Commissioner Pete Clarke, himself a musician. The winning band will receive a trophy designed by Parks staff and bragging rights in Orange County Government!

Bring your wallet and choose from a variety of foods available! Enjoy Melvin Pittman’s annual Lil’ Melvin’s BBQ chicken or ribs, featuring the Mayor’s own BBQ sauce, and a bake sale of desserts, provided by county employees. Purchase $1 raffle tickets for fabulous gift baskets, and sign up for the “cake walk”—just like musical chairs—and you might win one of several delicious cakes! All festivities will benefit the Heart of Florida United Way. If you can donate baked goods – such as cake, pie, cookies or brownies, email Sandra.Marini@ocfl.net.

Food trucks are scheduled to be on site, including Local Yokl, Fred & Tina’s Diner, Curbie’s Sidewalk Café, and DJ’s Ice Cream.

Barnett Park offers a variety of family fun amenities: playground, splash pad, skate park, disc golf, tennis courts, basketball court, golf driving nets and putting greens, sand volleyball, lake fishing, cricket pitch, and ball fields. See you there!

Greetings,

Welcome to the Orange Spiel. This month’s edition focuses on a wonderful Orange County event that I hope all employees and their families will enjoy – the 2013 Fall Festival and Battle of the Bands!

Also in this edition of the Spiel is important information for those thinking about retiring and want to know more about the process. Turn to page 6 for an overview on how to get started.

Lastly, I am happy to once again kickoff my annual Holiday Heroes Toy Drive. Turn to page 3 for details on how you can help in the effort to make the holidays a joyous occasion for thousands of children in Orange County. As you gather your family and friends to give thanks for all of your blessings, let’s remember our brave men and women who faithfully serve our country so we may enjoy the freedoms we hold so dear.

Thank you for all that you do!

Mayor Teresa Jacobs

InsIde:

November 2013 • ORANGE SPIEL 1

• Hispanic Heritage Committee Hosts Community Celebrations• Utilities’ Inaugural 5K Raises $7,500 for United Way• Dr. G. Goes from Scrubs to Salsa to Benefit Local Charity

Orange

vol 43 • issue 10 • NoveMBeR 2013 O r a n g e C O u n t y e m p l O y e e n e w s l e t t e r

commissioner, I’ve wanted to host an employee gathering like this,” explains Mayor Jacobs. “This will be a special time where we can enjoy the musical talents of the bands that are competing and share the festivities with our families and co-workers.”

Barnett Park is located at 4801 W. Colonial Dr., west of the fairgrounds. This event includes bounce houses, face painting, and a bungee jump for kids to enjoy.

For the Battle of the Bands contest, each group has at least one county employee in the band! The bands will perform for about 30 minutes each, alternating on two different stages. Bands will be judged by Terry Olson, Arts and Cultural Affairs Administrator; Ben Gardner, founder of Orlando Bands.com; and District 3

You and your family are invited to join Mayor Teresa Jacobs for the inaugural Employee Fall Festival and Battle of the Bands in Barnett Park on Saturday, November 16th, from 10 am to 3 pm. Employees can register online at ocfallfest.eventbrite.com. The first 100 on the list will receive a Parks goodie bag!

“Since I was a county

By AMANDA KiMMer, PArKS & recreAtioN DiviSioN

The featured bands are:

TAkES 3

BAck YARd BANd

SILvERTONES

SOuR cERvEzA

ThE ROOT ShAkERS

SPEAkEASY

RJ hARmAN & cOmPANY

Rockin’ in the Park!

Florida might not have traditional seasons, but fall still means blue skies and cooler weather – a perfect time for a rockin’ picnic in the park!

2 ORANGE SPIEL • November 2013

A R O U N D T h e C O U N T y

The holiday season is a time to reflect upon our many blessings and to share with our neighbors in need. While many of us have good fortune this year, there are still countless families in need in Orange County.

In the spirit of neighbors helping neighbors, Mayor Teresa Jacobs’ Holiday Heroes Toy Drive will commence again in November. This incredible campaign,

now in its third year, asks employees and citizens to donate new, unwrapped toys for children and families who may not otherwise receive a single gift this holiday season.

