OCN’s Third Year: Greater Works Ahead!

Posted on May 15, 2014 by OrlandoCommunityNews

 

Trish Martin

Trish Martin

Hello Orlando Community News Supporters and Visitors!

We are celebrating – first, another year for Orlando Community News online (#3 on May 14) and second, the recent milestone of reaching 10,000 views (in the United States and several other countries)!
I am reflecting on the many blessings God has granted this online publication and pressing upward for GREATER WORKS.
He has blessed me with all of you, (family, friends and community leaders), who continue to support this publication. Thank you for every prayer, every word of encouragement, every story idea and every piece of feedback you have provided.
We started the year off with a Spiritual Fitness Challenge. I can’t say how many people participated in the challenge but I am sure many people thought about feeding their soul more, developing or strengthening their relationship with God.
There have been more articles on local elections, as well as articles about unique and exciting events happening right here in Pine Hills and its surrounding areas. You don’t know what you’re missing if you have never attended Keesha Rivers’ Mania or one of the Seven Last Sayings services held at area churches on Good Friday!
Also, we selected two more Pine Hills Heroes – Bishop A.L. Helligar who has been an advocate for non-violence in the Pine Hills community for many years and Bertina Busch who has worked behind the scenes over the years to get much-needed improvements in this community. Presentations coming soon!
Last but not least, God gave me an idea to help some local middle school students raise funds to visit Washington, D.C. and perform at the World War II Memorial: The First Annual Orlando Community News Essay Contest!
This first one was among Meadowbrook Middle School band and chorus members. We had four winners and a couple of them shared their awards with other band members who needed help with their trip balances! Special thanks to Ms. Bryant and Mr. Ford of the school’s Fine Arts Department, as well as Principal Mr. Nash and P.R. Guru Wendy Gustama.
Thanks to every volunteer or supporter who helped in some way or donated money to the effort! Special thanks to: LaFontaine Oliver, of WMFE 90.7 News radio; Willie Clark, of Clark Media Network; Ronita Sanders, of U.S. Congresswoman Corrine Brown’s Office, Bennie Williams; Fritz Wadlington, Kelsea Mullane; State Representative Bruce Antone and my family. What a blessing to be able to sow into the lives of these young people. Photos and details coming soon!
There is so much work to be done here in the Pine Hills community. Every concerned resident, public official, pastor and business owner is needed to help the area continue to rise, to change in a positive way. If you live, work or play here, you are needed. Stay connected to Orlando Community News. We will highlight that change! The best is still yet to come! God bless you!
Trish Martin
Founder & Editor
Orlando Community News
Email: trish.martin@att.net
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Get Ready for “The Show” – Spring Mania 2014

Posted on May 14, 2014 by OrlandoCommunityNews

Of all the live shows you attend in Central Florida, let this be one of them. Trust: It’s called “mania” for a reason.

In its fourth year, the Spring Mania, presented by Fla’Vore Productions, will keep your eyes glued to the stage with everything happening: It’s a lively display of fashion, makeup, hair, comedy, poetry and dance.

The Spring Mania will take place 6 p.m. on Sunday, May 18 at the Rosen College Auditorium, 9907 Universal Boulevard (off International Drive) in Orlando. Tickets are: $25 each in advance and $35 each at the door.

Ticket sales for last year’s event, held at the Majestic Event Center, sold out and there was a full house. The new venue will offer more space but organizers expect this show to sell out also.

Tickets can be purchased at: McKnight’s restaurant, 595 W. Church Street, Orlando and Phanatik Kutz, 5519 W. Colonial Dr., Orlando.

In addition to the show, there will be college scholarship help, vendors and an opportunity for someone to have a portion of their rent/mortgage paid.

The event will be hosted again this year by Star 94.5’s  Ms. B and Tyesha. There is no telling what else will happen with the two of them on the stage. They typically keep things moving and add an element of what I call reality comedy! You have to be there to get it.

For additional information, visit the Fla’vore Productions website: http://www.iamflavore.com

Models at 2013 Mania by Fla'Vore Productions. Photo by Jennifer Slak.

