Here’s To Your Health: Local Events offer Free Screenings, Physical Exams for Students and More

Posted on April 18, 2013 by OrlandoCommunityNews

Spring is here. You have either dived into your beginning-of-the-year plans to improve your health or you have yet to get started.

Orlando Community News is here to help: Take advantage of these upcoming events, many of which are free, that could help improve your overall health.

Get in shape! The Wayne Densch YMCA (WDY) is offering a complimentary 14-day Power Pass good through April 27. The pass gives you and your family unlimited access to cardio and strength exercise classes, a state-of-the-art wellness floor, wellness coaches and even Y-quality childcare. For details on this and other WDY events, call 407-299-4350. The WDY Family Center is located at 870 N. Hastings St., Orlando, FL 32808.

Get checked out! Organizers of Macedonia’s Health and Wellness Fair in Eatonville on this Saturday, April 20, are expecting close to 80 vendors at the event, which will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hungerford Prep High School.

Participants can get free health screenings such as a full lipid panel for cholesterol, HIV testing, teen sports/school physical exams (Orange County students ages 11-18) and mammograms, according to Tonja Williams, Macedonia Parish Nurse. Free food, mini massages and fitness demos will also be available. You can become a local hero by donating blood during the event.

There are some requirements for a few of the health screenings so call for details: Health Ministry at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church: 407-647-0010. The Hungerford Prep High School is located at 100 E. Kennedy Blvd., Eatonville, FL 32751.

© Orlando Community News, 2013
Posted in Community news that can help, Entertainment, Faith and Family, Youth | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Spending the Easter Holiday Celebrating the Risen Savior

Posted on March 31, 2013 by OrlandoCommunityNews

Happy Easter everyone!

Some call it Resurrection Day and that is good because just like we celebrate the miracle of the birth of Jesus Christ, we celebrate the miracle of his resurrection from the dead. A miracle in a natural sense. The power of God in a spiritual sense.

Believers all over the world are celebrating the risen savior who fulfilled the purpose of God: to save mankind – paying in full the cost of our sins, securing our eternal life in heaven and giving us a “lively” hope now.  Preachers will tell you the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundation of what Christians believe.

Scripture gives us a picture of what happened on the third day (after Jesus’ crucifixion)

Luke 24: 1-8 (Amplified Version, The Holy Bible)

1 ON the first day of the week, at early dawn, [the women] went to the tomb, taking the spices which they had made ready. 2 And they found the stone rolled back from the tomb, 3 But when they went inside, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 And while they were perplexed and wondering what to do about this, behold, two men in dazzling raiment suddenly stood beside them. 5 And as [the women] were frightened and were bowing their faces to the ground, the men said to them, Why do you look for the living among [those who are] dead? 6 He is not here, but has risen! Remember how He told you while He was still in Galilee 7 That the Son of Man must be given over into the hands of sinful men (men whose way or nature is to act in opposition to God) and be crucified and on the third day rise [from death]. 8 And they remembered His words.

Here’s another scripture reference to Jesus appearing before women and men.

Matthew 28: 1-10 (King James Version, The Holy Bible)

1 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. 2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. 3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: 4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. 5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. 6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. 8 And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. 9 And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. 10 Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

Amen! Jesus is Risen, as he said. Let’s celebrate today and everyday…and tell others the significance of Jesus’ resurrection.

© Orlando Community News, 2013
Posted in Community news that can help, Faith and Family | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Good Friday Service: The Seven Last Sayings of Jesus Christ

Posted on March 28, 2013 by OrlandoCommunityNews

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 president, Pastor Larry G. Mills), added an outreach piece to the Good Friday program:  The organization is collecting non-perishable food items for those in need, especially children within the Orange County School District. Organizers said this is a joint effort with the school district’s superintendent, Barbara Jenkins.

Anyone wanting to take part in the food drive can bring non-perishable items to each church on Good Friday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

For more information, call Macedonia: (407) 647-0010 or St. Mark: (407) 422-6941.

© Orlando Community News, 2013
Posted in Community news that can help, Faith and Family | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Road Work On Powers, Indiana Hills Roads Continues

Posted on March 26, 2013 by OrlandoCommunityNews

Pine Hills, FL (March 25, 2013) — If you live on or near Powers Drive,  between Silver Star Road and Clarcona-Ocoee Road, you already know: Road refurbishment is going on along Powers Drive as well as Indiana Hills Road nearby.