The generosity and selflessness of Orange County employees was demonstrated during last year’s Toy Drive where we collected nearly 2,650 toys for local children and families. Because of your generosity, we helped thousands of children experience the joys of the holiday season that is near and dear to our hearts.

The Holiday Heroes Toy Drive runs from November 1 through December 13, 2013 and encourages donations of unwrapped toys for infants and children up to age 18. Suggested unwrapped toys include basketballs and sporting equipment, craft

kits, board games, dolls, Legos, Tonka toys, action figures and sets, skateboards and helmets.

Donated toys will be delivered to children through the Community Food and Outreach Center and other agencies serving underprivileged families and children.

Thank you for joining the Orange County family and Mayor Jacobs in such an important and worthwhile cause.

Mayor Teresa Jacobs’ Holiday Heroes Toy Drive Begins in November

In September, Orange County

employees and our citizens celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month at two events organized and coordinated by the Hispanic Heritage Committee of Greater Orange County, Inc.

Several intricate and beautifully designed art pieces by our region’s talented Latino artists served as the backdrop of our festive Hispanic Heritage Month Proclamation Reception, attended by Orange County commissioners, constitutional officers, employees and our citizens.

Emmanuel Tormes, President of the Hispanic Heritage Committee of Greater Orange County, recognized Lizette Valarino for her continued commitment to our Hispanic community and for her role as the Founder and Executive Director of the Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund. The organization was founded in 2000 and has awarded more

than $800,000 in scholarships to 209 students.

“Our Hispanic community is devoted to family, faith, country, and hard work,” Tormes said. “The Committee deeply appreciates the support of Orange County and Mayor Jacobs in celebrating these traditions.”

The Committee’s efforts also drew a lively crowd to Orange Fiesta in the Park, which featured several food trucks, 10 musical performances, children’s activities, and more than 20 diverse exhibitors at Downey Park.

Orange County Public Schools’ Deputy Superinten-dent Dr. Jesus Jara assisted in distributing awards to our elementary, middle, and high school students who partici-pated in a creative arts contest showcasing the culture and invaluable contributions of Hispanic Americans in Central Florida.

Hispanic Heritage Committee Hosts Community Celebrations

Hispanic Heritage Committee of Greater Orange County President Emmanuel Tormes and past presidents Carmen Acevedo, Hector Clemente, Lizette Valarino and Rafael Mena.

Alejandro Gonzalez with Orange County’s 311 and Carmen Velazquez from Orange County’s Clerk of Courts join Lucy Melendez from Orange County’s Supervisor of Elections Office and her daughter at Orange Fiesta in the Park.

November 2013 • ORANGE SPIEL 3

Runners and walkers from all over the world arrived at daybreak for the inaugural 5K to benefit the Heart of Florida United Way on the West Orange Trail, hosted by Orange County Utilities in September.

As the Star Spangled Banner played in the background, warm up routines ensued just as the sun began to rise on a beautiful fall morning and first-time fund raising event.

Runners and walkers participated in the fun family

event after seeing the event posters on the trail.

“Orange County Government employees have supported Heart of Florida United Way fund raising initiatives and goals for many years,” said Tim Armstrong, Customer Service Manager and 5K Co-Coordinator. “The 5K fund raiser is a way to include the community in our efforts.” Of the 66 participants, there was a diverse mix of County employees, the general public,

men, women, and children ranging from age 11 to 65.

James Kelly, from Spain, was awarded Top Overall Male with a time of 15:09. Patsy Ordway, from Connecticut, took home Top Overall Female with a time of 24:18. Medals were also awarded for the top finisher in each of the 16 age categories. One lucky participant won the door prize; a one night stay in the historic Edgewater Hotel in beautiful downtown Winter Garden.

The successful fund raising event raised more than $7,500 for United Way, largely because of our generous sponsors: PWC, EMA, Reiss Engineering, GPI Southeast, Millennium Consulting, BFA, Gear 4 Multisport, and Brown and Caldwell.

The Orange County Utilities staff wishes to thank our generous sponsors and all of our participants for their support of the Heart of Florida United Way!

