Community Bulletin

Mica visits New Hope

Dynamic guests attended New Hope for Kids Get Acquainted Lunch on Friday, Aug. 10. Congressman John Mica and Maitland Vice Mayor Phil Bonus toured the Center for Grieving Children. Congressman Mica met Wishes for Kids recipient Jenny Ruben and family.

School meals get healthier

In the 2012-2013 school year, Orange County Public Schools will implement changes in school nutrition from the United States Department of Agriculture’s new National Standard in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast programs. The new standards make the same kinds of practical changes that many parents are already encouraging at home. They are substantially increasing offerings of whole-grain rich foods, limiting calories based on the age of children being served to ensure proper portion size, and increasing the focus on reducing the amounts of saturated fat, trans-fats and sodium. All foods offered to students during the school day must meet nutrient standards. All students will be required to take a fruit or vegetable serving at lunch.

OCPS has taken the new national requirements even further, requiring all grains such as pasta, breads, and pizza crust be 51 percent whole grains; all beverages other than water are limited to a 12 ounce serving size; all a la carte sales will meet the nutrition standards; and every student will be able to choose a fruit and vegetable from a variety of fresh options. In addition to these changes, each school will have a salad bar where students will assemble their own fresh salads, which is part of the “Fresh to Schools” initiative and the “Offer vs. Serve” system. None of these changes will require an increase in price.

Maitland, Winter Park propose tax increase

The 2012 Orange County Notices of Proposed Property Taxes are being mailed to all Orange County property owners. There are no proposed changes for Orlando or Eatonville. Increases have been proposed by Maitland, 1.1 percent; and Winter Park, .04 percent. More information is available at ocpafl.org

Your chance to join the AAUW

American Association of University Women (AAUW) will hold its annual Membership Tea on Sunday, Sept. 9, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 225 S. Interlachen Ave. at New England Avenue, Winter Park. You are invited to join women from various professions to learn of our numerous interest groups, community service and scholarships.

American Association of University Women is a nationwide network of more than 100,000 members and donors, 1,000 branches and 500 college/university institutional partners. For 130 years, AAUW members have studied and taken positions on fundamental issues of the day – educational, social, economic and political. AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research.

Founded in 1928, the Orlando/Winter Park Branch currently includes members from all of Central Florida and four continents. Members enjoy monthly breakfast meetings featuring local speakers. Interest groups include Booklovers (seven groups), Classic/Foreign Films, Foreign Affairs, Gardening, Museums and Galleries. For more information, visit aauworlwp.org or contact Membership Vice President Barbara Buchele at [email protected] or 407-369-4826.

Hispanic infant mortality rate increases in Orange

Orange County’s infant mortality rate continues to drop in recent years, and while several initiatives have made an impact, more needs to be done to save babies’ lives. Since 2008, the infant mortality rate has fallen by more than 15 percent in Orange County. The biggest improvement has occurred in the black population, which has the largest disparity. The Orange County black infant mortality rate has dropped 29 percent since 2008 and 25 percent since 1990. However, in the Hispanic community the rate has increased nearly 15 percent since 2008. Learn more at orchd.com

Volunteer training

Nonprofit Cornerstone Hospice will be conducting a two-day volunteer training toward the required certification to become a Hospice Volunteer for anyone who may be able to assist in community and special events, veteran recognition projects, visiting patients, sewing projects, simply keeping a patient company, helping at the office and much more. The next Volunteer Training will be held at the Cornerstone Hospice offices in Orlando, on South Orange Avenue just north of Sandlake Road, on Friday, Sept. 21, and Friday, Sept. 28, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day. Please pre-register by calling 407-206-227.

Nominate a caregiver to win a cruise

The Home Instead Senior Care network is sponsoring the cruise for one lucky caregiving hero and guest. Submit your nomination and vote by Sept. 15 at cruise.caregiverstress.com. The five-night, six-day Caregiver Cruise is scheduled for Feb. 25 to March 2 on the Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas. In addition to the cruise, the winning recipient and guest will receive 40 hours of free care from a Home Instead Senior Care professional for their senior loved one while they are away. Visit homeinstead.com

Call to artists

Fine artists can apply for The 54th Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival by going to zapplication.org through Sept. 17. The festival will be held on March 15, 16 and 17 in Central Park and along Park Avenue in downtown Winter Park. For additional information visit wpsaf.org. You can contact the festival at WPSAF, P.O. Box 597, Winter Park, FL 32790-0597 or leave a message at 407-644-7207.

HR training at Rollins

Rollins College’s popular Human Resource Management Certificate Program modules will now be available as stand-alone classes. For more information please visit http://bit.ly/NYpnvj

Volunteer at Center for Independent Living

The Center for Independent Living (CIL) — a Winter Park-based nonprofit dedicated solely to helping individuals with disabilities and seniors achieve independence — is offering several volunteer opportunities for students and individuals seeking office experience, earning college credit or simply looking to help others. With the end of summer sneaking up on us, many students may still be looking to volunteer in the community. Services CIL offers include housing assistance, employment, mental health counseling, deaf services and aging in place. For more information, visit cilorlando.org

Volunteer opportunities for tour guides

Orange County Regional History Center,
 65 E. Central Blvd., has volunteer opportunities for school group docents (tour guides). After a period of mandatory training, shadowing and classroom instruction, docents are responsible for taking school groups on tours of the History Center. Call 407-836-8523 for more information.

Apply for college scholarship

The Women’s Executive Council (WEC) is accepting scholarship applications for women attending Rollins College, University of Central Florida, Valencia College and Seminole State College. Ten recipients will be awarded $1,500 scholarships on Sept. 28. The event is at the Crowne Plaza Downtown Orlando. Visit wecOrlando.com

Winter Park families can apply to host international students

Ayusa is looking for American families in the Winter Park area interested in hosting international high school students for the 2012-2013 school year. Visit ayusa.org or contact Ellen Barr at 407-310-8330.

Road to Recovery program looking for volunteers

The American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery program is currently recruiting volunteers to drive local cancer patients to and from their chemotherapy and radiation treatments in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties. For more information, contact your local American Cancer Society office at 1-877-901-2862. If you are a cancer patient seeking more information about the Road to Recovery program, call 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org

Schools in Orange and Seminole counties need volunteers

Junior Achievement (JA) of Central Florida needs volunteers for the upcoming fall semester to teach JA classes in Orange and Seminole county elementary, middle and high schools. Training is held monthly at Junior Achievement’s office at 2121 Camden Road. For more information, contact Rachel Whitmire at 407-898-2121, ext. 30, or [email protected]

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