The road work – re-pavement – started early last week and ended abruptly with the increment weather.

Orange County road officials said the work will continue soon and most likely will be completed in two weeks. It could help eliminate flooding issues along Powers Drive.

Residents may not have known what was going on with the road work because one of the electronic messages boards has not worked properly for days.

Last week, the road work started early, around 7 a.m. and lasted throughout the day, until nightfall.

So if you go to work early, you may want to consider leaving much earlier or taking an alternate route to work – to avoid being late.

© Orlando Community News, 2013
Posted in Community news that can help, Faith and Family, Work | Leave a comment

Wayne Densch YMCA Kicks Off Annual Fundraising Campaign

Posted on March 22, 2013 by OrlandoCommunityNews

Members of the Meadowbrook Middle School Band perform in the gym during the Wayne Densch YMCA Youth Scholarship Campaign on Thursday, March 21.

Wayne Densch YMCA 3

Meadowbrook Middle School Band members performing Bethune-Cookman University’s “Wildcats” song during the recent fundraising pep rally.

There are few places a whole family can go for recreation, exercise and plain ol’ fun. The Wayne Densch YMCA (WDY) in Pine Hills is one of those places. While the WDY serves about a thousand individuals every year, the organization needs help offering activities, especially to young people and their families who may not be able to pay for memberships, programs and activities. And that is about 85 percent of the people who visit the WDY, according to board members. The WDY, a part of the Central Florida YMCA, does not turn anyone away due to any inability to pay. Staff and board members said during a recent kickoff fundraising campaign pep rally that any amount a person gives will help in this effort. They want to expand their programming to include more activities for girls, like basketball and ballet. “Make a sacrifice for the kids, for the community,” said board co-chair Shirley Bias. The campaign goal is $67,000 which will help 300 families. To help in the effort, stop by or call the WDY. The address is: 870 North Hastings Street, Orlando, FL 32808. Phone: (407) 299-4350.

Wayne Densch YMCA 4

Sisters Garbielle, Grace and Angelica dance during the WDY Youth Scholarship Campaign “pep rally”

Posted in Community news that can help, Entertainment, Faith and Family, Youth | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Pep Rally” to kick off Scholarship Campaign Thursday, March 21 Pine Hills Area YMCA

Posted on March 20, 2013 by OrlandoCommunityNews

You will see more than people working out this Thursday evening at the Wayne Densch YMCA Family Center in Pine Hills. You will hear music and see some young people marching to the beat.

That’s when organizers plan a Youth Scholarship Campaign kick-off event, featuring performances by the Meadowbrook Middle School Band, food and a ton of fun. They’re calling it a pep rally to get people excited about giving to the campaign, raising money for  some young people and their families to attend the Y and take part in the many activities offered there. The goal is to raise $67,500 this year, which will cover scholarships for 300 families.

The event, scheduled from 6-8 p.m. in the gymnasium at the Y, will give attendees a up close and personal look at the impact the organization has on the lives of young people, volunteers, seniors and staff members.

A staff member talked about the impact of the many Y programs on residents during a recent board meeting and how important it is to reach the young people in the community who need something to do.

“In our middle and high schools there may be 100 students trying out for a team and maybe only 15 make it,” said Deborah Allen. “They need to feel [like they’re] a part of something too. They want to play. We need this place for them.”

You may not be able to volunteer at the center or mentor one of the youth but you may be able to do something: donate money and support this effort.

The Wayne Densch YMCA is located at 870 North Hastings Street, Orlando, FL 32808. For details about this Scholarship Campaign Pep Rally, call: (407) 299-4350.

© Orlando Community News, 2013
Posted in Community news that can help, Faith and Family, Youth | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Black History Month Event to Feature Natalie Jackson as Guest Speaker

Posted on February 21, 2013 by OrlandoCommunityNews
images

Attorney Natalie Jackson

Mark your calendar. The Greater Orlando CARES organization is sponsoring a Black History Month event this Sunday, February 24, with Attorney Natalie Jackson as the guest speaker.

The event, starting at 4 p.m., will take place at the Well of Hope church at 5230 Indian Hill Road, Orlando, FL 32808.

During the event, organizers plan to recognize the efforts of several of its mentors and mentees and present a tribute to Trayvon Martin. There will be live music, poetry and mime.

Jackson, a Sanford native and one of the attorneys for Trayvon Martin’s family, will speak and then conduct a Q&A session, organizers say. She is nationally known, especially for her work as an advocate for women and children as well as a criminal defense attorney.