Utilities’ Inaugural 5K Raises $7,500 for United Way

Orange County’sBUDGET APPROVED

The Board of County Commissioners approved a $3.26 billion budget for the fiscal year 2013-2014 in September.

The budget is about $355 million less than the modified fiscal year 2012-2013 budget. With this reduction, Orange County has ensured the budget is adequately balanced as it provides all of the crucial governmental services that citizens have come to expect. This budget lays a sustainable foundation for the future of the county as it continues to meet and overcome challenges.

Since 2005, Orange County’s population has increased by 15%; however, because of our focus on efficiency and process improvements, we have managed to maintain the same staffing levels. The countywide tax millage rate also held steady at 4.43.

The entire Orange County budget can be viewed at www.OCFL.net.

In October, Orange County District 3 Commissioner Pete Clarke and the City of Belle Isle and Edgewood invited the citizens and families of Belle Isle, Edgewood, Conway, and Pine Castle to a fun, free, and informative Community Health Fair at Cypress Grove Park.

Several citizens took advantage of Orange County’s hands-only CPR training classes prior to the start of the health fair. Other activities included free health screenings and the unveiling of the Fire Rescue Station 70 truck, which serves the City of Belle Isle and the City of Edgewood.

“America’s earliest fire departments evolved out of community organizations,” said Fire Chief Otto Drozd III. “While Orange County Fire Rescue is one of the nation’s largest departments, we haven’t lost sight of the fact each fire station is a key part of each community.” Fire Engine 70 now displays the words “Proudly Serving

Belle Isle and Edgewood” and features the logos of the two cities.

Orange County Firefighters used the health fair as an opportunity to remind residents that the fire department offers health services on a daily basis. Anyone is welcome stop by any fire station for a free blood pressure check. Firefighters will also safely discard any used medical sharps at no charge.

A fun ‘Kids Zone’ also featured exciting activities for children including bounce houses and face painting.

District 3 Hosts Community Health Fair

Belle Isle Mayor William G. Brooks, District 3 Orange County Commissioner Pete Clarke, Fire Rescue Chief Otto Drozd III and City of Edgewood Mayor Ray Bagshaw at the unveiling of the Fire Rescue Station 70 truck.

4 ORANGE SPIEL • November 2013

oNClocktHe

By LAureeN MArtiNez

A Thanksgiving tradition

participated in an Orange County Family Services tradition of partnering with a local high school to collect Thanksgiving Day meals, canned goods, and desserts for families in the Crisis Assistance and Family Resource programs.

On a daily basis, Edwin Aponte comes into contact with families who are facing long-term hardships because of illness or disability. As the program manager for the Orange County Crisis Assistance and Family Resource Centers, he loves his work and enjoys connecting families with the resources they need to get through difficult situations. “The holidays are a sad time for families, when it should be a season of joy,” says Aponte.So Aponte has found a

way to spread goodness during the holidays. For more than 20 years, he has

“This year we will create baskets for 55 families,” he says with a smile across his face.The baskets are made for

each family according to the number of children and adults. Students from University High School collect the food and help assemble each bundle. Each

and every family identity is kept confidential, and none of the students ever see them. Aponte says the level of caring and compassion is impressive. “I think it’s a gift to the teenagers to give them the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life,” says Aponte.

Over the years, this project, which started 43 years ago, has donated thousands of Thanksgiving baskets to local families. Sometimes, the recipients give-back by writing thank you notes and cards. Aponte still has one letter that reads, “I appreciate so much the kindness and the great variety of food for Thanksgiving this year. I do not have much but I am opening my home to many that have less. I had planned a menu this year and everything that was in my basket helped me accomplish all the dishes I had planned. I had to purchase very little in fact. The thoughtfulness of the sugar free pumpkin pie was so great, I gave that to a family with a diabetic member and they really appreciated it.”It is stories like these

that Aponte says give true meaning to the saying “It is more of a blessing to give than to receive.” And he plans to give for many more years to come.

