WELCOME
written by Eddy Solon, Northwest Village
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."
If you looked around in East Orlando recently, you will quickly notice that this part of Orlando
is booming and growing. We are getting too big for our britches. From Rouse Road expansion,
to the New road off Woodbury that Leads to Research Parkway and the new Publix, to Alafaya
and Lake Underhill expansion, and several shops planned on Avalon Park Blvd and East Colonial
including a new Wawa, and even in our quaint little community in Avalon Park the construction
taking place for Encore and the Residential Leasing Units, we are on the move. What does
that mean for us? It means our population and commerce is growing in the area and the schools
are still A+. With these growing pains, the delicate balance to maintain the lifestyle that we all
come to enjoy living on the east side against the inevitable change that will alter some aspects of
it, is a bit scary and exciting at the same time. Though, we do have assurance that committed stakeholders, neighbors like Avalon Park-ians, will continue to help build our community in the
The Series “My Journey" has come to an end with this issue, but do not be disheartened. We
have another Series starting January 2014 planned "My Business Journey." Avalon Park
Businesses discuss how they came to be, their triumphs and challenges. Mike Seif's contribution
last month is a good segue to this new series. 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, 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
32828 Statistics: Zone 22B
While 31 incidents were reported last Newsletter, 25 incidents were reported this month in our zone, which includes Avalon Park Area and surrounding communities. Based on the partial data available, there were 11 Auto Burglaries, 3 Commercial Burglary, 4 Residential Burglaries, 4 Stolen Vehicles and 1 Strong Arm Robbery.
| Case Number | Crime | Location | Date |
| 130082580 | RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY | [2931 - 3049] SUMMER SWAN DR | 09/21/2013 |
| 130082639 | AUTO BURGLARY | [14201 - 14329] NOTTINGHAM WAY CI | 09/20/2013 |
| 130081233 | COMMERCIAL BURGLARY | [300 - 398] S ALAFAYA TL | 09/17/2013 |
| 130080672 | AUTO BURGLARY | [11001 - 11099] DAWNVIEW LN | 09/14/2013 |
| 130080692 | RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY | [616 - 698] GERARD AV | 09/14/2013 |
| 130079526 | STRONG ARM TO PERSON | [10250 - 10408] CURRY FORD RD | 09/12/2013 |
| 130079804 | AUTO BURGLARY | [201 - 599] MARK TWAIN BV | 09/12/2013 |
| 130080173 | AUTO BURGLARY | [1100 - 1398] SHALLCROSS AV | 09/12/2013 |
| 130079230 | COMMERCIAL BURGLARY | [3901 - 4029] CRESWICK CI | 09/10/2013 |
| 130079236 | COMMERCIAL BURGLARY | [UNKNOWN] CABBAGE TREE LP | 09/10/2013 |
| 130079268 | AUTO BURGLARY | [UNKNOWN] INSIDE LOOP | 09/10/2013 |
| 130078331 | STOLEN VEHICLE | [800 - 898] ARDENLEIGH DR | 09/07/2013 |
| 130078416 | AUTO BURGLARY | [1300 - 1398] LOCHBREEZE WY | 09/07/2013 |
| 130081954 | STOLEN VEHICLE | [10800 - 11298] LAKE UNDERHILL RD | 09/06/2013 |
| 130077322 | STOLEN VEHICLE | [13701 - 13799] BLUEWATER CI | 09/04/2013 |
| 130076562 | STOLEN VEHICLE | [14026 - 14298] TURNING LEAF DR | 09/02/2013 |
| 130083043 | RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY | [10101 - 10499] ANDOVER POINT CI | 09/02/2013 |
| 130407023 | AUTO BURGLARY | [13400 - 13498] FORDWELL DR | 09/02/2013 |
| 130075926 | RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY | [901 - 1099] CRYSTAL BAY LN | 08/31/2013 |
| 130075088 | STOLEN VEHICLE | [11260 - 11278] MOONSHINE CREEK CI | 08/29/2013 |
| 130075301 | AUTO BURGLARY | [15301 - 15349] VERAMONTE WY | 08/28/2013 |
| 130406896 | AUTO BURGLARY | [200 - 298] LEXINGDALE DR | 08/28/2013 |
| 130074188 | RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY | [3201 - 3351] HOLLAND DR | 08/26/2013 |
| 130406860 | AUTO BURGLARY | [13201 - 13299] PHOENIX DR | 08/26/2013 |
| 130406832 | AUTO BURGLARY | [900 - 1212] SENECA FALLS DR | 08/25/2013 |
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.
