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Farm Fresh, Thoughtful Hearts, Bright Stars, and a Festive Weekend

November 30, 2023

Reading time: 4.5 minutes

Good afternoon, Orlando! I like the cooler temps, but Mother Nature is getting carried away.

In today’s Orlando Signal, Thursday (weekend fun) issue:

  • 4Roots Farm blossoming

  • Heartfelt caregiving

  • Kazanzas Star Illuminates

  • + lots of holiday weekend recs

On with it!

- Philip

QUICK NEWS BITS ⏲️
A Sprouting Oasis Takes Root in Orlando's Backyard

In the heart of Orlando's emerging Packing District, an agricultural wonderland is starting to bloom. 4Roots Farm, the brainchild of culinary pioneer John Rivers, is entering an exciting new phase - the second stage of a $28.1 million vision to create a community rooted in nature and nourishment.

Originally conceived in 2020 as a high-tech hydroponics hub, 4Roots is now blossoming into something more thanks to a $5 million grant from Dr. Phillips Charities. The campus's Phase 2 will cultivate a sprawling green space, events center, restaurant, and culinary health institute.

This fertile expansion builds on the first phase of development, including a collaborative greenhouse classroom, banquet hall, farm store and cafe, and an advanced 16,500 square foot hydroponics operation touted as the first-of-its-kind in the continental US.

From seed to harvest, 4Roots Farm is being thoughtfully cultivated as an oasis where people can connect, celebrate, and discover the vital role of food and farming. When the next phase blossoms, Orlando will have a homegrown spot to sink their roots.

The Magic of Giving: Community Unites to Brighten Holidays for 10,000 Children

Orange County seeks over 10,000 toys this holiday season to help struggling families recover from Hurricane Ian and afford Christmas gifts. Last year, the Orange County Mayor’s Holiday Toy Drive assisted Jennifer Hodges of Orlo Vista in finding a bicycle, scooter, and crayons for her two granddaughters after flooding destroyed her savings.

Mayor Jerry Demings increased the collection goal by 500 toys this year to aid more families facing economic hardship. Area nonprofits identify recipients, wanting kids to feel included when school resumes and friends discuss holiday gifts. Donors can shop the virtual toy store to ship items like bicycles, electronics, dollhouses and action figures directly to the Holiday Warehouse for distribution.

Those preferring tangible donations in person can drop off new, unwrapped toys at designated county libraries, parks, rec centers and fire stations by December 11. With the season of giving underway, over 10,000 children eagerly await a little holiday magic.

An Army of Compassion for Orlando’s Seniors

Across America, over 55 million unpaid family caregivers tend to aging parents and relatives according to AARP—an unseen army of compassion. 19-year-old Bella Degenhardt knows caregiving’s rewards are heartfelt, not financial.

As a part-time caregiver with CareYaya, she is matched with 94-year-old Elizabeth Nelson, who needs assistance while recovering from knee surgery.

Degenhardt, a pre-law sophomore at Stetson University, grew up in Vietnam amidst stark inequality. She yearned to foster connections and strong communities. Florida desperately needs caregivers, ranking 3rd worst nationally. That’s why Degenhardt’s role is critical; she gets flexible work while providing Nelson companionship and support. They cook dinner together and enjoy lively conversation, forging bonds that seem to defy age.

Evenings bring loneliness for seniors like Nelson. But the clock ticks quickly as they anticipate the next visit. As Degenhardt departs, there is comfort knowing she’ll soon return to share smiles, laughter and new memories. In a world of increasing isolation, these acts of compassion are gifts beyond measure.

HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHT 🧐
Beloved Orlando Kazanzas Star Illuminates Holidays Once More

Under the Florida night, a radiant star ascended towards the sky, heralding Christmas festivities in Orlando. Suspended 50 feet above bustling Orange Avenue by an intricate network of cables and pulleys, this luminescent giant cast its glow over the gathered crowds below.

The raising of this storied star has been an Orlando tradition dating back to the 1950s, when two friendly rival department stores, Ivey’s and Dickson & Ives, collaborated to adorn the city for Christmas. Strung proudly between their two buildings at the corner of Central and Orange, this festive decoration bonded the community in yuletide spirit.

By 1984 however, the original star had sadly fallen into disrepair. Enter Jack Kazanzas - Orlando native and Christmas enthusiast extraordinaire. Rallying a fundraising effort to restore this beloved icon, Kazanzas succeeded in installing a splendid new star featuring over 4,000 dazzling LED lights.