-Trish Martin, Founder and Editor, Orlando Community News

 

 

© Orlando Community News, 2014

 

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“To Do” for City of Orlando Voters: Vote on Tuesday, May 6

Posted on May 6, 2014 by OrlandoCommunityNews

From the Editor’s Desk: Today is the day for Orlando District 5 voters to select their new city commissioner. Reminder: Polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. This is the run-off election between Regina Hill and E. Juan Lynum, seeking to represent residents in the district for the next four years. The seat is currently held by Daisy Lynum, who is retiring after 16 years. Polling places: Rock Lake Community Center: 440 N. Tampa Ave., John H. Jackson Community Center: 1002 Carter St., Orlando Fire Station 12: 1588 Park Center Dr. and Northwest Community Center, 3955 W.D. Judge Dr. If you have any questions or concerns call the City Clerk’s office at 407-246-2251 or the Orange County Supervisor of Elections office at 407-836-2070. Vote and Let Your Own Voice Be Heard.

OrlandoCommunityNews's avatarOrlandoCommunityNews

May 1 (Orlando) — It’s Countdown to the City of Orlando Commission District 5 Run-Off Election.  If you live in the district and are registered to vote, update your calendar to GO VOTE on Tuesday, May 6.

Actually, you can vote three ways: absentee ballot (if you have it already, just complete it and turn it in before the polls close on Tuesday), early vote (through today – Saturday, May 3) and at your polling place on election day.

Let your own voice be heard by casting your ballot for the candidate you want to see in office.

The upcoming run-off election is between Regina Hill and Juan Lynum. (Lynum got only 37 more votes than Hill during the April election which included third place candidate Cynthia Harris.) Long-term District 5 City Commissioner Daisy Lynum dropped out of the race to retire before the election.

Stay connected to Orlando Community…

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“To Do” for City of Orlando Voters: Vote on Tuesday, May 6

Posted on May 3, 2014 by OrlandoCommunityNews

May 1 (Orlando) — It’s Countdown to the City of Orlando Commission District 5 Run-Off Election.  If you live in the district and are registered to vote, update your calendar to GO VOTE on Tuesday, May 6.

Actually, you can vote three ways: absentee ballot (if you have it already, just complete it and turn it in to the county elections office before the polls close on Tuesday), early vote (through today – Saturday, May 3) and at your polling place on election day.

Let your own voice be heard by casting your ballot for the candidate you want to see in office.

The upcoming run-off election is between Regina Hill and Juan Lynum. (Lynum got only 36 more votes than Hill during the April election which included third place candidate Cynthia Harris.) Long-term District 5 City Commissioner Daisy Lynum dropped out of the race to retire a few months before the April election.

Stay connected to Orlando Community News online. All election numbers are from the Orange County Supervisor of Elections Office.

The winner will take office on June 1, according to the city clerk’s office.

If you have any questions about voting in this run-off election, contact the city clerk’s office at (407) 246-2251. 

© Orlando Community News, 2014

 

 

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Final Push to Help Send Some Meadowbrook Students to Washington, D.C.

Posted on April 22, 2014 by OrlandoCommunityNews

Editor’s Note:

If you want to give to the Orlando Community News Annual Essay Contest, benefiting the Meadowbrook Middle School Fine Arts Department’s Spring Trip to Washington, D.C., please note: the deadline is this Friday, April 25.

This is truly a grassroots effort and anyone can help by making a donation for the Essay Contest awards.

Here’s the deal: Band and chorus members at Meadowbrook (one of the two middle schools in the Pine Hills community) plan to travel to our nation’s capital and perform at the World War II Memorial in May. Some need help raising money to make the trip.

Young people perform at the Wayne Densch YMCA Youth Scholarship Campaign on Thursday, March 21.

Several members of Meadowbrook’s band. OCN Photo

The Essay Contest will help students develop their reading and writing skills as well as motivate them with awards presented for first place (full cost of trip-$625), as well as second (up to $500 toward trip) and third place (up to $300 toward trip).

Many of the students have never traveled outside of the Orlando area so the trip will expose them to new places, experiences and dreams.

Let me tell you, these young performers are good! (I saw them perform recently a Wayne Densch YMCA event…and they rocked!)

