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
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Happy New Year: 2013

Posted on January 2, 2013 by OrlandoCommunityNews

Here’s to a NEW YEAR: 2013!!!

Woo Hoo! I don’t know about you: I am embracing the new year and thanking God for the opportunity to enter it !!! News of late reminds us that we did not have to make it to see January 1, 2013. Praise God. For his grace and his mercy.

There’s something about celebrating a new year that makes you want to reflect on the previous year. What went right. What went wrong. How well you did on those resolutions or goals you set for yourself.

Bottom line: most people want to have a good life – to be successful, to have love of family and good health.

There is nothing wrong with self-evaluation, especially since you can only control yourself and your own actions.

Still, you have to move forward from reflection. This is a new year. We all ought to have something new to do. Even if it’s a new way of thinking. Something to help us do better or build upon.

So, here’s to 2013 !!! It is my prayer that you open your heart and mind to something new and positive. That you stand in your rightful place to receive the blessings already in store just for you, from God.

© Orlando Community News, 2013
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Merry Christmas from Yours Truly

Posted on December 23, 2012 by OrlandoCommunityNews
Merry Christmas to All. Celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. 2012

Merry Christmas to All. Celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and show some LOVE!

Let’s Celebrate Christmas for What it is

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.”  – Matthew 1: 18-25 (Holy Bible, King James Version)

Merry Christmas everyone from Orlando Community News! I pray you enjoy the holiday with those close to you and share the spirit of Christmas.

We’re celebrating the birth of Jesus, God’s gift to the world (John 3:16). Everything about Jesus demonstrates Love, Peace and Joy. Let’s do the same: show some love, some peace and some joy toward OTHERS.

Isn’t that what the Christmas season all about, celebrating the birth of Jesus and exemplifying our faith in God by loving people the right way (giving, forgiving and helping)? That’s what Jesus did. Since it’s his birthday we can honor him by doing the same – today, tomorrow and the rest of our lives.

Have a joyous Christmas and a prosperous New Year!

Trish Martin, Founder and Editor
Orlando Community News online
 
 
 
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Thankfulness

Posted on November 22, 2012 by OrlandoCommunityNews

Opinion

There is so much to be thankful for that we sometimes forget to do it. What I mean is this: when people always do things for us, it becomes routine. We expect them to do it and we often forget to express our gratitude.

Since this is Thanksgiving Day 2012, I am giving thanks.

First, I must give God thanks for allowing me to see this Thanksgiving Day and spend quality time with my family.

Second, I thank God for each one of you, for reading and supporting Orlando Community News throughout the year. Thank you for spreading the word about the website. Even if you have only been on here once, I appreciate that and I say, “thank you!”

Thanks to my family members, friends, colleagues and community leaders who frequent this site, post comments and share with me directly on issues.

We are fast approaching 5,000 views from around the world and I recognize the favor of God on my life and on this effort. The Pine Hills area is still on the rise and we will continue to talk about the good stuff going on right here. The best is still yet to come so stay connected and enjoy the ride!

Thanks!

Trish Martin

© Orlando Community News, 2012
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Distractions from the real work: Is it time to make some calls?

Posted on November 15, 2012 by OrlandoCommunityNews

Opinion

Here comes more drama out of Washington, less than two weeks after the re-election of President Barack Obama and within a few days of the start of Congress.

I wish our leaders would lay aside the politics for such a critical time as this and focus on the real work – creating new jobs, overhauling our tax system and lowering the deficit.

Here’s what I mean: Some of the Republican senators in Washington, including John McCain, who lost his presidential bid to President Obama in 2008, are calling the perceived lack of information given to the American people on the Libya incident either incompetence or a cover up. Someone needs to be held responsible, McCain said in reports. 

What exactly does he want anyone to do at this point? Start another war? Fire people in Obama’s cabinet?  Stop already. President Obama is still the president of the United States and will keep the office come January for another four years. He is cashing in on the respect that’s due now, with a majority of Americans behind him. Let’s move forward.

God bless the families of the four American government officials, including the U.S. Ambassador, killed in Benghazi, Libya.

I just don’t think our representatives in Washington should use this incident for political gain, keeping this issue at the forefront of folks minds to make themselves or their party look good and furthering the negative feelings many people have toward President Obama.

I, for one, don’t believe our CIA, FBI nor the president need to disclose everything (provide a full and complete explanation as McCain suggests), especially if it has to do with our country’s national security and foreign missions.

Look, if we know, the world knows. Secret Service, top-secret information, confidential information are all that for good reasons.

I am thinking we, the people, ought to look into making some phone calls and sending some emails to refocus our leaders’ attention on the more important work.

-Trish Martin, founder and editor

© Orlando Community News, 2012
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In Case You Missed It: President Barack Obama Re-elected

Posted on November 9, 2012 by OrlandoCommunityNews

November 6, 2012 – Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States has been re-elected in the 2012 General Election. He will serve four more years as the President of the United States. Reports now say he won the majority of the electoral votes and the popular vote. Shown here with First Lady Michelle Obama, who campaigned for him throughout the year, after his acceptance speech in Chicago, IL.

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Orange County: Elections Office open for Absentee Ballots Sunday, Nov. 4

Posted on November 4, 2012 by OrlandoCommunityNews

If you live in Orange County, you may have one last opportunity to vote BEFORE GENERAL ELECTION DAY: Supervisor of Elections Bill Cowles is allowing ABSENTEE BALLOT VOTING only, on tomorrow Sunday, Nov. 4, at the elections office from 10 – 4 p.m.

Although the deadline to request an absentee ballot BY MAIL has passed, you can go to the elections office tomorrow, get a ballot and complete it.

The address is: 119 W. Kaley Street, Orlando, FL 32806. Phone: 407-836-2070.

