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Eatonville Speaks Eatonville Speaks EATONVILLE Speaks “"The Oldest Black Incorporated Municipality In America" Town of Eatonville 307 East Kennedy Blvd SpeaksEATONVILLE Eatonville, FL 32751 SPECIAL EDITION OCT 2017 NEWSLETTER Phone: (407) 623-8900 Fax (407) 623-8919 CELEBRATING WHAT’S INSIDE Post Office Information Eatonville Proud 332 E Kennedy Blvd. Our History: 130 Years Eatonville, FL E Forward Phone 407-623-1235 Eatonville Celebrates 130 Years Fax 407-623-1186 For more information on Eatonville’s Great Reveal TTY 877-889-2457 all Town events, call Eatonville Proud Art Exhibit 407-623-8900 CELEBRATING Retail Hours Emergency (after hours) call Valencia College Construction Eatonville Mon-Fri 11:00am – 5:00pm 407-623-8900 select “0" Program Eatonville PO Box Access Hours for the operator. 2017 Leadership Eatonville Mon-Fri 11:00am – 5:30pm Thanks to the many sponsors and partners who made the Community Line 407-840-0683 Eatonville In Action E 130th Anniversary weekend a success. Sat-Sun Closed The Town Council and residents are truly grateful! First Nation Chain Restaurant COUNCIL WORKSHOP/MEETING Preservation Life OUR HISTORY Oct 3, 17, 6:30 p.m./7:30 p.m. Town Hall Community Announcements 130 YEARS FORWARD VALENCIA GRADUATION October Calendar Columbus Hall Crooms October 9, 2017, 1:00-2:00 p.m. October 2017 Town Hall Mr. Crooms was a distinguished TOWN COUNCIL MEETINGS RELAY FOR LIFE EATONVILLE The Town Council October 21, 12-:00-10:00 p.m. native of Eatonville and noted Every 1st and 3rd Tuesday @ 7:30pm The Life Center Church EDDIE COLE 63 E. Kennedy Blvd. as a man of colossal spirit who Mayor was a source of strength among

RODNEY DANIELS many. He attended Hungerford Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Vice-Mayor and further his studies at Ed- ward Waters College in which EVERY TUESDAY Recycle Day - Every Wednesday MARILYN DAVIS SCONIONS I would like to thank God for bring- Lawn Care for their services. he increased as a leader in com- Garbage and Bulk Senior Program - Every Thursday 11:00AM-1:00PM Councilwoman ing our residents through Hurricane To the “Care Bears”, a generous munity, government, and civic Collection EVERY FRIDAY TARUS MACK IRMA. While some experienced group of residents who gave their affairs. Yard Waste Collection Councilman power outage, home damage, and time to assist us with sand bags, tree Mr. Crooms served as Mayor of THEO WASHINGTON fallen trees, I am so grateful that we cutting, feeding the community and Eatonville from 1949-1964 after After School Prog. After School Prog. After School Prog. After School Prog. After School Prog. 1 3:00PM-6:00PM 2 3:00PM-6:00PM 3 3:00PM-6:00PM 4 3:00PM-6:00PM 5 3:00PM-6:00PM 6 7 Councilman had no casualties. whatever the need was, you rock! In serving as councilman for many

Art & Culture Youth Open Gym Youth Basketball Youth Open Gym Valencia Construction Youth Open Gym the words, of Cheer Bear, “We don't years. During his administra- Market 6:00PM-9:00PM 6:00PM-9:00PM 6:00PM-9:00PM 7:30AM-5:00PM 6:00PM-9:00PM VERONICA L. SMITH I truly thank you, the residents for need to huff and puff! Let's get it tion, the city’s water system 1:00-5:00PM Executive Assistant Construction Prog. Construction Prog. Construction Prog. Polis Institute Construction Prog. your patience during this time of done! It's not that tough!” was built, the volunteer fire 7:30AM-5:00PM 7:30AM-5:00PM 7:30AM-5:00PM 6:00PM-9:00PM 7:30AM-5:00PM inconvenience. I personally adjusted On the other hand, we see construc- department was established and VALENCIA GRAD. After School Prog. After School Prog. After School Prog. After School Prog. Executive Staff my attitude to the challenge because the city enlarged by one-fourth 8 1:00PM-2:00PM 9 3:00PM-6:00PM 10 3:00PM-6:00PM 11 3:00PM-6:00PM 12 3:00PM-6:00PM 13 14 tion taking place with Zaxby’s and