Please consider donating to this effort. I am sure each young performer who ends up going, especially through this Essay Contest will appreciate it. (I’ve already received one letter of thanks from a student already…It almost brought me to tears!) You will feel good about giving to such a worthy cause and there is a good chance you’re see or hear your company name or your name announced or publicized in the local media!

Donations can be made payable to Meadowbrook Middle School Band and sent directly to the school: 6000 North Lane, Orlando, FL 32808 – Attn. Mario Ford, Director of Bands. You can reference: Essay Contest Award on your check.

For further information contact Mr. Ford at the school: 407-296-5130 ext. 5192228 or me at trish.martin@att.net. I will gladly make arrangements to pick up your donation!

Thanks and God Bless You All.

 

© Orlando Community News, 2014

 

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Good Friday Service: The Seven Last Sayings of Jesus Christ

Posted on April 18, 2014 by OrlandoCommunityNews

Worshipers celebrating Good Friday during the community-wide Seven Last Sayings of Jesus Christ service have another place to go and give this year! In addition to the special church service today at noon, April 18, at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Eatonville (Kennedy Boulevard) and St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church in Orlando (Bruton Boulevard) , St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Orlando (Fred L. Maxwell Boulevard) will also host the service sponsored by the African-American Council of Christian Clergy. Leaders are asking people to bring non-perishable food items such as canned and dry goods to help stock Orange County School District’s Food Pantry . . . for students who may be homeless or just don’t have food at home. Happy Good Friday!

OrlandoCommunityNews's avatarOrlandoCommunityNews

Come Good Friday, there will be some Good Preaching.

That’s when local congregations will gather together for a special program called the “Seven Last Sayings of Jesus Christ.”

The program, sponsored by the African-American Council of Christian Clergy (AACCC), will be held this Friday, March 29, at two locations: Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Eatonville and St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church in Orlando.

Starting at noon, somewhere in between the worship and praise, seven preachers at each location will share scriptures on events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the words he uttered from the cross.

This type of program has been held for many years and is well attended, organizers say. It started at Macedonia, where Willie C Barnes is the pastor. When extra chairs, the balcony and the overflow room filled up, a second location was later selected: St. Mark, where Terence Gray is the Pastor.

This year, the AACCC (led by its…

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Easter Holiday Greeting from Orlando Community News

Posted on April 18, 2014 by OrlandoCommunityNews

Oh, What Love! God has for All of Us! 

“But God shows and clearly proves His [own] love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us.”

– Romans 5:8 (Amplified Version, The Holy Bible)

Just as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ (Christmas), we can celebrate his death

On the table, wine, bitter herb, lamb and boiled egg. Similar to a Jewish Passover meal, this represents Jesus' last supper with his disciples. For Christians, the Thursday before Easter Sunday is known as Maundy Thursday and usually ends with foot washing. Photo by: Reginald B. Johnson Sr., Pastor, Historic New Bethel A.M.E. Church, Ormond Beach, FL

On the table: wine, bitter herb, lamb and boiled egg. Similar to a Jewish Passover meal, this represents Jesus’ last supper with his disciples. For Christians, the Thursday before Easter Sunday is known as Maundy Thursday and usually ends with foot washing. Photo courtesy of Reginald B. Johnson Sr., Pastor, Historic New Bethel A.M.E. Church, Ormond Beach, FL

(Easter/Resurrection) because we believe he fulfilled the purpose God had for his life — to redeem man back to himself. Believe that God raised him from the dead with all power in his hands. Believe that he will return for his church, those that believe in him. (If you don’t believe, think about this: Miracles happen everyday. You don’t have to look very far to know that.)

This man, Jesus, is special – God’s only begotten son. John 3:16 says: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” To believe in him, you believe in who he is. In John 14:6, Jesus says, “…I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

My greeting is also an invitation to get to know this Jesus, personally, for yourself. To accept him in your heart, according to the scriptures: ”That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” (Romans 10:9)

It’s an open invitation that you can accept wherever you are. Pray and confess to God, that you believe the miracle, which is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Now you can truly celebrate Easter! I also recommend that you connect or re-connect yourself with a local Christ-centered church so that you can learn how to live for God and lead others to Christ.

Happy Easter. Happy Resurrection.

