How about your dog walking you, instead of you walking your dog? Where is it written that the we must walk the dog? No where. So, if your dog walks you, you could skip the collar, you both will get a good cardio workout. Why? Because chances are if your dog is walking you he's chasing something and he ain't slowing down.
Personally I think dogs take the phrase "let sleeping dogs lie" literally. I don't think they are aware of the meaning behind the saying - "to leave disagreements in the past." No, they think this means they are just supposed to lie around all day. If so, how about they learn how to make the bed? It's not that difficult once they are properly trained. Remember this takes patience on your part and dogs must know how to walk on just their hind legs. They could do it, don't let them fool you. We've been punked long enough.
Milo belongs to my friend Sue. Both Milo & Sue inspired me to create this article.
More ways your dog could help...
How about buffing the floors? They usually spend time scratching their butts, why not add a bit of pet-friendly polish to their backside and have them buff a floor or two.
Turn on the crock-pot. You leave to work and you once again forget to turn on the crock pot. How about having a special ring tone on the phone for the dog to know it's time to turn on the crock pot. I bet they would enjoy using their shiny canines (that you brushed) to do that special favor for mommy.
Fetching your slippers might already be a trick of the trade for your delightful dog, but not for mine. Probably because I never wear slippers. If you haven't already trained your pet to get your slippers, here's an idea...using a piece of dental floss wrap it around a doggie biscuit, place the biscuit in the slipper...pull the floss towards you until your slippers are at your feet. After a week or two of doing this your pup should get the hint. Hopefully. If not, being barefoot is more fun anyway.
How about picking up toys around the house? Purchase a toy bag for your pup. The next time you bring her a doggie bag home from the restaurant, train her that she can't have it until all the toys are picked up and placed in the toy bag. I bet they'll catch on really quick with this trick.
Laundry. Before I leave the house I always ask Foxy to please place the laundry in the dryer. She has yet to obey my command. What's the big deal? Open the washer lid. Place clothing in dryer. Using their teeth they could turn dryer on. Done. Yet, she still can't comprehend. Maybe someone else has a better plan, if so, please let me know.
"I'm ready to buff the floors"
This concludes my wacky ideas to help you get your dog to help out around the house. I wish y'all luck going forward. If there should be some success stories, please keep us posted. We'd enjoy hearing them.
In the meanwhile continue to enjoy your canines who love you unconditionally. They have your back. They guard your home and family. There is nothing your dog wouldn't do for you, that he's actually capable of doing.
If you should ever notice a dog being abused, report it. Don't sit back and think someone else will. Be kind to our four-legged friends and they'll be kind to you.
Woof, Woof.
EAST ORLANDO REAL ESTATE NEWS
REAL ESTATE 32828
by the Numbers!
written by Eddy Solon, 32828 Realtor, AP Resident
Keller Williams Advantage Realty II
What does all this mean? To put it into perspective, price per square feet increased about $7 from the previous month, however the availability of Short Sales and Foreclosures have also increased by more than 30%. In addition, many Foreclosures are now being sold close to 2007 levels (pre-crash), hence many homeowners who once were up side 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.
EAST ORLANDO FIRST TIME HOMEOWNERS SEMINAR
AT CHASE IN AVALON PARK SPONSORED BY THE SOLON GROUP & CHASE
The first stop when you house shop!
When: September 17, 2013 at 6:30 pm
Where: Chase - Avalon Park
425 Avalon Park Blvd S #100
Buying a home is one of the most important financial decisions you will ever make. And as with any big decision, you want to be sure you know your facts and options first.
Expert guidance. Real-life examples. In-depth explanations.
The My New Home workshop offers everything you need to know as you prepare to buy a home.
This educational workshop will help you to:
•• Understand your costs up front
•• Determine a price range that’s realistic and comfortable for you
•• Know more about how a real estate agent can help you
•• Learn how your credit score can impact your loan
•• Identify the paperwork you need for a smooth loan process
Visit chase.com/MyNewHome/learn for more information, online tools and resources
Register today! Contact me for details.
