 December 2012 |
Greetings,
As families across Orange County gather to celebrate the season of hope and joy, I encourage you to reflect on what is truly meaningful in life.
We will soon forget about the gifts and the parties, but the special moments spent with families and friends are memories that we will cherish for a lifetime.
While we enjoy happy reunions with family and friends, let's also remember the blessings that surround us every day of the year. We have much to be thankful for in Orange County. This season reminds us to share our blessings with others in need.
In the new year, I hope our citizens will reach out to a neighbor in need, as we continue to build better communities and stronger neighborhoods.
Throughout Orange County, I see many shining examples of Neighbors Helping Neighbors. For this reason, my newsletter will highlight those in our community who go above and beyond to help a neighbor in need.
After launching my Holiday Heroes Toy Drive in 2011, Jon Weiss, Orange County's Director of Community, Environmental and Development Services, rallied his family and provided toys for the drive beyond my expectations. Jon and his family are a great example of how Neighbors Helping Neighbors can transform our community from good to great.
In this month's newsletter, you'll learn more about our new and improved citizens' academy and how we commemorated one of our nation's most important holidays, Veterans Day.
I hope that you are surrounded by family, fellowship, laughter and good cheer this holiday season. And may 2013 be a prosperous and productive year for Orange County!
As always, I thank you for your continued support and for staying connected with your government.
Sincerely,
Teresa Jacobs
Orange County Mayor
|
Holiday Heroes Toy Drive Will Deliver Hundreds of Smiles |
My 2012 Holiday Heroes Toy Drive is underway, and I am pleased to share that we have already collected hundreds of toys from our dedicated employees and those at our partner collection sites.
From now until Dec. 15, 2012, I encourage you to drop off new, unwrapped toys for children, from birth to 18-years-old, at select Orange County Government buildings, Orlando Federal Credit Union branches, BJ's of East Orlando, and participating Orange County Fire Stations.
Donated toys will be delivered to children through Wraparound Orange, the Orange County Neighborhood Centers for Families and the Community Food and Outreach Center, which both serve underprivileged families. I invite you to join me on Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2012, at the Orange County Regional History Center - when I "flip the switch" to illuminate Heritage Square Park in Downtown Orlando.
I wish to thank our partners and employees who are participating in this initiative - one that is very near and dear to my heart.
Back to top.
|
|
 |
Neighbors Helping Neighbors - Community, Environmental and Development Services Department Director Jon Weiss |
 | |
The Weiss family.
|
As a department manager, Jon Weiss is familiar with project management.
When he volunteered to facilitate a portion of my 2012 Holiday Heroes Toy Drive, I knew he would bring the same professionalism to this worthwhile initiative that he does to his job overseeing Orange County's Community, Environmental and Development Services Department.
But I never imagined just how successful this year's toy drive could be with his help. For the past five years, Jon and his wife Brandy have carefully watched the toy aisles at various retailers and devised a strategy to buy the most popular toys on sale prices.
Since 2007, the family has donated approximately 3,100 toys to holiday toy drives, with 1,100 of those items going to this year's Holiday Heroes initiative.
"My wife and I had great childhoods," Weiss said. "We had so many fond memories of opening presents when we were growing up."
Jon said those early childhood experiences and having children inspired the couple to give back to their community.
Jon's endeavors will lead to hundreds of smiles this year - literally. He is a wonderful example of how Neighbors Helping Neighbors can bring our community from good to great.
Thank you, Jon, for your dedication in making this year's Holiday Heroes a success. Orange County is fortunate to have an employee so dedicated to the betterment of our community.
Back to top.
|
|
|
Remembering Our Hometown Heroes on Veterans Day
|
 | |
Commemorating Veterans Day with Corrections Officer Gary Ford at our Public Works Division.
|
Every man and woman who wears a military uniform willingly risks making the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we hold so dear. Our veterans are a constant reminder of how courage and commitment to freedom keep our country strong and proud.
At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, the First World War came to an end. Since then, Americans have set aside November 11 to remember and honor our veterans.
Here in Orange County, we honor our Veterans every day. For the past 10 years, Orange County's Veterans Service has helped countless Orange County veterans receive approximately $30 million dollars in benefits each year.
With humble hearts, we are eternally grateful for the sacrifice of our veterans and their families. You have our deepest gratitude.
Back to top.
|
|
|
The Orange County Experience Begins |
In December, The Orange County Experience will kick off its 10 week program designed especially for citizens who are interested in learning more about their government. The program's goal is to help citizens better understand and navigate county departments and divisions, including the best way to engage with my office.
The Orange County Experience will consist of 10 sessions with 20 selected citizens. The departments and divisions explored in each session were selected by citizens through an online survey.
The first session will be Dec. 7, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Orange County Administration Center, 201 S. Rosalind Avenue in Orlando.
I look forward to the commencement of this program and engaging citizens through local government.
Back to top.
|
|
|
Three City Parades Kick Off Regional Holiday Celebrations |
On Saturday, Dec. 1, I invite you to join one of three festive city parades in Orange County.
The Winter Park Christmas Parade begins at 9 a.m. on Park Avenue. Shortly after, the Winter Garden Christmas Parade, on South Dillard Street and West Plant Street, will begin at 10 a.m. The Ocoee Christmas Parade starts at Enterprise Street and Maguire Road at 1 p.m.
If you miss these events, be sure to catch the Orlando Citrus Parade on Saturday, Dec. 29, 2012 at 10 a.m.
Back to top.
|
|
|
|
- My "Doing Business with Colombia" seminar highlighted the advantages of the recently passed U.S. - Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement, the benefits of doing business with Colombia, and details on our recent trade mission to Bogotá.
- It was my pleasure speaking at the International Drive Resort Area Chamber of Commerce 25th Anniversary Celebration. This chamber has provided a strong voice for our community since 1988.
- The NCAA recently announced that Orlando and the Amway Center have been awarded the opportunity to host the 2nd and 3rd round games of the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament in 2014.
- I recently had a meeting with Paul Gleeson, the Consulate General of Ireland in Atlanta. We discussed increasing trade and economic development between our two regions and the possibility of appointing an Honorary Consul of Ireland in Orange County.
- View holiday lights from the comfort of your vehicle at Cypress Grove Park's Festival of Lights on Monday, Dec. 3, 2012, at 6:30 p.m., 290 Holden Ave., in Orlando. Cost is $2 per carload.
- Commissioners for Districts One, Three, and Five will be sworn in on Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2012 at 9.30 a.m. at the Orange Country Regional Center, 65 East Central Blvd., Downtown Orlando.
- Light Up UCF offers a night full of lights, ice skating, and rides, Nov. 16 through Jan. 6, 2013. This year UCF is bringing brighter lights and a new ride called the Tornado.
- The Orange County Regional History Center will hold their Holiday History Camp, Doing the Decades, on Dec. 7, 2012 and Dec. 31, 2012. Grades K-5 will enjoy traveling to different decades in recent American history.
- Magnolia Park's 13th Annual Afternoon with Santa is set for Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012 at 2 p.m. on Binion Road in Apopka. Adults are free, $3 per child.
Back to top.
|
|
|
|
|
  | |
| |
OCFL Alert OCFL 311
|
|
|
Orange County's
Social Media | |
|
| |
|
Subscribe to the Orange County Connect |
|
| |
|
Subscribe to the Orange
County Connect En Espanol
|
|