Ever since, the Kazanzas Star is hoisted annually amidst fanfare and cheer. And though tradition fixes this date after Thanksgiving, Orlando simply could not wait this year! The merriment commenced early, with City Hall's Christmas tree twinkling days before, soon followed by Ivanhoe Village's iconic 'Happy Holiday' sign aglow.

As the 600-pound star now watches over Orange Avenue, another joyous Orlando Christmas season has truly begun!

TOP 3 FUN RECS FOR THE WEEKEND 🍊
Ho Ho No: Krampusfest Returns

📍425 S Bumby Ave, Orlando, FL 32803. Map to this location.

🕐 December 3rd from 3-10pm

👉 Get more info and tickets, right here.

The Milk District Main Street's annual Krampusfest has grown into one of Florida's largest Krampus holiday celebrations.

On December 3rd from 3-10pm, The Plaza Live venue (425 S. Bumby Avenue) will transform with live music, food and drinks, Christmas and horror vendors, and costume contests.

Families are welcome earlier on, but after dark the tone shifts to “unapologetically adult”.

Inside the Studios: McRae Collective's Special Open House


📍1000 Arlington St, Orlando, FL 32805. Map to this location.

🕐 December 1st and 2nd (Friday & Saturday) from 6-9 p.m

Behind an unassuming warehouse door in the Parramore neighborhood lies a creative hub 36 years in the making. This weekend, the secret will be revealed when Orlando’s long-running artist collective, McRae Art Studios, opens that door to the public for a special two-day open house event.

Since its founding in 1987, the collective of 22 independent artists has turned 1000 Arlington Street into a vibrant artists' sanctuary. Now, they're inviting collectors, gift-seekers and art lovers alike into their super-cool creative space.

For two enchanted evenings, visitors can meet and mingle with McRae's member artists, purchase one-of-a-kind works direct from the source, support the collective by donation, and even try their hand at a raffle featuring original 4"x4" paintings.

So take a chance this weekend on an uncommon Orlando experience as McRae's artists pull back the curtain and offer a glimpse inside their studio walls.

It's Beginning to Look at Lot Like Christmas Around Here

The air grows crisp as Central Florida plunges headfirst into the most wonderful time of the year. Let’s give you a rundown of the latest Christmas kick-offs for the 2023 season:

  • Kicking off the season in dazzling fashion is Leu Gardens display of Moroccan lanterns, interactive lights, lasers, and yes, even snow from November 24 through January 6. But you'll need to secure tickets ahead of time for this hot event. More info + ticket, right here.

  • The magic continues December 1 at Lake Eola Park for Orlando's official tree lighting party. Enjoy tunes from the amphitheater, tasty treats from food trucks, and holiday shopping galore. And for the kids, snow in the Sunshine State along with a visit from the big guy himself. More info, right here.

  • The same evening, Apopka will illuminate Kit Land Nelson Park with yuletide music, photos with Santa, and general merriment from 6 to 8 pm. Get more info, right here.

  • Historic downtown Winter Garden keeps the festivities flowing December 1 and 2 with shining lights, a Christmas parade, and a holiday market. More info, right here.

  • Park Avenue in Winter Park hosts the oldest continuous parade in Central Florida on December 2 from 9 to 10:30 am. Over 80 groups including bands, police, scouts, and Santa have been marching down this jolly street for over 65 years. Get more info, right here.

  • At Lake Lily Park in Maitland, things really sparkle December 2 from 5 to 8:30 pm. In addition to a tree lighting ceremony, enjoy snow sledding, carnival games, fireworks, live music, and more. Get more info, right here.

  • Edgewater Drive gets its chance to shine on December 7 at 5 pm when College Park hosts its Holiday on the Drive. Features include live music, an appearance by St. Nick, and general seasonal revelry. Get more info, right here.

  • And finally, Lake Nona Town Center presents Oh, What Fun! from December 7 through 23. The holiday festival boasts a market, photo ops, (say it with me) snow, Santa's Cottage, a tree trail, and everything else needed to get your fa la la on. Get more info, right here.

So fill up your sleigh, Central Florida, and let these local celebrations lift your holiday spirit even higher.

WEEKEND HAPPENINGS 🎭 🥁 

Friday:

Saturday:

Sunday:

ORLANDO WEATHER 🌤️

Friday

78 🌡️ 67 | 🌧️ | Cloudy with a couple of showers around, mainly late in the day

Saturday

84 🌡️ 69 | 🌤️ | Sun through high clouds

Sunday

83 🌡️ 69 | 🌥️ | Low clouds

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My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal