THE TOP STORIES LAST WEEK
Candlelight Processional
Chris Carmody,
In 1958, Walt Disney started the Candlelight Processional tradition at Disneyland. And now 60 years later, it is one of the best traditions Disney has to offer. The story of Christmas is told by a celebrity accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra playing and choir singing all the songs of the season. This week was the first full week of processionals at Epcot and they will continue until Dec. 30. Which celebs? Just a few you may recognize: Helen Hunt, Neil Patrick Harris, Whoopi Goldberg, Edward James Olmos (my favorite) and more. The event has been at Disney World since its inaugural holiday season in 1971, and now, for the first time, Disney will stream one of the processionals for free on Dec. 4. So, come all ye faithful and embrace the holiday season.
Orange Avenue’s star
Rudolph C. Cleare,
I recently had occasion to drive through downtown Orlando at night and drink in the sight of the star suspended overhead at Orange Avenue and Central. A moment of memory flooded in and caught me unawares. It was 1984 and I had locked the premises at St. James Cathedral after working late on a homily for Advent. It was near midnight. The air was cool and crisp. Downtown was near-deserted. I stood in the middle of Orange Avenue, looking to the south. There swung the old-fashioned star, suspended with ropes of fake evergreen garland, wishing me and everyone glad tidings. New star now; same catch in the throat.
Trump rally-goers
John L. Evans Jr.,
It’s a common, and otherwise more polite refrain, from those who detest Trump. “These rallies ... I just don’t get it. What are these people all so excited about?” Think for a moment about the last time you were thoroughly not listened to — maybe by a boss, teacher, client or friend. It’s a dark feeling. That’s precisely what Trump rally-goers feel. Nice guys Bush 2, McCain and Romney never took a stand on their behalf. Never heard them. Just look at one example, Benghazi, they’ll say — a blight on this republic’s history to any American patriot. Nobody would fight for the victims. Till now.
Helping kids meet Santa
Rogue Gallart,
Over 180 malls across the U.S. are offering a calmer holiday experience for kids with autism and other special needs. Visiting Santa at the local mall can be anything but jolly at times due to the noise and consumer traffic. Participating malls will open two hours early to allow children to meet Santa and have their photo taken with him. By signing up for the event, families will have a scheduled time slot to visit with Santa, avoiding the stress of waiting in long lines. Here in Central Florida, the Mall at Millenia will accommodate children with special needs by taking them to the front of the line to meet Santa and have a photo opportunity with Jolly Ol’ St. Nick. A brighter holiday for everyone!
Transportation partnership
Jeff Hayward,
After years of legal and regulatory battles, a historical alliance between Mears Taxi and Uber was recently announced. Mears will be providing their luxury vehicles and SUV’s for UberBlack service. The companies are working on expanding their partnership to include taxis, as a new option called UberTaxi. This is a perfect example of how shifting the strategy from fierce competition to joining forces could become the best option for businesses to grow. How customers react to this new partnership will certainly be interesting to see.
Irresponsible conveniences
J. Matthew Knight,
Recently, a dead sperm whale washed ashore in Indonesia, its stomach filled with over 13 pounds of plastic — things like cups, trash bags, water bottles and flip-flops. These sad events are becoming more common as global plastic production has soared 600 percent over the past 40 years. As a native Floridian, I’m glad that plastic straws, disposable silverware, and single-use plastic bags are disappearing from local restaurants, hotels, and theme parks including Disney. Along with Styrofoam containers, they’re irresponsible conveniences we can live without. And we don’t need a government mandate to make change happen.
Last week: Last week was the first ever FusionFest. The event was led by Orange County Arts and Cultural Affairs Director, Terry Olson. It highlighted dozens of cultures that are represented in Orlando’s diverse population. The two-day event featured food, art, crafts and performances indigenous to those cultures. FusionFest also hosted a film festival and a poetry competition. The festival took place on the Dr. Phillips Center’s Seneff Plaza.
Learning to aid in crisis
María T. Padilla,
Venezuelans are probably second behind Puerto Ricans in Florida arrivals due to the humanitarian, economic and political crisis in Venezuela. Hundreds of thousands also have fled to neighboring Colombia, where the USNS Comfort medical ship is docked off the coast, expecting to care for 2,500 people including surgeries and dental care. Not begrudging aid to Venezuelans, but it behooves me to point out that the naval hospital tended to about half that number in Puerto Rico after Hurricane María devastated the island. It comforts me that the carrier may have learned how to aid the afflicted after its poor response to Puerto Rico.
Driverless vehicles close
Joseph F. Pennisi,
The Florida Automated Vehicle Summit was held this week in Tampa. Do you think of driverless vehicles as the distant future? Think again. The technology is nearly ready. It’s the regulatory framework and some infrastructure that lag behind. Automated vehicles will bring significant changes to our economy and way of life. This was the sixth annual summit, evidence that Floridians have long been considering ways to optimize this future. Kudos to the Central Florida Expressway Authority for its role in presenting the event and to Senator Jeff Brandes for making certain this subject is front and center in our legislature.
Philips’ long career
Michael Slaymaker,
Jim Philips has left the building! The popular radio show The Philips Phile on 104.1 FM has ended. Jim Philips had a 31-year career in broadcasting and is retiring. Michael Wanzie of The Monday Movie Review commented, “Jim has long been the voice of reason amid the static noise of local politics.” I had the privilege of being on The Phile when I headed up the charge to get a Domestic Partnership Registry passed in Orange County. Jim was a champion for the LGBTQ community long before it was in vogue to be so. Congrats on your retirement, Jim!
Milton’s leadership
David D. Swanson,
Here’s to McKenzie Milton. In an age of money-hungry, overpaid athletes who believe the world revolves around them, not to mention the ample number of scandals, it has been heartening to see this young man cheering on his team from a hospital bed. Anyone with a beating heart felt the sadness of watching him lay on the field, but in the days since, he has done nothing but lift our community and his team even while coping with the loss of his own personal goals. Here’s to a 21-year-old showing the rest of us how to cope with adversity.
Keep caregivers in mind
Jen Vargas,
For those not aware, November was National Family Caregivers Month. As we move further into the holiday season, I encourage all Central Floridians to keep their caregiving coworkers and family members in mind. We tend to get caught up in the hustle, bustle and celebration of the season. Caregiving for a loved one is a full-time job. In fact, having access to a caregiver is a luxury for some. Imagine being ill and having no one around to help with cleaning, groceries or laundry. Please make an extra effort to be thoughtful this holiday season.