LOOKING AHEAD THIS WEEK
KNOW YOUR AMENDMENTS, David Kay, rabbi, Congregation Ohev Shalom: It’s somehow appropriate for our state that Floridians will be voting on one constitutional amendment that may literally change nothing and another thatwould make it twice as hard for citizens to put amendments on the ballot at all. The first, Amendment1, has been called “symbolic”— hardly a basis for amending the state Constitution. The second, Amendment 4, would require amendments to be approved in two straight elections, adding years and costs to the process of citizen initiatives. There are lots of important choices to make at the polls on Nov. 3. For Floridians, these are certainly among them.
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH, Ted Maines, owner/president, Ted Maines Interiors: Can we all pause in the final days leading up to the election and agree that it is not normal, nor is it OK, to threaten imprisonment and punishment on one’s political adversaries and members of the media who cover stories we may not like? This is not howa democracy runs and is not in line with the First Amendment. This is not the way most Americanswant our country portrayed on theworld stage. It is a question of when, not if, this behavior will lead to an act of extreme violence. Let Michigan be the warning that does not go ignored.
MUSLIM CELEBRATION, Muhammad Musri, president, Islamic Society of Central Florida: Muslims worldwide will celebrate the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam, on Thursday. While Muslims observe the day as a celebration of the life and legacy of the Prophet, it is not considered a religious holiday. Muhammad’s followers, who number nearly 2 billion, show their love and respect for the Prophet by acts of charity, teaching and helping others, and spreading peace and love among people. Unlike Christmas for Christians, the “Mawlid,” which means the “birthday ,” is restrained because Muhammad warned Muslims of worship ping him or treating him more than a human who delivered God’s final message.
FRONTYARD FESTIVAL, ColeNe Smith, executive director, Creative City Project: Six months of arts programming is on itsway from Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. It’s the “Front Yard Festival,” a series of performances on Seneff Plaza. The arts center hopes to launch the festival in December and offer programming seven days a week. In addition to live entertainment plus health and wellness programs, several local restaurants and popular food trucks will be on site each day, offering food and drinks for purchase. Many performances will be ticketed, allowing artists and arts groups to generate revenue, and there are plans to offer daytime programs showcasing professional musicians at no cost.
CENSUS COUNT OVER, Joanie Schirm, GEC founding president; World Cup Orlando 1994 Committee chairman: The U.S. Constitution mandates a population census every 10 years. After failed attempts to extend the survey date due to COVID-19, the 2020 Census Bureau has completed its count of everyone who lived in the U.S. on April 1, 2020. The bureau assures us that 99.9% of housing units are accounted for via self-response and field data collection operations. Census statistics help determine the number of seats each state holds in the U.S. House of Representatives and how billions of dollars in federal funds will be allocated. What next? On Dec. 31, apportionment counts go to the president, then redistricting goes to the states next April.
DIGITAL DIVIDE, Beverly Seay, chair, UCF Board of Trustees: While most of us turned to technology during this pandemic to stay in touch with our loved ones and continue our jobs or education, some of our neighbors have lacked this same access. The “digital divide” is just one inequality COVID-19 has brought to light— that many families and senior citizens lack access to reliable internet or computers in their homes. This has made obtaining an education, working from home and staying connected with loved ones all that more difficult. Aswe continue to battle COVID-19, we must findways to help those impacted by the digital divide.
STAY HEALTHY, KIDS, Rick Singh, property appraiser, Orange County: Worried about the COVID-19 weight gain? Almost everyone is sporting a few extra pounds … even our children. Online school, anxiety, canceled activities, and minimal contact with friends may have caused a spike in childhood obesity. During the pandemic, screen time for children increased by at least 50 percent, one study found. Doctors say that ensuring a balance of activities, screen time and eating habits is as important a swearing a mask, handwashing and practicing social distancing. So let’s model good behaviors for our kids by making better choices and getting in some exercise. We will all benefit— and feel better.
DOMESTIC-VIOLENCE FUNDING, Carol Wick, CEO, Sharity: Sharity, in partnership with the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), YWCA, and other national and state organizations, is releasing the first-ever “National Assessment on the State of Fundraising for Domestic Violence Organizations.” The report will be used to identify top fundraising and operational struggles, share easy-to-implement strategies, and develop new fundraising tools to position DV programs, including across Florida, for more success with donors so they can help more survivors during the pandemic and beyond. Among the findings, nearly half of our nation’s DV programs, including 54% of rural programs, have less than 90 days of operating reserves.