Representatives from the University of Central Florida Student Athletic Trainer’s Organization accept the largest donation check ever received from Orlando Orthopaedic Center.
The University of Central Florida Student Athletic Trainer’s Organization received a big check (both literally and figuratively) this February thanks to Orlando Orthopaedic Center (OOC).
Hosting a record crowd of more than 500 individuals for their 2010 6th Annual Cutting Edge Concepts in Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine Seminar, OOC was able to donate $2,250, the largest check ever written from the seminar’s proceeds to the UCF group. Throughout the past six years, more than $18,000 has been donated back to UCF in an effort to help students experience the orthopaedic profession hands-on. “We are thrilled to continue our innovative seminar series while encouraging students as they prepare to shape the future of our industry and medicine in general,” says Bob Hammons, director of client services and sports medicine outreach coordinator for Orlando Orthpaedic Center.
Conference leaders and speakers will fly in from around the country to take part in the nationally recognized educational seminar. In addition to speaking on various orthopaedic and sports medicine issues ranging from advanced recovery therapies to state-of-the-art surgical procedures, proceeds from the day are donated back to the UCF student group in an effort to help students interested in the profession gain valuable hands-on experience with industry leaders today.
Representatives from the UCF Student Athletic Trainers Organization were joined by hundreds of physicians, physician assistants, certified athletic trainers, registered nurses, physical therapists, physical therapy assistants and other allied healthcare professionals.
“The students in this organization at UCF are the future of the athletic training profession, hands down. They are present day leaders and future coworkers; so we try to do everything we can to help them develop and gain the skills they need to be successful in our profession,” says Hammons. “The young minds at UCF and programs like theirs around the country, coupled with new technological advances in surgical and rehabilitation procedures, will continue to revolutionize the sports medicine profession for years to come.”
Article by Corey Gehrold
Spring break. You think of sandy beaches, kids out of school and maybe relaxing poolside. But what’s not so relaxing is the commute to all of your spring break destinations. If the idea of traveling hours out of town stops you dead in your tracks, you may want to consider some of the lesser known attractions right here. We live in Orlando, one of the largest tourist destinations in the world. So, why not utilize what we have within an hour’s distance to give your family a memorable, fun break?
There are a number of attractions that everyone can participate in during spring break. From dinner shows to night clubs, everyone of every age can have a great time for the week. One family-friendly spot is SkyVenture Indoor Skydiving, located at the intersection of Universal Blvd and International Drive. “First time flyers, military people, and professional sky divers who train for sport are very common at our facility,” says Kristin Zack-Bowen, one of the specially-trained instructors at SkyVenture.
SkyVenture Orlando provides a fun and safe environment for kids and adults to create lasting spring break memories within a short drive.
This attraction brings a whole new meaning to airtime and offers a high adrenaline sport in an enclosed, safe environment. “What’s most unique about SkyVenture is that it’s not a ride,” says Zack-Bowen. “Customers are able to take ownership for what they’ve done, and they are able to get souvenirs for their accomplishments.” SkyVenture offers many packages for tourists and locals alike, and best of all, no experience or jumping out of an airplane is required.
If you’re looking for a little fun in the sun without the salt water, try Wet n’ Wild. The water park offers rides from mild to wild with plenty of lifeguards to watch over your little ones. Located directly on International Drive, Wet n’ Wild was one of the first water parks in the country. The park offers a number of different thrill rides to accommodate every guest of every age. Honored by Aquatics International, as “the first true water park,” according to the Wet n’ Wild Web site, the park offers group passes and local resident discounts which end up bring a great buy for college students and families alike. Take a dip in their gigantic gigantic wave pool or explore one of the numerous paths that take you to one of the many rides and slides, such as The Storm, Disco H2O and more.