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Who are you honoring this Veterans Day? The Orange Spiel polled employees and ranked the most popular answers:

10 My many relatives that fought in

various wars

9 All the brave people who donned the uniform to

defend and protect

8 Every single person who has fought for my

freedom

7 All military personnel who have served this

country, past, present and future

6 All the friends I worked with over the years who

served in the armed forces

5 The families who are willing to make sacrifices

at home while their loved ones serve

4 God, country, parents, veterans

3 The homeless veterans who are now dealing

with mental illness and PTSD

2 All the men and women who dedicate their lives

to serve our country

1 All of our wonderful

heroes!

November 2013 • ORANGE SPIEL 5

By NADiA vANDerhoof

oFF tHeClockDr. Jan Garavaglia has

worn blue scrubs for the majority of her career serving as the Chief Medical Examiner for the 9th District of Orange and Osceola counties. Last month, Garavaglia

transformed into a glamorous professional ballroom dancer for “Dance, Dream & Inspire,” a charity fundraiser that paired local celebrities with professional dancers at Hard Rock Live to benefit Community Based Care of Central Florida. The non-profit agency

manages a comprehensive, coordinated, community-based system of care for abused, neglected, and abandoned children and their families. “When I was contacted,

I was hesitant at first. But then I was told what a great charity this is and I decided to go for it,” said Garavaglia, known internationally for her Discovery Health television show, Dr. G: Medical Examiner. Once a week, Garavaglia

practiced a strong Paso Doble with Dance It Studio owner Eddie Rivera on Orange Avenue. Rivera has more than 15 years experience as a professional ballroom instructor and choreographed the intricate dance.

Dr. G: From Scrubs to Salsa attorney Diana Tennis, banking executive Barb Scherer, CNN analyst and attorney Mark NeJame. Although Garavaglia

did not win, she’s glad she participated in the friendly competition to benefit local children.“You have to go into

things that you are not used to with an open mind,” Garavaglia said. “I’m usually the one sitting at a wedding watching everyone else dance. So, this was clearly out of my comfort zone. I am proud of myself for attempting this and Eddie truly made it a fun experience.”

“I liked going into the studio because it always made you feel happy to get some exercise,” Garavaglia said. “I really would like to go back one day.”Garavaglia

practiced with Rivera for a couple of months and chose a fancy red Latin-inspired ballroom gown for the night of her performance on the big stage. Jorge Estevez of

WFTV-Channel 9 won the competition with partner Brooke O’Donnell for their lively performance of the salsa. Other participants included

Get into the Spiel! Seasonal polls are

posted in the Spiel Extra e-news online.

6 ORANGE SPIEL • November 2013

S e R V I C e A W A R D S & P R O M O T I O N SB e N e F I T S & W e L L N e S S

So, you’re thinking about retiring? Congratulations on reaching this milestone and thank you for the many years of service to Orange County Government! We are pleased to announce a new online tool and resource, packed full of information that you will find useful as you transition out of active employment and into retirement. The “Thinking of Retiring” web portal is now live.

This new web page provides information pertaining

to both retirement plan options. It will help you in determining your best options and help guide you with answering important questions like “Should I enter DROP or retire without DROP?” and “What are my options if I choose to retire early?” This and more can be found on the “Thinking of Retiring” page.

For more information and details about the next steps, contact your HR Representative.

Retirement Options Go Viral! Have an “expert” question? Email:

Sharnita.Marshall@ocfl.net

the expertAskMeet Mack RiChardeTElECoMMUnICaTIons UnIT sUPERVIsoR

FOR MORE QUEsTiONs ABOUT TExTGUARD: email Mack.RiCharde@ocfl.net or call 407-836-8183.

This year, Orange County became the first local government in the nation to implement text-tracking technology on county-issued cell and smart phones. We asked the expert about the new system.

What is TextGuard?

TextGuard is the Orange County application for archiving text messages in order to comply with state public records laws.

Why did the county recently install this software on county-issued cell phones?

Florida Sunshine Law requires all government correspondence be made available for public review.

Can I choose to use my personal phone to conduct county business? Orange County recently adopted administrative regulations that strongly discourage the use of personal devices for county business. Any public records created on personal devices become the responsibility of the owner to comply with Florida law.

