A lot of people probably don’t want to celebrate our nation right now, and we can’t blame them. When there is so much division, hate and unrest, why on earth would you want to have a party celebrating any of it?
But in all seriousness, you know in your heart, Fourth of July fireworks are amazing, especially when you are standing in 90° heat, 100% humidity, next to 100,000 of your closest friends. In that moment, something takes over and we all become united in an inexplicable bond. Yes, America is in strife right now, but you know what...we already bought the fireworks. 🤷♀️
Fun activities, music and food trucks start at 4 p.m. Fireworks will kick off at approximately 9:10 p.m.
Sisters See the Skies
Soaring the skies is how girls in our My Sister’s Keeper program are spending this summer. These middle and high school students are learning to fly with the help of the Orlando Science Center.
Using flight simulators and Oculus Rift head-mounted display units in the Mobile Flight Lab Program, students get a realistic experience of flying and navigating a plane while learning about STEM hands-on. This program is an effort to bolster an interest in aviation related careers and is funded by the Office of Naval Research.
My Sister’s Keeper works to inspire and engage girls from the Paramore/Holden Heights area by providing them with positive mentorship, innovative experiences and preparation for adulthood.
Seeking Sparkling Art for Our Hispanic Heritage Month Display
The City of Orlando is seeking local visual artists to display their artwork during Hispanic Heritage Month in the Terrace Gallery at Orlando City Hall from September 16 to November 13, 2022. The arts are an intrinsic part of the Hispanic heritage and culture, for this reason, the city is offering an opportunity for artists to showcase the richness of Latin American history and heritage through visual arts.
Submissions must be submitted by August 29, 2022, by 11:59 p.m.
Our family barbecues just got a little bit bigger this week. The Orlando Police Department swore in 13 new recruits to the community, who bring with them a combined total of 20 years in law enforcement, more than half of the class has military experience and officers who speak Korean, Creole and Spanish. Not to mention two native Orlandoans who are here to give back to the community that raised them. Welcome aboard!
Fire Up Your House with Solar
We’ve partnered with Solar United Neighbors (SUN) to offer our residents an easy and affordable opportunity to go solar by joining a solar co-op. Joining the co-op is free, and it allows those interested in a solar system to install one at a lower cost. Bonus: SUN experts support you through each stage of the process and provide educational workshops.
Join us in creating a better, more sustainable future for Orlando.
We tried to come up with a great pun about gymnastics to introduce this week’s business spotlight, but our knowledge of the sport is a bit of a stretch. But we do know gymnastics is flippin’ awesome, and that’s why we’re here to celebrate 30 years of Orlando Metro Gymnastics.
The original Orlando Metro Gymnastics gym was opened by Jeff Wood in 1992. Jeff is a Florida native who began coaching in in 1978. When he opened the first location in Orlando, his goal was to train high level athletes while also making gymnastics accessible to children of all ages and experience levels. Now, 30 years later, not only is the original location still going strong, but Jeff has opened three additional locations – two of which are in the City of Orlando.
Throughout the past 30 years, Orlando Metro Gymnastics has trained several world champions, Olympian and national champion gymnasts, and have helped hundreds of athletes receive college scholarships to continue pursuing their dreams as gymnasts. Orlando Metro Gymnastics is also involved in community services such as Edgewood Children's Ranch, Coalition for the Homeless, The Russell House and others.
Join us in congratulating Orlando Metro Gymnastics on 30 years in business! If you’d like to learn more, visit orlandometrogyms.com, where you can also find a list of their four locations.