Whatever you and your family decide to do, you may want to consider making your reservations early and planning ahead. “If I have any other advice to give someone during spring break it’s that you make reservations as soon as possible,” says Zack-Bowen. “Here at SkyVenture, we are constantly busy and it’s a shame when we have to deny people a good time because we are just full of reservations for the day.”
Looking for a spot that doesn’t require a fancy ticket or time reservations? Fun Spot Action Park may be for you. Commonly known as “Fun Spot,” this is another attraction located in International Drive area. Fun Spot is host to three go-kart tracks, a Ferris wheel, bumper boats, and even a smaller kids area if the go-karts are a little too much for the younger ones. Fun Spot not only caters to spring break groups, but birthdays as well.
Looking for a fun diversion that’s a bit closer to home? Try Congo River Golf & Exploration on SR 50 for an 18-hole trip through Africa, including live gators. When you’re done golfing, try your hand at one of their many arcade games or dig for gold. “It’s a lot of fun for the kids and, believe it or not, the holes are pretty challenging for adults, too,” says Amy Genao, mother of two and East Orlando resident.
And, if all else fails, just head east towards the sand. As traveling long distances becomes more problematic, hopefully these ideas inspire you to make your family and your friends to a few new memories without breaking the bank.
Article by Amanda Ferencz
With the invention and subsequent popularity of MySpace, Facebook and Twitter, it’s easy for someone to hide behind their computer and use social networking as a means to communicate with family, friends and neighbors. Although these online tools are great for a quick and easy way to stay in touch, communities like Avalon Park and Vista Lakes are still promoting the use of green space and outdoor activity to stay in touch and stay healthy. Used for all types of recreational activity, green space is incorporated into neighborhoods throughout the East Orlando area equipped with parks, playgrounds, bike trails and other facilities that allow residents to get outside and be active in their neighborhood. Most importantly, the green space throughout East Orlando allows for neighborhoods to become communities.
One of the many green spaces built into Avalon Park designed to integrate neighborhoods and promote a sense of community.
“Green space, in the form of parks, is important to be integrated into neighborhoods and towns as these places promote social interaction, incidental neighborly contact and recreational opportunities,” says Ross Halle, the vice president of town planning and architecture at Avalon Park Group. “They promote public activity, and they establish an identity and central gathering place for the neighborhood and community.”
Aside from strengthening a community, Halle believes that the public activity on green space results in safer streets and is also a necessity for our environment. “Preserved natural green space is equally important for the peaceful coexistence of the natural and manmade environment,” he says. “Natural green space woven through a community is critical in establishing wildlife corridors and promoting the continued working of natural ecological conditions.”
Gary van der Laan, the senior association manager of Leland Properties, which manages the Vista Lakes community, has similar views as Halle in regards to the purpose of green space.
“It gives people a place to gather, and it gives them a place to have an event, like block parties,” says van der Laan. “I think it just really establishes the neighborhood.”
The Vista Lakes community holds different events throughout the year that utilizes their green space, such as block parties, movies in the park, committee meetings, and picnics, much like Avalon Park.
One event, held in communities with access to green space annually, is National Night Out, packing in crowds in Vista Lakes, Moss Park and Avalon Park locally as well as communities across the country. The event aims to build a bond between neighborhoods and police departments across the nation in order to build safer communities and promote the importance of neighborhood watch communities. Van der Laan says attendance at this annual event will sometimes draw crowds of 500-600 people, and without green space, the communities wouldn’t be able to partake in this gathering.
Vista Lakes isn’t the only property that van der Laan works with. Many communities that Leland Properties manages don’t have access to green space, and van der Laan says there’s a noticeable difference between communities with and without it. The continuity of the neighborhood is lost without it, because events, such as neighborhood watch meetings, can’t be held without relocating to a spot outside of the community, van der Laan says.
“People don’t know each other. They don’t talk to each other. They drive in, park in their garages, and that’s it, they don’t see each other. There’s no reason to go outside,” says van der Laan. “But, in the communities where we have those spaces and park areas, you see a lot more neighborhoods that tend to be a lot stronger. They know each other, or at least have seen each other’s faces around, so then people tend to be a lot friendlier.”