What kinds of text messages are not subject to the laws on public record? Any message discussing County related business is subject to public records law.

www.facebook.com/orangecountyflorida

To access this new resource, simply go to the County’s website, www.ocfl.net and click on the Employee tab at the top. There you will find a tab for the “Thinking of Retiring” page.

November 2013 • ORANGE SPIEL 7

S e R V I C e A W A R D S & P R O M O T I O N SN

ovemb

er service Aw

ards

EDIToR Laureen Martinez

GRaPHIC DEsIGnER Lisa DamerstConTRIBUToRs Toria Coughlin

Allie Garcia Judi Kerr

Amanda Kimmer Nicole Kuligowski

Kelly Kwas

Sally Lassalle Cynthia Merithew

John Mulhall Rena Seibert

Colleen Puglisi Nadia Vanderhoof

PHoToGRaPHERs Hector Clemente Genevieve Latham

The Orange Spiel is a monthly newsletter for Orange County employees. Opinions expressed are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Orange County Government. For more information or to submit an article for consideration, send to: Orange Spiel Editor, Communications Division, 201 S. Rosalind Ave. or email laureen.martinez@ocfl.net. We reserve the right to edit submissions for length and clarity.

s t A F F

CoUnty AdmInIStRAtIon Cindy Merithew Graphic ArtistAdmInIStRAtIVe SeRVICeS Brandon Charles Burk Equipment Mechanic ICommUnIty, EnvironmEntaL & DEvELopmEnt SeRVICeS David soloven InspectorJennifer althea McGill Administrative Assistant

Roger scott Hufnagel Zoning Code Specialist IIlesvia nannette Chiesa-Medina Development Service CoordinatorMarva Frederica DavisSr. HR AnalystBen Warren Griffiths Research AnalystCoRReCtIonS Judith newton opoliner Corrections Inmate Grievance Coordinator

stacy leonard Gaines Detention Service Officer 12stacey Elizabeth Munguia Sr. Community Corrections OfficerFIRe ReSCUe Karen s. Peters Sr. HR Analystliam Joseph Mackin Engineer 56FamiLy SErviCES sandra E. Rivas Community Center Supervisor

Evette Mary Jane Brown Teacher AssistantKatherine Clemente TeacherEdward alexander Veterans Service OfficerMichael Robert Forbis Sr. Animal Services OfficerpuBLiC WorkS Claire odette Muselli-Handschy Business Unit Financial Advisor

Carl lee smith Mason utiLitiES Brian s. Persons Plant Specialist IGreg M. Walton Plant Specialist IIandrew shawn lee Wilson Sr. Utilities Maintenance Coordinator

August Prom

otions

5 YearsBoard of County Commissioners Diana Michelle Garcia Convention Center Sarah Lang caprani thomas Lee ervin Jr. errol D. Jadersingh Kimberly clancy Langlais Paul r. Murray

Community, Environmental & Development services Steven D. rich

Corrections Modler Antoine Patrick Boykin Logan Grant cody Damien Joseph felton Sr. Javier Garcia Lisa S. Kohrs richard Lal Domenico i. Laurenza trellamy Arshall Neal chris Steven reining Aida L. rodriguez victor rene rodriguez Brian L. Wheeler

Fire Rescue Jared J. Boes Novar roydain crawford Deborah Ann crosskey

Sean e. falk troy feliciano James richard Geering Abraham Green Daniel Joseph hand Juston Lee Jones Michael D. Kavouklis Janos Kelemen fitzpatrick Paillant Jared victor Preston erick W. Sanchez Andrew Santiago

Family services rachel L. Kessler Maria teresa Pizarro Machado

Public Works carlton r. Davidson

Utilities troy Matthew corn William Garcia-rosa Jonathan Dwane Meeks Maritza Morrobel vincent francis Peluso Michael A. van horn Angel G. vazquez robert charles Wallen

10 Yearsadministrative services Josemaria r. Laguardia

Corrections Stephen Andreu Jorge colon Miguel hector cruz Derrick vonchi Goodman

Fire Rescue tommy e. Paulk

Health services Linda S. hepenstal

15 YearsConvention Center Angad Singh

Community, Environmental & Development services Michael Lewis Madden Marshall chase robertson

Corrections ivan J. egipciaco tamiko Letanya Parker Amarillys reyes tommy G. thomas

Family services olugbenga oyebanji Abioye cynthia cardona Melendez

Office of Accountability James A. Bragg David A. hazen Jr.

