March, 2009:

As published in the Narcoossee Navigator, February 2009

Central Florida is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and there is good reason for it. Millions flock here every year to visit the house of mouse or to ride the movies, but what about those of us that call this growing, (mostly) sunny region home? For residents like you or I, we have to look for things a little closer to home. Since losing weight and making healthier choices are often top of mind for most of us when New Year’s Resolutions are in full swing, it’s important that we take advantage of what outdoor recreation our communities have while we have them.

Recreation is important for not only the health of you and your family but the health of the community you live in as well. Think back to the last time you were at a neighborhood park (if you’re lucky enough to have one). Remember the friendships that were forged on the ball field or the bonding between family members and neighbors as they scored the winning run or touchdown or remembered to bring the cups. Whatever the case may be, relationships are developed through engaging interactions – from that we can determine personal strengths and weaknesses, identify leaders and followers and even personality traits such as which one of your neighbors gives up too easily and which one takes flag football a little too serious.

The point is, whether you are enjoying team sports such as soccer or baseball or individual ones like biking or fishing, when you exercise you become healthier. It’s proven that healthier people are generally more attentive, focused and willing to spend more quality time with their loved ones. They are just plain happier. What you do is up to you, but it’s important to take advantage of these spaces to show your community leaders that they are appreciated and they are needed as they become harder and harder to fund. We already know that we have more kids in our community than anywhere else in the region. We already know that neighborhoods are nearing build-out and many organized sports leagues for children are busting at the seams. Yet for all this growth, for all these people, we still have the same problem we’ve had for the past several years – recreational space is hard to come by and is now even harder to fund.

That is why I urge you to get outside, if not for your health or a desire to strengthen your community, than do it for the sheer fact that if you don’t do it we may lose what little space we already have. With budgets getting tighter and numerous services being trimmed or cut completely, it is even harder for governments to afford the people and equipment necessary to maintain something such as a park or recreational facility – especially if they aren’t being used very often. In just a few years there is a very real chance we could find ourselves stopping to say, “I remember when there used to be a park there.”

as published in the Narcoossee Navigator in March 2009

When you think about what defines a “good” community, what do you think of? Is the first thing that comes to mind something structural and literal or something deeper? Is it the layout of our neighborhoods or the people within them? Perhaps it’s both? Regardless, I think you’ll agree that each of us want to live in the best community possible.

As citizens, we have limited influence in the way that our communities expand, where shopping centers will sit or which types of businesses move into town. However, we do have significant opportunity to shape our communities into ones that are ideal for raising a family and maintaining our desired quality of life. Building strong communities starts with each and every one of us, the citizens.

A great way for getting to know our neighbors and what our communities have to offer is to participate in community events. And luckily, we have plenty of them right here in our backyard. Most of these events are even designed to incorporate interactive, entertaining activities for the whole family. Best of all, when you volunteer to organize or participate in such events they automatically open doors to you that may have never been open before. Roughly 61.8 million people volunteered for an organization at least once in 2008, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor. That means that more often than not, when participating you are given the opportunity to meet dozens, if not hundreds, of local like-minded people and, perhaps most importantly, your neighbors.

The American Cancer Society’s Lake Nona Relay for Life event takes place April 24 at the Lake Nona YMCA and is a fantastic event designed specifically to bring communities together for a cause and to make a difference. Nearly 10 years ago I had the privilege to help start the East Orlando Relay for Life at Timber Creek high school with a local teacher. That event and that community have since raised $839,495.89 to help find a cure for Cancer. This year, they plan on breaking the $1 million mark. More than the benefits of the cause itself, Relay for Life is now a signature community event that has helped establish relationships amongst numerous neighbors and businesses. Especially in areas with newer neighborhoods, events like Relay for Life help establish a sense of togetherness.

Participating in Relay for Life is simple. Relay is a community based, team event that lasts 18 hours beginning at 6:00 p.m. and ending the next morning. Teams ideally consist of 10 or more people but can be as small as two or three. Teams raise dollars via car washes, bake sales, online donations, etc. At the event itself, teams set up booths and tents and essentially “camp out.” The night of the event, your team members take turns walking the track throughout the night. We always have one person from each team walking to symbolize that those affected by Cancer do not get to take a break, and neither do we. All night long is a celebration – for those who have battled Cancer and won. It is also an evening to remember those whom we have lost to this terrible disease.

As Chair of this year’s Lake Nona Relay for Life, I encourage you to get involved. Not only are we raising necessary, local dollars for the American Cancer Society but we are also establishing an event that will improve our community, help build relationships and truly make a difference.

To participate, form a team or dedicate a luminaria please feel free to contact April Carpenter at 407. 843.8680.