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Final Push to Vote Early: Saturday, Nov. 3 is the deadline

Posted on November 2, 2012 by OrlandoCommunityNews

Opinion

Only days remain before the 2012 General Election Day (next Tuesday) but there is a mad push for voters to exercise their right to vote early to save time and avoid any last-minute distractions or mishaps, especially here in Florida.

The deadline to vote early is this Saturday, Nov. 3 at local libraries, community centers and election offices. For the most part, the hours at those “Early Voting Centers” in Orange County are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Everybody and their momma plan to vote during this historic election and that is good. Every U.S. citizen who wants to vote, should be able to vote. It’s estimated that more people than those who voted in the 2008 General Election will vote in the upcoming General Election in which the country selects or re-elects its president. This mad push comes in light of recent changes to Florida’s election laws, many of which are being challenged in court.

In addition to voting early (either by electronic voting booth or completed absentee ballot) at the designated locations, you can turn in your completed absentee ballot directly to the Orange County Supervisor of Elections Office on Sunday, Nov. 4.

Another option is to mail your absentee ballot early enough so that it arrives to the elections office by 7 p.m. next Tuesday, General Election Day. It would have to be mailed by Saturday. Postmarks do not count. It has to be there by 7 p.m. on Election Day. So, I would not count on that option, if I were you.

This election is that important to make the sacrifice and take the absentee ballot to one of the early voting centers.

Let’s go…vote early.

If you have any questions or concerns, call the supervisor of elections office: (407) 836-2070. The elections office is located at: 119 W. Kaley Street, Orlando, FL 32806

© Orlando Community News, 2012
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“Souls” Vote Early, Despite Changes to FL Election Law

Posted on October 28, 2012 by OrlandoCommunityNews

People stood in line outside the Orange County Supervisor of Elections Office Sunday, waiting to cast their ballot at the Souls to The Polls event.

Orange County, FL (October 28,2012) — Some came to vote in person. Some came to vote by turning in their absentee ballot. Some brought other people to vote. Others just showed up to support the effort. A few came to document and report what was going on.

Local pastors organized and got their church members out in huge numbers, to vote early, in person at the Orange County Supervisor of Elections Office.

Around 1:30 this afternoon, after many morning worship services ended, the church members converged on the grounds of New Covenant Baptist Church of Orlando on Rio Grande Avenue to take part in the “Souls To The Polls” effort,  sponsored by the African-American Council of Christian Clergy.

The group rode together in limousines, cars, buses and vans about five miles east up Kaley Avenue near the elections office. They parked and then walked a few blocks to get to the  elections office.

Willie C Barnes, president of the clergy organization, estimated that there had to be more than 1,000 people at the event. No word yet on how many people actually voted either by electronic voting machines or by absentee ballots.

Barnes, pastor of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church of Eatonville, said he was pleased with the turnout and said it got rid of attempts to stop the effort that is normally held on the Sunday before General Election day.

That is why this effort is so significant.

Florida has allowed early voting (at designated early voting locations) throughout the state since 2004. Early voting started 15 days before and ended on the second day before the election. Historically, that last day for early voting was the Sunday before the General Election, when pastors in the Black community would have their “Souls to the Polls”  event.

Last year, Florida’s election laws changed with House Bill 1355. A part of the bill cut the number of early voting days from 14 to 8.

Basically, early voting now starts 10 days and ends 3 days before Election Day. Guess what day was left on the cutting room floor? That’s right: the Sunday before the General Election day.

The State Representative who sponsored the bill, Dennis K. Baxley, R-Ocala, said in a recent CNN special on the topic said getting rid of that Sunday would give election supervisors more time to tabulate votes.

Opponents of the new law say it was created to suppress the minority vote. Reports after the 2008 General Election say early voting by minorities in large numbers helped President Barack Obama win the White House.

Rep. Baxley suggested during the CNN special that organizers just have the event on the Sunday before.

Well, throughout the state, they did and early reports show that people turned out to vote in large numbers.

© Orlando Community News, 2012
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Early Voting at Public Libraries, Election Offices Starts This Saturday, Oct. 27

Posted on October 25, 2012 by OrlandoCommunityNews

Registered voters can vote early and avoid historically long lines at their polling places on General Election Day and any confusion as well, in light of new polling places and longer than normal election ballots.

They can vote at any Early Voting Center (such as public libraries, community centers and elections offices) via voting machines/booths, starting this SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27.

Early Voting Centers in Orange County will be open for one week through NOVEMBER 3, from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

The only exception is for the Orlando Public Library in downtown Orlando. The hours there are: Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday, 1-6 p.m.

The Supervisor Of Elections Office will also be open on Sunday, November 4, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. for absentee voting only.

When voters arrive at one of the Early Voting Centers, they will be asked for a photo i.d. with a signature. If they are unable to present one, election officials will give them a provisional ballot.

Voters may want to study their Sample Ballot beforehand, as this year’s General Election Ballot is the longest in Orange County history. There are three pages, front and back, in English and Spanish, filled with a large group of candidates, 11 state amendments, four county charter amendments and one special referendum.

The votes will be saved immediately and counted on election night, November 6.

Here are the list of Early Voting Centers:

  • Alafaya Branch Library – Orlando
  • Apopka Community Center & VFW
  • South Creek Branch Library – Orlando
  • Southeast Branch Library – Orlando
  • Washington Park Branch Library – Orlando
  • West Oaks Branch Library – Ocoee
  • Winter Park Library
  • Orlando Public Library – Downtown Orlando
  • Supervisor of Elections Office – 119 W. Kaley St. near downtown Orlando

Here are some free websites to help voters in understanding the amendments and learning a little about the candidate: http://www.lwvoc.org/ and http://elections.orlandosentinel.com/2012/november/home/index/federal

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