Public Works Kevin Dwayne Dannels

20 YearsCorrections roberto cruz Jr. Stephanie M. Dunn tracey y. fortune reuben Leon Smith

Family services catherine M. Barrett Patricia Ann Mikell runnette Mitchell

Fire Rescue cheryl Atiles

Office of Accountability Susan carlyle hall

Public Works Patricia Sorensen Davis

25 Yearsadministrative services John L. David

Convention Center timothy J. Kopp

Community, Environmental & Development services timothy L. Boldig James r. hand vernon M. ogden

Corrections calvin o. Butler Ann Marie Giltner

Beverly Denise holmes

Family services Stanley Leon Banks

Office of Accountability Paul h. Banton

Public Works roy J. houston Donald Joseph Neihoff frank William Whiteside Jr.

Utilities Sharrow Katrina fullwood John D. o’Steen Daniel W. vlas

30 YearsConvention Center roberta Gail fernandez

Corrections Miguel e. Gordon

Public Works Daniel e. haughee

Utilities Brian M. o’Sullivan

35 YearsFamily services Almellia S. Brown

11 Veterans Day: Take a moment to pay tribute to all of the brave men

and women who serve or served in the U.S. Armed Forces and put their lives on the line for our country’s freedom.

28&29

9 Veteran’s Day Parade: Starts at 11 a.m. in Downtown Orlando at the corner of Orange Ave.

and Robinson St. For details, visit www.cityoforlando.net or call 407-246-3720.

2 Blanchard Park 5K: Come run together as a family at the Blanchard Park 5K

– 2451 N. Dean Road, Orlando. Run will take place on the Little Econ Trail inside Blanchard Park, across from the restrooms in the middle of the park. Register online at ocpr5kseries2013.eventbrite.com.

15 United Way Mayor luncheon: Enjoy a relaxed luncheon with Mayor Jacobs and help

support the Heart of Florida United Way. To purchase tickets contact Darlene.Shields@ocfl.net. Twenty winners will be selected. Tickets are $5 each. Noon to 1 pm.

161st annual Employee Festival- Battle of the Bands: Barnett Park on

Saturday, Nov. 16th, from 10 am to 3 pm.

november Calendar

2-3Fall Fiesta in the Park: Lake Eola, Downtown Orlando. Over 600 juried artisans in all

media, including ceramics, glassware, jewelry, photography, wood, clothing and more. Live entertainment and an array of tasty fare. Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm; Sunday, noon to 5 pm. Free! For details call 321-281-2185 or visit fiestainthepark.com.

3 Daylight savings Time Ends: Remember to set your clocks back one hour

on Saturday night before you go to bed. And don’t forget to check your smoke detector batteries.

5General Election Day: Have a voice! Vote!

27 Central Florida International auto show: See the latest models and innovative technology of

various cars, testing and control devices and systems on display. Auto representatives on-hand to answer questions in a friendly, no-pressure atmosphere. Convention Center, W. Bldg., Hall WD, 9800 International Dr. Adults $9/Seniors $5/Children (7-12)/$3. Event starts November 27 and run through December 1. Call 407-685-9800 or visit www.motortrendautoshows.com.

10 Baldwin Park Half Marathon & 5K: This annual race takes runners on a winding route among the streets

and neighborhoods of Baldwin Park, two lakes, and through the campus of the Naval Training Center. The race starts and finishes just off I-4, near Audubon Elementary School. Scheduled start time for the half marathon is 7 am. For more information or to register go to epicsportsmarketing.com/events/baldwin-park-half-marathon-5k.

16 Festival of Trees: The Orlando Museum of Art presents “All That Glitters,”

the 27th annual Festival of Trees, November 16th - 24th , 2013. The Festival of Trees brings thousands of people to the museum each year. Enjoy dozens of designer trees and displays. General Admission Festival Areas open 10 am - 5 pm. Adults $10, Children $6.