Greater Orlando (GO) CARES is affiliated with the National CARES Mentoring Movement, which is dedicated to recruiting and connecting mentors with local youth. 

© Orlando Community News, 2013
Posted in Community news that can help, Faith and Family, Youth | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

OCN Selects Its First “Pine Hills Heroes”

Posted on January 25, 2013 by OrlandoCommunityNews

January 24, 2013 (Orlando, FL) — Ever since Orlando Community News launched online(May 2011), people have been spotted often around town working, trying to make a difference in the Pine Hills community.

Take Kelvin L. Cobaris, newly appointed senior pastor of Livingston Street Church of God and community leader. And take Michael Kimbrough, president-founder of Shine Performing and Creative Arts and founder of the Pine Hills Community Performing Arts Center.

While there are many people working in the community, these two men have been selected for their noticeable, relevant service, as Orlando Community News’ first “Pine Hills Heroes.”

Pine Hills Heroes, a new feature on OCN online, shines a spotlight on people working tirelessly in the trenches to build up the Pine Hills community. It is an occasional honor here on OCN online, with a goal of celebrating those who have done great things for the people in the community, while motivating others to get involved. In church, we would say we are giving folk their flowers while they live, so they can enjoy them.

Kelvin L. Cobaris

Kelvin L. Cobaris

Cobaris, a Orlando native, must be one of the hardest working pastors in Central Florida. There’s not enough space here to list all of his accomplishments but we’ve seen him everywhere, preaching at special programs, spearheading gas giveaways with his church members in the heart of Pine Hills, hosting crime prevention events with other community leaders and lending his voice to express the views of the people in congressional redistricting meetings downtown.

Cobaris, a bishop in the Church of God organization, has been known to walk the streets of Pine Hills, talking with people to get them some help – whether spiritual or natural – like food, clothing, shelter and education. Much of this has been accomplished through the Empowerment Ministries Church, which Cobaris founded in October 2005 near the corner of Pine Hills and Silver Star roads (behind McDonald’s). Many young people and others from the neighborhood have turned their lives around with the help of the ministry. Bishop Cobaris recently merged Empowerment with the Livingston Street Church of God—the church where he received his training. Together, he and his spiritual father, Bishop Thomas E. Chenault, are working towards making an impact in the kingdom and community through care and commitment. Cobaris, named senior pastor to the Livingston Street church on the first Sunday of this year, is married to Diedra L. Cobaris, also an ordained minister. They have one child, Kelsey.

Michael Kimbrough

Michael Kimbrough

Our second hero, Michael Kimbrough, is the founder and executive director of the Pine Hills Community Performing Arts Center. Kimbrough, originally from St. Louis, is also an ordained minister and community leader. Although his background is in information technology, he has been involved with community activism and leadership for more than 14 years. In a recent interview, he said he started the performing arts center because he loves creativity and he wanted to showcase the creativity, especially of young people, in Pine Hills. It was just dying on the streets, he said.

Since he moved to the area (more than 10 years ago), he has mentored young men at the 33rd Street Jail complex and worked to keep Evans High School open and rebuilt at its current location – in the heart of the community.  He also helped spearhead crime-fighting movements such as “Stop the Killing. Start Living. Choose Peace.”  Those efforts helped in finding the guys involved with the shooting of then 15-year-old Danielle Sampson last year in Pine Hills. (An innocent bystander, Danielle is still recovering from the incident). Kimbrough and his wife Barbara have an adopted son, Nathaniel Young. Kimbrough is also the founder and pastor of the Church at the Center.

Editor’s note: Congratulations to both Bishop Cobaris and Pastor Kimbrough. Thank you for all that you have done and are doing. While we know you don’t work for the “spotlight” (man’s recognition) but for a higher calling, we still want to say “THANK YOU!” To our readers and supporters: If you have noticed someone deserving of this honor – who has worked hard in our coverage area in recent years or months, contact Trish Martin here at Orlando Community News. Coverage area: Pine Hills, Orlo Vista, Metro West, Lockhart and Rosemont. Email: trish.martin@att.net

© Orlando Community News, 2013
Posted in Community news that can help, Entertainment, Faith and Family, Work, Youth | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

MLK Day Celebrated, President Obama Inaugurated Again

Posted on January 21, 2013 by OrlandoCommunityNews
theceremony44thpresident2ndterm

Source: nbcnews.com. President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama at today’s 57th Presidential Inauguration.

