Maitland City Talk

This past weekend was a weekend of remembrance and celebration. I had the distinct honor as mayor to participate in many of the festivities, some of which honored our very own dedicated first responders.

Patriot’s Day Celebration

The Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association sponsored a ‘Patriot Day Breakfast’ this past Friday where the theme was ‘Honoring American Heroes’. David Handschuh, award-winning photographer for the New York Daily News, was at the World Trade Center on 9-11 and was the featured speaker at the breakfast.

However; as far as I was concerned, the main event of the breakfast was when Sonny Weishaupt, city of Maitland firefighter/paramedic, received the Fire Rescue Life Saving Award for saving the life of Nate Winters. Sonny was the first on the scene when Nate’s left leg was severed by a boat propeller two years ago. It was Sonny’s training and quick response that led to the saving of Nate’s life.

I also had an opportunity to talk with Nate and his mother regarding the challenges in their lives. College, baseball and music were the predominant topics — and not necessarily in that order. It was a pleasure to get to know better a person who really knows what it means to live each day to its fullest.

Boy Scout tribute

Eagle Scout Derek Donahue, JP Ryan and Zack Stephens worked with Scout Troop 205 and organized a tribute to all our heroes of 9-11. The tribute was a reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance along with a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m., the exact time the World Trade Center was hit by terrorists.

Honor the Badge

Asbury United Methodist Church honored Maitland’s police, fire and EMS personnel with their fourth annual ‘Honor the Badge’ celebration. Pastor Scott Harris once again was the host of an inspirational program and also provided a BBQ lunch for all families who attended.

Maitland Rotary Art Festival, Friday, Oct. 1 – Sunday, Oct. 3

The Maitland Rotary Art Under the Stars will take place the weekend of October 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. The Maitland Rotary Art Festival joins a very elite group of festivals around the country by bringing the sound of music and bright twinkling lights together during evening hours resulting in one of the finest art shows in the southeast.

The Rotary Club of Maitland, host of this event for the past 34 years, has joined the Performing Arts of Maitland, City of Maitland Cultural Partners, and the City of Maitland, in presenting one of the most elegant and delightful festivals in the entire southeast.

Movie in the Park, Oct. 9, “Karate Kid”

I hope you had a chance last season to visit Quinn Strong Park and enjoy the Maitland Leisure Services Movie in the Park series. It’s back again! Join your neighbors and enjoy outdoor cinema at its best! Bring your lawn chair or blanket! The Movie is FREE! - presented by the Maitland Leisure Services Department. Refreshments will be available for purchase.

I look forward to seeing you at one of the Maitland’s exciting upcoming events!