LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK
JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL, David Kay, chair, Interfaith Council of Central Florida: The best way to overcome tensions between segments of society is to truly get to know one another as people. That’s a benefit of culturally themed film festivals: a chance to have a glimpse of the humanity, the similarities and the uniqueness of others. Antisemitism has been called “the oldest hatred”, and the recent resurgence in antisemitic incidents should concern all of us. The 23rd Annual Central Florida Jewish Film Festival, going on now at the Enzian Theatre, is a great way to learn more about the reality of being Jewish and the rich diversity within that millennia-old faith tradition.
DISARMING THROUGH HUMOR, Ric Keller, lawyer, former member of Congress:
You are “two-faced,” said Stephen Douglas to Abraham Lincoln during one of their famous debates. Lincoln replied, “If I had two faces, do you think I would wear this one?” Since then, Ronald Reagan, JFK and Barack Obama all effectively used self-deprecating humor to deflect criticism and build rapport. What’s their secret? How can you use it, too? On Monday at 4:30 p.m., Rollins College (Bush Auditorium) is hosting a fascinating discussion called “Icebreaker: Why humor is a powerful tool in politics and life.” It’s free, fun and open to the public.
NET-METERING DODGE, Ken LaRoe, Founder, Climate First Bank: In Florida, if you have solar power, you’ll make more energy than you could possibly use up. That extra energy is sent back into the grid in a process called net metering, and your power company pays you for it. The Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) has sneakily decided to turn public opinion against net metering and steer people away from sustainable energy. As part of an effort to make net metering less appealing for its customers — and avoid having to pay them for their electricity — OUC used misleading language like “subsidized by all customers” in a survey ahead of presenting results to their Board of Commissioners meeting. It’s absolutely despicable that greedy corporations are willing to put profits over the planet.
CLEAN-ENERGY JOBS, Alex Martins, chair, UCF Board of Trustees; CEO, Orlando Magic:
Florida is the second-largest producer of electricity in the nation and demand is expected to increase with the state’s population growth. Florida Power & Light Company and GE Digital are helping to prepare UCF students to meet the demand for jobs delivering reliable and clean energy. UCF’s new Microgrid Control Lab features control center equipment and software that students will use to simulate and test reallife grid control operations, including finding ways to keep the grid of the future secure and optimize renewable energy sources. Students will learn on the same software they will use in industry, making them workforce ready.
VALENCIA TRAINING, Pamela Nabors, president/CEO, CareerSource Central Florida: Valencia College has opened its new, and largest, Center for Accelerated Training or CAT in northwest Orlando. This new facility expands the college’s offerings of rapid skills training and will serve residents, particularly in Pine Hills, Parramore, West Lakes, Eatonville and Apopka. The CAT will provide hands-on instruction in high-demand industries such as advanced manufacturing, construction, transportation/logistics, health care, and information technology. These short-term programs (some only eight weeks) quickly propel the trainees into employment in highwage jobs, as well as prepare more skilled workers to meet local business demand. Increasing the flow of skilled talent into our economy will have an immediate positive impact to both residents and business in Central Florida.
PHILHARMONIC THANKS COMMUNITY, Beverly Paulk, founding member, Central Florida Foundation and The Orlando Philharmonic: The Orlando Philharmonic expressed gratitude to health-care workers and first responders Nov. 6 with 1,370 free concert tickets at Calvary Orlando. Educators are next. Teachers and education workers each can receive two free tickets for the Jan. 8 evening concert featuring classic Gershwin and a community choir. More than 900 tickets already have been requested with many more available. The unusually large venue allows for safety and a large audience. To request tickets, go to orlandophil.org or call the box office at 407-7700071. Eric Jacobsen, the conductor, and the talented Orlando Phil musicians will show their appreciation with a memorable concert.
FLORIDA’S FEDERAL WINDFALL,
Gloria Pickar, president emerita, League of Women Voters of Orange County: Congress passed the $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill, including $19 billion for Florida. Along with 80% of Americans who support fixing our roads, bridges, ports and pipes, the entire Florida Democratic delegation voted “yes.” Gov. DeSantis derided it as “pork” and all of Florida’s Republican delegation voted “no.” The modified $1.85 trillion social spending and climate bill is next with 70% public support. Will Congress step up and pass legislation to prevent catastrophic climate change and help families care for and educate young children so moms can get back to work? Or will they only pay to fix stuff rather than prevent disasters?
FLORIDA’S BROKEN CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM, Stephanie Porta, co-executive director, Florida Rising:
Alethia Jones made a mistake on her road to recovery and is serving a life sentence for selling cocaine for $20. Our Florida criminal justice system’s three-strike laws have continued to go unchecked, perpetuating systemic racism that buries minority communities. Alethia was riding with her sister at her arrest, and her sister admitted that she orchestrated the cocaine sale. However, Florida’s criminal justice system concluded they would “go down together,” leaving Alethia behind bars for a nonviolent, low-level drug offense for 17 years. It’s time we correct this injustice by freeing Alethia Jones.