Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan and the Carroll Adams Group Celebrate Colonialtown Neighborhood Center Reopening

WHAT: District 4 City Commissioner Patty Sheehan and the Carroll Adams Group will unveil the newly renovated Colonialtown Neighborhood Center.
The Carroll Adams Group, an innovative global supplier of procurement and design services for the hospitality industry, made a generous donation toward the renovation. Colonialtown Neighborhood Center now features a new roof, wiring, fresh paint, seating, storage, decorations, as well as two 32-inch flat panel televisions with built-in DVD players donated by Commissioner Sheehan.

Commissioner Sheehan states, "Colonialtown Neighborhood Center provides after-school care to some of the neediest and deserving children in our city. We are thankful that the Carroll Adams Group and other business partners have offered this important service.”

Colonialtown Neighborhood Center is a small community facility, which hosts many programs for children and families residing in the Colonialtown area and the surrounding neighborhoods. Colonialtown Neighborhood Center offers after school and summer programs for elementary children.

This is the sixth year The Carroll Adams Group has collaborated with Commissioner Sheehan to improve the lives of children in the City of Orlando with past projects such as the Reeves Terrace Recreation Site reopening, backpack giveaways, and ensuring the children in public housing are afforded the same quality of life opportunities many take for granted. The Carroll Adams Group, an Orlando-based company founded by Ted Carroll and Katherine Adams Schaller, is an innovative global supplier of furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) and operating supplies and equipment (OS&E) procurement and design services for the hospitality industry.
 
WHO:
 District 4 City Commissioner Patty Sheehan
City of Orlando's Families, Parks and Recreation
The Carroll Adams Group
Gabriella Eitingon of IKEA
Orlando residents
 
WHEN:
 Thursday, July 15, 2010 from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.
 
WHERE:
 Colonialtown Neighborhood Center
1517 Lake Highland Drive

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 The Orlando Magic Renovate Reading and Learning Center at Northwest Community Center

WHAT: Orlando residents now have a new Orlando Magic Reading and Learning Center at the City of Orlando's Engelwood Neighborhood Center. The newly refurbished computer lab and game room will be officially dedicated by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, District 2 City Commissioner Tony Ortiz, and Orlando Magic COO Alex Martins.

The latest in a series of urban Orlando reading and learning centers to be renovated by the Orlando Magic, the City of Orlando's Engelwood Neighborhood Center now features a game room and a renovated technology center outfitted with brand-new laptops and a printer. The center also received new couches, tables, cabinets, desks, chairs, bookcases and most importantly, an invigorating environment that will allow the minds of Orlando's youth to be positively nurtured.

The renovation reflects the Orlando Magic's commitment to advancement of literacy in Orlando, one of the organization's three charitable focus areas, along with health/wellness and the arts. The Engelwood Neighborhood Center renovation is the fourth Reading and Learning Center the Magic have done at a City of Orlando facility.

Orlando's NBA franchise since 1989, the Magic's mission is to be world champions on and off the court, delivering legendary moments every step of the way. Off the court, on an annual basis the Orlando Magic gives more than $2 million to the local community and impacts an estimated 75,000 kids each year. The Orlando Magic is also the developer of the new downtown Events Center opening in the fall of 2010, and the facility will be operated by the City of Orlando and owned by the Central Florida Community.
 
WHO:
 Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer
District 2 City Commissioner Toni Ortiz
Orlando Magic Chief Operating Officer Alex Martins
Families, Parks and Recreation's Summer Camp participants and local residents
 
WHEN:
 Monday, June 28, 2010 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
 
 
WHERE:
 Engelwood Neighborhood Center
6123 LaCosta Drive
 

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 1st Annual World Environmental Day at Central Florida Veteran's Memorial Park

WHAT: On Saturday, June 5, 2010 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the City of Orlando will host the 1st Annual World Environmental Day at Central Florida Veteran's Memorial Park. As part of the City's green initiative there will be exhibitors providing information on environmental education, green living and City of Orlando resources.

Event highlights and activities include Tree Give Away, Kid's Nature Crafts, Wetlands and Shoreline Restoration, Trail of Trees Presentation with Tim Womack and a Butterfly Release Parade

There will be a Pre-Festival Fun Run and Walk to raise donations for the TREE Fund. Registration for the 5K Run and 1 Mile Walk starts at 7a.m. and the race kicks off at 8 a.m. To sign up for the race and for more information please go to treefund.org..
 
WHO:
 City of Orlando
Families, Parks and Recreation Department
GreenWorks Orlando
Keep Orlando Beautiful
OUC – The Reliable One
 
WHEN:
 Saturday, June 5, 2010
• 7 a.m. – 5k run and 1 mile walk/run
• 9 a.m. – festival begins
 
WHERE:
 Central Florida Veteran's Memorial Park
2380 Lake Baldwin Lane, Orlando, FL 32814
 

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 Z. L. Riley Park Grand Opening
Orlando Mayor Dyer Celebrates Five Years of Revitalization Efforts in Parramore 

WHAT: Tomorrow, Saturday, June 5, Orlando Mayor Dyer will join District 5 City Commissioner Daisy W. Lynum to celebrate the five-year anniversary of the Pathways for Parramore initiative, the City's comprehensive effort to revitalize Orlando's historic Parramore community. To honor the occasion, there will be a grand opening ceremony for the new Z. L. Riley Park.