Van der Laan also believes that his company benefits from the neighborhoods that have the ability to access green space. He thinks that communities with green space have a “real community feel and a real neighborhood feel” and believes that communities are easier to manage when they have that characteristic.
“It’s not just an individual living in a house. They’re living in that community and they take pride in that community.”
Article by Nicole Lauber
An Evening at the Palace is one of UCP of Central Florida’s largest annual fundraisers. Held at the Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa, many of Central Florida’s top community and business leaders come together to help raise awareness and funds for support, education and therapy programs that help children with and without special needs reach their full potential.
At the event, guests enjoy a fabulous four-course gourmet meal, complimentary wine and spirits, fabulous silent and live auction and Broadway entertainment. In addition, UCP presents two awards, the Jack Holloway Star of Gratitude Award and the Jackie Bailes Legacy Award, to honorees who share their love and passion for our clients and community.
Much of the event’s production costs and auction items are donated, so most of the funds raised go directly toward programs and services. It’s through this event that we’re able to provide our music therapy program, a second teacher assistant in each classroom and therapy sessions for children from financially challenged families. Funds also help purchase supplies and equipment for our classrooms and therapy gyms.
An Evening at the Palace is a great event to network and celebrate the accomplishments of UCP. Plan now to join us as it’s sure to be a memorable time. To purchase your tickets now, click here!
When: Saturday, March 6, 2010
5:30-10:00 p.m.
Where: Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa
1900 Buena Vista Drive
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Why: To raise awareness and funds for support, education and therapy programs that help children with and without special needs reach their full potential.
Cost: Bronze Seat $250
Silver Table $2,500
Gold Table $3,000
Diamond Table $3,500
Platinum Table $5,000
Event Includes: Four-course gourmet meal with complimentary wine and spirits, silent and live auctions, entertainment by Tony Award winner Brian Stokes Mitchell and a special appearance by Emmy-nominated actress Cheryl Hines
How: Go to www.UCPGala.com or call (407) 852-3304
As publisher of Insight Magazine, lifelong East Orange County resident and active member of our community, I’ve seen this area change a lot. I’ve seen tremendous growth, progress and achievement. Thinking back on all of those things reminds me of just how great our home really is. As we begin our 2010 together, I’d like to offer the following predictions for the year ahead.
1. The Alafaya Trail extension to the Beachline will finally open. Expect to see the roadway open in conjunction with our fall election cycle. But, don’t expect to see any sort of announcements regarding the actual interchange during 2010. Towards the end of this year, we will have a new Orange County Mayor and a nearly new board of County Commissioners. If Innovation Way is a priority for this new group, then our roadway will be a priority.
2. Small businesses will continue to struggle in 2010. However, the Southeast Orlando area will be a bright spot in our local economy. Expect to see many more businesses open in this area as construction of the Medical City and Lake Nona area continues along. For the rest of us, now is the time to focus on working hard and making smart decisions. Remember, what doesn’t kill us only make us stronger.
3. Stronger communities will form during 2010 because people are spending more time at home. Expect to see more people taking advantage of local parks, attending community events, buying from local vendors and generally finding more ways to spend time with their families and neighbors versus going out and spending money.
4. There will be less money for government to spend. Orange County will cut their budget by another 10 percent this year, potentially resulting in cuts to service levels. Our State Legislators will struggle to find the necessary means to balance the budget. With tough times come tough conversations and decisions - all of which have the potential to impact us as citizens.
5. The sun will continue to shine. People will continue to visit and move to Central Florida through the year. The area and its residents will persevere and people will still be drawn here due to weather and ample opportunity.
The big difference this year? You. It’s up to each and every one of us to do our part to make this a great place to live, work and raise a family. Together, we can make a difference - 2010, here we come.
Article by Jennifer Thompson