Seattle Times photo of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Seattle Times photo of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

January 21, 2013 – Tears began to flow today during the 57th Presidential Inauguration when Civil Rights Activist Myrlie Evers-Williams recited her prayer covering second-term President Barack Obama, Vice-President Joe Biden, members of Congress and all other elected and appointed leaders of the United States of America. Also, all of those serving in our armed forces.

Hard to not to cry when one man’s dream has become reality (in part at least) with the election and re-election of the country’s first African-American president, celebrated today in his second public inauguration.

Truly a day to remember as the country also celebrated the anniversary of the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., American civil rights leader, religious leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner. He fought for justice in areas such as public transportation, voting, social services and politics. King had a dream that one day, people would be judged by the content of their character, not the color of their skin.

To have Evers-Williams pray during the presidential inauguration made this day even more special. Her husband, well-known civil rights leader Medgar Evers, was gunned down in the early 60s in front of their home in Mississippi.  She fought to bring his murderer to justice – a fight which lasted 30 years.  Evers-Williams, the first laywoman to give an invocation at a presidential inauguration, also prayed for the spirit of our ancestors (a great cloud of witnesses), expressing thanks that their living was not in vain. 

In the end, it wasn’t about what Michelle Obama wore or who made what blunders in their speech. It was about the opportunity to build on what has been accomplished – together and push the agenda of this president over the next four years.

© Orlando Community News, 2013
Posted in Community news that can help, Election Connection, Faith and Family | Leave a comment

Celebrate the Legacy of MLK at local parades, festivals

Posted on January 17, 2013 by OrlandoCommunityNews

January 17, 2013 — What are you doing this weekend? Here is a list of some Orlando area events centered

Seattle Times photo of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Seattle Times photo of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

around the upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday on Monday, January 21. Why not get out, volunteer, get to know your neighbors and get a dose of the civil rights leader’s spirit of non-violent change and of love?

Saturday, January 19:

29th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade, 10 a.m. Southwest Orlando Jaycees, along Orange Avenue, in downtown Orlando. Opportunity to volunteer for the parade and to give to a children’s coat drive.

Town of Eatonville’s MLK Parade and Celebration, 2 p.m. Town of Eatonville. Start on west Kennedy Boulevard.

Orlando Magic Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, 3-4 p.m. Pine Hills Elementary School. Refurbishment on the school’s basketball court through the Orlando Magic. 1006 Ferndell Road, Orlando.

MLK Commemorative Banquet, 6 p.m. City of Sanford. Sanford Civic Center, 401 East Seminole Boulevard, Sanford, FL 32771. Speaker: The Honorable Judge Darrell E. Graham (native of Sanford), U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Cost: $30 per person.

Hands On Orlando’s 13th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Days of Service, Opportunity to Volunteer. Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Contact: info@handsonorlando.com or 407.740.8652.

Sunday, January 20:

MLK Inter-Faith Religious Observance, 3 p.m. City of Sanford. Calvary Temple of Praise, 2020 McCracken Road, Sanford.

Monday, January 21:

22nd Annual Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy Prayer Breakfast, 7:45 a.m. YMCA of Central Florida and the Southwest Orlando Jaycees. First Baptist Church of Orlando, 3000 S. John Young Parkway, Orlando. Tickets available at area YMCA’s and morning of breakfast. 

7th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Parade and Celebration, 10 a.m. City of Ocoee Human Relations Diversity Board. Starting at Citrus Elementary School, 87 N. Clarke Rd. ending with celebration at West Oaks Mall (11 a.m. – 3 p.m.)

MLK Parade and Rally, 10 a.m. City of Sanford. Starting at Crooms Academy of Information Technology ending at Fort Mellon Park in downtown Sanford, with the rally.

King: A Day of Reflection, 10 a.m. Pine Hills Performing Arts Center, A. Phillip Randolph Institute and Living By The Bible Community Church.  Free event, with Black History trivia, MLK speeches, exhibits and Civil Rights movies.  At the performing arts center: 5600 W. Colonial Drive, Suite 302, Orlando.

Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Vigil, 6 p.m. Rollins College, Knowles Memorial Chapel.

Compiled from online sources including the City of Orlando’s website – MLK Calendar of Events. Contact sponsoring groups for details.
 
 
© Orlando Community News, 2013
Posted in Community news that can help, Faith and Family, Youth | Leave a comment