When Pathways for Parramore launched in 2005, the Z.L. Riley Park had long been a place for residents to gather and play checkerboards and chess games, but the former park lacked green space and was located underneath a highway overpass.

Now the new and relocated Z.L. Riley Park features a large pavilion and playground, creating a central location for community events, festivals, children's playtime and family picnics. The tree-lined park also displays mosaic artwork designed by Parramore youth that reflects Mr. Z.L. Riley's contribution to the community and other African themes.

In the five years since Pathways for Parramore was launched, the City has made dramatic strides in the Parramore Heritage Community including:

providing more than a half million dollars in assistance to Parramore's small businesses;
the addition of 35 new and rehabilitated homes and 120 new rental housing units; and
an 80% decline in juvenile arrests since 2006.
The Pathways for Parramore initiative came to fruition in June 2005 from a task force commissioned by Mayor Buddy Dyer in November 2003. After more than six months of conducting research and obtaining stakeholder input, the task force presented recommendations in June 2004 and the initiative was formed.
 
 
WHO:
 Mayor Buddy Dyer
District 5 City Commissioner Daisy W. Lynum
Police Chief Val Demings
Michael Snyder, Executive Director, Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority
Rufus Brooks, representing the Z.L. Riley family
Parramore Heritage Community residents, business owners and neighborhood partners
 
WHEN:
 Saturday, June 5, 2010, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
 
 
MEDIA WINDOW:
 11:10 a.m.
 
 
WHERE:
 Z.L Riley Park
747 S Parramore Avenue
 
PARKING:
 Parking is available at the northwest corner of Parramore Avenue and Conley Street, directly across from Z.L. Riley Park.
 

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 Orlando Mayor Dyer and Experts with the Harlem Children's Zone Host the Florida Children's Initiative Replication Workshop

WHAT: Tomorrow, Orlando Mayor Dyer and experts from the Harlem Children's Zone will offer insight and best practices to representatives from across the state of Florida on how to launch and sustain a successful children's initiative during the Florida Children's Initiative Replication Workshop on May 26 and 27, 2010.
Participants will also have the opportunity to tour and get an inside look into Mayor Dyer's Parramore Kidz Zone (PKZ) program, the first Florida model of the esteemed Harlem Children's Zone (HCZ) project.

“We are thrilled with the positive changes Parramore Kidz Zone has brought to Orlando and honored that Harlem Children's Zone is partnering with us to host this event,” said Mayor Dyer. “This is a landmark opportunity for cities to join together to replicate this proven model for the benefit of children throughout the State of Florida.”

The two-day conference is sponsored by PKZ, Ounce of Prevention Fund of Florida, and Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation.
 
WHO:
 Orlando Mayor Dyer
Harlem Children's Zone
Parramore Kidz Zone
Ounce of Prevention Fund of Florida
Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation
 
 
WHEN:
 Wednesday, May 26 and Thursday, May 27, 2010
 
 
MEDIA WINDOW:
 Wednesday, May 26 at 11:15 a.m.
 
 
WHERE:
 City Hall – 9th Floor Overlook Room
400 S. Orange Avenue
 
BACKGROUND:
 HARLEM CHILDREN'S ZONE:
The HCZ Project is a unique, holistic approach to rebuilding a community so that its children can stay on track through college and go on to the job market. The goal is to create a "tipping point" in the neighborhood so that children are surrounded by an enriching environment of college-oriented peers and supportive adults, a counterweight to "the street.”
The HCZ model has gained recognition as the template for President Obama's Promise Neighborhoods proposal, a federal initiative which will provide competitive, 1-year planning grants to non-profit, community-based organizations to support the development of plans for comprehensive neighborhood programs, designed to combat the effects of poverty and improve education and life outcomes for children, from birth through college.

PARRAMORE KIDZ ZONE:
Modeled after the Harlem Children's Zone, PKZ employs creative outreach to engage a critical mass of Parramore's children and linking them to positive opportunities, including pre-kindergarten education, parenting education, health care, mentoring, tutoring, and constructive activities when school is out. PKZ is also the only project in the nation that the Harlem Children Zone allows to use its trademarked “zone” term.

OUNCE OF PREVENTION FUND OF FLORIDA:
Founded in 1989, The Ounce of Prevention Fund of Florida is a private, nonprofit corporation dedicated to shaping prevention policy and investing in innovative prevention programs that provide measurable benefits for Florida's most vulnerable children and families. Among the Ounce of Prevention Fund's signature programs is Healthy Families Florida, a nationally accredited child abuse prevention program.
 