ORANGE COUNTY NEWS
Celebrate National Plug In Day
Electric Car Demos & Parade
Sunday, September 29, 2013 ~ 10am to 2pm
Lake Eola Park - Washington Street & Eola Drive
Listed below are the highlights of the day:
Vehicle Exhibits - Check out the latest Electric Vehicles (EVs) currently on the market and hear from industry experts and vehicles owners about the joy and efficiency of driving an EV. With nearly zero maintenance costs driving an EV may be right for you.
Charging Stations - Learn about Level 1, 2, and DC fast charging in Orlando. There are over 300 public charging stations in Central Florida and ten within one mile of Lake Eola.
EV Car Sharing / Leasing - Discover the benefits of Drive Electric Orlando's EV Car Leasing Program and the City of Orlando's Green Works car sharing program.
Ride and Drives - EV test drives are planned, so prepare to take an EV for a ride around Lake Eola.
Electric Vehicle Parade - The event will conclude with a procession of electric vehicles.
For more information, contact Laura Lord with EPD at 407.836.1513 or by email at Laura.Lord@ocfl.net.
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 Public Schools just keep coming up with new ways that faith-based entities, community organizations and every individual in the region can help make the county's schools more effective. Not only are faith-based and community organizations invited to adopt a school, everyone can help raise funds for schools through a program called Fuel My School. As the foregoing link points out, it's as easy as 1-2-3. When you're shopping at all your favorite online stores--Wal-Mart, Target, Best Buy, Sports Authority, just about any store--be sure to do it through your school's online mall at FuelMySchool.com, and the school you've designated will get a commission. In Addition, it's at no extra cost to you! Is that great opportunity or what? Check it out.
Several New State Laws Affecting HOA's & Condo Associations
If you missed our Community Connections Workshop in June, make sure to brush up on the recent changes to Florida State Statutes affecting Community Associations. The Bills HB73 and HB7119, which will have significant impacts on the operation of condominium, cooperative, and homeowners' associations, were signed into law by Governor Rick Scott and will be effective starting July 1, 2013. Click here for a summary of these new laws; provided by Community Association Leadership Lobby.
TIMBER CREEK NEWS
Retrieved from TCH Newsletter
I am looking forward to meeting and working with everyone in the Timber Creek community. The school vision for Timber Creek perfectly describes our goals and expectations for all students. We were able to accomplish our school mission and vision in many respects during the 2012-2013 school year. We had the highest percentage of students
scoring a level 3 or above on the FCAT in the district among high schools. Our Algebra and Geometry EOC pass rate were the highest among high schools in the district as well. Our parent and community involvement was incredible and because of that, we have been recognized as a Golden School and a Silver School, which qualifies us to be a 5 Star School.
“Timber Creek High School is leading the pack by educating and elevating students to higher achievement in a safe, state-of-the art learning environment supported by staff, parents and community members. Our focus is to enable each student to engage in a rigorous, relevant and real-world learning experience.”
Our intense focus on this vision as a community, which aligns with the district vision and mission, has helped to place TCHS and many of our students, programs, and teachers among the top-rated schools in the district and in Florida. We have many programs before, during, and after school that help to attain our goals and vision and we will continue to aim high and lead the Pack. We invite all parents to participate in SAC, PLC, PTSA, and Foundation as we join together to keep the tradition of excellence thriving at Timber Creek. There are also many other parent organizations that we encourage you to join that directly and positively impact student academic and extracurricular activities.
Thank you for all you do,
LAKE UNDERHILL ROAD CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
This is a report of the meeting called by County Commissioner Jennifer Thompson. Her email calling the meeting is in the article following this article.
We met at 7:30am on Friday August 16th and Jennifer Thomson and Susan Makowski (Jennifer’s assistant) were there as well as other county staff and Gibbs & Register staff (the contractor). We walked along the entire project and learned a lot about what was happening and we were able to provide a lot of our own feedback to county staff and the contractor. Here is a brief rundown of the time spent…
We discussed issues such as the equipment being parked in the areas between the curb and sidewalks. The contractor will work on that and we suggested that since the elementary school was closed and no work is being done, that the school could be used as the staging area for equipment and the new road materials. This (if allowed) would mean we could get southbound Woodbury in front of Woodbury Pines cleaned up.
Bad news is that it will get much worse before it gets better. The crews will be working all weekend [August 17-18] to finish the paving on both sides of the road east of Woodbury. Part of that time will be spent prepping the roadbeds east of Woodbury with the milling machine, assuming rain holds off. So areas this weekend will continue to be moved down to one lane. All work on northbound Woodbury just past the overpass is complete…
Monday, crews will continue to work eastbound on Lake Underhill from just past the Winn Dixie shopping center to Woodbury. Yes, this means school opening week. The reason is to get this project done. Most of us are already experiencing lane closures and delays and the sooner we get the pain out of the way, the better we will all be. Again, all of this is assuming the weather stays acceptable for the work to continue.
Interview with a Butcher
Reflections from a Retired Avalon Park Residents
written by Linda Bilyeu (Sunshine), Village 2
Avalon Park Resident, Lindabilyeu@gmail.com
Winn Dixie Butcher of over 20 Years
Haven't we all wondered how that piece of chicken or steak got on our plate? What was its journey before we devoured it? I am known as the "Queen Of Questions" so I decided to put my curiosity to work for your entertainment and mine. Since my mind is always in overdrive due to curiosity, why not share what I've learned.
My first stop on this new mission is to interview a butcher and pick his brain (not literally, I'm not that curious, YET) to find some answers to my meat questions. You might decide to go the vegetarian route after reading this. If you are squeamish you might want to stop reading now.
To animal activists, don't shot the messenger! Some of us enjoy our poultry and beef and we appreciate where it came from and wonder how it got to our plates.
Why did you become a butcher?
At the age of 14, I was looking for a part-time job. Because I was considered a big boy at 5'11 and 180 lbs the manager of the meat department decided to put me to work for him. He thought being a bag boy would be a waste of my brawny muscles. The rest is history.
David Ligler...the best Winn Dixie butcher that Orlando has ever had.
Quality butchers are a rare find...
How long have you been a meat cutter?
This year will mark my 47th year as a butcher. The wages I earned from my trade got me through high school and college at Florida State University. After I graduated from FSU I applied for jobs in my field of Pre-Law. The opportunities weren't available and meat-cutting paid better.
What's the difference between meat markets, then and now?
Back in the day they used to actually break the cattle down. It was delivered in four pieces and we had to break the quarters down to smaller cuts. The cattle was then hung on railings. We would lift the cattle off the railings and remove the fat and trimmings. Slaughterhouses and beef packaging plants changed the methods we use today. Slaughterhouses make more profit by breaking down the animals themselves. At the present time meat departments receive one cow in twelve pieces, de-boned and cryo-packed. The meat is ready to cut.
How is ham considered pork?
Ham is made from the hind leg of the pig. It's cured and sold as ham.
Did you ever kill your own holiday meal?
Yes. Many turkeys and also a hog. I shot the hog, skinned it and cleaned it. I then proceeded to hang it in a meat cooler until it firmed up into a gel-like consistency. When that process was over I butchered it and relished it.
What is the most common question you receive from customers?
They approach me holding a piece of meat, any cut of meat and ask me "how do I cook this?" I receive this question from all ages, 20 years old to 90 years old. I always oblige with an answer. Some answers take longer than others, I'm a man of patience though. To a point.
What's the best type of cut of meat for a Pot Roast?
Boneless or bone-in chuck roast. This cut has enough fat to slow cook and still maintain its tenderness.
What's the best type of cut for steaks?
Filet Mignon. This cut comes from the lean, tender muscle in the cow. It's a lazy muscle that doesn't do much work so this makes the filet very mouth-watering. I also suggest the porterhouse or T-bone. This cut come from the short loin of the cow.
Can you suggest some grilling tips?
First and foremost try your best to not overcook the meat. My secret to good grilling is to lightly sear both sides of the meat. This helps seal in the juices.
Can you explain marbling in meat and the benefits of it? Marbling is the fat (white) running through the grain of beef. This fat helps tenderize the beef when cooked. The more marbling the more delicious the meat. It adds flavor.
What exactly is in GROUND Beef?It's excess beef trim that can't be sold as a specific cut of beef. Back in the day chicken gizzards were added to give the grinds the reddish appearance. That practice is no longer allowed, that I know of. There are no fillers in ground beef. Again, that I know of.
Do you consider your craft a form of art? Absolutely. Meat cuts have to be eye appealing to the consumer. It's like taking a blank canvas and painting the Mona Lisa. [Sunshine...That was deep for a meat man!]
Would you recommend this trade to someone who might be considering it? Yes, I would. Not everyone has the capability of being a meat cutter even though there are many people who call themselves meat cutters. Just like with any other profession you have to want to be the best. Butchers work in a cold environment so if you don't like the cold, this wouldn't be the trade for you. You have to be a people pleaser, make your customers happy so they keep coming back for more.