All home lending products are subject to credit and property approval. Rates, program terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. Not all products are available in all states or for all amounts. Other restrictions and limitations apply.
Home lending products offered by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
MY JOURNEY: BARBARA WHITEHOUSE
written by Barbara Whitehouse
Northwest Village Neighborhood Watch Block Captain
Warson Woods, a suburb of St. Louis, was a delightful community to grow up in. Like Avalon Park, it was more than just a suburb; it was a community, only on a smaller scale. Our summers revolved around the tennis courts, the community pool and playing outside with the neighbor kids. I remember many picnics with neighbors on Memorial day, July 4th and Labor day. Though I spent my first 18 years in one community much of my adult life I have lived in numerous places, including Japan, and like most other people, I have had numerous challenges in life. These many moves and life challenges have shaped who I am today.
I was blessed to have parents who were involved in my life, supportive of my interests and encouraging and gave me a good foundation in life. However, school was a struggle and it took a toll on my self worth. The summer after high school I became a follower of Jesus and through that relationship I began to understand that while I was an imperfect person, my worth was not tied to how smart I was, how beautiful I was, or what I could accomplish. I also learned about forgiveness and the need to have deep relationships. The following fall I started the University of Missouri where I majored in elementary education and upon graduation I decided to work for CRU (formerly named Campus Crusade for Christ). I moved to Terre Haute, Indiana and at the end of two years married my husband, John, and moved to Oxford, Ohio, where we worked in a ministry with college students through CRU. During that time my first daughter, Rebekah, was born. Three years later, our second daughter, Elizabeth, was born but due to a congenital heart defect, she lived only a few days. Of course, it was an extremely difficult time for us but we knew one day we would see her again and we were helped by many wonderful people. After 6 years in Ohio, we went to live in Tokyo, Japan for three years.
Living in Japan was a stretching and challenging experience. Learning Japanese was a lot of blood, sweat and tears but it gave me confidence that I could accomplish something that difficult! My daughter attended Japanese school so we had interesting experiences there and made many friends and were the neighborhood celebrities! While we were in Japan, we adopted our son, Matt, at five days old. At the end of three years we moved to Seattle where we lived and worked with international students for 16 years. My youngest daughter, Amy, was born there. We really enjoyed living in Seattle, exploring the Pacific Northwest and made many friends. In 2006 we moved to Orlando, where we have lived since and I don’t plan to move anymore! My husband and I work at CRU headquarters in the Lake Nona area. I help coordinate volunteer jobs so I am involved with people who live in Orlando and also many snowbirds from different states up north. Because I enjoy people, I love what I do.
Through my experiences I have learned that while people and cultures have many differences, we have many basic commonalities. Every person from every culture has challenges, are imperfect, have a need to feel valued and loved, need forgiveness, and all want and need community.
FLYING THE FRIENDLY SKIES
written by Sherry Graziano
Suntrust Sr Loan Officer
Avalon Park Resident
When my presence was recently requested 96 hours prior to an important meeting, I quickly searched for the best available direct flight. One option mid day departure – booked no questions asked. Reviewing the flights home, not so lucky. Nothing direct from the originating city so one stop – no big deal, Charlotte isn’t so bad after all for a quick bite to eat and then a quick hop home.
A few days came and went and that bright and sunny Tuesday morning, I ran to a meeting, did some last minute paperwork, packed up the office and headed straight to good old MCO. Never know how long you’ll be patiently waiting in that always growing TSA line, or if there will be stroller derby bonanza in line, but rest assured get there early or your plane will leave without you. No running, skipping, jumping or acting like you are happy to be at the airport or you might look suspicious. Oh and don’t forget all liquids 3 oz or more in a one quart zip lock bag, take your jackets, belts and just about all your clothes off, shoes too unless you are 70+, and all those electronic devices out of your carry on’s in their own separate bin. Phew – I successfully made it to my gate, with all my belongings just in time to board the plane. Nice and quiet direct flight quickly passed with attentive stewards, easy going passengers, and the latest issue of US Weekly.