ROGER S. DIXON I could not change the acts of nature. After School Prog. through annexation of land on Youth Basketball Youth Open Gym Youth Open Gym Chief Administrative Officer with Hungerford Elementary School. 3:00PM-6:00PM 6:00PM-9:00PM 6:00PM-9:00PM 6:00PM-9:00PM which the Catalina Park subdi- A special thanks to the staff of We also see the renovation of Frances Youth Open Gym CATHY WILLIAMS vision was developed. He held 6:00PM-9:00PM Eatonville who worked tirelessly Jerry Park. Among many community Town Clerk celebratory moments such as, the the identity of Eatonville around the clock before and after the After School Prog. After School Prog. After School Prog. After School Prog. After School Prog. upcoming graduation of students through the esteem and respect 3:00PM-6:00PM 3:00PM-6:00PM 3:00PM-6:00PM ABU CANADY hurricane. Public Works staff worked 15 16 17 3:00PM -6:00PM 18 3:00PM-6:00PM 19 20 21 in which he was held by influ- from the Valencia Construction Pro- Youth Open Gym Youth Basketball Youth Open Gym Public Works Director 16 to 18 hours per day to ensure wa- Youth Open Gym ential people. High educational, 6:00PM-9:00PM 6:00PM-9:00PM 6:00PM-9:00PM Polis Institute 6:00PM-9:00PM Relay for Life Eatonville gram and Leadership Eatonville, we KATRINA GIBSON ter and lift stations remained opera- economical, vocational, and CRA MEETING 6:00PM-9:00PM 12:00PM-10:00PM have much to be proud of. 5:30pm The Life Center Church Finance Director ble. residential emphasis was his Let’s stay focused to becoming one torch to carry and he proudly JOSEPH JENKINS In spite of these discomforts, we do After School Prog. After School Prog. After School Prog. After School Prog. After School Prog. unified Town. A unified community passed on to the next deserving 3:00PM-6:00PM 3:00PM-6:00PM 3:00PM-6:00PM 3:00PM-6:00PM Deputy Chief 22 23 24 25 26 3:00PM-6:00PM 27 28 see light at the end of the tunnel. We creates strength and great opportuni- leader to serve in the seat as Youth Open Gym Youth Basketball Youth Open Gym Youth Open Gym Polis Institute are aggressively removing excess ties. So, as we continue our celebra- 6:00PM-9:00PM 6:00PM-9:00PM 6:00PM-9:00PM 6:00PM-9:00PM RODERICK BARGAINEER Mayor. 6:00PM-9:00PM 29 30 31 Director of Comm. & Youth debris from the neighborhoods to see tion of 130 years of incorporation, a little more normalcy come back to we will continue to raise the bar for Information provided by JAMES BENDERSON the community. A special thanks to Eatonville “1887!” family from the Obituary Town Planner Grant’s Tree Services and Hick’s - Mayor Eddie Cole of Columbus Hall Crooms www.townofeatonville.org The Town that Freedom Built Visit us on the web at www.townofeatonville.org

EatonvilleEatonville Speaks Speaks Eatonville Speaks Eatonville Celebrates 130 Years EATONVILLE A picture is worth a thousand words! The 130th Legacy Reception was an exciting feature to the 130th Celebration weekend.

Mini Cooper was the host venue for this exquisite evening; elegance, show stopping presence with a touch of class made the evening unforgettable. The Historic Town of Eatonville has really outdone themselves this year! The spirit of joy and togetherness was shared among many dignitaries; including Congresswomen Val Demings, Representative Kamia Brown, Sheriff Jerry Demings, State Attorney Aramis Ayala, and Clerk of Court Tiffany Moore Russell, just to name a few. Many businesses and partners from Monica May from 94.5, Cox Media, Clayton Real Estate, Zaxby’s, UEBSC, Healthy Eatonville Place, Winter Park Health Foundation, Duke Energy, Outback Steakhouse, Valencia College, Bronze Kingdom, and so ZAXBY’S EATONVILLE IS HIRING many others joined a host of invited guests. Although there were too many to name, Mayor Cole, Town Council, staff, and some CELEBRATING Zaxby's will be opening in Eatonville and residents were ecstatic and overwhelmed by the generosity and presence of everyone. This event shows that Eatonville is more accepting applications. than a dwelling place for some but a proud thriving community shared by many others. Apply at www.applyzaxbys.com Following the Legacy Reception, the community beautification project was led by a group of 27 men representing many of our E community Churches whom met for a time of Prayer and Service. With Eatonville’s staff, residents, and partners like Duke Ener- EATONVILLE’S CONSTRUCTION gy, Eatonville was given a burst of color through the many flowers, trees, and plants donated by Home Depot. PROGRAM 2017 GRADUATES Valencia's Construction class at Eatonville will The grand finale was a day of fun among the community celebrating Eatonville’s 130 Years of Incorporation. From many ven- HURRICANE soon come to a close! We would like to extend dors, live performances, a walk through the Eatonville Proud Art Exhibit and the experience of Eatonville’s new Arts & Cultural RECOVERY an invitation for you to be a part of our graduation ceremony. The graduation will be held at Market, the day was one that was enjoyed by all. - Written By: Veronica L. Smith Important Information the Eatonville Town Hall (307 East Kennedy Boulevard, Eatonville, FL 32751). Please plan (FEMA) Federal Emergency to arrive at 12:45 p.m. The event will begin Managements Agency 800.462.7585 at 1 p.m. on Monday, October 9th, 2017. wwwdisasterassistance.gov NOW HIRING

