Maitland City Talk

'Fun is good'

By Phil Bonus
| 7:06 a.m. April 18, 2012

Winter Park - Maitland Observer
Opinion

Let’s begin by agreeing on the simple truth of those words by Theodor S. Geisel (Dr. Seuss), “Fun is good!” It’s as if the Maitland Area Chamber of Commerce used those words as a guideline for last weekend’s Spring Arts Festival. Because if there is one thing the Festival provided, it was fun. A whole weekend of community-based pet and family friendly fun in the park.

Lake Lily shined again as the backdrop for the Spring Arts Festival. The Chamber used all of its best energies to assemble the finest show it has ever produced. The Friday night hours added a fun new dimension to the show, which pleased the exhibitors and the public alike. Parking was a breeze and a bargain – and a boon to the local scout troops who handled the duties beautifully, thank you very much! And the food was exceptional this year, as four local community partners provided delicious high quality tastings in a postcard perfect setting.

Thanks to SoNapa Grille, RanGetsu, Sam Snead’s, and Antonio’s for participating with the Chamber on a giant leap of progress for festival food. And let’s not leave out Performing Arts of Maitland and the Maitland Men’s Club for once again demonstrating their unwavering commitment to local events. The Chamber, PAM and Men’s Club are solid partners supporting local businesses. The Maitland Library was involved, as they held a book fair on their lawn adjacent to the Festival entrance. Maitland’s own Enzian Theater was busy kicking off its annual Film Festival. The town was jumping. The entire weekend was once more an example of the power of positive collaboration.

Special thanks goes out to the “Take 7” girls a cappella group from Winter Park High School. They were fabulous, and we all wish them good luck on their upcoming New York City competition! Maitland’s newest jazz bar, JazzTastings, was a sponsor of smooth jazz, and their sensational weekend band, 2EEZ featuring AndrewLuv, was very warmly received on Friday night.

The success of the festival is the result of a lot of hard work by a core group of dedicated Chamber members, under the leadership of the Chamber’s new executive director, Maria Simmons, as much as it is a tribute to the several local and national corporate sponsors whose financial contributions made it all possible. But let’s get back to the fun.

The weather was delightful, the artists and vendors were upbeat and prosperous. The crowd was local. Neighbors strolled together around the beautiful lake, which the city’s tireless Leisure Services and Public Works departments maintain so professionally. Lake Lily is Maitland’s iconic community gathering area, and the festival proved a delightful way to enjoy it.

At one point a trio of well-known radio personalities, who have perhaps 100 years of local professional experience between them, sat contentedly in the shade and reflected on the advantages of an event like the Spring Arts Festival. It’s accessible, and one felt comfortable lounging along the breezy shoreline visiting with neighbors. So many shows have become so crowded and cramped one can barely slow down to chat. The Chamber show distinguished itself otherwise. It was effortless. Local artists’ wares were comfortably within reach. Local musicians were pleasingly within earshot. And the smells of great food from familiar vendors were constantly enticing one’s senses. It was fun. And fun is good. So we’ll do it again. Thanks Chamber! See you next year…

The Chamber thanks the following sponsors: Orlando Sentinel, WUCF Radio, City of Maitland, Progress Energy, The “Q”, Bailey, Zobel, Pilcher, Sheraton Orlando North, Florida Hospital Altamonte, Orlando Living Centers, Days Inn-Fern Park, Costco, Maitland Stage Band, Winter Park/Maitland Observer, Lifestyle Magazine, Mercedes Benz of Maitland, JazzTastings, Arts & History Museums, Courtyard By Marriott, Gulf States Credit Union, M&I a part of BMO Financial Group, Regions Bank, Trustco Bank, Seacoast Bank, Hunter Vision, Lowe’s, Orlando DirectBuy, Roach Family Chiropractic, Sultana Law P.A., J&J Creations, Baterby’s Art Auction Gallery, Maitland Jewelers, guitarist Matt Shenk, and Maitland Public Library.

—Councilman Phil Bonus

City Council Meeting of April 23, 2012

City Council meets the second and fourth Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for April 23rd in the Council Chambers, 1776 Independence Lane. Below are items that will be addressed at that meeting.

Inauguration Ceremony

Call to Order

Presentation of Colors

Invocation – Pastor Jeff Jakes, Orangewood Presbyterian Church

Pledge of Allegiance

Oath of Office – Mayor Howard Schieferdecker

Recess

Reconvene Council Meeting

Special Presentations:

Proclamation – Arbor Day

Proclamation – North American Occupational Safety and Health Week

Downtown Development Partners