Arrival in Richmond, VA in less than two hours – doors opened to a hot and steamy 95 degrees in July. Cabby offers to roll up the windows and “turn the AC on” about half way to the hotel. We get a good laugh and let him know best practice might be cooling the car prior to passengers, but maybe this is a secret that only we FL Natives know?
Fantastic dinner, drinks and quality time with colleagues, followed by a solid night of sleep. Up at the crack of dawn to be at the corporate office for “the” 8 AM meeting. Feeling much accomplished we head back to the airport at noon to catch our flights to our respective cities. Wow, thanks counter woman for pointing out the upgrade to catch an earlier first leg – sold $75 and I will be home by dinner time with my family! Much smaller airport, minimal security line, off we went to our gates. Board our plane, push back from the gate and sit. Pilot announces some “pop up” weather in the Charlotte area and we held for 30+ minutes before pulling back to the gate to “walk around and stretch” before boarding again. Flight was scheduled for 2:25 departure, left at 6:15…starting to wonder about this “upgrade”. Never the less arrived safe to Charlotte, to miss the first connection flight and bump to the next available in 20 mins. Run (or should I say fast paced crazy mom walk) from one concourse to the other so fear to not miss this leg and get home. Arrive at the newly scheduled “gate” to find this flight is yet delayed another hour. No worries, I’ll go buy a souvenir for the kids and grab some dinner so I can take a nap on the way home. We board at 8:15 pm and push back, only this time we do not leave the announcement is “ladies and gentlemen we are having mechanical issues”. Every engineer and technician arrived at our plane that had to be “towed” back to the gate, where we promptly were told to stay seated for the next hour while they attempted to fix the issue. Nearly 9:20 pm and we see the luggage guys pull up to the plane and start unloading. Next announcement “good news is you will make it home tonight, bad news it you will all be changing planes and my hours are now exceeding the max available per the FAA, so you will be waiting for a new pilot and crew”. Deplane and head to the new gate, wait for the folks to get off from Bermuda and board what we hope to be the final aircraft for the day. Back out at 11:30 pm, sit for 15 minutes in the cargo area to have a weight/balance check and finally take off to head home. Final announcement upon landing, “good morning welcome to Orlando where the time is 12:48 AM”. Off the plane and head to the car, pull into Avalon just before 2 AM. Wake up at 6 AM to hit the office for a full day.
Lesson learned: Man in the orange polo shirt, scream and holler about your GPS mapping and lack of thunder storms but you aren’t flying the aircraft there may be someone a bit more important making those judgment calls. The guy who demanded his free water the minute we sat on the tarmac, is there really a reason to be rude to flight attendants? They are not your servant. Lady who felt it necessary to call and rearrange all her arrival plans the minute we heard of the first delay, we don’t care to hear all your plans about your weekend – isn’t a text message sufficient when surrounded by masses of people? Mr. Business traveler who thought you were important, your bag size does matter and the gate clerk will call you out, if you don’t like it – don’t argue or don’t bring a huge bag. Period. Last time I checked you could be kicked out for being “unruly”. To the significantly pregnant mom travelling with your 3 yr old, you are a saint – no melt downs, clueless how that could happen!
Next time you are travelling for business or pleasure, remember to make the best of the cards you are dealt. None of us wanted to be “stuck” somewhere all day, but we made friends, shared stories, laughed with one another, laughed at others, and enjoyed some of what life has to offer! Spread a smile - it is contagious!
SOCIAL ME
Here's what's on Social Media:
Avalon Park's Assisted Living Facility Coming Soon!!!!!!
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13798 Cygnus Drive, Orlando, Florida 32828
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| Please join us for the Ground Breaking Ceremony of Avalon Park's Premier Senior Living Neighborhood! |
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
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