Homeowners, renters and PEC ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING business owners in Orange The Association to Preserve the Eatonville county may apply for federal APPLY AT Community, Inc. (P.E.C.) ANNOUNCES ITS disaster assistance for unin- ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING Thursday, Eatonville’s Great Reveal sured and underinsured dam- www.applyzaxbys.com October 19 ♦ 7:00 PM Robert Hungerford High School Cafeteria 100 E. Kennedy Blvd., "While many cities and State officials are age and losses resulting from Eatonville, Florida 32751. Please Bring a Dish taking down Confederate monuments, the Hurricane IRMA. to Share!!! Everyone Welcome – Bring the Historic Town of Eatonville put up a unify- Reporting damages to Kids! For additional Information Contact: Car- ing monument in honor of its 130th Anniver- Orange County Property olyn Atkins at 407-647-3307. sary Celebration as the oldest African Ameri- Appraiser:

can Municipality in America. It embodies the In a damage report, please PAINT YOUR WORLD PURPLE! connection between the people of Eatonville include the address, type of Relay For Life of Eatonville, Saturday, Octo- ber 21, 2017 located at The Life Center and their African heritage. damage , and parcel ID (tax ID). No reports of damage to Church, 63 E. Kennedy Blvd., Eatonville, FL The monument is of a King or Oba of the Benin people of fencing or landscaping will 32751, 12:00pm – 10:00pm. Register at Nigeria - who is both the secular and spiritual leader of his be accepted. www.relayforlife.org/eatonvillefl. For more information, please contact Shannon McNamee people and their Kingdom. His staff and book are symbols Business Damage Assess- at 205-918-3202 or at of ancestral knowledge, power and wisdom. The Oba's ment Survey: (For Businesses) [email protected] crown or Ade symbolizes royalty and visionary leadership. Small businesses that have It is clear the Town of Eatonville has found a way to unite incurred losses due to Hurri- its residents through the celebration of their shared history cane Irma are asked to com- plete a Business Damage and heritage. The monument is from the private collection of Rawlvan Bennett, CEO of Bronze Kingdom." Assessment Survey to help

the State Emergency Re- Written By: Khalil Osiris, Director of Sales sponse Team determine the Bronze Kingdom African Art Gallery needs and level of assistance 8249 Parkline Blvd., Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32809 www.BronzeKingdom.com for impacted businesses. The Showroom - 407.203.8864 survey can be found Call Bronze Kingdom today to book your tour at www.flvbeoc.org. The Largest African Bronze Collection in the World!

Page 7 Page 2 The Town that Freedom Built The Town that Freedom Built Eatonville Speaks Eat PRESERVATION LIFE

First National Chain Restaurant Preservation Life is an effort to inform Eatonville Celebrates 130 Years EATONVILLE and educate our residents on ways to fos- Zaxby’s and Town of Eatonville host groundbreaking in ter quality of life for their families and Eatonville, First national chain restaurant coming to others in the Town of Eatonville .

