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Anaphylaxis Training in Schools, Little Saigon Spotlight, and Weekend Fun

November 16, 2023

Reading time: 5 minutes

Good afternoon, Orlando! Last Monday was World Kindness Day, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be an awesome person today, too!

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

  • Anaphylaxis training in schools

  • Little Saigon spotlight

  • Death in the Afternoon

  • …and LOTS of weekend recs

On with it!

- Philip

P.S. 🎂 Happiest of birthdays to Winnie Gladstone!

QUICK NEWS BITS ⏲️
Mom Fights for Lifesaving Allergy Policies in Schools

Six-year-old Lincoln Isler and students like him need heroes when severe food allergies strike. Lincoln's mom Sherry was terrified to learn his school's aftercare staff had zero training on recognizing allergic reactions or using his lifesaving EpiPen.

She teamed up with Senator Linda Stewart to introduce a bill requiring anaphylaxis policies and training in all public schools. Delaying epinephrine even minutes can be fatal.

With free resources available, preparing staff takes just minutes. Sherry vows to keep fighting alongside parents until schools statewide have an alliance of allergy reaction heroes ready with EpiPens to keep students safe. She knows training school staff to recognize signs of reactions and quickly administer epinephrine could be a matter of life or death for children like Lincoln.

Orlando Cans Hunger This Holiday Season

The cans were stacked to the ceiling at Icon Park, kicking off Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week with thousands of donated goods for Orlando's needy.

As Thanksgiving looms, donation drives and volunteer events across the city will provide relief to the over 500,000 facing food insecurity in the metro area. Homelessness has spiked 38% over last year. "People need food, not just the glitz and glamor of the season," said Brian Randolph of Help Against Hunger, one of many organizations working overtime to provide holiday meals.

At the University of Central Florida, the food pantry plans cooking classes and other hands-on efforts to combat hunger, with over 30 million Americans living in poverty. But Veronica Mucha of Second Harvest Food Bank is confident Orlando's generosity will rise to meet the challenges.

From the towering canned food display at Icon Park, a message rings out - no one needs to go hungry this holiday season.

From Boots to Business: How VEI Supports Veterans' Entrepreneurial Dreams

For veterans, the road from military service to entrepreneurial success can be challenging. But in Central Florida, Veterans Entrepreneurship Initiative (VEI) provides a guiding light. This Orlando charity's mission is empowering veteran entrepreneurs through guidance, education, and mentorship.

Co-founder Ricardo Garcia, an Air Force veteran, understands the journey personally. VEI has already helped over 300 veterans start businesses since its founding 10 years ago.

Stories like Marine veteran Richard Rosado, who credits VEI for growing his healthy cooking club business, are becoming more common. With VEI's support, veterans' military-honed determination drives success.

According to the SBA, nationwide, 1.9 million veteran-owned businesses employ 5.5 million and generate $1.3 trillion in sales annually.

By supporting veterans in transitioning from service to entrepreneurship, VEI helps turn passion into purpose.

Veterans can apply here, and anyone can donate here.

NEIGHBORHOOD SPOTLIGHT 🧐
Little Saigon: How Vietnamese Immigrants Shaped Orlando's Mills 50

Just north of downtown Orlando lies the vibrant Little Saigon neighborhood, also known as Mills 50. The area earned its moniker from the intersection of Mills Avenue and State Road 50, but it’s the Vietnamese immigrants who shaped this district’s identity starting in the 1970s.

As refugees fled the Vietnam War, many found their way to Central Florida and settled in what is now Mills 50. Through the years, first-, second-, and third-generation Vietnamese Americans transformed the sleepy suburb into a bustling hub - home to authentic phở shops like Anh Hong, banh mi bakeries like Paris Banh Mi Café Bakery, and grocery stores like Dong A Imports stocked with Asian staples.

Today, Mills 50 celebrates its Vietnamese heritage while also representing other Asian cultures. Chinese dim sum restaurants like Chuan Lu Garden, Thai curry houses like Pop Thai, and Korean barbecue joints like Shin Jung share the streets with Vietnamese noodle houses. Together they infuse the district with the sights, sounds, and aromas of Asia.

Beyond its Asian influences, Mills 50 rewards visitors with an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants and cultural attractions. Murals splashed across walls pay tribute to Orlando culture. Live music spills from venues like Will's Pub. Foodies indulge in everything from speakeasy pizza to French-inspired plates. The district also boasts the Orlando Science Center's giant CineDome theater and the Orlando Repertory Theatre which stages family-friendly productions.