Do you have requests for Beef Tongue? Yes. Tongue is popular among the British and I'm sure other cultures. [Sunshine...ewwww]
Can you tell us something about meat that we might not already know? All the fears from catching diseases from fresh meat would be eliminated if all meat is cooked greater than 140* as its internal temperature. At this temperature all bacteria are killed.
Is there a question I didn't ask, that you feel is relevant to this interview? No. Sunshine, you covered this interview well. I am available for follow-up questions if needed. [Sunshine...awwww thank you Mr. Butcher aka hubby!]
BEHIND THE RAMP
written by Heidi Cortassa, Avalon Park Neighbor
Recently, someone asked me, “What does Rotary Do?” I thought, well, that could be a long conversation! While we are all over the World, and our primary mission right now, is to eradicate Polio, (which we have made great strides in with the help of the Bill and Mellissa Gates Foundation) we are also very active in your Avalon Park Community, helping people right here. Most recently we have completed a project that will forever change and better the lives of one small boy and his family.
As part of Rotary’s ongoing mission to change lives, we coordinate wheelchair ramp projects, throughout the year. These projects are coordinated and built by Rotarian volunteers.
Here is a short story about the people “Behind the Ramp.”
His name is Anthony, but his friends call him Tony. Tony is in the fifth grade and attends school at a local Elementary school. But this will be the last year that Tony can attend school there. You see, Tony has a birth defect that is 100% fatal. It is called Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, and he is confined to an electric wheelchair. Tony lives with his mom, his grandparents live on the same property, in a detached house. For three years, Tony has not been able to go out of the front door of his house to visit his grandparents. They have to come to him.
Throughout all of this, Tony has kept his spirits up and really enjoys going to school. He is a happy, loving, young boy.
But there is another side to this story. Tony’s mom does not have the necessary equipment to get him and his wheelchair into their van. She has to pick him up, out of the wheelchair, and place him in the van, then
breakdown the wheelchair and place it, in the van. This becoming almost impossible, due to his growth. They need a retrofit kit for the van, that the family cannot afford.
Tony’s mom keeps her spirits up and is the eternal optimist. She knows that no matter what the family faces in the future, they always have each other and a community to lean on.
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 invite you to come to one of our meetings. We meet every Wednesday at 7:15am, at the South Village Community Center.
Coffee and breakfast are complimentary. The rewards are priceless.
For more information, please visit our website at
RotaryClubOfAvalonPark.org.
REAL ESTATE 32828 by the Numbers!
written by Eddy Solon, 32828 Realtor, AP Resident
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.
FIGHTING MY BODY AND WINNING
"How I lost 80 lbs and kept it off for 4 Years!"
written by Josh Velasquez
Story of an Avalon Park Resident
People ask me all the time how I did it. Did I do some crazy crash diet? Did I get a trainer? Did I eat? No, to all of that. The real question isn’t how, but why. The how is easy when you have a compelling why.
So, in 2009 when I was just 29 years old, my doctor told me that I needed to lose weight or face a lifetime of blood pressure medication. That was pretty shocking news to me. Further, Jess (my wife) was pregnant with our second daughter Jordyn. My mind immediately began to drift to wondering when our girls would get married, when they would have kids and what type of grandparent I would be. Would I be able to be active and enjoy my grandchildren, or would I be immobile and ill? I made a decision at that moment to give myself the best chance at the former.
Enter my new diet plan: The Decision Diet.
In 2009 I weighed an embarrassing 230 lbs. I had a very compelling why. Now for the how. Yes, I exercised a LOT. Probably 5-6 times per week for at least 1 hour, sometimes 2. I basically cut out all bad eating. I did not cheat until I made some pretty substantial progress. Even still today I average between 1 and 3 “bad/cheat” meals per week.
Since 2010 I have been able to maintain a weight of 150 lbs. I did take some protein shakes and other supplements for short periods of time, which were accelerators of my weight loss. However, the only reason I have been able to keep it off is I really changed my lifestyle and my eating habits.
There is no getting around the fact that you must eat healthy and not habitually overeat if you want to maintain a healthy weight. Products and supplements designed for people who want to chase the mirage of weight loss without work and sacrifice is a BIG business in the United States. Don’t fall for it. It's hard work. That’s why you need a compelling why.
You will be tempted, you will have setbacks. Your compelling why will help you to push through and get back on the horse when you fall off.
I didn’t write this to brag, but wanted to share my story to encourage people. You can get healthy. All you need is a compelling reason and you’re on your way. For me, my daughter Jordyn was all the motivation I needed to get serious about being healthy.
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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