Eatonville in 2018 INSPECT TO PROTECT BEFORE EATONVILLE, Fla. — Zaxby’s and the Town of Eatonville hosted a ground- THE NEXT BIG STORM

breaking ceremony to celebrate the first national chain restaurant to open in Eatonville. The Healthy, prepared trees can usually han- event was held at the restaurant’s new site at 6625 Forest City Road on Wednesday, Aug. 30. dle high winds, rain and severe storms. All four licensees from BSBC Chicken LLC – Shaun Morris, Boris Ochsenius Jr., Make sure yours are in tip-top shape be- Blake Fletcher and Cotton Fletcher – and city officials, including Mayor Eddie Cole and the fore bad weather hits. Take the opportuni- CELEBRATING ty now to inspect, fertilize, prune and Town Council, were on hand with shovels to break ground on the new Zaxby’s location in brace trees to help prevent potential issues Eatonville. ahead of the next severe storm. Downed “After interacting with Town officials and getting to know the community, we knew Eatonville trees can injure cars, homes, and passers- E was the right fit for Zaxby’s,” said Shaun Morris, co-owner of new Eatonville Zaxby’s along by. To minimize damage as we enter with co-owners Boris Ochsenius Jr., Blake Fletcher and Cotton Fletcher. “This Town was built on hard work and pride that is still reflected 130 years later. We knew we’d find good people the heart of hurricane season: From A Resident who will align with our brand’s value.” By: Jane Turner SWEAR TO PREPARE: “Eatonville Proud” Art Exhibit of Eatonville: Do the 3-Step Check to Help Trees "Eatonville Proud" Art Exhibit, was in celebration of Eatonville's 130th Anniversary, an honest, Better Endure Severe Weather. heartfelt attempt to bring to the people of Eatonville an art show that exemplified pride. Pride in the To the Mayor and Town, the people and the African American culture was evident. Mayor Edward Cole, Graham-Leak Staff of Eatonville: Prudent to Prune. - By pruning before the I want to thank you for the storm, you reduce the chances of downed Branding, Inc., and five local Artists planned for the art to be displayed in Eatonville Town Hall limbs- or worse, trees that break, uproot or from August 19- September 19, 2017. fine job of letting the residents of Eatonville fall. This way, you lessen the chances of The definitive aspect of a people is found in artistic expression. The art exhibit represented a resur- property damage. know all the information gence of what had always existed in the African American Community and that is pride in strong you all provided for Calmly Cable - By strategically installing cultural and spiritual values. The way these values are portrayed, govern all of the major social insti- Irma, the storm. flexible steel strand cables and heavy bolts, tutions. The five local artists, Joyce Hayes, Ted Hollins, Ronald E. Kelly, Everett Spruill and Jane your tree becomes stronger. When cabled, Turner, curator, have come together to recapture some of life's drama as we see it unfold in our com- Fine job, well done! trees are less likely to break suddenly dur- munity, past, present and future. Each artist's uniqueness played off of the other to bring to the audi- ing high winds and often live longer. Thanks again. ence a well rounded perspective. In addition, the exhibit also includes the introduction of authentic From left to right - Rusty Mouton, Boris Ochsenius, Shaun Morris, Cotton Fletcher, Councilman Tarus Mack, Vice- Mayor Rodney Daniels, Mayor Eddie Cole, Commissioner Bryan Nelson, Councilman Theo" Washington, Joe Horan Boost the Roots - Trees with healthier roots African Bronze, from The Bronze Kingdom. Further evidence, of a direct tie to our community and - Orlando Inc., Blake Fletcher, Travaris McCurdy - Legislative Assistant II to Senator Randolph Bracy, Cedric are more likely to survive hurricanes or long standing ancient history of richness. Lancaster, CEO for UEBSC tornadoes. To improve your trees’ root system, regularly feed your trees. When you Valencia College is proud to be an education partner with the Town of "What better way to set a mark in the historic Town of Eatonville during its 130th Birthday deliver essential nutrients right to the root Celebration than by having a quality restaurant like Zaxby's to break ground as the Town’s first zone, your trees become better anchored Eatonville. Our construction program is a successful 5-week long class