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 Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer Celebrates 14th Annual Children's Week

WHAT: Today, Mayor Dyer and the Early Learning Coalition of Orange County will “work-along” with children from the Parramore Kidz Zone program to build mile marker mosaics for Parramore Heritage Park in honor of the 14th Annual Children's Week. Children's Week highlights issues facing children across the state and promotes their health, safety and well-being during the legislative season.

The City of Orlando believes in celebrating and promoting the connections that support and strengthen children in our community. Mayor Dyer announced in his 2010 State of the City Address that thanks to Parramore Kidz Zone there has been an 80% reduction in juvenile crime as well as a 13% increase in FCAT math scores since the program's inception. Modeled after the Harlem Children's Zone, Parramore Kidz Zone launched by Mayor Dyer in 2006, employs creative outreach to engage a critical mass of Parramore's children and linking them to positive opportunities, including pre-kindergarten education, parenting education, health care, mentoring, tutoring and constructive activities when school is out.

“Children live better lives and make wiser choices when they are given opportunities to contribute to and serve their communities,” said Mayor Dyer. “Building these mile markers allows them to actively play a role in contributing to the neighborhood that they live in.”

As part of his Strengthen Orlando plan, Mayor Dyer transitioned his series of work-alongs to focus primarily on community service. Through leading by example, Mayor Dyer encourages citizens to get involved and continually give back to their community. Citizens interested in volunteering or donating opportunities, please contact the City of Orlando Office of Community Affairs at 407.246.2500.
 
WHEN:
 Wednesday, March 24, 2010
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
 
 
WHERE:
 Orlando Pottery Studio
649 West Livingston Street
 

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 Orlando City Commissioner Phil Diamond
Hosts Annual District 1 Spring Picnic

WHAT: District 1 Commissioner Phil Diamond will host the annual District 1 Spring Picnic and invites District 1 residents to join him at Amhurst Park.

“Last year's picnic was a tremendous success with more than 700 residents and their families enjoying the activities and food. I look forward to hosting this event every year because it offers an opportunity for District residents to come out and meet their neighbors and enjoy the spring weather”, said Commissioner Diamond.

Children of all ages can participate in a variety of family-friendly activities at Saturday's picnic including moonwalks, games, face painting, demonstrations by the Orlando Police and Fire Departments, musical entertainment, food and soft drinks. In addition, children can make crafts with the Orlando Science Center.

The picnic will also be a day for community service, with a food drive benefiting the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. Voluntary donations of canned goods, nonperishable food, and financial contributions will be accepted.

Admission and parking for this event is free. Please call 407-246-3011 for more information. 
WHO:
 District 1 Citizens
 
 
WHEN:
 Saturday, March 20, 2010
11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
 
 
WHERE:
 Amhurst Park
6204 South Chickasaw Trail
Orlando, FL 32829
 

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 Buddy Jam 2010 Slam Dunk for the Children of Parramore
Mayor Dyer to Raise Money for the Parramore Kidz Zone

WHAT: AAs basketball season draws to an end, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer is looking for one last slam dunk at Buddy Jam 2010 - his annual fundraiser to benefit the Parramore Kidz Zone (PKZ). The 4th CityKidz! Buddy's Benefit for Children will be an evening filled with NCAA men's basketball championship first round action, favorite game day foods, entertaining halftime performances and a special guest appearance by Orlando Magic basketball player Dwight Howard - all to benefit Parramore's youth.
Money raised at the event goes directly to benefit the youth in the PKZ program. Since 2004, CityKidz! Buddy's Benefit for Children has raised more than one million dollars helping more than 2,300 youth in Parramore become enrolled in pre-kindergarten education, healthcare, mentoring, employment, tutoring, constructive activities and college assistance programs.

“Buddy Jam 2010 is a great way for Orlando residents and businesses to become directly involved in helping our City's disadvantaged youth,” said Mayor Dyer. “It is my hope that this year even more community members will invest in making an impact in the lives of our children.”

As a result of these programs, PKZ has seen dramatic results in the City's highest poverty community, including:

An 80% decline in arrests for Parramore youth since 2006.
An increase in Florida Comprehensive Assessment (FCAT) math scores by an average of 13% and a 5% increase in reading scores.
A decline in premature and low birth weights in Parramore teen births since 2006.
 
TICKETS:
 To purchase tickets or sponsor a table, visit cityoforlando.net/citykidz.
 
 
WHEN:
 Friday, March 19, 2010 at 6:30 p.m.
 
 
INTERVIEWS /VISUALS:
 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. – Interview Mayor Dyer, PKZ kidz and neighborhood leaders who are making a difference
7:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. – Orlando Magic Dwight Howard appearance
 
 
WHERE:
 Amway Arena
600 West Amelia Street
Orlando, FL 32801
 
PARKING:
 Amway Arena Lot 3 at the corner of Parramore Avenue and Concord Street.
 

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