 

 

© Orlando Community News, 2014

 

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Election Connection: Run-off Election for Orlando District 5 Commission Seat

Posted on April 9, 2014 by OrlandoCommunityNews

As the dust settles from the General Election in the City of Orlando,  two candidates continue their campaign to face off in a May 6 run-off election for District 5 Commissioner: E. Juan Lynum and Regina Hill. ejuanlynum

Lynum, son of retiring District 5 Commissioner Daisy Lynum, got right around 39 percent of the total number of votes, while Hill got roughly 37 percent.  Basically, Lynum, an attorney, got 36 more votes than Hill, a home nurse.

Thirty-six. That is another reminder that every vote counts. reginahill4

The third candidate in the race, Cynthia Harris, who runs a non-profit organization, ended up with close to 24 percent of the votes.

Members of the Orlando City Council are Mayor, elected at-large, and six city commissioners who elected from respective districts. All are elected for four-year terms. There are no term limits.

District 5 is home to some of Orlando’s oldest communities: Parramore, Rock Lake, Malibu, Clear Lake, Ivey Lane, Lake Sunset, the Willows and Mercy Drive. The District is also home to Jones High School, Nikki’s Place Restaurant, the Amway Events Center, the Florida Citrus Bowl and the new Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center (opening in the fall).

© Orlando Community News, 2014
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Election Connection: City of Orlando District 5 – Today, April 8

Posted on April 8, 2014 by OrlandoCommunityNews

 

April 8, 2014 (Orlando) — It’s going down in the City of Orlando today, as residents in District 5 select their commissioner. One thing’s for sure, each one of the candidates have very different personalities and bring very different skill sets to the table. The key here is voter turnout. There are about 40,000 people living in the district and about half are registered to vote, according to reports. Many people stay home during mid-term election years…when just about every other political office except the U.S. Presidency is voted on, especially local and state offices.

But locally, residents vote on representatives and issues that more closely affect them and their families’ livelihood.

In this race, current District 5 Commissioner Daisy Lynum abruptly announced her ejuanlynumretirement in February, after serving in the position for 16 years and paying the filing fees to run again. Shortly after that, her son, E. Juan Lynum, jumped into the race which already had two other candidates: Cynthia Harris and Regina Hill.

All sorts of allegations have been tossed around in the local media about the candidates’ Cynthia Harris (21)1legal residence, background and experience.

Today is the day voters get to speak up and voice their opinion, by voting.

Depending on where they live, voters will cast ballots in one of four polling places: Rock Lake Community Center, 440 N. Tampa Ave.; John H. Jackson Community Center, 1002 Carter St.; Orlando Fire Station 12, 1588 Park Center Drive; or Northwest Community Center, 3955 W.D. Judge Drive. reginahill4

Polls are open today until 7 p.m.

If no candidate earns more than 50 percent of the vote, the top two would compete in a runoff on May 6.

The District is home some of Orlando’s oldest communities: Parramore, Rock Lake, Malibu, Clear Lake, Ivey Lane, Lake Sunset, the Willows and Mercy Drive. The District is home to Jones High School, Nikki’s Place Restaurant, the Amway Events Center, the Florida Citrus Bowl and the new Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center (opening in the fall).

 

© Orlando Community News, 2014
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All Hands On Deck: Habitat for Humanity Needs You

Posted on March 3, 2014 by OrlandoCommunityNews

Pine Hills, FL — Habitat for Humanity of Greater Orlando Area and Orange County needs you.

They are looking for volunteers to help them with their “Fixing Up the Neighborhood” (F.U.N.) project which started today, Monday, March 3 and will continue this week through Friday, March 7.

During the project, which is part of Habitat of Greater Orlando’s Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative (NRI), 450 volunteers will help paint and make minor exterior repairs to 22 homes in the Meadowbrook Acres community in five days. This project is open to groups and individuals ages 16 and older.

Here is how you can get involved:

Show up and meet with other volunteers from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Dwarf Lake, 3921 Westgate Road, Orlando, FL 32808. Dress appropriately to paint or do minor repairs.

For more information, contact Jennifer Gallagher, the group’s Director of Community Outreach. Email: jgallagher@habitat-orlando.org. Phone: (407) 648-4567.

© Orlando Community News, 2014
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