national food chain!,” said Mayor Cole. “As Eatonville and Zaxby’s make history together, and overall healthier. “I think this is a great program. I recently finished school that engages the student in real world application based learning. this is truly a perfect fit!” and I came here to get my OSHA certification which helps Davey Tree - Protect Your Home by Prepping Trees Eatonville’s Mayor Eddie Cole and the Council approved the partner- a lot because I am a welder. This program gave me an Zaxby’s currently operates in 17 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, for Tornadoes and Hurricanes, April 7, 2016 ship by hosting our very first class out of the Hungerford High School. opportunity to get back on track where I need to be for my Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Ten- future. I love coming to the program and I am extremely Students learn about the construction industry, safety, how to read blue Content provided by Public Works Department nessee, Texas, Utah and Virginia. grateful for this opportunity”. prints, and begin to acclimate to the tools and materials of the trade via - Tommy Harmon Zaxby’s provides chicken fingers, wings, sandwiches, salads and more in a fun, relaxing at- practical application of skills. The students have had the opportunity to mosphere. Zaxby’s is a pioneer of the fast-casual format, providing services and amenities that go on “site-tours” to job sites of our industry partners where they see fall somewhere between fast food and a sit-down restaurant. At the new restaurant, customers and “connect the dots” between the class and the real world. Those at- will place their orders at the counter and will be called to pick up their prepared meals when tending the class and are successful will receive up to six (6) certifica- they are ready. tions; including NCCER (National Center for Construction Education The new farmhouse-style location in Eatonville reflects Zaxby’s commitment to providing an and Research), OSHA-10, MOT-Intermediate (FDOT certification), exceptional fast-casual dining experience, with redesigned exteriors, dining areas and kitchens. First Aid, CPR, and Valencia’s Certificate of Completion. We are look- Point-of-sale and other improvements will further enhance food quality and increase speed of ing forward to the upcoming graduation and seeing our students begin service. their construction careers. “In addition to bringing a national chain restaurant to Eatonville, we will also be creating more Written By: Javier Rojas than 60 new jobs,” said Morris. “Our goal is to help residents grow in their careers with us Program Manager, PCE Construction through some of our great employee incentives.” Photo provided by Code Enforcement. Department Valencia College | School of Public Safety

Page 3 Page 6 The Town that Freedom Built The Town that Freedom Built EatonvilleEatonville Speaks Speaks EATONVILLE Eatonville Speaks EATONVILLE 2017 Leadership Eatonville Written By: Brandy Hannah Barnes, The Polis Institute

CELEBRATING Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church serves the community CELEBRATING Spaghetti lunch meals for families without lights Moments after the great reveal of “Chief Justice” during the 130th E Community Celebration E CLASSCLASS OFOF 20172017

The Historic Town of Eatonville in partnership with The Bronze Kingdom African Bronze Gallery has partnered with the Pastors, staff and residents “Shooting the Breeze” Polis Institute celebrates Historic Town of Eatonville during the 130th Community Celebration the 2017 class of Leadership Eatonville.

The 2017 Class has committed to becoming more civically engaged and learning or im- We kicked off this year's Leadership Eatonville on August 10th at the Denton Johnson Commu- proving skillsets for Leadership nity Center. Eatonville Mayor Cole joined us for the first session, spoke to the group about for the 21st Century. his support of the Leadership Eatonville Program and participated in the group activities along- Families assisting residents with sandbags The Care Bears serving their Eatonville’s Head Start Program The benefit of each participant side residents. as Eatonville prepares for community after Hurricane IRMA Hurricane IRMA will afford opportunities to lead/support community initia- We're excited to have an active group of residents enrolled who are motivated to learn and be tives, fellowship with other resi- involved in their community. We have already received positive feedback and several inquiries dents, enhance public speaking, about the next course offering! The last session will be Oct. 26th, to be followed by three No- develop advocacy skills, gain vember sessions for participants who choose to move forward with their individual community project management strategies, initiatives. and learn conversation and in- terviewing skills. The participating students of Leadership Eatonville are well on their way to graduating as the official “Leadership Eatonville” CLASS OF 2017. The Future of Eatonville is Bright with Progressive Insight!! Lois Billy Ann Dawkins Lester Cunningham Sue Brown Michael French Barbara King Loyd Eatonville celebrates along with the families of Alvin Campbell Robin Frederick Angela Johnson all recipients awarded scholarships through the A community in partnership with The Life Center Church, Winnie Mount Scholarship Youth Program Tangela Clayton Trenatta McCray Byron Jones Redeeming Light Center Church, and River of Life Christian Center Monicia Cromwell Pradely Merone Patricia Iniss coming together to feed families after Hurricane IRMA Louissteen Cummings Ruford Shepherd Sherrie Chew Robert Davidson Ashley Williams Michelle Fort

Lynn Davidson Karen Davis Mayor Eddie Cole Town of Eatonville

From the Office of Senator Bill Nelson: “We were so happy to be in Eatonville to help with FEMA assistance and I enjoyed meeting a number of your wonderful residents. I have been doing these events throughout the State and Eatonville’s staff cleaning I must tell you, by far, this was one of the smoothest and best coordinated ones I have participated in....“ Zaxby’s Groundbreaking up Town Hall after PEC - President's Reception By: Hellen Miller, Regional Director Senator Bill Nelson in Eatonville Hurricane IRMA

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