At its core though, Mills 50 remains Little Saigon - a neighborhood shaped by Vietnamese immigrants seeking opportunity in America. Their perseverance gave rise to a one-of-a-kind community that honors its past while embracing its diverse future.

TOP 3 FUN RECS FOR THE WEEKEND 🍊
Enchanting Trees and Holiday Cheer: Orlando's Festival of Trees Returns

📍2416 N Mills Ave Orlando, FL. Map to this location.

🕐 November 17th through 19th, 10am-5pm

👉 Get more info, and your tickets, right here.

The enchanting Festival of Trees is returning to spread holiday cheer at the Orlando Museum of Art from November 17th-19th.

Guests can surround themselves with the magic of the season at this twinkling wonderland. Over 40 lavishly decorated trees and wreaths decked out by talented designers will be on display, waiting to fill homes with festive flair. Beyond the dazzling decor, the event will feature grand gingerbread creations that look almost too good to eat.

A variety of special activities will add to the yuletide spirit. Have Breakfast with Santa on November 18 and share your wish list while enjoying a tasty morning meal. Get your silliest sweaters ready for Ugly Sweater Sunday Fun Day on November 19. Kids can join the merriment at the Reindeer Romp party on November 17 for storytelling with Mrs. Claus and more.

Proceeds from this holiday wonderland will support inspirational arts education and programs at the Orlando Museum of Art.

Death in the Afternoon. Escape to Orlando's Hidden Absinthe Lounge


📍930 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL. Map to this location.

🕐 Tuesday - Sunday, 5pm - midnight

A mysterious new drinking den, Death in the Afternoon, has emerged in the shadows of Mills 50. Behind an unassuming door at 930 N. Mills Ave, intrigue awaits inside a dimly lit space adorned with velvet and leather.

This new haunt comes from Julian Burgos, co-owner of Sanford's tiki tribute, Suffering Bastard. Bringing over a decade of cocktail mastery, he's crafted a "friendly neighborhood absinthe house" for the adventurous.

Death in the Afternoon takes its name from the Hemingway classic, a devilish blend of champagne and absinthe. Expect a menu filled with similar dangerously delicious and tantalizing libations designed to delight.

While its doors only recently crept open, its intoxicating elixirs will surely soon have locals enchanted.

Will you dare to step inside this portal to the past? For the bold, Death in the Afternoon is Orlando's newest late-night sanctuary.

Little Radical Theatrics Reboots Rocky for the Modern Age


📍812 E. Rollins St., Loch Haven Park

🕐 Fri., Nov. 17, 8 p.m. | Sat., Nov. 18, 8 p.m. | Sun., Nov. 19, 3 p.m.

Little Radical Theatrics is electrifying audiences with a radically modern take on The Rocky Horror Show at Orlando's Mandell Theater. Under Travis Eaton's direction, the cult 1970s glam-rock hit gets a genre-bending reboot. Leading the charge is Marlo Coffin, bringing a body-positive, non-binary edge to Rocky.

Though honoring traditions like the emcee preshow and prop bags, Eaton has updated the aesthetics with 80s slasher vibes. "We celebrate the communities represented, not use outdated language," he explains. Their inclusive approach is resonating, attracting more 35-to-55 year-olds.

As the troupe storms the stage through November 19, their electrically charged take isn't just a jump to the left. It's a radically transformative leap into the future, proving that beneath its B-movie veneer, Richard O'Brien's 50-year-old parody still rocks.

WEEKEND FOODIE FIND. FORK YEAH! 🤩
Talkin’ Tacos

📍3123 S Orange Ave, Orlando. Map to this location, right here.

Get ready Orlando foodies - taco titan Talkin' Tacos is opening its first location in town on November 17th! For the first 100 customers, it's free birria tacos to start the fiesta. Their menu shows it’s not your typical taco joint.

Beyond the OG birria tacos and their legendary meaty flavors, they're spicing things up with Birria Bao Buns - a genius mashup of Chinese and Mexican cuisines. There's also birria grilled cheese, tostadas and more drool-worthy fusion fare.

When this South Florida sensation touches down, it'll shake up Orlando's food scene. So round up your fellow taco lovers and get ready to get your taco on opening day.

WEEKEND HAPPENINGS 🎭 🥁 

Friday:

Saturday:

Sunday:

ORLANDO WEATHER 🌤️

Friday

81 🌡️ 66 | 🌤️ | Partly sunny with a passing shower

Saturday

79 🌡️ 60 | 🌤️ | Partly sunny and nice

Sunday

80 🌡️ 60 | 🌥️ | Mostly sunny and pleasant

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THANKS! 🙏

Many thanks for reading the Orlando Signal today. If you found something useful or interesting, please share this edition with someone you know!

My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal